LAST CALL FOR ARGYLL AND BUTE EDUCATION STARS

Monday, 22 February 2010 10:52

The awards, which celebrate the triumphs of Scottish schools and individual school staff, have attracted hundreds of nominations from across the country, but organisers believe many more are worthy of recognition.

Do you know of a local school or individual who deserves to be nominated? If so, this is the last chance to showcase best practice in local schools and reward the hard work and commitment of all education staff in Argyll and Bute including teachers, head teachers, learning assistants, administrators and janitors.

Councillor Isobel Strong, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is a very high profile awards scheme, and I would urge anyone who knows of schools or individuals in Argyll and Bute who they think would be worthy winners to nominate them.

“Last year’s awards were a resounding success for Argyll and Bute. We won two of the main categories, with Oban High School’s principal teacher of mathematics, John Mackenzie, picking up the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kilcreggan Primary School winning the CBI Schools for All accolade.

“Two others were also shortlisted for major awards - Kilmartin Primary School teacher Simone McAdam in the Teacher of the Year category, and Dunoon Grammar School in the Homecoming Scotland category.

“However, these individuals and schools were only recognised in this way because someone took the trouble to nominate them. I know that there is fantastic work going on in schools the length and breadth of Argyll and Bute, and I would encourage all those who think that their teacher or school deserves to be recognised and celebrated to get their nomination in before the closing date.”

Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Our schools have many exciting developments underway supported by talented individuals. I want to urge people in Argyll and Bute to make sure that their local school does not miss out on well-earned recognition through the Scottish Education Awards.

“Awards will given across a diverse range of categories – including heath, sustainability, technology, enterprise and employability, sport, citizenship, inclusiveness, literacy and numeracy – as well as individual awards, such as Teacher of the Year.

“Making an entry online is quick and easy so be sure to nominate your school before the deadline on 5 March.”

The Scottish Education Awards 2010 are open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, nursery and special schools. There are also categories that recognise the contributions of teachers, headteachers and support staff.

Nominations are currently being invited from across all 15 categories, which are:

Health and Wellbeing Award

Getting Scotland Active Award

Literacy and Numeracy Across Learning Award

Enterprise and Employability Across Learning Award (Primary and Early Years)

Enterprise and Employability Across Learning Award (Secondary)

Entrepreneurial Learning Award

Aiming High Award

Sustainable Schools Award

Global Citizenship Award

Learning through Technology Award

Educational Supporter of the Year

Probationary Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year

Headteacher of the Year

Lifetime Achievement

All nominations must be received no later than March 5 2010. A specially selected panel of judges will then choose finalists in each category. Judges will visit each of the finalists during the judging process before deciding on a winner for each category, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in Glasgow on June 18 2010.

For further information and to make a nomination visit

www.scottisheducationawards.org.uk/cc.