Senior pupils take part in Festival of Ambition

Irvine Royal Academy pupils in S4, S5 and S6 recently had a motivating welcome back to school.

All thanks to class teachers and education staff who worked alongside the school’s Leadership team, the pupils experienced an action-packed Festival of Ambition held on Wednesday 20 August until Friday 21 August.

The needs and aspirations of the young people were placed at the centre of the energising programme of events that included guest speakers, practical learning, problem solving and discussions centred around important topics such as the use of AI, masculinity and female empowerment.

The classroom takeover allowed senior pupils to have time out of their timetable to participate fully in the programme. The aim of the Festival of Ambition was to engage with pupils across key curriculum areas and set high expectations for them to show responsibility, resilience and ambition as they embark upon their senior year.

Staff worked over the summer term to prepare for and deliver the action-packed event and ensure the learning needs of the young people were met. Inspirational speakers also set the tone for each day through a series of memorable morning assemblies.

The pupils demonstrated superb levels of engagement with inspirational speakers at the morning sessions launched by Headteacher Linzie Sloan who encouraged all pupils to be hardworking, ambitious and resilient.

Graeme Armstrong, author of the critically acclaimed book, ‘The Young Team’, delivered a hard-hitting presentation about his teenage years spent within ‘young team’ gang culture. A positive mindset, goal setting and resilience session was hosted by former Irvine Royal pupil, ex-military and successful fitness business owner Scott Brown.

Mindset coach Kevin Brown from Fit Ayrshire Dads and Mindset Matters delivered a powerful talk on growth mindset and how to set achievable goals. The theme of overcoming obstacles and becoming more resilient was then continued by guest speaker and former Irvine Royal pupil and football striker, Rose Reilly who shared her compelling and inspirational story of becoming a highly successful international footballer.

The pupils also participated in an assembly led by Powering Futures staff about money. Pupils were educated about minimum wage thresholds and salary scales within the UK population. They explored how careers connected with pupil ambition and values around money.

All speakers echoed a powerful message of: “If you want something you have to make it happen” and “don’t let self-doubt stand in your way’.

Afternoons were spent completing 12 resilience and responsibility workshops over three days, covering a host of topics and themes including:

• Careers with support from Developing the Young Workforce (DYW)
• First aid
• Digital learning
• Dealing with exam pressure
• Bridge to success (a STEM based class using problem solving and critical thinking)
• Leadership
• Managing time
• Oracy skills
• Positive masculinity
• Empowering young females
• Using AI and plagiarism
• Study skills

Parents and carers were invited to the assembly hall to get practical tips on how to support pupils to achieve their potential and adapt to the changes and increased responsibilities that come with senior life in school.

Headteacher Linzie Sloan shared: “The Festival of Ambition set a positive and vibrant tone for the school as pupils returned to engage in their learning.

“The impactful sessions have been underpinned by important discussions around what positive actions the young people can take to champion the school values of ‘Respect’, ‘Responsibility’ and ‘Ambition’ during the next academic year.

“Everyone was really inspired by the motivational speakers we welcomed, and high expectations were immediately set for the pupils. It has been especially encouraging to see the pupils taking initiative to collaborate with their peers, focus on their goals and take pride in their school community. Thank you to everyone for participating and to the teachers, parents and carers who supported the event.”

The Festival of Ambition demonstrates Irvine Royal Academy's commitment to progressing the Wellbeing Priority of our Council Plan to develop inspired and resilient learners in engaging and exciting learning environments.

Published: 16 September 2025