S3 PARENTS’ EVENING

A quick reminder this takes place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 from 4.15 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. in the Assembly Hall. Information on booking appointments with teachers will have been sent to the Main Contact email address we hold for students on our school records.

S6 UCAS INFORMATION SESSION

We are holdings an information session for all young people thinking about applying to further education via UCAS, and their parents and carers. This will take place in Barista on Wednesday 2 October 2024 from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Apologies for the short notice confirmation of this event as we were unsure if we were able to run it, but hopefully we will see many along.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

We will be having a Parent & Carer Information Evening on Monday 7 October 2024 from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. in Barista for students in S3 who are considering starting the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. All welcome!

FAMILY LEARNING EVENT – HEALTHY LIVING

On Wednesday 9 October 2024 from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall and other locations around the school, we are having a family learning event focussed on healthy living. There will be lots of different things to try and do, either fun filled, energetic or relaxing, which will promote good wellbeing and bring us together as a school community. Free food and drink too. Feel free to come along – we are hoping for a great turnout to make this a successful and enjoyable event.

HELPING YOUR CHILD EVENINGS

We will have our Helping Your Child family learning evenings on Tuesday 22 October 2024 for S2/3 students and Wednesday 23 October 2024 for S4/5 students and their parents and carers between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. These will start with a short presentation in the Assembly Hall, followed by activity within different departments to help parents and carers know more about how to support their child at each stage in their learning. A sign-up link for booking will be shared next week.

S6 PHOTOGRAPHS

We are aware of an issue with the proofs provided to students in S6 from recent School Photographs. Whilst these look great, they are not quite what was expected and we are in discussion with Tempest Photography for a reissue, hopefully next week, so that everyone can order what they need.

As you can see, we have lots and lots going on in school for parents and carers to be involved and we are really keen to see as many families joining us in various ways. I have attached an updated version of the School Calendar for reference.

Kind regards

David Falconer

Head Teacher

 

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mrs Whiteside, Depute Head Teacher will commence her secondment to Doon Academy on return from the September Break. In the interim, members of the Senior Leadership Team will assume her various remit responsibilities and I will communicate further detail on this in the course of next week.

FIRE ALARM ACTIVATION

As you may be aware, we have had a few fire alarm activations since returning in August after a spell of nearly a year without any. We put a high priority on young people’s safety, wellbeing and learning in school and unfortunately the most recent have been identified to be coming from vaping in the toilets and excess deodorant in the changing rooms. I would wish to commend and thank our young people for how sensible and cooperative they have been throughout these matters and assure parents and carers that appropriate steps have been taken in connection to students responsible.

Any student identified setting off a fire alarm will be dealt with in the most serious of terms. Our position on unnecessary out of class time, students gathering in toilets and vaping in school has been made clear time and time again, although this involves a minority of students. We have seen big improvements in these areas of late and will ensure this continues through engaging with parents and carers where this is an issue for their child specifically.

ASSEMBLY PROGRAMME

Over the last week or so, Depute Head Teachers have led year group assemblies focussing on how we can get the best out of school, and be learning together, achieving together. As a team of staff, we also recently relaunched our Excellent Learning Framework setting out expectations for high quality experiences in every classroom and this was also shared with students. Our assemblies for next week will be led by the newly appointed Student Leadership Team on their roles and what they hope to take forwards this year.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

We will be having a Parent & Carer Information Evening on Monday 7 October 2024 from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. for students in S3 who are considering starting the Bronze Award. Last year we had nearly 40 students going through Bronze Award with almost all continuing to Silver this year. This is a fantastic programme for young people to take part in for their personal development and wider achievement and the evening will give parents and carers, and their young person, all the information needed to get started.

FAMILY LEARNING EVENT – HEALTHY LIVING

On Wednesday 9 October 2024 from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the Assembly Hall and other locations around the school, we are having a family learning event focussed on healthy living, organised by S4 students in English classes. Special thanks to Mrs McCrone, Principal Teacher of English for organising with the team of staff supporting. There will be lots of different things to try and do, either fun filled, energetic or relaxing, which will promote good wellbeing and bring us together as a school community. More info to come as we approach the date on the activities available. I really hope you will be able to make it.

S1-S6 TRACKING REPORTS

Tracking reports will be issued to all S1-S6 students early next week. These will indicate ratings for Behaviour, Effort and Progress and up-to-date working levels. For S4-6 students, these will also include Aspirational Grades that students should hope to achieve if they work hard in their courses and how close they are to this at present. These early Tracking Reports are issued following target setting conversations in classes with learners and are designed to give a good indication of how students have settled into learning since returning in August.

