TROUBLED teenage girls are being encouraged to stay on at school in Scotland by sitting a new qualification in hip-hop dancing.
Developed by Angus College and Showcase the Street, a charity which uses dance to engage with disaffected young people, the course last 60 hours and requires those taking part to learn basic hip-hop dance moves such as bounce, body ripples and butt spins.
A pilot scheme is already up and running in Arbroath and, if successful, organisers are keen to roll out the course across the country.
However, as well as using their imagination to plan, research, choreograph and perform a dance piece, the most important part of the course for those taking part will be to stay at school and improve their behaviour.
The course has been accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Fergus Storrier, a community policeman and chair of Showcase the Street, said: "We'll be working with a group of girls who have not been attending school or who have behavioural issues and we want the course to act as a vehicle to re-engage them, but we will be setting strong ground rules.
"There will be a clear understanding this is an add-on, conditional on carrying out their normal school work."
Iverene Bromfield, from Angus College, said: "This qualification will be of use anywhere where people are trying to enthuse and inspire youngsters. It will promote a can do' attitude and give them a sense of achievement on which to build."
Chloe Henderson, 16, started going to classes in Dundee two years ago just as she was on the verge of being thrown out of school.
She said: "If it hadn't been for Showcase, I'd still be the same old person that I was."
Liz Smith, Tory education spokeswoman, said: "It is up to headteachers if they think it would be appropriate. It may be that some pupils will respond, but I would be sceptical."
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