A GLENGARNOCK centre for young people who often come from challenging and disadvantaged backgrounds has been shortlisted for an award.

The Spark of Genius Learning Centre has been confirmed as a finalist in the Sustainable Development Educator of the Decade category at the 2014 SQA Star Awards.

The team at Spark of Genius have adapted the curriculum they offer to match the sustainable outlook of their learning environment.

The centre also deals with young people who have social and behavioural problems as a result of a learning disability.

The SQA Star Awards recognise both the individuals who work towards and organisations that deliver SQA qualifications that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to learning.

The Star Award for Sustainable Development Educator of the Decade is a unique prize that has been developed to mark 10 years of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

It recognises the achievements of an individual, school or college that has contributed to the aims set out by the UN, to fostering the values, attitudes, knowledge, skills and confidence in young people who need to engage with the environmental challenges our society faces.

In all, 15 awards will be presented on Friday,  November 7 at Glasgow Clyde College’s Anniesland Campus for categories including School and College Candidates of the Year, the Academic Excellence award and SQA Champion.

Of the category winners, two will be chosen to collect SQA’s distinguished “Pride o’ Worth” awards; named after the SQA motto, taken from Robert Burns’ poem, “A Man’s a Man for A’ That”.

SQA will also offer its highest accolade, the SQA Fellowship, to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to education and training in Scotland.

SQA Chief Executive, Dr Janet Brown, said: “The SQA Star Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise learners for their achievements but also acknowledge the outstanding work of our centres – the schools, colleges, training providers and employers who deliver our qualifications.

“The ceremony gives us a chance to thank the people who give our learners the guidance and encouragement they need to realise their potential.

"I congratulate all the finalists on making it this far in the competition and wish them the very best of luck on the night!” The SQA Star Awards will be hosted by TV and radio presenter Kaye Adams and is supported by a number of sponsors, including Education Scotland, the SCQF Partnership and Skills Development Scotland