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 14th 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.
