Sporty kids help their school net gold award
A record number of Renfrewshire schools are going for gold by putting sport at the heart of their ethos.
The sportscotland School Sport Award is presented for innovation and achievement in delivering school sport and physical activity, and 23 schools across the region now have the coveted gong.
It recognises primaries that put young people at the forefront of decision making and planning of school sport and PE, while increasing participation opportunities.
Auchenlodment Primary, Bridge of Weir Primary, Heriot Primary, Rashielea Primary, St Margaret’s Primary and Todholm Primary were the schools awarded gold status this year, taking the total to 14.
Nine schools achieved silver status.
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 gained bronze.
Chairwoman of Renfrewshire Leisure, Councillor Lisa- Marie Hughes said: “I’m really proud of the achievements of the pupils, teachers and the Renfrewshire Leisure staff working in our schools for gaining one of these awards.
“They deserve our congratulations.
“We’re always striving to encourage young people to take part in sport, which keeps them active and healthy and these awards show that we’re having some success in doing just that.”
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, added: “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.
“Everyone involved should be very proud of this fantastic achievement.
“There is an undoubted value in sport being at the heart of school life.”
Funded by the National Lottery, the School Sport Award is a national initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve extra-curricular sport.
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.