Greenfield Academy, a new secondary school formed from the unification of Braeview Academy and Craigie High School. What makes this story truly remarkable, is how the school’s identity has been shaped—not by adults behind closed doors, but by the students themselves.

Through a series of co-design projects led by Gary Jamieson, our Schools Development Officer, pupils have been empowered to create the school’s badge and tie, embedding their values, voices, and vision into the very fabric of their new learning environment. These projects are more than creative exercises—they are examples of how real-world learning can equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

From “What If…?” to What’s Next

The journey began with the “What If…?” project, a V&A Dundee learning initiative that invited young people to imagine bold, hopeful futures for their communities. This project introduced pupils to the principles of design thinking—a process that encourages empathy, experimentation, and problem-solving. It also laid the foundation for a culture of co-creation, where young people are not just participants in education, but active contributors shaping it.

Building on this momentum, Gary played a pivotal role in guiding the next phase: bringing these creative concepts to life through real-world design challenges. The result is a school identity that is not only visually striking but deeply meaningful—crafted by the very students who will carry it forward.

A Badge with Deep Roots

In one of the most inspiring collaborations, P7 pupils from Greenfield Academy’s feeder schools worked with local designers Linsey McIntosh and Cara Rooney, supported by V&A Dundee, to co-design the school’s new badge. The process was rooted in the school’s core values: Love, Ambition, and Perseverance.

The final design is rich with symbolism:

– A dandelion, chosen for its resilience and ability to thrive in unlikely places, represents growth, strength, and the spreading of dreams.

– Two herons, symbolising the proud learning communities of Braeview and Craigie, coming together in unity.

– Falling seeds, each transformed into icons—a heart for love and respect, and a star for ambition and perseverance.

This badge is more than a logo—it’s a visual story of identity, belonging, and hope. It reflects the lived experiences of the students and the aspirations they hold for their future.

A Tartan Tie Woven with Legacy

In a parallel project, Developing the Young Workforce identified a group of S3 and S4 pupils from Braeview and Craigie to collaborate with acclaimed fashion designer Hayley Scanlan through V&A Dundee to design a new school tie. The challenge: create a tartan that honours the past while looking to the future.

The winning design, by Eilidh, an S3 student at Craigie High School, beautifully blends:

– Light blue from Braeview

– Black from Craigie

– Green for Greenfield Academy

– White and dark blue for contrast and freshness

Eilidh said “Working with Hayley and the V&A was really fun and gave us confidence as designers. It’s pretty special to think that the tie will be around for years—something I have designed.”

Hayley Scanlan added: “Giving young people a voice in designing their own school tie fosters pride, ownership, and identity. They all did a wonderful job.”

Why Real-World Learning Matters

Gary Jamieson, Schools Development Officer at V&A Dundee voiced: “These projects are more than creative showcases—they are powerful educational experiences that develop essential life skills”.

Involving young people in real-world design challenges teaches them to:

– Think critically about problems and solutions

– Collaborate with peers and professionals

– Communicate ideas clearly and confidently

– Reflect on values and identity

– Take ownership of their learning and environment

In a world where automation and AI are reshaping the job market, these human-centred skills - creativity, empathy, adaptability - are more important than ever. By engaging in authentic, meaningful projects, students learn not just how to solve problems, but how to ask the right questions.

The role of the Schools Development Officer at V&A Dundee (a position provided by Dundee City Council) has been instrumental in this process. By connecting schools with professional artists and designers, and by embedding design thinking into the curriculum, they have helped create a model for education that is relevant, empowering, and future-focused. 

A Campus for the Future

Greenfield Academy will be the heart of the Drumgeith Community Campus, the largest investment in education, sport, and community provision in Dundee’s history. The campus will offer:

• A modern secondary school with inclusive learning spaces

• Specialist support services and performing arts facilities

• A community library, leisure centre, and sports complex

Councillor Stewart Hunter, Children, Families and Communities Convener, praised the initiative “Having Hayley Scanlan and V&A Dundee work with our young people is an incredible opportunity and an experience they will treasure.”

Julie Muir, Learning Manager at V&A Dundee, reflected: “Good design can empower and spark joy. We hope this process inspires pupils to become agents of change in their community.”

Johnny Lothian, Headteacher of Greenfield Academy, summed it up: “This co-design project brought together the best of Dundee—our design museum, our most inspiring designers, and the brilliant young people of Greenfield Academy. Together they’ve created a legacy our school community can be proud of for generations.”

Looking Ahead

The story of Greenfield Academy is a shining example of what happens when education is creative, collaborative, and community-driven. It shows that when young people are trusted with real responsibility, they rise to the challenge—not only learning new skills, but shaping the world around them.

As the doors of the Drumgeith Community Campus open, they will reveal more than just a new building. They will reveal a new way of thinking about education—one where students are not just learners, but leaders, designers, and changemakers.