During the second last week of term, the school held a special Awards ceremony to recognise the achievements of pupils in S1-S3 who had received at least one departmental nomination for Merit or for Endeavour. Guest of honour was Dave Bleakley from the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ organisation, one of the school’s close business partners.

Trained as a motivational speaker, ‘D’, as he likes to be known, reflected on the challenge of moving from his Belfast home during his teenage years to forge a new life in Scotland. He amused the young people with his amusing tales of how language can often mean different things to people from different countries.

‘D’ then spoke of how during teenage years, it can far too often become ‘uncool’ to learn in Scotland and implored all of the youngsters to discard such a mantle of negativity. He spoke of his own pride in qualifying to become a teacher and encouraged all of them to aspire to be the best learners they possibly can be.

He then graciously presented pupils with their individual Certificates of Achievement. The school wishes to thank ‘D’ Bleakley for his words of wisdom and also the Music Department for their wonderful contribution to the afternoon’s programme. A special mention must go to piper, Callum Cowan and snare drummer, Scott Esslemont who played ‘D’ into the theatre with Mr Sommerville.

‘D’ Bleakley with some of Clyde Valley’s S1-S3 award winners and with Callum Cowan and Scott Esslemont.