Kilsyth Academy, Balmalloch, Kilsyth, G659NF – Tel : 01236 632157

Open Evening – Pupils in P5, 6 & 7

Next Tuesday, 19/9/17 sees our annual open evening for pupils and parents from our local Primary Schools. This event will start at 7.00pm with a short presentation in the Assembly Hall before parents and pupils will have the opportunity to tour the school, meet staff and pupils and get a flavour the pupil experience on offer at Kilsyth Academy.  We look forward to welcoming as many parents and pupils as possible from our partner Primaries.

 

Construction careers talk

We were delighted to welcome Dale from ‘concrete in the Classroom’ representing Construction Scotland, to provide information and advice to S5/6 regarding the wide range of careers in the construction industry. This was well received by the young people concerned, who felt that they learned a great deal from the experience.

 

Firereach

A group of S3 girls will participate in the Firereach programme operated by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. This programme provides an insight into the importance of teamwork, challenge and self-belief and supports young people to recognise and develop their own skills and abilities.  A boys group will also attend this programme in the coming weeks.

 

UCAS Support

Our sincere thanks go to Professor Kevin O’Gorman, from Heriot-Watt University. For all his work, in supporting our senior pupils with personal statements. For entry to University in 2018 and also for providing support and advice to parents at our recent UCAS Information evening.

 

Kickstart Theatre Company

Our S1 recently enjoyed a production from the Kickstart Theatre Company designed to support them to recognise risky behaviour and the impact of making poor decisions. This fully interactive session adopted a humorous approach to serious issues and saw pupils taking on roles in the production and re-writing the events of the play by recognising risky behaviour and decision making.  S1 thoroughly enjoyed this event and were instrumental in making this event a success.

 

S2 Film Club

Miss Pollock is starting a Film Club for pupils in S2 in the English Department. The first session will take place this Friday at lunchtime in Room 144.  For more information please see Miss Pollock.

 

Art & Design folios

Any pupils who would like their Art and Design folios returned from the SQA must see Miss Andrew as soon as possible. The deadline for this is 25th September.

 

Dates for your diary

The school will be closed on Friday 22^nd and Monday 25^th September for the annual September holiday.

New Depute Head Teacher

On Monday we welcomed our new Depute Head Teacher, Mrs Kay, who has joined the Academy from Larbert High School. Mrs Kay will be responsible for pupils in Antonine House and jointly responsible for pupils in Colzium House.

 

Maths Week Scotland

The Maths department will be participating in Maths Week Scotland from 11th until the 15th Sept. Further information about of some of the exciting things planned inside and out the Maths department will come out to pupils in the junior school soon.

 

Maths Homework

The Maths department will trial the use on online platforms to issue most homework this session including, the school web-site, Twitter and GLOW. We hope that this will be a successful change however, should this present difficulties for any pupils they are asked to discuss it with their Maths teacher in the first instance.

 

School Photographs

S1 and S4 individual photographs were taken last week and the pupils have been issued with order forms, which should be returned to the school, with full payment, by Friday 8th September, if you would like to buy copies.

 

 

UCAS/University Open Days

Senior pupils are currently visiting a range of University Open Days, as part of the groundwork to prepare application forms for courses that will begin in the autumn of 2018. Over the next few weeks, the seniors will be working on Personal Statements and will have the opportunity to get assistance with them from Professor Kevin O’Gorman from Heriot Watt University on Thursday afternoon, 31/8/17. Seniors wishing support from Professor O’Gorman should have a first draft prepared if they wish to take up this offer of support.

 

 

Dates for your diary

The first meeting of our Parent Council will take place on Tuesday 5th September, at 7.00 p.m., in the school. All welcome.

 

A further reminder that on Thursday 31^st August, we will be holding a UCAS Information Evening, to provide parents of S5/6 pupils with information about the process of applying for university. In the past, parents have found this to be a very informative evening, which will include details about funding, qualifications and the university experience and we will be joined by a guest speaker, Professor Kevin O’Gorman from Heriot Watt University. The evening begins at 7.00 p.m. and we are hoping for a good turnout.

