Two teachers and two schools from Argyllhave made it through as finalists in the 2014 Scottish Education Awards.
The teachers are Alison Currie from Dunoon Grammar School and Ailsa Cassidy from Rothesay Joint Campus, both in the ward area of Cowal and Bute where Education Secretary and local MSP, Michael Russell, resides.
The schools are both island schools: Mull’s Lochdonhead Primary School – which Argyll and Bute Council tried to close back in the school wars of 2010-11; and Port Ellen Primary School on the Isle of Islay.
Alison Currie from Dunoon Grammar School has been shortlisted for the Teacher of the Year Award. Her nomination cites: ‘Her warmth and compassion along with her empathetic approach to pupils in need has made her an extremely popular member of staff. Working specifically with children who have emotional and academic difficulties, Alison listens carefully to a child’s needs and offers support which produces attainable targets with the child at the heart of the process.’
Ailsa Cassidy from Rothesay Joint Campus is a finalist for the Education Supporter of the Year Award. Her nomination cites: ‘Ailsa supports a wide range of young people and frequently helps pupils to improve their self-esteem and attain their goals. She helps with a variety of school projects such as the annual talent show, as well as playing an active role in the pupil council.
Lochdonhead Primary in Mull and Port Ellen Primary in Islay are both finalists for the Enterprise and Employability Across Learning (Secondary) Award.
Cleland Sneddon, the council’s Education Director who drove the scorched earth 26-school closure attempt in 2010-11, which included Lochdon – says: ‘Our wholehearted congratulations go to all our finalists. Every day our teachers and staff are working hard to provide an excellent service in schools across Argyll and Bute.
‘We wish our finalists every success and thank them all for their dedication in continuously improving the quality of our education: proof that Argyll and Bute is a fantastic place for children to be brought up and educated.’
The finalists will attend an awards ceremony in Glasgow on Tuesday 10th June 2014 where judges will unveil the winners of each award category.
Argyll and Bute Counckil is grateful to folk in Argyll for nominating their local schools, nurseries or individuals for these national awards, so that their exceptional achievements can be recognised.
Further information is here at the Scottish Education Awards website.