S1 & S3 PARENTS’ EVENINGS

S3 Parents’ Evening will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 and S3 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 30 October 2024, both between 4.15 p.m. and 6.45 p.m. in the Assembly Hall. Information will follow to the Main Contact email we hold on our school records for each student on how to access the booking system to make appointments with individual class teachers.

HELPING YOUR CHILD EVENINGS

In response to feedback from parents and carers which told us they wanted more information on how to support their child at each stage, we introduced our Helping Your Child evenings, which will run again very soon. These are informal opportunities to meet with staff in departments and learn alongside your young person about what they experience in their curriculum and across the school environment, allowing you to help them achieve their best.

These will run again on Tuesday 22 October 2024 for S2/3 students and Wednesday 23 October 2024 for S4/5 students between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. starting in the Assembly Hall, then across different departments. We hope to see as many young people with their families as possible and a sign-up link will come in the next few weeks.

LONG WEEKEND

I am sure you need no reminder that the school is closed tomorrow, Friday 20 September 2024 and Monday 23 September 2024 for the local holiday. It looks to be really lovely weather and I hope you have nice plans for quality time with your family.

We look forwards to seeing our young people back in school on Tuesday 24 September 2024, bright and early, in full school uniform, eager and ready to learn.

Take care and best wishes for now

David Falconer

Head Teacher

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

After a rigorous selection process and very high quality applications from S6 students, our Student Leadership Team for 2024/2025 has been confirmed. I am delighted to announce Grace Robinson (6Hoy) and Callum Riddell (6Skye) as our School Captains, with Mhairi Ballantyne (6Harris) and Max Neil (6Arran) as School Vice Captains. All are outstanding representatives of our School Values and demonstrated an appreciation not only what they have gained from their time at Loudoun Academy, but also were very clear on what they wish to contribute as a legacy for current and future pupils in their new roles.

In addition, each of our House Captains has also been appointed, as well as School Champions in a range of areas including primary transition, inclusion, poverty proofing, anti-bullying, mental health, LGBTQ+, celebrating success and participatory budgeting with a total of 28 positions filled. On behalf of the staff team, I’d like to offer warm congratulations to all. We are hugely looking forwards to working alongside our Student Leadership Team and I have no doubt their work will bring a very positive impact to the school community in the year ahead.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

Our very first Student Representative Council met this week, with students from each registration class S1-S5 engaging in very lively and energetic discussion. Students raised a range of areas which were important to them and the minutes of the meeting, as well as the class representatives, are displayed on the Student Representative Council noticeboard and will be shared during PSHE lessons. With over 60 members split into S1-3 and S4-6 stages, the Council will now meet on a monthly basis. This is a hugely exciting step for us and will make sure student voice is front and centre of future developments within the school community.

GRAEME ARMSTRONG

Graeme Armstrong, renowned author of The Young Team and presenter of the BBC Scotland documentary series Street Gangs will return to Loudoun Academy on Tuesday 17 September 2024 to speak with S3 and S5 students about his personal journey through trauma, addiction and involvement in gangs and how his life changed through education. With some very hard hitting messages, this is likely to be an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation.

DINNER HALL REFURBISHMENT – SURVEY

In conjunction with colleagues at Facilities and Property Management (FPM), we are asking young people to give feedback on the new Dinner Hall facilities. The survey can be accessed using the following link, closing Monday 30 September 2024:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/diningfacilities/

HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Just a quick reminder that next week is the Ayr Gold Cup weekend and the school will be closed for the local holiday on Friday 20 September 2024 and Monday 23 September 2024, with students returning on Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Best wishes

David Falconer

Head Teacher

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM – CONTEXTS

I would be grateful if all parents and carers read the information communicated by letter earlier today, which can be accessed via the Latest News Section of the School App. It provides an important update on the context of the Senior Leadership Team at Loudoun Academy in the near future.

HOUSE ASSEMBLIES

This week we had S1-S6 students at House Assemblies led by Principal Teachers of Pupil Support. The main focus was on how we build a positive ethos in the school, to encourage young people to take part in opportunities and to be involved. Students also heard a proposal from staff on a Merits system where positive engagement would lead to termly rewards.

Should any young person need support with any aspect of school, they should access their Principal Teacher of Pupil Support or Principal Teacher of Communication in the first instance and the team are almost always available Period 1 in the day to do this in the House classrooms.

ATTENDANCE

At Assemblies, there were some key expectations set out around attendance at school. We know that young people learn and achieve best when they have good school attendance. Where there are attendance issues, this can limit progress, decrease confidence and impact on wider opportunities for achievement and social and emotional skills. Of course, there can be very legitimate reasons why students would not be attending school, but as a guideline:

Good = 95% on average (only two weeks missed from school)

Satisfactory = 90% on average (four weeks missing from school)

Cause for concern = 85% on average or less (six weeks missed from school).

