Two Education support workers from Fife have beaten off stiff competition from across Scotland to be selected as finalists at the Scottish Education Awards 2012.

Wilma Mitchell, from the Parent Staff Association at Thornton Primary School, and Karen Hamilton, Business Manager at Kirkland High School and Community College in Methil, have reached the final stages of the Educational Supporter of the Year Award.

As a valued member of the community atThornton Primary School, Wilma takes responsibility for a number of tasks including displaying children’s work, making costumes for school plays and decorating the school for special events such as Burns Suppers or leavers' ceremonies.

She is also a member of the Rights Respecting School group and takes responsibility for the school’s Change for Change Appeal. Wilma helps the children decide what to buy with the change and records gift certificates bought for Oxfam, Water Aid and Save the Children.

Wilma runs a Friday afternoon craft class too, working with teachers, parents and children to teach craft and the pupils have produced some exceptional items in cross stitch, embroidery and folding.

The judges commended Wilma for the pride that she takes in the school and how her encouragement has inspired pupils to develop new skills, making her a admirable finalist. 
 

Business Support Manager, Karen Hamilton will join Wilma as a contender for the title of Educational Supporter of the Year. 

Karen took up the post at Kirkland High School and Community College in October 2004 and since her appointment she has had made a significant impact on the work of the school and the education service.

She has an extensive remit which includes leading and managing a large team of staff with responsibility for health and safety, property, buildings, budgets and finance across the school.

Karen was also the chair of the Business Manager Group for Fife Education Service. She led this group with diplomacy and with a clear vision at a time when business managers were being introduced and embedded within the education service. She is currently the chair of the Business Manager Strategic Group.

The school is looking at piloting the use of digital papers with the SQA. This is in down to Karen’s vision as she is always looking at new and innovative ways to get the very best out of systems and resources to meet the needs of students.

Most recently Karen has taken the lead on developing the school’s partnership with local businesses and industries. Methil is an area of regeneration and the school is working to prepare young people with the transferable skills to ensure they have the skills necessary for life and work. She is working with employers, the school and the college to ensure that the school’s education programmes are in line with Curriculum for Excellence and employers requirements.

The judges were impressed by Karen’s drive to take forward a shared vision and translate it into practice, earning her a place at the final award ceremony.

Ken Greer, Executive Director of Education at Fife Council, said:“I’m delighted that Karen and Wilma have been shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Education Award for Educational Supporter of the Year. We have an excellent track record in these awards so it’s very heartening to see our workforce recognised in this way. Education is a joint venture, with thousands of staff in Fife making an important contribution.

“I wish Karen and Wilma the very best in the finals.”

Wilma MitchellandKaren Hamiltonwill join finalists at an awards ceremony at theHilton Hotel, Glasgowon Tuesday 12 June 2012 where judges will unveil the winners of each award category.

Peoplein Fife are being thanked for nominating their local schools, nurseries or individuals into the Scottish Education Awards 2012 so thattheir exceptional achievements can be recognised.

The awards, which celebrate the achievements of schools and teachers across Scotland, are open to allpublicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, nursery and special schools. There are also categories to recognise and reward the dedication of teachers, head-teachers and support staff across the country.   

For further information visitwww.scottisheducationawards.org.uk