In March 2023 the school was visited by  a team of inspectors from Education Scotland. The full report has now been published and is available to view and download from the Education Scotland website.

Please CLICK HERE

All S4, S5 & S6 pupils have now been issued with their individual SQA Timetable detailing exactly when their exams are taking place.  All pupils should check that the details outlined in this are correct and contact the school as soon as possible if they have any questions, or corrections need to be made.  Pupils, parents and carers are advised to visit the SQA website for useful information:

Click here for more info

Courses at Higher level, and most at National 5, have an external exam. This is a compulsory part of the course. All courses at National 4 level are based on internal assessments.

As the SQA exams are run nationally the date of exams cannot be changed.  Some exams will run over bank holidays and in-service days, however the school will be open on these dates to allow pupils to sit their exams.

• National 5 & Higher History: Tuesday 2^nd of May 2023 (in-service day).
• National 5 & Higher Art & Design: Friday 26^th of May 2023 (May weekend Holiday)
• Higher Psychology: Monday 29^th  of May 2023 (May weekend Holiday)

SQA exam timetable 2023 – click here

Pupils sitting Highers, or one or more National 5 exam, will be on study leave from Monday the 24^th of April until Thursday the 1^st of June inclusive.  Pupils must make the most of this opportunity and spend their time preparing for exams.  Please note staff are available in school and are always happy to assist pupils.  Should your son/daughter wish to attend school to revise – this can be arranged.  School policy is that pupils coming into school must wear school uniform, this is also the case when sitting exams.

On Friday the 2^nd of June there will be an induction day for all pupils returning to S5/6.  It is imperative that ALL pupils attend this session so that they can be issued with their new timetables.

Should you have any difficulties relating to the SQA Examination Arrangements, or if your child is unwell during this period, please contact: Ms Kerr (Deputy Head Teacher).

Info above taken from SQA Exams 2023 letter, click here for original

Please click the links below to access an interactive learning guide for senior phase young people that are preparing to sit exams.

Each section links to a wide range of resources to support studying and wellbeing.

Within this learners will find the following:

• Podcasts
• Advice on how to study
• Using apps to support studying
• Advice on exercise and mindfulness

 This would be ideal for support over the Easter Holidays and offers learners a way to study that suits them.

West OS are also delighted to share that from the 17^th – 21^st April we will have a range of online and live webinars taking place to support senior phase learners as they embark on their SQA exams.

Join us for sessions on coping with exams, advice on how to study effectively, and taking care of our mental health – sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/yKLpr6m0jp

West OS Study Help

What’s on at West OS 17th – 21st April

Dear Parent/Carer,

I wanted to let you know how proud we were of our pupils last week during our inspection. The inspection team commented on how well-behaved, respectful and confident our young people were. They were in classes speaking to lots of pupils and many pupils were also involved in focus groups. They were a credit to you and to the school.

I would also like to thank the many parents and carers who took time to complete evaluations and attend focus groups to share their experiences of the school with the inspection team. It was great to see so many of our parents involved and the feedback you have given has been very useful.

The inspection team will now complete their report. This will need to be verified before it is published which will take some weeks. It will identify key strengths of the school and areas for us to focus on improving moving forward. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with me to discuss this once it is published.

Thank you for your continuing support. Parent and carers play a crucial role in the life of our school and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

Yours faithfully,

TRACEY MCDERMOTT
Head Teacher

To download letter please click link: HMIe Parents Letter_14032023

We are currently in the process of arranging Easter School. Pupils are encouraged to complete the attached form highlighting whether or not they would like to attend Easter School and what subjects they would like support with.

https://forms.office.com/e/Y2BEmSFWYH

On Thursday 2nd March 2023 we hosted an “in-person” S2 options evening for parents, carers and pupils.  The event allowed us to share our vision of having a more inclusive and creative curriculum that better meets the needs of all.  A big thank you to all the staff who turned out in force and creating wonderful displays and chatted enthusiastically with families about the subjects on offer in Braidhurst.

If you were unable to attend the event, please click below to view a copy of the presentation.

S2 Pathways Evening

You can also find more info by clicking here

Apply now for nursery and childcare places starting in August 2023.

Are you a parent or carer of a 3 to 5 year old? Do you know someone who is? 1,140 hours of free early learning is available to all children aged three to five years old, as well as some two-year-olds.

Parents/Carers of children who will be 3 between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024 should apply now.

Applications must be received by Friday 10 March.

Further information on how to apply can be found on our website.