St Mungo’s teacher recognised with two awards for supporting young people
A St Mungo’s High School teacher has been recognised with two awards in the space of just two weeks for her outstanding commitment to supporting young people through sport, volunteering and inclusion.
Orla King, who has worked at St Mungo’s for five years, received the Outstanding Achievement Award at Falkirk Council’s Active Schools Volunteer Awards on 21 May and was also Highly Commended in the Volunteer of the Year category at the CVS Falkirk and District Volunteering Awards on 2 June.
The CVS Falkirk and District award recognises volunteers from across the third sector. Orla was one of 44 nominees and, due to the exceptionally high standard of nominations, judges introduced a Highly Commended recognition, which she received.
The Active Schools Outstanding Achievement Award recognised her significant contribution to school sport and physical activity through her volunteering.
A PE teacher and Active Schools volunteer, Orla leads a wide range of extracurricular activities at St Mungo’s, including girls’ netball, girls’ football, boccia and a girls’ recreational sports club. Her work places a strong emphasis on inclusion, particularly for girls and pupils with additional support needs.
She also leads the school’s Sports Council, supporting around 30 young volunteers to develop leadership skills and make a positive contribution to school life.
Alongside this, Orla founded and continues to run the school’s breakfast club, which supports more than 100 pupils every day. She oversees fundraising, planning and delivery, helping to ensure pupils can start the school day ready to learn in a welcoming and stigma-free environment.
Outside school, Orla has volunteered with HCPT pilgrimages to Lourdes since her own time as a pupil at St Mungo’s, supporting children and young people with additional support needs. Since returning to the school as a teacher in 2021, she has also helped create volunteering opportunities for pupils through the Scottish Youth Group, supporting fundraising efforts that have enabled 13 St Mungo’s pupils to take part.
Her work has created opportunities for young people to participate in sport, build confidence and develop new skills, while also providing practical support for pupils who may face additional challenges.
Orla King said:
I was genuinely surprised to receive both awards. I’m fortunate to work with so many amazing young people and colleagues who make everything we do possible.
“Seeing pupils grow in confidence, try new things and support each other is the most rewarding part of the job.
Dr Patricia Holland, Head Teacher, St Mungo’s High School said:
These awards are a fitting recognition of Orla’s dedication to improving the lives of young people.
“Whether through sport, volunteering, leadership opportunities or practical support, she consistently goes above and beyond to help young people develop confidence, skills and a sense of belonging.
“The impact of her work extends far beyond the classroom, and she is a credit to St Mungo’s High School and the wider Falkirk community.