Dec 13 - Mearns Academy

Winter Newsletter - December 2013
FROM THE RECTOR’S DESK
Dear Parents / Carers
As ever, this term has seen many good things happen in this school. Our main task,
the delivery of high quality learning and teaching, continues to be an overall strength
as I feel is the pastoral support given to young people here. However, we are always
looking to improve the quality of our service and in pursuing this we get support and
advice from a number of areas. One of these is our involvement in the arena of the
national standard for engagement with customers, Customer Service Excellence. This
provokes us to reflect on and improve aspects of practice such as communication,
consultation and timeliness of response. With regard to this I am delighted to confirm
that following last week’s inspection our status as CSE compliant has been reconfirmed.
Parental feedback was part of the evidence used in the CSE accreditation process and
such comments expressed in our annual survey of parents views help shape our improvement agenda. Other stimuli for this include an annual evaluation visit by Aberdeenshire Council officers and our own self-evaluation against quality indicators
published by Education Scotland. In addition 2014, will see a new national benchmark
system introduced across Scotland. This will see all secondary schools judged against
criteria such as: literacy and numeracy levels, attainment levels for all and versus deprivation levels, and the percentage of leavers going on to positive destinations.
We feel we have had past successes in these areas but will, as ever, see how we
might improve. One other measure against which we will be measured is that of
learners with achievements. Certainly this school offers young people a wide range of
opportunities in which to thrive in this context. This term alone has seen such contexts for involvement as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Young Enterprise, house
events, sports events, an events Management Group established and last week’s
splendid event, the Expressive Arts Showcase.
So we can reflect on many positive aspects in 2013
but as we approach the new year we will continue
to seek opportunities to improve how we serve
pupils and parents. Your engagement and support
in this is, as ever, hugely appreciated. This liaison
will continue into 2014 but in the meantime enjoy a
happy and healthy Christmas holiday.
Ian Parkin
Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
STAFFING
Retaining high quality members of staff at the school is clearly a key target for us. Happily, in this context, I can confirm that following competitive interviews Miss Lizi Bush (PE) and Mr Joe Weir (Business
Education) have been appointed to full-time permanent positions here. Additionally this term, we have
benefitted from the services of Miss Laura Sinclair in PE and I am delighted to confirm that she too will be
staying with us until at least the summer. In January we will welcome back Mrs Allicia Boylan to the English Faculty but this, sadly, coincides with the departure of Ms Fiona McIntosh (English) who leaves us in
January to take up a full-time position elsewhere. Also leaving us as part of a family move to the Highland area is Mrs Lynne Angus (Chemistry/Science). To both of these colleagues we extend thanks and
best wishes. Also formally departing after a lengthy period off work, due to injury, is Mrs Paula McCallum.
Mrs McCallum has been a PE teacher here for 25 years. In this time she has supported countless pupils
and her enthusiasm and commitment for her subject has always been appreciated. We wish her well.
Inevitably, this term has also seen the requirement for short term supply teachers to cover for absent
colleagues. With regard to this, thanks to our usual team and also to Mrs Prayer Cumming and to
Mr Gordon Miller, a previous rector of this school, who recently returned as cover for staff illness.
Finally, as ever, thank you to all colleagues for their commitment and hard work.
Mrs Jeanette Mathers - First Aid Assistant
It is with great sadness that I confirm that Mrs Jeanette Mathers our First Aid Assistant passed away earlier this week. This follows on from a lengthy illness that restricted her attendance over the last few
years. Jeanette was always extremely thorough and caring in her support of young people here and we
will miss her. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends at this difficult time.
CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE - NEW QUALIFICATIONS
As parents/carers of current S4 pupils will know the SQA examination diet in 2014 will no longer see
Standard Grades feature. They will be replaced next summer by new National Qualifications at level 3,4
and 5. S4 pupils were recently issued with an information booklet on these new qualifications and a link
to this item can be found here:
http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/SQA_CfE_parents_guide.pdf
Meanwhile for details of what knowledge and skills are required for these new qualifications these links
may be helpful:
Course summaries:
https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/NPF/nationals-in-a-nutshell/ (also available via
www.parentforumscotland.org - then follow Nationals in a Nutshell).
www.sqa.org.uk (the exam board website - follow subject links)
Revision Materials etc
www.brightredpublishing.co.uk (National 5 revision guides)
www.leckieandleckie.co.uk (National 4/5 revision guides)
www.hoddereducation.co.uk (specimen exam papers for National 5 subjects)
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Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
ADVERSE WEATHER ARRANGEMENTS
Thus far this winter, apart from one brief flirtation with snow, the weather has
not caused any significant problems regarding school attendance.
However, it is important that all parents/carers are aware of what methods of
communication are in place in event of any weather related concerns. As ever,
in the event of decisions being made about this area, the safety of pupils and
others will always be our priority. We will always keep the school open if we
can. In the event of this not being possible, or in cases of transport not running,
pupils should pursue learning as supported by the GLOW system.
