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.

Well done to Aamna for creating her very own Colosseum and to Emma for creating her own blog on Scottish Christianity as part of the S2 RME Homework Project.

The link to Emma’s site can be accessed here.

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.

This week S1 pupils have been building models of the Tay Bridge in Social Subjects.  Through this task, pupils worked hard to enhance their team work and problem solving skills.

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.

S1 pupils participated in the UNICEF Outright campaign. Outright aims to help young people talk about their rights and pressurise the government to make change. Pupils in S1 delivered lessons to their peers on children in emergency situations and all pupils wrote a letter to the Prime Minister to share their concerns in advance of the first ever World Humanitarian Summit. The summit will try to find new ways of supporting children and families affected by emergencies such as conflict or natural disaster. We believe it is vital that the voices and views of young people are heard by decision makers.