Condorrat Primary School has secured gold award status from sportscotland – the first school in North Lanarkshire to secure the prestigious award this academic year.
The school has placed health and wellbeing at the forefront of its teaching and learning, with a particular focus on sport.
Mrs Julie-Ann Price, Head Teacher of Condorrat Primary School, said: “After the pandemic, improving wellbeing through quality physical activity was very important to us as a school community.
“The opportunities provided to our pupils have had a hugely positive impact on our school ethos and engagement in learning."
Following investment in new equipment and staff training, the school's efforts were recognised by the local and wider community, and this led to the decision to pursue the award from sportscotland.
The school began its journey towards gold award status in August, starting at the bronze level and liaising closely with Active School Co-ordinator Lee McParland to develop an action plan.
The plan focused on measurable targets in areas such as physical education, community links, and leadership, with evidence gathered to support the school's achievements.
Miss Jennifer Dalbeck, the school's PE Teacher, shared her pride in the hardworking team, saying: “I’d like to praise our pupils for their determination, commitment, and passion towards sports and physical activity.
“And I’d like to thank everyone involved in helping Condorrat Primary achieve the sportscotland Gold Award status.”
Mrs Eilidh MacDonald, a parent and class teacher, added, "As a teacher, the children have thoroughly enjoyed participating in a wide range of sports throughout the year. The children are always enthusiastic and eager to participate.
“As a parent, it has been wonderful to see such a wide range of opportunities being offered to the children at Condorrat Primary.
“My child often comes home enthusiastically sharing her experiences in sport. It has helped to develop a wide range of skills and a newfound love for gymnastics."
Mrs Suzanne Hill, a Classroom Assistant and Playground Squad Co-ordinator, commended the school's achievement, saying, "I think it's fabulous and well deserved for all of the hard work that all of the pupils and staff have put in to achieve this award."
Now accredited by sportscotland, the school aims to share its experiences with other schools and encourage even greater involvement in sport and physical activity.
Derek Brown, Depute Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Condorrat Primary School’s success in achieving Gold Award status reflects its commitment to providing high-quality sporting opportunities to pupils.
“It is a wonderful success story and a proud moment for everyone associated with the school. I’d like to congratulate staff on their ongoing efforts to support pupils’ health and wellbeing.”
The sportscotland School Sport Award is a National Lottery-funded initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve physical education (PE) and school sport opportunities.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “Congratulations to all the staff and pupils at Condorrat Primary School – they should be extremely proud of this fantastic achievement. It is testament to the hard work of everyone at the school that they are the first in North Lanarkshire to achieve the gold award this academic year.”