Pillars September 2013 - High School of Dundee

.........................................................................
What we did on our holiday
See page 8
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
High School of Dundee Newsletter
Issue: Autumn 2013
Next morning, after a fantastic concert,
Ricky was approached, to see if he
Ricky joined the school at the annual
would put on a concert for the school!
prize-giving ceremony. After an
The Rector was delighted with the idea
inspirational account of the last school
and so plans were made for the concert
year by the Rector, Ricky shared his
to raise funds for the new performing
motivation with pupils, as he reflected
arts centre, planned for the old Post
on his time at school, talked about the
Office building, purchased recently.
teachers that he had found inspirational
The concert was based on his current
and that had shaped his life. He told
tour, Untold Stories, and played to a
the pupils in the audience that the
full house of parents, staff and pupils
values, life lessons and ethics learnt
in Trinity Hall. Ricky performed songs
at the school would be invaluable to
and told stories spanning his incredibly
them throughout their lives and he
successful 25 year career in the music
encouraged them all to follow their
industry. During that time Ricky has not
dreams and to believe that they could
only performed as a solo artist and with
change the world for the better.
his band Deacon Blue but has co-written
for Ronan Keating, Will Young and James
Blunt to name but a few. He has also had
a successful radio broadcasting career.
Junior School News
See page 11
The Pillars Newsletter
............................
............................
The last few days of
the summer term are
always busy and exciting,
but nothing could have
prepared the school for
the excitement of this
year’s final week. Earlier
in the year the Rector asked
former pupil, Ricky Ross,
founder member of Deacon
Blue, to be the guest
speaker at prize-giving.
Pillars
If that was not excitement enough,
............................
Ricky Ross
Returns to
School
The
Former Pupil News
See pages 12-13
Tel: 01382 202921
1
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
prize-winners from L4 & 5 through to
the Leavers in Form 6. He spoke to each
pupil individually encouraging their
efforts. The ceremony culminated with
first the award of the Harris Gold Medal
and David Gray Book Prize for Dux of
School, this year won by Jakob Kroboth
and finally the award of the House
Shield, this year won by Aystree, the
first win for the house since 2002.
Then followed the very moving ‘Leaving
of the Leavers’ when pupils from Form
6 leave the school for the last time to
‘follow their dreams’ and to make room
for another groups of pupils to enjoy
life at High School of Dundee.
Red Nose Day
The school marked Red Nose Day with a variety of successful events: red nose
cookies were sold in the Home Economics department at Breakfast Club and, after
Rector’s
Introduction
a week of auditioning, a hugely successful talent show – featuring boy bands:
Welcome to this latest edition of the
Pillars, which once again bears testimony
to the exuberant energy that emanates
from every corner of the school. Looking
over the contents for this edition brings
back so many memories of wonderful
events and impressive achievements in
the final months of the school session.
­............................................................................................................................................
Wrong Direction from the staff and Take This by a group of F6s – was organised
in Trinity Hall. The Junior School ran a baking competition for the teachers but the
highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Comic Kilted Capers. All the pupils and
staff of the school participated in a huge Dashing White Sergeant in the playground
at morning interval and, as a result, the day raised a huge £3208 for Comic Relief.
Salters’ Festival
of Chemistry
the minor fact that all in between all the other activities our
F4 to F6 pupils were engaged in the ‘minor’ matter of SQA
Ricky Ross’ memorable speech at Prize-Giving followed
anticipation the respective outcomes of their efforts! Our
hot on the heels of two top quality dramatic productions
digits are firmly crossed, as they are for a successful Hockey
in the Junior School’s Beauty and the Beast and the senior
and Rugby tour to Canada! The new session looms large and
production of Much Ado About Nothing. Sports Day was
I look forward to another dynamic and exciting year as we
blessed with super weather and saw the introduction of some
develop our new nursery and begin to formulate plans for the
well-received new events. The spirit of competition is clearly
former Post Office. I look forward to seeing you all early in
alive and well amongst our parents! There is so much to
the new session!
read about below but I would also like to thank the staff who
put together the ground-breaking post-exam programme of
lectures, workshops and other activities for F4-6 this year,
2
reviewing their results, the girls worked
out the optimum ratio and achieved
their objective. They were not the only
successful team, but their teamwork
examinations for five weeks! As I write we are awaiting with
reported on below. But what the Pillars does not report is
­.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Integrated Curriculum
Ricky then handed out prizes to
Dr John D Halliday Rector
Four F1 pupils, Anna Sturrock, Malik
impressed the judges enough for
Metwally, Eleanor McBride and Caitlin
them to be awarded first place. The
Mitchell, travelled to Edinburgh to
girls collected their prize from Martin
compete in the Salters’ Festival of
McCoustra, Professor of Chemical
Chemistry at Heriott Watt University,
Physics, and also won over £100 worth
which is organised jointly by the
of molecular models for the school.
Salters’ Institute and the Royal Society
Dr Taylor, who took the girls down to
of Chemistry. The four girls spent the
Edinburgh, said, “We have an excellent
day competing in practical chemical
record when it comes to winning the
challenges in the University Chemistry
Salters’ Festival, having won in 2009
labs and were then entertained by a
and 2011, so I was delighted to see the
talk and demonstrations from Dr Dave
High School of Dundee winning again
Ellis, one of the University lecturers.
this year. There was supposed to be
After working hard all morning, the
a separate festival at the University of
girls competed in the University
Dundee this year, but that was cancelled
Challenge, where they had to use a
and I’m glad we made the effort to
scientific approach to find which mix of
travel to Edinburgh and show some of
chemicals would give them a specified
their schools how Chemistry should be
exact temperature. After planning some
done. The girls all enjoyed the day and
experiments, gathering data and then
I’m really proud of them.”
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
The Pillars Newsletter
Tentsmuir Nature
Reserve and Art Trail
At the end of May, a group of third-year
pupils visited Tentsmuir Nature Reserve
to participate in the opening of the
Virtual Art Trail. This trail was designed
by well-known local wildlife artist and
Former Pupil, Derek Robertson, Class
of 1985, who is the Reserve’s artist in
residence for the coming year. The
timing of our visit was particularly
relevant as Derek and the art trail were
featured in that week’s edition of the
BBC’s Countryfile programme.
Derek gave our pupils a watercolour
demonstration and spoke about his
work, illustrating his comments with
fascinating examples of his own
meticulously-executed drawings and
paintings. He also took our group
on a tour of the Virtual Art Trail that
he has created, and explained how
mobile phones could be used at
various points to access information
from websites about the wildlife in the
forest. Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed
the experience which was made even
more interesting by Derek’s humorous
and informative stories about his
experiences as a wildlife artist.
­....................................................................
Scottish Youth
Parliament
Elections 2013
Congratulations to Sibelius Erskine
Smith, F3, who has recently been
elected as a member of the Scottish
Youth Parliament.
Tel: 01382 202921
3
­..............................................................................................................................................
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Winter Skills
A group of F4-6 pupils learnt vital winter
survival skills during two week-ends last
term. The pupils were introduced
to walking in Scottish winter conditions,
route planning and safety techniques.
They walked from firm snow onto the
slopes where they learnt how to self -arrest
with an ice axe and when to use crampons
in icy conditions. Further discussions took
place on snow pack stability, the history of
the weather and basic survival techniques.
