Kilmarnock Academy

Dear Parent / Carer

Keeping our children safe on-line is a huge worry for all parents and carers. To address this, and to promote national ‘Safer Internet Day’ which takes place on Tuesday 6^th February, we are providing an opportunity for all parents and carers of pupils at Kilmarnock Academy to attend a workshop focussed on raising important issues surrounding the safe use of the internet.  This will take place in the school on Tuesday 6^th February at 7pm.

 The workshop will be led by Kirsty Dalgleish, Principal Teacher of Pastoral Support at Kilmarnock Academy and a trained CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) ambassador.  The workshop will address a number of issues that have been widely reported on recently, such as: social media, child sexual exploitation, gaming and online gambling, online bullying, sexting, apps and peer pressure.  The workshop will also highlight where parents can source information regarding the safe use of the internet as well as where and how to report anything that raises suspicions in relation to online activities. 

The workshop will also allow parents to hold discussions and ask any questions that you may have. 

This workshop has already been welcomed by staff and parents across East Ayrshire Council and has proved to be extremely valuable in raising awareness and keeping the children and young people of East Ayrshire safer online.

 I am sure you will agree that this is a great opportunity to find out more information about what is a very current and important issue for the majority of young people.

 In order that we can ascertain numbers attending could you please reply to the email sent via ParentPay.

Mrs A Mossie

AT Depute Head Teacher

The end of another era approaches for Kilmarnock Academy as the school prepares to move to its fourth site at the William McIllvanney Campus. The original Kilmarnock Academy began in the early 19^th century at Green Street, a small part of the original building is now part of the Grand Hall. The school then moved to North Hamilton Street and then to its present site on Elmbank Drive.

The Old Academy Building opened in 1898 with an observatory on top of the tower. This is now the highest point in Kilmarnock. A group of S1/2 pupils supported by school librarian Miss Black decided to become Urban Detectives and record the built heritage of the Old Academy Building.

Urban Detectives is a Historic Environment Scotland project which encourages people of all ages to explore their urban environment and record their finds. This includes capturing photos of images such roofs, window shapes and designs, interiors such as staircases and other interesting features for example decorative tiles.

The Old Academy Building has an abundance of historic features; at both boys and girls entrances there are slate pencil sharpeners fixed to the sandstone wall along with an original gas lamp at the Boys Entrance. Inside there is the ornate wood crafted janitor’s office and a magnificent memorial which remembers former pupils who gave their lives during World War 1 and 2.

The pupils selected their favourite photos and uploaded them along with a commentary on the architectural feature. Pupils are delighted there will be a permanent record of the Old Building on the National Records of the Historic Environment that any member of the public can access and enjoy. Included are fine views of Kilmarnock from the top of the tower.

Kieran Kerr S2 said “It was a fantastic time to have the experience to dig deeper onto our school’s history”

Hayley Atherton S2 said “It was an amazing opportunity and so much fun. I’m pleased we have taken part in a project that helps remember our school’s heritage.”

Pupils invited Head Teacher David Rose along to a special presentation where they described what they had learned. Mr Rose then proceeded to award each pupil a Heritage Hero Award certificate which recognises their contribution and wider achievement.

View pupils’ work by visiting the Scotland’s Urban Past website.

Thirty Kilmarnock Academy pupils visited Glasgow Central Mosque and Garnethill Synagogue, Jewish Archives Centre to explore religious life in Scotland. We were greeted by the mosque’s Imam who showed us around the prayer room which has a wall marked with a “mihrab” – a niche indicating the direction of Mecca, which Muslims should face when praying. We were also shown the minaret, a dome and the place to wash before prayers. Each feature has its own special significance. The worshippers at the mosque were very friendly and welcoming and told us about some of the Zakat (charity) work that they do in the local community.

After lunch, we then went to Garnet hill Synagogue and Jewish Archives Centre. We were given a very warm welcome from the volunteers who showed us around the exterior of the old synagogue. They showed us the hostels where the Jewish refugees who came to Scotland on the Kindertransport lived and went to school. We then were taken to the synagogue which was beautiful and we enjoyed hearing about Jewish culture, practices and tradition. We were then taken to the archives where we were lucky enough to be shown primary sources including papers, passports, photographs from pre-war Jewish life and life during the war. We learned more about Jewish refugees who came to Scotland during World War Two, particularly all about the life of Holocaust survivor Dorith M. Sim, author of ‘In my Pocket’.

This was an exciting an enriching experience enjoyed by all. Staff from both religious sites commented on how polite and inquisitive the Kilmarnock Academy pupils were.

Well done everyone on making this trip a success and representing our school so well !

Click on the link below for information on some events that will be taking place early next year to raise awareness of career opportunities at Ayrshire College and the importance of  digital skills in many jobs

Please click on the link below:-

January Supported Study

Click on the link below for information on some events that will be taking place early next year to raise awareness of career opportunities at Ayrshire College and the importance of  digital skills in many jobs

What is the Ayrshire Festival of Learning

The dates are:        Ayr & Kilwinning Campuses – Friday 16^th February

                                 Kilmarnock Campus – Saturday 17^th February        

Please click on the link below :-

S456 prelim timetable 2018

First of joint pupils Values sessions started with S5 & 6. Wonder what values will be important to them?

ACE Rewards activities for S1-3 pupils who have worked hard all year. Well done and keep it up!

Our 3rd year personal development group have collected parcels for the Salvation Army to give to the local community.