RECOGNITION OF NON-FORMAL EDUCATION

That this House recognises the excellent work that the Head Teacher of St. Kentigern's Academy has carried out for young people in West Lothian, and across Scotland, on the development of character through non-formal education, specifically through school and the Scouts; considers that non-formal education and volunteering has an important part to play in developing the life skills of young people, preparing them for life, learning and work, and that this fits well with the ethos of the Curriculum for Excellence; further recognises that countless students are committed to increasing their chances successfully to move on to the next stage in their lives by gaining rewards for their contributions to society; welcomes the fact that this opportunity for recognition has been widened to include formal Scottish Qualifications Authority recognition; and further welcomes the fact that this programme has been widened nationally to acknowledge the contribution of non-formal education to the holistic development of young people.