AHS Newsletter 43

Anderson High School N e w s l e t t e r

March 2014

Issue 43

More examples of pupil artwork can be seen on pages 16-18.

Sean Boyle , 6A

Page 2 Anderson High School

Inside this issue:

Head Teacher’s Comments 2

Important Dates 3

Adv H Biology Trip 4

CERN Visit 6

Junior UHA 8

Duke of Edinburgh 9

ASN News 10

John Muir Award 14

Global Classroom Links 15

S2 Parent Information Evening 15

Winter Reflections 16

Club xl 20

Visit to BP 22

Adv H Modern Studies Trip 22

Mind Your Head Walk 23

Novus Clocks 24

Maths Competitions 24

What’s up in Languages 26

Young Ambassadors 27

Armistice Week 28

Stem Cells Workshop 31

Student Representative Council 32

AHS Code of Conduct 35

Curriculum for Excellence 36

Music Department News 37

AHS Netball 42

AHS Parent Council 44

Proposed New AHS 45

Head Teacher’s Comments - Ms V Nicolson

Welcome to the 43rd Edition of our Anderson High School Newsletter.

New National Qualifications

By the time you receive Edition 44, S4 pupils and their teachers will have worked through the most significant change in Scottish education in years. S4 pupils are the first group of young people to be presented for the new National qualifications (replacing Standard Grades) in May 2014. At the recent S4 Parents’ evening, teachers really appreciated the support of parents at this time of change. The community recognises that we are all working hard to ensure our young folk have the best possible preparation for the Nationals. Mr Cameron, Depute Head, sent a letter to all parents of S4 pupils outlining all the additional support we are offering at this time. You can find this letter on our school website at www.anderson.shetland.sch.uk.

Junior High School Transition

Last week, AHS welcomed S4 pupils from Baltasound, Mid Yell, Whalsay, Aith and Sandwick Junior High Schools on their visit day. S4 pupils from across Shetland spent the morning in AHS, touring the building and meeting our Pupil Support teachers, in preparation for their move into S5 in June 2014. In the afternoon, S4, 5 and 6 pupils from across Shetland attended our Local Opportunities Event, where employers and local colleges showed off the wide range of employment and training available to young folk in Shetland. Speaking with the stall holders, it was clear that Shetland’s youngsters had taken an active interest in what is available. I appreciated the time taken by Shetland’s business and college sectors in supporting the event.


Important Dates

School Term Dates for 2013/2014

Term 3 Monday 06 January 2014 - Friday 28 March 2014 inclusive

Spring Holidays: Monday 31 March 2014 - Friday 11 April 2014 inclusive

Term 4 Monday 14 April 2014 - Friday 04 July 2014

In Service Closure: Occasional Holiday Closure: Monday 14 April 2014 Friday 23 May 2014 Monday 18 August 2014 Monday 26 May 2014 Tuesday 19 August 2014 Monday 27 October 2014 Tuesday 28 October 2014

School Term Dates for 2014/2015

Term 1 Monday 18 August 2014 - Friday 10 October 2014 inclusive

October Holidays: Monday 13 October 2014 - Friday 24 October 2014 inclusive

Term 2 Monday 27 October 2014 - Friday 19 December 2014 inclusive

Christmas Holidays: Monday 22 December 2014 - Friday 02 January 2015 inclusive

(Pupils return to school on Monday 05 January 2015)

Return date for

pupils after the

summer holidays is

Wednesday 20th

August 2014.

Car Park Safety

Given the congestion at the front door of the school, with pupils exiting across the car park, please can you continue to drop off and pick up pupils further away from the building. You could meet your children down on Twagoes Road or up on the multicourt at the back of the school, off Knab Road. Thank you very much for this.

SQA Qualifications

Mr Redman, Depute Head Teacher, is now making the final arrangements for the SQA examinations. All pupils and parents in S4, 5 & 6 will receive a personal copy of the examination timetable and it will be available on the school website.

Good luck to all pupils in S4, 5 & 6 as they approach their qualifications this Spring. The first examination will be held on Tuesday 29th April 2014. I wish you all the very best.


