{"id":19763,"date":"2026-04-20T16:46:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T15:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/?p=19763"},"modified":"2026-04-20T16:46:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T15:46:56","slug":"mr-mckays-start-of-term-letter-summer-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/fi\/kirkcaldyhighschool\/2026\/04\/20\/mr-mckays-start-of-term-letter-summer-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Mr. McKay’s Start of Term Letter – Summer 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Parent \/ Carer,<\/p>\n

Welcome back to KHS for term 4 of session 2025\/26. This term is very busy with lots of important and amazing events taking place \u2013 Examinations for S4-6 over the next 6 weeks, Prizegiving, P7 information evening and P7 transition days to name a few!<\/p>\n

Firstly a huge thank you to all our families, young people, partners and colleagues for your support over a busy term 3 and session so far. We could not do it without your time, effort and support.<\/p>\n

Please find below some information and updates for this term.<\/p>\n

Qualification Scotland Examinations and Masterclasses<\/h2>\n

Learners in S4-6 are now on study leave for their formal examinations. We wish them the very best of luck.<\/p>\n

Qualification Scotland examinations take place from Wednesday 22nd April (Spanish \u2013 All levels) until 1st June 2026 (last examination for KHS learners is Thursday 28th May 2026 \u2013 N5 Practical Cookery).<\/p>\n

Masterclasses are also offered for learners prior to subject examinations and Mrs Davidson has shared this with families. I would encourage learners to attend to support any last minute needs.<\/p>\n

A few S4 young people will be invited in during study leave to complete outstanding units. If they receive an invitation, they must attend or risk failing to achieve qualifications.<\/p>\n

During all examinations, masterclasses and any requirement for S4-6 learners to attend school during study leave, learners must wear school uniform. Any learner arriving without uniform will be asked to return home and change. This is our policy and supports safety, good order and our collective team approach.<\/p>\n

Timetable Change<\/h2>\n

Our timetable will change for learners in S1-3, moving into S2-4, on Monday 11th May 2026. Learners will receive their new timetables on Friday 8th May 2026 prior to the change. Learners in S4\/5 returning for S5\/6 will receive their timetables on when they come in to school for their induction day at the end of May. Please note that information will be available on Parents Portal, however, this information will not be accurate until all timetabling is completed, and SEEMIS is updated at or around 7th May 2026.<\/p>\n

Mobile Phone Policy Update and Invite<\/h2>\n

Last term, I asked for your thoughts on our mobile phone policy and potential changes. We also asked the views of our young people and staff. I hope to meet with groups of learners, staff and parents \/ carers over the next few weeks to discuss this in more detail and develop a policy that meets the needs of all. I will discuss this with our Parent Council and then offer a session for any parent \/ carer to attend and discuss over the next couple of weeks.<\/p>\n

Passes for learners<\/h2>\n

Over the past 3 terms, I have been monitoring the number of young people with passes across KHS. To give some perspective of this, please see below data for S1-3 of number of learners and reason for pass (number in bracket is the year group total).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nOut of Class Pass<\/strong><\/td>\nTime out Pass<\/strong><\/td>\nEarly Lunch Pass<\/strong><\/td>\nToilet Pass<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
S1 (242)<\/strong><\/td>\n88<\/td>\n58<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n54<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
S2 (281)<\/strong><\/td>\n134<\/td>\n78<\/td>\n34<\/td>\n90<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
S3 (284)<\/strong><\/td>\n114<\/td>\n89<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n54<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Compare this to number of learners with medical needs that would possibly relate to passes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nAnxiety<\/strong><\/td>\nHealth Care Plans<\/strong><\/td>\nHealth Condition with possible need for pass<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
S1 (242)<\/strong><\/td>\n12<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
S2 (281)<\/strong><\/td>\n54<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
S3 (284)<\/strong><\/td>\n26<\/td>\n16<\/td>\n38<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

From the data, you will see that we have far more young people who have passes than I would otherwise expect given health conditions (physical and mental). As a result, we will be developing a policy around this and sharing with you over the coming week. We will be changing our policy from the change of timetable (11th May 2026) with all passes reviewed and \/ or removed. Those who have a medical need for a pass will be issued one. All other passes will be subject to year head approval.<\/p>\n

Fundamentally, we will support all learners and their needs, but as you can see from the data, this is a safety issue with almost half of each year group having access to leave class early \/ at any point during a lesson. We are seeking to support the safety and welfare of all.<\/p>\n

Transforming learning \u2013 iPads term 4<\/h2>\n

All colleagues have now completed 5 professional learning sessions in iPads and their use in learning, teaching and assessment. As we continue to support increased use of iPads to support learning, we would ask you to ensure that your child(ren) come to school with their iPad, fully charged and ready to use in planned learning. This will also help to reduce interruptions to lessons and ensure that your child(ren) can take a full part in all lessons.<\/p>\n

In addition, all leavers in S4-6 must return iPads, cables and chargers to school before they leave. Learners can do this at any point but must do so to complete their leavers form.<\/p>\n

Management Changes and move to House system<\/h2>\n

Following HMIE inspection, taking account of all feedback and ensuring financial viability, I will be working with colleagues to amend our management structure. We will be looking to review SLT \/ ELT remits, improve support for learners – particularly around attainment and seek to consult with all stakeholders around developing house teams, led by Senior Leaders and Guidance teachers rather than year heads. This would allow families to work with the same DHT consistently, ensuring positive relationships and allowing for one point of contact rather than multiple for family groups.<\/p>\n

I will share more information and seek your views over this term.<\/p>\n

Staffing<\/h2>\n

Some staffing news to share with you\u2026<\/p>\n