​Helen achieved well in her broad general education at fourth level in technologies and expressive arts and third level in other curricular areas. She found reading and writing more difficult but was progressing steadily.

Her S3 profile recorded her interest and strengths in practical skills. It also highlighted the importance of her requiring programmes of learning in the senior phase that would take forward her learning in areas of particular strength and also provide additional support, at an appropriate pace, in subject areas she found most challenging.

In S4, Helen was able to study a mixture of one and two –year programmes of learning at both National 4 and National 5 levels to meet her learning needs.

She continued this pattern in S5, progressing to Highers in human biology and drama in S6. She also attended a local college completing an HNC unit in hospitality: professional cookery.

Helen’s experience from her part-time Saturday job contributed to her NQ personal development course and secured a full-time place on a HNC/HND course in professional cookery at college.

I always enjoyed making and building things when I was younger and knew that I would probably end up in a job where I could put my practical skills to good use. In the BGE, I developed a real interest in cooking and even started making simple snacks at home. I decided to study practical cookery and my enthusiasm and level of skill increased exceptionally well. I had the opportunity to study for a unit in professional cookery at the local college and from this experience made a decision that a career as a head chef in a professional kitchen was my ultimate goal.
Helen