issue ten March 2016 Science BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN 2 issue ten BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

elcome to the tenth issue of the Business Enterprise Bulletin, which Enterprising highlights recent enterprising events and successes across the authority. WThis includes the launch of Interaction 3, a STARS challenge run by leading architectural practice Keppie Design and the launch of Enterprising Stars, an innovative enterprise initiative designed for pupils with additional support needs.

This edition has a particular focus on STEM – Science, Technology, Enterprise and Maths, and all the wonderful events taking place in our schools, in partnership with local companies and College which are helping to inspire our young people.

Contents

Enterprising Stars 2 The Enterprising Stars challenge, which launched recently, has Girls Get into STEM 3 been specially created for pupils with additional support needs (ASN), and is one of the first initiatives of its kind in . Out of This World 4 The Council is committed to providing pupils with the same experiences as their mainstream counterparts. Park School competed in last year’s Sir Tom Hunter challenge creating an Houstoun Calling 4 innovative ID badge with a pen holder incorporated into the design. The team’s excellent pitch to the panel of ‘dragons’ encouraged Interaction 2 5 organisers to develop an initiative just for special schools and supported learning centres. KESS Sience Project 5 Schools and local supported learning centres attended the launch to sign up for the initiative and they have from now until Friday 22 April to come up with a winning product. Interaction 3 6 The initiative is being supported by Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire and local businesses including, Munro Architects, Grange Maths on Tour 7 Removals, QTS, the Galleon Centre and the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce who were all on hand to help. Loudoun Leads the Way 8 The businesses will provide expert advice and guidance throughout the initiative and will help with judging on the day. Not All Superheroes Have Capes 8 Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “As one of the first in Scotland, this new enterprise initiative has been organised for our pupils with additional support needs. Our young Me2U 9 people have the same skills as mainstream pupils and these skills can be developed through enterprise events. We want this experience to be Annanhill STEMS 10 meaningful and with the support of local businesses we can help break down barriers and address inequalities. Water, Water Everywhere 12 “I can’t wait to see what fantastic ideas the teams come up with. I am sure that they will be very impressive.” Judging will take place on Friday 22 April with prizes for the best product Success is on the Horizon 13 or service, best trade stand, best presentation, best company name and best logo. Schools in Brief 14 BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue ten 3

Girls get into STEM at Over fifty pupils from schools participated in an event at Ayrshire College which provided an insight into the opportunities available for young women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). The College’s ‘Developing the Young Workforce’ team worked in partnership with the Council to encourage more girls and women to consider a career in traditionally male-dominated sectors. The S2 pupils from , Grange and Academies took part in activities across the Engineering and Science, Automotive Vehicles and Computing departments at the Kilmarnock campus. The pupils took part in interactive workshops and chatted with the lecturers about careers in STEM industries. A number of the pupils said after the event that the workshops had been a real eye-opener, and they were now going to think seriously about a career in STEM. Jenny Thomas, from said: “I know I want to do something technical. I’m not sure what yet, but this event has been great, I’ve enjoyed trying out the different areas available.” Abbie Fleming, from Grange Academy said: “I loved seeing around the garage area at the College. My dad’s a mechanic and I’ll be following in his footsteps.” Martyn Hendry, STEM co-ordinator for the Council, said: “What we’re trying to do is raise the whole profile within the STEM subjects for young people. This event is aimed specifically at girls that are going to be leaving school in the next few years and highlighting the exciting career opportunities that are available in the STEM industry. “We are hoping to inspire young people to think about choosing science and maths subjects at school and start preparing for an exciting and rewarding career in the STEM sector.” Marla Baird, Equality and Inclusion Manager at Ayrshire College, said: “The event is really important because we know females are underrepresented in the STEM areas. It helps to make them think more widely about their career choices.” 4 issue ten BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

