Approximately 60 S4 Standard Grade History pupils travelled to the Vue Cinema in Hamilton last week for a private showing of the latest Steven Spielberg blockbuster, ‘Lincoln’. History Teacher, Mrs Lynsay Ashton organised the visit because of the film’s coverage of one of the Standard Grade History’s key topics ‘the Abolition of Slavery’ and its link with ‘The House Divided – the American Civil War’.

 The pupils could not fail to be impressed by the intensity of the production and character portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln, so majestically captured by now Oscar winner, Daniel Day-Lewis. The party found the production insightful and one that brought the history of that period very much to life.

Approximately 20 first and second year pupils recently travelled to the Ravenscraig National Sports Complex to take part in the North Lanarkshire Schools Heptathlon. The pupils committed one hundred percent effort as they tackled the 7 indoor tests of their stamina and strength. They thoroughly enjoyed testing themselves to their personal limits, and by competing against athletes from other NLC schools.

Clyde Valley’s S1 and S2 heptathletes at the recent games event held at the Ravenscraig Sports Complex.

Ailsa Wylie, a key member of the Scotland Women’s Hockey Team held a hockey master class for our S1 hockey players last week. Ailsa demonstrated some the key skills she has developed over her many years of playing for the national team and spoke of her experiences with the side.

 All of our young players thoroughly enjoyed Ailsa’s coaching and words of encouragement and look forward to her return visit in the not too distant future. Thanks to David Kennedy, our Active Sports Coordinator for organising the visit through the Champion in Sports Initiative.

 Those taking part were: Gemma Muir, Nicole Dunning, Caitlin Thomson, Carly Murray, Leah Hannah, Aleksandra Komarek, Stuart Murphy, Paul Codona and Euan Bradshaw

Members of the school’s Science Club have been reaching directly for the stars recently. Miss Anushi Pathmanathan and Mrs Christina Smith have been thrilled by the concentration and enthusiasm demonstrated by those coming along to the lunchtime sessions.

 One highlight of recent weeks was the team’s attempts to launch a rocket into space. Mr Alex Martin, the schools Technical Technician was sufficiently kind to build the school’s own unique rocket launcher. Mr Paul Lamie, our trainee Science Technician, was also on hand to give our budding astronauts advice and direction.

 Everyone attending the Science Club was wowed by the highly effective rocket launch, even if it failed to scale great heights!

Well done to our senior rock band ‘Blue Diamonds’ who performed brilliantly at last Friday’s Go XL concert at the Civic Theatre. Band members, Jamie Blades, Kelly Powell, Leonna Murray, Ross Garrard, Ricky Owns, Declan Blair and Glenn McBride well vocally supported throughout their three-number set by their backing singers from Wishaw Academy Primary School.

 The event was the culmination of many rehearsals with the P7 pupils, over several weeks. Congratulations also to Project Managers, Jon Connelly and Mark Scott of sixth year, who coordinated the band’s involvement with the Music Foundry.

The art work of Barry Jenkins, of sixth year, recently featured in a special celebration of the creations of local school artists. The event was organised by the Youth Arts and Literary Guild. It was held at the Tudor Hotel in Airdrie and has attracted keen interest. Barry’ work is incredibly thoughtful and provocative. He intends pursuing a career in an art and design industries when he leaves school.

Barry Jenkins and his Art Teacher, Miss Wendy McKenna, stand in front of Barry’s self portrait at the recent Arts Festival Exhibition in Airdrie.