It follows the school being awarded the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s (GTCS) Excellence in Professional Learning Award at a ceremony in Glasgow last November.
After presenting Seconded Head Teacher Kay Robertson with the prestigious accolade at the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills had requested to see the school’s impressive work in this area at first hand.
A diverse and lively learning environment
Mr Swinney met with staff and pupils during a recent tour of the school and said: “My congratulations to the pupils and staff at Riverside Primary School for winning this prestigious award.
“The work the school has done to enhance the experience for pupils is an example of our aim to make Scotland the best place to grow up and learn.
“Through developing the Intergenerational Community Library, P1 outdoor play areas, Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds space and the Imagination Station, Riverside provides its pupils with access to a diverse and lively learning environment which will benefit them throughout their school life and beyond.”
The school has been recognised by the GTCS for the central role its leadership play at all levels in creating and sustaining professional learning environments, enabling teacher professionalism to flourish and improving learning for pupils. It will retain the award for three years.
Fantastic recognition for everyone in the school community
Riverside Primary Seconded Head Teacher, Kay Robertson, said: “Receiving the award was fantastic recognition for everyone in the school community and we were thrilled to welcome the Deputy First Minister to see our work in learning at first hand.
“It is a fundamental part of the school’s ethos for staff at all levels to be key leaders in learning, as this encourages the children to take the lead in a wide range of projects, equipping them with skills which will help them become responsible citizens and reach positive destinations.”
Convener of the Children and Young People Committee, Councillor Susan McGill, said: “We are all hugely proud of Riverside Primary in earning this major success and it’s testament to the innovative work going on in the school that the Deputy First Minister wanted to come to Stirling and see it for himself.
Achieving high standards of excellence
“This is another example of schools across Stirling achieving high standards of excellence, ensuring our talented and enthusiastic children and young people are well-equipped to achieve their potential.”
Vice Convener of the Committee, Cllr Margaret Brisley said: “Staff at Riverside Primary School have demonstrated a real commitment to professional learning and improvement, which has been supported by the wider school community.
“Their dedication is helping provide pupils with the opportunities to obtain crucial skills, which will benefit them in the future, and I am sure the Deputy First Minister would have been impressed at what he saw.”
The GTCS Professional Learning Awards programme recognises and celebrates the commitment to high quality professional learning and leadership of learning, which international research shows has the potential to transform the lives of children and young people in schools and education settings.
The Excellence in Professional Learning Award celebrates and recognises schools and learning communities, which promote, support and lead professional learning, which has a significant and sustained impact on teachers, classroom practice and pupil learning.
Picture details:
From left: Bruce Crawford MSP, Kay Robertson, Seconded Headteacher Riverside Primary; John Swinney, Deputy First Minister; Scott Farmer, Stirling Council Leader; Kevin Kelman, Stirling Council’s Chief Education Officer; Michelle MacPhee, Acting Headteacher; along with pupils at Riverside Primary.
The pupil pictured with Mr Swinney after signing the wall at Riverside is Igraine Fettes (P6).
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Reading Wall Chart (0) -
Meeting Baby (1) -
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John Swinney with Primary School Child (3) -
Signing Mural (4) -
John Swinney Signature (5)
