On the 21st June 2016, 22 Classroom and Additional Support Needs Assistants received certificates for the SQA Professional Development Award (PDA) in Education Support Assistance in a ceremony held in the Loch Fyne Hotel, Inveraray.

Roslyn Redpath, Principal Educational Psychologist, presented the certificates on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council and congratulated the candidates on their hard work and commitment.

The assistants all contribute to the learning and the health and wellbeing of pupils across Argyll and Bute and have recently finished nearly two years of accredited training including practical work in schools, closed book assessments and personal study.

The Professional Development Award course is designed to support Classroom Assistants and Additional Support Needs Assistants in developing their role in schools and in gaining a wider range of knowledge and skills in relation to pupils with additional support needs. This year’s group consisted of candidates from Oban, Campbeltown, Mull, Iona, Islay, Helensburgh, Bute and Cowal.

Those receiving certificates:

Back Row

Fraser McKenzie, Iona PS
James McCallum, Campbeltown GS
Carol Fleming, Garelochhead PS
Lorraine Walker, St Andrew’s PS
Catherine Ducat, Lochgoilhead PS
Carolyn Williamson, Parklands School
Caroline Liddell, Strachur PS
Terri Lench, St Andrew’s PS
Sheila Howie, Dunoon PS
Laura McGregor, Rothesay JC
Alison Coltart, Dunoon GS

Second Row

Lorna McKinven, Campbeltown PS
Alison Smith, St Joseph’s PS
Deirdre MacFarlane, Dunbeg PS
Donna Dunn, Rothesay Joint Campus
Mairi Hargreaves, Tobermory High School
Catriona Wilson, Strachur PS
Fiona Edgar, St Mun’s PS

Front Row

Catherine Ann Craig, Castlehill PS
Joanne Currie, Dunoon GS
Christine Hamilton, Kilmodan PS

Pictured with those receiving certificates is:

Jenny McFarlane, SQA Co-ordinator (Back row, 3rd from left),
Roslyn Redpath, Principal Educational Psychologist (2nd row, left)
Karen Miller, PDA Administrative Support (2nd row, 2nd left)