Education and regeneration

Alongside the physical regeneration of Irvine Bay, there is vital work taking place to help young people get involved and benefit from the renewal, and much of it is going on in our schools. Our education programme is closely linked with Curriculum for Excellence, helping young people learn by connecting learning with their other experiences.

As a result, young people in primary and secondary schools across Irvine Bay are getting involved in regeneration projects, contributing to local transformation and learning at the same time.

Projects for excellence

Education projects are a key element in the regeneration of Irvine Bay and their high standards and relevance have been widely recognised in the education sector.

In 2009 the 'i sea' initiative was awarded top prize in the Technology Teachers Association Award for Best Cross-Curricular Project. In 2011 The Kilwinning Tiling Project was names as runner-up in the  Investors in Education category at the Ayrshire Business Awards.

Current projects include the opportunity to win Irvine's bandstand as well as projects that will contribute to the refurbishment of Trinity Church - Trinity carvings, Trinity stained glass, Trinity weathervane. Teachers were introduced to the opportunities through a dedicated tour of the historic building.

There’s plenty of evidence to show that young people learn best when there is a strong connection with the real world, so our education projects are designed to help pupils cover the curriculum while also getting involved in local regeneration.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive:

Young people are a key constituency to successful regeneration of the area. Our education programme is soundly based in supporting Curriculum for Excellence by helping to enhance the capacities of our young people, adding interest to school learning, and better preparing young people for the world of work.