In between the September downpours, Sanquhar Academy S1 students enjoyed a sunny trip to the Allanton Peace Sanctuary, near Auldgirth, to celebrate the International Day of Peace on Thursday 21st September 2023. The Sanctuary has been closed to groups and school visitors since the Covid pandemic and Sanquhar Academy were delighted to be the first group invited back to the site.

The day consisted of a very warm group welcome and a volunteering task conducted by the young people and staff, as thanks to the charity for involving us in this special day. After a short break the group split into three smaller groups to participate in a meditation activity in the Chowa House, a release of fears and anxieties around the Fire Pit and consideration of their future hopes at the Wishing Tree and Labyrinth.

In the afternoon, after being well fed and fighting of the wasps, the students took part in a flag ceremony where they sent their positive thoughts and wishes for peace across the world to each of the 192 countries in the United Nations.

The students conducted themselves admirably throughout the day and were a credit to their school, parents and community. We hope this is the first of many visits to the sanctuary and send gratitude to all at Allanton House for their hospitality and organisation of a wonderful event.

Congratulations to all our pupils who collected their prizes last night. It was wonderful to see so many pupils there and to celebrate their success. Well done! Official photographs will be available soon.

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Welcome back to all our pupils and staff. We hope you had a wonderful first day back!

Yesterday afternoon we held our Staff vs Pupil football match.

Staff 8 – 10 Pupils

Well done pupils team!

S2 have been looking at significant buildings in their local community, using line and pattern to explore this. Here is a sample of their excellent work. Well done S2!

On Tuesday 3rd may, 7 S3 pupils undertook the walk from Wanlockhead to Sanquhar. This was in preparation for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award later in the year. On the way, they practiced their campcraft and navigational skills whilst experiencing what is like to carry a rucksack full of everything they will need to take with them on the expedition. A few eyes were opened as to the degree of effort required but all enjoyed the day in the hills.

The recent exhibition in A’the Airts by Sanquhar pupils and staff was well received by those who managed to get along to see the work on show. The academy is grateful to those who contributed so generously to the book of comments, some of which are shown below:

“Brilliant to see all the artwork and photographs from the talented students at Sanquhar Academy. WELL DONE!”

“Fab work everyone!! Lovely to the Airts filled with your amazing creations.”

“Beautiful work. Very well done. Such talent! Well done teachers and students.”

“Excellent exhibition. We have some very talented people in this area.”

“Great work artists! Lovely pictures”

“Well done Sanquhar Academy. Some good work on show.”

“Well done, very interesting.”

“Fantastic exhibition, really enjoyed the variety of work.”

“Very good exhibition. Congratulations to all involved.”

“Super Exhibition. Well done!”

“So wonderful to see young artists being encouraged to show their work. Some great pieces, well done to all the pupils and staff.”

The music practical exams will be taking place this year on the 2nd, 16th and 21st of March this year. The timetable for the exams is on the Music classroom wall. Pupils have been told when their exam is and emails will be send out to parents and carers in the coming days.

Each pupil should make their way to the Music department half an hour before their exam time to warm up.

Pupils are encouraged to attend extra practises during lunchtimes on the run up to their exam.

Good luck to everyone sitting a practical exam this year!