Pupils from Girvan Primary with their achievement awards.
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Over 1,000 primary seven pupils across the length and breadth of South Ayrshire have been celebrating gaining a Junior Achievement Award from South Ayrshire Council. Special ceremonies were held in Girvan, Maybole, Ayr and Troon to mark their achievement and to present the awards.
This is the tenth year that awards have been presented. This year 35 schools gave P7 pupils the opportunity to volunteer in their community, learn or develop a new hobby, enjoy being physically active and discover the wonderful outdoor environment of South Ayrshire and the Dolphin House situated in Culzean Country Park.
The awards programme has been designed to motivate primary seven pupils and encourage them to become more involved in out of school activities. The young people work in partnership with their parents or guardians, school staff and members of the community. Pupils are required to take part in the programme in their own time and to gain an award they must spend at least twenty hours on activities.
Each participant completes a record book of their activities which is signed by an adult who is involved in each activity they choose to take part in. Each child must choose one activity from each of the four elements:
Service/Community – demonstrate involvement in community life, promoting commitment, trust, self-esteem, responsibility, active citizenship.
Hobbies – develop an interest in music, reading, arts, life skills, crafts etc
Environmental Discovery – show understanding and appreciation of the environment, and their impact on it.
Sport/Health – engage in active lifestyles to improve their personal fitness and healthy living. Councillor Hywel Davies Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holders said: "The Junior Achievement Awards attract so many young children because there is something to appeal to all tastes and skills. The Awards clearly reflect Curriculum for Excellence, linking all areas of learning by encouraging responsibility, confidence, success and contribution to citizenship.
"It is important that children learn core skills such as reading, writing and mathematics, however helping them to become rounded fulfilled citizens who are active is crucial to their development.
"The award scheme gives all children the opportunity to become engaged within their community and appreciate the benefits it will bring for them and others. As the children grow older, if they continue to work within their communities, we will all benefit.
"Every child who has received a certificate to mark their success should be very proud of themselves and I know that they will be an inspiration to others."