Gryffe High School

Old Bridge of Weir Road, Houston, PA6 7EB Tel: 01505 690633 Fax: 01505 690888 e-mail: enquiries@gryffehigh.renfrewshire.sch.uk web address: www.gryffehigh.renfrewshire.sch.uk Head Teacher: Mr Colin H Johnson BSc

Date: 6/06/12 Dear Parents/Carers/Relatives/Pupils Our new timetable for S2-S4 pupils started on Monday 28 May. I am happy to state we have managed to maintain the wide range of courses on offer to our pupils, including our new S3 course structure where we have a wider choice of 9 courses when there used to be only 8 course choices. I look forward to our upper school pupils arriving back from their exam leave and into their S5 and S6 Conferences, our P7 Induction Days and Careers Fair, S1 Parents’ Open Day, the School Show, the Awards Ceremony... and finally summer! I hope you enjoy reading about the significant achievements of our pupils in this edition of our monthly newsletter.

Index

Page 1 1 In-Service Day on Improvement Planning

Curriculum for Excellence: Design of the Senior Phase of Education

2 Parent Council Meeting on Monday 28 May 3 UK Maths Challenge

S1 drama – script writing competition 4 PTA Annual Raffle 5 Modern Studies Class take part in BBC Live

Debate 6 Authors Live: David Walliams 7,8 Young Persons Alcohol Project

7 9 Gryffe High Pupils become Scottish Peer Educators Focus on Tegan Arnott – Figure Skater

8 10 School Team Showjumping event at Ingliston Equestrian Country Club

9 11 John Adamson leads Scottish Championship 12 S2 Netball Team Win Scottish Bronze Cup

13 13 Outstanding Athletics Achievements 14 14 School Athletics Championships 15 15-23 Activities Week

23 Upcoming priorities/events 16

Thursday 31 May, In-Service Day – Improvement Planning

The day started with the following presentations:

Curriculum Structures

Improvement Planning

Tracking and monitoring pupil progress

Staff Professional Review and Development

We devoted the remainder of the In-Service Day to working on Whole School and Departmental Improvement Planning, including Cluster Planning, as well as preparations for our new S3 Curriculum for Excellence Courses. Curriculum for Excellence: Design of the Senior Phase of Education

Our S3 pupils are now following our new S3 Curriculum Structure, adhering to the principles of Curriculum for Excellence. We are holding an additional information evening, mainly for the parents of our new S2 and S3 pupils, on Thursday 14 June in the Theatre starting at 7:00 pm. At this meeting I will deliver a presentation to parents and then answer questions from those attending. Parents will have the opportunity to ask further questions after the meeting or submit comments regarding the design of the senior phase.

As detailed in our calendar, we had our last Parent Council meeting for this session on Monday 28 May, covering key issues:

Gryffe High School Improvement Plan

Chair’s Annual Report

PTA President’s Report incorporating Treasurer’s Report

Head Teacher’s Report

Chair and Head Teacher Open Question and Answer Session

Date of Next Meeting

Gryffe High School Improvement Plan Mrs Brown gave an Improvement Planning presentation to the Parent Council, a draft copy of which can be found on our school website under the ‘About us’ section. Please feel free to look at our draft plan and make comment by email and/or phone. Following further amendments, additions and suggestions from staff and Parent Council members we will publish the finalised plan on the school website at the end of the month.

Chair’s Annual Report

Mr McHarg, Parent Council Chair, gave detail covering:

Safe Walking Route to School and the School Bus

Parent Council Website

Regional Liaison Meetings

National Parent Forum

Curriculum for Excellence

PTA President’s Report incorporating Treasurer’s Report

Mr Lovett stated that the PTA continues to seek new methods to raise funds for the school and hope to develop the Parent Council website further to incorporate fundraising links to maximize every possible source of funds. The PTA is also keen to fund a major school project, e.g. new seating in the school theatre and significant grant funding would enable this to be realized. The 100 Club continues to provide substantial funding for the school. Key PTA Fundraising dates for next session are as follows: 5 October 2012 : Pamper Night 29 November 2012 : Xmas Fayre 14 June 2013 : PTA Annual Raffle Details of fund raising events and funds raised can be found on the PTA section of the Parent Council website. Details of how the funds are allocated can also be found on the website.

Head Teacher’s Report Detail covered:

Curriculum for Excellence

Course Structures

Management Structures

New appointments

School/pupil achievements

Activities Week

New timetable

S5/S6 Induction Days

P7 Induction Days and Careers Fair

Parent Council Meeting on Monday 28 May

Parent Council Meetings provide an opportunity to discuss educational issues and, through discussion, help focus on how Gryffe High School develops as a school community. We need more parents to play an active role in the development of the school, for an hour and a half meeting approximately seven times across the session. The first meeting of the new session will be held on Monday, 27 August 2012 at 7.00 pm

Please come along and see what it is like.

