TEACHERS and governors in York are being asked for their views on proposals for an annual 'Oscars-style' event to celebrate the work of schools.

The idea, from Patrick Scott, education director at the City of York Council, is contained in a new "local green paper" for the area, setting out the future direction of the education authority and schools.

Mr Scott wants to hear views on the proposal for a celebration event, to be held towards the end of the summer term.

He wants to know:

- Do schools support the idea of an annual event?

- Should particular schools be singled out by making awards for excellence in particular categories, for instance community links or arts education or inclusion?

- If awards are to be made who should set up the criteria and assess the entrants?

- Should sponsors be sought for particular categories?

- Should the event recognise existing achievements such as the award of the Basic Skills Quality Mark or the Sportsmark?

- Should the event mark the work of individual pupils or their teachers as well as schools?

Mr Scott said: "I'm very conscious that we talk a lot about sharing best practice but everybody is often too busy to track down a particular example. A lot of people hide their light under a bushel."

He said video clips could be used to work show good practice in action.

"The other thing which I think it would help to do, is to say schools are about a lot more than league table achievement, or school achievement awards which are based on results," he said.

"Schools do fantastic work with the community, with the performing arts, with inclusion and with consulting young people, through school councils.

"All of this work is just as important as achievement in league tables.

"If people think the idea is too competitive, there may be a place for another way.

"But if there is an element of 'Oscars' about it, then that is going to attract more attention from outside and we do need positive publicity for education."

Updated: 11:47 Wednesday, May 08, 2002