***This article features in The Herald, The Scotsman (Print), Glasgow Times, Yahoo News, Helensburgh Advertiser and Breaking News Network.***
Lomond School in Helensburgh is carving out new career pathways to engineering and activity tourism with the launch of two new courses.
The independent school on the banks of Loch Lomond and within an hour from Glasgow has introduced a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering and a National Certificate (NC) in Activity Tourism as part of its International Baccalaureate Careers Programme (IBCP).
The new courses are in addition to the school’s original IBCP pathway, HNC in Business, which has already sparked huge interest and attracted offers from Universities across Scotland, including Dundee, Stirling and Strathclyde. The IB Diploma Programme– rated the top pre-university qualification by Higher Education Statistics Agency – is also on offer at the school.
IB is a fast-growing, globally recognised education continuum which replaces the traditional, exam-focused curriculum with inquiry-based, conceptual learning. More importantly, it builds character and encourages students to look beyond the classroom to the big global challenges affecting us all like the growth of AI, climate change and political instability.
Lomond School launched IB in 2021, allowing students the opportunity to study college-level vocational courses or a diploma, coupled with a selection of SQA qualifications, over two years while still at school.
Since the introduction of IB at Lomond School, those opting for IB has risen from 50% in the 2021-2022 year to 100% in the upcoming academic year with a 100% pass rate recorded by its first cohort in 2023 and points average far exceeding the global statistics.
The new Mechanical Engineering HNC will help address existing demand for technician level skills in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, while the NC in Activity Tourism will equip pupils for a burgeoning and sustainable sector experiencing a significant increase in demand across Scotland.
Lomond School Principal, Claire Chisholm said: “We believe in preparing our students for absolutely anything. The future is complex and uncertain and we must be bold enough to ensure our learning spaces reflect this. The IB is designed to ensure students are ready for their next step in education or in the working world, with each new course offering a mix of classroom learning and practical experience.
“Learning in the great outdoors is part of the fabric of Lomond School, and there is a strong appetite for STEM education here, so our new courses play to our strengths. They are perfect for preparing our students for sectors with increasing demand.
“We’re continuing to partner with universities and organisations to gain expertise, forge links and increase our options to offer the best career opportunities for our young people. With interest high and a 100 percent pass-rate for our first IB cohort last year, it feels like we’re going in the right direction.”
VisitScotland’s Regional Director David Adams McGilp said: “Tourism offers a variety of exciting career opportunities. It is one of Scotland’s most important industries and a key source of employment in communities right across the country.
“From water sports and walking, to cycling and adventure experiences, Scotland’s activity sector is a huge draw for visitors, benefitting their health and wellbeing, and we welcome the opportunity for pupils to understand this important part of the tourism industry.”