In 2008 Wester Hailes Education Centre embarked on a five year plan to raise attainment for all our pupils. An important part of our strategy was to raise the expectations of our pupils. When Brodies approached us about their Prime Programme we very quickly realised that this was the ideal programme to help achieve this goal.
In discussions with Wendy, the PRIME co-ordinator, it became clear that our strategy and their programme aims complemented each other. Wendy was extremely helpful and professional during our joint planning to include our pupils in the initiative.
In June 2012 our first two pupils enrolled. Their experience was so positive that one of them was accepted into Edinburgh University in 2014 to study law. Up until I retired in 2015, a further six pupils took part in the programme and another one of these pupils was accepted into Edinburgh University to study law.
The feedback from all pupils who participated in PRIME was excellent and their parents believed it had helped develop their confidence and raise their aspirations.
In 2014 twenty percent of pupils who enrolled with us in 2008 entered universities throughout Scotland to study various courses including law, teaching, engineering, astro physics, languages and history. I believe that the Prime programme was an excellent opportunity for our pupils and would thank the staff at Brodies who delivered an excellent and very supportive programme that helped to develop skills in the participants and also raise their aspirations.
Stuart Heggie DHT Wester Hailes Education Centre 2008 – 2015
