THE MAN WHO chaired the panel of judges which awarded the teachers’ Oscars in England is to head a group which will decide the winners of a new award to schools in Scotland.
Sir John Harvey-Jones, one of Britain’s foremost industrialists and star of the BBC’s Troubleshooters, said that the award, for The Most Confident School of the Year, aims to recognise the increased confidence demonstrated by pupils, teachers, and the community. The judges will include representatives from education, business and the arts.
Speaking via a recorded message at a “Celebration of Confidence” ceremony in Glasgow last week, Sir John said that confidence is not just a key to learning. “Confidence makes us more open. We cn think more creatively and can seize opportunities, take risks and embrace change.”
The ceremony marked the launch of Learning Made Easy, the next phase of the Learning Game motivational programme.
Frank McGinty, a principal teacher of guidance at Notre Dame High in Glasgow, said his school had seen improvements in exam passes in the two and a half years it had been using the Learning Game. “It has only been one tool among many but it has been a significant factor.”
North Lanarkshire is the latest authority to extend the programme. Dan Sweeney, the council’s head of quality development, said: “The Learning Game is very effective in helping children to organise their learning skills.”