To help pupils make links between subjects and the real world, Deans Community High set up an interdisciplinary project within the Maths, Craft and Design and Technology departments.
Called 'In the Doghouse', the project aimed to help S3 pupils develop their numeracy skills in practical situations. The pupils designed, costed and constructed dog kennels before selling them on to the local community. Pupils had to identify the best products to use to construct the kennels.
Working out the cost of buying wood with different dimensions helped reinforce how maths is used practically in the real world. It also highlighted the links between sustainability and costs and how businesses have to weigh these up. Working out the measurements and materials needed in the construction process, time spent on producing the kennels, wages, realistic selling price and viability as a business process provided opportunity for rich discussion and possible problem solving solutions.
Students developed a folio of achievement which would help them once they left school and also gained certification in two half modules called Construction Crafts: Carpentry and Joinery Techniques and Construction Numeracy 1, offering them qualifications.
Elaine Cooke, Head teacher of Deans Community High School said: "The 'Kennel Club' project has enhanced students' ability to apply knowledge and transfer skills from different areas of the curriculum. Young people engage so much more productively when they can make connections between subjects, see the relevance of what they are learning, and apply their learning effectively.
"Their confidence is boosted when they can put mathematical concepts to use. They are developing enterprising attitudes. This is energising - they get a thirst for knowledge, want to learn more, do better."
Curriculum for Excellence was implemented in all Scottish nursery, primary and secondary schools as well as colleges in August 2010. For more information on how this will affect your child speak to your child's school or visit www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk