Category Archives: Whole School News

DRAGON’S LAIR

The Dragon’s Lair final was held on Tuesday 13th November in the Antrium Centre in Coatbridge and out of 6 finalists Braidhurst were represented by 2 teams. Entrepreneurs  for ‘Educate Me’ were Finlay Anderson, Iona Eldhose and Rebecca Nevans  who designed an app to educate children in all aspects of their learning by providing additional support and skills to improve their knowledge and understanding of a subject.  The app would also include video tutorials, timetable, planners, games and prompters. Supernova – Solar Mower entrepreneurs were Ellie Anderson, Ryan Murray and Robbie Tollan who designed a new and improved lawn mower powered by solar energy to combat global warming by depending on reusable energy instead of using fossil fuel. The pupils attended an Information Day where they were advised on the completion of their business plan.  This was submitted 2 weeks later and marked by one of Business Gateway’s Business Advisors.  Out of 19 submissions, Braidhurst was overwhelmed to have 2 teams in the final. After selection, the pupils attended a briefing day regarding their presentation to the Dragon’s and had one week to prepare their pitch.  On the day, the pupils excelled in their presentation skills and dared to enter the dragon’s den for 5 minutes of questions. Although both teams were unsuccessful in winning the title, they were complimented on the exceptionally high standard of their business plans and presentation skills.

Pancakes for Pudsey

The annual Children in Need event ‘Pancakes for Pudsey’ took place in the Hub last Thursday.  Former Braidhurst teacher, Mrs Neilson, made and sold over 250 pancakes during lunchtime, while Hub staff and pupils provided various temptations such as ice-cream cones, popcorn and cakes.  There were also competitions and a raffle.  In total, £415 was raised for Children in Need.

MOCK INTERVIEW EVENING

On Wednesday 7th October, the school held its annual mock interview evening for S4 pupils.  Pupils created their own personal CVs in PSE classes in preparation for interviews and each pupil was allocated a specific employer who would conduct the interview.  There were 19 employers in total who were gracious enough to attend the event and give pupils job interviews.  Those in attendance were encouraged to participate in the regular formalities of job interviews with conventional clothing to be worn and handshakes to be exchanged.  Motherwell F.C. icon and current assistant manager, Keith Lasley, was one of the interviewers on the night.  He posted on his own official Twitter account after the event: ‘a pleasure to be part of the S4 mock interviews at Braidhurst High School this evening.

SKILLS SCOTLAND

On Wednesday, 24 October, many pupils from Braidhurst High school took part in a visit to the SEC centre in Glasgow where a Skills Scotland event was underway. This convention, described as ‘Glasgow’s largest careers, jobs, skills and apprenticeships event’ lived up to its reputation as the average turnout is around 6,000 14 – 19-year-olds over the course of the event being held. Braidhurst pupils were able to participate in many workshops, ranging from construction to Coca Cola.  The event is highly beneficial to any young person looking to acquire the necessary skills for working in the 21st century. The school provides many great opportunities such as this, to all pupils from S4 upwards.  With Mr. Clarke from the PE department organising trips to similar events over the course of the school year.

BRAIDHURST PARENTS’ GROUP FASHION SALE

The Braidhurst Parents’ Group are hosting a fashion sale in the school on Thursday 8th November at 6.30pm for a prompt 7pm start. Tickets cost £5 and include tea/coffee and entry into two prize draws for a £25 voucher to be spent on the night. Tickets can be purchased from Miss Watson on 01698 274999 or at the door on the night. The fashion sale offers huge discounts, up to 75%, off various high street stores, such as River Island, Oasis, Marks & Spencer, and Topshop, amongst many others. The event will also offer a raffle and all proceeds are being raised to allow the school to fund projects and trips that enhance pupil experience.

CHRISTMAS PANTO

This year the school Christmas concert will be the pantomime ‘It’s Only a Fairytale’. The concert takes place in the school assembly hall on Thursday 13th December at 7pm with tickets costing £5 and concessions costing £3. The evening promises to get everyone in the Christmas spirit as only Braidhurst pupils can – with lots of singing, dancing and fun. Please contact the school on 01698 274999 for tickets.

THE BIG BANG EVENT

A group of S2 pupils took part in ‘The Big Bang’ event at New College Lanarkshire in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce North Lanarkshire.   All the young people got to visit different workshops throughout the day, including an employability station where pupils were able to work with personnel from the RAF and complete a team building activity.  The young people also visited the Music department within the college and spoke to current students as well as programming and changing car tyres.   The pupils got to meet the lecturers of the Digital Animation course and completed the day with a chocolate workshop in the Hospitality department.   All the young people involved enjoyed their day out to the college.