01.
The Futures
Institute
Today’s young people face a world full of new challenges and possibilities. At Dollar Academy, we’re focused on offering practical, engaging learning opportunities that help them understand and shape the world around them.
As workplaces evolve, so too must our teaching and learning spaces. That’s why the Academy is building an ambitious new facility: the Futures Institute.
We are fortunate to have been supported in our work by globally renowned architect, and former Dollar pupil Andrew Whalley OBE. Andrew – who designed our Futures Institute – is the current Chairman of Grimshaw, and the architect behind many award-winning structures including the Eden Project in Cornwall, the International Terminal at Waterloo and the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center in New York.
Alongside traditional subjects, pupils will have opportunities to work in new ways with experts from industry, universities and NGOs to collaborate and design solutions to real-world problems. To facilitate this, the Futures Institute will provide:
A range of stimulating learning environments – including innovative classrooms and laboratories, maker spaces, a digital prototyping lab and creative arts areas.
A flexible lecture theatre for talks, seminars, exhibitions and events delivered by influential speakers from the worlds of education, business, science, technology and the creative industries.
A centre for the sharing of emerging educational practice and technology, teacher collaboration and training.
02.
education reform
in scotland
The current UK education system has largely been inherited from the 18th century, and some aspects of it have changed little since then. There are, of course, traditions that must be cherished but, at the same time, the world around us is moving phenomenally quickly.
Education Scotland and the SQA are undergoing major reform. The traditional emphasis on single-subject exams is also under scrutiny. The Hayward Review (2023) has called for a broader, more flexible system that includes interdisciplinary learning and skills-focused qualifications.
At the same time, Learning for Sustainability has been identified as a national priority by the Scottish Government, and a 25-point action plan was launched in June 2023. The Cabinet Secretary for Education has said, “The strategy is about placing sustainability at the heart of the education system, revolutionising what and how students learn.”
These reforms signal a generational transformation in Scottish education, redefining how young people learn and prepare for life beyond school.
03.
FIDA:
The story so far
We expect interdisciplinary learning with industry and universities to become increasingly widespread within schools throughout Scotland, and through FIDA, Dollar will be at the forefront of this exciting movement.
Launched in May 2021, FIDA (the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy), is our innovative educational initiative which responds to the need for change and with a vision to tackle three fundamental challenges: 1) the need to find a compelling alternative to traditional classroom teaching and exams; 2) equitable access to education; 3) sustainability.
FIDA’s challenges and qualifications all share three key characteristics:
They are rooted in at least one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
They require pupils to think creatively and draw upon different areas of knowledge and learning in order to solve real-world problems.
They are co-designed and delivered with experts from industry and universities.
We have come a long way since 2021, and now through our Global Challenges and accredited qualifications, FIDA provides young people at Dollar Academy and across Scotland with unique opportunities to experience a new way of learning while developing important (meta) skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, and global citizenship – which are all essential for young people to thrive in the world beyond school.
We are particularly proud of our International Sustainability Diploma, a qualification worth 24 points at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to one Higher) which has UCAS and international recognition. The qualification is now being delivered in 12 schools across Scotland, free of charge.
Our evaluation of the Diploma’s pilot year in 2024/25 showed that 100% of teachers and pupils would recommend the qualification to others. You can read more about the qualification and its success on our website here: News – Fida
04.
FIDA inside the futures institute
The Futures Institute is exciting for many reasons, but mainly because of what will happen inside it…not only will the building provide the extra teaching and recreational space our school needs, it will also give us a dedicated base to grow FIDA’s educational offering – from the International Sustainability Diploma to new Global Challenges and projects – our vision is have a building that young people are excited about, and where they can go to think, design, create, test and collaborate; all integrated under one roof.
All Dollar pupils will spend time in the Futures Institute and benefit from the new and exciting educational opportunities it supports. The Institute will also allow more young people from across Scotland to access these experiences.
“Scotland finds itself in a fast-changing, digital world. We aspire to play a leading role in that world, so it is vital that young people leave school with more than just knowledge taught in the classroom. FIDA is demonstrating the enormous potential of a new way of working that will equip young folk with the skills they need to thrive and succeed in the modern workplace. And this new way of working demands a new kind of space. I really feel that the proposed new building, with innovative spaces to think, design, create, collaborate and communicate, is exactly what FIDA needs to offer these vital educational experiences to young people from across our country. I strongly support this ambitious and important plan.”
Tim Allan CBE, Chair of the V&A Dundee and entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist
Professor Ken Muir, the independent advisor to the Scottish Government on the replacement of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, has publicly endorsed FIDA:
“FIDA’s bold approach to education places the student experience at the centre, providing critical opportunities to engage with industry and stakeholders beyond the classroom. This aligns closely with some of the recommendations I made in my report to the Scottish Government on a future vision for Scottish education and I am highly impressed with what the initiative aims to do.”
Professor Ken Muir
05. Widening access to education
Central to the Academy’s founding principles is a core belief in the transformative power of education and our responsibility to support as many young people as possible in their development.
FIDA’s International Sustainability Diploma, free online provision, and our in-person workshops, have allowed us to further develop our traditional bursary provision in a modern and scalable way.
“To be given access to this resource has been an absolute godsend and the support FIDA has given me has been immeasurable. More importantly, the resources being made available to my students has boosted their confidence and ability immensely.”
David Thomson, Head of Modern Studies at Morgan Academy in Dundee
“The weekend was excellent. It gave us a taste of the teamwork needed to make projects work. I am most grateful for the knowledge I gained from the architects. Model-making after the brainstorming sessions enabled us to see how to generate ideas into reality, and my favourite part was when we were all working as a large team to complete the artistic monument.”
S6 pupil from Glasgow who participated in FIDA’s ‘Design for the Planet’ architecture workshop during COP26
06.
Strengthening
the local economy together
Guided by the principles of community wealth building, organisations like Dollar Academy can also play a key role in supporting and strengthening the local economy by building strong ties with the community and businesses. Through FIDA we look forward to building partnerships that will allow us to play an even greater role in the surrounding areas.
“Partnership working is a key value for Clackmannanshire Council. The chance to participate in FIDA through the SIEC is a tremendously exciting opportunity for our residents, the County and Scotland. I am particularly keen to see how we can build on the foundations already in place to maximise opportunity and access to innovation, enterprise and ultimately better, well-paid jobs for our young people.
By embedding the principles of Community Wealth Building into our partnership, I am optimistic that the benefits of our work will be shared across Clackmannanshire and beyond.”
Councillor Ellen Forson, Leader of Clackmannanshire Council
07.
Get
Involved
We would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to get involved with this ground-breaking initiative. Please complete the contact form below and a member of the project team will be in touch.
If you would like to financially support this project, please click here.
We produce a regular FIDA Newsletter – sign up and read previous editions here.
CONTACT
rector@dollaracademy.org.uk
+44 1259 742 511
Dollar, Clackmannanshire
FK14 7DU
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