Meanwhile, please see below for the details of communication to you in cases of adverse weather affecting the school:
Communication with Parents
To confirm:
We will send out text messages when appropriate;
Please check the website: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/closures;
Please listen to the Emergency Helpline: telephone 0870 054 4999 (plus PIN 021090)
We aim to update the above by 7.00 am on the day of any expected difficulty. Please be aware that it is
transport providers, not the school, that decide if specific bus routes are operable or not.
In the event of any bus not turning up pupils should wait a maximum of 15 minutes before returning
home.
ANNUAL YULE LOG COMPETITION
This year our Yule Log competition proved to be as popular as
ever, making judging very difficult!
However, after much deliberation the winners were as follows:
2P2 - Liam Rickman
2P4 - Ria Leask (below)
2P6 - Megan McNicoll (bottom right)
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Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
PE
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Thank you to parents/carers for your support in pupils at the school wearing approved school uniform.
With regard to this we would like to see further consistency in the following areas:
Black shoes
-
these should be worn by all pupils
Black trousers
-
these should not be black jeans
PE kit
-
please support your child wearing the requested kit
Details of expectations are as follows:
White shirt or white polo shirt, school tie, plain dark blue jersey or cardigan, dark grey or black trousers/
skirt. It is also requested that black shoes are worn and that specified PE kit is used by all pupils - white
T-Shirt / polo shirt / vest and House cotton t-shirt for House Events, black shorts / black track pants or
leggings.
Shirts should be tucked in trousers/skirts, unless they are ‘fitted’, when they can be left out. Ties should
be worn at or near the neck. School sweatshirts and polo shirts are available from Mistletoe Embroidery,
Main Street, Laurencekirk. Mistletoe Embroidery will also embroider the school crest onto any garment
parents wish to have adorned. If jerseys, cardigans and sweatshirts have logos on them (other than the
school crest), these should be small and discreet. Jackets may be worn to move around the school, but
must be removed in class and at assemblies. These should be dark in colour and free from large motifs
or legends. Denim or denim-look jackets, denim or denim-look jeans, football scarves and other cult emblems or badges should not be worn to school.
All Pupils May wear jackets or hoodies to / from school but must these always be taken off in
class, at meetings and in assemblies.
We recognise that there will be some occasions when compliance is not possible, but please contact the
school to advise on this or to seek any further necessary advice.
GLOW
YOUNG ENTERPRISE
The Young Enterprise group ‘Recyclite’ recently held stalls in Inverurie and the Bon Accord Centre, Aberdeen. It was a great success and they sold out of all their recycled stock.
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Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
LIBRARY
Book Week Scotland 2013
Book Week Scotland (26th November - 1st December) was a nationwide celebration of reading in Scotland. Participants were encouraged to be take part in a “Big Book Bash” and share what they were reading with one another.
During the week S1 and S2 pupils were encouraged to create ‘owl’ bookmarks and write short “tweets”
about a book they had enjoyed and wanted to recommend to other pupils. These bookmarks were then
displayed with the books on the library shelves. The exercise proved that Michael Grant, Jeff Kinney, Michael Morpurgo, Robert Muchamore, Darren Shan and David Walliams are amongst the pupils’ favourite
authors, with many pupils “tweeting” about their books.
Some examples of the tweets are below:
“War Horse” by Michael Morpurgo: “It’s really exciting, a little upsetting but it’s amazing. A total of 9/10
stars.”
“The Enemy” by Charlie Higson: “I would recommend this book for people who enjoy descriptive gore.”
“The Recruit” by Robert Muchamore: “It’s action packed with a great storyline.”
“Hunger” by Michael Grant: “In a world with no adults kids are starting to starve.”
Access to Accelerated Reader for Parents and Carers of S1 Pupils
Mearns Academy utilises the Accelerated Reader Reading Development package to help pupils develop
their literacy and reading skills. This is an online package where pupils can test their understanding of
fiction and non-fiction books they have recently read.
Parents and carers of S1 pupils are also encouraged to access the package to review and support their child’s reading development. Information regarding how to
access the package was sent home earlier this term. If you require further details,
please contact Mr Paterson in the Library.
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Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
LIBRARY
Employer Engagement Sessions in the Library
Pupils have been benefitting from the ongoing employer visits in the Library this term. S3 pupils in Modern Languages who have been studying an employability skills module, received talks from Ewan
Kirkpatrick of Drumtochty Castle Hotel about the hospitality industry, Sharon Imray of Poppies Nursery
about nursery nursing, former pupil James Wood about his work in the offshore industry and Cpl. Chris
Archibald about careers in the RAF. Cpl. Archibald also delivered an interview skills training module to
the pupils to help them prepare for mock interviews at the end of term.
Brandon Munn (3T2) comment the course as “interesting and very helpful”, while Lauren Webster (3C2)
described it as a “fantastic experience and it will be a great help in the future”.
Professor Peter Reid from Aberdeen Business School delivered a talk about librarianship and information
management careers at a lunchtime lecture while Dr Fergus McKiddie from ARI visited and spoke with
interested S5 pupils about the various medical careers they could pursue.
Most recently, various staff from Aberdeenshire Council visited and spoke with S4-6 pupils about the different careers and apprentice opportunities available in social care in Aberdeenshire.