Mackie’s
Factory Trip
They were shown how to make an
emergency shelter and the use of the most
appropriate equipment. The group also
had to carry out all the domestic duties
in a team situation.
Just before the Easter break, the
F5 Business Management students
visited the Mackie’s crisp factory in
Inchture. The highly successful crisps
Race for Life
potatoes around the area and then
French Trip 2013
carefully stored to allow for year
A long-awaited highlight at the end of Form 2 was the French trip to the
round production in the plant. The
Cantal, where the joys of life in rural France were just waiting to be explored.
On the 23rd June, a ‘High School of Dundee team’ took part
tour started with an introductory
Accommodation was arranged in a privately-owned château, la Châtelleraie,
in the race for Life at Camperdown Park to raise money for
talk by Martin Brown, Operations
complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a range of on-site
Cancer Research UK. The team included 20 senior pupils
Director of Taylors Food Group which
activities, on the outskirts of the town of Maurs. Pupils enjoyed a range of
and 10 members of staff from the Junior and Senior
encompasses Mackie’s at Taypack, on
activities and visits, allowing them to put their French to practical use in a variety
Schools. The day was wet but the team were magnificent
the history of the recently established
of situations, be it shopping at the market, finding out about their surroundings
and raised well over £800.
crisp production and the systems
or listening carefully to safety instructions before embarking on a variety
in place to maximise the quality of
of outward-bound activities such as horse-riding, kayaking or a challenging
the product for consumers. A blind
high-ropes course. A range of cultural visits were made, too – Rocamadour,
taste test was then undertaken by
the second-most-visited holy shrine in France after Lourdes, the famous Goufre
everyone, assessing 10 popular
de Padirac and the medieval château of Conros all gave an insight into life in this
crisp brands for areas such as taste,
charming area of France. Of particular interest to pupils was a visit to a snail farm,
texture and colour; with results that
where the extremely patient farmer and his wife were only too happy to answer
proved very pleasing to the Mackie’s
a myriad of questions about their small charges – in French, of course! Many
development team.
parents were the lucky recipients of a jar of home-made snail pâté…
are manufactured from home grown
This year was no exception with Mr Graham Rodger
identifying a wide range of lecture topics for the pupils. The
whole event took place between the 4th and the 21st June
and was hailed a huge success. Topics ranged from ‘How to
Stay Young Forever,’ by Professor Trevor Harley, University of
Dundee, to Dr James Robson’s, ‘Life of a Physiotherapist for
­..............................................................................................................................................
The group then headed into the
factory, donned the essential factory
jackets and hairnets and set off
through the different sectors of the
production process. Seeing first-hand
the batch processing and the issues
that can arise, brought classwork
to life, especially surrounded by all
the noise and smells of potatoes,
the fryers and the different flavours
being added. Loaded up with new
varieties to try and samples to enjoy
with friends and family, the
group headed back to school after
a thoroughly enjoyable and
informative tour.
4
Scotland and the British and Irish Lions.’ Mrs Sarah Fletcher,
Inspired –
Get Writing
Head of Physics helped to organise a lecture by Professor
Andy Newsam on ‘How to Explore the Universe.’ Andy’s
lecture explained to the pupils that observing the skies is at
the core of everything that we know about the planets, stars
Ailsa Purdie, F6, won a special Merit
and galaxies that fill it, explaining that modern technology
Prize in this year’s Scottish National
has opened up a view of the Cosmos that goes far beyond the
Galleries creative writing competition
wildest dreams of astronomers only a generation ago. The
- Inspired? Get Writing. There are only
last event of the series, called ‘Discover Fortunes,’ was in the
10 merit prizes awarded in each age
form of an interactive game, based on financial education.
category and we are delighted that Ailsa
The idea of the workshop was to give pupils a chance to look
carried off one of the prizes. This is only
at how best to manage their finances/invest money depending
the second year that our pupils have
on their age and to promote financial awareness amongst all
taken part in the competition but it is
the second time in a row that we have
won! Clearly creative writing is alive
and well in the school.
the pupils. The session was introduced to the school by Mr
F4-6 Lecture Series
Paul Lothian of Verus Wealth, Chartered Financial Planners
and led by Caspar Bartington from the Insurance Institute.
During the last few weeks of term the school careers
The pupils all took part enthusiastically and hopefully
department organises a series of lectures for F4-F6 pupils.
learnt some valuable life skills.
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
The Pillars Newsletter
Tel: 01382 202921
5
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Bratwurst, Bernhardt
und ein Berliner…
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Day 3: Friday 29th March
Day 4: Saturday 30th March
Day 5: Sunday 31st March
We began the day by travelling by
On day four, we walked Berlin! G..G..G..
On the final day, we visited a variety of
coach to the western suburb of Berlin
Gunter and his able assistant, Tina,
museums including the Checkpoint Charlie
to visit the Olympic Stadium built
led us round the central sites of Berlin.
museum, the brilliant and interactive
by Hitler and the Nazis for the 1936
Being able to see the Berlin wall and
DDR museum which focused on life in
Olympic Games. It was strange to think
even still see the division and difference
the old East Berlin and finally, the Jewish
that this Nazi construction was used
between East and West Berlin as a
museum. The museums all gave an
for the 2004 football world cup final.
consequence of the wall and the Cold
interesting twist to our already embedded
The “Mots” were in their element!
War was incredible. The walking tours
historical knowledge of the time.
In the afternoon we travelled to
gave us a sense of the Nazi regime
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
and she fear that the German people
A few concluding thoughts……
in the town of Oranienburg to the
must have felt at various points in their
Overall, Berlin is an amazing city
north of Berlin. For most people, the
history. It was an interesting experience
with traces of its history at every
concentration camp was one of the
for all of us to meet some Berliners
turn. The history lessons in class (as
most memorable experiences due to
who had lived through the history we
awesome as they are!!) and the history
the emotions of shock, horror, sadness,
are studying and hearing them share
books, couldn’t prepare me for the
guilt and disgust of what happened and
their personal experiences. We visited
overwhelming feeling of emotion when
that it actually did happen. It was one
the ‘Topography of Terror,’ Goring’s Air
we visited Wansee, Sachsenhausen
of my most harrowing experiences and
Ministry, Alexander Platz in the heart of
and the sites of Nazi terror. The Berlin
the feelings and emotions that we felt in
East Berlin, the site of Hitler’s bunker,
trip was fantastic!! The balance on
Sachsenhausen are feelings that Higher
the Soviet war memorial and of course,
the trip was perfect, as we all gained
History 7th period on a Friday cannot
the Reichstag building itself.
an invaluable understanding of the
make you feel!
The History
Department
in Berlin!
Day 1: Wednesday 27th March
the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and
So we arrived at school in pitch black
Potsdammer Platz were illuminated.
(and March snow!) at 4.30am. Mr Fyall
We were all buzzing for the rest of the
arrived as his usual exceptionally
trip after this first night.
