Congratulation to Owain T., Kieran C. and Jamie McE. who were named joint U.K. champions in the Geographical Association’s WorldWise Challenge weekend.

The event, held at Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales, saw teams from all four nations in the U.K. complete a series of Geographical tasks around the local area. Each team was then challenged to present on a topic to a panel of judges including the President of the Geographical Association.  The judges commended the boys on not only the excellent Geography included in their presentation but their application, attitude and encouragement of others over the weekend.

After battling through the Scottish qualifiers in 2015 this was a fantastic achievement for the boys. In the end the trophy was shared with Wallace High School Lisburn which was fitting given the close friendships developed between the two teams over the weekend.

After winning the Scottish Final of the Geography WorldWise Quiz last session Jamie M (S3), Kieran C (S4) and Owain T (S5) will now represent the school (and Scotland) at the Geography Challenge weekend in the Yorkshire Dales. The boys will now compete against schools from across the UK. This is testament to the boys who fought off stiff competition in last years final.

Good Luck to the team!

Congratulation to Kieran C., Robbie T., Scott G., Robbie B., Emma G., and Katie C. who successfully competed in the Geography Regional Quiz this week.

Both teams did really well against tough opposition from schools in Glasgow and Renfrewshire. Woodfarm was 6 points in the lead at the end of the local final.

Woodfarm continued their good form to finish in second place and qualify for the national final for the third year in a row. Massive congratulations to all who participated.

A reminder also that Owain T., Kieran C., and Jamie McE. will be competing in the UK Geography Challenge Final at the end of April after winning the Scottish Title last year.

This year we have had the opportunity to participate in video conference calls as part of the Young Leaders UK program. We were chosen from hundreds of applicants from all over the UK to take part in monthly conference calls via Skype . We have interviewed  David Plouffe, Obama’s 2008 Campaign Manager, US Ambassador Barzun and from Facebook Nicola Mendelsohn. We have prepared challenging questions and so far we have managed to get a question each in every call. This has been a fantastic opportunity and we are delighted to represent young people and ensure our voice is heard.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the debate planned for Wednesday the 16th has been postponed until Wednesday 30th. Please encourage our young people to attend to ensure they are registered to vote and to help them to decide what party or politicians they should vote for. The event will bring together some of the big names in politics therefore I am confident it will be a heated debate. All welcome.

S3 historians took part in a challenge to design and construct a replica scale model of a Norman motte and bailey castle using craft materials and household products. Pupils were able to explain the reasons why castles played an imporant role in England in medieval times.

Congratulations to Iain M and Aman A who were selected to participate in the Young Leaders UK programme. This involves working with the US Ambassador to connect with others like themselves and learn about opportunities in the US. The pupils have participated in conference calls and google hangouts with Embassy leaders on current issues.

The lowering of the voting age in Scotland means if you are 16 by May 2016 you will be able to vote in the Scottish Parliament elections and Scottish local government elections. However unless you are registered, you will not be able to vote and we want to encourage as many young people as possible to get registered now. Registration will take no more than 5 minutes, you will require your National Insurance number. Go to http://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

  Well done to Rayyan A and Muqudaas A for raising over £100 for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in   

  Glasgow.  The S6 pupils organised a successful play station competition which was popular with all year groups.

As part of our commitment as a level 2 Rights Respecting school we welcomed pupils and staff  from Craigmount High School  to offer support to begin their RRSA  journey. There were excellent presentations given by the RRSA Committee and Craigmount pupils were given a tour of the school. The event was very successful with lively discussions and sharing of good practise.  We wish them well on their journey.