To date, Largs Academy has 6 active Innovative School Projects funded by DYW Ayrshire.

Towards the end of 2023, Largs Academy were delighted to officially launch their DYW Innovative Projects Skills Academy.  Whilst celebrating the continued success of ‘Seeds n Shovels’, ‘Creative Minds Photography’ and ‘Largs Picture House’, we were thrilled to announce the creation of ‘LA Events’ and ‘Livin La Vida Mocha’ at this well attended and delightful event.  Amongst our esteemed guests of parents, staff, external partners and hard-working students, we were pleased to welcome Provost Dickson, Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran Sheriff Iona McDonald, and Walter Smith MBE to officially open our Skills Academy!

Each Project goes from strength to strength, most recently however, LA Events organised Strictly Come Dancing and Largs’ Got Talent, not only developing a variety of skills in our students such as superior leadership, but also raising money for Charities such as The Beatson.

Our Barista – Livin’ La Vida Mocha – has been a huge success.  Students are providing high end customer service, whilst providing high quality hot and cold beverages.  All management of areas such as finances through to advertising develops an array of skills for life, learning and work for which our students have nothing but high praise.

Student Lee states, ‘I wouldn’t just recommend it, it’s a must pick class’!  Susan notes, ‘I struggled to come to school, but now I feel good about myself.  I’m learning so much, I know I’ll get a job’.  Craig and Jack say ‘fun’!

It’s fantastic to see our students be involved in understanding their own skills development!

Donna McTaggart – Faculty Leader Pupil Support at Largs Academy