We will shortly be in touch with any parents or carers of young people under the thresholds above to offer further supports where these are helpful and also set targets for improved attendance in the coming weeks.

 

S1 LEARNING WALKS & TALKS

This week, Ms Boyd – Depute Head Teacher (Acting) and I visited S1 students in a wide range of classes. We were both very impressed by how well the new intake have settled and the great work underway at secondary. Well done new S1- We have high hopes for your time at Loudoun!

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

Next week will see the appointment of our School Captains, Vice Captains and House Captains as well as specific Champions in a range of areas. We also will hold our very first Student Representative Council meeting, with representatives from each registration class. This is a hugely exciting development and places children’s rights and student voice at the heart of future change within the school.

 

MAGIC BREAKFAST

Over the last week, our Magic Breakfast provision has got up and running in the Assembly Hall before the school day, with students able to access toast, bagels and pancakes and other breakfast items, free of charge. Uptake has been very good and will make sure that all young people are ready to learn in the mornings. We will work with young people to develop the offer as we move it forwards. Thanks to the team of staff leading this initiative.

EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

Please find attached the programme of clubs and activities running at the start of the new term. We have lots going on throughout the week in different departments and we strongly encourage every student to join at least one. Extra_Curricular_Timetable_2024.25

ANNUAL DATA CHECK

Just a quick reminder that if you have not managed to do so, could the updated Annual Data Check please be with the School Office as soon as possible. It is so important we have the correct details for each student. Many thanks for your support with this.

SUPPORT FOR LEARNING S1 OPEN AFTERNOON

A quick reminder also that The Support for Learning department are holding a Parent and Carer Open Afternoon for S1 students in the wider school with an additional support need. This will take place on Tuesday 10 September 2024 between 2.15 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.

I hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy some of the nice weather to come in the next few days.

David Falconer

Head Teacher

TELEPHONE LINES

Unfortunately we are still without working telephone lines and cannot take incoming or outgoing calls. This is a matter that is completely outwith the control of the school and sits with Openreach to find a solution to the problem. We are liaising with Council services involved in networks and communications to progress the issue. In the meantime, calls to the school will divert to the school mobile. Staff making outgoing calls may show as “No Caller ID”. The school email address, should you need to get in touch this way, is ealoudoun.ac@eastayrshire.org.uk

S1-6 ASSEMBLIES

Following assemblies last week led by the Senior Leadership Team with each year group on expectations and routines within the School Code – ready, respectful, responsible – I met with each year group to explore our new School Vision and Values. We want all of our young people to be ‘proud to be Loudoun’ and to be learning together and achieving together. I asked young people to consider their best qualities and how our shared school values were important in their lives in school and beyond:

• KINDNESS – being helpful and always showing care and understanding;
• DETERMINATION – working hard to overcome barriers and reach goals;
• EQUALITY – valuing everyone equally, seeing differences as strengths;

Our School Vision and Values were recently developed from extensive consultation with students, parents and carers and staff and we hope to see these being more prominent across the school this Academic Session, particularly through student leadership activity.

STANDARDISED ASSESSMENTS

We will shortly carry out Standardised Assessments this term for all year groups. These take about two to three periods and are completed online, with students fully supported throughout the process with breaks at different stages. They are fully accessible and there is no revision or preparation needed. The assessments are internationally recognised and test a range of reasoning skills in the Cognitive Abilities Testing (CAT) set, as well as Pupil Attitudes to School and Self (PASS). The data from the Standardised Assessments will help us to have a good baseline for each student to better support their progress in learning and wellbeing. Should any parent or carer have any questions about the Standardised Assessments, please speak with Mr Hendry, Depute Head Teacher in the first instance.

IMMUNISATIONS

The School Nursing service will be in school on Monday 9 September 2024 to carry out immunisations for any student who may previously have been absent. Information will be provided separately for any student that is involved.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

An updated copy of the School Calendar for this year is attached, replacing the one from before the Summer Break. There are still a few events we are expecting to add in due course, but hopefully this gives you the information you may need for now.

ANNUAL DATA CHECK

Just a quick reminder that if you have not managed to do so, could the updated Annual Data Check please be with the School Office as soon as possible. It is so important we have the correct details for each student. Many thanks for your support with this.

SUPPORT FOR LEARNING S1 OPEN AFTERNOON

The Support for Learning department are holding an Open Afternoon for S1 students on Tuesday 10 September 2024 between 2.15 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., which has been rescheduled from a date which may have been shared earlier.