The History Department Berlin trip
up in her mini, buzzing with her usual
Day 2: Thursday 28th March
2013 was one of the most informative
organisational bustle! Mr Jack and
On the first full day in Berlin, we
and exciting trips I have ever been
Mrs Craig wondered what they had let
travelled by coach to the south west
on. Every day was packed full of
themselves in for! We were on our way
suburb of Wansee and Potsdam, the
experiences and memories that will
to Berlin, Germany…
location for two of the most significant
history that we have been studying,
Go Team History!!
but we met new people and made new
friends. This was due to the atmosphere
created by the staff and the incredible
opportunities this gave us.
enthusiastic self! Miss Hegan rolled
live with us forever and all of which
meetings of the 20th Century. At
linked into our History courses. The
On arrival in Berlin, we were greeted
Wansee, the Nazis met to negotiate the
experiences brought the past to life
by our bizarre but engaging guide, the
final details of the ‘Final Solution’ and at
for us all. The days were full of exciting
self-proclaimed ‘Bond,’ aka G..G..G..
Potsdam, Churchill, Truman and Stalin
and emotive events from walking many
Guten Tag Gunter! (Or was his name
met to negotiate an end to WW2 and in
miles around central Berlin to visiting
Bernhard?!) We boarded our coach
turn divide Germany into the four zones
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
to Kreuzberg whilst G..G..G..Gunter
that would be critical to the start of the
to the more relaxed evening of social
introduced us to some key sites on our
Cold War. The visit to Wansee was, for
Maths Challenge 2013
Chinese Visit
ten-pin bowling!
short journey to the hotel. Most notable
me, the most interesting experience of
The Scottish Mathematical Challenge is a problem solving
On Monday 3rd June F1 pupils in the geography department
was the Templehof Airport built for
the whole trip. This was where the final
competition open to all pupils from Form1-6. It has been
welcomed visitors from China. This is the third year the
The experience was enhanced by
the Berlin Airlift of 1948 – 49. G..G..G..
solution was decided about the Jews
running since 1976 and once again this year a large number
department has welcomed undergraduate pupils from the
our animated tour guides, the buzz
Gunter also introduced us to some
in 1942. This building was overflowing
of High School pupils entered. In the junior division there
University of St Andrews to the school. The undergraduates
study in the UK for one year to allow them to gain greater
of the busy metro, the outstanding
stories which we would not have learnt
with historical memories and the tour
were seven gold medal winners and one silver medallist.
architecture and of course our very own
about in the History classroom much to
guide was outstanding. She was very
In the middle age group there was one gold and one silver
access to other UK universities before returning to China to
HSD staff! Prior to the trip I thought I
the surprise of the teachers and hilarity
passionate about the Holocaust and
winner and two silver winners in the senior category.
take up courses there. The F1 pupils questioned the visitors
warned that “it could happen again.”
A great result for the school.
and engaged in a cross cultural dialogue with each other.
knew a lot about the World War Two
of our TEAM!!
In the evening, we climbed the famous
They also did a little calligraphy and learnt a few basic
That evening, we enjoyed the sites of
TV Tower and enjoyed a stunning
language skills; the event culminated with a tea party that
can’t even compare to actually being
Berlin at night. It was a stunning way
view over night time Berlin.
allowed pupils to sample some Chinese delicacies.
there, at the heart of such history…
to start the trip as the main sites of
era, The Holocaust, Hitler’s Germany
and the Cold War, but the history books
6
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
The Pillars Newsletter
Tel: 01382 202921
7
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Performing Arts
Much Ado About
Nothing
The senior school play for 2013 was
Much Ado About Nothing a modern
reworking of Shakespeare’s classic
comedy of love, friendship, betrayal and
revenge with a distinctly High School
flavour. In the best Shakespearean
tradition there was mistaken identity,
slapstick comedy, a faked death, true
love, misunderstandings and a ‘merry
war of wits.’ Did the wedding even
take place? Were lives torn apart?
Or was it all just Much Ado About
Nothing? Ian Cowieson directed the
play in conjunction with Lindsay
Drummond, Head of Drama, who also
made a cameo appearance as the
Priest with Jamie Ford, F6, providing
all the technical backing. The cast were
enthusiastic, well versed and this was
truly a remarkable performance from
the pupils, coming so soon after their
exams. Bravo!
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2013 Leng
Gold Medal
Winner
Photo above of Lewis on Set shows Ben Miller,
Amelia Bullmore, Lewis, Billy Connolly, David Tennant
‘What We Did
on Our Holiday’
quite overwhelming! But everyone has
attending a drama club at the Rep
been really nice and it has been the
and appearing in school shows, but
most incredible experience. It was really
filming is completely different. We often
interesting to find out how a film is put
repeated the same scenes several times,
When Audrey Davie, Junior School ICT,
together and all the logistics behind it.
varying our dialogue and improvising
suggested to her son, Lewis Davie, F6,
The locations we were filming in were
at certain points, so it will be interesting
that he get a summer job, no-one could
beautiful and the fantastic weather
to see what parts they use in the
have predicted what was ahead.
helped. I soon learned that there was a
finished version.”
Joshua Rawcliffe, F2, won the coveted Leng Gold Medal in
lot of hanging around on set and took
Thanks to a chance e-mail from a
along some games and books to keep
One of the highlights for Lewis was
casting director to Lindsay Drummond,
myself entertained. I also brought a few
the opportunity to meet Ron Donachie,
Head of Drama, Lewis auditioned for
of my instruments along. Ben Miller,
another cast member, who has
a part in a film being shot in Scotland
who plays my dad in the film, plays the
appeared in the TV series Game of
during July and was successful! Written
guitar, and we had a few jams together
Thrones. Ron, coincidentally, was
and directed by Andy Hamilton and Guy
on our breaks from filming. Billy
also born in Dundee.
Jenkin, who also write the TV series
Connolly also had a go on my banjo!”
An enthusiastic audience watched at the Bell Street Music
Centre as young musicians from all over Tayside took part in
the competition. Entrants had previously won a Silver Medal
before competing for the Gold. Joshua,13, took first place for
his rendition of The Dark Island. The Leng Medal competition
is organised by the Leng Trust, set up by Sir John Leng in
Once filming is completed, the lengthy
‘Outnumbered’, the film, provisionally
titled ‘What We Did on Our Holiday’
Filming meant early starts, with a
process of editing and post production
stars David Tennant, Rosamund Pike,
car collecting Lewis from his hotel
begins and there is a tentative release
Ben Miller, Amelia Bullmore and Billy
sometimes as early as 6:30 am, not
date of summer, 2014.
Connolly.
finishing till at least six o’clock in the
evening, with meals taken on set during
Although Lewis is keen to continue both
Filming took place in Doune, Glasgow
the day. However, Lewis told the Pillars,
acting and performing, his next step is a
and the Highlands and Lewis spent five
“It has all been worth it. I can’t wait
degree in Computing Science at Dundee
weeks away from home on location.
to see the end result and to see all the
University, where he goes into halls in
Lewis said, “I was so surprised when
scenes coming together. Before this
September.
I got the news about the role. It was
my acting experience consisted of
8
the Boys’ Section of the annual competition this year.
1901 to encourage the singing of songs of Scotland.
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
The Pillars Newsletter
Tel: 01382 202921
9
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Garrett. The choir was trained by Anna
High School Musical
Flannagan, and rehearsed for six weeks
before the event. Repertoire ranged
from Coldplay’s “Fix You” to “Climb
singing with such a large chorus and a
professional orchestra.
