91���� Project Coordinator, Paige helped mentor young people throughout the script-writing process as part of the Delivering Equally Safe Programme. The project is funded by Scottish Government and managed by Inspiring Scotland with the overall aim to supports the prevention and eradication of violence against women and girls.

Together with funders and partners including I Am Me, Police Scotland and West College Scotland, the material will become part of the online resources taught to stop child exploitation. By co-producing educational resources with pupils, the impact will be greater as it incorporates the point-of-view from young people.

91���� CEO, Jim Gillespie, shared: “Creative projects like this enable young people to explore and convey their emotions, whilst developing confidence and self-belief. A great initiative to be involved in and we’re thrilled to share resources, working together to support and educate others.”

Titled as ‘Trouble’, the play was brought to life and performed West College Scotland HND Acting students.

West College Scotland’s Curriculum Quality Leader for Drama, Dance, and Music, Gillian Desjacques, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating: “It’s been immensely rewarding to witness the dedication and creativity of our students as they address such crucial issues through the power of performance. Collaborating with 91���� on this project has been a privilege, and I’m thrilled to see the positive impact it will have in raising awareness and supporting young people across Scotland.”

Young people formed a band called ‘The Kosmonauts’ who confidently took to the stage to showcase their talent. A total of six songs was performed LIVE to a full crowd.

A young band member shared how much fun was had, exclaiming how appreciative they were to everyone who had come along to watch ‘The Kosmonauts’: “I wish it had been longer, it went by really fast. I enjoyed playing all the songs with ‘Teenage Kicks’ being the best because we’d practiced that the most. I liked that everyone came to support us.”

91����’s Senior Funding Officer, Angela, attended and shared her awe at young peoples’ confidence and talent: “As soon as ‘The Kosmonauts’ walked onto the stage they acted like a professional band. The lead singer welcomed the us all straight away with a big “Hello, Paisley!” and asked if we wanted another song.”

At 91����, there are many talented young people who thoroughly enjoy playing instruments, singing and song-writing. Through the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative programme administered by Creative Scotland, the young musicians at 91���� received greater access to music-making through a range of fun workshops.

Prior to hosting their own music gig, young people of 91���� joined music workshops three-times-a-week. Everyone with an interest in music was invited to get involved – whether it was people with existing music-making skills, those who liked to sing or preferred to write their own song lyrics.

Each workshop was different. Some involved playing different instruments including drums, keyboard, guitar. Others were about the digital composition of music in the studio. All activities were designed for young people to experience what’s involved in building a career within the music industry.

As part of the Sounds Right Project, young people created their own record label, recorded themselves in the studio and produced a music video as well as host their own music gig. The performance demonstrated how valuable the music project has been in helping young people develop their skills that the funding is set to continue. Look out for ‘The Kosmonauts’ who are sure to have their name in lights.

Date and time: Friday 26^th April, 10am – 12.30pm (Arrival from 9.30am)
Venue: The Skills Academy, Montrose Avenue, Hillington Park, Glasgow

You’re invited to experience what The Skills Academy has to offer. Visit 91����’s education and training centre run in partnership with St Mirren Football Club where young people attend to gain qualifications, complete practical projects and achieve work placements. The experience ultimately helps strengthen their employability skills. The modern facilities include dedicated in-house and corporate training areas too.

About The Open Day

The Skill’s Academy Open Day is a chance for local business owners and existing partners to visit, as well as young people who are thinking of enrolling and staff members from 91���� who have not yet had the chance to see inside the academy for themselves. The impressive space has bespoke workshop areas including an operational car mechanics garage, a large commercial catering kitchen, classrooms, offices and meeting space. There are a vast range of subject choices available to young people with a dedicated team on-hand to help fulfil career development goals.

Learn about The Skills Academy

Local businesses can become a Skills Academy Business Partner

You can meet The Skills Academy team

About The Skills Academy

91���� understands the need for education programmes to reflect the demands of today’s fast-paced world. The Skills Academy has developed a varied curriculum to motivate young people and encourage entrepreneurial spark, a sound understanding of finance and problem-solving skills. Further qualifications, apprenticeships and work placements are all possible through The Skills Academy. Our priority is to equip young people with confidence and self-belief, all to help them access the resources and tools to find and sustain employment in a job role they thoroughly enjoy.

