We have created an S1 Transitions twitter that will provide parents and pupils with important updates and information to help prepare their child for High School.
We understand that pupils preparing to attend High school for the first time may be a little nervous and that this feeling could be heightened during the current pandemic when access to the school is very limited. We  hope to answer any questions or queries about joining Taylor High School, and make the S1 transition as smooth as possible.
Follow our S1 Transitions page by searching ‘Taylor High Transitions’ on twitter, or click the link below:
The Speakers for Schools virtual talks are continuing to take place with some fantastic guests! This week, the topics range from science to sports. The talk schedule can be found below:
DATE
SPEAKER
INFO
Mon 1st June 10am
Ann Cairns, Executive Vice Chair, Mastercard
In this interview, Ann Cairns will be asked about her top tips and advice for young people in preparing for their future careers.
What does it mean to work in the creative industries? How can young people develop their personal brand and repuation? Creative Director, Kev O’Sullivan will share his insights and answer student questions!
Tues 2nd June 2pm
Philippe Sands, Lawyer, Matrix Chambers & Professor of International Law
The Ratline: hunting a Nazi, a story about love, lies and justice. In Philippe’s VTalk he will discuss how he came across the story of his book and podcast, The Ratline. Students who are keen on learning more about this story or any budding historians should definitely watch!
In recent times, the world has learnt that public health is vital for a functioning society. Gisela Abbam, Chair of the British Science Association will discuss with students why it is so important and how students can pursue careers in the health sector.
Wed 3rd June 2pm
Dan Connolly, Sports Marketing Executive, Consul Sports Club
Passionate about sports? Think you’d be a great marketer or what to know more about what they do? Tune in to Dan Connolly’s VTalk to hear more about how he turned his passion into a career and what a a career in Sports Marketing could be like.
Thu 4th June 10am
In collaboration with Penguin Talks: Elif Shafak, Author and Afua Hirsch, Writer, Journalist and Broadcaster
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Students who wish to submit questions to Elif and Afua should email
inspiration@speakersforschools.org
How to challenge inequality
Award-winning British-Turkish novelist, Elif Shafak, joins writer, journalist and broadcaster, Afua Hirsch, to discuss the widening inequalities across the world how we can challenge them.
Fri 5th June 10am
John Vary, Futurologist, John Lewis Partnership
Passionate about sports? Think you’d be a great marketer or want to know more about what they do? Tune in to Dan Connolly’s VTalk to hear more about how he turned his passion into a career and what a a career in Sports Marketing could be like.
Join 10 minutes before the VTALK to be ready
You can join without needing an account –Watch how here
This morning at the hub, we went on a virtual trip to France. We made passports, edible Eiffel Towers and French themed empire biscuits. Here are just some of the amazing creations.
Despite the weather, we also went to space this afternoon. We took part in a rocket experiment which was thrilling! Look how much fun we had cheering on the rocket in the video below.
We also did a fun experiment yesterday watching more rockets zoom up into the sky!
It was a very busy day for us at the Hub, as we also managed to fit in some more Van de Graaf generator fun. A hair raising time had by all as you can see!
Today is the Feast of the Ascension which our school community would normally celebrate with Mass.
That is not possible at present but Mass can be found online at many churches across the Diocese.
In particular His Lordship Bishop Toal will celebrate Mass at 11am today for our school communities. Please tune in if at all possible on facebook live at www.rcdom.org.uk
Today at the Hub, we were generating some fun . Mr McCormick shared his Physics knowledge in a lesson for pupils (and staff) using the Van de Graaff generator.
A shockingly fun activity enjoyed by all! Here are some recognisable faces feeling ecstatic.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers and supporters of the Hub who provide fun and engaging learning activities for the young people who attend each day.
We hope that you’ve all been enjoying the Speakers for Schools talks so far! If you’ve not watched one yet, this is how you can join the spectacular virtual talks:
There are 8 talks this week covering subjects ranging from engineering to football. Don’t miss out! Important info about each talk can be found below:
DATE
SPEAKER
INFO
Mon 18th May 10am
Aleida Rios, Group Head of Engineering, BP.
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Why choose Engineering as a career? John, a graduate who works at BP, interviews BP’s Group Head of Engineering, Aleida Rios on how she got into Engineering and how students can build a career they enjoy.
Mon 18th May 2pm
Penguin VTalk Featuring: Malcolm Gladwell, journalist, author, and public speaker
How to Talk to Strangers
Author of five international bestsellers, Malcolm Gladwell, joins academic and author of Don’t Touch My Hair, Emma Dabiri, to discuss the consequences of mis-communication, how to interview others and the art of storytelling.
Tues 19th May 10am
Robert Peston, Political Editor, ITV
Join Robert Peston, Political Editor, ITV and Founder, Speakers for Schools in his very own Virtual Talk!
Tues 19th May 2pm
Kathrina Mannion, Director of Environmental Policy, BP
Kathrina will discuss her career and current role in Environment and Policy. She will also discuss her motivations and career progressions. Kathrina used to be a Senior Advisor for the government so has a really interesting career story.
