It’s officially the last ClassChat of the year, but we won’t disappoint! This is a bumper edition, with news about the Largs Academy pupils who have donated thousands of pounds to a local charity, the football trip to Manchester, the fabulously festive Christmas Concert and poems by two of our young writers, Aoife Hogan and Isabelle Winnington.

First up, S6 Pupils at Largs Academy held their Youth and Philanthropy Initiative final recently where £3,000 was granted to local charity Teen Challenge.

The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is a programme currently delivered in 143 secondary schools in Scotland by the Wood Foundation. Each school selects a year group to deliver the programme (between S2-S6) which is then split into teams. Each team then researches a local social service issue they feel passionate about and identify an appropriate local grassroots charity. They then work together to create presentations and go through stages before the finalists present in front of a panel of judges, where the group with the most discerning and impassioned argument wins £3000 for their chosen charity.

At this year’s final 3 teams battled it out representing Teen Challenge, Talk Now and Rhett Foundation. On the judging panel there was Mrs Burns (Head Teacher), Paul Aitken (Careers Adviser), Tony McCafferty (Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce) and Clare Bethell (North Ayrshire Wider Achievement Coordinator). The winning team of Sophie Belshaw, Katja Creith , Emily Eadie and George McAlpine and Heather Smith impressed the judges with their presentation for Teen Challenge and the grass roots connection the charity provides to the Largs community.

Teen Challenge’s work is undertaken through The Haven in Kilmacolm. The charity supports people struggling with addiction and gives access to a rehabilitation programme for addicts. The Teen Challenge bus has made many visits to Largs and made a positive impact in the lives of many local residents.

Andy Cameron from Teen Challenge said he was “humbled and thrilled to bits” that the pupils had won so much money for their cause. The money will “make such a difference and will allow them to reach so many more people”.

Class Chat would like to congratulate all the participants who put massive efforts into securing this! Well done!

Meanwhile, forty-five of our S1-S6 boys enjoyed a thrilling and fast paced weekend away on the annual football trip. After a training session with the Burnley coaches, the boys went to Turf Moor to watch Burnley play Bournemouth. The game was end to end, packed with goals and finished 3 – 2. Burnley gained a few fans too as our S5 boys made some noise and gave a high spirited rendition of a Burnley supporters’ song on the way home.

After a spot of ten pin bowling, a few gutter balls and a smattering of strikes, we called it a night. Well rested and fed, we toured the Etihad stadium the next day before enjoying our second football match of the trip: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur. Ryan Scott snapped some excellent photographs and all boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Since returning home, chants of, “Burnley football club, stand aside we’ll never give up, get down the turf, support the boys, make sure that you make some noise,” can still be heard in the minds of all those involved as the makeshift choir, led by football trip loyal Alex Buchan, etched the lyrics into our memories with their relentless and enthusiastic ‘singing.’ Well done to Miss Griffiths for organising another fantastic trip and to all the boys who were a credit to their school and families.

Back home, it was the turn of the Music Department to showcase the amazing talents of pupils as they entertained a 300-strong audience at the annual Christmas Concert. The night was certainly one to raise the Christmas spirits, with delightful performances from the Concert Band, various ensembles and choirs. The night also saw the audience receive a tast of what’s to come with the school’s upcoming show Rock of Ages, as the cast performed Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”.

And finally, our clubs spotlight this week has to fall firmly on Miss Tracey’s creative writers, who meet every Thursday lunchtime. The group have focused on poetry this term – here are some of the thought-provoking and skilful pieces they’ve produced:

A Way to Kill You by Aoife Hogan S2

I’m watching you always.

My cruel beady eye

will follow you daily

on low or up high.

I sit on my perch

seeing all that you do.

Forever, I’m plotting

a way to kill you.

You think that I’m charming,

are fooled by my grin

the “elf on the shelf”

rosy cheeks, dimpled chin.

But oh, my dear children

you’re in for a shock,

just wait for the day that

all things run amok!

When vampires and devils

Crawl out of their graves

all Hell will be opened

no one will be saved!

But, here still I sit

with little to do

but quietly plot

a way to kill you.

Picture Boy by Isabelle Winnington S2

I knew a boy who loved

to draw, he drew pictures

that nobody saw.

His drawing thrived most

at night, in the bathroom,

out of sight.

He kept a secret that no

one knew, he told no soul

and his gallery grew.

His drawings were different

no paper nor pen, he

needed a bandage now and again.

We stood by the river

under the stars, he

rolled up his sleeves and

showed me his scars

This week Classchat brings you news from science , the charitable works of the maths department, our progress towards the Rights’ Respecting School Award, Supported Study, and details about next week’s Christmas concert.

First up, a group of senior pupils travelled to Crosshouse Hospital for an NHS Careers Day with Mr Usher from the Physics department. Once there, they rotated round various rooms and had some hands on demonstrations and discussions with various departments including: Dentistry, Drug and alcohol misuse, Occupational health, Accident and Emergency, Dieticians, Endoscopy, Prosthetics, Pathology and Pharmacy.

