A school based in the grounds of an iconic Aberdeenshire children’s play park has chalked up another pledge for the Apprentice 100 campaign.
The Aberdeen Green School, an alternative education provider which opened in August 2014, will recruit a trainee to assist students with their project-based learning, arrange work experience placements and line up mentors.
The school is located in the grounds of The Den & The Glen, formerly Storybook Glen, and gives teachers an ideal opportunity to deliver an outdoor learning and promote of environmental stewardship.
Founding director Diane Elliott said the school is geared toward getting young people ready for life after school.
Each student studies core subjects, including English, maths and physics, and is given a personalised learning plan, which is put together with input from parents and students alike.
The children are also expected to show a great deal on independence in completing individual projects which focus on the profession they want to work in.
Mrs Elliott said: “Our students really look into the area they’re interest in. It’s all about them being resourceful and self-driven. When they leave school they’ll be ready to take on their own projects.”
Seven children aged 14 to 17 currently study at the school, which is looking to expand its existing pool of four teachers.
One of the students, Benedict Stammeijer, said the small class size fosters a more collaborative approach to learning between students and teachers.
Fellow student Rowen Young said she believes the curriculum – which is tailored to individual students’ needs and interests – will prepare her and her classmates for their first steps into employment.
The school recently had its first official inspection from Education Scotland, and passed with flying colours.
The report said teachers were building the students’ confidence as individual learners and that the children showed great pride in their work, which is produced to a very high standard.
Mrs Elliott said the school is working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority to develop certification for this new position within education.
Apply to become a trainee at TAGS by sending a CV and cover letter to diane_elliott@theaberdeengreenschool.org