Wed 20th May 10am
Dr. Maria Faraone, Director of the RIBA Studio, Royal Institution of British Architects
What does an Architect do? Dr Maria Faraone will explore with students more about the career, what it might entail and how students can pursue the career.
Wed 20th May 2pm
David Dein, Former Chairman of Arsenal and the Football Association
David’s presentation is aimed at 15-18yr olds and features the phenomenal success of the Premier League since its inception. David will also impart inspirational messages about how to be successful.
Thu 21st May 2pm
Peter Mather, Group Regional Vice President, Europe & Head of Country, UK, BP
Carbon emissions need to fall fast to meet the Paris climate goals. At the same time, the global population continues to grow – and demand more energy. By 2040, another 2 billion people are expected to be in the world, while energy demand is projected to rise by around a third, equivalent to adding another new China and EU’s worth of energy demand on top of what’s required today. How can we tackle this dual challenge?
Fri 22nd May 10am
Tom Dore, Head of Education, British E-Sports Association
Tom’s session will talk about the transferable skills that can be gained from playing esports, Tom’s session will aim to demystify the esports sector and let students know about the opportunities that exist.
We hope you enjoy the talks and are inspired by the spectacular speakers!
Samantha is part of a group of former pupils who have a unique place in the school’s history as part of the very special group of pupils who composed, recorded and performed the Hymn ‘Faith’ which was sung as the Gathering Hymn at the Papal Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict at Bellahouston Park on Thursday 16th September 2010.
Samantha in more recent times
The group of 14 girls from Fourth Year, including Samantha, were joined by soprano Honor Miller, now former teacher of Modern Languages at Taylor. The group were, of course, conducted by Principal Teacher of Music Fiona Cannon who is quoted as saying ” I grew because of them and they grew because of me”. Their rehearsals and performance were captured by Robert Stewart, then Senior Technician, who used his amazing talent for audio-visual presentation to capture the historic performance for future generations of Taylor pupils and staff. John McLaughlin, teacher of Music at the time, completed the Taylor performance line-up at Bellahouston. John brought his considerable skills in the recording studio to bear on Faith and helped ensure that the final version was recorded to a very high standard in our own high quality studio and remains a excellent audio testament to the talents of all involved to this day!
The Faith Group at Carfin in 2010 with Samantha (front row, second left). Fiona Cannon and Robert Stewart are front right.Faith Group pictured on stage at Bellahouston during rehearsals on 15th September 2010 with John McLaughlin, Honor Miller and Fiona Cannon (L to R) at the back of the groupIn the ‘green room’ shortly before their performance at the Papal Mass at Bellahouston Park on 16th September 2010
On the day of the Mass, which was bright and sunny, the Taylor High choir performed brilliantly in front of 70,000 people with Fiona conducting. Honor provided vocal highlights during the hymn and, although rehearsed for many hours, it was all over in a few minutes – but minutes which go down as the biggest highlight in the history of Taylor High School!!
A large group of very proud staff and pupils from the school were in the congregation that day in a prominent position near the front of the large crowd including Head Teacher Gerry McCormick who said later that “Taylor will never have another day like this one”. It was a very proud moment indeed for the school!
Those of us who were there will remember that day forever and it will will be our abiding memory of Samantha – on that bright sunlit day on the big stage at Bellahouston singing her heart out with her peers and Mrs Miller, all of whom realised how special was the moment they were in – as they sang that beautiful hymn about having Faith in God.
She has now been called by Him at a very young age in only her mid-twenties and, although her passing is unutterably sad for all who knew her and especially for her loving family, her witness will always include those minutes on stage at Bellahouston on a sunny September day when she performed in front of 70,000 people in praise of God!
Taylor High School is excited to announce our new, forthcoming magazine – The Taylor Quarantimes. It will be a chance for everyone (pupils and teachers alike) to share their quarantine tips, stories and creations.
We are looking for submissions; these could be short stories, sketches, comics, poems, articles, art work, pictures and much more. Anything you can think of writing about, we want to read about it. You can share your study tips, gardening, cooking, crafts or just a joke. We are also looking for reviews on the books you’ve been reading and the shows you’ve been watching during lockdown.
This will provide some quality entertainment if you are bored during lockdown. This is a chance for all you artists, creators, journalists, reviewers and writers to showcase your talent!
If you are feeling creative, forward your work to Miss Corrigan at:
The Library and the Home Economics department have collaborated to come up with a ‘dough-tastic’ idea! Introducing…
Do you have a favourite recipe that you would like to share? Then Taylor’s lockdown cookbook is for you! We are welcoming all parents, pupils and staff to get creative in the kitchen! Can you rise to the challenge?
The Recipe for cookbook success:
Step 1: Write your recipe name.
Step 2: Write your recipe list, including weights and measurements.
Step 3: Write your method and add pictures (if you have any).
Step 4: Please email your ‘Beautiful bakes’ by Friday 15th May to;
