Are staff and young people actively involved in improving their school community.
Staff are strongly committed to improving learning and achievement for young people. Through strong self-evaluation, they can clearly explain the school’s strengths and areas it needs to improve, based on sound evidence. This has enabled staff to improve the school. For example, they make very good use of results in examinations, young people’s views, and visits to lessons to identify priorities and plan action. The pupil councils have contributed well to important improvements at the school, including learning activities and approaches in lessons. Staff now need to build on these sound approaches to ensure that all parents and young people are confident that their views are sought, valued and used to improve learning.
Big Ship Cafe
Staff wanted an innovative way of involving young people and the Clydebank High School community in enterprise education so they set up the 'Big Ship' Cafe. Originally staff managed the cafe but now young people are in the lead.
Each year interested young people form a committee to run the Big Ship Cafe (BSC) which opens twice each week at lunchtime. They particularly want to cater for young people in S1/2. The cafe provides a welcoming and popular social area for all young people who can use it to enjoy the internet, films, and healthy snacks.
The school benefits from the way the young cafe managers use the cafe to give the lead in promoting action for charities, fair trade, recycling and other good causes. The young managers gain confidence from running a business. They acquire a range of work-related skills and they show they can take responsibility. Their experience and record of the number of hours they devote to the BSC earn them an MV award for voluntary work.
The school enterprise committee complements the work of the Big Ship by developing cross-curricular work across the school. For example, the art department is involved in promoting products through the art club. Science produces glass fusion products. Business Studies helps with fair-trade and management.
