The Stirling-based school has received the inaugural Success Looks Different Award from charity, Children in Scotland.
Launched in 2022, the awards are a chance for schools to celebrate how they are helping pupils with additional support needs feel included, supported and celebrated.
Braehead were the winners in the primary and early years category and were presented with their accolade on Tuesday (Oct 25).
Reduce barriers
Headteacher at the school, Loraine Dollard said: “I am very proud of the work we do every day in our school to reduce barriers to learning and equip our children with lifelong skills. This national award allows us to celebrate our innovative and inclusive practice.”
Fantastic and innovative work
Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “This national award is well-deserved recognition for Braehead Primary’s fantastic and innovative work for children with additional support needs.
“It’s inspiring to see how the school’s creative initiatives are having such a positive impact, not only for the young people involved but the entire school and the wider community, raising awareness, changing attitudes and delivering a wide range of successes.
“Through these approaches, the school is creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where all pupils can achieve their potential.”
More than 40 schools, representing primary, secondary and specialist provision submitted applications.
Creative projects
Braehead stood out amongst the competition thanks to creative projects such as its ‘Tech Team’ and ‘Mission Dyslexia’ focus groups.
The ‘Tech Team’ group sees children with literacy difficulties meet to develop computer literacy and make best use of the tools on their Chromebooks to create presentations, write stories and operate Google classrooms with greater independence. Some members of the group have gone on to support children and staff with lessons that involve digital earning.
In ‘Mission Dyslexia’, children learn about the dyslexic brain as well as styles and strategies to overcome barriers. This has helped them develop confidence, independence and respect from their peers. The group also created a short film to raise awareness of dyslexia which was shown in the school, on social media and across other schools in Stirling.
Celebrating pupils as individuals
Lucy Johnson, Enquire’s Senior Children’s Rights and Communications Officer, who managed the award, said: “We received a large number of entries from a range of provisions and locations. Across all, a common thread was a commitment to, and creativity in, including and celebrating pupils as individuals.
“Congratulations to all the 2022 winners. We hope this year’s awards will be the first of many.”
Each of the Success Looks Different Award winners were chosen by the Inclusion Ambassadors, a group of secondary school-aged pupils across Scotland who have a range of additional support needs and attend a variety of school provisions.
All winners demonstrated a particular commitment to celebrating pupils with additional support needs and their individual achievements, sharing success with the wider community as well as doing something creative, innovative and different.
