Whagon’s Roll at Wallace Hall

On Monday the 9th December, we were delighted to host the official launch of our new Barista project. This project provides excellent employability skills and is the first of its kind in Dumfries and Galloway.

In attendance were Walter Smith, Tom Armstrong, Stewart Thomson, Ryan Taylor, Jill Millar and Sheila Notman from the Prince's Trust, Graeme Galloway from DYW, Karen Dalgliesh from the Hollywood Trust, Gavin Stevenson Chief Executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Neil Johnstone from Business Gateway, Louise Cochran Head of the Parent Council, Lorna McCandlish from Miko Coffee and Lesley Sloan, Curriculum Support Officer, Education and Learning Directorate .

It was fantastic to see so much support for our young people as they embark on this innovative venture.

Over the last few months, thanks to funding and support from the Prince's Trust, DYW and the Hollywood Trust, our students have undergone training with Lorna McCandlish at Miko Coffee in East Kilbride and we are proud to say all students are now in the possession of a City & Guilds qualification at level 2 in Barista Skills!

They also travelled to the Largs Printing Company for a branding session. The group decided to name their business the Whagon and they also created a logo which is now used on our work wear and signage.

They have been serving the staff in the Academy and the Primary with an array of hot drinks once a week and also served our school community at the Christmas Market.

In the next few months, we are hoping to arrange some work experience for our students to further improve their confidence and their employability skills.