Enterprising teacher Neil is honoured for his work

A history teacher and part-time referee has become one of the first recipients of an enterprise in education award at the Scottish Parliament.

Head of history at Tynecastle High School, Neil McLennan was honoured by the General Teaching Council for Scotland at Holyrood for successfully introducing a range of projects including launching PoppyScotland education materials and National Poetry Day events.

The 30-year-old was awarded Professional Recognition status and received a certificate from Keith Brown MSP, minister for skills and lifelong learning.

Mr McLennan is currently seconded to Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS), which provides advice to Scottish ministers on matters of curriculum and assessment as well as information and communication technologies.

At his previous school, Deans Community High School in Livingston, Mr McLennan helped to devise an alternative education programme for young men who had disengaged from the curriculum. In this project, students were encouraged to develop business and vocational skills alongside standard numeracy and literacy classes.

Mr McLennan, who is also an SFA referee, expressed his delight at being among the first to receive the prestigious gong.

He said: "Every teacher receiving recognition today has contributed not only to bringing learning alive for their students, but also to enhancing their local community through enterprising approaches to education. Through their work, skilled and confident youngsters are emerging ready for the world of work and lifelong learning.

"I am delighted to be amongst the first recipients and in my new role I will be aiming to support more teachers and hope that they too will go forward to be acknowledged for the excellent work they do with our young people."

Twenty-three teachers from across Scotland were awarded Professional Recognition status and were given the opportunity at the event to discuss their work in various diverse Enterprise in Education projects with other colleagues from the education and business sectors and MSPs.

Mr Brown said: "Teachers have a critical role in helping pupils develop the practical skills they need for the working world.

"That's why I'm delighted that the GTC Scotland, in partnership with Determined to Succeed, is giving recognition to this group of teachers who are so dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people."