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.

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.

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.

On Wednesday 26^th 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 2^nd and 3^rd 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.

Last Wednesday saw the first eagerly anticipated inter house event and with new house captains selected, each house was keen to get off to a promising start in this year’s competition.  The fun run, which is a whole school event, had even more significance that it is worth triple points.  The sun was shining as everyone took to the playing fields of the event.  There were special appearances on the day from Elvis, Wonder Woman and many other pupils who hade made that extra bit of effort and dressed up for the occasion.  As the competition got underway pupils were aiming to put in a good amount of laps to help build their house points total.  Pupils were joined by enthusiastic members of staff, including Mr Hannan, who donned another very interesting competition: who would achieve the most laps – a pupil or a teacher?  After 30 minutes of continuous running, jogging and walking, where pupils and staff completed a total of 5433 laps and a tremendous 1100 miles.  The event was finished and all that was left was to gather in the scores and tally them up to see what house would claim the first inter house victory of 2012-2013.  The final results were:

1. Atholl
2. Morven
3. Lorne
4. Rannoch

Well done to all the pupils and staff who took part and made this fantastic event.  We look forward to the next inter house event in the next few weeks which will be potted sports and football.

ALTON TOWERS: Pupil Support Staff are busy organising the annual trip to Alton towers open to all year groups. They have almost four hundred pupils taking part for the event scheduled for Friday 14^th September leaving the school at 5 am. Staff have enthusiastically volunteered for the trip and are very much looking forward to the day.

LONDON TRIP: A meeting has been arranged for Wednesday 12^th September to parents of pupils taking part in the forthcoming trip to London. The trip will take place over the September weekend.