Thornton kids hailed as best in Scotland for STEM education

And what’s more, the youngsters at Thornton Primary School saw off competition from senior school pupils, including those from fellow finalists Kirkclady High, to be crowned the country’s best in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Delighted to have been short-listed, the school were however shocked to learn they had landed the prestigious accolade as part of the Scottish Government’s 2016 Scottish Education Awards.

“We were delighted to have been named as one of the three finalists, but to win came as a complete shock,” said Joanne Jarvie, science teacher at the school.

The award is the culmination of nine years of continous hard work put in by Joanne and her colleagues who set out to capture the children’s imagination and interest in all aspects of science and technology.

“There is absolutely no reason why any child can’t become the next doctor, scientist, vet or even astronaut. It was about removing those barriers, involving families and allowing children to get involved and see that they can do it. The children are the real stars in all of this,” Joanne added.

The school’s achievement was hailed a triumph by councillor Ross Vettraino, whose ward the school is in. He said: “The award category that Thornton has won recognises the educational settings which are helping children to develop the necessary skills and how to apply those skills across the four learning contexts. And it proves bigger is not always best. I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to all those at Thornton Primary School, who can now rightly call themselves the best in Scotland.”