Well done to pupils Adam Kettings (S3) and Jamie Semple (S4) on their selection for the U16 squad for the upcoming UEFA Development Tournament.  A huge well done to both boys.

A group of Braidhurst High Higher Photography students visited New College Lanarkshire to view the exhibition of HNC and HND Photography.   After the exhibition, there were demonstrations on a range of photographic studio techniques.   This was followed up with a studio workshop which pupils participated in.

Well done to the S1 Girl’s football team who have won four out of five games in North Lanarkshire’s 7’s league which means they are now placed second in the overall league table.

A group of 12 S3 pupils recently completed their Fire Reach training course which was delivered by a trio of tutors at Coatbridge Fire Station.  During the program pupils learnt CPR, first aid, how to use a defibrillator and fire hose and the general principles of carrying out a successful search and rescue during a fire emergency.  On the last day of the course pupils were expected to deliver a presentation in front of their parents and school staff which they all were able to do.  The pupils were then awarded a Fire Reach certificate and a SQA National 4 qualification.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the training with one pupil remarking that “the course has been lots of fun and we now know how to save lives.”

Twenty Three eager pupils in S3 enjoyed a visit to Motherwell Campus as part of Braidhurst High School’s involvement in the FOCUS West Widening Access programme to Further and Higher Education.

Pupils enthusiastically took part in a range of practical challenges designed to encourage problem, solving, teamwork as well as being able to try new activities and learn a range of new skills.

Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed their visit which further confirmed their aspiration to move from school to study at College or University, in the future. Next year pupils will participate in a two day Focus on 4 University Visit

Pupils from the school’s Performing Arts Department were invited by North Lanarkshire Council to perform at the authority’s prestigious ‘CANcan Initiative’ launch at Motherwell Civic Centre on Monday 23 January.   The ‘CANcan Initiative’ is North Lanarkshire’s response to the government’s ‘Scottish Attainment Challenge’ which hopes to focus and accelerate improvement amongst pupils in literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing in certain local councils, including North Lanarkshire.   Braidhurst pupils once again did themselves proud as our sibling pipers, Cameron and Zoe May, put on a rousing performance, including ‘Scotland the Brave’ whilst the wind band entertained everyone with their rendition of ‘Shut Up and Dance’ and ‘Let it Go’.   Principal Teacher of Performing Arts Kimberley Donnelly remarked that “our pupils did really well today and performed like true professionals.  They all did us proud with so many compliments”.

Braidhurst Under 14s travelled to Cumbernauld to play their Scottish Cup 4^th round tie against an impressive Our Lady’s High School side that had put out the holders in the previous round.   The visitors started brightly and should have gone in front with both Max Johnston and Grant Mudd coming close to opening the scoring.  The hosts grew stronger throughout the first half and thanks to a terrific save from Ryan Renwick the game remained goalless at half-time.   The deadlock was broken soon after the restart as Robbie Brown finished from close range with a well taken goal.   Dylan Campbell marked his debut game by doubling his side’s advantage with a superb effort – a left footed volley from well outside the penalty area that flew into the top corner.   By this time Braidhurst were firmly in control of the game and another strike from Robbie Brown – this time a brave header – virtually wrapped the game up at 3-0.   Kyle Semple – a standout performer – and Cameron Williamson added a further two goals both direct from free kicks to ensure their side would progress into the 5^th round as 5-0 winners.   Mr O’Toole and Mr Clarke once again were delighted with the result and commended their performance.   The Under 14’s now face another away day against either Grange High School or Johnstone High School.