Bishopbriggs Academy is the only school in Scotland selected for the Partner School Initiative.

The scheme aims to promote the German language and culture.

Mrs Erdsiek-Rave, Minister of Education and Women's Issues and Deputy Minister President of the Government of Schleswig-Holstein, a region of Germany, visited the Bishopbriggs school recently and presented head teacher Gordon Moulsdale with a special plaque marking the partnership.

The scheme, run by the Goethe-Institut in Glasgow, gives teachers and students the opportunity to visit Germany for training and summer classes.

The school also qualifies for a share of 20million Euros over the next three years and pupils can benefit from contact with around 1,000 other 'Partner Schools' throughout the world.

The minister, accompanied by German politicians, journalists and education experts, was given a tour of the school and listened to a presentation in German by two senior pupils, Denise Cheung and Jennifer MacNab, about their experiences on a trip to Germany.

Mrs Erdsiek-Rave said: "I strongly believe that close communication between countries in the European Union is increasingly important as we face the same challenges.

"The main aim is to awaken young people's interest in not only the German language but in modern German culture, and to strengthen the links between our young people and your young people.

"I am very optimistic and positive that this partnership will result in a strong Scottish centre of excellence for the German language."

Gordon Moulsdale, head teacher at Bishopbriggs Academy, said: "I am extremely proud that Bishopbriggs Academy has been selected as the Scottish school which will work in partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany.

"We look forward to working closely with the Goethe Institut in Glasgow to promote German language and culture, and we anticipate many exciting and inspirational initiatives which will have an impact on all areas of our school."