Robert Burns Academy and the Barony Campus had the pleasure of launching our Skills Academy in March where pupils had the opportunity to showcase their work through the DYW Innovative Projects. Pupils welcomed the local Provost to officially open the Skills Academy along with other members of the local authority and businesses, DYW and those involved in coordinating projects to see some presentations, listen to some live music, participate in some interactive activities and enjoy produce from the groups.

The Barony Campus innovative projects include the “Bean and Gone” Barista group. A barista was present in both Auchinleck and Cumnock Academies and has continued into the new Robert Burns Academy. Pupils delivered a short presentation about what they do in the class with support from Ayrshire College and served guests with some delicious hot drinks. The group have launched a small business within the school and hope to expand this with our new cohort next year. Ayrshire College are also involved in the delivery of our Bike Maintenance project; “Barony Bespoke Bicycles” where pupils learn how to repair and maintain bikes.

“Barony Buttons”, a fashion and textiles project, and “All Fired Up”, a pottery project paying tribute to local history, were also launched. These are presented via the fantastic Art department and pieces have been produced at sold at school events with an aim to continue to grow.

The Supported Learning Centre operate our horticulture project called “The Robert Burns Market Gardens”. The centre have done an amazing job developing this project and growing plants to sell throughout the year, using the plants to make secondary products and organising events that involve the whole school as well as the local community.

The event was a huge success which could not have run without the fantastic support from those involved in projects as well as DYW Ayrshire and Ayrshire College and we look forward to continuing to build this relationship and developing new ones with local industries.

Caitlin McIlvanney, Teacher of Biology & DYW Coordinator, Robert Burns Academy