* Inspirational teacher: Willie McGair, Dumfries Academy
A history teacher at the academy for more than 20 years, Mr McGair was recommended by present and former pupils for the top award. He is said to teach with “his own flair and style and although creating clear respect among his students and relaying the syllabus well, he also manages to form friendships and give a humorous edge to the period”.
* Web learning award: Liberton High, Edinburgh
The secondary developed the first website for national music exams to help students revise outside the classroom. It has revision topics, a quiz and sample questions.
* Promoting improved behaviour: Westburn Nursery, Cambuslang
Parents have been encouraged to become more involved in their children’s activities, taking part in workshops on how to give advice and how to relate to children.
* Education for ambition: All Saints Secondary, Glasgow
Groups of S3 and S4 pupils have joined the Going Places project to lift their post-school ambitions. Intense support, which includes visits to Rangers’ after-school study centre at Ibrox, helps them to see that college and university could be for them.
* Raising basic standards: Kilmarnock Academy
Recruited an extra support for learning teacher to raise basic reading and writing skills in the lower ability groups. There is hard evidence of improved attitudes and motivation.
* Schools for all: Meadow Park School, Haddington
The East Lothian primary for children with severe and complex needs is on the campus of St Mary’s primary and shares facilities and playgrounds.
Meadow Park pupils can take part in mainstream classes and are always invited to attend St Mary’s events.
* Making the links: Glashieburn primary, Aberdeen
Rural Ghana to Glashieburn is the theme of a school link to widen pupils’
horizons and alert them to the plight of less fortunate children. Two teachers from Aberdeen have been to Ghana to advise on the curriculum and teaching methods.
* Closing the gap: Kick-it Kick-off, Dundee City Council
Children at risk from substance abuse, offending behaviour and exclusion are given the chance to train with Dundee Football Club if they agree to do more studying and improve their self-discipline.
* School in the community: Ardnamurchan High School, Highland
The newly built secondary and linked Sunart Centre offer a model of education-community facilities that is setting the pattern in joint use.
* Schools enterprise project: Panbride primary, Carnoustie
Pupils formed themselves into a company and ran a Second World War- style tea dance, setting up advertising, finance and administration teams. Older residents were invited.
* Education supporter: Danny McAllister, Kersland School, Paisley
“Danny the Janny” is always around to help pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties but also goes skating and swimming with the pupils, drives the minibus and helps at the youth club.
