The Rotary Club of Anstruther’s meeting of May 10th heard a most useful talk from the current rector of Waid Academy, Iain Hughes. The talk was especially valuable to those Rotarians now in the grandparental generation who are rather out of touch with current trends in the Scottish secondary school system.
Iain explained that a new curriculum will be implemented over the next four years. As well as using new methods of assessment this will re-emphasise the importance of numeracy and literacy, and will encourage in students the development of the sorts of skills employers are looking for. In this context the school’s vision is to bring out excellence in every student, which means creatively looking for appropriate courses for each individual.
Iain was particularly interesting when describing links with Elmwood College which sees staff from the college coming to Anstruther to deliver particular vocational courses. As well as straightforward academic outcomes, which are of course extremely important, Waid Academy seeks to instil an ethos which emphasises high personal standards, the importance of voluntary work in the community and the development of citizenship and leadership skills.
The support of parents and the community is vital here, and Iain underlined the value of the various leadership schemes sponsored by the Rotary Club that are available to Waid Academy students, such as the annual EuroScola experience in Strasburg. Iain noted that Waid Academy was ranked highest in Fife, and in the top bracket over Scotland as a whole, in terms of its student’s ‘positive destinations’ – in further education or in employment. Looking to the new curriculum the school wants students in both fourth and fifth year to emerge with at least five qualifications: this was the way to enhance their life-chances. Club member George Hunter proposed the vote of thanks.