 

We are delighted to welcome our new S1 pupils to the Academy and wish them all every success in the years to come. They are all looking extremely smart and have made a very enthusiastic start to High School life. Well done to pupils from last session’s S4, S5 and S6 on their excellent achievements in SQA examinations. We are very pleased with the results and it is clear that pupils’ and teachers’ hard work really paid off, once again.

 

Last year’s leavers are now embarking on either new courses in Further or Higher Education, or on new careers and we wish them every success. We look forward to hearing about their continued achievements, in the years ahead. A number of former pupils also graduated over the summer and our warmest congratulations go to them.

 

New Staff

We are pleased to welcome a number of new staff: Miss Graham (Biology), Miss McGavin (Geography), Miss Pollock (English), and we look forward to welcoming soon Mrs Keddie (P.E.).  We also look forward to welcoming our new Depute Head Teacher, Mrs Kay, who will also teach in the Technical department, to the school in the coming weeks. We hope that they will all greatly enjoy their time in Kilsyth Academy.

 

Football

Our congratulations go to Cameron McCaffer (S2), who has recently left Cumbernauld Colts to sign as a pro-youth academy player with Partick Thistle Football Club.  We wish Callum the very best success in this move.

 

Dates for your diary

The first meeting of our Parent Council will take place on Tuesday 5th September, at 7.00 p.m., in the school. All welcome.

On Thursday 31^st August, we will be holding a UCAS Information Evening, to provide parents of S5/6 pupils with information about the process of applying for university. This will include details about funding, qualifications and the university experience and we will be joined by a guest speaker, Professor Kevin O’Gorman from Heriot Watt University. The evening begins at 7.00 p.m. and we are hoping for a good turnout.

Reminder that school closes at 1.00pm on Wednesday as per the attached letter sent home.

As you will be aware the UK government has called a General Election on Thursday 8^th June 2017.  As with previous elections Kilsyth Academy will be used as a polling station on that day.  Consequently the school will be closed to pupils on Thursday 8^th June and will re-open on Friday 9^th June as normal.

Celebrating success

Our “Celebration of Success” assembly takes place on Wednesday 29^th March.  A large number of pupils from across all year groups are being recognised for everything from reading to youth philanthropy to achievement of John Muir Trust Awards. We would like to offer our congratulations to all pupils, we are very proud of you.

 

Numeracy week

Recently, during our numeracy week pupils were involved in numeracy focused activities across all aspects of the curriculum to both promote numeracy and support the development of their wider numeracy skills. As part of that event pupils were took part in a numeracy treasure hunt, solving a wide range of numeracy problems posted across the school.  I am pleased to say that Nicole Kelly, class 1C, was the eventual winner.

 

Twitter

We now have a growing number of twitter accounts providing news and information about the school, subjects and departments and careers and the world of work. Help us increase our online profile and keep up-to-date with school news and information by following our twitter accounts.  @KilsythAcademy @ka_envscience @ka_biology @KACareers1@KilsythPe @KAhumanities @KA_library @KAmodlangs

 

Easter School

Easter School takes place during mornings next week from Monday 3^rd April to Thursday 6^th April for pupils in S4- 6 studying for SQA exams.  This is a great chance to get in some focused study with additional support from subject teachers.  Pupils have been issued with the appropriate information and all pupils signed up are expected to attend.

 

End of term arrangements/non-uniform day

School will close for the Spring Break on Friday 31 March at 2.30pm and re-opens again on Tuesday 18^th April.  On Friday 31^st March pupils can participate in our non-uniform day to help us raise additional funds for pupil charities and activities.  The cost to dress down is £1 per pupil.  Classes will continue to run as normal so it is essential that pupils continue to bring with them a bag, jotters and equipment and P.E. kit.  Please note that no football colours are allowed.  We wish all our pupils and families an enjoyable break.

