Baltasound first school in Scotland to win play award
BALTASOUND Junior High School in Unst has been presented with a ‘Play Pedagogy Award’ from Play Scotland, becoming the first school in Scotland to receive the accolade.
The award was presented in Unst today (Thursday) by Fiona Kirkland, the play pedagogy lead at Play Scotland, in the company of pupils, staff, and parents and families at a special day-long play event in the school.
Shetland Islands Council said the award recognises the school’s commitment to embedding children’s right to play, and how play can “sit at the heart of a rich learning environment”.
Baltasound is one of the ten pilot schools selected in 2024 to test and help shape the Play Pedagogy Award, and Play Scotland is now working with over 20 local authorities across Scotland.
Schools across Scotland are today celebrating the International Day of Play, established by the United Nations in 2024 which recognises play as essential to children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
The council said pedagogy is defined as ‘the method, and practice, of teaching’ and play pedagogy embraces ‘play’ as the primary vehicle for teaching and learning.
Almost all schools in Shetland have a support worker whose role is to help implement and develop play as part of high quality teaching and learning within their school.
Baltasound Junior High School has a current school roll of 90 pupils, from early years to secondary four.
Chairman of the SIC’s education and families committee Davie Sandison said: “I’d like to congratulate the pupils, staff and the wider school community at Baltasound Junior High School on their success in achieving this Play Scotland Pedagogy Award.
“They have demonstrated the incredible value of play and how everyone can learn, explore and connect through play.
“At the heart of the school’s rich learning environment, play supports children’s wellbeing and confidence and I’m delighted that this award shines a spotlight on the school’s fantastic work.”
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