A party of 24 S4 and S5 pupils recently made a highly emotional and informative visit to the site of the First World War Battlefields in Belgium and in France. History staff from the Humanities Faculty, organized the trip with Mrs May Mackenzie, Mrs Lynsay Ashton and Mr John Ferrie the supervising staff.

The visit was very much linked in the course work for the National Qualifications programmes and most certainly helped bring historical fact to real-life impact.

The pupils were clearly affected very deeply when they visited the historic battlefields and trenches, parts of which have been preserved to retain a realistic insight into the horrific and dehumanising conditions experienced by hundreds of thousands of soldiers from all sides of the conflict.

The experience very much brought History into the context of modern life, with many pupils moved by the scale of the human carnage that occurred during the ‘war to end all wars’.

On the last evening of the tour, the pupils, dressed in full school uniform as a token of their respect to those who had fallen, joined the residents of Ieper (Ypres) village at the landmark Menin Gate for the Last Post Ceremony. In sombre mood and absolute silence, pupils were then encouraged to give one of the many thousands of unknown warriors his own identity and to mourn his tragic passing.

Aaron McArthur and Emily Parvin laid a Wreath of Remembrance from the school as staff and pupils paid their own tribute to all those who offered the greatest sacrifice of all.

Pupils reported the visit as one of the most significant experiences of their lives to date and one that brought home the true value of History and the horror and waste that was the First World War.

Our pictures capture just some of the experiences that so greatly moved the staff and pupils during Clyde valley’s Battlefield Tour.

The Science Club continues to be one of the most popular lunchtime activities for first year pupils. At one of the recent meetings, pupils thoroughly enjoyed making ‘flubber’ and ‘bouncy balls’ using PVC glue. The sticky problem proved to be lots of fun as they grappled with the chemical concoctions to produce a fun toy, as well as understanding the Science behind the process. Science Technician, Paul Lamie guided pupils through the process and made sure they ‘stuck to’ all health and safety regulations.

Last week, Miss Lauren Stirling and current student, Miss Kirsty Collins, also encouraged pupils to be messy! This time round, pupils were making indicators to test for acids and alkalis, by grinding up cabbage and beetroot! Pupils were delighted the colourful outcome also helped them complete some very significant scientific tests.

Congratulations to Aaron Miller of second year on his recent success in national judo competitions. Competing in the Aged 13-14 years category, Aaron won Gold at the Scottish Grand Prix event. He then built on that success by capturing Silver at the British Regions competition.

Aaron continues Clyde Valley’s strong record in the various martial arts and the school wishes him continued success in this highly competitive sport.

Aaron Miller of second year displaying the gold and silver medals he won in the recent judo tournaments.

During the month of February, the school’s Eco Committee was inundated with entries for this year’s Biodiversity Photographic Competition. Pupils, and staff, were invited to submit to Mr John Weir, Principal Teacher of Visual Arts, as many pictures of images from nature as entrants wished. The range of entries was amazing and included close-up shots of wild-life and plant-life to panoramic landscapes.

The thankless task of judging the dozens of stunning entries fell to Head Teacher, Mr Sommerville, and to Mr Weir, whose Department delivers course in photography, especially to senior pupils.

Deserving winner of the first prize and recipient of cinema tickets was Ket Prabkhonchua of second year. The judges felt Ket’s close-up of lichen was captured with good texture and sharp focusing. Equally impressive were the runners-up of Kate Reid (Lake District landscape), Scott Cooper (fungi), Ainslie Wright (snail) and Shona Scott (fence with birch leaves)

The school recently hosted its second ‘Opportunities Beyond School’ event. Piloted last session, the event targeted pupils in S3-S6 to raise their awareness of jobs, careers, training and study opportunities both in their senior years of study at school and after they have left.

Pupils in S4-S6 visited the games barn location during the school afternoon to visit as many of the 40 plus exhibitors as they wished. Pupils in S3, those from S4-S6 who wished more time, and parents were then able to speak to the presenters at the close of school.

