Sporty schools scoop gold

Five East Kilbride schools have been awarded a gold star for their delivery of sport.

They were amongst 60 South Lanarkshire schools to have been praised by sportscotland in recognition of their commitment to putting sport at the heart of the school ethos.

The sportscotland School Sport Award is presented for innovation and achievement in delivering school sport and physical activity.

Calderglen High was joined by Canberra, Crosshouse, Mount Cameron, and St Hilary’s Primaries in receiving the prestigious recognition.

Chief Executive of sportscotland,

Stewart Harris, said:“Each and every one involved should be very proud of this fantastic achievement.

“It’s testament to the work of a variety of partners, including thousands of pupils, parents, volunteers and teachers, that we can say this is a record-breaking year.

“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.”

The number of gold schools across Scotland now stands at an all-time high of 399, an increase of 40.5 per cent 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.

The East Kilbride schools were among 10 new gold award winners in South Lanarkshire, which now hosts 33 gold starred schools.

Others included Burgh Primary, Carstairs Primary, Newton Farm Primary, St John the Baptist Primary and Stonelaw High.

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.”