Doon Academy: Senior pathways event with local businesses

The school held a Senior Phase Pathways event, which gave pupils the opportunity to learn about what they might want to do when they leave school.

Pupils got support from various businesses. (Image: NQ Archive) As well as this, it taught them some vital skills, including what to expect from a job interview.

More than a dozen businesses joined in on the event, with support from East Ayrshire Council.

The likes of Police Scotland, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, The King's Foundation, Shire Housing and many more local businesses were in attendance.

They got to learn more about future opportunities. (Image: NQ Archive) Events like this take place frequently for pupils in East Ayrshire.

But Doon Academy guidance teacher, Steven Kelly was determined to bring the event directly to the school this year, to offer support that some pupils might not otherwise be able to access.

He said: "We’ve had some great support from East Ayrshire Council this year and they’ve brought along a number of their services.

“These days are so vital to young people moving through the school and especially in a place like Dalmellington.

“Kids around here would usually have to travel to get to something like this, so to be able to bring it here is special.

“We really appreciate the time that these businesses have taken to come here and share their experiences and teach the pupils some valuable lessons for when they leave school."

They were taught some invaluable lessons. (Image: NQ Archive) Mr Kelly added: "Some senior pupils still might not know what they want to do when they leave school.

"These events are all about showing them that there are a range of different options out there.

"We want to see the percentage of pupils leaving the school and going onto a positive destination growing every year."