Braidhurst High School has successfully worked in partnership with the Prince’s Trust in the delivery of the S3/4 XL programme over the past 5 years.   S4/5 pupils are currently participating in Future Starts, a pilot initiative developed by Prince’s Trust in response to the Commission on Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce.   It is aimed at young people aged 15-18 to offer an insight into the world of work.   Over the past 5 weeks pupils have attended Industry Taster events to find out more about careers in construction, mechanics, sports and childcare.   Pictured (L to R) are Connor Bohan, Jack Simpson, David Barclay and Rhys Arthur attending the construction information day at New College Lanarkshire, Motherwell Campus.   The boys gained hands-on experience in the college’s extensive training facilities and gained invaluable careers advice on construction apprenticeships from Kier Construction and Amey.   The Future Starts group will now be offered the opportunity for a work experience week in May and June to explore their chosen career further.

The Modern Languages Department said a sad farewell to German Exchange Teacher Tim Senz last week.   Tim has been an assistant in the school since September of last year and is now travelling back to his home town of Mainz in Germany to complete his studies.   During his time in Braidhurst, he worked with National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher German classes, as well as being instrumental in helping develop resources for the Modern Languages For Life and Work class.   Activities he carried out with this class included making German biscuits called Platzchen, broadening their knowledge of German culture through Power Point presentations, helping them prepare Job Applications and CVs in German, as well as engaging in a number of ICT activities.   Tim also visited the PE Department and was an active participant in games of volleyball and in trampoline sessions.   Tim spent his free time exploring Scotland and was so impressed by the beautiful scenery and the hospitality of the people that he intends to return in the near future.   All pupils thoroughly enjoyed making his acquaintance.

The National 4 French class made pancakes last week in the Home Economics Department to celebrate ‘Mardi Gras’. Head ‘chef’, their French assistant Mr Yann Koebel, provided a French recipe which he explained to the pupils before they set to work. During the task, he offered expert advice, having made crepes many times himself. The end products were delicious, especially when butter, jam and chocolate spread was added. Some pupils even managed to toss and catch the pancakes without dropping any. All pupils thoroughly enjoyed putting French Food vocabulary into practice and look forward to further French cuisine!   Miam Miam!

Members of the Goethe Institute in Glasgow visited Braidhurst High School last week to organise a ‘German Adventure’ morning for S2 pupils.   Pupils were put into groups and were required to ‘visit’ a number of cities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and to carry out prescribed tasks.  The group which covered the most cities and gained the most answers correct in the shortest time won a prize.   Tasks included identifying famous brands of aftershave in German, finding words on a giant word square, looking at Facebook posts in German, cracking number codes, and learning about famous German manufacturers.   They also had the opportunity to don German wigs and hats to resemble German football fans at football matches.   There was much frantic moving from room to room as pupils carried out the tasks with zeal and determination.

The winning group comprised of Ellie Maxwell, Erin Watters, Carla Lang, Sarah Leighton and Katelyn Davidson from class 2A, and, also winning a prize for remembering the code to unlock the ‘safe’, were Tommy Hunter and Rhys Mallison of 2R.

All pupils were complimented on their enthusiasm, excellent behaviour and team-working skills.   The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to extend their knowledge of the culture of German speaking countries and all will continue their study of German, as well as French, in S3.

As part of Sport Scotland’s ‘Active Girls’ project, over twenty S2-S6 girls participated in a one day workshop run by Y-Dance. The project aims to inspire and motivate girls to become more physically active through dance. It was clear to see the endless talent and strong team-work skills displayed from all girls when they choreographed sections to both hip hop and contemporary dances. All girls worked extremely hard throughout the day and their enjoyment was evident through their smiling faces in their final showcase performance. Their overall work was outstanding and it was very obvious that they had a brilliant time.