The
small rural school which has only 15 pupils beat off stiff competition
to become the award winners for the whole of Scotland.
As
Scottish champions, the children of Longhaven School attended the award
ceremony at London Zoo yesterday to receive their certificate
and £1000 cheque. The children were joined by pupils from England and
Wales to find out won the title of overall UK Champions for 2012, which
was awarded to an English school.
Banff & Buchan MP
Eilidh Whiteford invited the school pupils to the House of
Commons during their visit to London. The MP has also tabled a Motion
in Parliament congratulating the children on their huge achievement.
Commenting,
Eilidh Whiteford said:
“I’m
so thrilled for the children. This is a magnificent achievement,
particularly in light of the fact that the 15 pupils at Longhaven School
have triumphed in an all-Scotland competition.
“It
says much about the quality of education at the school and the
commitment of the teaching staff that a small rural school like
Longhaven has won this prestigious award.
“The
children thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Westminster and I was
pleased to be able to host their visit and celebrate their achievement
by tabling a Motion in Parliament."
Meanwhile, Peterhead South & Cruden councillor
Stephen Smith has proposed the school be given a ‘Pride of
Buchan’ award for their achievement. The awards, which are made by
Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan Area Committee, are to recognise regional
or national achievements.
Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:
“This
is tremendous news for the school. When you consider that
Aberdeenshire Council wanted to close the school back in 2005 in the
face of massive community opposition, to have come from
that position to a point where the school is winning national awards it
really tells us something about the standard of teaching which children
can receive in our small rural schools.
“The award is well-deserved and I send my congratulations to the pupils and their Headteacher, Mr Loney."