Advanced Higher Biology Trip 2013 - Advanced Higher Biologists

After many homebakes sales, and bag packs we finally made enough money for the 8th Anderson High School Advanced Higher Biology Trip! In December 17 students and 2 teachers braved the wild weather, rough seas, high winds, snow, cancelled trains, and delayed buses all in vain of furthering our Biological minds!

Dundee University

The first Biological Workshop that we participated in was a Cell & Molecular Biology Workshop at Dundee University. The lab was extremely high tech with very modern and expensive equipment. We really enjoyed the lecture and then practical session. We enjoyed using the technical equipment, especially during the electrophoresis session. It was great to have the opportunity to experience a university style tutorial with an inspiring and funny Lecturer. The Lecturer clearly

loved his field and not only taught us workshop information, but also told us lots of interesting facts e.g. how mitochondria and the Y-chromosome can be used to trace our ancestry! We really enjoyed getting the chance to take part in many experiments that we can only read about in school due to costs! All the Science Technicians and staff at Dundee University were so helpful and friendly.

Welcome Trust Research Centre

The Welcome Trust Centre was fascinating! Many scientific pieces of equipment were £500 plus, and cutting edge science was in every room! We saw robotic machines pipetting hundreds of samples in minutes, which was so relevant as we’d taken minutes for one pipette activity at Dundee University earlier in the day. Lots of varied research goes on in the Research Centre, in particular research into tropical diseases like Leishmoniesis and African Sleeping Sickness. It was also so interesting to see how all kinds of fields can be linked to science e.g. artists worked with Scientists to communicate science through an educational cartoon! Each workstation had a Biologist, a Chemist, a Physicist, and an IT Specialist as we were told that this type of interdisciplinary research meant more successful results. This visit helped us to realise how much scientific research actually happens in Scotland, and made us think about many different science related careers.

Dundee

After our Biological Activities, we participated in a little Christmas shopping (for Beanfeast outfits!) and then finished the evening at Chimmy Chungs. Dundee was really festive with lots of Christmas lights everywhere!

Anderson High School Issue 43

Edinburgh University Centre for Regenerative Medicine

The relatively new field of Stem Cell Research is one that will become increasingly important in the future. To follow on from our November workshop with Dr Cathy Southworth, we visited the EUCRM – where ground breaking research in stem cell science is being conducted right now, in Scotland! We were extremely lucky to be able to meet and learn from Professor Sir Ian Wilmot – the Head Scientist on the Dolly the Sheep Project. We had an invaluable experience to be able to question him both on his own experiences in the science world, and on the new advancements currently happening in the centre. We can safely say that we were star-struck and are extremely grateful for this opportunity!

The Centre is unique in Europe – one of the largest of its kind, and it’s situated in a perfect location next door to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and various Pharmaceutical Industries, so that Scientific Researchers, patients, medical staff and Drug Discovery Scientists can work closely together. We had the privilege of a guided tour and were fascinated by observing first rate Scientists at work in an absolutely stunning setting!

Edinburgh Zoo

To conclude our Biological adventure, we participated in a Primate Behaviour Study at Edinburgh Zoo. Firstly we visited Tian tian, the Zoo’s female Giant Panda. This was a new experience for the whole class and we were provided with lots of interesting facts from our Educational Guide. Then we went to the Education Centre for a talk on primates. We

learned about old and new world primates and how they evolved. Then we observed various primates e.g. chimpanzees, marmoset monkeys, gibbons. The Living Links Centre showed us how monkey’s participated in volunteer behavioural studies which was interesting and amusing! Then after the primate studies, we were each given time to observe organisms of our choice! Rhinos, Penguins, Lions, Dassies, and Mrs Reid’s favourite – the Sun Bears!

Edinburgh

To end our fantastic Biology Trip, we spent the evening dining at Pizza Express, and experiencing the Christmas Market Stalls at Princes Street Gardens.