UK Maths Challenge We are delighted to state that this year we have had the highest participation level and best set of results for many years.

Junior Division S1 Rebecca Gale Silver Award Ryan Ferguson Bronze Award S2

Katie Hall Bronze Award Lucy McCabe Silver Award Jane McCabe Bronze Award

Middle Division S3

David Bogan Silver Award

S4 Rebecca Gray* Gold Award

Senior Division

S6 Timothy Gray* Bronze Award *Not photographed as on exam leave Very well done to all of you!!

S1 DRAMA – SCRIPT WRITING COMPETITION

Congratulations to the following pupils from 1.9 who won our Script Writing Competition with their imaginative take on the traditional ‘Cinderella’ story: Alexander Hood Paul Hamill Ciara Nicholson Ashleigh Love Rebecca Thompson

PTA Annual Raffle

The S3 Physics class had a few special visitors on Friday 18 May so that they could take part in the excitement of the PTA Raffle. PTA members came armed with many excellent prizes. Mr Holsgrove started the proceedings and before too long the winner of the most coveted prize was revealed. The first name out was parent Alan Palmer. The class could not contain their excitement when they quickly made the link with S3 pupil Matthew Palmer. Matthew is pictured with Sheila McHarg of the PTA being presented with the iPad2. Hopefully, Matthew’s dad will get some time with the iPad2 as well! The many other prizes were drawn by other pupils and the list of winners written up on the interactive board to add to the excitement (see picture for the full list). Mr Holsgrove thanked the PTA for organising the raffle and arranging such fantastic prizes through sponsors. The draw date was moved back a little to give parents more time to purchase tickets primarily to reflect the outstanding quality of the prizes. Visit the well maintained Parent Council and PTA website http://www.gryffehighschoolcouncil.org/ to keep up to date with events that you can take part in and ways that you can help support the work of the PTA and Parent Council and ultimately help the pupils of Gryffe High School. Photographs – Ian Malcolm (S1)

Modern Studies Class take part in BBC Live Debate

On Friday 11 May, Mrs MacLennan and Mr Bertram's 3G Modern Studies class, along with Mrs McGeough of the Media group, had the pleasure of participating in a live webcast event which was hosted by the BBC. The pupils of 3G had the opportunity to share their opinions on hotly debated topics such as: privacy and the monitoring of phone calls and the Internet by various police and intelligence agencies. They also argued over whether it is preferable for aspiring political leaders to attend private schools rather than receive a state education.

At the beginning of the debate, the pupils of 3G were feeling disillusioned because their numerous questions and opinions were not being read aloud on the live webcast. As a result, many of the pupils began to wonder if the debate was pre-recorded. Regardless, the class continued to participate in the debate, sharing their heated opinions with the online community.

The class of 3G really enjoyed this experience and they would do it again. The highlight of the debate came when a comment from our very own Hazel Kennedy was read aloud by the BBC host Kirsty Wark. Not only was her comment read live on air, it was the final comment of the debate! Overall, 3G's exposure to this live debate has made them aware of the skills and preparation time needed by the participants before and during a debate. Pupils hopefully now realise the importance of thorough research of various topics prior to a debate. They have also now gained experience in learning how to organise their arguments, developing the skill to think critically and deliver their arguments articulately.

The summary above was written by Mr Kris Bertram who was a key link in creating the atmosphere for the debate and who input the pupil’s comment and questions throughout the session by typing furiously!! for the duration of the event – Mrs McGeough

Photographs – Media Team

Authors Live: David Walliams

At eleven o’clock, pupils gathered for yet another edition of Authors Live, sponsored by the Scottish Book Trust. This edition came with the well known comedian and judge of Britain’s Got Talent, David Walliams. David is famous as being part of “Little Britain” with Matt Lucas. He also took part in this year’s Comic Relief with Miranda Hart, but he is best known for judging on the international talent show “Britain’s Got Talent”. David has written many children’s books in the past including “Mr Stink”, “Billionaire Boy” and his first book “The Boy in the Dress”. During the Authors Live session he read from his newest book “Gangsta Granny”. These books have been a great success and are available in all good book shops. If you want to see David Walliams in Authors Live, go to www.scottishbooktrust.co.uk/authorslive/