Houston Calling…

Ayrshire to host out of this world opportunity The Ayrshire College astronaut in the history of human Foundation has announced that spaceflight and the first Briton to Dylan Speir from Loudoun Academy returned at the end of for the first time ever, Ayrshire perform a spacewalk. last year from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, school pupils and college This exceptional learning experience Texas, having had an ‘extraordinary’ experience. students will have the chance is like no other, with students to work alongside NASA learning all about space in the Dylan, 16, was selected for the trip from hundreds of young people leaders and Astronaut Michael company of NASA leaders. ‘Mission from across Scotland through the Scottish Space School programme. Foale CBE, on the Mission Discovery’ is proven to enhance The star science student, now in sixth year, enjoyed a seven-day Discovery programme. students’ scientific and technological ‘learning journey’ to the Space Center in Houston. skillset, while developing innovation Mission Discovery is a week-long Dylan said: “It was far from just an ordinary trip, it was amazing, fantastic, and team work. educational programme developed spectacular, excellent and tremendous. To pick a highlight of the trip is by the International Space School Primary school pupils will also benefit impossible as I can honestly say I fully enjoyed every single second of it. Educational Trust (ISSET) and is from Mission Discovery coming running for its third consecutive to Ayrshire as they will take part “As, hopefully, a future pilot I really enjoyed the “wings over Houston” year in Scotland. in a unique competition to design air show and found speaking to the pilots particularly inspirational. Around 200 selected secondary a ‘Mission Patch’ for the Mission The behind the scenes tour of NASA was brilliant and its history was school pupils and college students Discovery Ayrshire 2016 programme. fascinating. will start the opportunity of a Every primary school in Ayrshire “Although the activities were out of this world, it was the people that lifetime on 13 June 2016. will submit a design to be judged made the trip one that I’ll always treasure. Everyone we met in Texas, Prestwick Airport, bidding to internally by each of the three from astronauts to engineers to doctors couldn’t have made us feel become the UK’s first Spaceport, local authority areas in Ayrshire. more welcome or have been anymore inspirational. I couldn’t have East Ayrshire, will host the space event in their done any of this without the space school and I’ll be forever grateful to Aviator Suite. and will put those three winning designs forward to those who gave me this chance of a lifetime.” The lucky participants will work in a neutral judging panel including Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning teams, aided by mentors, to develop ISSET and NASA staff who will said: “A total of ten Scottish pupils were given the rare opportunity to their own space experiments – with select the overall winner. the winners having their experiment meet with many of the astronauts, engineers and scientists working on built, launched to the International There is a huge incentive for the the space programme at NASA. Space Station and carried out by an pupils to win the first stage of the “They were selected from a shortlist of over 100 from all over Scotland Astronaut in space. competition, as each of the three who attended the Scottish Space School at Strathclyde University in schools to make the final shortlist All three council areas in Ayrshire June, following a rigorous selection process. will receive a visit from Astronaut will each put forward 50 pupils for Micheal Foale! “The week-long residential school featured a mix of space lectures, labs this amazing week-long adventure, and workshops, delivered by leading academics and supported by NASA while Ayrshire College will select A programme of public events will astronauts and engineers. 50 students from its STEM also run throughout the Mission (Science, Technology, Engineering Discovery Space Week. The “I am delighted that Dylan enjoyed this experience. It was a real ‘trip of and Mathematics) courses. Ayrshire College Foundation has a lifetime’ and he thoroughly deserves to be recognised for all his hard launched a new website, http:// A major perk for the participants work and commitment to school life at Loudoun Academy.” www.ayrshirecollegefoundation.org. will be the chance to work with Dylan will be studying aeronautical engineering at Strathclyde University uk/, where more information on Michael Foale CBE. Michael is the when he finishes his sixth year. most experienced British-born the event will be available. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue ten 5