At the end of the day, some junior doctors spoke about their career paths and the qualifications required for entry. They also spoke of the rewarding nature of their chosen career and encouraged pupils to ask questions at the end.

Well done to those involved as we won the Quiz at the end of the day and added a small trophy to our cabinet. Also, thank you to Mr Colville for organising all the appropriate paperwork and transport.

Also in Science, a group of ten S3 girls attended a STEM day at the Greenwood teachers centre accompanied by Mr Usher from the Physics department. Once there, we were welcomed by Mr Butcher and then heard a talk from Sophie Gribben from Ardrossan Academy who had chosen all the STEM-type subjects at school and had been on an all-expenses paid trip to NASA with other like-minded pupils. She spoke of the challenges and enjoyment in taking part at NASA and at other events and encouraged the girls to do the same by applying to the appropriate agencies.

We then teamed up with other schools and took part in workshops with representatives from various industries who are trying to improve the gender balance of their workforce.

Thank you to Mrs Scott for booking our places and organising transport.

There was the opportunity for 24 Cumbrae pupils to be involved in the Council consultation on flood defences in Millport Library. The pupils attended a seminar, where the different options were presented to them, and then were asked to complete a questionnaire sharing their views about the proposals. In addition to learning about projected rising seas and the changing climate, the pupils involved also had the opportunity to have an input on a local project which will have an impact on their community for the coming century. Well done to the group, who raised excellent questions and well-thought-out responses.

Over in maths, your help is needed! Maths teacher Mrs Lunday is collecting used stamps for charity. But the question is… for whom! I you have a suggestion for a worthwhile cause, please get in touch. We’d love to go local!

A group of 10 pupils and five teachers have been spearheading the school’s efforts to achieve our Rights’ Respecting Schools Award. The group’s latest work has been to develop a lesson for S1 PSE classes in tandem with Human Rights Day. The pupils will be visiting all S1 classes next week to raise awareness about the universal rights of the child, and hopefully encourage young people to discuss rights.

S4 pupil Michael Donnachie – and one of our RRSA Ambassadors –  shared his thoughts about this important award:  “I think it is important for young people to learn about their rights because it highlights what we as children deserve so that we can grow up to be the people that we want to. Learning about rights also helps us identify where the rights of others  are not being respected.”

The pupils are looking forward to sharing these important issues with the S1 cohort – look out next week for pictures!

As the march towards the prelims begins, the school’s programme of supported study for National 5 and Higher pupils has started in earnest this week, with departments across the school offering sessions to support senior phase pupils prepare. All pupils should have received information about the sessions, and can get further information from their teachers.

And finally, Wednesday 14^th December is Largs Academy’s Christmas concert. The music department has been working hard to put together their annual of choirs, bands and groups to entertain parents and friends of the school. The audience will enjoy sets from Junior and Senior choirs, Acoustics, Samba, Windband, Swing Band and our brand new Acapella group who will be delighting the crowds.  Come along and support us at 7.30pm. Tickets available from the school or on the door. Looking forward to seeing you all there! Look out next week for out post-concert feature.

 

First up this week is a night of pride and celebration for Miss O’Hara as she accompanied Abby Kane (S2) to an awards ceremony at the House of Commons in London.

Susan had nominated Abby for the ‘Kids Count Inspiring the Nation’ award.  Abby won the Most Inspiring Young Person of the Year award. Susan said “My reason for nominating Abby was due to all the hard work she puts in trying to balance her training schedule, school work and competitions and of course after her great success at winning a silver medal in the 100 metres backstroke at the Paralympics in Rio.” North Ayrshire & Arran MP Patricia Gibson presented Abby with her award.

Kids Count is an organisation that has been set up to firstly, provide young people and small community and organisations with a ‘voice’ and secondly, to educate, develop and empower disadvantaged young people. Well done Abby!

In class this week, Mrs Henderson’s S3 PDA (Personal Development Award) group have been investigating the issue of homelessness and the work of the charity “Shelter”. As well as their own research they are currently taking part in a workshop delivered by CHAPs (Community Housing Advocacy Project), where they are learning about how homelessness can impact on people in their local area. They will be holding some awareness/fundraising activities to support the work of Shelter in the month of December. Keep your eyes peeled for how you can help.

In charities news, hot off the press… here’s our very own Malawi Partnership Team.  A group of 6 current S4 and S5 pupils have been successfully chosen to visit our partnership school in Malawi.  Kathryn Reid, Abbey Dowdells, Katie Bell, Nathan Noble, Michael Donnachie and Lewis Duff will be accompanied by Mrs Tait, Miss Griffiths and Miss Dempsey on a 10 day trip to Mzambazi in Malawi in June 2017. It will be a life changing experience for all involved and the group are looking forward to experiencing the different cultures of the country and also day in the life of a school pupil in Malawi.  Over the coming months the group will be fundraising in the local community to help support the partnership and the Mzambazi community. Look out for details soon on how you can support them!