Article – Alison Hedley S1 Photographs – Aqib Afzal S1

Young Persons Alcohol Project

On Tuesday 2 May, S2 had a Young Persons Alcohol Project. Several people from various organisations came to raise awareness about alcohol, including wardens, firemen and police officers. S2 had the first four periods off timetable for the event. The first part of the day was a PACE production which the pupils saw in the theatre. It was about three young adults who were at a party and were all drinking. Each section of the play started with the lines, 'I was drinking at a party. It was only supposed to be a bit of fun...' However, things certainly didn't turn out that way. Each of the three got very drunk, which had disastrous consequences for all of them. One girl ended up in a fight and got stabbed in the face, and the other made some choices that she regretted in the morning. Most memorable of all was the boy, who choked on his own vomit and died. Next, the year split up into classes and each went to a number of different activities. There were six in total. Each was very interesting, but probably the most memorable was the chip-pan and car crash scenes. They were both outside in the school grounds. For the car crash scene, the fireman had actually brought along a car that had been crashed a few years ago. He then asked for volunteers before selecting one and strapping them into a spinal board, showing the group what would happen if someone was in a car crash and injured. The chip-pan scene was quite scary. The fireman was very interesting and told us many stories about chip-pan fires that he has been called out to. He then put oil in a chip-pan and put it on a hob. The oil caught fire very quickly – it is easy to see how so many fires can be caused by chip-pans. The fireman then showed us what many people do when they are drunk, and poured a mug of water over the fire. A huge jet of flame shot out into the air. The firemen said that many people are killed or seriously injured because they try to tackle fires themselves. The day was an excellent one and all the pupils came away with many important messages. The pupils would like to thank all the wardens, policemen, firemen and others who came for a great day. Article – Sophie Cairns S2 Photographs – Aqib Afzal S1 and Ian Malcolm S1

Young Persons Alcohol Project - continued

Gryffe High Pupils become Scottish Peer Educators

Over the past couple of weeks, 3 pupils in S5 from Gryffe High School took part in the second stage of the national ‘No Knives Better Lives’ campaign by volunteering to be trained as Peer Educators in their local communities. Jessica Canning, Kelly McGarvey and myself Iain Doig all attended several workshops and residential days to become fully qualified Peer Educators which allows us to work with their classmates and in the local area to stop the usage of Knives and to reduce knife crime overall. The pupils learned many different strategies and techniques to show the dangers of knife crime to their peers as well as how to make this important message fun and engaging. Techniques such as group work, games and even role playing were all suggested, and the pupils were able to test these different ideas throughout the training session. Now the PSE department at Gryffe High School is hoping to bring the pupils into PSE classes so they can share the important message of the ‘No Knives Better Lives’ campaign and use the skills they have acquired. The three pupils involved really enjoyed the experience and have recommended that anyone who wishes to help their communities in similar way should just contact them in school to find out how to get involved. Article by Iain Doig S5

Focus on Tegan Arnott – Figure Skater

S1 pupil Tegan Arnott started figure skating when she was only 6 years old. She was inspired by her older brother who played ice hockey at Braehead Arena and when she went she would see others skating in the old ice rink.

She originally went to skating at Braehead for starter group lessons but as her skill progressed she started to go to private lessons. She has been going to these lessons for the past 5 years and goes 5 days a week which shows how committed she is.

At her lessons there is a competition once every month and these are a very important part of her training. She competes all over Britain and the furthest she has travelled to is down to Kent in London. In her old level Tegan came FIRST eleven times. She has recently moved up to a higher level and has won 3 more competitions.

Tegan is currently a representative for Scotland in skating. Her favourite move is an Axel and her most recently learned move is called a Dauldo Salchow which she was taught in her new level and she has managed to jump and land it. Her goal is to be part of the Olympic team and not only that but win gold more than once. Her role models are Caroliane Kostner or Sasha Cohen. Tegan hopes that she will keep skating for the rest of her life until she completes her goal.

Article by Beth Holmes S1 (who interviewed Tegan)

School Team Showjumping event at Ingliston Equestrian Country Club

The girls were 1st out of 9 or 10 teams at Ingliston Equestrian Country Club and what a fabulous performance. Not only did they win but all 4 girls were the fastest out of 34 competitors. 1st Leah Coia, 2nd Ellie O'Donnell, 3rd Laura McNeil. but fastest of all was Olivia Coia with her winning "jump off" round. Laura McNeil also went on to win her dressage class and Lea Coia also won her Blue Riband jumping class. It was a fantastic day. Many thanks to Mrs O’Donnell for her support in organising the entries and for organising the girls.

