Kilpatrick School provides education for pupils with additional support needs, right from birth to age 18. The school is a real pillar of the community and West College Scotland students wanted to do something to help.

Students studying Childcare at National 4 Level worked with local partners and pupils, to decorate the walls of the school.  The students study on a programme delivered in partnership by West Dunbartonshire Council,  Community Learning and Development Team and West College Scotland's Communities Team. This was part of their Core Skills module ‘Working with Others’; with a motto of ‘by the community, in the community, for the community’ the students were keen to help their local area.

West College Scotland and West Dumbartonshire Council work together in local communities to bring adults back into education. Classes are delivered by lecturers in community centres, schools, and nurseries, as well as in the College, and provide a pathway for those with a gap in their education, to build their skills and confidence.

West College Scotland Community Learning & Development Childcare Students Geraldine Donaldson, Kim Mackie, Lyndsey Allan, Mary-Louise Harvey & Cheryl Porter, with a young helper

Shona Bennett, Early Years Lecturer at West College’s Clydebank Campus, said: “Our group of eight students were really keen to use the knowledge they had gained from their course to benefit the community. They selected Kilpatrick School as a focus close to their hearts and were delighted when their help was not just accepted, but welcomed.”

West College Scotland students consulted with pupils and helped them to develop their designs into something that would really stand out. With the front of Kilpatrick Primary now adorned with dragons, dinosaurs, gingerbread men and more, this was certainly the case.

Students secured funding of £250 from Action Earth and £250 from BT, which was used to buy materials, after seeking advice from local businesses. A donation of plants was secured from B&Q, and West College Scotland Painting & Decorating students helped to paint the design on the day.

Kilpatrick School Depute Head teacher, Emily Dixon, said: “The pupils absolutely embraced this opportunity to design something for our school building, and it was fantastic to see so many creative ideas.

“They loved working with students from West College and were delighted to see their work take pride of place at the school entrance. Our school has always offered a warm welcome, but the pictures have made all the difference to improving its visual appearance and extending our ethos of friendliness and inclusivity beyond the front door.”

Shona says “this really was a case of working with others, with students doing great to organise and complete the project. College Courses like these are a fabulous way to get adults back into learning. Projects like this, which include practical work in the community, are a great opportunity for those wishing to go onto further study, training, and qualifications.

“We deliver learning that is suited to those that need it. It’s a bite-size, building block, approach to learning that fits in with family life, right in the heart of communities.”