Pupils from Braidhurst Art & Design Department took part in a jewellery design workshop, which was run by Glasgow School of Art Design Graduate, Catriona Clark.   They were given the opportunity to work with a wide range of materials to help them develop their ideas for their design portfolio.   Catriona spoke about her journey from school right through to her studies at GSA and gave the pupils an insight into the exciting possibilities of a Degree in Art & Design.   She is spending a few weeks in Braidhurst, working with a range of pupils from National 5 through to Higher Art.

Thirteen S6 students studying Advanced Higher Physics attended Strathclyde University last week to complete work on their project.   This allowed the students to carry out experiments using more sophisticated equipment and to collect data that will be used when they come to write up their investigation report.   The students were accompanied by Mr John McGuire, Principal Teacher of Science.

Examinations have recently taken place for pupils in second year.   The content covered work completed throughout first and second years and results will advise pupils on the courses to undertake in third year.   Pupils in upper school are undertaking examinations at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.   External invigilators have been supervising all the examinations.

Pupils and staff from Braidhurst High recently assisted at the Airdrie, Coatbridge and District Boys’ Brigade swimming gala held at the Sir Matt Busby centre in Bellshill.   Approximately 200 boys of primary and secondary age took part in what was a well organised gala.   The staff and pupils acted as timekeepers as well as starter and judge.   The pupils and staff had to work really hard for over two hours as the various age groups completed their races.   The convener of the gala was the rector of Braidhurst High, Mr Hannan and he publically thanked and congratulated the helpers for their tremendous contribution.

Last week (Jan 5th – Jan9th) a group of 12 S3 pupils from Braidhurst High School attended the Outward Bound Centre at Loch Eil in the Highlands.   The pupils battled against torrential rain and gusts of 60 mph wind to take part in a variety of outdoor adventure activities including canoeing, orienteering, rock climbing in Glen Nevis and diving into the icy waters of Loch Eil as part of the dreaded ‘Jog and Dip’.

The week was an unqualified success with a number of students being given special invitations back to the centre for an extended three-week course in the summer.   All pupils passed the course with flying colours and had a great time working to support each other to overcome tasks.   Staff at the centre commented on how the self-esteem of the individuals grew with each passing task and what a credit the pupils were to both themselves and the school.

Pupil Thomas Baird said, “All the activities were new to me but I enjoyed it all.   It was a good experience; I would go back today if I could.   I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try new things”.

Two more groups of pupils from Braidhurst will be attending the centre in January, hoping to build on the great work of their peers.