WESTERCRAIGS NURSERY TAKES TOP CITIZENSHIP TITLE

The Citizenship Award recognises the excellent work being undertaken by schools for and with their communities through, for example:

Ø  contributing to the life of the local community

Ø  participating in local events

Ø  undertaking local ventures

Ø  contributing to newspapers and other media

Ø  linking with local industry/employers

Ø  providing events which the local community can attend

Ø  involving the local community in the educational life of the school

Ø  assisting pupils in a variety of activities

Ø  enabling members of the local community to take part in educational experiences to encourage lifelong learning

Ø  any project which involves the community helping the school or the school helping the community.

Westercraigs Nursery School in Glasgow has been awarded the Trades House of Glasgow Citizenship Award 2011, in recognition of the great work it has achieved by engaging the children in nursery, local and wider community projects. 

Now in its 12^th year, the award encourages and rewards good citizenship in pre-5, primary, secondary and special needs schools across the city.  It is supported by Glasgow City Council Education Department. 

Commenting on their citizenship initiative and award win, head teacher Lesley Morrison said:  “How does it work?  Our children, parents and staff all reply, ‘teamwork!’  We all go out to engage in active learning every day, using the best resources in Glasgow – the people, services and places in which our city abounds.  This face to face engagement between our youngest citizens and their elders has ensured that each Westercraigs child is playing their part in the life of their own community. Young and old, we all agree that learning has never been so much fun and so rewarding.

“The Trades House Citizenship plaque now hanging in our reception is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.  The praise from the craftsmen is acknowledgement that our way of engaging children, parents and carers at the start of their family life is the right way to ensure responsible citizens now and for the future.  We are all chuffed to bits. We also say, “Westercraigs children would get a piece at any door!””

Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow Jimmy Miller said: “Forging close community links from the early years can lead to a far better understanding between schools and their neighbours, positively paving the way for the years ahead. 

“Our Citizenship initiative is aimed at encouraging the development of what is an important part of the school curriculum.  The judges looked carefully at the contributions each school makes to the life of its local community, and we chose Westercraigs Nursery School as our winner after hearing presentations from pupils representing each of the finalists.  While Westercraigs has demonstrated citizenship at its very best, I would like to congratulate all our finalists for displaying a very clear focus on good citizenship and all that it entails.”

Westercraigs Nursery School beat stiff competition from the other finalists, Alexandra Parade Primary, All Saints RC Secondary, Festival Park Day Nursery, Holyrood Secondary, John Paul Academy, Our Lady of the Annunciation, St Stephen’s Primary and St Timothy’s Primary.

The judging panel included representatives of the Trades House and the Education Department and prizes were presented by Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart.  As well as the special Citizenship plaque awarded to the winning school, the judges also make commendations. 

Jimmy Miller visited Westercraigs Nursery School along with awards coordinator Hamish Brodie, to meet the children, head teacher and staff, and present the Citizenship plaque.