Congratulations to Chryston High School’s Robbie Kirk on being named one of the best teachers of German in the UK.
Robbie received the German Teacher Award at the German Embassy in London in recognition of his innovative teaching which has made such a positive impact on pupils.
He also won the Peter Boaks Prize in 2013 which recognises outstanding work in teaching German by teachers at the beginning of their career and is the first teacher to have won both awards.
The Chryston teacher was presented with his award by the German Ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger and UK Schools Minister, Nick Gibb who was guest of honour at the ceremony.
The event was attended by teachers, head teachers, representatives from the education and language teaching sectors, business and media from across the UK, as well as Axel Scheffler - who illustrates Julia Donaldson’s children’s books.
Ambassador Berger said: "These awards are about celebrating all the hard work that all of you put into every single day – in your lessons as well as your many other activities such as school trips, competitions, lunchtime German clubs, and language festivals.
“The Award is our way of expressing our gratitude and appreciation, and it is dedicated to you and to the whole German-teaching community in the UK.
“You have gone above and beyond to create an engaging and supportive learning environment, inspiring your students to excel and fostering their love for the German language.
“The German Consulate General commends your exceptional work and wishes you continued success in all your future endeavours.”
Robbie is ecstatic to have won this prestigious award: “I am truly honoured to have been recognised for the German Teacher Award. Huge surprise and I was rendered somewhat speechless...not usually a problem. Having been a huge advocate for German throughout my teaching career and having had the chance to expand that within my own learning community as well as working across other local authorities, this isn't just a recognition of me as a teacher. It's for the language community of Scotland and more importantly, the German teaching family.
German is not only a beautiful language, but also an important one for young people to know and be able to use as we continue to strengthen economic and cultural ties with Germany, the UK’s most important trading partner, and the political powerhouse of the EU.
I would also like to thank my colleagues and the young people at Chryston, who I get the privilege of working with every day, as well as the Austrian Cultural Forum and NLC for their generosity.”