Claire Connelly
Collecting a special certificate for her outstanding achievement on the New Directions project this year, marks a significant turnaround in the life of Claire Connelly.
Claire was linked to the New Directions in August 2007 when her school noticed her poor attendance pattern. New Directions, which Renfrewshire Council operates in partnership with Reid Kerr College, offers students in their final year at risk of failing, a different learning approach within a college environment.
Over the past year, Claire has studied a wide range of courses as part of New Directions, attaining an impressive three Intermediate 1 awards and three Intermediate 2 awards in core skills. She has also taken the chance to try a number of the vocational trianing opportunities available, including courses in hair and beauty, care of babies and holiday planning.
Claire has now secured a place on the National Certificate Travel & Tourism course at Reid Kerr College, and will begin full-time further education studies in August. Frank Graham, the New Directions Manager, said on presenting Claire wiht her certificate "Claire exemplifies what New Directions is all about. She is a more confident and rounded young person who looks forward to the challenges ahead."