Joanna Stewart rocked along to the auditions for this year’s school show. Here’s what she had to say. On the night of the 16th November Largs Academy was filled with music by none other than the biggest names of rock and roll. Yes of course I’m talking about the Rock Of Ages audition workshop. From start to finish the volume was cranked up, the guitars plugged in and the hair was loud!

Each pupil arrived amped as a person of the 80’s who they devised. Around the hall they met one another in a new light – and for many in a new accent and in the boldest of outfits. After a rad introduction each person introduced themselves to the full group of dudes and dudettes.

It was then time to warm up those dancing shoes and voices to Journey’s hit ‘Don’t Stop Believing’! Dancers flew across the floor shakin’ their money makers for a chance at a main role. Followed closely by small group workshops with the song ‘High Enough’ and a little bit of dialogue for the potential stars to show their rock and roll abilities.

Guys and dolls alike had the chance to shine with solo auditions, guys with an introductory musical monologue and selected girls with ‘Every Rose Has It’s Thorne’. Mr Smith concluded the night thanking everyone in attendance for their efforts and promised to reveal some main roles the following day.

The show is definitely looking rockin’ with a strong chance of it being totally rad. We hope to see you all there to support the talented pupils of Largs Academy as they intent to top previous hits of ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’ next June.

Well done to everyone who hit the teachers with their best shot and good luck with future auditions.  Look out in January for our big reveal, as we introduce our principals to you. Or – even better – come along to Largs Academy’s Christmas Concert on Wednesday 14^th December, where the cast will bring you a taster of what’s to come.

And finally… here’s S5 pupil Michael Smith’s report on a recent, very successful science endeavour. I recently took a trip over to the University of the West of Scotland – joined by fellow pupils Lyle McDonald, Jack Murdoch and Sam Templeton, and by Mrs. Scott of Largs Academy’s Physics Department – to compete in the final round of a three-round physics and general knowledge quiz, organised by the WoSPEG (the West of Scotland Physics Education Group.

Upon arriving for the first round, we got to see some cool experiments involving levitating magnets and liquid nitrogen, and we each got free refreshments and a WoSPEG mug for taking part, reading “I ❤ physics” (the mug, not the refreshments).

After watching some cool physics stuff, we were abruptly plunged into an intense test of knowledge and reflexes which pitted us against three other schools: Boclair Academy, Bearsden; Larbert High School, Falkirk; and Shawlands Academy, Glasgow. And of course, it goes without saying that we smashed the other teams by… a single point. Alright, maybe not quite smashed. In fact, the score by the end was so close that there were actually two teams tied in second place, so after they did the sudden death question – the answer to which was an admitted lucky guess – we ended up tied in first place, along with Larbert. Since we got there without the extra question, however, I’m comfortable enough saying we won.

The competition consisted of a number of rounds, starting with an intense general knowledge buzzer round – which was, in retrospect, a very fortuitous way to start, as it yanked me out my state of sleep deprivation in a way that no caffeinated beverage ever could. Following that, we had a combination of buzzer and individual question rounds. These were mostly physics-based, with the occasional peppering of general knowledge and current affairs. We did pretty well in every round, with the exception of the anagram round.

Anyway, anagrams aside, we managed to win, taking us to the semi-final round against St. Columba’s, Kilmacolm, and Renfrew High School, Renfrew. In this round, far more smashing took place, and this was proper, serious smashing; we managed to win by a margin of sixteen points! Even the dreaded anagram round was no cause for concern – I managed to answer all but one, and I was only beaten to that one by a fraction of a second by my own teammate, getting us the point anyway.

So that brought us to the final round. Sadly, this round wasn’t a victory for us (so we didn’t get the awesome trophy that looks like a moon lander). A lot of the questions in this round were considerably trickier; and I’ll also personally admit to the moronic mistake of confusing an image of salt crystals with an image of ice cubes. Apparently the words “400 nanometers” meant nothing for me for a just brief moment. In the end, the winning team was Dunblane High School.

Still, this was the first time Largs has even reached the final round. Ever. And the score by the end was exceedingly close. There were two teams in joint first place, putting us in joint second – but then the tiebreaker for first place bumped the second place teams down to joint third. Overall, this was a very good outcome (and it did still yield us, in lieu of a fancy moon lander thing, some Amazon voucher currency and nice runner-up certificates).

I would like to thank Mrs. Scott and WoSPEG for giving us the opportunity to take part. I also congratulate Lyle, Jack and Sam for their exceptionally excellent question-answering – and of course, Dunblane, for their arguably slightly more exceptionally excellent question-answering. I hope they bestow utmost respect upon that moon lander thing, because it’s so really very cool.

That’s all this week – tune in next week!