Interaction 2 KESS Science Prize takes a front seat for Former Stewarton Academy pupil, Calum Sharp has scooped not one but two top prizes in recognition of his challenge winners achievements in the field of physics. Calum has been recognised by Kilmarnock Engineering and Science Winning Interaction 2 was just the beginning of an exciting Society (KESS) with an Advanced Higher Physics award at a special journey for the enterprise team from Academy. ceremony held at Ayrshire College. Although Calum was a Stewarton pupil, he studied for his advanced higher at St Joseph’s Academy under the tutorship of UK award winning physics teacher, Colin Barbour. He achieved 94% in his exam, making him the top advanced higher physics student in Scotland and is now studying Mechanical Engineering at Strathclyde University. In addition to the KESS award, Calum visited the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh to receive the Higgs Prize for Physics. The Higgs Prize was established in recognition of the impact Nobel Physics Prize winner Professor Higgs’ work has had on modern day physics and to inspire Scotland’s best young physicists. As part of the Higgs Prize, Calum will visit the internationally renowned CERN research facility in Switzerland. He will take part in a summer school and participate in a specially designed programme of events. KESS President Suzanne Flynn said: “KESS is delighted to award our first Advanced Higher Physics prize to Calum and very proud that he has won the national prize.” Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “Calum’s achievements to date have been exceptional. To be In a recent visit to Character Joinery in Kilmarnock, the young people saw named as the top advanced higher physics student in Scotland is a their ideas for the new Ayrshire College campus brought to life. reflection of his own commitment to his studies but also to Colin Barbour’s dedication to his students. They were given a tour of the workshop by Director Kelvin Murray and “We are all incredibly proud of Calum; he has a very bright future shown a half-scale model of their modern seating area design, which will ahead of him.” be housed within the top floor of the new Ayrshire College campus. The team also chatted with Keppie Design’s Ryan Sylvester and Kelvin about the alterations that could be made to improve their initial concept for the final product. 15-year-old Aiden McGregor said: “I think it’s been a really good experience. We’ve learnt new design processes and how it’s done in the industry. It’s been great to see a smaller version of our idea that will be going into the College and we’re very pleased with what we’ve seen today.” Kelvin Murray, Director at Character Joinery, said: “The pupils have done their own thing on an existing concept. To take something that works and put your own take on it is fantastic. After today’s discussions we’re going to take it to the next stage. The first design is never the finished product and I think they’ve noticed that. I’m sure the team will now go away and think about other ideas. It’s going to evolve again; which is what design is all about.” 6 issue ten BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN Interaction 3 Enterprising Education Interaction 3 launched last October with young people from all nine secondary schools and Park School gathering at St Joseph’s Academy to hear the exciting new design brief. Interaction, which is an enterprise education challenge, is delivered in partnership with leading architectural practice Keppie Design. Last year Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council committed to continuing with Interaction. At the launch he announced funding of £100,000 to allow the young people to continue to benefit from this practical learning initiative. Councillor Reid said: “As part of our schools business and enterprise programme, Interaction has a key role to play. It teaches creative, team- orientated skills with real outcomes. Our young people work closely with Business Enterprise partners and learn skills essential to their future success in the workplace. “I had the great job of announcing that each team has been pledged £10,000 to develop a design solution based on a brief created by David Ross from Keppie Design. As part of Interaction 3, the young people will work with design mentors and cost consultants, from within the Council, to help keep their project on track and get the best value for the budget available. For the first time, this year the young people will be project managing and managing the finances for the project.” Under the working title ‘Shed for the Head’ – the young people have been challenged to design a contemporary shed which can be either internal or external. David Ross said: “It’s an honour for Keppie to be able to collaborate with East Ayrshire Council in such a unique and innovative way. INTERACTION gives us the opportunity to talk to, and involve, pupils in looking creatively and imaginatively at the built environment around them. In this year’s challenge, that environment will be their own school or local community.” At the launch event the teams took part in a design challenge and speed networking session. This allowed the young people to exchange creative ideas and speak to mentors about how to get their project off the ground. At the end of the session Grange Academy’s team was named winner of the Launch Workshop exercise for their concept and design.

The Brief INTERACTION 3 challenges East Ayrshire pupils to design a contemporary ‘Shed’ as an internal or external structure in which positive, forward-thinking ideas about the school or its local community can be considered and discussed. The ‘Shed for the Head’ should illustrate ideas about the school’s identity. The space should be inclusive and accessible to all and be able to be built for a budget of no more than £10,000. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue ten 7 Grange Maths on Tour Grange Academy’s Maths Department hit the road at the end of last year with maths outings aimed at helping pupils unleash the power of maths.

