Going For...Going For...Gold!

It is not only athletes in Paris winning Gold lately, two of our very own primary schools have been working incredibly hard to achieve the Sport Scotland School Sport Gold Award.

Both Lochrutton Primary and Shawhead Primary, who are partnership schools, both individually worked through the framework and showcased their exceptional commitment to sport and physical activity at the end of the last academic year. After much anticipation the great news of achieving Gold was announced at the start of September which means celebrations of this accomplishment are now in full swing.

A Gold School Sport Award is awarded to schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment and dedication to promoting physical activity, sports participation, and overall well-being among their students. The School Sport Award provides a framework for all schools to be recognised across gold, silver and bronze levels and enables the Active Schools networks and schools to work effectively together.

From learning Paralympic sports such as boccia at lunch times, to attending after school badminton and football clubs, there really isn’t many sports these pupils haven’t had a go at in the last few years. Delivering these clubs are local volunteers, teachers and community sports coaches, all supported by Active Schools to ensure a high level and quality experience for all taking part. The assessment of the schools’ efforts also highlighted the number of competitive opportunities, as well as fun festivals that all pupils are given the opportunity to attend each year, events including those on the Active Schools events calendar and other national level invitational events.

As if taking part in a number of sporting opportunities wasn’t enough, senior pupils in P6 and P7 regularly take part in the Play leaders programme - creating fun and engaging games within the playground for younger pupils, further encouraging inclusion through sport at break and lunch times. Developing leadership skills and promoting healthy, active lifestyles – all in a day’s work for pupils in both Lochrutton and Shawhead primaries.

Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Gail MacGregor said:

“I would like to congratulate both Lochrutton Primary and Shawhead Primary for achieving such a fantastic award. Sport Scotland’s School Sport Gold Award is a significant milestone in the continued work being carried out to ensure sport, physical activity and wellbeing is prioritised within school for every pupil.”

What is particularly important to highlight is the partnership between these two schools working together with their communities, working with volunteers, local sports club and of course our Active Schools and Community Sports team. This partnership approach supports the continued efforts of all to provide free, inclusive opportunities for our learners in which to learn, grow and achieve here in Dumfries and Galloway.”