The L4 Junior School Gardening Club, run by L6 teacher,
Music”. The pupils were thrilled to be
Pupils in the Junior School had a similar
chance to enjoy the limelight in their
production of the musical “Beauty and
the Beast”. They performed for four
nights at the Gardyne Theatre, with two
different casts. The visual impact of the
performances was stunning, and the
pupils sung the demanding solo roles
with enthusiasm and skill.
a very wide variety of solo and chamber
involved in a great variety of public
performances on all instruments and in
events since the beginning of the year.
all styles. Pupils in L3 to F6 participate
in these concerts, be they beginners or
In January, the Navarra String Quartet
pupils of Grade 8 standard and beyond.
gave a workshop to three of the High
The aim of the series is to familiarise
School’s own string quartets, as well as
pupils with performing to an audience in
a brief concert to string players in L6-F3.
a more relaxed setting than an evening
The following month, the inaugural
concert, and to encourage pupils to see
House Music Competition took place,
performance as a pleasure in itself.
in which the four houses performed a
contemporary pop song in a cappella
Concerts involving larger ensembles
style. Airlie won with their spirited
have included a complete performance
rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.
of Purcell’s opera “Dido and Aeneas”
In March and April, there were the
in Trinity Hall in April. The Chamber
Senior Music, Junior Music and Bagpipe
Orchestra was joined by a sizeable roster
Competitions in which nearly 250 pupils
of solo singers and a chorus of pupils in
gave individual performances. The
F2-F6. Stephanie Baker (F5) and Lewis
standard was very high and the pupils
Davie (F6) sang magnificently in the
were warmly complemented by the
title roles, and the audience were very
visiting adjudicators. The Premier Quaich
impressed with the standard achieved.
was awarded to Jenny Zhan (F5) for her
The operatic theme was also apparent
piano performance. In the annual Leng
in the Spring Concert in the Caird Hall
Medal Competition, Joshua Rawcliffe (F2)
at the end of March celebrating the
won the Gold Medal for the best male
bicentenaries of Verdi and Wagner.
singer of a traditional folksong in Dundee.
Nearly 400 pupils participated in the
concert of operatic extracts, including
Individual performances have also been
works by Mozart, Gershwin and Bizet,
highlighted this year at events such as the
culminating in a massed performance
Piano and Guitar days, in which a series
of extracts from Verdi’s Nabucco.
of performances classes during the school
Junior school
How Does Your
Garden Grow?
Ev’ry Mountain” from “The Sound of
Pupils from the High School have been
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The final concert of the session took
place on 24th June at the Apex Hotel
Mrs Ruth Leburn, is held throughout the year in the Courtyard
Garden, which was donated and is supported by the Old
Girls’ Club. Gardening Club members were treated to a
Garden Party at the end of the term as a treat for all their
hard work during the year. The afternoon started with a
gardening quiz and was followed by some tasty snacks to
eat. During the year the pupils have grown a wide variety
of plants and have even grown trees for planting out at
Mayfield. The garden also has an Eco connection. It is a
habitat for insects and the pupils have also been storing
water in a rain water barrel and preparing compost to
use in their garden.
on Dundee’s waterfront. There was a
wide variety of groups, from the L4
Ensemble performing “Spy Tunes”
(a medley of film and television themes)
to the Chamber Orchestra’s renditions
of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No.3
and William Boyce’s Symphony No.4
and the Big Band’s concluding with
three rousing items. Several leavers had
prominent solo roles: Eilidh Affleck (F6)
performed Neruda’s Trumpet Concerto,
Louise Pattullo (F6) and Leeann Chen
(F6) played Vivaldi’s Double Violin
Concerto in A minor, and Lewis Davie
(F6) led a performance of his own song
“Movin’ On”. Other soloists included
Andrew Kelly (F5) in Telemann’s Viola
Concerto, and Alister Goodfellow (F4)
playing the trombone in Sandström’s
“Sång till Lotta”. The audience very much
appreciated the diverse programme, a
fine conclusion to an excellent session’s
music-making. A list of forthcoming
musical events can be found in the
Diary of Events.
Ahoy Me Hearties!
Beauty and the Beast
At the end of term pupils from L4 held a Pirate Day. They first
As part of the Junior School ICT curriculum, pupils in L7
of all made pirate ships from recycled materials, showing
regularly produce their own video news programme, covering
great ingenuity with their designs. The following day the
news and events and interviews. In addition to teaching the
pupils all dressed up as pirates and had the opportunity to
children the technical skills they need to get a video news
see if their ships would sail across the ‘seven seas.’ There
programme on the air, it helps to develop their skills in
was great excitement to see if the boats made it to the other
presentation, communication, and working to deadlines as
side of paddling pond with much puffing and blowing and
part of a team. Follow the link to the High Report for June,
cheering from the other pupils.
which is about the final junior school show of this year,
Beauty and the Beast. There are interviews with the
Charity Challenge
producer, Mrs Docherty, some cast members and
http://www.highschoolofdundee.org.uk/latest/radio_high
there is also an exclusive look at rehearsals.
day culminate in an evening concert
The City of Discovery Charity Concert on
During the summer term, junior school pupils collected
with between thirty and fifty solos.
8th June in the Caird Hall involved thirty
over £220 in loose change to take part in the Maggie’s
An innovation for this year, however,
High-School pupils joining another 110
Centre, Dundee, Million Penny Challenge. The fundraisers
has been the introduction of a regular
from other secondary schools in Dundee
supplied a large bottle which the pupils enthusiastically
weekly concert series, the “Performance
to form the Discovery Youth Choir,
helped to fill with pennies and other loose change.
Platforms”. These take place almost every
sharing the stage with the Royal Scottish
Well done to all the pupils!
Thursday at 4.15pm and contain
National Orchestra and soprano Lesley
10
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
The Pillars Newsletter
Tel: 01382 202921
11
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Former Pupil News
A Forgotten
Heroine
The George Blair Prize and Lecture
The Blair Prize has been endowed by the Friends of Millbank to honour the
memory Captain George Blair MBE from the Class of 1936. The George Blair
Lecture and Award will be presented annually at The Chelsea College of Art
and Design Millbank, formerly The Royal Army Medical College Millbank.
The endowment of the Memorial Lecture and Award has been donated by
Colonel JSG Blair OBE L/RAMC TA, brother of George Blair. George graduated
in medicine from the University of St Andrews and after a brief spell at Dundee
Royal Infirmary, he was called up in 1940. He then went to Malaya before the
Japanese invasion began as RMO to 5th Field Regiment, RA, with the 10th Indian
Division. Captain Blair was a beloved medical officer, in the highest tradition
of our Corps. Many fellow prisoners testified to his dedication, kindness, and
courage. Eligibility for this award is confined to those who have served/are still
serving in the Defence Medical Services, either Regular or Reservist. The category
is open to both male and female and includes the Nursing Services. This is a
wonderful way to honour George Blair’s dedication to his profession.
