A group of education professionals from a school in Norway made a second visit to Oban High School this week as part of an international exchange programme which looks at ways of sharing best practice and explores opportunities for young people aged 16 years and over.
The Norwegian Head Teachers: Wenche Rudshaug Kavali and Olav Wennemo were welcomed to the school by Head Teacher Peter Bain; Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly; Depute Policy Lead, Councillor Kieron Green; and Executive Director of Community Services, Douglas Hendry.
Mr Bain said: “Mailand videregående skole was researching the opportunities available to young people seeking work or further education in Scottish schools, and got in touch with us last year to see if they could form an exchange programme.
"They visited us last October and, following a highly successful and positive trip, a project plan was established between us which allows teachers in both countries to share examples of good practice linked to Developing the Young Workforce.
"Since then we’ve been extremely busy developing our partnership further and are now working with the Scottish College of Educational Leadership as part of the Excellence in Headship programme: looking at Leading Systems Change.
"I’m delighted that our Norwegian visitors are here with us this week to look at how we develop leadership at all levels; in particular how we are developing leadership pupils as young leaders.”
Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: “It’s clear that all the schools have a lot in common.
"The exchange programmes are a huge step in strengthening international connections and enables us to promote what a great place Argyll and Bute as great place to live, work and learn to a global audience.
“We want the very best for our young people and we are committed to helping them move onto positive destinations.”
“We are above the national average for the number of young people aged between 16 and 19 who are currently in employment, education or training – putting us in the top 10 of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas. This is a huge achievement and is certainly something we want to celebrate.
“There are great things happening right across our education service and I’m excited to see what will come of this partnership.”