School pupils to attend higher education convention at Stirling University

Oct 2 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

SCHOOL pupils from all across the Forth Valley visited this year’s higher education convention at Stirling University.

Organised by the university and Skills Development Scotland, in association with UCAS, it brought together representatives from higher and further Education establishments across Scotland and the rest of the UK, including all of Scotland’s universities and colleges.

Youngsters keen on higher and further education kept the representatives busy with a steady stream of questions on the wide range of courses on offer.

Sheila Dowds, Support for Learning Teacher at Balfron High School, said: “The timing of the convention is just right; it gets the pupils thinking about their opportunities beyond school.

“It helps them to focus on giving proper consideration to their academic options.”

Val Ormiston, local manager with Skills Development Scotland, added: “There was a genuine interest in researching post-school options thoroughly.

!I think this is a reflection of a mature approach by young people.

“They realise that a move into further or higher education is a big step and needs to be mad e on the basis of sound information and advice.

“Youngsters are keen to look beyond the glossy brochures to get to the relevant facts. That is the key to making good decisions.”

For anyone unable to attend the Stirling University convention, information and advice on opportunities in further and higher education is available from staff in Skills Development Scotland’s local Careers Scotland centres or by visiting www.careers-scotland.org.uk