Whole School Blog – Welcome back to term 4!
A warm welcome back!
We hope everyone enjoyed a well‑earned Easter holiday and had time to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends. It’s lovely to welcome everyone back for what promises to be a very busy and exciting term.
This term will be filled with learning and memorable moments as celebrate important milestones such as First Holy Communion and Confirmation; we prepare for our summer show and support our leavers as they reach the end of an important chapter in their school journey.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We look forward to a positive, productive and enjoyable term ahead.
A reminder for our Confirmation Enrolment Mass – Sunday 28th April at 11am
We would like to remind pupils and their families that our Sacramental Enrolment Mass for Confirmation will take place on Sunday 28th April at 11am. This is an opportunity to come together as a faith community and strengthen the partnership between home, school and parish as pupils begin their preparation for the Sacrament.
We are grateful for your continued commitment and support as our pupils prepare for these special moments and look forward to seeing pupils in attendance.
Youth Climate Action Event
Pupils enjoyed an inspiring day at a Youth Climate Action Event hosted by North Lanarkshire Council’s Climate & Energy Team today as part of the development of the council’s new climate pathway. The event highlighted the importance of youth voices in shaping local climate action.
Throughout the day, pupils took part in engaging sustainability workshops, with fast fashion, food and transport proving to be particular favourites. They learned about the local impacts of climate change in North Lanarkshire and shared their own ideas and priorities for making a positive difference.
The event was a valuable and enjoyable experience, giving pupils a chance to learn, collaborate and have their voices heard on issues that matter to them and their future.
Celebration of Skills Academy – Meta Skill: Initiative
Yesterday, the 23rd of April, we celebrated our Skills Academy, focusing on the Meta Skill of Initiative. Pupils explored what it means to think for themselves, believe in their abilities and be ready to get started so they can make the most of every opportunity.
Throughout the morning, pupils demonstrated initiative by trying new things, making decisions, taking responsibility and showing motivation and confidence. It was encouraging to see them understand the importance of being brave, independent and self‑motivated in both their learning and everyday life.
Well done to all pupils for embracing this important life skill.
Below is a little snapshot of some of our academies and what our pupils achieved yesterday!
Creativity
First Level Skills Academy
Pupils showed fantastic creativity and initiative during the “Not a…” challenge. Using everyday objects such as cardboard boxes, paper plates and cardboard tubes, pupils were encouraged to think differently and explore what each item could become.
They completed a simple design brief — “This is NOT a ___… it is a ___!” — before drawing, building or crafting their ideas using available resources. The activity highlighted pupils’ imagination, independence and confidence in turning simple materials into creative designs.
Design and Manufacture
First Level Skills Academy
In our Design and Manufacture Skills Academy, learners focused on the meta-skill of initiative through an exciting design challenge. Using cardboard and specialist cardboard tools, they worked creatively to design and build freestanding shelters that could withstand the elements, including wind and rain. Pupils showed problem-solving, resilience and innovation as they tested ideas, adapted designs and collaborated to improve their structures. It was fantastic to see initiative in action through hands-on engineering and creative thinking.
Second Level Skills Academy
Second level Design and Manufacture planned a base survival on Minecraft. They created a labelled diagram on their base, the required materials and design process.
Community
First Level Skills Academy
Pupils explored our own school grounds and designed our own park/playground.
Second Level Skills Academy
Pupils explored problems within our community and took initiative to address these with creative solutions.
Life skills
First level Academy
First level life skills used their initiative to develop a product that they would like to see in our school. They designed it as a team on a poster and we used AI to turn them to life.
Second Level Academy
Pupils showed great initiative while learning basic first aid using the DRS ABC mnemonic. They then independently practised placing someone in the recovery position, following each step carefully and responsibly.
This valuable life skills lesson helped pupils build confidence, think for themselves and develop skills that could help others in a real‑life situation.
Food technology
First level Academy
Pupils used their initiative and prior cooking skills to follow a picture‑clue recipe and independently make cereal bars. They confidently measured and mixed ingredients, thinking carefully about each step without written instructions.
This activity was a great example of pupils taking responsibility for their learning and showing initiative in action.
Second Level Academy
Pupils showed great initiative during a Mini Bake‑Off, creating their own flavour‑variation of muffins using a basic recipe. Working independently, they chose their flavour add‑ins, portion sizes, moulds and decorations.
They also took responsibility for timing their baking and checking when their muffins were ready, applying prior cooking skills with confidence. A fantastic example of independence, creativity and initiative in action.
Early Level Skills Academy
Our P1 pupils enjoyed a fantastic learning experience as different academy activities were brought together as stations for them to explore and complete. The stations were designed to develop independence, creativity and important life skills in a fun and practical way.
At the cooking station, pupils showed great initiative by choosing their own ingredients to create a wrap or sandwich. They enjoyed making individual choices and practising basic food preparation skills.
The life skills station focused on everyday tasks such as sorting and hanging washing and doing the dishes. Pupils worked confidently, learning the importance of responsibility and helping with jobs they can use both at school and at home.
At the design and manufacture and creativity station, pupils used their imagination to design and build different structures, developing problem‑solving skills and creativity as they worked with a range of materials.
The station‑based approach allowed all pupils to take part, make choices and build confidence across a variety of learning experiences. It was wonderful to see the P1 pupils so engaged and enthusiastic as they moved through each activity.
A successful and enjoyable day of learning for everyone involved!
