Futures Institute at Dollar Academy

That the Parliament welcomes the news that a final planning stage has been approved to enable Dollar Academy to begin construction on its pioneering Futures Institute; understands that the project, approved by Clackmannanshire Council, will see the school build a physical home for its progressive educational programme, the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy (FIDA); further understands that the new, domed building has been designed with a focus on sustainability, thus embodying the core principles of the FIDA initiative; acknowledges that this is another significant milestone for the ambitious project that has been lauded as a sector-leading teaching and learning space, where young people can work together and design solutions to real world problems, in an inspiring environment; further acknowledges the school’s hope that learners throughout Scotland will have the chance to undertake FIDA courses during their time at school, and that the initiative has already offered over 550 young people across the country the opportunity to learn in a different way, concurrent with its three core principles; considers that, in addition to this, the courses are firmly rooted in one of the UN sustainable development goals and all content is co-created with experts from industry and/or universities; believes that FIDA education is currently offered to pupils online and during weekends or school holidays, with the new building aiming to be the hub for advanced education at Dollar Academy; further considers that the Futures Institute is being designed by world-renowned architect, Andrew Whalley OBE, and will feature state-of-the-art learning environments, a digital prototyping suite, a science lab and creative art spaces, with construction to commence shortly; acknowledges that, with the intention of being an exemplar of sustainable architecture, the building’s design aspects go beyond energy generation and integrating quality of light and natural ventilation, whilst considering biodiversity, and its place in the broader landscape; commends Dollar Academy, its principal, Ian Munro, and everyone involved in this project, and wishes they and all pupils current and future all the very best in their endeavours.