Gateway to College Student Spotlights - Charlotte and Amelia
Breadalbane Academy has been working with UHI Perth and the Perth and Kinross School / College Partnership to access a tailored Personal Development Programme, designed and delivered by Kate Lamb from our New Opportunities department to support the needs of our students. It focuses particularly on wellbeing, emotional literacy, and personal development. In this week's blog, we meet two students from the course - Charlotte and Amelia 🙋♀️
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Charlotte Hoad and I’m from Ardeonig.
What year are you in at Breadalbane Academy?
I am in S4.
You have been doing the ‘Gateway to College’ course through the school/college partnership at UHI Perth. How did you hear about this course and why did you decide to do it?
My school guidance teachers told me about the course and referred me on to it. I was happy to get a place on it because I’d heard good things from friends who had done it last year.
Can you tell us about some of the things you have been doing in the course?
We’ve been working on wellbeing activities and learning about ways to look after ourselves emotionally and physically. We talk lots about self-esteem and making ourselves more confident as well as preparing for the future.
What has been your favourite part of the course?
We spend a lot of time outdoors and go on field trips which is great, and the atmosphere always feels very relaxed and supportive.
Has your lecturer, Kate Lamb, been supportive?
Yes, she is very kind, and she is always very supportive and patient with us. She puts in lots of effort to find cool opportunities for us and plan fun trips which is great.
Have you made new friends?
No, because I knew everybody all ready, but I’ve got closer to some of the people in my year group.
Has your confidence and wellbeing improved since doing the course?
Yes, definitely. I’m a lot more aware of things I’m good at and ways to have a positive mindset.
And finally, would you recommend the course to other school pupils that are considering doing it?
Yes, definitely. Improving your confidence is a huge thing and it’s been a great experience for me to have this time thinking about ‘me’.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Amelia Goddard and I’m from Kenmore.
What year are you in at Breadalbane Academy?
I am in S5.
You have been doing the ‘Gateway to College’ course through the school/college partnership at UHI Perth. How did you hear about this course and why did you decide to do it?
My friends told me all about it and said it would help me with my confidence.
Can you tell us about some of the things you have been doing in the course?
We’ve been talking about mental health and how to look after ourselves and manage anxiety. We’ve done lots of wellbeing activities and classes around boosting our self-esteem and our confidence.
What has been your favourite part of the course?
Getting outside lots and having time to relax and be ourselves and talk.
Has your lecturer, Kate Lamb, been supportive?
Yes, Kate’s been lovely. She always puts us at ease and makes sure we’re ok. If anyone isn’t comfortable with an activity, she always changes it to make sure everyone is calm.
Have you made new friends?
Yes, everyone is really nice.
Has your confidence and wellbeing improved since doing the course?
Yes, I’ve been putting my hand up in class and getting involved and normally I wouldn’t feel up to doing that.
And finally, would you recommend the course to other school pupils that are considering doing it?
Yes, because it’s really important stuff in a nice atmosphere. It’s been great to talk about our mood and be listened to and supported. The class has a really happy vibe.
