School Sports, Whole School News

Under 15 Scottish Shield Final

Under 15 Scottish Shield Final

Braidhurst High School 2 – Strathaven Academy 1

Braidhurst High School have won the under 15 Scottish Shield after a hard fought battle with Strathaven Academy.  The all Lanarkshire clash saw the Motherwell boys come out on top at a rainy Excelsior Stadium, the home of Airdrionians.  Braidhurst started slowly and were lucky not to lose a goal in the opening few minutes, thanks to a wonderful goal line clearance from Jonathon McCabe.

However, their luck didn’t last.  The Braidhurst captain, and centre half, Rico Quitongo was injured and had to be replaced by Darren Wilson.  He slotted into right back with Dillon McCreath moving into centre half.  A mix up between Darren Wilson and goalkeeper Adam Sinnett allowed the Strathaven forward to get a toe to the ball and knock it into the empty net.  1-0 to Strathaven.

This loss of this goal caused even more anxiety amongst the Braidhurst players as their normal excellent touches and passing looked to have deserted them.  This allowed Strathaven several more chances to increase their lead.  Braidhurst were tenacious, winning themselves a corner.  Dylan Flaconer confidently floated the ball into the box where Jake Hastie was waiting.  He flicked the ball off his boot past the Strathaven keeper bringing the game level.

Half-Time Braidhurst 1 – Strathaven 1

The second half saw Braidhurst start far stronger.  They were soon finding team mates with their passes.  Jake Hastie was unlucky not to score again when his header from a corner was cleared off the line by Strathaven.  Ryan Watt then had a good chance to score when the ball fell to him at the corner of the box, but his shot was too tame landing in the hands of the keeper.  Dylan Falconer’s electric pace was now causing the Strathaven defenders real problems.  He sent several delightful crosses into the box but sadly no Braidhurst player could get on the end of it.  Ryan Watt was replaced by Deryn Lang.  This proved to be a decisive turning-point in the game.  Dylan Falconer again turned the Strathaven defender inside out, passing to Jordan Duncan who chipped the ball through to Deryn Lang who smashed the ball past the despairing keeper, sending Braidhurst into a 2-1 lead.  Later, Strathaven did have the ball in the Braidhurst net but it was ruled to be offside by the assistant referee, much to the relief of all connected with Braidhurst.  Then in the dying minutes of the game Tony Sharkey, who had replaced Adam Sinnett in goal at half time, pulled off a magnificent save, ensuring Braidhurst won the Scottish Shield.

This victory now means that this group of players have won three Scottish Shields in a row, at Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 levels.  This is an amazing achievement and one which they should all feel incredibly proud of.  Coaches, Andy Madill and Peter Brandon both feel that this is a deserved 3-in-a-row for a very talented group of young players who truly know the meaning of the word team.

Whole School News

SQA Examinations

Examinations for pupils in fourth to sixth years are currently taking place.   The school has been very busy each day as pupils undertake Scottish Qualification Authority papers in the new National 5 level as well as the more traditional Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.   All pupils have shown that they have worked very hard in preparation for these key examinations and conduct has been exemplary.

SFA, Uncategorized

School of Football Trials

Trials have just been completed for this year’s intake of the School of Football.   Over sixty boys took part in the trials aimed at selecting a group of around 20 for an August start.   The general standard was really high with most boys already playing at pro-youth or boys club level.   Steven Hamilton from the Scottish FA took overall charge of the procedure and he was assisted by a team of qualified Scottish FA coaches.   The trial took place following a meeting taken by head of PE Mr David Gardiner and the Rector Mr Hannan to outline to parents the key aspects of the scheme.   Mr Hannan emphasised the fact that the school is now very experienced in running the scheme, with this being the seventh annual intake.   He went on to stress the importance the school places upon developing the whole person through the scheme.   Mr Gardiner covered a range of aspects including the typical weekly experience for those successful in gaining a place.

PTFA

PTFA A.G.M

The annual general meeting of the Braidhurst High Parents Teachers and Friends Association took place recently when the Rector, Mr Hannan, delivered the annual report.   Decisions were taken to donate money to various projects and election of office bearers took place.   Key appointments included vice-president Mrs Judith Heard and secretary Mrs Lesley McCall.   Mr Hannan took the opportunity to thank all members who so generously gave of their time throughout the past session.

CfE

Outdoor Classroom

Mr David Gardiner recently held a preparatory meeting with first year pupils to ensure they are all ready to take part in the Outdoor Classroom event planned for later in the month.   The pupils will engage in a range of team exercises with a focus on improving their skills.

Social Studies

Ed Miliband Visit

S5/6 Modern Studies pupils recently had the opportunity to quiz the man hailed by Labour supporters as the next Prime Minister of the UK, Ed Miliband, the Labour leader.   Pupils were invited to attend the Independence debate in the community’s Isa Money Centre.   Pupils arrived to find a real buzz surrounding the visit of one of the country’s most well known politicians.   Members of the community were standing outside their homes, hoping to catch a glimpse of the event.   Many with very strong political convictions were vocal in their feelings about the visit.   On entering the intimate community hall pupils were immediately struck by the national interest that surrounded the event, there were cameras and press everywhere.   Frank Roy and John Pentland were just two of the dignitaries tasked with greeting members of the public and ensuring that they had a warm welcome.

When Ed Miliband entered the hall he was warmly welcomed by the crowd who had a range of political beliefs.   He was accompanied by Johann Lamont, MSP and Margaret Curran MP.   Ed Miliband spoke of his perspective on the Independence debate and then opened the floor to questions.   Braidhurst pupils had given a great deal of thought to the questions that they wanted answered.   Mark Coletta asked, “Do you feel that the Scottish Government has scored a bit of an own goal in allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote in this Referendum, as so many of them have decided to vote No?”   The Labour leader’s response was that he did not disagree with this policy, saying that he would give 16 and 17 year olds the vote in General Elections.   Michael Deane asked, “Why won’t you debate with Alex Salmond?   The debate between Johann Lamont and Nicola Sturgeon was such an embarrassment to politics and particularly women in politics.   Perhaps this would restore the balance”.   This question received gasps from the crowd.   All pupils came away from the debate, invigorated by their experience, ready to cast their vote on September `18th 2014.   Joanne Kerr, PT Social Subjects was delighted by the maturity with which pupils engaged in the debate, as always they were a credit to Braidhurst High School.

CfE

S1 Exams

Examinations for pupils in first year have been completed and staff are now busy marking papers and preparing parental reports.

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