Co-organisers, Miss Anushi Pathmanathan, our Acting Principal Teacher of Work and Enterprise, and Gail Connelly, our careers adviser from Skills Development Scotland, wish to thank everyone who took part and providing such expert advice and guidance to all our learners.

Those presenting included local businesses and professions, many local and national training providers, support and integration services from North Lanarkshire Council and many colleges and universities, serving the central belt of Scotland.

All of the hundreds of pupils who attended voted the afternoon a great success and ‘eye-opener’ for many!

Fifth year pupils, Nicola Sylvester and Frazer Lindsay gathering information from one of the many presenters at the recent Opportunities event.

Last week a party of Clyde Valley senior pupils joined their counterparts from three other North Lanarkshire secondary schools for the return visit to Italy in the annual North Lanarkshire – Pistoia Exchange programme.

Sixth year pupils, Eilidh Smith, Lynsey Walker, Alex Murphy, Karen Perry, Donna Gourlay, Amy McDonald, Lucy Dundas, Ciara Owens and Sarah Thomson enjoyed the chance to visit the Sismondi and Pacinotti Institute in Pescia, Tuscany. Having hosted their Italian ‘twins’ during their visit to Scotland in September, the Clyde Valley students completed a busy programme, giving them a real taste of Italian culture and rich heritage.

Ian Sommerville, Head Teacher, and Elaine Osprey, Principal Teacher of Modern Languages, led the Clyde Valley group. Staff and pupils from Dalziel High School, Our Lady’s High School in Motherwell and St Maurice’s High School in Cumbernauld made up the North Lanarkshire party.

The Clyde Valley party began their adventure by being welcomed by the Region’s Senior Education Officer in Pescia Town Hall. They then visited their twin school, Sismondi and Pacinotti Instituto.

 The group’s exploration of Tuscany began with a day trip to Pisa, with many pupils taking the opportunity to climb to the top of the world famous Leaning Tower.

This was followed by another full day outing to the stunning city of Venice. Pupils enjoyed a ferry trip along the Venetian waterfront as they entered this most unique and beautiful of cities. The girls thoroughly enjoyed a trip around the world-famous canals by gondola.

They then enjoyed a visit to stunning, classical Florence. The pupils marvelled at the world-famous landmarks and stunning architecture. The pupils also enjoyed a day-trip to the beautiful walled city of Lucca. Everyone enjoyed sampling the markets, cafes, stylish shops and restaurants as they gained a real insight into typical Tuscan life.

The pupils were fortunate to enjoy warm, early spring sunshine most days. And, their one day of rain did not stop them walking around the lovely town of Pescia and neighbouring towns as they visited with their Italian twins.

As always during this fantastic exchange programme, the most significant insight into the Italian way of life was undoubtedly when the pupils did visit the homes of their Italian twins. The warmth and friendliness of the families to each Scot was overwhelming. And, once again, the emotional farewells at the end of the week were clear confirmation of the value of this highly successful exchange programme.

The Clyde Valley group records a special word of thanks to the Italian teachers who organised their week, and especially to Massimo Fontanelli, Cristina Brancoli and Giancarlo Pellegrineschi of the Sismondi and Pacinotti School.

Our pictures capture just some of the many places visited by the Clyde Valley students during their Tuscan adventure.

The first year football team won their first league match of the season, coming out on top by the odd goal in five in a thrilling 3-2 contest away to Caldervale High School from Airdrie. The Valley side started well and took a 1-0 lead in a game that was closely contested throughout. The home side equalised and then edged into a 2-1 lead. However, the Clyde Valley side showed great resilience to claw back to level terms before snatching the all-important winner in the second half.

Ross Hayhoe, with a double, and Logan Lawrie netted for Clyde Valley. Every single player in the squad played his part in a most encouraging win for Mr Conway’s side. A special mention must go to David Kennedy, however, for an inspiring man-of-the-match performance.