Wednesday September 2nd 2026
Inverkip Primary pupils with headteacher Una Nicholson, class teacher Katie D'Souza and Noel Griffin from the Watt Institution at the SAMEE Awards
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Pupils from Inverkip Primary have been given a Special Recognition Award at the Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE) Awards 2026 for their short films.
With their class teacher Katie D’Souza and Noel Griffin, digital learning and engagement officer from the Watt Institution, the P5 pupils worked on eight animated short films, which were published on the Inverclyde Council YouTube channel in June.
The History = Our Story project was funded by the Scottish Government and encouraged the children to explore the museum’s collection in relation to colonialism, environmental exploitation, Indigenous knowledge and global inequality, using the artefacts as the starting points for discussion.
The project was selected to receive a Special Recognition Award at the glittering SAMEE Awards ceremony at the Marriot Hotel in Glasgow.
A group of pupils, parents and staff from the school attended the event to collect the award.
Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, Councillor Jim Clocherty said: “This is a fantastic project and I’m delighted it has received national recognition.
“The films are so creative and shine a light in an interesting and engaging way on Inverclyde’s colonial past.
“I hope this means even more people will watch the videos online as they are a fantastic example of research, creativity and storytelling.”
The pupils were all directly involved in carrying out research during trips to the Watt Institution then wrote a script, produced storyboards, created drawings and 3D models and recorded voiceovers.
Some of the films are closely linked to Inverclyde’s past such as sugar and shipbuilding while others focused on stories around ivory bracelets, eucalyptus and the extinction of the passenger pigeon.
Professor Khadija Mohammed, chair of SAMEE, said: “By uncovering hidden histories, Inverkip Primary School is helping to ensure that every story matters, and every voice has value.
“This project has encouraged pupils to think critically, develop empathy, and deepen their understanding of the diverse experiences that have shaped our communities.
“The Special Recognition Award at the SAMEE Awards 2026 is a testament to the school’s commitment to inclusive education and to the remarkable efforts of everyone involved. Their work is an inspiration to schools across Scotland.”
The films are all available to view on Inverclyde Council’s YouTube channel.
They will also form part of the visitor experience when the council-run Watt Institution, which incorporates the McLean Museum & Art Gallery, Watt Library and Watt Hall, reopens soon after lift installation works are complete.
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