DETERMINED pupils at a Greenock primary school didn't let the coronavirus pandemic stop them from picking up a prestigious qualification.

A dedicated group of eight P7s at King's Oak returned to the school after term ended to finish their SQA Level 2 Gold Award.

The pupils had been working with senior family worker Caroline McCahill to prepare all of the paperwork needed to achieve the accolade.

But when the school closed due to lockdown restrictions, the young people were left with some loose ends to tie up.

With the support of their parents, Caroline and the school's management team - principal teacher Craig Thomson, head teacher Kirstin Glancy and deputy head teacher Lynne Wilson - they were able to return and get everything signed and sealed.

The determined youngsters are Islay Newsome, Jacob McInnes, Sean McDiarmid, Nathan O'Neill, Ruby Whyte, Summer Taggart, Dean Meldrum and Fraser Gallacher.

Social distancing guidelines were carefully adhered to when the youngsters returned to the school.

Caroline says she is very proud of what the pupils have achieved in these very uncertain times.

She told the Tele: "The young people have done an amazing job in spite of everything.

"They have shown incredible commitment.

"The gold award gives the young people accreditation for completing practical, real-life activities.

"It's a real confidence boost for them and is a great thing for them to have as they transition to high school.

"The activities get the young people thinking about planning tasks and taking responsibility for their own workload."

To complete the award, pupils had to complete six booklets full of activities covering themes like litter picking, hobbies and interests, looking after pets, using public transport, safety in the community, cyber safety, healthy eating, eco-awareness, enterprise and fundraising.

Summer, 12, from Greenock, said: "I really enjoyed doing the work for the gold award.

"My favourite bit was the health and wellbeing section about being active."

Fraser, 11, from Port Glasgow, added: "I'm relieved that we were able to go into the school and get our work finished.

"I really enjoyed all of the activities."

The SQA Gold Award links into Education Scotland's Developing the Young Workforce programme and is a big part of the King's Oak's work in helping youngsters transition to high school.

Coursework is internally verified by Inverclyde Council's community learning and development team and then externally verified by the SQA.

Caroline says that the dedication of the pupils, support of parents, and the work of the management team has helped make the awards scheme a success in very difficult circumstances.

She added: "The school's management team has been instrumental in supporting the gold award and driving it forward.

"That support has been key in helping us achieve this and everything else we've done as a school in spite of lockdown."

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PIC CAPTION: Nathan O'Neill, Ruby Whyte, Summer Taggart, Dean Meldrum and Fraser Gallacher celebrate with Caroline McCahill.