Dunoon Schools Link Student of the Year 2020

Alistair Gibson, 6th year pupil at Dunoon Grammar School has been named the 2020 Schools Link Student of the Year for the Dunoon Area. Alistair undertook Argyll College’s Maritime Studies course at SCQF level 5.

Nominated by Tutor Peter McWhinnie who said, ‘’Alistair was exceptionally well motivated student with a high degree of self-discipline.  More than that, he had a great sense of humour which quickly got the rest of the class to keep up with his work rate.  

My main reason for proposing Alistair for this prize is his work rate which has been excellent throughout the year. He has consistently produced quality folios much faster than any pupils I have taught over the last 5 years.  So much so that I had to provide additional work in the way of an “RYA Essential Navigation” which means all students will receive an extra certificate at the end of the year.  Alistair also gave excellent demonstrations in the Health & Safety unit of this course when it came to the First Aid Learning Outcomes.

Alistair said, ‘’I chose the course because I have grown up in a boating background and I'm looking to have a career in the maritime industry so I thought this would be worthwhile to have an insight into some of the different maritime careers covered in the carers at sea topic. I also was looking to gain my RYA level 2 powerboat and this course allowed me to gain this.’’

‘’I really enjoyed the practical side of the course, driving the RIB and learning the different manoeuvres. I also enjoyed learning how to plot a route on the chart and then using our knowledge to plan a route around the Clyde which we would get to complete at the end of the course but unfortunately due to COVID-19 we couldn’t go on our day trip that we had planned.’’

Our next Maritime courses will start in January 2021: you can find out more here.