School of Ambition

Lossiemouth was chosen to be a School of Ambiton in 2005.

The Schools of Ambition programme was set up to support school transformation. Before schools were accepted on to the programme they had to demonstrate their commitment to making fast-track improvements, trying out new ideas, and doing things that were creative and innovative that ultimately extended them beyond the norm. Schools of Ambition aim to stand out in their locality and nationally, as innovators and leaders, stimulating ambition and opportunity for young people, and setting an example to the whole community of what is possible in modern Scotland.

The Scottish Government is supporting each School of Ambition to undertake a transformational journey. Schools that were accepted on to the programme are being supported by additional funding for three years. The programme focuses principally on secondary schools and has been under way in the first cohort of schools for two years. New schools have joined the programme since it was first launched in 2005. There are now 52 schools involved.

Key Themes

Each school is different and will have its own challenges and areas for development: a unique path to transformation. However, as schools have developed their plans some common themes have emerged.

Leadership development
Schools on the programme have recognised that leadership is a whole school issue and have focused on developing leadership skills across the whole school and in particular making sure pupils have a genuine profile in their school. This has resulted in ongoing work to provide opportunities to use these new skills to improve engagement of pupils and staff in reaching their goals and making the school a better place to be.

Enhancing the curriculum
Many of the schools on the programme have focused on creating an appetite for change and building the capacity to adapt their thinking, and practices, to reflect the aims of Curriculum for Excellence. This has included modelling curriculum architecture examples within Curriculum for Excellence such as: restructuring the curriculum, development of learning and teaching approaches which provide more personalised learning opportunities, recognising wider achievement and providing life-skills development opportunities for all pupils.

Developing pupils' confidence and involvement
Running through many of the transformational plans is the need to strengthen aspects of the life of the school that encourage pupil engagement and enhance pupils' self-esteem, confidence and motivation. Improvements in engagement, achievement, attainment, and mental and physical health are key elements of success in helping young people determine their future role in society.

Strengthening community engagement
Many schools on the programme are working in challenging contexts and recognise the need to work in partnerships with their parents and local community. They have also worked to strengthen links with local businesses, community groups, further education colleges and associated primary schools. Through strong partnership working, schools have been working to enhance their image within the local community and to involve a wide range of partners in the transformation process.

More information can be found here.