A group of Braidhurst science pupils at the end of their second year were awarded certificates for successful completion of the ‘Heart Start’ program.   Their involvement was due to a trial interdisciplinary project focusing on heart health.   The IDL project involved the science, home economics and physical education departments with a grat deal of support from the schools nurture unit.   In addition to learning basic first aid, including CPR and the recovery position, pupils learned about heart structure, cooking for a healthy heart and how exercise can keep your heart healthy and strong.  All pupils agreed the project had been really worthwhile.   The school hopes to involve all second year pupils in the project during this academic year.

Certificates were recently issued to the former fourth year group of football players who studied for the Development in Practical Performance award.   This award is a Scottish Qualification Award validated by Borders College.   The course consists of practical and theoretical aspects of football and was awarded at level 5.   The pupils who are now in fifth year now progress to study for coaching badges and the referee award.

Braidhurst pupil, Tammy Smith, recently participated in the World Jump rope Championships in Florida, USA.   Tammy and her two team-mates were Scotland’s first ever competitors and between them, the team won a silver and three bronze medals.   The team also took part in a skills workshop which gave them some great insights, in preparation for next year’s world championships in Paris.   Tammy commented that it was a ‘great experience which has boosted my confidence.   Getting to visit Florida, meeting professional jumpers and witnessing their amazing techniques helped make it the opportunity of a lifetime.”  Everyone at Braidhurst is extremely proud of Tammy’s excellent achievements.

New staff, as always, joined the school at the start of term including Mr Alexander in English, Ms Currie and Mr McGee in mathematics, Mr O’Toole in computing, Mrs Falconer in science, Mr Clarke and Ms Young in PE and Ms Duncan in music.

School photographs were taken by a professional firm during the first week of term.   Pupils in first and third years had individual photographs taken with group photographs in fifth and sixth years.   Family group photographs were also taken in what proved to be a very busy day for the firm Instant Images.   Parents were delighted last year with the service provided and the school is confident that the quality will be equally impressive this year.

Braidhurst welcomed new first year pupils from approximately forty primary schools on the first day of term.   Many come from out with the catchment area through placing requests to join the school through the Scottish FA football schemes operating in Braidhurst.   They were absolutely perfect in terms of full school uniform and quickly settled into their new routines in secondary.

Results in the recent SQA examinations were the best ever in the school with pupils performing well in line with expectations.   The number of Higher Grade passes at Grade A, B and C showed a marked improvement from even previous best years.   The Rector Mr Derrick Hannan said, “I am delighted for the pupils and parents that this year again shows a rise in attainment in all year groups.   It is also a delighted for the pupils and parents that this year again shows a rise in attainment in all year groups.   It is also a delight for staff to get the reward for all their hard work in thoroughly preparing the pupils for the examinations”.