The Scottish Education Awards for 2010 have been announced at a star-studded ceremony held at Glasgow's City Hall, with good news for two South Ayrshire schools.
Carrick Academy and Newton Primary made it all the way to the finals of the prestigious event, which highlights and rewards educational excellence from all over Scotland.
Carrick Academy pupils were finalists in the 'Getting Scotland Active Award' for their inclusive approach to improving health, wellbeing and quality of life through physical activities.
Sue Easton, a teacher at Newton Primary School was also a finalist in the 'Lifetime Achievement' category for her outstanding contribution to pupils, staff and the local community.
The award nominations went through a rigorous judging process, including school visits, to check the entries met the stringent criteria of demonstrating exceptional, innovative and creative approaches to learning and teaching.
Hosted by TV presenter Jackie Bird and radio star Romeo, the event, sponsored by the Daily Record, allowed Sue and the Carrick Academy pupils to mingle with celebrities such as Danyl Johnstone, Liz McColgan and Michelle McManus, making the day a memorable experience.
On the night, it was a very near miss for both, as they finished runners-up in each category.
Carrick Academy was singled out by judges for their "strong commitment to physical education, activity and sport." The judges also commented that the scale of pupil participation in team sports was 'outstanding'.
Of particular note was the Academy's approach to developing leadership skills in senior pupils through the Coach Education Academy, giving pupils the opportunity to gain national coaching awards from a range of organisations.
Once qualified, the senior pupils were able to use their practical experience, knowledge and skills to work with younger pupils and local primary schools, sharing their expertise and encouraging personal development and fitness.
The school received a cheque for £500 as runners up and are already putting this to good use building on the outstanding strengths already in place.
Councillor Hywel Davies, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning said: "Recognising the achievements and efforts of our schools, staff and pupils is vitally important.
"Carrick Academy was quite rightly shortlisted for a Getting Scotland Active Award for the pupils' excellent and ongoing efforts in promoting and sustaining healthy living initiatives.
"These initiatives have involved all 525 pupils, fully integrating those pupils with additional support needs or physical disabilities into sports, activities and games.
"It's a remarkable achievement and I fully support the school's resubmission for an award in 2011."
Sue Easton is Newton Primary School's IT co-ordinator and has pioneered interactive learning for young pupils through the use of whiteboards and multimedia.
Pupils have been encouraged to design and plan their own learning and have taken part in innovative projects such as 'The Shiny Shoe Shop' to boost maths abilities and interactive brain training through play with the Nintendo DS.
Councillor Hywel Davies continued: "Sue's ideas have added a sense of fun and energy to learning in school and her classes are always eagerly anticipated."
He concluded: "On behalf of South Ayrshire Council, I'd like to congratulate Sue and the pupils of Carrick Academy for getting to the finals of the Scottish Education Awards and for being a source of inspiration to other pupils, staff parents and their communities."
"South Ayrshire Council is committed to providing a quality education for all of our pupils at every stage in their school life and it's this sort of innovative, creative forward thinking that the Council encourages, now enhanced through the adoption of the Curriculum for Excellence.
"Pupils will learn at a steadier pace, which will almost certainly mean they learn more and I believe it is the right way to educate our children.
I am confident the Curriculum for Excellence will help us build on the high standards and excellent academic results this Council has enjoyed in recent years."
"The real winners will be the pupils who benefit from the energy, enthusiasm and passion that such drive, dedication and commitment makes to the quality of their education."