Scottish Catholic Observer

Gillian Campbell-Thow, principal teacher of modern languages at the Glasgow school, picked up the prestigious award at a glittering ceremony last week at the Thistle Hotel in the city.

Mrs Campbell-Thow was nominated for the award by one of her pupils, who praised her teaching skills and involvement in out of school activities, encouraging students to help out in a soup kitchen and helping one meet officials from FC Barcelona.

“My little brother is now choosing his subjects and he asked me for advice,” the pupil’s nomination said. “That was easy—I told him he had to take languages because Mrs Campbell -Thow cares about you.”

The All Saints teacher, who returned to her school this week to high praise from her pupils and a classroom adorned with celebratory decorations, said the win was humbling and a total shock.

“I hadn’t prepared,” she said. “I was gobsmacked and rendered speechless, which doesn’t happen very often. The headteacher and I just sat there and had a bit of a laugh thinking ‘Oh my God this is actually happening.’”

The Scottish teacher of the year said she was unsure why she had won.

“I love what I do and I think that any teacher that has that passion, it comes across,” she said.

As part of his nomination, Mrs Campbell-Thow’s pupil spoke about how she had helped him and fellow pupils through the death of a school staff member.

“I was thinking how do I support my department through that and how do I support the children,” the teacher said about dealing with the loss. “We organised the memorial and it came to the bidding prayers and I burst out greeting. And in a way I think it helped for them to see the vulnerable side of that and see that I was just as upset as them.

“It’s not just about me though; it’s about an absolutely phenomenal department. You are only as good as the people around you. There is a real sense of family. One of the kids said: ‘I know that modern languages is my home in the school.’”

Also recognised in the nationwide awards was Our Lady and St Patrick’s, Dumbarton, for creative learning.  The school has made creativity a big part of the school ethos, encouraging pupils (above main) to take part in a number of activities including transforming abandoned shop fronts in Dumbarton High Street with art work from S6 pupils and producing an animation on social inclusion.

Charles Rooney, headteacher at the school, said he was delighted that their work had been acknowledged nationally.

“As a school we are committed to encouraging all students to recognise their talents and apply them to their full potential,” he said. “We have placed creativity at the heart of our learning.”

Also picking up an award was Cardinal Winning Secondary, who won the Commonwealth Games Legacy award. Gerard McDonald, headteacher, said he was thrilled that the hard work of the school’s staff and pupils had been recognised.

“Our youngsters have been so empowered by the Commonwealth Games, they don’t just feel it is coming to Scotland or to Glasgow; they feel as if it is coming to Cardinal Winning Secondary,” Mr McDonald said. “They are so motivated. It’s done an incredible amount for the pupils.

“It was important to make my additional support needs youngsters feel a part of the Commonwealth Games. In doing so we’ve given youngsters the confidence and skills to go out and use the venues and not just think of them as for other people.”

The school, located in the East End of Glasgow near many of the Games venues, encouraged pupils to take part in sport and learn about other Commonwealth countries and values.

St Mungo’s Primary School, Glasgow, made it a four-fold success for Scotland’s Catholic schools with victory in the Gaelic Education category.

The school has involved all pupils in the learning of Gaelic, from children and teachers to support staff. Lead by the efforts of teacher Patrick McAleer, pupils have raised the profile of Gaelic in the community, with every high flat in Townhead now having its address displayed in Gaelic.

The school has used novel techniques including music to teach children the language, and said it has been ‘great to see that so many children from such a variety of backgrounds can embrace every facet of the culture.’

Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, congratulated the winning schools on their achievement.

“It is delightful to see Catholic schools being recognised by these awards,” he said. “As we approach the end of the school session, I send my congratulations to pupils and teachers in Catholic schools across Scotland.”

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- Read the full version of this story in June 20 edition of the SCO