The tour began in Livingston where an S2 class visited Sky Academy’s And in October, the school’s Advanced Higher Maths students enjoyed Skills Studio. The Skills Studio provides a learning experience linked their first every Halloween study day. There were some seriously geeky to Curriculum for Excellence for young people, helping to build costumes including a lumberjack with carefully labelled axes, a natural communication, creativity and team building skills. ‘logarhythm’, two ‘vamPires’, a ruler and even a Mr Smith, the school’s The young people created their own TV report on their class topic, resident maths geek. ‘Money: trends in teenage spending’, using Sky’s state-of-the-art Four hours of Advanced Higher Maths revision was rounded off with a technology, including broadcast quality cameras, green screens and touch trip to ski slope for some fun on the slopes. screen edit tables. Pupils loved the studio experience and left with a pen-drive wrist Maths camp will fire up pupils for exams band loaded with their finished video: https://www.youtube.com/ Following the success of last year’s inaugural Grange Maths camp, watch?v=kuKzZ8r6hWY the Maths Department are taking a group of enthusiastic young mathematicians for a Higher and Advanced Higher revision weekend. More than 70 pupils signed up for this year’s camp which will be held in March at the Craigmore Centre, Aberfoyle. In addition to 15 hours of concentrated maths revision, the young people will be taking part in outdoor activities and fun maths quizzes.

At the other end of the maths spectrum - four Advanced Higher pupils Andrew McCluskie, Izzy Faure, Karolina Myszkowskaz and Jack McConnell attended Strathclyde University, with their teachers, for the London Mathematical Society popular lectures. Professor Ruth King gave a lecture on the Statistics of Estimation, answering questions like “How could we use a few small pieces of data Mr Smith said: “Last year was so much fun, lasting memories were made to accurately estimate the number of drug users in Scotland?”. While Dr and having analysed the exam statistics it’s clear that Maths Camp had a Colva Roney-Dougal gave a lecture on the Mathematics of Connections, significant impact on attainment. This March will be another phenomenal including a fascinating tangent into Bacon Numbers. experience for all Grange Maths geeks!” 8 issue ten BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN #LoudounAcademyleadstheway Loudoun Academy is leading the way, becoming the first school in Scotland to deliver a Social Media Marketing for Business qualification. The level 6 SQA customised qualification is highly innovative. Teachers have been working in partnership with local companies Giglets, who are delivering the course using an online learning platform called the Learning Cloud, and Early Bird Media who have developed the innovative learning content. During the course, pupils learn how to use social media for marketing purposes. They will create and manage a social media site; learn about business goals and the importance of effective market research; design and run a social media campaign and measure the benefits and shortfalls of social media marketing. The course includes a work placement which will help the young people to refine and hone the skills they have learned in the classroom. The young people are using Ipad technology to support their journey through learning and help them prepare for the world of work. Not all superheroes have capes Not all superheroes have capes – that was the message from young people at East Ayrshire’s nineteenth annual youth conference held at . Held during Youth Work Week, the year’s conference was split into two distinct age groups, from Primary 7 through to S2 and from third year upwards at secondary school. The focus for the day was mental health and Vibrant Communities joined forces with NHS Ayrshire and Arran: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and SEEME Scotland to deliver themed workshops for the young people. Through the workshops the young people discussed issues pertinent to them and developed the slogan ‘not all superheroes have capes’, to raise awareness of the hidden side of mental health problems. Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning, who was joined at the event by Provost Jim Todd, said: “The young people really enjoyed this year’s youth conference. It gave almost 150 young people a positive platform to talk in a safe setting about issues that affect them. “They talked openly about mental health issues and the importance of young people having a voice. Their views were very mature and it was heartening to see that they understood that mental health is often not visible or obvious to others. “I thought a real highlight of the event was hearing from our inspirational young people, including the Council’s Sports Mentors, Modern Apprentices and also students from Ayrshire College. They spoke from the heart about their own experiences and this had a positve impact on the gathered audience.” The event was organised by Vibrant Communities and was part-funded by CashBack for Communities: Youth Work Fund. Workshops were supported by Ayrshire College, Yipworld, Barnardos (East Ayrshire) and the Zone, . BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue ten 9 UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP launches in cumnock