............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Golfing Success
Olympic Hopeful
Class of 2011 pupil, Ailsa Summer
Charlie (Charlotte) Guest, Class of 2011,
has won the St Rule Trophy with a
is aiming for a place in Team GB for the
16 under par game. This means that
next Winter Olympics. She has been
she has now gone up 241 places in
skiing since the age of three and racing
the Women’s Amateur Golf Rankings
since she was 11 years old. Since that
and now sits in 697th place. This is an
time she has been part of the Scottish
amazing achievement for the Carnoustie
team and in 2009 she represented
player. Ailsa is currently a student at the
Great Britain. She is currently the 3rd
University of St Andrews where she is
British female in Slalom in this her first
studying mathematics and statistics and
full time skiing season. As well as her
she says that her win has not affected
Olympic goal, she hopes to start skiing
her plan to continue with her studies
regularly on the World Cup Circuit.
describing herself as a career amateur.
Good Luck Charlie!
Ailsa has also been selected to play for
the Scotland Squad in the European
Women’s Amateur Team.
Well done Ailsa!
Staff 30 Year Long Service Award
In the year that Dundee United won the Scottish Premier League for the first
time and Margaret Thatcher was returned to Government, Helen Millan, joined
the school as a cleaner. Helen has seen many changes of staff and management
2013 marks the anniversary of the death
of one of Dundee’s forgotten heroines,
Mary Lily Walker. Mary Lily was a pupil
at the school and as she was born in
1863 she would have been in the Class
of 1881. She sadly died in 1913 at the
age of 50. When she was at school she
excelled in the arts but, went on to
the University of Dundee to study the
sciences, winning prizes in Embryology,
Biology and Botany. She was all the
more remarkable as she was one of the
first women to be taught with men!
After University, Mary Lily used her
Here social workers were educated
talents to help those less fortunate
in the first School of Social Work in
than herself in Victorian Dundee and
Dundee and there were also classes
she centred her work on the deplorable
and activities for the children. In 1905
conditions of women and children
Mary Lily’s Dundee Social Union Report
of the city. She opened a women’s
based on the terrible living and working
hospital where women were only
conditions in the city, was talked
seen by female doctors and she set
about in Parliament, was instrumental
up a string of children’s clinics, which
in shaping Liberal Social reforms
was the first Infant Health Service in
and influenced the care of infants for
Scotland. She also founded a Mother’s
many years afterwards. On her death,
restaurant, where nursing mothers
Mary left a legacy to the Grey Lodge
could be fed and in turn feed their
Settlement. This generous donation not
babies. Mary understood the needs of
only secured the continuation of the
women and mothers in particular and
Settlement’s work but continued her
the knock on effect their health had on
vision of transforming social conditions
the health of their children. However,
of the women in Dundee and beyond.
her best known achievement was the
Mary Lily has surely been a
founding of the Grey Lodge Settlement,
forgotten heroine.
which is still thriving today in Dundee.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
BAFTA Award
Remembering
Tom Durrheim
Well-known TV Producer, Graham Stuart, is from the Class
English teacher, colleague and friend,
of 1974 and was recently awarded a BAFTA when The
Tom Durrheim, was remembered this
Graham Norton Show won the Best Television Entertainment
term in a moving ceremony, when a
Show 2013 in the category. On leaving school, Graham read
bookcase in the school library was
English at the University of Aberdeen and worked firstly as
dedicated to his memory. Staff and
a presenter with Radio Tay and then as a Sports presenter
pupils gathered in the library to listen
with STV. He now owns So TV, and works as an Executive
to tributes led by the Rector, Dr John
producer on a huge variety of TV shows producing shows not
Halliday and Head of English, Mrs Jane
only for Graham Norton but for Shirley Bassey, Joan Rivers,
Phillips. The event included readings
Paul Merton and Sarah Millican, to name but a few. He is no
from some of Tom’s favourite authors,
stranger to awards and has in the past been a nominee and
Hillaire Belloc, Shakespeare and JRR
winner of several national and international broadcasting
Tolkein, as well as some of the many
awards: BAFTA, Royal Television Society, British Comedy
tributes sent to the school from former
Awards and the Golden Rose of Montreux.
pupils. Tom, who had been a teacher at
Well done Graham!
the school for over 30 years sadly died
in August 2011.
Ricky Ross
in concert
since first starting at the school and during the years she has been promoted
to Supervisor and now holds the role of Head Cleaner for the Margaret Harris
building. To celebrate her long serve, the Rector, Dr John Halliday, held a
small tea party and presented Helen with a bouquet. She was also given a very
poignant poem by Domestic Supervisor, Doris Morrison and the pupils of L1
very thoughtfully produced a little booklet to thank her for her hard work.
12
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
The Pillars Newsletter
Tel: 01382 202921
13
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Reunions 2013
School Association News
Class of 2001
A group of former pupils from the
Class of 2001 met during May at
the school. The reunion which was
organised by Robbie Grieve and the
tour of the school was followed by a
trip to Mayfield and then out ‘on the
town.’ Robbie said that the group had
a brilliant day and they were able to
rekindle old friendships, revisit a few
favourite haunts and hear about the
plans for the future of the school.
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Future Reunions
Old Boys’ Club
As well as the Dinners, the Old Boys’
Club have been active in the sporting
Old Girls’ Club
The Dundee High School Old Boys’ Club
world. Following the most enjoyable
In March of this year, 8 committee
continues to be very active, with a number
Curling day in January (thanks to Alf
members travelled to London to
of events having taken place this year.
Vannet for organising), the annual
attend the Ladies London Lunch.
The annual Edinburgh Dinner was held
Fishing outing was held at Rescobie
46 guests, including the Rector Dr
in the New Club on 22 March, when an
Loch near Forfar on 11th June. Grateful
Halliday, enjoyed a fascinating talk on
encouragingly large attendance of Old
thanks to Gus Carnegie for organising
her experience as President of Oxford
Boys’ were entertained to an address by
a super event. In addition, the Annual
Union from Guest Speaker, Lauren
Professor Jimmy Hutchison, illustrious
Golf match is scheduled for Sunday
Pringle. The next High School of
Old Boy and Regius Professor of Surgery
22nd September. Please contact
Dundee Ladies London Lunch
at Aberdeen University. An inaugural
Graeme Spowart for details of this.
takes place in March 2015.
Aberdeen Dinner was held in the Royal
For information on any of the events ,
Northern and University Club in Aberdeen
or indeed a chat or discussion of any
Over the last few years, providing
on 10th May. This landmark event was
aspects of the activities of the Old
refreshments on Sports Day has had
well attended and greatly enjoyed, so the
Boys’ Club - indeed any suggestions
the added challenge of a last minute
intention is that this becomes an annual
of proposed events would be most
cancellation and rearrangement.
event to add to the Dinner calendar. We
welcome - please do not hesitate
Fortunately, not this year! It may not
to contact me.
have been the hottest day in June
bonhomie and raconteur, in addition
Fraser Clarkson, President
but the conditions were perfect for
2013
2014
2016
are grateful to Gerry Tosh, well known
We have a number of reunions planned
Class of 1957 are meeting for lunch at
The Class of 1974 are planning a
to being President of Dundee High
the many traditional competitions
at the school for the autumn term
12 for 12.30 on Thursday, 17th April,
reunion for 2016 to coincide with the
School FP Rugby Club, for making the
as well as for the more unusual and
opening of the V&A in Dundee.
keynote speech at this Dinner. It has been
If you would like to take part or
recent school-leavers attended each of
Friends of the High
School of Dundee
10am on 21st September at the school
discuss a reunion for your year, please
the above dinners and the committee are
The refreshed committee of the Friends
successful day for The Club and grateful
and then lunch at Mayfield and dinner
contact the Development Office on
focusing on ensuring that this encouraging
has been meeting on a monthly basis
thanks go to the many people who
at Discovery Point.