Thanks

To finish, we’d like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone that helped support us; the Zetland Trust, the AHS School Fund, parental contributions, customers of our fundraising homebakes sales, customers of our fundraising bag packs at the CO-OP, and of course to Mrs Reid and Mrs Simpson for their enthusiasm, banter and organising such a super trip for us all in our last year at the AHS .

Thank you from all the Advanced Higher Biologists Kirsty Uttley Kirsty Laurenson Louise-Marie Craigie Debbie Adamson Judith Williamson Hayley Godden Joe Spence Megan Nicolson Natalie Thomson Morven Davies Ilona Kater Jade Stevenson Wesley Cole Kate Chivers Mary Dimitrov


CERN Visit - Advanced Higher Physics Class On February 25th, the Advanced Higher physics class along with Mr Thomason and Miss Morrison, departed on their journey to visit CERN! Over the course of the trip, the group had the privilege of doing many once-in-a-lifetime things!

After a rocky trip on the boat, we headed south to our first destination.. Edinburgh! Upon arrival, and after checking into our hotel, we got to look round the National Museum and then did a spot of shopping! Steven, Harry, Connor, Sam and Douglas bought Olympiakos shirts to show their lack of appreciation towards Scobie's preferred team. Mr Thomason's highlight of the afternoon was taking Sarah, Kate and Miriam for afternoon tea at the Balmoral; he was delighted to have some company.

We hurried to catch our early morning flight to Geneva. By the time we arrived at our destination, we were all starving, so, we braved the hectic, scientist-filled canteen of CERN. After lunch, we went to an introductory lecture which was very interesting. We then went to see LINAC. An eccentric bus driver, who didn't allow language barriers to get in the way of banter, drove us over to it. His catchphrase "CLACK CLACK" (implying we should put our seat belts on) and his entertaining use of facial expressions drove us over the edge with laughter. That night, we had tea at Manora

and then headed back to the hostel where we spent the night chilling in the reading room!

On Friday, an excited look fell over the group when they were told they'd be touring about with Oscar winner Ludovic Bource once they found out who he was. After watching a short 3D film, we descended 100m into the ATLAS detector. The high-pitched noise underground was unbearable! Nevertheless, Dr Pauline Gagnon made sure we enjoyed our visit! Lunch in the CERN cafeteria was, once again, fab! Afterwards, we got to see the birthplace of the World Wide Web, the antimatter decelerator and the magnet testing facility. We bumped into our favourite bus driver again, said our "CLACK CLACK"'s and continued on our long walk through CERN's maze-like campus. Our day at CERN culminated with a master class led by the wonderful Pauline Gagnon who taught us how to hunt for Higgs Bosons. It became quite competitive and we all felt like geniuses! Fondue was on the menu for tea and then we hung out in the reading room once more.


Saturday was great; we rode the water taxis, got soaked by the water jet and ate our weight in chocolate. Mr Thomason especially had a good day; he discovered it was his birthday. The birthday fun included having "Joyeux Anniversaire" (Happy Birthday) sung to him by all the customers in a French restaurant before being presented with his very own personalised chocolate crepe! Safe to say he was well chuffed. Although he took great pleasure in pointing out what we already knew...that his birthday is actually in July! AH Physics 1 - Mr T 0.

Sunday's flight home was pleasant; with Ian beating his already insane flappy birds score and everyone else failing to match it. Thankfully all our luggage made it back with us and we set off on the road home.

We'd very much like to thank everyone who made this trip possible; Mrs Reid for her support and help throughout; Miss Morrison for accompanying us and helping with fundraising; Dr Pauline Gagnon for her time, expertise and her kindness in showing us round CERN and finally, Mr Thomason for his never-ending banter and putting up with us for a whole week!


Junior Up Helly Aa 2014


Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - Mr G Dorrat, Maths Department

There is a healthy number of pupils in the school working towards their bronze or silver DofE awards this session. Twenty six pupils are involved in every year group from S3 to S6. Participants are working on their individual choices of Skill, Physical Recreation and Volunteering throughout the year. The aim is always to improve and to show commitment. Over the winter those who are starting the Award this session do an

Expedition Training course where they learn about equipment, map reading & compass navigation, campcraft, cooking outdoors and first aid. This is to prepare them to design their routes and to be able to successfully complete two or three day walking and camping expeditions in the summer.