Me2U – a unique partnership project led by Cumnock “This project is very simple in its premise – bring volunteers into the Academy is changing the lives of local people. school for the benefit of all but it has expanded already. All the partners can see the benefit of such a scheme.” The project was the brainchild of Teraessa Lopez, Principal Teacher of Art and Design. She saw an opportunity to bring volunteers into the school to Heather Ralston, Engagement Officer and Community Tutor from the mutual benefit of both the school and the community. Ayrshire College, is working with participants on Personal Development, Customer Care and Problem Solving at the Boswell Centre in Auchinleck. Ms Lopez started a working group bringing Job Centre Plus and Vibrant Communities round the table to see if this was possible. Job Centre Plus These units will allow learners to improve their self-reliance and saw this as a fantastic opportunity to engage with people from the local confidence, develop skills, knowledge and understanding of customer community who are known to the Job Centre. care and use skills to solve problems in personal, workplace, social and educational situations. Information sessions were held about the Me2U project and eleven individuals applied to take part attracted by the opportunity to increase Audrey McClements, Employability and Engagement Manager said: “This their confidence and gather vital work experience within the school. exciting new pilot provides the volunteers with skills and qualifications that will help them when pursuing future career opportunities. The mentors Angus McVake, Head Teacher said: “This project started small, with an will also receive accredited recognition for their contribution. The idea of attracting volunteers into the school. But the project has grown enthusiasm and passion shown by all partners to help make this a success way beyond my expectations. Eleven people signed up to the project; has been outstanding. many are parents or grandparents of young people from the school. We were actually only looking for eight participants but the enthusiasm and “It is hoped that this innovative approach to supporting the unemployed commitment shown by our team of volunteers have been exceptional can be rolled out across Ayrshire.” and we just had to accept all 11!” Susan Ward, Ayrshire Manager for JobcentrePlus said: “Cumnock The Me2U team have been provided with uniforms and will be working Jobcentre is delighted to be part of the Me2U Programme. It is an exciting closely with mentors during school time. opportunity for our claimants to receive vital jobskills training that will help them gain employment in the future.” Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning officially launched Me2U. She said: “From December until March the team Me2U is led by Cumnock Academy and is supported, in particular, will be working within the school two days each week and will also be by Lorraine Dick and Joan McDade, East Ayrshire Council Vibrant working towards achieving four SVQ modules through Ayrshire College. Communities, Kaye Hannah from Job Centre Plus and Audrey McClements and Thomas Marner, Ayrshire College. 10 issue ten BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

Science fun STEMS from weeklong activities Pupils from Annanhill Primary were experimenting, measuring and thoroughly enjoying themselves during a week of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths events. Supported by parents; Babcock International, the UK’s leading engineering support services company and Primary Engineer; the children were put through their paces learning about STEM in the real world. Fun activities like churning butter, popping popcorn and making delicious ice cream helped the children to understand the importance of STEM in everyday life and made them think scientifically about the world around them. Parents visited the school during the week to talk to P6 pupils about their jobs within STEM industries. This helped the children to consider STEM careers and inspire then to become Scotland’s engineers of the future. A real highlight of the week was a visit by two of Babcock’s engineers, Graduate Mechanical Engineer Laura McLean and Renewable Energy Project Engineer Ross Cottam. The two engineers guided P5 and P6 pupils through a ‘real life’ engineering challenge – Operation Flyover. The challenge was to design and build a scale model of a zip line that would help to get aid to a village cut-off by flooding, and the teams accepted the challenge with gusto. They even tested their final prototype, which was great fun but also helped to develop some innovative and practical solutions to the challenge that had been set for them. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue ten 11