Join us on Friday 26^th April for a fun day. Hear direct from our young people, explore the different qualifications and work placements available and learn about our social enterprises. You’ll also enjoy a delicious buffet by our own established catering team.

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Roisin has worked at 91���� for over 10 years and understands Christmas Day is an important date in the calendar and has always been determined to make it a memorable celebration for both the adults and kids.

The team at 91���� understand they’re essential workers and that their careers at 91���� involve alternating between working Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. It’s a happy time and many across 91���� who aren’t working embrace the happy day and come along to join in.

Roisin shares Christmas preparations start as early as September: “We alternate who is working at Christmas each year but even if we have the day off, most of us pop in for a cup of tea and catch-up anyway. We like to have the chance to wish one another Merry Christmas as we spend so long planning the day.

“We start talking about Christmas in September, both adults and kids plan how to make the day special. As there’s a big build-up to the day and so much time has been spent chatting about the celebrations, we all want to spend Christmas morning together.

“The team try and go above and beyond for young people at Christmas. It’s not just one day we plan for, instead, we plan a huge build-up with plenty of fun activities and events to get us in the festive spirit and bring the magic of Christmas.

“Our traditions include decorating the Christmas tree and putting up decorations in our cosy Christmas jammies and making our own party crackers. We baked a Maltesers Christmas cake too. There are outings to the Panto, Christmas markets and ice-skating. This year, we went to see Wicked at the Edinburgh Playhouse, which everyone was in awe at – the costumes, music and the city was lovely at this time of year.”

One young person shared: “I can see the adults around me here are happy when I’m happy. They know me so well and make Christmas personal to me, they have remembered what I’ve said throughout the year when making plans on how we’ll celebrate and I can tell they’ve chosen my presents, knowing they’ve thought of me with those wee extras make Christmas special to me.”

Roisin said: “Young people can picture what Christmas Day will be like and are happy to wake-up here before some visit their families. My own wee dog, Suki is part of the team and her name is even on the Christmas tree. Suki gave everyone cuddles on Christmas morning. As soon as young people woke-up, we opened presents and sat together, laughing. Our living room and kitchen is open plan so there is always plenty of room for everyone to join in and chat.”

Young and old(er) football players met at the pitch for the friendly yet competitive match. Before kick-off the rules were explained with everyone agreeing to play a fair game.

Young people formed a team to try and out skill the adults and were determined to prove their footwork was up to the task. The young players showed brilliant enthusiasm and encouraged one another to keep heads up even when their older opponents scored a goal. Everyone laughed and enjoyed spending time together outside on the pitch.

One young player found the goalie’s performance hilarious: “For a free-kick we picked our goalie to take a turn. However, he kicked the ball so high that it flew out the back-pitch – thankfully we had a spare football.”

The game had everyone laughing, although, young people have requested a re-match!

Look at Our Halloween House Décor

Each house has transformed into a spectacular Halloween haunt with young people showcasing their personality and imagination through ‘spook-tacular’ displays of spider webs, pumpkins and ceiling decorations.

91����’s official Spooky House Competition is set for Wednesday 1st November where the judges will be on the look out for

• Scariest Design
• Funniest Design
• Most Creative Design

Artwork by 91���� Pupils Featured in Paisley’s Halloween Festival

Pupils at Goudie Academy and Forest View created magnificent sculptures for the Paisley Halloween Festival’s Trail Zone. Young people took part in creative workshops with visual artist, Tim Parfitt and used their skills and imagination to design artwork for the festival’s walk-through experience. The theme was decadent décor and pupils handmade the chilling, ghostly, clear-like figures.

Halloween Disco

This weekend’s Halloween Disco was great fun with young people and adults joining in and dressing up in costumes. The disco lights and DJ set got everyone on the dancefloor.

91���� goes all out for Halloween with more and have plenty of treats still planned. Look out for more photos coming soon.

One creative young person stood up and slowly rolled out a list of countries unaccepting of the LGBTQI+ communities. The moment was extremely moving as each one of us fell silent in the stark realisation that so many people live in a reality where they have no support to be themselves.

