Pupils get a chance to care at College

The Borders College Choose to Care course kicked off this week, with primary six pupils from St Margaret’s RC School in Galashiels being the first in attendance.

The six-week course, which runs one day per week, was set up to give school pupils the opportunity to develop skills related to working in the childcare sector and giving an insight in to the world of work in general.

The pupils spent the initial part of the day enrolling and taking a tour of the campus, before heading in to class, where they looked at areas such as the importance of correct hand washing, and learning about healthy eating.  They also spent their time using an iPad to read QR codes to find out more about the College.

Throughout the course, pupils have the chance to learn about qualifications and develop a solid base for any career they may choose in the future, whilst also experiencing what it is like to be a College student. Pupils also have the opportunity of work experience at a local nursery, where they will gain real life experience of working alongside nursery practitioners, caring for nursery-age children.

Pupils who attend will keep a weekly log of their activities and learning and, as part of the programme, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) kindly produced a booklet which the pupils can use and keep as a reminder of their time at Borders College.

During the final week pupils will review their learning and present to parents, carers and staff at the end of course graduation, held at the College. 

Nicola McLeod, Principal Teacher at St Margaret’s RC School, said:

“We are very excited to be a part of this new initiative, Choose to Care, in partnership with Borders College. It is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to be looking at possible careers in care, but not just that, the children will be developing a positive work ethic that will be transferrable no matter what career path they choose.”

One of the pupils commented:

“I am excited but also nervous, being the first pupils to take part. I am looking forward to getting to work in the Nursery and see what work is like. I may not want to be a teacher or carer but I can learn new skills.”

Joan Cairney, Curriculum Learning Manager at Borders College, spoke to pupils and was impressed by their enthusiasm and their aspirations for their future careers.

If any other schools would like to offer this opportunity to their P6 pupils, please contact Joan Cairney on 01896 662591 or by email to: [email protected]