The photo sequence shows some S3 & S4 pupils practicing taking bearings from a map then using a compass to

point in the correct direction.

Expedition training group. Using a compass as a protractor to measure the

bearing of a line on a map.

Setting the compass to face the correct direction. All ready to head off on the same bearing.


ASN News - Ms M Grant, ASN Department

As usual, Hilary Conabeer’s class have been getting out and about the community, finding out all about different people’s jobs. Last term the class visited Enviroglass (recycling depot in Cunningsburgh). Chris Massie, the Manager, gave a very informative talk about how our empty and many coloured glass bottles can be recycled into paving slabs, aggregates and bespoke castings! The machinery used for recycling is fantastic and we all enjoyed watching it in operation.

As a ‘Thank You’ to the Manager for showing us around Enviroglass, Class A produced a booklet about their visit which is soon to be added to the Enviroglass website. So for more information about this amazing project check out the website www.enviroglass.co.uk. Class A also took a trip out to the Shetland Cheese Factory in Skeld. It was so interesting to see how different cheeses are produced in our islands. The factory also has a cafe and everyone enjoyed having our snack time there too!

Team listening to Chris Massie, the Manager, explain the process and art of recycling

Jennifer Moss (S4) looking at the smooth glass Equipment for making paving slabs

Quote from Ellie Lynch (S2) “I loved feeling the glass chippings run through my fingers – all warm and smooth.”

Ellie Lynch (S2) checking out the big vat used for making cheese

Everyone dressed appropriately for the visit

Kaylee-Ann Best (S2) – tasting locally produced cheese!


More recently the team visited the ‘Army’ base in Lerwick at Fort Charlotte. No one had been there before so it was really interesting to hear from ‘Mac’ all about life in the army, both here in Shetland and from his active service abroad.

Checking out the grounds of Fort Charlotte

Looking at the cannon!

L-R: Jennifer Moss (S4), Ellie Lynch (S2), ‘Mac’ , Tom Blackburn (S2), Caira Sinclair (S1) and Dylan

MacDougall (S3)

Dylan MacDougall (S3) checking out the equipment

soldiers need to wear

Bright eyed Ellie Lynch (S2) – trying on the combat helmet!

Looking at army provisions Jennifer Moss (S4) thanking

‘Mac’ for a happy morning out

Tom Blackburn (S3) checking out the rifle range through the spy glass and modelling army ‘gear’

Children in Need Fundraiser - Sven Cassidy, S4

I have always been interested in helping others. I understand that some children need more help and I am always keen to help them. ‘Children in Need’ is great. It’s not just about helping children in the UK it’s also about helping children in other parts of the world.

I decided that I wanted to fundraise for ‘Children in Need’. The first thing I did was get some of my friends to help. We made Pudsey biscuits and Pudsey cakes. I made up a price list for our delicious home bakes. It took us several days to bake everything we needed.

I was very busy and organised a ‘Children in Need’ day. I organised a stall in the ASN Department for the morning break. The table looked good and I made signs for the prices and Pudsey bear signs. It all went well and I sold lots of home bakes. In fact, we had to quickly make more biscuits for the afternoon stall.

At lunch break I then organised my second stall. This time I set up the stall in the AHS canteen. After 20 minutes I had sold everything. My customers looked very happy and one boy kept coming back for more and more biscuits!


ASN News (continued)

First Aid

The ASN Department recently welcomed Kaylee-Ann Best’s (S2) dad Mr Andrew Best. Mr Best is a First Aid trainer for the Red Cross. He came in to the department in November 2013 and gave a brilliant talk and practical demonstration for everyone to see. Of course, everyone took part and the following pictures show you what a busy and fun time we had.

The class learnt all kinds of helpful information: how to look after people if they felt unwell or had suffered an injury; what to do in an emergency; how to put a sling and bandage on safely.

