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A Falkirk teacher is recognised by GTC Scotland
Katrina Lucas, a primary teacher working within Falkirk Council, is set to become the first teacher to be awarded Professional Recognition by GTC Scotland for her work on the Scots language.
The recognition comes after her studies demonstrated that pupils, and in particular boys, showed a marked improvement in both literacy and confidence following the introduction of Scots lessons.
Katrina said: "We approach this very much as we would any other modern language, like French or German. In my school, Scots is not necessarily spoken too widely, so when we introduced it, it became a gateway to wider aspects of Scottish culture.
"We received very positive feedback from children from diverse backgrounds, who were able to take their learning home and pass it on to the wider family.
"In addition, we found those prone to challenges in their learning were very motivated - it was almost as if they were being allowed to do something naughty - and many have made significant progress."
Falkirk Council is very active in the promotion of Scots in school, and Katrina has become one of their co-ordinators, providing support and advice to other teachers looking to explore this area.
Personally, her work has inspired Katrina to embark on a Chartered Teacher programme through Strathclyde University, which she hopes to finish in a year or so.
Katrina's experience indicates the Scots language has a very valid, and constructive, place in the modern classroom.