 

Careers fair

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On the evening of Monday 6th March 2017 Kilsyth Academy hosted its first Careers Fair. This was supported by many of Scotland’s top Universities including Glasgow and St Andrews, Further Education colleges, Uniformed Services and Armed Forces along with a variety of employers, both local and national, giving our young people the opportunity to see and be inspired by the possibilities open to them upon leaving school.

The event was organised by Miss Dallas, who is currently responsible for the school’s approaches to the ‘Developing the Young Workforce’ national agenda, and supported by a team of staff. The event was well attended by pupils and parents from S2 to S6 with many positive responses received from both the exhibitors and the school community. Pupils and parents received information and advice with many remarking about how worthwhile and well organised the event was. We look forward to building upon this successful event in the future.

Twitter

In addition to the current notices in the senior cafe and the library, any job vacancies, Modern Apprentice opportunities and other information regarding post-school opportunities and choices will also be posted on the school’s new careers and developing the young workforce twitter account. The page is KA_DYW   Follow us at @KACareers1

 

S2 Parents evening

A reminder to all pupils and parents in S2 that our parents evening takes place on Thursday 23 March from 4.15pm to 6.45pm. This is a great opportunity to consult teacher on appropriate progression routes for S3 and we look forward to seeing as many parents as possible.

 

S2 and S3 Curriculum Personalisation

A reminder to all pupils in S2 and S3 that your curriculum personalisation choices must be submitted by Monday 27 March at the latest.

 

Celebrating success

Our “Celebration of Success” assembly will take place on Wednesday 29th March, period 5. House captains should see your Pupil Support Teacher to agree on who will be reading and presenting on the day of the assembly.

 

S6 – Community Involvement

Could all S6 pupils who have undertaken Community Involvement this year please ensure that their volunteer timesheets are, updated, signed and returned to Miss Strang by Friday 24th March.

Rotary Technology Tournament

On Wednesday March 8^th, schools from across Lanarkshire took part in the annual Rotary Technology tournament in Kilsyth Academy.  All teams worked hard to create solutions to the task brief however, our congratulations go to Kilsyth Academy’s senior team of Beth Wilson, Robyn Shaw, Bruce McBride and Jack McGilvray who put in a great performance to win the advanced category.  Congratulations also to our junior and intermediate teams who, although not placed in their categories put in excellent performances.

 

Numeracy week

This week has seen a focus on numeracy skills across the school. Pupils will have an increased focus on numeracy within their learning and younger pupils will have the opportunity to participate in a numeracy treasure hunt.

 

Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award

A reminder to all S5 pupils considering applying for this award to submit your application to the Outward Bound Trust as soon as possible. This is a great opportunity worth considering as you stand to get a lot out of it. Please apply via the Outward Bound website and if you want any further information regarding the award or support to apply then please see Miss Dallas.

 

S2 Parents evening

A reminder to all pupils and parents in S2 that our parents evening takes place on Thursday 23 March from 4.15pm to 6.45pm. This is a great opportunity to consult teacher on appropriate progression routes for S3 and we look forward to seeing as many parents as possible.

 

S2 and S3 Curriculum Personalisation

 A reminder to all pupils in S2 and S3 that your curriculum personalization choices must be submitted by Monday 27 March at the latest.

Piping success

Congratulations to Luke Shearer (S4) on his continued success with the bagpipes. Luke, who has already achieved success at the World Pipe Band Championships last summer, has now won the National Piobaireachd (under 18’s) that took place in the National Piping Centre.  Luke was also placed in the Jig, March and Reel categories.

 

World Book Day

Thursday March 3^rd is World Book Day and, to mark this event, all pupils in S1 will have the opportunity to participate in a quiz organised by the school librarian with each pupil receiving a book in return.

 

Rotary Speaking competition

The Rotary Club Speaking competition takes place this week with a number of pupils from S1 – S3 involved. Good luck everyone participating.

 

Rotary Technology Tournament

On Wednesday March 8^th, schools from across Lanarkshire will gather at Kilsyth Academy to take part in the annual Rotary Technology tournament.  Working in teams, pupils will be given a problem to solve and provided with a limited selection of resources to encourage creative approaches to successfully achieving the specified aims.  We look forward to welcoming participating Schools and pupil’s to Kilsyth.

