SCOTS 2025/26

Stirling SCOTS Programme

School College Opportunities to Succeed

 in partnership with Stirling Council

Welcome to SCOTS 2025/26

At Forth Valley College, we work in partnership with Stirling Council to provide a unique course for S3 to S6 pupils who are unsure what they want to do when they leave school or what to study at college or university.

We have designed the SCOTS programme to provide an opportunity to experience learning in a college environment where the courses are introduction rather than undertaking a full qualification as part of your school timetable. Each course will last for 16 weeks. During your course, you may have the opportunity to undertake a level 4 SQA unit.

There are 3 ways that you can be involved with the SCOTS programme: 

1.      join for one block only, either block 1 or 2;

2.      join SCOTS for the full year doing different subjects in block 1 and 2;

3.      join SCOTS for the full year but stay on the same course. 

If you choose the 3rd option, you may be able to undertake a different unit if available or to further enhance the skills they learned in block 1.

For the ‘Introduction’ courses, the target group is S3-S6 – preferably those who will be applying to a SCP programme or a January start or full-time programme the following year, studying at SCQF Level 4 minimum. Pupils should also be engaging well at school, have a good attendance pattern, and see College as a positive destination.

The courses delivered through the SCOTS programme are:-

• SCOTS – Introduction to Creative Hair and Makeup for Film and TV

• SCOTS – Introduction to Social Services: Healthcare & Early Years

• SCOTS – Introduction to Construction

• SCOTS – Introduction to Hospitality and Events

• SCOTS – Introduction to Creative Industries

• SCOTS – Introduction to Science:  Forensic Investigation

• SCOTS – Enhanced Transition to College

SCOTS - Introduction to Creative Hair & Make-up for Film and TV

Working with a lecturer for Salon Services, this course is linked to the Award in Film and Screen and will introduce you to Creative Hair and Makeup. It can start you on the journey to our Salon Services courses or into Creative Industries. 

SCOTS – Introduction to Social Services: Early Years

Working in Early Years education is extremely popular and can lead to lots of different careers within Social Services and Education. This course will start you on a journey in Early Years which can lay the groundwork for creating nurturing, supportive, and enriching environments that promote the development and well-being of those in your care.

SCOTS – Introduction to Construction

Construction is a massive area with lots of different trades you can work in, for example bricklaying, joinery, painting & decorating, plumbing, surveying, and architecture plus many more. This course will cover one of these areas giving you a taste of working in a workshop. You will be measured for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as overalls, safety boots etc and learn many skills as well as the associated health and safety elements of this trade.

SCOTS – Introduction to Hospitality and Events

Our Hospitality course is one of our most popular as it will introduce you working in a hospitality setting, both front of house and in the kitchen. As well as cooking and baking, you will also have the opportunity to arrange a small event. This is a fantastic introductory course that can lead to lots of other school programmes.

SCOTS – Introduction to Creative Industries

This course introduces you Creative Industries which covers a broad range of different topics. Creative Industries can lead into Film and Media, Sound Production, Creative Arts, Printing, Photography, and this is just a few. This SCOTS programme introduces you to one area that will help you start building a portfolio if you want to progress further in this field.

SCOTS – Introduction to Science: Forensic Investigation

Forensic investigators need a keen eye for detail, critical thinking skills and patience. They also need to be able to work well under pressure and communicate their findings effectively. Through working in one of our science labs, you the chance to carry out experiments and learn how to bring pieces of information together.

SCOTS – Enhanced Transition to College

We have 2 transition courses for pupils who are unsure of what path they want to undertake.   These courses will introduce you to college, give you an understanding on what college has to offer and let you settle in first before going onto a course with any assessments.

Progression from SCOTS

We want you to have a positive experience at college and we will do all we can to help you settle and enjoy your time with us. We work closely with your school to ensure that any issues you may have will be addressed quickly, so you are supported well.

Our staff are encouraging and keen to work with you to get the best out of the programme. Successful completion of the SCOTS programme can lead to further school partnership courses such as Skills for Work, NPAs and then even on to our Foundation Apprenticeship programme which is equivalent to a Higher.

However, some pupils choose to leave school after SCOTS and apply directly for full-time courses.

SCOTS will give you confidence to follow these routes and if you are still unsure what to do, staff are on hand to talk you through your options.

Expectations as a student at Forth Valley College

As well as being a pupil at your school, when you are on the SCOTS programme you will be a student at Forth Valley College. Our Stirling Campus has students studying a wide range of subjects. As it is busy, there are always students walking about from each class, sitting in the canteen, or using spaces to study.

When studying at Forth Valley College, we place a lot of trust in our students to be always respectful and behave appropriately. This means we take a Zero Tolerance approach to bullying. If any pupil is seen to be behaving disrespectfully or in a bullying manner towards another pupil, student, or staff member, this will be reported back to the school for immediate action to be taken.

We also take your safety very seriously. Our main doors are always open as students are always entering and leaving the building. When you have a class, it is expected for you to be on time and stay to complete the full class. As the SCOTS programme is delivered in partnership with schools, if a pupil does not attend the class, or leaves early, this is reported to the school immediately as we have a duty of care to ensure no harm comes to you while on the programme.

We want SCOTS to be the start of your college education and look forward to seeing you.