Our thanks go to all these employer representatives who have given up their time to visit the school.
Creative Writing Workshops
In November, senior English classes were again fortunate to enjoy visits from authors who helped them
with their creative writing craft. Cathy MacPhail and Doric writer Sheena Blackhall visited the school and
gave the groups hints and tips for improving their creative writing techniques.
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Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
LIBRARY
S1 Research In a French Speaking Area
Are you thinking about planning a holiday abroad in 2014? During December all the S1 Modern Language
classes researched a French speaking area, city or country and created a leaflet or poster to promote and
inform readers about their destination.
In 1S1 Kerry, Kirsten and Cameron informed us that the most popular time to visit Guadeloupe is between December and May, as it is so warm.
In Brittany, residents speak either French or Breton, according to Abby, Hannah and Lukas.
Sam, Melissa and Kalvin discovered Bordeaux is home to the largest and oldest vineyard in world.
“As there are several rivers in the Dordogne area of France, water sports such as canoeing and kayaking
are popular activities for holidaymakers”, write Arran, Alana, Stephanie and Kieran.
Blair, Robbie and Megan found out you can try some Callaloo soup for dinner in Martinique.
If you want to know more, come and check out the brochures and posters in the Library.
Finally, the Library is a very busy place…!
If you’ve ever visited the library on an open morning, you’ll know how vibrant and busy the Academy library often is. During the annual school library reporting week in November, the Library staff recorded
the total number of staff and pupils visiting the library. Footfall within class time had increased by 40%
from 2012, demonstrating how well the library is used and reinforcing the important place the library has
in supporting pupils’ studies and attainment.
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Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
EXPRESSIVE ARTS
Pitlochry Theatre Visit
As we are studying Contemporary Scottish Theatre as part of our Higher Drama Course, we travelled
to Pitlochry to see a production of ‘The Steamie’ by Tony Roper.
After an informative and entertaining backstage tour we then watched the play, which is set in a public
washing building or ‘steamie’ in Glasgow in the 1950’s.
The stunning set and excellent performances provided a worthwhile and highly enjoyable experience in
‘The Theatre in the Hills’.
Nicole Leslie (5J2) and Jenny Black (5C1)
Expressive Arts Showcase
This event showcased the variety of talent that exists within the Faculty, including various items from
Music and Drama and a new venture for Mearns Academy that is a national Dance/Drama competition
- Rock Challenge. We also had on display an Art Exhibition which showcased the work of many year
groups and designs which will be used for the new Mearns Academy Community Campus.
Both evenings were a huge success and my thanks goes to the Expressive Arts Faculty, including Instrumental Staff, who work tirelessly throughout the year to deliver an experience in the Arts beyond
the classroom so that we can showcase performances such as we witnessed over the two nights.
Thanks also to all the young people, whether it is through the Art Exhibition or on stage: your commitment to each subject area is much appreciated. Your dedication and support means a lot……..Well
Done!
This is the first time I have sung
with the boys’ vocal group and the
crowd really seemed to enjoy it.
It was a fantastic last show for the 6th years and to
say goodbye to the school.
Nicola Sutherland (5J2) and Caitlin Boyd (5T2)
Max McGinlay (5C2)
Nerve wracking but I
felt good afterwards.
Kate Sellar (2C2)
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So pleased that we did it!
Ella WilsonWilson-Lister (5T2)
I enjoyed the experience a lot, particularly playing with people I
would not normally play with.
Gina Gallacher (2T2)
Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
EXPRESSIVE ARTS
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Mearns Academy - Winter Newsletter
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
6 January 2014
Term Begins
16 January 2014
S1 Parents’ Evening
31 January 2014
S3/4/5 Curriculum
Information Evening
11 February 2014
S3 Parents’ Evening
13 / 14 February 2014
Occasional Days
17 February 2014
Mid-Term Holiday
18 / 19 February 2014
In-Service Days
4 April 2014
Term Ends
21 April 2014
Term Begins
5 May 2014
Holiday
9 June 2014
Occasional Day
Wed 2 July 2014
Term Ends
3/4 July 2014
School closed to pupils
HOUSE NEWS
1st
244 PTS
3rd
2nd
213 PTS
198 PTS
CHARITIES
During this term pupils and staff have supported a number of charity events held in school.
We had a fun day supporting “Children in Need” with a “Dress as you Please” day. Lots of pupils and
some brave staff turned up in their pyjamas. Teachers also held various fund raising events during the
day. A fantastic £843.73 was raised.
During November pupils and staff donated items for our
Shoebox Appeal and last week over 50 shoeboxes were
collected for delivery to children in Kosovo.
Currently, we are collecting items for Christmas parcels
for our local senior citizens. As you read this we will
hopefully have delivered these to many local people. We
would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank
you to Mrs Thomson, “What’s for Tea Tonight?” who
generously donated fresh vegetables for inclusion in the
parcels.
CONTACT DETAILS
Mearns Academy
Aberdeen Road
LAURENCEKIRK
AB30 1ZJ
Tel: 01561 378817
Fax: 01561 378252
Email:
[email protected]
Web address:
www.mearnsacademy.org.uk