Education

Alternative School

The Alternative School provides young people who are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education or who may find school a challenge, an alternative place to learn, grow and develop. Students attend the Alternative School three or four times per week. Their development journey includes 1:1 support on subjects including Maths and English in addition to physical activity sessions. There is a focus on self-reflection, personal development and fostering a growth mindset. In 2019 the Alternative School won the Youth Link Scotland Raising Attainment award.

Our 'free to choose' options emphasise practical learning through volunteering and work experience opportunities. Every young person is mentored by one of our youth workers or community coaches.  

In 2021 our students passed Nat 3, 4 and 5 exams in maths, english, steps to work and motorbiking. We had our first ever exam sat at The Academy and our first pass at Nat 5 numeracy. All our leavers are on a path to positive destinations via Activity Agreements, Apprenticeships, College or Full time employment. In Academic year 2022-23 we are working with 16 students.

Youth Work in Primary Schools

Our youth workers are based in local primary schools for one full day a week where they mentor young people who need extra academic, social or emotional support. Youth workers are valued members of school staff, communicating the same core messages to pupils but their connection to the Foundation means that young people often feel more comfortable approaching them when they need help or support.

School of Football

In partnership with the Scottish Football Association we deliver the 'School of Football' programme at Craigroyston Community High School. Football is used as a vehicle to inspire and motivate pupils who are facing challenges at school.

Physical Activity Programmes

Our community coaches deliver lunchtime, after-school and curriculum football-based PE sessions in local primary schools. Whether it’s officiating a game in the playground or delivering curriculum sessions, we aim to inspire and motivate pupils to be physically active and develop their social, teamwork and football skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Strachan Football Development Course 

We have recently teamed up with Edinburgh College to deliver the Strachan Football Personal Development Course. This course provides an excellent opportunity for school leavers aged 16-19 years to build on their passion for football. Learners will work towards a  National Certificate in Sport and Fitness. The course will be delivered between Edinburgh College and The Foundation. Students will improve their skills, game-play and fitness and gain valuable experience in areas such as coaching, youth work and sports facility management and maintenance. For more information please contact Eddie Malone

Gofitba!

Gofitba is a football based health and wellbeing project that we deliver in partnership with the Scottish Football Partnership Trust. The programme offers the young participants a chance to enjoy an hour of fun football-based activity led by club coaches, followed by an hour where they are taught how to lead a healthier lifestyle through diet and nutrition by completing their very own learning journal. To round off each weekly session, the kids are then served a hot healthy meal which gives them an opportunity to enjoy some social time together.

The Spartans Community Football Academy Youth Ambassadors

Our Youth Ambassadors Programme welcomes young people who would like to gain valuable skills and experience in youth work, facilities management and coaching. Participants are mentored by staff from The Academy and work towards their national Saltire Awards.

Education Officers at The Foundation

Our Education Officers David and Lewis support attainment and learning in our local primary schools. In addition to providing 1:1 help to young people, they deliver our 3 key programmes to large groups and full classes that combine curriculum learning with purposeful play:

BeME - mental health and wellbeing awareness and education based around the SAMH 5 ways to wellbeing: connect, be active, take notice, learn and give.

SPHERO Superstars - STEM learning using codeable robots to create engaging lessons and activities encouraging exploration, imagination and perseverance in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Roots, Shoots and Scores - this project brings together learning on the environment, sustainability and social enterprise together with physical activity based sessions to enhance classroom learning.

Willow Den outdoor nursery at The Foundation

Willow Den at Spartans is located within the grounds of The Foundation and offers early learning and childcare to children aged 3 years to school age.  

We all know that outdoor play is critical for children’s development, health, and wellbeing. Willow Den allows children to play and learn outdoors in, or near the place where they live. Willow Den encourages children to connect with nature, learn through play, care for the environment and develop confidence and resilience. Children are encouraged to follow their interests and become curious about the world we live in, supported by caring, experienced early years practitioners.

To register please email Kathie@willowden.scot

To arrange a chat or for more information, email our nursery manager amy.mcglinchey@willowden.scot

For general information you can visit the website.