Inclusion isn't all about success in exams, the report states
A new report has detailed positive stories of inclusion across schools in Scotland following a unique awards programme.
It summarises the Success Looks Different Awards 2023 - the annual awards that were set up in 2022 by the Inclusion Ambassadors, a group of secondary school-aged pupils from across Scotland who have a range of additional support needs.
The group were concerned that, often, when schools measure achievements in learning they talk mostly about exams. Although exam results are important to many pupils, we know that not everyone will sit formal exams.
The Inclusion Ambassador, backed by the charity Children in Scotland, strongly believe that success looks different for everyone. They set up the annual Success Looks Different Awards to showcase how pioneering schools are helping pupils with additional support needs feel included, supported and celebrated.
The group led the Awards from start to finish with the young people setting the award categories, the criteria and judged the entries.
Some of the group were also involved in presenting the awards at winning schools.
In 2023, the awards had four categories: Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School and Special School.
The winners and runners-up were:
Early Years: winner: Woodlands Nursery Centre, South Lanarkshire; runner-up: Wallacetown Early Years Centre, South Ayrshire
Primary School: winner: Williamston Primary School, West Lothian; runner-up: Houston Primary School, Renfrewshire
Secondary School: winner: Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, West Dunbartonshire; runner-up: Park Mains High School, Renfrewshire
Special School: winner: Fairview School, Perth & Kinross; runner-up: East Park School, Glasgow City
The winning entries had common themes, such as prioritising relationships between staff and pupils, including pupils in shaping celebrations of success and taking a holistic approach – both with individual learners and the wider school.
Some also created opportunities for student leaders and prioritised connecting with the wider community. Each of the entries found ways of celebrating success in creative and innovative ways.
The report shares examples of good practice from the award winners. You can access the full report and find out more here.
Lucy Johnson, Enquire’s senior development officer, who managed the award in 2023, said: “Sharing examples of how different schools support inclusion is an important part of the Success Looks Different Awards.
"The breadth of applications we have received since the award began in 2022 has given us an insight into the dedication so many educational establishments have to embedding inclusion and recognising that success looks different for every individual.
"This report is an opportunity for us to recognise and promote this valuable work and celebrate the good practice happening across Scotland.”
