Welcome to this weeks Rector’s Log, I hope you and your family are well.

The week that’s been…

Another busy and fruitful week has passed by in the blink of an eye here at KHS.

Monday was the final timetabled day of prelims with young people in S4-6 returning to their timetabled classes. Young people in S4-6 will soon be receiving their papers back and will be supported to improve over the coming weeks before their SQA exam diet at the end of April / beginning of May. Well done to all who have completed their prelims.

On Tuesday, we opened our new Inclusion hub, based in our library setting. The base offers the opportunity to support those young people who are returning to school following prolonged absence and / or those who are experiencing some temporary issues accessing specific classes. The hub is staffed with teachers every period and young people will be referred via their guidance teacher. Ms Osborne and Mrs Hardie are leading this area.

As a result, we have re-purposed the PSO base to ensure that there is a quiet space for those young people who require support in a more nurturing and supportive environment. Over time, this will lead also ensure that we can build and design further supports to help more young people who are experiencing concerns and issues around anxiety and other mental health concerns. Ms Rae and Ms Lister (both PSO’s) will continue to support this area.

In both areas, young people have been very positive about the changes and I hope that this will grow and ensure we continue to get it right for all.

Last Friday we held interviews for the position of Teacher of RE and Teacher of Business and appointed to both positions. We look forward to welcoming Sean Plumridge (RE) and Conor Caldwell (Business) over the next few weeks. Congratulations to both on their appointment.

Massive congratulations to Jess and Erin Husband who were selected and played for the Scotland U16 Football in the UEFA Development Tournament held in Portugal. What a tremendous achievement for both. We are super proud of you!

A reminder from Mrs Whyte around DYW:

This is now the time of year when employers start to look for apprentices/ employees. Recent feedback from employers have said that alongside qualifications they are looking for “A person that is willing to learn and go that extra mile. Someone who has an interest and cares about the work they do.” Could that be you?

Apprenticeships and job adverts are being added to the Padlet all the time including currently Diageo, Babcock, EDF and Lloyds Banking Group.

Moreover, please see the invitation below from Fife College about an Engineering open day:

Fife College invites you to our Engineering Open Day!

Where: Rosyth campus, Wood Road, Rosyth Business Park KY11 2EA (next to Babcock)

When: Wednesday 1 February (1.00pm – 5.00pm)

Our event is open to anyone interested in studying Engineering at Fife College. We have a wide range of courses available, from Foundation Apprenticeships to HNC courses, as well as business development and skills training for employees. 

The event will include a number of interactive workshops and demonstrations, a tour of the campus, as well as giving you the chance to speak with Fife College lecturers, advisors from the School College Partnership team, and from our Modern Apprenticeship team, as well as with a number of local employers such as Diageo, Babcock and Raytheon Technologies.

The week ahead…

Next week we have a themed week around Democracy. This will include young people in S4-6 learning more about our Democracy, how important it is to take part and ensure their voice is heard. We have a member of Fife Council’s community team coming in to speak to them, through an assembly, about why taking part in the democratic process and voting is important. There will also be assemblies for S1-3. The times and days for these will be shared with young people.

On Wednesday, 1st February, we also host our Curriculum Pathways evening for young people and families who are in S2, S4 and S5 and are thinking about their subjects for next session. There will be a brief presentation about our Curriculum and course choice process in the Assembly Hall, followed by time for families and young people to visit subject / department stalls. Fife College and Skills Development Scotland will also be present to help answer any questions you may have. The times for this are as below:

S2 – Presentation at 5pm, visit to stalls from 5.30pm

S4/5 – Presentation at 6pm, visit to stalls from 6.30pm

We look forward to seeing you there!

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend with friends and family.

Best wishes

Chris McKay

Rector

27 January 2023