Golden time at Kippen Primary

Kippen Primary Stirling has been recognised for its innovation and achievement in delivering school sport.

The sportscotland gold school sport award was presented to staff and pupils at the school.

Kippen Primary is among 284 schools awarded gold status across the country, a record number and a jump of over a third from 2016-2017.

As part of the National Lottery funded programme, the sportscotland school sport award is a national initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve sport.

The award also encourages sporting links between schools and the communities around them.

Chief executive of sportscotland Stewart Harris said: “Staff and pupils at Kippen Primary should be proud of this achievement.

“Not only have they put physical education and sport at the heart of their school and local community, but they have managed to do so in a way that encourages all pupils to engage in physical activity whilst having fun at the same time.”

There are now a record number of schools in Scotland that have earned an award.

In addition to the 284 with gold, 307 schools have been awarded silver and 82 bronze.

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.

Kippen head Carole Logan commented: “We believe that physical education, physical activity and sport are important factors in the school curriculum. We appreciate all the support from Active Stirling, parents and volunteers.

The sportscotland School Sport 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.