It is open to all parents and carers of S1 pupils in the wider school who have been identified at primary school as having Additional Support Needs. Come along and meet members of the staff team and hear about all different types of support that are on offer in Loudoun Academy.

Just come to Main Office for 2.10 p.m. where a member of staff will bring you up to Support Department. Mrs McPike, Principal Teacher of Support for Learning and the team hope to see you there!

Best wishes

David Falconer

Head Teacher

As you may know, the transport provider has changed at the start of the Academic Session for students who travel from Priestland, Darvel, Newmilns, Hurlford and Fenwick.

The school is not involved in any way at all in the arrangements, as this is coordinated by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) on behalf of the local authority.

Following a number of queries at the start of the new term, we have sought clarification on pickup times in the morning and have been provided with the information in the link below. I hope this is helpful.

Morning Pickup Bus Times

RETURN TO SCHOOL

It has been very positive return to the new Academic Session for staff and students alike. It has been a pleasure catching up with everyone and coming back together as a school community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for your very strong support of our School Uniform policy at the start of the new term, which I can absolutely say is the very best we have seen. It makes such a huge difference and really promotes a positive ethos. It is very much appreciated.

ASSEMBLIES

All year groups had assemblies with their Depute Head Teacher this week setting out routines and expectations for the return to school, including the School Code. A quick reminder of stage responsibilities:

• Ms L Boyd, DHT (Acting) S1/S6
• Mrs L Egerton, DHT S2/3
• Mr B Hendry, DHT S4/5
• Mrs L Whiteside, DHT S1-6 Communication Centre

Next week I look forwards to Head Teacher Assemblies with each year group on how we put our School Values into action and how young people can be further involved in developments for the school moving forwards in lots of different ways.

SQA RESULTS

Congratulations to our students in last year’s S4-6 on receiving their SQA Results. Individually there are many, many successes across students’ courses reflecting both the hard work and commitment of our young people, and indeed, the high quality of delivery and support from the team of staff.

We expect our overall school attainment at S5/6 Higher to be stronger against previous trends, although our S4 overall attainment is less strong but in line with our expectations. A key factor relating at this level has been lower attendance and engagement in certain key groups. Our School Improvement Plan reflects a number of priorities related to this so that we can support our students’ achievement further moving forwards.

Any remaining students who wish to discuss their results, potential Appeals or change of coursing should speak to their Principal Teacher of Pupil Support or Principal Teacher of Communication Centre in the first instance.

ANNUAL DATA CHECK

It is vital at the start of the new Academic Session we have the correct information on our system for students. All pupils have been issued with the Annual Data Check form, which should be completed by parents or carers and returned via students to the School Office early next week. Many thanks for your assistance with this critical work.

HEALTH CARE PLANNING

It is important in this process that the school has an updated picture of students’ individual medical needs. In many cases, conditions are often well-managed and students are able to take steps independently to meet their healthcare needs. If you need to keep medicines in the school for your child, we need your parental permission to administer these and a form can be obtained through the School Office.

For some children and young people with more serious conditions, we may need additional planning in place should they take unwell and a Health Care Plan would be required so everyone is clear on the right steps to take. Please speak with the School Office in the first instance if you think this may apply.

SUMMER REFURBISHMENT WORKS

As you may know, our hotly anticipated refurbishment of the two Dinner Halls has been completed, with very positive feedback from young people. The halls are fresh, modern and bright, with an increase in overall seating capacity too.

We are working with the Catering Team on the best model of service to meet demand, but it has been great to see how well the halls have been used already. A new pre-order system will also come onstream in the Autumn with more information to come in due course. This will reduce queuing further. We will continue to work with the student leadership group involved in the design process to customise the new dinner halls further in the coming months.

We also had additional refurbishments works commissioned for the second floor to create a Faculty of Support for Learning and Wellbeing, which included a refresh to The Snug. The new rooms are looking great and have already been very well used.

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

Tempest Photography will be in school this Wednesday, 28 August 2024 all day for School Photographs for S1, S3 and S6 students. Should any parent or carer with a child or young person in this year group wish to have a family photo with a sibling in another year group, please let the School Office know by the end of the day on Tuesday so we can try to accommodate this in the planning.

Best wishes

David Falconer

Head Teacher

Key Information

SQA Results will be delivered electronically after 08:00 if pupil have registered for MySQA. Royal Mail will deliver paper certificates inline with local delivery times. Mr Hendry will be in school this morning to assist if results have not been delivered as expected. Please contact the school office on 01563 820061. Further information can be found on the SQA website – Results day support – SQA

Jennifer Robertson our SDS Career’s Adviser has asked that the message below is also shared. Please get in touch if you require any help with future destinations or advice on the next steps.

SQA results support – Skills Development Scotland