Moffat Academy among first to offer course on death

Senior students at Moffat Academy are among the first in Scotland to complete a course focused on the subject of death.

The aims of the D-Word programme include providing pupils with the knowledge of how to support others through bereavement and the practicalities of arranging a funeral.

Sessions are held over five weeks and explore what happens to a body during the final moments of life, how crematoriums operate and the role of a power of attorney.

The Moffat Academy sixth year pupils were encouraged to participate in discussions about the challenges associated with losing a loved one.

The course was originally developed as a social enterprise by Gillian Robertson, a celebrant in Falkirk.

It was delivered locally by celebrant Aileen Palmer with input from funeral director Steven Bell.

Moffat Academy was the first school in Dumfries and Galloway to engage with the course.

Ms Palmer said she hoped other education providers would also offer the classes to their students.

She said: “A lot of the learning is practical, looking at things like what to expect during a funeral service and what goes into a eulogy, with the children exploring what music they would like played at their own funerals.

“We learn what happens to a body and the ashes during a cremation.”

She added: “We also explored grief and bereavement and how we can support ones we love as we move through very difficult feelings and emotions.”

Sandra Allison, who was one of the teachers involved with the course, said the students enjoyed studying the topic.