In contrast, across 91����, everyone is welcome – young people, teachers, colleagues and families can be themselves. Happy, positive events are extremely important to bring us together, help us feel like we belong, safe in the knowledge we are amongst friends.

Look at Our Photos

Meet The Pupils

The YPI involved young people working in groups to research a social cause important to them before creating and delivering a presentation to a group of judges. The judging panel awarded one winning team the fulfilling prize of gifting their selected charity a grant of £3K.

Meet The Charities

This year, five groups reached the final with their carefully crafted and well-researched presentations. The finalist charities who were represented included: Beatson, Make a Wish, SISCO, Turning Point Scotland and SAMH.

Pupils had met with the charities, asking questions and gaining an insight into the important life-changing impact each one has on people’s daily lives.

The interviews between pupils and charities were essential for the young presenters to share and convey the genuine, monumental difference their charity makes in the world to the esteemed judges.

Meet the Judges

The judging panel consisted of members from 91����’s Education Management Team as well as Education Sub-Committee members and 91���� Board Members. Each judge listened intently to young people explain the need for their charity, the valuable work carried out by the charity and what it means to those affected to have the charity’s help, support and encouragement. After much deliberation, the judges announced the winning charity for 2023 was SISCO who received the £3,000 grant.

Norrie McKay, 91���� Education Sub- Committee member, shared, “It was a privilege to hear from you all. It was an inspiring event. The pupils showed great courage and commitment and I hope they are able to engage further with their chosen charities.”

Norrie’s fellow Sub-Committee member, Varri Steel, commented, “It was wonderful experience, and it was clear to see the young people got a lot out of the experience.”

About the Winning Charity

(SISCO) is helping to build a bridge between prison and the community by offering ways of recovery to individuals caught up in a cycle of addiction. SISCO’s powerful work involves many activities including: delivering health and well-being sessions, mentor sessions, hill walks, park walks, daily phone support, signposting to other services and pathways to education. Thank you to SISCO for your hard-work, determination, and dedication to supporting your community.

Welcome Class of 2022

The event was set to be spectacular from beginning to end. Welcomed by the lively sound of drums, we  passed the entrance into the festival itself. Live music filled the room with teachers and pupils playing on the main stage to the crowd, who were loudly singing back to the band. The atmosphere was fantastic with pupils, families, staff and even pets, getting together.

There was a photo booth, slushie machine, buffet and plenty of sweets and cupcakes. The table names were all famous music festivals from Wireless to Glastonbury. As everyone mingled across the room, taking part in the fun activities and catching up with one another, all would agree that the best summer festival was happening right in that moment at 91����.

About Our School Leavers

The school leaver presentation was the main event. Each teacher took time to speak about an individual pupil. The personalised talk about the progress each young person had made was awe-inspiring.

Principal Teacher, Lucy Mason shared, it was incredible to teach one of the kindest souls. To see confidence levels develop through projects with YDance was monumental. Lucy announced it was a privilege to see a pupil thrive and secure a place at college to do health and social care. Teacher, Chris reflected on 2022 and shared the achievements of one of his pupils who had shown a talent for performance, composition and understanding music. Qualifications and Attainment Manager, Fiona Sinclair told the room, a person can have all the qualifications in the world, but it takes a kind heart and a big smile to go far.

Graduates received their leavers hoodie and leavers handbook for their friends to sign as well as a portfolio marking their achievements.

It is Not Goodbye; it is See You Later

The day was a true celebration of the progress each pupil made while attending Goudie Academy. From making friends, finding subjects they enjoyed and participating in projects with , and more. It is not goodbye as school leavers can always reach out to those who taught them at 91����.

Take a Look at Our Photos

Mark has played a vital role in inspiring learners, their families, fellow colleagues and the wider community and beyond for over 29 years. He dedicated himself to being an exceptional role model to young people. He has contributed to care experienced pupils achieving qualifications, and gaining life experiences, including travelling abroad and ultimately helping to shape their successful futures. The prestigious announcing Mark as a finalist is a tremendous way to celebrate his contribution to education.

