Schools and youth work

Supporting young people to achieve their potential

Scotland's education system is dedicated to improving the outcomes for its young people through schools and youth work partnerships.

'Youth work can enhance the life of any young person. It can contribute positively to young people's personal growth and to the growth of the community they live in.' (Moving Forward: A strategy for Improving Young People's Chances through Youth Work, Scottish Government, 2007)

To offer young people the widest range of choices and chances through learning partnerships, fundamental changes in education are required.  These must be focused firmly on the needs and aspirations of young people. Responsibility for these changes extends beyond schools and involves all those working with children and young people in Scotland.

Learning providers must work in partnership to maximise their contributions to preparing young people for their futures and the highest possible levels of achievement. They need to be familiar with the experiences and outcomes from Curriculum for Excellence development as 'Curriculum for Excellence: Building the Curriculum 3' (Scottish Government, 2008) recognises that the curriculum contains all the experiences planned for young people throughout their education 'wherever they are being educated'.

These learning partnerships will help equip young people with the knowledge and skills for learning, life and work that they require to take their place in modern society and contribute to a modern Scotland.