Scottish Catholic Observer

St Ninian’s High School, Kirkintilloch, will compete against five other schools to be named secondary school of the year in the Times Education Supplement School Awards. Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, Dumbarton (above), has been nominated in the international category for having an ‘innovative international strategy,’ while Holy Cross High School, Hamilton, will contest the Sports and Healthy Eating Award.

Our Lady and St Patrick’s has been recognised for its links with projects in Kenya and for its work in the British Council’s Connecting Classrooms initiative with Palestine. Pupils have been involved with different Catholic international charities, and the school is recognised in particular for its extensive work in Kenya, with staff travelling to the country at their own expense to work with and train teachers.

Charles Rooney, headteacher at Our Lady and St Patrick’s, said that as a school they are ‘keen to carry forward the Church’s mission not only through our words but more so through our actions.’

“Our programme of daily morning prayer and thoughts for the day reminds all of us of responsibilities, as Pope Francis states, to find new ways to spread the word of God to every corner of the world,” he said. “We are therefore delighted that our commitment is being nationally recognised.”

St Ninian’s High have been shortlisted for secondary school of the year three times in five years but have yet to win, and headteacher Paul McLaughlin said he is hoping this year will be their year.

“Fingers crossed,” he said. “It would be nice to win it but its not really about that it’s just getting the recognition. To get nominated three times is exceptional.

“We see the school as being a whole load more than academic successes. We see the positives rather than the barriers in the way. And behind that is all the things we do; we do a lot of work in parishes… we’ve had Chinese visitors… we have a partnership with Celtic FC Youth Academy… we are very positive thinking.”

Holy Cross High was nominated for the award by the University of the West of Scotland after they assisted in some pioneering physical education research that looked at the effects of high intensity training.

John Reilly, Holy Cross headteacher, said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ to be one of the finalists and to have a ‘superb partnership’ working between the school’s PE department and the university.

The award winners will be announced at a gala luncheon and awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Hugh Dennis, on July 4 at London’s Park Plaza Hotel.

—Read the full version of this story in June 27 edition of the SCO.