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.

On Friday 15th December Head Teacher Carolyn Rooney and St Andrew’s Hospice signed a formal business partnership between the charity and the school.

The school will continue to encourage pupils to become involved in fundraising for the Hospice. This on the back of recent successful events such as a coffee morning, fun run and Christmas goodie sale.

Senior pupils will also be offered the chance of becoming Ambassadors where they will actively promote the work of the charity. Two pupils Emma Ewart and Rachel Daniels are both well on their way to becoming Silver Ambassadors.   For their part the Hospice have delivered talks to the pupils and will run a medical conference for interested senior pupils later in the academic year.

It is hoped that formalising the partnership will ensure that Braidhurst and St Andrew’s can work even more closely together in the future.

Captains and prefects from Braidhurst High school once again battled the wind and rain to deliver our annual food parcels to the elderly and the needy within the local area. This year the collection of food items tied in with our ‘Dress Down Day’. Pupils were asked to donate £1 in aid of St Andrews hospice and bring a food item. The response was overwhelming and resulted in over 600 food items being collected.  All 30 residents in the sheltered housing complex at Baillie Court received a box of groceries. Eight local families also received Christmas boxes.  This was once again a successful event which people in our school community appreciate greatly.  Staff and pupils feel this is a worthwhile cause and gain a real sense of satisfaction. Pupils taking part gain valuable life skills such as empathy and initiatives such as these help the pupils to develop a real sense of community within the Forgewood area.