We are hoping Mr Best will return and deliver further sessions with other classes in the department.

Andrew Best with helpers (l to R) Caira Sinclair (S1) Ellie Lynch (S2)

Kaylee-Ann Best (S2)

Kaylee-Ann Best (S2) putting her Dad Andrew Best into the

‘Recovery’ position! Dylan MacDougall (S3) having his

arm put in a sling!

Melbourne Study - Louise Jackson 5B

How it all started off was I had to do an in-depth study of another country as part of a module on ‘The Wider World’. The country I chose to study was Australia and I decided to look at the city of Melbourne in detail. Why did I choose Melbourne? Well, Melbourne was my choice because it is one of my favourite places. I have always been interested in Melbourne and I would love to visit it one day in the future.

My course gave a choice of themes and I decided to look at the environment and climate of Melbourne. I thought it was very interesting and I found out a lot more about Melbourne. I thought I knew a bit but I found out so much more!

I found out about the different kinds of animals that live around Melbourne. I also found out that global warming could mean mass extinctions, bush fires and severe droughts for Australia. I looked at different types of weather found in Melbourne. For example, the temperature range can mean heat waves and that one year 24 people died because it was so hot. I found this information from a newspaper headline. I also looked at maps and information on the environment from the internet. On the plus side I also found some lovely photos of people on Melbourne beaches enjoying all the sunshine.

I then had to put all the information about Melbourne on a display board. I managed to borrow some koalas, an Australian flag, a blow up kangaroo and a jar of vegemite! I think it looks absolutely awesome and I hope everyone enjoys looking at it.


Petrofac Boot Camp Fundraiser

In October 2013, there was a telephone call to the ASN Department from a Mr David O’Sullivan from Petrofac. Intrigued by this he went on to say that he had a group of men (and one woman) who were participating in a daily fitness “boot camp” onboard the Kalmar barge which was going to run between October and December 2013. Each participant was paying £1 per session and also received financial fines for eating things like pasties or chips – there was a strict diet to be followed! The group wanted to give this money to a worthwhile cause within the local community; Bells Brae Special Department and Anderson High School ASN Department were the lucky worthwhile causes chosen. David is the kind of man who puts his all into everything. He asked Petrofac to match the total raised, but the fundraising didn’t stop there - the participants were sponsored by their families and friends and the event soon became viral on social media websites used by the oil industry employees. Soon there was money being donated to the cause not only by a number of companies such as Total, but also local Shetland based companies too.

On 20th December 2013, staff were invited to the Sans Vitesse barge (zebra barge) to a celebration of the success of the whole project. Michelle Grant, PT ASN and Julia McGinlay from Bells Brae went along to receive the cheque which ended up being a grand total of £26,000! This money has been split between both schools and has been gratefully received.

In addition to the money being raised, David also wanted to treat the pupils – he wanted to organise a Christmas party complete with Santa’s grotto. Unfortunately because of the weather this had to be cancelled twice, but we did end up having our party in February, at which all had a fantastic time.

The hard work doesn’t stop here though – these fitness sessions are continuing, but this time extra classes are happening with AHS and Bells Brae staff also participating. There are also plans being made for a 10k fundraising walk/run in the summer. All monies raised from this new venture will be shared with Anderson High ASN Department, Bells Brae Special Department and also another worthwhile Shetland cause which is yet to be decided.


John Muir Award update - Mr K Turner The S2 pupils have been continuing with their John Muir Awards over the winter. In November they experienced Shetland’s forests by spending the day at Kergord. This was a great opportunity to explore the woods and take part in different challenges, without the obvious adrenaline rush of climbing a hill or swimming in the sea!

Feedback from pupils has been really positive, with groups gaining something new from spending time appreciating the outdoors at a time of year when we would normally be shut-up indoors.

