Helping your child to become... Determined to Succeed

What is Determined to Succeed?

The Scottish Executive wants all young people to have self-confidence and belief in their own talents and abilities; and to have the motivation and support to develop the skills necessary to make the most of their potential. 'Determined to Succeed' is our strategy for enterprise in education. It's designed to help young people adopt a 'can-do, will-do' approach to the world around them.

Determined to Succeed is a strategy that sits within the education system in Scotland. It's not about creating the next generation of entrepreneurs, although some young people will take that route. It's about a route to a more enterprising, succesful Scotland, where all young people understand the contribution they can make, to their schools, and beyond that, to their comunities and the wider economy; we want them to become enterprising employees and employers. And for those young people that need additional support, we want to make the prospect of making this sort of contribution both desireable and realistic.

Scotland's young people deserve a succesful future. Helping make this happen is what Determined to Succeed is all about - a long-term drive to build an enterprising culture in Scotland by starting in the classroom.

Why is it important?

The world is becoming a smaller place. Scottish businesses compete with others from all over the world. And as well as this global competition, we in Scotland face a falling number of working age adults. If we're to prosper, we need to encourage and increase business start-ups and develop a strong, skilled workforce. Without a strong economy, our public services and our local communitires become weaker. So it's essential that we create a Scotland where everyone has the opportunity to make the most of their ability and talent - and has the courage to reach out, take risks and realise their ambitions.

What have we done so far?

Determined to Succeed is a joined-up effort between the Scottish Executive, local authorities and their schools, and the business community.

Together we are:

• Putting staff into each local authority with specific responsibility for DtS
• Introducing enterprising approaches to learning and teaching
• Making sure every young person in Scotland gets the chance to see what it means to be enterprising in education

What might you see happening in schools?

Determined to Succeed gives pupils a chance to take responsibility for their own learning. It helps them reflect on their strengths, passions and abilities; it helps them understand what works best for them; and it provides the support they need to make the most of those qualities.

Schools and businesses are working together to show young people the practical relevance of what they are learning, encouraging them to think in enterprising ways through a wide range of activities such as:

• Presentations from visiting speakers on jobs within your community;
• Researching or reviewing case studies of Scottish, UK and Global companies;
• Running mini-companies;
• Having work experience placements;
• Visiting workplaces, careers events and colleges or universities

Who's involved?

Schools and businesses will take the lead. But the home obviously plays an essential part because parents, carers and other family members can make a real difference to children's learning. Young people learn at school; you can supplement that with support at home by, for example, showing an interest in their hopes and plans for the future, and helping to guide them towards the best sources of information and help.

So, as a parent, how well do you:

• know your child's strengths, interests and abilities?
• know what types of jobs need these skills?
• know where to go for help and guidance on decisions about your child's future after school?