01382 220056 or
trait continues for the remaining Dinners.
since the beginning of the year and has
contributed so generously both before
Class of 1993
[email protected]
reaffirmed the commitment to support
and during Sports Day.
including:
2014 at Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh.
particularly pleasing to note that several
Class of 1973
2pm on 21st September at the school.
Class of 1963
10am on 28th September at the school.
Class of 1983
10am on 26th October at the school
then for dinner in Dundee.
The second 6 months of the year sees
the School and to contribute towards its
further Old Boys’ Dinners arranged,
continuing to make a difference.
Glasgow on the 25th October, London on
highly entertaining house races. With
refreshments in high demand all
afternoon, it was also a very busy and
The Thrift Shop continues to be
consistently busy and the Club is very
Class of 1964 are planning a reunion
the 15th November and Dundee on the
The first target which the committee
grateful for the volunteers, members
but the date is yet
29th November. Invitations to these events
has set is the establishment of a
and non-members of The Old Girls’
to be arranged.
will be sent out by the Development
“Friends” bursary and, while this
Club, who cheerfully and efficiently help
office prior to each Dinner, but if anyone
will be underwritten by a variety of
run it. It was another busy morning
We are looking for an organiser for the
would like further information, please
initiatives, the first project is to take
in June and it opens again before the
Class of 1984!
contact me at [email protected],
on a responsibility to increase the
start of the autumn term. The success
or on 07764 889696. The London Dinner,
participation in The 770 Club, which
of Sports Day and especially the Thrift
in particular, promises to be an enjoyable
will be sub-titled the “Friends of High
Shop has meant that The Club is once
event, with well-known Old Boy Frank
School of Dundee Fundraising Lottery.”
again in the fortunate position of being
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Diary of Events
Hadden, ex Scotland Rugby Coach, lined
able to make a gift to the School and
September
November
December
up as the main speaker of the evening.
Members of the committee are
The Club will be choosing from various
9
House Music Competition
15 Old Boys’ London Dinner – 7.00pm
4
Concert for the Dundee Heritage On a similar theme, the Dundee Dinner at
enthused by prospects of helping the
suggestions in the very near future.
in Trinity Hall – 6.00pm
16 Old Girls’ Dinner, Woodlands Hotel, Trust at Discovery Point – 6.30pm
the Invercarse Hotel on 29th November,
School to make a difference and are
11 High School of Dundee Carol which is the Flagship Event in the Old
looking forward to your support. More
This year’s Annual Reunion Dinner is
Service at St Paul’s Episcopal Boys’ Calendar, is shaping up to be a
details will be circulated in the coming
due to take place on Saturday 16th
Cathedral – 7.00pm
memorable occasion, with Dr James
weeks, but if you would like to know
November 2013 at Woodlands Hotel.
Robson, the British Lions Rugby Team
more, sooner, about how you can help,
Would anyone interested in any of
Doctor, as well as a Dundee High School
please contact Secretary Jen Petrie
the events mentioned please contact
parent, scheduled to be the Keynote
[email protected].
Club President Alison MacLeod at
Speaker.
Ken Andrew, Chairman
[email protected].
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
The Pillars Newsletter
Tel: 01382 202921
Broughty Ferry – 7.00pm
27 Autumn Concert at the Caird Hall, 24 Senior Music Competition: Southgate Prize and Premier
7.00pm
Quaich in Trinity Hall – 6.30pm
October
25 Old Boys’ Glasgow Dinner – 7.00pm
Tickets from Dundee Box Office – 29 Old Boys’ Dundee Dinner, Invercarse Hotel, Dundee – 7.00pm
14
15
................................................................
­.............................................................................................................................................
...................................................................
....................................................................
....................................................................
Former Pupil
Association
Tributes and passings
Murray Rattray
Dorothy Patricia (Pat)
John (Ivor) Tullis
Class of 1957
Gillard nee White
Class of 1942
1938-2013
Class of 1952
1924-2013
Murray started school at 5, leaving at 17
....................................................................
1934-2013
Ivor was the son of a Coal Merchant in
....................................................................
to take up the reins of the Dundee based
Born in Cheshire, Dorothy and her family
Dundee and loved attending the school.
Isobel Shaw nee Mudie
Harry Grant
family business, John Rattray and Sons.
moved back to Scotland where she and
He originally wanted to be a Vet but the
Class of 1969
Former Member of the Board
Being fourth generation at the school,
her sister Carole attended the school.
bombing in Edinburgh during the war
1951-2013
February 16 2013
Murray maintained close links when he
After school she married Bryan, a
encouraged his parent to persuade him
After leaving school Isobel went to
Harry was very much part of the
left, as an Old Boy, where he became
dentist, and they moved to Cardiff where
to study dentistry at the University of
Dundee University and then started her
school community being a former
President and as a member of DHSFP
Dorothy worked in the fashion industry
St Andrews instead. He later joined the
teaching career in primary schools in the
parent, former member of the Board
Rugby Club team. Kamikaze, as he was
and as a professional model. Dorothy
Royal Army Dental Corps and served
Dundee area. She is survived and sadly
and a member of the Friends of the High
known, became Club Secretary for 20
supported Bryan in his career and they
in Singapore where he met his wife,
from the Class of 2013.
missed by her husband John and her
School. He will be sadly missed by his
years when he retired from the field.
travelled together across the world. For
a nurse with the Queens Alexandra‘s
three children, Jennifer, Jonathan and
wife Seonaid, his two daughters, Victoria
Murray will be sadly missed by his wife
a brief while Dorothy and Bryan moved
Royal Nursing Corps. He left the army
During the coming months there will
Catriona.
....................................................................
and Emma and his brother and sister.
....................................................................
Nancy, and their three children, all who
back to Scotland before settling close to
at the rank of Major and continued with
are former pupils of the school, Lorna,
their family in South Wales. Dorothy was
his career in dentistry finally becoming
Lindsey, Dougal and their families.
....................................................................
always fiercely proud of her High School
Chief Administrative Dental Officer for
heritage and the kept in touch with her
Highland Health Board. He loved cricket,
Dr Sheila Gillies
life-long school friends across the years.
playing first for the University and then
Class of 1951
Dorothy is survived by her daughter
for DHS FP Club and Forfarshire. He is
11 March 2012
Deborah and son Mark and sadly
survived by his wife Margaret, children
After 13 very enjoyable years at school,
Lesley, Donald and David and their
Sheila went on to study medicine at St
missed by friends and family.
....................................................................
