Eco-Schools 

Miss Kelly and Miss McGough have been working tirelessly with the members of the Wonderful World Club to make pupils across the school aware of environmental issues.  A ‘Picnic Day’ was one activity organised in October where the pupils were able to sample some seasonal produce. Since then they have been busying themselves with other activities, including making ‘Bird Balls’ to attract the local birds, ensuring their survival as the winter months approach. Shortly, they will be undertaking a project to try and tackle the problem of dog-fouling in the community which seems to be a massive blight on the environment and poses health risks also. In the new term Miss Kelly will be launching a Biodiversity Competition with pupils being asked to capture pictures of things that encapsulate ‘Biodiversity’ with the pictures being displayed in the House Blocks. More details can be sought from Miss Kelly. The school is due to renew its ‘Green Flag’ status and it is hoped that all the hard work of the Wonderful World Club and their two leaders will lead to our status being renewed.

Fairtrade 

The Fairtrade Steering Group met earlier this month and it was decided that the annual ‘Beat the Goalie’ competition should take place in December. The 3-day event was very successful and pupils queued up to take their chances against some famous goalies like Mr Bruin, Mr Conway, Mr Thomson, Mr Ford, Miss Hughes, Mr Keating and Miss Kelly. On the first day we had a celebrity goalie in the form of Mr Malcolm Taylor, Football Development Coach at Motherwell FC. Our sixth formers, Ross Megahy, Ross Garrard, Josh Speirs, Andrew Morley, Adam Lawson and Calum Glover all helped boost our stock of talented goalies. The winner….( I will let you know who this is afterwards) received two tickets to the Hamilton Accies game which had been kindly donated by Mrs Franks. Mr Sommerville was on hand to take photographs and show off his footballing skills. Thanks to all who made the event a success and a special thanks to Miss McGough and Mr Jones who were on hand to supervise. Mr Jones couldn’t resist the urge to take a penalty kick, despite hanging up his football boots last year after sustaining a knee injury. He scored a couple of goals but was soon banished to the sidelines by the boss.The total funds raised from the event will go towards purchasing Fairtrade gifts for the residents of Law View Sheltered Housing.

Work Experience 

‘Work Experience Week’ ran this year from 28th Oct- 1st Nov. Pupils enjoyed a break from the routine of coming into school each day and instead sampled the world of work. Please see some of the testimonies. All had a positive experience with one pupil impressing their employer so much than he was offered an apprenticeship with Arnold Clark.

Enterprise 

An S1 Enterprise Group was launched in December. Mr McDonald supervised the pupils in a pilot scheme of making  ‘nativity scenes.’ The pupils hope to sell these to staff before the end of term. Thanks to Mr McDonald and Mr Martin for helping pupils with this task. Hopefully as the group expands, new and innovative ideas will be turned into money-spinning activities in the new year.

Vocational Courses 

Hairdressing, Construction and Childcare continue to be popular course choices with students at Clyde Valley High School. Please see the testimonies.

Fire Reach 

12 S3 pupils were invited to take part in a Fire Reach programme in October at Coatbridge Fire Station. The lucky individuals were subjected to the same rigorous training as a new recruit.   All came back having found the exercise worthwhile with some expressing an interest in following a career in this field.

Check out the gallery below for a variety of photos!