PARENTS of pupils in upper school recently attended an information evening. Mrs Kathryn Clarke, Senior Depute Head Teacher gave an overview on a range of topics including subject choice procedure, course levels, new courses, assessment, factors leading to success, educational maintenance allowance, school expectations and standards, wider opportunities, planning for success and university application. The Rector, Mr Derrick Hannan covered results from middle to upper school and aspects of school references.
All posts by Mr Hamilton
Race Night
The Braidhurst High Parents, Teachers and Friends Association recently held a very successful Race Night in the Davie Cooper Suite at Fir Park. The event raised £1550 for the funds. The PTFA would like to thank all firms who supported the event.
Staff Vs Pupils: Football
The first staff Vs pupils game of the year took place last Thursday in what was expected to be a very exciting encounter. With the pupils having the opportunity to select a very strong team, the staff would be in for a tough match. As the game began, many staff and pupils had gathered to watch the events unfold. The pupils had an early lead thanks to a strike from Grant McLaren. A great start to the match for the pupils. The staff were eager to get back on level terms and they were dominating the possession with the pupils’ defence having to work very hard. The staff would have had a very comfortable lead if it were not for Mark Clarkson making 4 tremendous diving saves to keep the ball out. Just before half time, with the staff continually pressing, the equalising goal came through Andy Smith, although this took its effect as Andy was injured in the process. Dr Gardner replaced Andy Smith just before half time. Half time saw the introduction of substitutes, Miss Durrant.
The second half possession went the same way as the first with the staff dominating and only strong tackling from Robert Hamilton and Samuel Biggart prevented the staff from scoring more. As players began to tire, more scoring opportunities arose and both goalkeepers and defenders did well to keep the score 1-1. As each team looked to make their mark on the game, the staff took the initiative and Mr Thompson, who, after making quick passes with Paul Burns, made a lung-bursting run towards the pupils’ goal. He was sure to score, however he was brought down in the box with a last man, goal saving tackle by Samuel Biggart, who was subsequently sent off. Mr Thompson, after having an outstanding performance, put the ball wide of the target. Penalties would now decide the tie. The pupils won 4-3 on penalties, the second successive game which they have won on penalties.
Well done to everyone who participated in this event, we will all look forward to another match in the New Year.
European Day of Languages
S1 and S2 pupils celebrated the European Day of Languages last week. As part of the activities organised by the Modern Languages Department, S1 pupils played an inter-house ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ contest in French, which revealed their competitive streak and caused much hilarity. All S1 pupils also researched a famous European person and produced a poster with vocabulary in the language of the country the person came from. The pupils used a wide variety of figures from the past, including Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, St Joan of Arc and Christopher Columbus, as well as current footballers and celebrities. Posters have been displayed throughout the school.
In S2, pupils were divided into groups and each group had one period to create a giant poster about a European country of their choice. The poster had to contain information about the culture, food, geography and history of the country of their choice, as well as being illustrated with pictures, graphics and words of vocabulary spoken in the country. All pupils were involved in co-operative learning practices and divided tasks amongst themselves, whilst still working as a group. The Librarian, Mrs Kirsten Scott was on hand in the school library to assist with pupils who wanted to access reading materials or use computers for research purposes. Posters were displayed in the Modern Languages corridor.
S2 pupils will also partake in a French breakfast, as they are learning the French vocabulary for topic of ‘Food and Drink’, and they may even get the chance to make French crepes by following a French recipe in liaison with the Home Economics Department! Miam miam!
Road Safety: Calendar Competition
It’s time for S2 Art classes to complete their entries for the North Lanarkshire Road Safety Calendar Competition. Each year, at this time, pupils in the Art Department submit their work for judging in this competition. The Art Department has had great success in previous years and are hoping for a good result this year.
Meeting with S4 Parents
Parents of pupils in fourth year recently attended an information evening with the Rector Mr Derrick Hannan and the Depute in charge of middle school Mrs Anne Macdonald. A wide range of topics were covered including examination preparation, mock interviews, work experience, outward bound and future plans. The enthusiastic audience then asked a wide range of pertinent questions to the speakers.
National Nurture Group: Network Conference
On Wednesday 26th September the rector, Mr Derrick Hannan, gave one of the keynote speeches at the National Nurture Group Network Conference at the Holiday Inn in Glasgow. He was joined by five 2nd and 3rd year pupils, accompanied by nurture group staff Mrs Jeffrey and Mrs Neilson. They helped to run workshops showing delegates how nurture groups work in Braidhurst. While delegates very much enjoyed Mr Hannan’s lively presentation on Braidhurst – a Nurturing School, many of those attending said that the young people “stole the show” as they demonstrated activities and talked confidently with many of the teachers and other professionals attending. They were a credit to the school and a marvellous advert for Braidhurst’s innovative nurture groups.
