Range of achievement

Everyone knows the importance of getting formal qualifications at school - but young people are involved in a wide range of activities and have other important achievements that many never hear about, for example in:

• youth work
• volunteering
• part-time employment
• hobbies and interests
• projects that they undertake across the curriculum and their participation in the life of the school
• helping care for a relative at home.

As a result, young people are developing important skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work that can be of real value to them as they grow up and when it comes to getting a job or going to college or university.

We want to make sure that young people get full recognition for all their achievements - not just their exam results. Building the Curriculum 3 recognises the importance of providing opportunities for achievement in a range of contexts in and out of school. 

How can achievement be recognised?

Recognising achievement shouldn’t be a 'tick-box' exercise involving lists of activities, but should focus on helping young people to understand the skills they have developed through these activities and enable them to better describe to others how they can demonstrate and build on those skills. It must have credibility with young people, their parents, employers, universities and colleges.

What development is taking place?

Many education authorities, schools, colleges and other education providers across Scotland are already recognising their pupils' achievements in a range of ways – for example through the use of certificates, school noticeboards, online portfolios, awards ceremonies, etc. Many are looking to develop an approach to this. We want to build on this.

As part of the wider Curriculum for Excellence programme, the Scottish Government in partnership with Education Scotland, local authorities and other key partners, is looking at how to support local authorities, schools and other education providers in recognising achievement.

Alongside this, the Government and Education Scotland are also working to promote and develop partnerships between schools and youth work and ensure that the wider youth sector is able to contribute fully to the development and delivery of Curriculum for Excellence.

Youth work can provide young people with a wide range of opportunities to develop skills, contribute as active citizens and gain valuable achievements outside the classroom.

Amazing things

'Amazing Things – A guide to youth awards in Scotland', published by Youth Scotland, is a guide to the various youth award schemes in Scotland.

It is a useful tool for schools and other establishments in planning opportunities for young people’s achievement.