We're delighted to announce the launch of a new partnership agreement with our good friends at Forth Valley College. This partnership is built on a joint commitment, from both ourselves and Forth Valley College, to work to improve the support available for young people in the Raploch community to enter and complete further education.

What does the partnership look like?

Over an (initial) five year period we'll be working with Forth Valley College to support more young people in the Raploch area to consider Forth Valley College as a post-school destination. During their time at Forth Valley College, we'll also be committed to assisting young people as they work towards positive employment opportunities. Our Big Noise Raploch programme will be particularly focused on providing support to maximise the relationship between parents and Raploch community members, and Forth Valley College, through the programme's existing networks.

How does Big Noise impact young people?

Our Chief Executive, Nicola Killean, talks of her hopes and aspirations for the partnership:

"I am delighted that Forth Valley College recognises the educational and life skills developed by the children and young people at Big Noise Raploch. Sistema Scotland wants to maximise support for the young people in our programmes, to help them undertake important transitions into all aspects of adulthood. It is extremely encouraging to be working with Forth Valley College, who have been a proactive and willing partner in helping us to take this forward here in Raploch. It is wonderful to see our first cohort of Big Noise participants taking those initial steps into the world beyond school, equipped with the understanding, determination and self-belief they have developed through their time with Big Noise Raploch."

Dr Ken Thomson, Principle of Forth Valley College, shares his thoughts:

"Forth Valley College is absolutely delighted to formalise our relationship with Sistema Scotland. Their Big Noise programme here in Raploch does excellent work to transform the lives of young people by helping them to develop important transferable skills, including confidence, resilience and ambition. This encourages them take the next step in further and higher education, both here at our college and beyond.

"This new partnership also builds on the longstanding relationship between our two organisations. I am delighted that a number of Big Noise Raploch graduates have chosen to continue their musical and educational journeys by undertaking qualifications in related subjects here at our Stirling campus, using our state-of-the-art recording studios to pursue learning in fields such as sound production. A number of Forth Valley College students have also supported the work of Big Noise Raploch, assisting them with recording and performance activities."

Stirling Councillor, Chris Kane, talks of his thoughts around the partnership: 

"Big Noise has been a key partner in transforming the lives and aspirations of young people in Raploch. They've helped our children grow and become more confident. I'm delighted to see this formal partnership with Forth Valley College establish an alternative pathway for young people into further education."