Published on:
04
December 2012
Alva Academy launched their Schools of Sport under the title of "Sporting Futures" on St Andrew's Day, where they were joined by a star studded line-up of guests
Head Teacher, Sharee MacKerron said: "Sport is a very important part of the make up of Alva Academy and we have long recognised our pupils achievements whether it be school, regional or beyond.
"Even then it's not just national it takes us into British, European and World Level. This year we have another pupil who has achieved at a European Level. Andrew McLachlan's Gold and Bronze medals in the European Championships, a first, which means he has been invited to the Horse of the Year show at Olympia along with the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Medallists."
Last session the school were approached by the Scottish Rugby Union to form a School of Rugby, at the same time the school explored a School of Football and finally they wanted to add a School of Dance to complete the range on offer.
Thanks to National Lottery "Awards for All" to fund most of the latter, they now have boys and girls involved in the programme ranging from S1 to S3 and plan to expand next year.
Education Convener, Councillor Ellen Forson, who was present at the launch, said: "The whole experience sits perfectly with Curriculum for Excellence covering many experiences and outcomes."
The School of Dance went off to see Chicago at The Kings Theatre in Edinburgh recently. In the cast was ex-pupil Gregor Scott who met them at the end of the show. Gregor and Steven Miller (Dr Lenny Lions - Casualty) are going to meet up with them when they are in London.
Alva Academy also welcomed back to the school at the launch a Sporting Futures Family. Daniel Ashe plays football for Stirling Albion and helps out the school as a mentor and on trips.
Adam Ashe has just finished with the Scotland sevens rugby team and is now with Glasgow Warriors. The school also welcomed Jennifer Ashe, who features in the School of Dance.
Councillor Forson added: "The benefits of the programme go well beyond the immediate pupils in the three schools. For example, they now have a girls rugby team, the under 15 team played their Scottish Cup tie at Recreation Park, the primaries are developing a project with Alloa Athletic and the dance clubs are overflowing throughout the age groups."
Other invited guests at the launch included Alloa Athletic chairman, Mike Mulraney, President of the SRU and ex-internationalist Alan Lawson, capped 15 times for Scotland at rugby
Alan said: "The SRU are clear in their support of the development of Rugby from a young age, hence our support of the venture at Alva Academy."