Latest news with #WestLothianCollege
Daily Record
7 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Wait over for pupils in West Lothian as exam results are received and continue to improve
Support and guidance is available for anyone who requires help The anxious wait for high school pupils in West Lothian was over as they received their exam results on Tuesday. Pupils have had the opportunity to undertake a wide range of courses either in their own schools or in conjunction with partners through the West Lothian Campus and at West Lothian College. Young people across the local authority area were rewarded for their hard work as Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications and Awards results were received on August 5. Early indications show that the results from senior pupils attending West Lothian's 11 secondary schools have continued to improve across a number of key indicators on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Pupils in S5 achieving one or more Level 6 qualification, which includes Highers, increased across West Lothian. Both the number of S5 and S6 pupils achieving five or more Level 6 qualifications, such as Highers, also saw rises this year. As well as National Qualifications, pupils have achieved National Progression Awards, HNCs, Skills for Work courses and Foundation Apprenticeships among others. Executive councillor for education, Andrew McGuire said: 'Well done to all of our young people who have received their exam results. Their hard work and commitment to their learning has led to these achievements. 'West Lothian has shown continual improvement in our exam results which is testament to the support that our pupils receive from our schools. 'I would like to thank all education staff for their great work in supporting our young people this year.' West Lothian Council Head of Secondary Education Siobhan McGarty added: 'Once our young people have their results, they may need some advice and support about their next steps with their curriculum and career pathways. Support is available to them through their schools and through organisations such as Skills Development Scotland/ Careers Advisors who are all available to help.' For anyone seeking support and guidance after receiving their results: Talk to your school: School staff will be available after the exam results are released to offer advice and help, particularly for pupils who intend to continue in school education. Skills Development Scotland: For careers advice contact the special free helpline on 0808 100 8000, which is open 9am to 5pm weekdays. You can also visit: My World of Work SQA: For information regarding appeals and more, visit: SQA Website West Lothian College: For information about courses visit: West Lothian College website, contact the admissions Office: 01506 427605 or email: enquiries@ Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS): If you are undecided about your future there is a wealth of advice and information and options available on UCAS website Listen & Link: We all respond differently to important life events, like waiting for and receiving results. At times we may feel relaxed and calm, whilst at others we may feel worried. If you are feeling worried or have not had the results you hoped for please know you can reach out to Listen & Link and speak to one of the team on 01506 283160
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
West Lothian student urges others with disabilities to 'go for it' at college or university
Aaron has cerebral palsy, autism, oral motor ataxia, cerebral visual impairment and other issues An inspiring West Lothian College student with disabilities is sharing his education journey story to encourage others to 'go for it' and achieve whatever they want to. Going onto further or higher education, such as college, university, or an apprenticeship, comes with unique challenges for students with a disability, but a growing network of support is available Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) offers tailored funding and inclusive college or university resources designed to help disabled students thrive during their studies. Aaron, a multi-disabled HNC Social Services student at West Lothian College, has shared his route to further education. 'I have cerebral palsy, autism, oral motor ataxia, cerebral visual impairment, and a host of other small, little, niggly disabilities that make up the legend that is me,' said Aaron. 'I am a glass half full kind of guy, and like to say that everything kind of works, just not very well. 'I actually started college on an Assisted Programme, which, in a nutshell, teaches people with disabilities vital life skills and is a key stepping stone in considering what we want to do with our future. 'I've guest lectured for Napier University's learning disability nursing course on my lived experience with nurses, and social care in general. This motivated me to learn more about Health and Social Care, as I wanted to understand more about the policies and practices that affect my everyday life.' West Lothian College's Student Support Team work with students across the college in all centres, providing help with all learning needs. Kate Fleming, Health and Social Care Lecturer at the college, said: 'Aaron has grown so much during his time at college. He is a driven student who overcomes any barriers he faces with his learning. 'It has been a pleasure to teach Aaron. He approaches every task with a positive attitude and a real desire to learn and improve. We're proud of everything he's achieved, and we're excited to see where his journey takes him as he progresses at the college.' Aaron added: 'My disabilities make daily college life a bit of a challenge when it comes to class lectures, work placements and accessing areas on campus, but I have had support since day one, and the level of attention and consideration that the college has put in to help me achieve my goals of studying has been amazing. 'I get help several times a week from Student Support who assist me with everything from scribe support, open and closed book assessments, guidance and time management planning. I honestly have had the best experience and feel valued as a student.' Aaron receives the SAAS Disabled Students' Allowance, a specialised support package that eligible students receive throughout their college and university studies at HNC, HND and degree level. The allowance supports students who have extra costs because of their disability. 'It's quite simply the case that without the extra support, I could not achieve my goals,' Aaron admits. 'The extra funding from SAAS means I can pay for a scribe to help with my coursework assessments, have the technology needed to help me with note taking in lectures, and additional student support to be there for me when it comes to my assessments and exams.' Aaron has a message of encouragement for any young person with a disability considering their options when they finish school. He said: 'Go for it! The sky is the limit, and the only thing holding you back is you.' To hear more about how the team at West Lothian College can help, email supportlearning@
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
West Lothian College student has secured a place at Chef of the Year finals
This year, at the Scottish regional heat held at West Lothian College, judges were impressed with the outstanding talent from everyone who took part and created an amazing selection of dishes. A West Lothian College student has secured a place at the finals of the 2025 Riso Gallo's UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year. The competition is designed for aspiring student chefs aged between 17 and 23. It challenges participants to showcase their skills by creating a vibrant and imaginative risotto dish that reflects their personality, passion and creativity. This year, at the Scottish regional heat held at West Lothian College, judges were impressed with the outstanding talent from everyone who took part and created an amazing selection of dishes. The judges said that 'every dish excelled in taste, execution or invention.' Craig Fairbairn, a student in Level 6 Professional Cookery at West Lothian College, took home the winning title of the Scottish heat which means he will now compete in the grand final in London later this year. Craig said: 'It feels great to win. After three years, I'm finally on my way to London for the grand final of the Young Risotto Chef of the Year competition. 'Time to start practising and hopefully bring that trophy home! Huge thanks to my lecturers for all their support.' Paul Kelly, one of Craig's lecturers, added: 'I am so proud of Craig. This is the third year he has entered the competition and I am delighted that he won first place and now gets to cook his risotto at the grand final with winners from the other UK regional heats. 'The quality of all dishes was exceptionally high which makes Craig's win all the more impressive.'
