North Lanarkshire school wins national STEM honour

A school in North Lanarkshire has won a prestigious national award for STEM.

Balmalloch Primary School in Kilsyth scooped the STEM Nation Award from Education Scotland for their work in teaching and promoting science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects.

The school was praised for making STEM a priority in the School Improvement Plan leading to high-quality practice across the school.

Ruth McCarthy, headteacher at Balmalloch Primary School, said: "We are delighted to receive the STEM Nation Award, highlighting the importance of STEM in Balmalloch Primary School which has been recognised nationally.

“This was a team effort led by Mr Paterson and Miss McNeill and the Young STEM Leaders but supported through each of our pupil voice groups.

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths are at the heart of our learners' experiences from nursery to Primary 7, stemming from a desire to equip our children with the skills required for the 21st century and putting that into practice.”

Education Scotland praised the school's various STEM activities and outdoor learning as a strength, stating that the learning opportunities available at the school is relevant to local labour markets.

It also praised the positive impact STEM has had on young people by providing opportunities to improve engagement and develop a variety of skills.

The STEM Nation Award was developed by Education Scotland to celebrate and build on effective practice in STEM subjects.

The award focuses on key areas such as leadership, family and community learning in STEM, employability and STEM partnership, inspiring STEM curriculum, and addressing equity and equality in STEM.