Tag Archives: literacy

S1 Storyteller Extraordinaires!

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Well done to the S1 Storytellers who all performed magnificently at our storytelling event for family and friends on Thursday 30th May. Thank you to supporters for coming along to share the magic of storytelling. And thank you to the wonderful Bea Ferguson, a celebrated storyteller who has worked with our pupils over the past few months to introduce them to stories and develop their confidence. Bea, you have been a great friend to Coatbridge High. Thanks also go to Fraser Burns, former CHS pupil and soon to be drama teacher, who has inspired pupils as he helped to train them for the storytelling event. We loved the ‘Hey Francesco’ warm-up! This has become a highlight on our departmental calendar and we are amazed at how our S1 Storytellers grow in confidence throughout the year. Bravo!

S1 Storyteller Group

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S1 Storytellers have been working with celebrated storyteller, Bea Ferguson, for the past six months to develop their confidence in public speaking. They have learnt stories from around the world and closer to home. Some have even researched their own family stories about relatives who have lived fascinating lives. They are now ready to showcase their stories at a Storytelling Show on Thursday 30th May (1:45-2.55pm). The event will be held in the school library. The storytelling group would appreciate the support of friends and family. Come along and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake whilst experiencing the magic of storytelling.

Please contact Mr MacKay (English Dept.) if you have any questions about the event (01236 794848).

S3 Writer-in-Residence Waterstones Visit

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The CHS Writer-in-Residence group enjoyed a visit to Waterstones Book Shop, Sauchiehall St where they were introduced to new books and had the chance to select a book of their own. Martin Stewart, our writer-in-residence, brought his wife and daughter along to meet the team and they all had a great time checking out books together. A big CHS Merry Christmas to Martin Stewart and his family. Looking forward to more fantastic work with our young writers in 2019!

Annual Burns’ Museum Trip

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Our annual Burns’ Museum Trip in preparation for our Burns’ Supper on Wednesday 6th February 2019, took place on Tuesday 27th November. Pupils from across S1 and S2 participated in a variety of activities including a Tam O’Shanter drama and public debating workshop. Pupils were so enthusiastic and engaged – everyone who worked with the pupils (and even members of the public who chatted with them) complimented them on their participation and brilliant behaviour. Well done Burns bairns!

 

We are delighted to share with you a lovely email from an ex-teacher who was visiting the Museum alongside our pupils. We are so proud of our young people and how they represented themselves, the school and the community!

“Hullo there…I would be grateful if you could pass this on to your head teacher….I am a retired teacher and was visiting the Burns museum yesterday. It soon became obvious that there was school visit going on and as an ex-teacher I duly was watching the kids. I was impressed by their attentive nature to the exhibitions on view and the conversations I had with some of them. All were polite and well mannered, I even ended up helping a few identifying some of the ‘personalities’ on view. Indeed their presence enhanced the day for me…
Yours aye Scott Murray
ex-Alva Academy….”

Book Week Scotland – Rebel, Rebel!

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What a whirlwind! 2018 Book Week Scotland has been and gone in a flash. We celebrated in the department with a variety of different activities. Our weekly book group was on everyday with an incredible turnout of pupils across all year groups with our dedicated Literacy Ambassadors leading by example. Staff participated by sending us their favourite books with a short review. Staff sent us their favourite rebel characters who ranged from Luke Skywalker to Jo March from Little Women. Pupils created a display with all their favourite rebels and their understanding of what a rebel is and why it can be a good thing. Pupils also participated in #ireadbecause garnering attention from around Scotland with their wonderful replies! Classes also participated in Scotland’s Book Trust 50 Word Story Competition writing around the theme of ‘rebel’ with stories set at a music festival. Phew! We’ve not recovered yet!

S3 Writer-in-Residence

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This year’s S3 are making superb progress in their work with writer, Martin Stewart. They will visit Waterstones, Sauchiehall St on Thursday 6th December to find out more about books that will interest them and encourage them all to read even more!

Martin joined us last year to work with our S3 pupils in developing their creative writing skills – these pupils are now writing wonderful creative folio pieces for their National 5 English qualification.

S1 Storyteller

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Continuing our young people’s success last year with our Storyteller-in-Residence initiative – this year’s S1 cohorthave made a great start to their project, working with renowned storyteller Bea Ferguson every fortnight on Thursday afternoons. 

Please click the link below to find out more about Bea and her work:

https://tracscotland.org/storytellers/bea-ferguson/

http://scottishbooktrust.com/profile-author/2678