Dear Parent / Carer,
Welcome to this weeks Rector’s Log. I hope you and your family are doing well!
The week that’s been…
School has been very busy this week with lots going on both in and out of the classroom.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, young people in S6 undertook training through the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP). This provided young people with an opportunity to explore gender-based violence and develop key skills that will help them to deliver lessons to learners in S1-3 based around improving approaches to reduce gender-based violence. Well done to Mr F and the team for organising and delivering such worthwhile training. Well done to all the young people involved for their contributions and discussions.
On Thursday, we had the first of our house assemblies based around the theme of Wellbeing. The house teams (PTGs, House Leaders and House Captains) delivered workshops to each house group across the morning, sharing the approaches to supporting everyone here at KHS whilst developing that share house ethos. Another fantastic opportunity for our young people to know what support there is and who they can go to if they need help. Again, massive thanks to Mr F, all guidance teachers and the full house teams!
On Thursday we also held an information evening for S4. Lots of families attended to hear from Mrs Hume (Year Head S4) and a range of colleagues about the supports available across this important year for S4. Feedback from the evening was positive and the presentation and information will be available on our website soon. Thank you to Mrs Hume for organising, to those colleagues who supported and all of our families an young people who attend
Today, we welcomed our local constituency MP, Melanie Ward to KHS. Melanie had a full schedule in KHS; taking a tour of the school with our Pupil leadership team and spending time answering questions; Meeting with our Higher Politics class and Rights group; finally meeting with a group of staff to discuss many issues related to education and our community. She faced some tough questions from our young people on a variety of issues. Melanie was impressed by our school, culture and ethos in her time, commenting on the positive relationships exhibited between staff and learners. We wish to thank Melanie for visiting and hope to see her again soon.
Over the course of this week, I have been visiting classes in S1 and S4 across the school. I was very impressed by our S1 cohort as they continue to settle into life here at KHS. The standard of uniform, commitment and enthusiasm were fantastic! Across S4, young people were working hard as they continue work for SQA courses and examinations. Many classes were undertaking learning conversations, with leaners able to articulate where they are in their learning and their next steps.
In addition to visiting classes, I also met with our Pupil Leadership team and a group of learners across all year groups on Thursday morning. I was keen to hear from them what they felt was going well in KHS and what we could continue to improve. All young people were very positive about their experiences in school across a range of areas – from opportunities in and out of class, a wider curriculum offer and the support that is offered in school. Areas for us to consider were around uniform policy and how we can best use the iPads that are being deployed next week. I would like to thank everyone who came along and shared their views.
A wee update from Mrs Stewart and our supported learners:
“SLD 1 have had a busy week! In Literacy they have been busy practicing their writing skills.  In Geography this week, SLD1 have been learning about how some animals have adapted to living in the Tropical Rainforests. The class worked as a team to discover how a range of animals have adapted from those living in the tree tops, to those in the rivers.
In National 3 Geography this week, the learners have been finding out about how the Scottish countryside was shaped by the glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Although, they couldn’t see Scotland back then, they were able to look at glaciated landscapes today in other parts of the world. 
In History SLD classes are looking at Scottish historical figures and how their timelines interact and have impacted our great history and patriotism.
In Art they are developing skills and experimenting on colour and the impact of light and shade on this medium.
In SLD 5 PSE they have been looking at what a fixed mindset is and how developing a growth mindset will impact on our outlook towards being positive at school and at home.
All pupils have been focusing on their wellbeing this week in PSE with lots of great discussion around when they feel safe and when they feel unsafe.
Our senior pupils have embarked on college experience which will go to full day after the holidays and all are thriving in their new exposure.
Our pupils continue to develop their skills at the Trade Hub and are making some exciting decisions about possible future plans as a direct result of these experiences. ”
Well done all of you!
As ever, if you want to read more about what is happening here at KHS, please follow our blog.
The week ahead…
Next week, we have colleagues coming from other schools to support an extended learning partnership, validating our approaches to improvement and next steps with this.
On Tuesday and Wednesday next week, we will be deploying new iPads to all learners.
I hope the weekend isn’t a washout for you. Enjoy, whatever your up to!
Best wishes,
​
Chris McKay
Rector
12 September 2025
