Braidhurst Modern Studies pupils were delighted to have the opportunity to participate in workshops and discussion on Syrian Refugees as part of Parliament Day events.   Pupils had the opportunity to discuss key issues around refugees with MSP Christina McKelvie, Chair of the European and External Relations committee, and speakers from COSLA and the Scottish Refugee Council.   Mark Stokes of S6 said, “The event was truly enlightening because I got to see the inner workings of parliament and the way they plan to house refugees, who have lived in very difficult circumstances”.   Gill Scott said, “It was insightful to see and hear about the journeys that refugees made to escape terror”.   All pupils commented that this was a very positive experience that helped them understand more about the plight that refugee’s experience.

Good Egg Drivers came to visit some 5^th and 6^th year pupils last week.   The seniors took part in various interactive activities where they looked at the dangers of driving and how best to be safe on the roads.   They also received tips on how to pick the best driving instructors and how to pass their driving tests.   Pupils met Christie, a young race car driver who showed them a clip of an accident that she was involved in during a race and the dangers of speeding.   Pupils really enjoyed the visit and all left the session enthused and more informed about starting their driving lessons.

Around eighty P7 pupils from six different primary schools enjoyed a fun morning filled with different scientific experiments at Braidhurst High School.   The event involved twenty-two sixth year pupils demonstrating, explaining and leading the younger children throughout the various activities.   The primary pupils had a great day with one stating, “great guides, great activities, thanks for having us”.   This was down to the senior pupils’ excellent communication and organisational skills.   The photo shows sisters Gemma and Nicole Baird leading pupils through an activity which demonstrated the effect energy drinks have on heart rate, using water fleas called daphnia.

The S2 Braidhurst squad travelled to St Moden’s High School in Stirling for their 2^nd round Scottish Cup tie.   In blistering conditions, the home side dealt with the weather better and subsequently led 3-1 at the interval.   The second half was a much different story, with wave after wave of attack prompting an excellent comeback.   Max McGuigan bagged his 2^nd hat-trick in as many games, including one phenomenal 25 yard looping strike, with Alistair Small scoring the other.   Final score 4-3.   Mr Clarke and Mr O’Toole were delighted with the boys’ attitude and particular praise must go to Adam Kettings in the middle of the park for his man of the match performance.   The boys will now face Wallace High School in the 3^rd round at home.   Well done!

Braidhurst High School’s Christmas card 2015 is ready to be sent out. Pupils were asked to
produce a drawing for this and Claire Keatings, S3 has had her drawing featured on the back of the card.
She was very pleased to have this success and will soon be receiving a prize of a selection of art materials.

Braidhurst High School staff and pupils enjoyed a fun packed afternoon entitled “Braidhurst’s Got Talent”.   Pupils from all year groups competed against each other; with Lorne pupils winning best house act and S1 pupil Karla Luxton winning best solo performance for her version of “All of Me”.   The event raised £510 from ticket sales for Children in Need.   In addition to this, pupils donated over 600 tins and packets for the school’s annual Christmas charity parcels.   School staff have been overwhelmed by pupil generosity and their desire to help the needy in our community.   Any food items not used for the Christmas parcels will be donated to the local food bank.

Braidhurst Higher Geography pupils spent a wild weekend in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae.   Students attend a 3 day course with the Field Studies Council carrying out research in preparation for their higher coursework with their teacher Kirsty Logan.   Pupils studied soils, coastal transport and flood defences with experts from the centre, taking samples and measuring the physical landscape in order to study the underlying processes affecting the island.   Time was spent reviewing the research in the classroom, but it wasn’t all work.   Free time on the beach was spent exploring rock pools, making friends with seals and dolphin watching.   Staff at the centre were full of praise for the pupils’ hard working attitudes and helpful natures.   Even the weather can’t dampen Braidhurst spirits.