Moray schools earn top scores for sports

NINE Moray schools have been recognised as top-league for their commitment to sport.

The sportscotland School Sport Awards recognise schools which place young people at the forefront of decision-making and planning of sport and PE while boosting opportunities to participate. A record number of awards were handed out this year.

Alves Primary School has earned gold status, joining Forres Academy.

Anderson's Primary in Forres, Dallas Primary, Logie Primary, Mortlach Primary in Dufftown, and Elgin's Seafield Primary, St Sylvester’s Primary and West End Primary all achieved silver status.

Scotland's Education Secretary John Swinney said: "Participation in sport and physical activity has an immensely positive impact on young people, improving their health, confidence and motivation. The record number of gold ratings is testament to the hard work of teachers and staff across the country in putting sport at the heart of the curriculum."

Chief executive of sportscotland Stewart Harris said: "There is an undoubted value in sport being at the heart of school life. With that in mind we are committed to helping build a Scotland where sport is a way of life and young people in schools are central to this."

Moray Council’s educational resources manager, Kim Paterson, said: "Congratulations to Alves Primary, who this year were awarded gold status and join the eight other schools in Moray to be recognised with gold and silver awards by sportscotland.

"Knowing the amount of work that goes into offering a comprehensive sports programme within our schools and local communities, I’m thrilled that independent experts rated Alves Primary’s programme so highly."

Funded by the National Lottery, the School Sport Award is designed to encourage schools to continuously improve extra-curricular sport. The award also encourages sporting links between schools and communities, providing opportunities for young people to progress.

To achieve a bronze or silver sportscotland School Sport Award, schools self-assess their practice. However, to gain gold status an extensive external assessment is also carried out by an independent panel of experts.

The award is supported by the Active Schools Network, a programme that involves sportscotland working with all 32 local authorities to help schools ensure there are opportunities for youngsters to engage, participate and reach their potential.

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