Pupils from the school joined the council’s Chair of Education Resources Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, staff from Nil by Mouth and musician and choreographer Carl Smith for a special morning of making music with their bodies and everyday household items.

The event was part of the school’s programme of activity with Nil by Mouth, a charity set up to tackle sectarianism in Scotland. Their staff delivered a series of workshops exploring identity and the consequences of prejudice on individuals and communities.

Cllr Lynsey Hamilton said: “This was a brilliant morning watching the children make music and it underlines the talent of our young people in South Lanarkshire.  

“Carl’s approach helped them get the best out of themselves and work as a team. It was also a unique opportunity to find out more about the important work Nil by Mouth carry out in partnership with our schools looking at issues around difference, discrimination and diversity.

“Understanding our own identity and the identities of others is an important part of growing up and I’m proud our schools provide an environment where important conversations can be held in a thoughtful manner.”

Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott said: “Last year over 1,000 pupils participated in our ‘United Against Division’ programme across the authority and we are proud of our long standing partnership with the council, its committed staff and brilliant young people.  

“Our workshops focus on raising awareness of the issues surrounding sectarianism within our society, drawing out personal attitudes, views and experiences while encouraging young people to consider the impact of discriminatory language, actions or online behaviour on others.

“We also want to celebrate the things that we have in common including a love of music, art and sport and Carl has been a real hit with the children, teaching them new skills and helping them work together to make some amazing sounds.”

 Headteacher Farah Crook said: “The children have really loved having the opportunity to work with Nil by Mouth. Carl’s session really reinforced the point to them that we can achieve great things when we work together as a team and a community.”