Andrews University before moving to
Dr Agnes (Nancy) Conn
On Thursday 27th June the High
School of Dundee Former Pupil
Association held the 2013 Leavers’
BBQ at Mayfield. Over 150 pupils
and staff enjoyed the last evening of
term on one of the sunniest days of
the month. It was a relaxed and fun
way to end the session and to say
‘Welcome’ to the new former pupils
be social events organised by the FP
Association in a variety of Scottish
David Mathers
Isabella (Ella) Hanslip
towns. If you would like to help
Class of 1951
nee Thomson
organise a get together for former
1931-2013
Class of 1944
pupils in your area please contact
David attended school during the war
1926-2013
me John Vannet, President, via the
years and after leaving he joined the
Ella was Dux of the school in 1944 and
Development Office at alumni@
RAF. He loved flying and had a passion
left school wanting to study literature but
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
for fast cars in his youth. He went on to
was told that the country needed science
teach Mathematics at senior school level.
teachers. So after graduating she taught
He might however be best remembered
mathematics and science at Logie Junior
by some people for riding his penny
Secondary School in Dundee, where
farthing bicycle throughout Dundee
she met her husband Jack. The two left
and by others for the presentation of a
Dundee to work at Lathallan School. Ella
We are always keen to keep in
Mathematics prize and trophy for future
and Jack had two daughters, Judith and
touch with former pupils and keep
generations of pupils at the school.
Jenny, both former pupils at the school.
a list of people we are looking to
David was a much loved Brother, Uncle
reconnect with on our website in
families.
....................................................................
Class of 1937
Alastair Campbell
and married the late Dr Hugh Gillies and
1919-2013
Class of 1946
they had four children, Elizabeth, Ruth,
Elgin born and a daughter of the
1927-2013
Malcolm and David. She is survived
manse, Nancy and her family moved to
Born in Dundee, Alastair moved to
by her children and their families.
....................................................................
Broughty Ferry in 1926. Nancy went on
Calcutta where he lived until the age of
to study history at the University of St
7, as his father worked at the Alexander
Ella is survived by Jack, Judith and
Iain S Taylor OBE
Andrews and then followed on with a
Jute Mills. He returned to stay with his
Jenny who miss her greatly.
....................................................................
Class of 1949
degree in medicine. During the war she
maternal grandparents in Errol and
our Desperately Seeking section
and Great Uncle.
....................................................................
1931-2013
was a land girl as well as a student and
attended the High School. Alastair was
www.highschoolofdundee.org.
Edwin (Eddie) Webb
Sheila Keddie nee Dick
Iain Taylor attended school from 1936 to
qualified in 1945. She worked first of
much influenced by Mr Halliday, the
Class of 1979
Class of 1944
1944 when he left to go to Merchiston
all in Edinburgh, before moving closer
Art teacher and this was to colour his
1961-2013
Castle School. He joined the cadet force
to her family in Glasgow to take up a
choice of future career when, after a
We would be grateful if former pupils
1925-2013
Eddie worked as transport manager for
at the age of 11 and was commissioned
new post. Nancy enjoyed travelling
spell in the Royal Engineers he realised
could take a few minutes to look at
Sheila enjoyed needlework, hockey and
Harry Lawson before following his true
into the RAF during his national service
and watching sport and was an active
that he could combine his love of art
their class on the list and see if there
art whilst at school, leaving in 1944 to
vocation in the Oxfordshire ambulance
in 1950, serving as a pilot officer in
member of the Soropomists and a
with his experience in the Engineers.
is anyone who you know and would
become a Primary school teacher. She
service. There he met and married
Germany. On his return to Scotland he
Friend of the High School of Dundee.
He subsequently studied architecture
like to be back in touch again.
married Alistair and together they had
fellow paramedic Jane. A popular team
two sons, Gordon and Michael, both
joined the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry
She is survived by her cousins,
and qualified in 1953, said to be one of
leader and unassuming active member
former pupils. She will be sadly missed
staying with them for 21 years before
nieces and nephews.
the proudest days of his life. Alastair
of the community, he led through public
by all of her family.
Desperately
Seeking
uk/alumni/information/lost_lists.
donation the formation of the paramedic
motorbike service. Through eventful
motorcycle trips with former classmates
Eddie maintained a love for Scotland
and his many friends. Eddie’s untimely
death brought about a huge outpouring
of love and respect from family, friends,
colleagues and former classmates. He
will be sadly missed.
16
Stornoway to become a GP. Sheila met
joining the Angus and Dundee ACF in
and former classmate, Alex Finlayson
1976. He rose to the rank of Brigadier
then set up a practice in Crieff where,
and was in overall charge of 11,000
during the next 50 years his influence
army cadets, receiving an OBE in 1991 at
on buildings has left a permanent legacy
Buckingham Palace. Iain was President
for throughout the area. Sadly Margaret,
of the Old Boys Club from 1979-1980
Alastair’s wife predeceased him by
and his four children, Alastair, Andrew,
a year.
Shirley and Sandra are all former pupils
of the school as well. He is survived
by his wife Nancy, their children and
grandchildren.
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
The Pillars Newsletter
Tel: 01382 202921
17
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
­.........................................................................................................
Triathlete
Sailing
Consistent winter triathlon training
In terms of schools sailing, the highlight of the year was
paid off for Euan Rose, F4, when he ran
on Monday 10th June at Loch Earn – The Brown Cup. After
in the Scottish Schools Cross Country
completing an intensive training weekend with national
Championships with confidence.
coaches our 3 boat team took to the water on a breezy cold
Monday to battle with 85 boats in a handicap series of races.
He sadly just missed a place in the
The team of Oliver Grabowski F1 in a Topper, Emily Norman
Scottish SIAB international by two
and Sara Paton F2 paired in a RS Feva and Nick Ramsay and
seconds but, nothing daunted, he
William Barton F3 paired in a RS Vision sailed hard all day
headed off to Spain at Easter for a 10
and eventually, after handicaps were processed, secured
day skill based camp with the Triathlon
11th place from the 18 teams entered.
Scotland Foundation Squad. From the
hard work shown at the camp it was
Anna Sturrock, F1, has had an exceptional year in her Topper.
clear the season ahead would continue
Not only did she come 2nd individually in her class at the
to encourage the healthy rivalry
Brown Cup (out of 39 boats) but she is currently the top
between the six boys selected in Euan’s
Photo of Sara and Emily – The Brown Cup
age category. The 2013 triathlon season
began with the East Fife Triathlon in
Cupar, where Euan finished 1st. He
then went on to race at the Scottish
Schools Triathlon and finished 4th with
Series priority event at Blenheim the
following week. Euan was the first Scot
to cross the line and finished 10th in
Britain. The next event was the Scottish
Youths Championships and Euan raced
well and despite recovering from being
unwell, he came home in 2nd place. As
Pillars goes to print, Euan is preparing
for the British Championships in
Liverpool on the 13th of July, where
we wish him every success.
....................................................................
Photo of Euan Rose during a Triathlon
Sport
Swimming
Swimming is definitely in the genes in
Eilidh and Kirsten represented
training weekends a year and Eilidh
the Grant family, with Eilidh F3, Kirsten
the school at Tayside School
represented the Midlands District in
F1 and Rory L5 all placed first in the
Championships, winning their individual
Sheffield last year at the National
school swimming championships in
events and qualifying for the Scottish
Inter-counties Championships. The
October.