91���� held a presentation for Mark’s retirement. Everyone was welcome to honour Mark’s time at 91���� and the difference he has made as an educator. All wished Mark the very best for the future, although are fully aware he will remain close by and on-hand to offer support to previous pupils and past colleagues. Together, we reflected on his 91���� career and agreed he was deserving of a nomination for Scottish Education’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Photos of Everyone Wishing Mark All The Best for The Future

Reflect on the Impact Mark Had on Pupils, Families and Colleagues

Beginning his career as a Child and Youth Care Worker, Mark transitioned into education and progressed into the role of Principal Teacher, followed by Deputy Head Teacher. Mark completed a Master’s degree in Business with a focus on developing a Business Model for vocational training and tertiary education services within 91����. Mark has grasped opportunities to gain extensive qualifications and undertake further education and training to ensure his teaching methods develop and evolve in line with the ever-changing needs of young people.

As well as focusing on career development for himself, he has in tandem implemented ways to help pupils achieve qualifications, gain work experience and form aspirations to secure a job which they enjoy. Mark helps ensure young people have access to gain qualifications in line with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), offering a variety of subject choices, as well as a high level of support with literacy and numeracy. Mark has incorporated employability skills into course delivery and assessment to ensure pupils are equipped with knowledge and skills reflective of the current job market.

An example of the difference Mark has made to the lives of his pupils can be demonstrated through a previous pupil who Mark was a guidance teacher and mentor to. The young person is now a full-time employee at 91���� within the catering department, having gained all the relevant qualifications with Mark’s support and motivation.

“Mark is funny, caring and a hard worker. He has helped me by providing a work experience placement that I know will benefit me in the future”.

Young person

Mark goes above and beyond to enrich the experiences of young people. The study trips he organised and fundraised for are excellent examples of why he deserves the Lifetime Achievement Award. At 91����, pupils are often care-experienced and have previously faced trauma and adversity. They have unlikely travelled out with their local area and have low expectations of taking a plane trip. However, due to Mark’s commitment, several educational excursions were made possible.

As part of the educational tours, two pupils travelled to Ecuador, spending time with local people and improving their poor housing conditions through the “Determined to Succeed” initiative. Through ‘Classroom for Malawi’, five pupils and six staff members built two classrooms and funded a teacher. The trip cost over £30K and involved fundraising activities across two years. A trip to Baltimore in America to make a stand for Civil Rights involved six pupils and four teachers. Each journey, from the process of fundraising to arriving and making a difference was a huge achievement.

The travel experiences gave care experienced pupils an understanding of the wider world, gaining awareness of culture and differences; a perspective they would not have learned without Mark’s involvement and tenacity. The fundraising aspect taught students entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, as well as helping towards other qualifications. Fundraising gave an insight into the meaning of community, increasing awareness of philanthropic issues and instilling moral values. Pupils worked together and recognised their power and responsibility in making a difference. Through the entire experience, pupils gained life skills that equipped them with the motivation to be a positive force in the wider community and beyond.

Mark leads on organisational funding projects to ensure the school has the resources available to fully support pupils moving forward to positive futures. Through initiating employability and tenancy projects, young people have received extra tuition and additional support to gain national qualifications, including the Tenancy Award – a qualification that prepares care-experienced young people to sustain independent living.

Mark has an open-door policy and offers full support to his fellow teachers. Mark has led by example by completing his Master’s qualification and has influenced colleagues to undertake continued professional development opportunities. The approachable nature he possesses is appreciated by staff.

“Mark has always offered support and been there with advice, sharing his experience of undertaking further study allowing us to relate to him. If there is help needed anywhere then Mark is first to be there”.

Principal Teacher, Tracey Jardine

Overall, Mark’s fundamental principle in teaching is to build meaningful relationships and connections. Throughout his career, Mark has sometimes been the sole, consistent adult in young peoples’ lives. He has nurtured the academic and vocational abilities of pupils while providing them with opportunities to experience the wider world and gain valuable life skills.

Mark has been instrumental in bringing to life 91����’s overall goal to empower young people to believe in themselves, feel a sense of belonging, fulfil their potential, achieve and work towards a positive future.  Mark genuinely represents 91����’s inspiring learning and development culture, encouraging both pupils and staff to be ambitious. By leading by example, fellow teachers have looked up to Mark and together, have strived to provide the best educational experience possible for pupils.