A PORT school has picked up a prestigious lifesaving prize at a national awards ceremony in the presence of royalty.
Staff and pupils at St Stephen's High took the first class title at the Scottish First Aid Awards in recognition of promoting an 'exemplary level' of knowledge and practice.
It comes after the school launched training for pupils and raised awareness of the vital skills.
St Stephen's was one of the first schools in Scotland to bring first aid training into the curriculum.
The school now has its own first aid department and teacher Jamie McGowan is a qualified trainer and assessor.
Mr McGowan said he was honoured to pick up the award on behalf of the school - and even got to meet HRH Princess Anne and Still Game star Jane McCarry on the night.
He said: "I'm very proud of what the young people have achieved.
"Our school has been focused on providing pupils and the wider community with the necessary skills and training needed to save lives, and we've progressed significantly in delivering this.
"We hope this award will highlight the importance of the work we're doing and will encourage other schools to join us in creating the next generation of lifesavers."
Pupils at St Stephen's can take Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level six courses in First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work alongside their other studies.
The courses, which are the equivalent of Higher qualifications, are equipping the young people with the knowledge needed to save a life.
Pupils in S6 who took part in the pilot project are now delivering training to pupils in S1 to S4.
Daniel Deighan said: "It's good that we've had the chance to educate younger pupils in the school and to teach lifesaving skills to help them in the future.
"We thought we were in with a good chance of winning the award and we're very proud."
Eva McConnachie added: "We couldn't have done any of this without Jamie.
"He started the first aid project with us and has been a great mentor.
"We wouldn't have wanted anyone else to take us through it, he's a great teacher."
Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said St Stephen's High has shown 'complete commitment' to raising awareness of first aid and providing practical training for young people.
He added: "St Stephen's is a deserving winner of the first class award, and we look forward to seeing what further achievements they deliver within the school and across the wider community."
==
FIRST CLASS Sixth year pupils with teacher Jamie McGowan and head teacher Alison Fanning.
Share