The primary kids who have immersed themselves in science, technology, engineering and maths

A year of hard work in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths have just paid off for a Paisley school.

Brediland Primary has been rewarded with a full STEM Nation Award.

The effort included working in the class, at home, meeting Education Secretary John Swinney (pictured below) and even principal teacher David Rigmand jetting off to Portugal to attend a European presentation.

The award was one of just 19 made by Education Scotland,

The project involves the entire 206 school roll in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Mr Rigmand - seen below presenting in Lisbon - said: “I think the whole school now knows the importance of these subjects while at school and to finally get jobs.

”And it was an honour to represent the pupils at the conference in Lisbon where I presented on our best practice.

“I think it is an enormous achievement for Brediland.

”We are now starting projects with Glasgow Caledonian University and to spread out what we are doing at Brediland to other schools in Renfrewshire.”

It was last September that Brediland signed up to take part.

All STEM practice was reviewed and strengths and weaknesses were identified.

And the school had to prove its worth on social media by sharing videos and photos with partners and the community.

Validators for the STEM Nation Award praised the Paisley school for helping to raise aspiration “through innovative and collaborative partnership.”

Another key part was getting the whole family involved, with children taking experiments home.

Education Scotland’s strategic director Alan Armstrong said “Throughout the STEM Nation Award pilot we have seen an inspiring breadth of learning experiences across Scotland, with pupils developing 21st century skills.

“Education Scotland is delighted to award the full STEM Nation Award to Brediland Primary. The school has demonstrated rich, engaging and varied STEM experiences for learners.”

Councillor Jim Paterson, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy board, said: “We are delighted Brediland Primary is one of only a handful of schools across the country to be recognised by Education Scotland in this way.

“Our congratulations goes to all at the school who have worked so hard to earn this honour for their innovative work – which included working with university students to create a wind turbine which powers some of the school’s classroom equipment.”

To see the school’s STEM work check out its Twitter account @BredilandSchool