Ross and Laura said: “We love engineering and want to pass that enthusiasm on and hopefully spark enough interest to encourage Annanhill’s pupils to start thinking about a future in engineering. It’s hugely satisfying working with the kids, knowing that you may just be helping them to explore the possibilities of a rewarding career in one of the STEM disciplines.” John Howie, Managing Director for Babcock’s Naval Marine business, was also on hand to talk about his own engineering background and the company’s role in supporting the Royal Navy’s fleet of submarines and ships. To make the whole event even more memorable the Babcock team brought along a construction brick scale model of the Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, which the company is involved in designing, building and assembling. John commented: “Having the opportunity to listen to the children discussing different aspects of engineering and how it is present in their everyday lives has been a real inspiration. “As a nation we have an enviable record of engineering excellence; the real challenge we face is to sustain and develop our capability and capacity both now and into the future. I hope the week’s activities will encourage the children to think a little bit more about the engineering involved when they take a train, cross a bridge, have fun with video games or play on a bike and perhaps spark an interest in engineering and other STEM subjects.” Dr Peter Hughes, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Primary Engineer, led an assembly with the children on the final day of STEM week. He played a variety of musical instruments for, and with, the children and explained the role of engineering in making musical instruments. Dr Hughes said: “Having the chance to talk with real engineers, who are working in real engineering jobs, problem solving and engineering real world solutions, is one of the best ways I know to make learning fun and engaging. “We clearly must do more to encourage boys and girls to think about a future in engineering. Bringing the concepts and theories involved in the STEM subjects to life at events like this one is immensely important in inspiring our next generation of engineers – especially when the children are young and absorbing so much information that will ultimately shape their future.” Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “The STEM programme at Annanhill primary was impressive, with fun activities carefully designed by the teaching staff to make the children think about the world around them in a new way. The children were challenged through successful interdisciplinary learning. Even the spelling homework had a STEM focus with words like laboratory and experiment featuring widely. “The most impressive part of the week though was the partnership working with parents, friends of Annanhill primary and representatives from industry. Scotland has produced some of the greatest engineers the world has ever seen and I think it is wonderful that we are inspiring a new generation of engineers who will change our future for the better. “Congratulations to everyone at Annanhill for a successful STEM week!” 12 issue ten BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE S3 pupils from James Hamilton Academy were challenged to think differently about water and sustainability after a visit from WaterAid Scotland. Representatives from WaterAid Scotland, Laura Hunter and Donna Davidson, visited the school to talk to pupils about the difficulties young people of their age face every single day in developing countries. They highlighted the problems of being unable to access fresh water and the significant impact this has on health and education. After their visit, S3 spent the rest of the week learning about water related themes in all of their classes. In Maths, pupils compared their own water usage with that of a child in the developing world. They also worked out the distance young people must travel to source water each day. The English department taught pupils about the impact of flooding on communities; PE focused on the importance of hydration and young people designed, and marketed, their own sports drink. While in the Music department, pupils wrote and performed a jingle for a water advert. WaterAid Scotland returned to James Hamilton at the end of the week to find out what the pupils had learned. Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “This was a fantastic interdisciplinary project for the S3 pupils at James Hamilton. It made them think really hard about the availability of water for young people of their age in developing countries. It also helped them to understand the role each of their subjects has to play in helping those in need. “Every department really submerged themselves in this challenge but Business Education and IT, emerged as the overall winners. The pupils had examined the impact bottled water and soft drinks companies have on the economy, society and the environment.” WaterAid Scotland also named James Hamilton Academy as their Star Supporters of the Week. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue ten 13

is on the horizon 15 Ayrshire schools will be battling it The winner of this heat will represent Ayrshire “The booklet contains descriptions of subjects, out this April to be named Ayrshire at the Young Enterprise Scottish finals in June. school wear advice, information on extra- Company of the Year. Horizon Pages from Kilmarnock Academy will be curricular activities, personal experiences and representing East Ayrshire at the Ayrshire finals. many more tips to make life easier. The competition, run by Young Enterprise Scotland, takes place over the course of an The team of sixth year pupils includes Jordan “It has a Bear Grylls Survival Guide theme academic year. Muir, Managing Director; Heather Taylor, with jungle references throughout. It is written Product Director; Robyn McGhee, Marketing simply, in plain English and is from a pupil The young people from the participating Director and David Gibson, Finance Director. perspective, which makes it truly unique. schools form teams then create, finance, launch and operate their own business. Heather said: “Our business, Horizon Pages, “A list of Frequently Asked Questions has The teams are supported by link teachers, will create and sell advisory books to help also been included for the pupils and their volunteer business advisors from the local young people through tough transitional guardians. community and receive guidance from aspects of life. “We have all loved taking part in this specialists within their local authorities. “Horizon Pages is run by four business competition. Creating our own business has At the Ayrshire final, each team will have to partners, each having major roles in the provided us with several challenges which create a trade stand, make a presentation to business. we’ve all worked together to overcome. judges, prepare a detailed report on their “Our main product, ‘How to Survive Secondary “Although sometimes difficult, it has been business and also be interviewed by a panel School’ – is a short booklet which gives primary a positive experience which is rewarding of judges. school pupils helpful advice that will reduce the and great fun. We love the responsibility stress of moving to secondary school. and surprising people with our business knowledge.” 14 issue ten BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

Interaction Project update S3 Design and Manufacture pupils Schools in have been hard at work generating ideas to convert the old Support for Loudoun Learning base into a creative learning Academy brief… and meeting space. The space, which will be used as fully and flexibly as possible, will cater for meetings, will be a creative thinking space and a place for idea generation and discussions. Pupils are liaising with local businesses and hope to work with Ayrshire College on part of the construction enabling pupils, or college students, to take part in a live project. This will help develop a range of skills for use in the world of work.

