Dear Parent / Carer,

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

The week that’s been…

It’s been a very busy week here at KHS with lots of things happening.

On Tuesday we had Year Head assemblies based around the views of our young people and sharing some information around Tourette’s syndrome. We took some time to show young people how there voice is contributing to improvements in our school through a ‘You said, we did…’ approach. This included:

• You identified a need for teachers, Departments and Faculties to be consistent with their use of Praise strategies.
  • We have introduced a Recognising Achievement and Celebrating Success policy to ensure this is done consistently across the School leading to pupil of the week / month in most faculties, certificates for learners achieving 5 SCQF awards at level 3, 4, 5 and 6 for S4/5, celebrating wider achievements and success through school publications.
• You asked for support to prepare for examinations.
  • We provided a subscription to study sites like Achieve and have study support and Easter school to help you. This is enhanced with the deployment of iPads over the past few weeks.
• You said – You wanted a school of Rugby.
  • We did – An S2 School of Rugby will be starting this session.
• You said – You wanted a choice of activities within S1 Literacy periods.
  • We did – This session there will be a choice of activities in Literacy, like Numeracy last year.
• You said – You wanted to be able to choose your subject for S3 short courses.
  • We did – We now have a course choice booklet for the short courses in S3
• You said – You wanted PE as an option for S5/6 core.
  • We did – PE is now a choice for S5/6 core
• You said – You wanted more choice within S5/6 core rather than having to do RE and Employability.
  • We did – You now have a choice for 2 of your core subjects in S5/6
• You Said: You need support with Wellbeing.
  • We Did: Created ways to understand your Wellbeing and developed strategies to support with this leading to over 97% of young people feeling safe in school.
• You Said – Sometimes we don’t get feedback from teachers about our work and it can be inconsistent across subjects.
  • We Did – developed a whole school framework of WOW/NOW/HOW to help feedback become more consistent leading to almost all learners in S4-6 reporting to have positive learning conversations with teachers this term, understanding where they are in their learning and clear about next steps.

The views of our young people continue to influence our school improvements. Based on this feedback (through focus groups, working groups, leadership groups), working with teachers and families, we are looking to support learners further this year by focusing our School Improvement on:

• Embedding our new Vision, Values and Aims – creating the right conditions to ensure learners get the very best – Dream Big. Work Hard. Be Kind based on Community, Ambition, Respect.
• Ensuring that our new, shared learning standard leads to better learning experiences, including the use of iPads to enhance this.
• Embedding the UNCRC and rights of children and young people, committed to improving your well-being Working together to improve achievements and exam results for all.
• On Wednesday, we had our annual school photo call for young people in S1, S3 and S6.

Today, young people in S6 attended our lift off event, looking at the UCAS process and sharing guidance and where to access support for those looking to apply.

As ever, if you want to read more about what is happening here at KHS, please follow our blog.

A wee update from Mrs Stewart and our supported learners:

“SLD 1 have created a wonderful Sweetie Jar with from their pattern work in art.

SLD 2 have finally finished reading the Ickabog and enjoying writing activities linked to this.

All of the department have been enjoying learning about Haydes and Persephone and turning the story into newspaper articles.

All SLD pupils have been reflecting on their wellbeing in school. These will help us identify any further supports pupils are requiring.

Pupils were given questionnaires to bring home for parents/carers to fill in to support our planning. Please have a look in your child’s bag and return to school next week.”

Finally, we are seeking your views on our School improvement and Pupil Equity Fund (“PEF”) plans. Please use this link in the “GroupCall” to provide your views.

The week ahead…

Next week is the last week of what has been a very busy and fast paced first term! Usual dress down day taking place on Friday. Young people are asked for a small donation, if they can.

School finishes at 1.05pm on Friday for the October break. School reopens on Monday 27th October at the usual time.

Thank you to all our families for their support over this term.

I hope you are safe and avoid any issues during storm Amy! Have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Chris McKay

Rector

03 October 2025