The sportscotland School Sport Award is given for innovation and achievement in delivering sport and physical education.
In this academic year, 34 primary and secondary schools in Stirling have achieved gold status – 13 more than last year - with seven scooping a silver prize.
Among the gold award winners in Stirling are two ASN schools: Castleview School, and Stirling Inclusion Support Service.
Castleview provides education for children with a range of severe and profound additional support needs, while Stirling Inclusion Support Service works with children and young people with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Needs (SEBN) at Chartershall and Millhall Bases.
One of the first
Yvonne Wright, Headteacher of Stirling Inclusion Support Service, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our provision has been recognised by Sports Scotland for the efforts of staff over the last two years in working towards this award.
“There is no doubt that our children and young people have benefited immensely from the increased sport and physical activity in our curriculum and the opportunities for success this has provided. This achievement is even more special as we are one of the first SEBN provisions in Scotland to achieve a gold award.”
To achieve a bronze or silver award, schools self-assess their current practice. However, to gain gold status an extensive external assessment is also carried out by an independent panel of experts.
A fantastic achievement
Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Susan McGill said: “Having 13 more schools earning a gold award, in particular Castleview, Chartershall and Millhall, is a fantastic achievement and shows we are embedding high quality and inclusive physical activity right across our educational system and in our communities.
“A huge well done to all the staff in our schools for all their hard work in this success, and I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable support from Active Stirling in delivering these activities.”
Amazing story
Vice Convener of the Committee, Cllr Christine Simpson said: “I am really proud that over 40 of our educational establishment have been bestowed with these prestigious accolades from sportscotland.
“To have our additional support needs school and our support service secure gold status is an amazing story and recognition of their incredible efforts to put sport at the heart of the school ethos.”
Funded by the National Lottery, the sportscotland School Sport Award is a national initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve physical education and sport.
It puts young people at the forefront of decision making and planning of physical education and school sport while increasing opportunities for pupils to take part.
The award also encourages sporting links between schools and the communities around them, providing opportunities for young people to progress.
A record 747 schools in Scotland that hold the accolade. The number of gold schools across Scotland now stands at an all-time high of 399, an increase of 40.5% from last year’s total of 284. A further 274 schools achieved silver and 74 bronze after a significant number of schools completed their continuous improvement journey towards the gold award.
Immensely positive impact
Education Secretary John Swinney said: “Participation in sport and physical activity has an immensely positive impact on young people, improving their health, confidence and motivation. The record number of gold ratings is testament to the hard work of teachers and staff across the country in putting sport at the heart of the curriculum.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “It’s testament to the work of a variety of partners, including thousands of pupils, parents, volunteers and teachers, that we can now say this is a record-breaking year for the School Sport Award. Each and everyone involved should be very proud of this fantastic achievement.
“There is an undoubted value in sport being at the heart of school life. With that in mind we are committed to helping build a Scotland where sport is a way of life and young people in schools are central to this.”
Gold Award Winners in Stirling:
Allan’s Primary School, Balfron Primary School, Borestone Primary School, Castleview School (ASN), Doune Primary School, Dunblane High School, Fallin Primary School, Gargunnock Primary School, Millhall Inclusion Support Service (Primary), SEBN Support Service (Secondary), St Margaret’s RC Primary School, Stirling High School, Thornhill Primary School, Kincardine-in-Menteith Primary School, Kippen Primary School, Newton Primary School, St Ninian’s Primary School, Aberfoyle Primary School, Balfron High School, Bannockburn Primary School, Buchanan Primary School, Buchlyvie Primary School, Callander Primary School, Drymen Primary School, Dunblane Primary School, East Plean Primary School, Fintry Primary School, Killearn Primary School, McLaren High School, Our Lady's RC Primary School, Raploch Primary School, St Marys RC Primary School (Bannockburn), Strathblane Primary School, Wallace High School,
Silver Award Winners in Stirling:
Bannockburn High School, Bridge of Allan Primary School, Cambusbarron Primary School, Cornton Primary
Picture details and background info:
Pictured receiving their sportscotland award at Chartershall School in Stirling are pupils Gregor Sutherland and Mikey Hughes, with Headteacher, Yvonne Wright (left of centre) Deputy Headteacher Charlene Mitchell (right of centre); Cllr Susan McGill and Steven Coulter, Partnership Manager, sportscotland. Picture should be credited to Whyler Photos/Stirling Council.
The award is supported by the Active Schools Network, a programme that involves sportscotland working in partnership with all 32 local authorities to encourage schools to ensure there are opportunities for all children and young people to engage, participate and reach their potential in this area.