 

Employment and Modern Apprenticeship Opportunities

Employment and apprenticeship opportunities are regularly received in school and displayed in the senior’s area of the café and also on our careers notice board. These are updated regularly and pupils considering both routes when they leave school are encouraged to check the notices regularly.

 

Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award

There will be a meeting for S5 pupils on Thursday, 2 March to hear more about the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award and how to apply to participate in the award scheme next session. This award, run by The Outward Bound Trust Scotland, is an excellent opportunity for senior pupils to develop their leadership skills and new friendships and participate in a very worthwhile and rewarding personal experience that includes outdoor learning, a residential experience and participating in community-based projects.  It is a programme that supports young people to develop their skills and CV’s essential for a successful transition from school.  More information can also be found at www.mslfla.org

 

S2-S3 Curriculum personalisation information for pupils and parents

There will be an information evening for parents of S2 pupils on Monday 6 March 2017 starting at 6.30pm regarding the upcoming curriculum personalisation for pupils moving into S3. We will give you information regarding the process and support available for young people and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. Pupils will also receive a presentation regarding this process on Thursday 2 March. We look forward to seeing as many parents as possible.

 

Careers Fair

Parents and pupils in years S2 through to S6 are invited to attend our Careers Fair on Thursday 6 March 2017. This will take place in the school café and there will be a number of employers, colleges and universities in attendance on the evening to provide information and answer any questions. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the different career options available to you upon leaving school or to help with your subject choices for options while you are here.

 

Parent council

The next meeting of the Parent Council takes place on Thursday 2 March 2017 at 7.00pm in the school.

 

S4/5 Options deadline

Pupils in s4 and S5 are reminded that the deadline for returning senior options forms is Friday 10 March 2017.

New Head Teacher

Mr Orrock has now taken up post as the new Head Teacher of Kilsyth Academy. In his first few days he has addressed both staff and pupils and a letter of introduction will follow soon to parents.

 

Cross Country Championships

Kilsyth Academy held their annual Cross Country Championships last week with over seventy athletes competing in either the junior or senior events. This event also doubles up as one of our inter-house events which led to increased competition for every place in the field.  Furthermore the organisation and management of this event is led by our Sports Leaders and is an integral part of their course, allowing them to put their impressive leadership skills into action.

The individual results after some very close racing were;

• Junior Boys Champion ; Robert Lang, Silver, Calum Smith and Bronze Andrew Bendoris
• Junior Girls Champion;   Hayley Conroy, Silver, Robyn Stark and Bronze Sarah Bateman.
• Senior Boys Champion; Fraser Gallacher, Silver, Scott Lilburn and Bronze Ryan Barr.
• Senior Girls Champion; Jessica Curle who successfully retained the trophy from last year, Silver Rebecca Love and Bronze Rachel Thomson.
• House Competition.      Junior Trophy; Balmalloch – 122 points                                                     Senior Trophy; Antonine – 88 points.

All athletes who finished in the top ten in the individual competition, will now represent the school at the North Lanarkshire Championships in March.

 

Senior Tracking Reports  

Senior tracking reports will be issued to pupils and parents this week. Reports for pupils in S5/6 will be issued on Tuesday 21/2/17 with S4 reports being issued on Wednesday 22/2/17.

Easter School

Planning is currently underway for our annual Easter School to support senior pupils preparing to sit SQA exams in the up-coming diet. This will take place from Monday 3 April until Thursday 6 April with pupils currently being consulted on likely participation to allow us to finalise our programme. This is a further excellent opportunity for pupils to receive specific support or indeed, an opportunity for private study knowing that support is available if required and, as such we would strongly recommend pupils in S4,5 & 6 consider taking part if available.

Date for your diary 

There will be an information evening on Monday 6 March for parents of pupils currently in S2 to provide information about the upcoming curriculum personalisation process. Further information will follow in due course.