COLTNESS HIGH

Inspirational pupils from a Wishaw school were named runners up at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Student from the XL group at Coltness High took second place in the Community category at The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & HomeSense Celebrate Success.

The youth charity’s awards recognise the achievements of disadvantaged young people across Scotland who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.

Troubled and challenging behaviour brought the Coltness High School Prince’s Trust XL 4 Group together.

The 14 young people, aged 15 and 16, shared a history of underachievement, poor school attendance and low literacy levels.

Some of the group had been excluded from school and none of them had any self-confidence or any plans for the future.

Apparently, they didn’t care but, away from peers, they were anxious and depressed about their situation.

Arising from a serious discussion among the group, they decided on scripting and shooting a film about the impact of bullying for the benefit of other young people.

Every member of the group had to take responsibility for at least one aspect of the film - storyline, scriptwriting, acting, filming, lighting, sound, location, props, editing and post production.

This required a high degree of cooperation and collaborative working.

The team’s impact on the community will be felt by many other young people who watch their film, “Hurting”, and stop to think about the vital issues it raises.

Pupil Dylan Hands, 15, said:“Before I came to XL, I couldn’t speak to more than one person at a time.

“XL gave me the confidence to take up opportunities to get involved in things outside school.”

Over 400 guests attended an event which was held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel including stars such as Judy Murray, Still Game’s Greg Hemphill and Team GB athletes Samantha Kinghorn and Michael Jamieson.