The sessions were again led by Pete Richardson, with school staff and other environmental professionals supporting him. Pupils followed a trail through the woods, encountering challenges that had been specially prepared by the Shetland Amenity Trust Woodland Team. We enjoyed tales around an open fire within the ruins of an old croft house, and learned a little more about the exploits of John Muir himself. The next experience was to construct woodland shelters from the many fallen branches within the forest, before attempting some rope-course challenges between the trees! The forest days ended with the “best game in the world” (you’ll have to ask an S2 pupil!) and a final opportunity to reflect on how the wild makes us feel on the inside.

Many thanks to everyone for their continued support of the John Muir Award Initiative. S2 will be taking part in the Voar Redd Up before the Easter holidays. Their final outdoor day will come in April when they will embark on a journey, in the true spirit of John Muir!

If you would like to know more about the background to the initiative, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Turner.

Would you like to work towards a genuinely wild experience?

Have you enjoyed your John Muir Award Experience?

Would you like to continue your explorations of wild places?

If the answers is YES then speak to Mr Turner about the possibilities of

an S3/S4 John Muir Converser Award group.


Global Classroom Links - Mr L Peterson A group of pupils and staff from the Hanamaki region in Japan visited Anderson High last term as part of a cultural exchange.

This trip was part of Anderson’s Global Classroom links for over ten years and has seen Shetlanders visit Asia in the past.

During their time at the school they visited classes and presented to local pupils about their language and culture.

They have since written to express their appreciation of Shetland hospitality and would like to thank their host families

and everyone at AHS who made them feel very welcome. Japanese students who stayed with Mr K Gifford’s family

S2 Parents Information Evening - Mr P Robertson, Pupil Support

An Information Evening for the parents of S2 pupils was held on Thursday 23rd January. The focus of the event was to look at the new structure of options choices at the S2 stage and beyond. It was also a chance to find out more about the Vocational Pathways courses available through the Shetland College and the NAFC Marine Centre. Around 80 parents attended and were informed of the new Authority agreed structure to S3 and S4. This

will involve pupils choosing 11 subjects in S3 (English, Maths and a Modern Foreign Language being compulsory) and reducing to seven subjects in S4.

To ensure the requirements of the Broad General Education are met, pupils are required to take at least one subject from each of the CfE curricular areas. In S3 pupils will have four periods of English and Maths as well as 2 periods of the other nine selected subjects. The other four periods will be made up of one period each of

RMPS and PSE and two periods of PE. At the end of S3 the seven subjects chosen will all have four periods per week and the remaining two periods will be one each of PSE and PE.

If you have any questions or queries regarding the options process for S2 pupils please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Pupil Support Teacher.

Donnie Price 6H


Louie Gray 6F

Winter Reflections - Art & Design and Music Departments


Katy Shewan 6G

Louie Gray 6F

Kim Johnson 6A


Juliet Mullay 1C

Isha Iqbal 1D

Maisha Ansary 1D

S1 “Winter Reflections


It seems a long time ago now, but on Tuesday 4th December the atmosphere in the school hall was charged with anticipation as an array of musical items encouraged the assembled audience to get into a festive mood. The concert opened with the Shetland Youth Wind Band who had earlier in the evening wowed their parents and friends with their musical performances at their own concert, and did not fail to please this new audience either.

Other groups providing the entertainment for the evening included Fiddle Finale, the Flute Group, S1 Singers, The Turbanators, the Senior Strings, the Clarinet Group, Tunester, the Senior Singers, Breathless and then the whole concert was rounded off by No Strings Attached. A rousing rendition of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” certainly left the audience in no doubt that the festive season was well and truly underway.

The benefit of such performances can be measured by the following quotes from S1 pupils following their first involvement in an AHS concert:

“I think it was a brilliant opportunity for all of us and it really helped us.” (Rose Roberts)

“It was fun and I liked the songs we performed.” (Anna Perry)

(Mrs A Leslie, Music Department)


Club xl update - Mrs L Moss, Additional Pupil Support The fourth year Club XL cohort is on the last unit of this challenging SQA course. They are completing two projects on ‘Active Citizenship’. One group have undertaken an intergenerational project, working with the staff of Walter and Joan Gray to visit residents and share a good yarn.