JOHN ADAMSON LEADS SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Fifteen year old motocross ace, John Adamson, made the journey to Leuchars to race his AAA Motorcycles 250cc motocrosser at the second round of the Scottish Motocross Championships. The meeting had been moved from Cardenden because the track there was waterlogged. Three races of hard fought action in the Adult MX2 class followed on the sandy track which was in perfect condition. John’s first race started with him in mid pack but he fought through the field to end up fourth at the flag. His next two races netted him another fourth and a third. John is now tied for the lead in the MX2 title chase. John’s dad and mechanic who prepares John’s bikes at his shop, AAA Motorcycles, on Abercorn St Paisley said “For John to be leading a Scottish championship at only fifteen years of age is a fantastic achievement”. “Because he is still too small for the bike the starts are particularly difficult for him so we will need to work on this area”.

S2 Netball Team Win Scottish Bronze Cup

On Thursday 19 April the S2 Netball team set out for Ravenscraig Sports facility to compete in the final of the Scottish Schools Bronze Cup. The girls were up against Carnoustie High School, an unknown opposition. From the start, the Gryffe girls were strong and throughout the first and second quarters of the match they were ahead by at least a point. However, after half time the Carnoustie team bumped up the pressure and during the third quarter they managed to win back several goals. Gryffe responded well and their increased concentration resulted in fewer fouls. At full time the score was 10-10 and the match went into extra time. Extra time saw great excitement as at first Carnoustie scored and then Gryffe fought bravely to score two more, the requisite two clear goals to achieve a fantastic win! Final score Gryffe 13 – 11 Carnoustie. Well done to the winning team – Eilidh Fraser, Emma Kelly, Eve McKenzie, Katie Hall, Katie Bone, Kirsten McGlennon, Megan Hunter and Niamh Tynan, and special thanks to Miss Iafrate! Article by Katie Bogan (S2 netball team captain)

Person

Name Gillham, Euan Borough/Region Scotland

Runner No. 3193 Age Group Under 15 Boys

Total

Position (age group)

1 Finish time 00:14:54

S3 pupil Euan Gillham, continued his outstanding form when he won the London Mini Marathon under 15 boys race recently in a time of 14 minutes 54 seconds. Euan is a member of Kilbarchan Athletic Club and he has won every race of significance over the winter, Roads and Cross Country, Scottish and UK titles. This win is a tremendous finish to the season. Euan was also running as part of the Scotland Team. The team with the lowest points wins and the points are calculated by adding each runners place. Euan’s twin sister Gwen is also an outstanding athlete and as you can see from her finish time managed to finish in a superb time as well! Gwen was also selected to be part of the Scotland Team in London. Gwen went on to gain 1st place in the McCains Scottish Young Athletes League Div 1 run in Grangemouth earlier this month. She completed this 1500m run in a time of 4:55:67 which is a Personal Best. Well done to you both!

Euan Gillham takes FIRST PLACE

in the London Mini Marathon

in his age category and

Gwen Gillham also has an outstanding performance.

A few pictures from the School Championships

Activities Week Our S1 – S3 pupils have had a fantastic Activities Week, where staff and pupils enjoyed

a wide range of Activities. Residential Trips Adventure Scotland; Barcelona; Belgium; Paris; Theme Park Mania Non- Residential Trips Days Away; Extreme Sports; Football Stadiums; Golf Days Out; High Octane;

Thrills, Spills and Flumes; Jewellery, Crafts and Chick Flicks; Novelty Cakes; Game Zone

Belgium and Alton Towers

Best of Auchengillan

Best of Days Away

Best of Extreme Sports

Best of High Octane Climbzone

Best of Paris

Best of Novelty Cakes Adrian Carslaw

Katie Bogan

Megan Anderson

Upcoming priorities/events: JUNE Wed 6 Pupils return to school New S2 – S4 pupils normal timetable

New S5 pupils return for their Induction day, reporting to the Theatre at 8:50 am

New S6 pupils report directly at 8:50 am to Houston and Killellan Church Hall for their Induction Day

Mon 11 P7 Parents’ Information Evening 7:00pm Tues 12 Primary Visit - Games Challenge

Primary Parent Engagement Meeting on the senior phase 7:00 pm

Wed 13 Primary Visit - Induction day 1 Thurs 14 Primary Visit - Induction day 2

New S2 & S3 Parent Engagement Meeting on the senior phase 7:00 pm

Fri 15 Primary/Secondary Careers Fair: Cluster Event

Tue 19 School show Wed 20 S1 Parents’ Open Day

School show Thurs 21 School show Fri 22 Non-uniform day Mon 25 Award Ceremony 7:00 pm Tue 26 New S6 Induction Day 2 Wed 27 School closes at 1:00 pm Our Head Boy, Liam Torrens, and our Head Girl, Lisa Wright, at Paisley Town Hall for a Civic Reception hosted by Renfrewshire Council and Provost Celia Lawson.

Beth Hanley

Niamh Torrens

www.gryffehigh.renfrewshire.sch.uk