Pupils at two West Lothian schools are celebrating being top of the class.
Torphichen and Westfield primaries have won in the Curriculum Innovation category of the Scottish Education Awards.
This award recognises schools and learning centres that have developed innovative and unique curriculums – bringing a fresh approach to learning that enhances the experience for all their students.
Head teacher of the two schools Marnie Ferguson, summed up the challenges of recent years.
She said: “Covid was a catalyst for change. Every day we saw the impact we were having on young people. It’s all about them – their choice, their voice, their education.”
She continued: “I would like to thank all the pupils, staff, parents/carers and partners who have played an enthusiastic role in our schools achieving this. The pandemic was our catalyst for change, as we aimed to make things better than before, rather than just going back to how we used to do school.
“We wanted to transform the way we educate our young people to allow them to develop the skills needed to flourish in, and be change-makers in, our ever-changing world.
“And, we wanted to keep them engaged by, and excited about, learning during their whole time at school and beyond.
“When children first join nursery, they are full of curiosity and are keen, self-directed learners. We wanted to maintain these levels of engagement and creativity from nursery right up to Primary 7.
“To achieve this, we made changes to the way learning happens so it would be more relevant to our pupils. For example, pupils from P3 to P7 learn together, and have access to a range of experts (staff/other pupils/parents/carers and partners).
“We have masterclasses on subjects that our children want to learn more about, and increased project work inspired by the pupils’ own passions and interests.
“As a result, engagement in learning has increased significantly. The confidence of our young people has also massively increased, and you can see the excitement for learning across the two schools.”
The awards, sponsored by the Daily Record, were handed out by Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.
She said: “Over the last three years you have had to adapt ways of learning and face many challenges.
“Teachers continue to go above and beyond to ensure that Scotland’s children and young people have the best learning experience and that their health and well-being remains a priority.”
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