The Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award was inspired by the life of Mark Scott, a 16-year-old schoolboy who was murdered in a sectarian attack in Glasgow in 1995. Mark Hunter, a secondary school curricular leader of science, writes about the impact of the outdoors programme on his students over the past 24 years.
I got involved in the in 1998. I had just started working at Clydebank High School and was keen to get involved in anything to do with the great outdoors. As soon as I heard “outward bound” mentioned, I was all over it - not realising that this particular project was just for the kids!
The award is now well known and highly valued by employers, universities and the local community. The Outward Bound part of the course challenges the participants mentally, socially and physically. Students work in teams with young people from other schools across Scotland’s Central Belt.
An overriding principle of the award is that it should bridge the sectarian divide. It does this incredibly well.
On their return from Outward Bound, all of the groups attend a forum meeting where they are challenged to put on some form of entertainment. Soon stories of damp, soggy tents and tearful tantrums in the dark are dramatised and shared in a song and dance routine. It is easy to see the product of their endeavors: shared experience and camaraderie bonds students into a clan of kindred spirits with memories they will carry forever.
The team then work together to plan, fundraise and deliver a three-day community project. Being young and enthusiastic, they quickly develop trust and friendship and take on roles and responsibilities within the group to manage the task.
The group are expected to identify a worthwhile cause in the community, raise a few pounds to fund the project and remain focused on S6 studies.
This is where I come in. My role as “school champion” is to encourage and support. I help with the recruitment in June each year and liaise with our pastoral team to select young people who will benefit most from the experience. I help with fundraising, project planning and driving the group about in the school minibus.
Over the years these projects have had a massive impact on the young people in the group but also on the local community.
Post-pandemic we are seeing a marked rise in anxiety and depression in our young people. Many are harder to motivate and reluctant to engage in something new. Young people need opportunities such as the Mark Scott Award to help them find out that effort is rewarding, and achievement is worthwhile.
Watching pupils grow in confidence is the most rewarding aspect for me. I have attended every award ceremony bar one. I missed 2003 as I was serving as a reserve soldier in the Iraq war - a story for another time but relevant to me. Life presents challenges to us all.
When the going gets tough, I always tell the group that we are not trying to change the world, but it will change you. I see a change in confidence and self-belief. Previously shy and introverted young people got the chance to show that they can quietly organise and lead. This opportunity can be life-changing. I can think of many participants who have amazed me with their achievements. It can spark changes in attitude, which result in transformational changes in outcomes in later life.
The Leadership for Life Award has a huge and lasting impact on our young people and our community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to thank the Mark Scott Foundation.
Mark Hunter is curricular leader of science at Clydebank High School. A reception will be held in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow to celebrate 25 years of the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award
