Students at Camphill School Aberdeen came together with staff to celebrate their fantastic achievements throughout the year on Thursday, March 2, 2023.
The charity’s internal STARS (Social, Taking Part, Attaining, Responsibility, Self-Directing) Awards give young people with even the most complex disabilities, the opportunity to have their further education achievements officially recognised.
More than 100 children and young people aged between 3 and 25 years old attend Camphill School Aberdeen. Based across, three campuses in the west of Aberdeen, it provides residential and daytime support. Many students have struggled in mainstream education and other care options but thrive at Camphill.
Its integrated approach combines national curriculum-aligned teaching, a range of vocational workshops, therapies, leisure and recreational facilities and on-site medical care. The approach ensures the young people they care for are able to grow in confidence and achieve outcomes their families never thought possible.
The STARS Awards enable Camphill students aged 16 to 25 years old, to achieve a further education grade based on the outcomes of activities undertaken during a range of vocational workshops. They provide a tangible alternative to a mainstream academic record and, in some cases, are used as an entry point to completing formal qualifications such as an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification). This school year, 89% of young adults at Camphill have achieved a STARS Award.
Alex Busch, Executive Director at Camphill School Aberdeen said: “The students show great pride in having their achievements recognised, and especially in receiving their personalised certificates. In fact, a recent survey found that 95% of parents highlighted the STARS Award’s importance to their child’s self-esteem and development. There have also been a number of students where the level of achievement has exceeded expectations, demonstrating that the system encourages independence and self-reliance. Our student’s achievements never fail to inspire me.”
21-year-old Jon Silver received 5 of the 40 awards handed out yesterday. Jon a residential pupil at the school was recognised for his dedication and hard work in developing the school’s organic, walled garden. He said: “The STARS Awards allow me to be more independent and learn more skills. I love doing the stars awards, it makes me proud of myself to achieve them and show people what I have done.”
The STARS Awards are just part of the organisation’s commitment to providing young people with a meaningful alternative to further education and care without the need to compromise. The charity is currently preparing to build a Social Enterprise at its Murtle Estate, near Bieldside, that will address the critical lack of meaningful work experience and skills development provision for people aged 16-25 with additional needs.
In a recent audit from The National Autistic Society, the success of the STARS Awards was recognised, further highlighting the importance of the wider achievement skills development and work experience portfolio that the awards recognise.
The Murtle Market will be a hub for students to further their employability and relationship-building skills all whilst promoting the ethos of the school and sustainable living to the wider community. The charity’s current organic produce and refillery store FRUVER will relocate to the market and will be open to the public. The market will also feature a takeaway café, a display of the young people’s arts and crafts as well as a showcase of the organisation’s 80 year heritage.
Young people with disabilities are currently three times less likely to be in education or employment by the time they reach 19 years old. Murtle Market is one of two projects in phase one of the charity’s £10 million capital appeal, to significantly increase the number of people with complex additional needs it can support.
Mr Busch added: “There is a staggering lack of care options across Scotland and the UK for children and young people with additional support needs. Providing quality care and development solutions is not only critical for our young people and their families but for our wider society too. With the right support, our students have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to our society and teach us all some valuable lessons.”
Camphill School Aberdeen has raised £2.5 million towards their £10 million target, but still needs the support of the local community and businesses to raise the remaining 30% to fulfil phase one of their vision. Construction for phase one, which includes Murtle Market and an 11-bedroom residential house, is due to begin later this year.
To find out more about how you can support Camphill School Aberdeen’s vision, please visit https://www.camphillschools.org.uk/capital-appeal/