Schools swimming Championships in
girls have raced all over Scotland and
East Kilbride last January.
in Sheffield recently and will hopefully
qualify again, Kirsten for the Scottish
They deserve these rewards as they
have challenging training schedules of
They both reached the finals with Eilidh
Bronze Squad and Eilidh for the
7 x 2 hour sessions a week for the girls
winning a Bronze medal in 100 front
Scottish Youth Development squad
and 4 x 2 hour sessions for Rory some
crawl, 13/14 age group and Kirsten
for Eilidh. Rory is hoping to follow
starting at 6am at the new Olympia
placed 5th in 50 front crawl in the 12
in their footsteps when old enough!
pool! However, this is nothing new for
year old age group, therefore finishing
the family as they come from a long
3rd and 5th in Scotland. Both girls
line of swimmers, with their mother,
were selected for the Scottish Amateur
Jane, having swum for Scotland from
Swimming Association Bronze squad
1984-88 and two great uncles having
last year which involves training other
played water polo for Scotland.
swimmers from the district at several
18
....................................................................
....................................................................
Athletics
he was recently selected to represent
Rugby and Hockey
Tour of Canada
2013
Primary Cross
Country
Championships
Scotland in the Scottish Schools
The Rugby and Hockey Tour of Canada
At the Scottish Schools Amateur
International Track and Field event
departs on the 1st of August 2013.
Athletics Primary Cross Country
which is being held in Dublin in July.
Sixty two pupils and eight staff from
Championships in April the L7 Boys’
He will be running in the 4 x 100m
the School will fly to Toronto then
team, Tom Porter, Alfie George, Willie
relay. Rhys, F4, started training with
on to Ottawa and Montreal playing a
Laird, Hamish Allen and Christian
Coach Dave Coombs at the Dundee
total of 8 rugby and 4 hockey matches.
Ramsay, won a bronze medal. The Girls’
Hawkhill Harriers when he was 12 and
Their jam packed itinerary includes
L7 team and the L6 Girls and L6 Boys
trains there up to 5 times per week.
training sessions, visits up the CN
teams also did very well with many of
He initially ran in the 100m and 200m
and Peace Towers, down the Ottawa
the individual runners being placed in
but has recently added 400m as well.
and St Lawrence Rivers by raft and
the top 150 of a 300-400 runner field.
He has won both national and district
jet boat respectively, culminating
Well done to all of the runners.
medals and broken a number of Dundee
with a visit to the spectacular Niagara
....................................................................
Schools records. This dedication to
Falls. The tour will not only provide
his sport is definitely paying off and
them with excellent preparation for
Gymnastics
we look forward to reporting more of
the forthcoming seasons but build
Sarah McKenzie, L7, recently
Rhys’s success in the future.
memories and friendships that
competed in the Scottish Gymnastics
will last a lifetime.
Championships the biggest competition
going from strength to strength as
race in preparation for the British Super
a fantastic achievement and an exciting future ahead.
....................................................................
Rhys Paterson’s, athletic career is
his coaches using this as a training
ranked girl in Scotland in the Girls Topper category –
Lewis Keddie, F2, and Charlotte Collison,
in Scotland where the girls competed on
F6, both won bronze medals at the
the equipment used at the 2012 Olympic
Scottish Schools Athletics Championships
Games. She won bronze overall on the
too. Well done to both athletes.
first day of competition and qualified
­...........................................................................................................................................
for all four apparatus finals on the
Fencing Success
Sunday. Her team (DGC2K) also won
Two teams entered the Scottish Secondary Schools’ Team Championships recently.
well, winning silver on floor and bronze
Encouraged by F6 pupil, Anthony Shek, Cameron Pringle, F6 and Marshall McLeod,
on beam. The afternoon session also
F5 joined in and they won 4th place in the Senior Boys’ Foil Team competition. Not
started off well with Sarah winning
to be outdone, Alexander Berg, F1, Charlie Stanford, F1 and Andrew Lang also F1,
an unexpected bronze medal on vault
took part and won the Junior Boys’ Foil Team competition, and took 3rd place with
meaning that she finished the day with
Andrew, being awarded Best Technical Placing for the day. Congratulations to all
5 medals in total. This is a tremendous
the boys on their success.
success for the young gymnast.
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
silver. Sarah started the Sunday off
The Pillars Newsletter
Tel: 01382 202921
19
­......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Sport
Cricket
Rory Johnston, F2, is having an
amazing cricketing season. He is in the
1st XI as a second year pupil and is
seen in the extreme left of the back row
of the picture. He has been the opening
batsman not only for the Scotland
under 15’s but for Caledonia’s under
15’s where he was Captain as well. He
is also Captain of the Tayside and Fife
under 15’s and plays for the Under
15’s Forfarshire-Foothill, Strathmore
and Perthshire Premier Division. He
was 102 not out playing for Forfarshire
with 5 wickets for 0 runs, also for
Forfarshire. He also made 5 fifties this
year including 74 for Tayside and Fife
versus Cumbria. A truly outstanding
performance!
....................................................................
Tennis
Kart Racing
to gain a place within the Arden YRDA
In June, Annie Porter, F2, and Susanna
is by being selected and they look for
Porter, F1, won the Kilgraston under
Sandy Mitchell, F1, is one of only 11
three key attributes in a driver, pace,
14’s tennis tournament against semi-
drivers UK wide and the only Scottish
race craft and temperament.
finalists from Kilgraston with
driver to have been chosen for the
a resounding score of 6-1.
newly launched Arden Young Racing
Sandy started racing karts at the age
Driver Academy. This is an excellent
of nine with The North of Scotland
Heidi Sampson, F1, and Susanna
and very exciting opportunity for
Kart Club at Golspie, where he won
Porter, F1 won the St Leonards under
Sandy from Letham Angus, who
the Honda Cadet Club Championship
13’s tennis tournament in May.
attended the action packed launch
in his first year. He went on to win
Well done to all the players!
at Silverstone in April.
Scottish Championships in 2010 and
....................................................................
2011, and in 2012 was runner up in
The YRDA is a partnership between
the British Honda Cadet Super One
Volleyball
The Business of Sport, top motorsport
Championship. He then went on to
A school team recently won the Angus
team Arden International, which was
win the British Honda Cadet Open
& Dundee District Volleyball Association
formed by sports law firm 7 Legal
Championship at Rowrah. At the age
Division 2 Cup competition. They were
and Red Bull Team, home of the three
of just 13, Sandy is currently sitting
Victoria Vitale, F3, Taskeen Bailwal,
times world Formula 1 champion,
5th in the 12-15 age group in the
F3, Emma Duncan F3, Annie
Sebastian Vettel. It is a motorsport
British Championships which is a
Caldwell, F3 and Katie McLennan F2.
academy focussed on identifying and
tremendous achievement. Sandy has
Congratulations to the girls.
developing young racing driver talent
a webpage with more information at
and providing a pathway from karting
www.sandymitchellracing.com
into single seater racing. The only way
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
inspiring education
Contact the Editor
.......................
If you would like to suggest an article for The Pillars,
Euclid Crescent
contact us on [email protected]
Dundee DD1 1HU
Tel: 01382 202921
To download past editions of The Pillars,
highschoolofdundee.org.uk
visit highschoolofdundee.org.uk/latest/newsletters