Ayrshire young entrepreneur club A group of ten third year Business students attended the launch of the Ayrshire Young Entrepreneurs Club, Developing the Young Workforce: Business Lunch at Sir Tom Hunter’s Hatchery in Business leaders visited the school recently for a working lunch. Dundonald. Lively discussions took place on the best way the school could continue to shape and support The students will gain valuable business young people into the workplace. The business leaders were treated to a delicious lunch prepared experience from young Ayrshire by senior Hospitality students. entrepreneurs who have recently started their The school has partnerships with the following businesses: own business. Buzzworks Holdings, Giglets Ltd, Sun Newspapers Ltd, Early Bird Social Media, QTS and QTS They will take part in presentations and Training, VG Energy, Tesco, Saxen Furniture, IBM, Morton Young and Borland, BT and Kilmarnock seminars on a number of business areas such Football Club. as Marketing, Business Startup, Finance and Human Resource Management. These partnerships will be further developed fully in the coming months. Principal Teachers will establish the best way of integrating business input into the curriculum and also into specialist events The students will attend four afternoons from like careers fairs and work experience. February through to May and will have the opportunity in June to present a business idea of their own, in a situation similar to the Dragon’s Den pitch from the successful TV Personal Development series. Class - Artive If successful the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce will fund their business idea S6 pupils from Mrs Waughman’s which will require to be run within Loudoun Personal Development class Academy and be sustainable once setup. established a not-for-profit word By the end of the four sessions the students art company. from Loudoun Academy will be armed with The pupils made individually requisitioned skills and knowledge necessary to help them pieces of art using words and phrases supplied consider starting their own business. by their customers. The pupils ran a stand They will have heard from a number of local at Galston Christmas fete and at a variety of young entrepreneurs sharing their experience parent evenings. of their own businesses. Just as important the A remarkable £1500 was raised for their students will have had the opportunity to mix chosen charities – MND Scotland, Alzheimers with other young budding entrepreneurs. UK and Beautiful Inside. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue ten 15

James Hamilton Academy S3 Science Day S3 pupils enjoyed an out of this world space lecture, by Professor Hendry from Glasgow University and explored the scientific world through mini workshops led by STEM ambassadors, teachers and senior pupils. Pupils particularly liked using medical equipment, like ECG monitors and ultrasounds, which were provided by Medical Maverick. This gave them an insight into different careers in the medical field.

Eco Committee success James Hamilton Academy has achieved its third Green Flag from Eco Schools Scotland. Congratulations to Miss Murray and the Eco Committee on this prestigious achievement. A rigorous evaluation process is undertaken by an Eco Schools representative to check the school’s progress in relation to sustainable development issues. S4 STEM Day The assessor was impressed with the range of initiatives being undertaken S4 pupils took part in a special STEM day in December. to teach pupils responsibility in relation to caring for the environment and First Edition, run by the Engineering Development Trust, delivered the ‘wider world’. workshops and challenges on a range of topics linked to Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths. This was a very active learning event and highlighted the relevance and importance of engineering as a career. The importance of numeracy as a key skill underpinning the STEM subjects was also emphasised. At the end of the day, around 50% of the year group expressed an interest in learning more about engineering and this will be followed up through the delivery of other workshops which will provide information on apprenticeships and higher education opportunities.

Linn Products In November the Advanced Higher Maths class enjoyed a visit to Linn Products, a world leading Music System manufacturer. Pupils got to see the real life application of mathematical modelling in modern engineering. The company are currently developing an innovative new technology called ‘Space Optimisation’ in order to provide their customers with the purest sound quality possible. The pupils toured the research and manufacturing facilities and heard a presentation by Pete Harrison, Acoustics Engineer and Jim Liddell, Software Developer who described the maths used to create a three dimensional model of the sound waves and the computer programming used to apply this technology to the speakers. They were then treated to a music demonstration allowing them to see and hear the world class sound quality of a Linn System. 16 issue ten BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

Designed and produced by East Ayrshire Council Communications Section ©2016