A Scottish world view - Gourock High School

Homecoming Scotland 2009 provided schools with many innovative ways to develop aspects of Curriculum for Excellence – the principles, capacities and values; and in curriculum areas including expressive arts and social studies, and innovative uses of ICT, including Glow.

From local community heritage projects to ‘world view’ initiatives, to celebrating the diversity of Scottish society - the possibilities were endless. By taking part, schools took practical and inspirational steps as they worked with Scotland’s young people to achieve the Scottish Government National Outcome:

'To equip pupils for their futures in a globalised society by . . . encouraging young people to develop an understanding of and passion for science, the environment and Scotland's culture, history and heritage.'

Gourock High School has a strong tradition of international study, and Scotland’s Homecoming year saw the culmination of their latest international project. Working in partnership with no less than seven European schools, Gourock High completed their study of job migration in modern Europe – 'Migration, job mobility and intercultural issues: a challenge for our decade in the EU'.

Who took part in the project?

  • Schools from Germany, Austria, Latvia, Portugal, Netherlands, Finland and Turkey
  • Young people of all ages within the school, with special focus on senior school - S5 and S6
  • A range of staff from all subject areas.

What did the project involve?

  • Exploring stereotypes: how do people view the Scots, and how do we view other nationalities?
  • Our self image: how Scots see themselves, and how we would like to be seen by our European partners
  • Examining our culture: what is uniquely Scottish? What are we proud of? Looking at language, food, dance, film as ways to be uniquely Scottish
  • 'The Red Tape': what would someone moving to Scotland for work purposes need to know about our systems? And if we wanted to move to another country for work, what would we need to know?

What opportunities were available to staff and pupils?

  • Staff from Gourock High travelled to Spain, France, Germany, Turkey and Austria for project work.
  • Young people from Gourock travelled to Kirsehir in Turkey for a project meeting with students and staff from all eight partner countries.
  • Regular email exchanges took place between staff and young people from across the whole partnership.
  • Several outside agencies had the chance to engage with the school while working on the project.
  • Young people helped in the organisation of the trip abroad (research into weather, customs, food, even necessary vaccinations).
  • Staff had more opportunities to work collaboratively across curriculum areas.
  • Many hard and soft skills were developed among staff and young people (ICT, research, working collaboratively, self-esteem, confidence).

What are the effects of international education on young people?

'The biggest thing I have noticed is a rise in self-esteem among my students. They seem to view themselves, their local area and their country with more pride than they did before. This project has given them the chance to see themselves through the eyes of others, and also to develop their sense of personal and national worth.'
Lisa Hanna, Teacher, Gourock High School

Some student comments

On research for the project...

'I thought Gourock was boring, but when you think about it, it’s really nice and looks brilliant in the photos. Everyone is really looking forward to visiting us.'

On the trip to Turkey...

'We helped our teacher with the risk assessment - we even had to look up what to do if there was an earthquake!'

'We made so many friends on this trip and we are so grateful for having such a unique opportunity to visit such a wonderful place, which we would probably never have had any other way.'

'It was really interesting finding out about how people dress, and what you should and shouldn’t do.'

Kirstie was worried about the food as she is a vegetarian, 'but it was actually a lot more healthy than Scottish food!'

The future...

In March 2009, Gourock High hosted its very own Homecoming event, when it welcomed staff and students from all partner countries to Gourock for a five-day visit. Staff and students in the school were involved in planning events and an itinerary for their guests.

For further information visit the Gourock High School website - Commenius Project.