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University of Glasgow: Final Report on the Kirkcudbright Academy Curriculum Flexibility Project

The research and evaluation team from the University of Glasgow has now completed its final report and submitted it to the Scottish Government. It is likely to be published within the next week or two and will be available on the FLaT website. We hope to be able to produce a digest of findings for parents, but, in the meantime, I would like to thank all pupils, staff and parents who co-operated with the evaluation process and to commend the report to you: it makes very impressive and interesting reading.

Staffing

Against the background of current financial constraints, we are doing our utmost to ensure that we are able to offer the complete range of subjects that has appeared on all option sheets.

Mrs Bjerland has started her maternity leave as a result of the premature arrival of her twin daughters before the end of last term and Mrs McEwen is also taking maternity leave in the coming months; we are putting arrangements in place to ensure continuity of provision in Biology (and in the management of the Science and PE Faculty).

Easter School

Revision classes for students in S3-S6 preparing for the oncoming SQA examinations were held during the first two days of the Easter break. These were very successful and there was a positive, workmanlike atmosphere on both days. The school had to fund Easter School independently this year. A small number of youngsters failed to show up for the days despite committing to them and did not alert the school with any reason for absence. These pupils have been interviewed and will not have the opportunity to attend Easter School next year.

SQA Exams

Parents/carers of pupils in S3-S6 should by now have received – by post - a letter explaining arrangements for examinations, study leave and induction for next session. If you have not received this letter, please contact the School Office. In addition, all exam candidates have now been fully briefed as to the rules and regulations surrounding SQA assessments and know what the penalties are for, for example, taking a mobile phone into an examination room. Pupils have also been given very clear guidelines about Study Leave and dress code for exams, as well as requirements for Induction Days.

Young Enterprise Success

The regional final of this year’s Young Enterprise competition was held on Monday 19 th April at the Dumfries and Galloway College. Kirkcudbright’s company, Kaizen, led by Managing Director Michael Chadband and Assistant Managing Director Laura Pettman, made a very positive impression and were complimented on their teamwork, product and public relations, winning awards for Best Display and Best Presentation; they were also very gracious in the way they applauded the eventual winners from Dumfries High School. These senior students were a credit to the school and to the teachers who worked with them on their enterprise venture – Miss Carnegie and Mrs Rosindale.

Miss Carnegie writes, “The team has been very successful across the year winning the 2009 CHALLENGE which was supported by Dumfries and Galloway Economic Development Service and Young Enterprise Local Area Board. This allowed the company to attend Scotland’s Christmas Fair held in the Royal Concert Halls in Glasgow on the 19 th and 20 th of December.

Kaizen made a profit after tax of £1179.18. £609.18 of this will be donated to MS ( Multiple Sclerosis Society), one of the school’s nominated charities that the company has also supported throughout the year.

Thanks to all shareholders in the company, who will receive a dividend at 100% of their initial investment, and to the local community for all donations of materials and recipes throughout the year”.

Mobile Phones

A reminder about mobile phones. Our policy with mobile phones is quite simple; pupils are in class to learn and should not have a mobile phone switched on at this time. If a pupil is found to be using a phone or a phone interrupts a class, the phone will be confiscated and will be held in the school office until a parent or carer authorises its return. The phone will be returned to its owner at the end of the school week. I am certain that we can count on your support. It is not necessary for pupils to have mobile phones in school as any urgent contact that has to be made with family or home can be done through the school office. We will always allow a pupil to use the phone if they need to.

Facilities

A number of building works/improvements were undertaken during the Easter break, including the creation of new staff office and changing facilities in PE, replacement flooring in both Science and Library corridors (as a result of damage caused by burst pipes) and the installation of large screens in the vestibule/Link/Staffroom and Art corridor for digital signage (ie rolling displays of information about the school day/events and pupil work and achievements.) The cost of this last project – with its focus on improved communication – will be met in part from funds raised by parents.

Fund-raising

Congratulations to Sandra Wallace and her team who ran a very successful Fashion Show at the end of March and raised the excellent total of £1080 for School Funds. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and have contributed not only to the digital signage noted above but also to the purchase of the new Clavinova piano for the Music Department.

Pupil Property and PE kits

I should be grateful if you would check your son/daughter has the correct PE kit (including trainers etc). Despite repeated reminders to all pupils, personal belongings are often left in the link areas and PE changing rooms which can result in the wrong kit being taken home.  It would greatly assist the return of
‘lost’ items if you could ensure that your child’s property is clearly marked with their full name.  Pupils are advised to leave valuables with the PE staff during PE or hand in to the School Office for safe keeping.

Tesco Vouchers

We are collecting Tesco Vouchers again this year. Please hand them in to School Office.

Advance Notice of Parent Council Vacancies

Owing to the retirement of a number of members of the Parent Council at the end of this session, there will be several vacancies to be filled. We will be looking for between 3 and 5 nominations at the start of next session (in order that we can include parents of newly enrolled pupils).

Regional Football

Congratulations to Dylan McNally (S2) who has been selected for Dumfries and Galloway schools football under 14’s as striker. Congratulations also to Hugh McDavid (S3) who has been the Dumfries and Galloway schools under 15 goalkeeper this season. Most recently he played in a drawn match against Cumbria schools last week.

Basketball

Congratulations to both Junior and Senior Basketball teams on their victories in the ‘local derby’ against Castle Douglas High School (Juniors won 53-13 and Seniors 47-21), securing their titles as Regional Champions. The teams have had a great season, managed by Mr Ironmonger, and their skill and enthusiasm has been rewarded!

Glee?

A number of pupils have expressed interest in forming singing and instrumental groups that perform contemporary music – a blend of ‘Glee’ and rock. If we have any parents/carers, former pupils or members of the local community who would be willing and interested in helping with such a venture, please let me know via the School Office. I know that several English schools have formed very successful groups and perhaps now is the time for Kirkcudbright Academy to have its own Rock Chorus, R&B Singers or Rock Strings?