The other group are designing a HELP leaflet for AHS pupils who need advice on issues such as internet safety and

health. They are working with lots of agencies who visit the school, as well as compiling existing resources in a handy leaflet.

The fourth years have worked together this year to produce a great team effort – their raffle and car boot sale/Sunday teas were excellently planned and the results were outstanding. Thanks to all the staff and parents who

donated items and helped the group with advice, and of course baking.

The third year Club XL group has been focussing this term on Entrepreneurship and Enterprise. They are planning an Eggciting Easter Sale! They have used their imaginations, marketing skills and design skills to come up with a range of products that will be on sale the last couple of weeks as we approach the Easter Holidays. Of course, they

have included lots of chocolate! Good Luck Team XL.

Photos by John Mackay


S4 pupils have recently been working on the unit Self in Society, which helps us to find out more about ourselves and how we interact with others. Six of the group chose to do an activity with older members of the community. We telephoned various care homes to see if we could attend a session with service users of day care. We were all really keen to go to the Walter and Joan Gray home in Scalloway, as their times fitted in well with our timeta-

ble. We thought of appropriate activities to do, such as card games and Scrabble and consulted with the staff at Scalloway. On the day we went we ended up dividing into two groups. One group of us got taught how to play

Lexican as the service users found the large cards easier to see than small Scrabble tiles. The game involved spelling, mental arithmetic and tactics to win. The other group were involved in more physically active games of Quoits and Target Frog. Again mental arithmetic was involved as well as skill.

We all agreed that our session of intergenerational activities had been fun and we enjoyed the banter. The service users and staff were very friendly and welcoming and seemed to enjoy our visit too. We all agreed that if we could, we would like to go again some time.


Visit to BP, Sullom Voe - Mr K Turner, BP Link Teacher In February, BP Sullom Voe Terminal kindly offered an afternoon visit for senior students applying to the OPITO training scheme. Eleven students from S5 & 6 attended presentations on the different technician trades on offer at SVT. The group then got dressed in full safety gear to go out on a site visit to some of the new plant they might be working with, if they are successful with their applications.

This was a great experience for the students and a real opportunity to understanding the employment opportunities and working environment at one of Shetland’s biggest employers. The visit was made possible by Neil Johnson, the school’s new Link Ambassador at SVT and we would like to thank Neil for the opportunity. We are now working to see how AHS and BP can link up with other activities in the near future.

Back in November the Advanced Higher Modern Studies class was accompanied by Miss Taylor and Mr Mackenzie on a study trip to Glasgow. The eight students, who have all chosen aspects of criminology for their dissertations, had an opportunity to spend two full days using the excellent library facilities at Glasgow Caledonian University for their research. However, the highlight for most was the visit to the High Court of the Justiciary, where the group sat in on a murder trial, and the tour of H.M.P Aberdeen.

Advanced Higher Modern Studies Trip - Mr C Mackenzie , Modern Studies Department


Mind Your Head Walk, October 2013

On Friday 11th October 2013 Anderson High School was pleased to support Mind Your Head with our annual ‘Mini’ Mind Your Head Walk. All pupils in S1 , S2 and S3 took part and enjoyed a fun afternoon – a very active and pleasant way to finish the term!

Mind your Head representative Jacqui Clark led an assembly with all S1, 2, 3 pupils at the end of their walk. The event was celebrated on the Mind Your Head website.


Maths Competitions - Mr G Dorrat, Principal Teacher of Maths

Senior Maths Challenge

The Advanced Higher Maths class sat the UK Maths Trust’s Senior Maths Challenge in November. The challenge consists of a single problem solving question paper which pupils sit without calculators. This year’s class put in a good performance in the competition with five achieving Bronze certificates and two Silver

certificates. This is well above the national standard for this challenge.

If you would like to see the type of questions they solve log on to http://www.ukmt.org.uk/

individual-competitions/senior-challenge/

The photo shows those who did well enough to receive a certificate.

Back row l-r: Harry Thomson, