Braidhurst High School recently celebrated the European Day of Languages in a variety of ways.   In the Modern Languages Department, pupils produced rows of hands and speech balloons with vocabulary and facts from various countries in Europe.   These were displayed in the Modern Languages Corridor.   The pupils also took part in a Europe Quiz and an online ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’? game.  The winners were Morven House, represented by Greg Campbell and Anna Baxter.   First year pupils and Forth Year Modern Languages for Life and Work pupils made German pancakes (Pfannkuchen) in the Home Economics Department with the help of the German exchange teacher, Miss Marie Benzel, Mrs Fox (HE teacher) and Mrs Magowan (PT Modern Languages).   Other activities in the school included pupils playing French Boules with Mr Marshall in the PE Department;  painting in the style of European artists eg Van Gogh, with Miss Galloway in the Art Department;  French palindromes and French words used in English with Mrs Kinnaird in the English Department;  Maths puzzles in French solved by S2 in the Maths Department;  the study of Albert Einstein with Mr Hussain in the Physics Department;  Chemistry lessons conducted in French and German by Dr Gardner;  computer games and quizzes in European languages carried out by Mr O’Toole and Mr Paterson with S2 in the Business Studies Department; Mrs Currie organised French board games and a French breakfast for pupils who attend the school Hub.   In addition, Mrs Reilly will introduce French mime to all pupils in the Drama Department in October.

Pupils thoroughly enjoyed their experiences (as did the staff) and learned a lot about the countries of Europe.   They have been encouraged to extend their learning of European culture beyond the classroom and many will attend the Modern Languages Club, which meets on Wednesday lunchtimes, to engage in more activities.

Our Malawi fundraising team were out in the community once again raising funds for the project.   This time they undertook a very successful tin collection at Fir Park stadium before the Motherwell FC –v- Patrick Thistle football match which managed to raise over £900.  Meanwhile our Malawi ambassadors, pupils John Clark, Katie Kennedy and Luke Biggart, recently accepted a cheque for £300 from the residents of Baillie Court sheltered housing, which will also boost the fundraising total.   A fantastic effort from all involved.

Pupils have voted, the school has deliberated, and finally the school and house captains have been chosen.  The school captains for 2017-18 are;  Hannah Gordon and Joseph Farmer, ably assisted by vice school captains Emma Ewart and Adam Greer.   Whilst the house captains for 2017-18 are: Scott Ingram and Lucy Blackwood for Atholl, Christopher Duncan and Kristy Speirs for Lorne, Zoe Oliphant and Kerry Lyness for Morven and Danielle Sinclair and Kieran McDougall for Rannoch.   Congratulations to our new school and house representatives and good luck for the year ahead.

On Friday 15^th September the school continued its literacy celebrations with an S1 Literacy Day.   The highlight of the day was an author visit from award-winning Scottish author Cathy MacPhail.   Pupils were brought to the school assembly hall where they listened to Cathy talk about her creative inspiration and her many books.   Cathy was also happy to answer questions from the pupils about her life as a writer.   S1 pupils also participated in ‘Literacy across the Curriculum’ lessons during their time at the Modern Languages and Social Subjects Departments.   The celebrations were rounded off with a literacy themed quiz which saw S1 representatives from the school’s four house groups test their knowledge of children’s literature, spelling, grammar and general knowledge.   All teams participated well but it was Loren house who proved victorious with pupils being awarded a book token and sweets for their efforts.

Congratulations to all our staff and pupils who made our ‘Variety for Malawi’ show such a success this year.   The show was in aid of our newly established Malawi group and all proceeds were donated to the project.   Over 40 pupils worked extremely hard over the last few months preparing and perfecting their performances and certainly wowed the audience and judges on the night.   We were also delighted to have representatives from the local primaries.   All pupils and staff were treated to a post-show lunch the following day to celebrate their efforts and overall success of the night.

The Malawi group have raised over £400 since March this year which has been a tremendous effort and great start to the project.

Post-show lunch

On Wednesday 7^th June the annual Braidhurst prom took place at Dalziel Park Hotel.   Pupils met at the school, dressed in their finery, to be transported by bus to the venue.   Once inside guests were treated to a delicious 3 course meal, followed by an awards ceremony presented by Mr Hamilton and Dr Gardner and then entertainment from a local DJ.   Throughout the evening everyone had the opportunity to take lots of photographs to mark the special occasion.   As usual the prom was a great success with many staff also in attendance to say their goodbyes to those pupils who are moving on.   All pupils had a great evening and made memories that will last a lifetime.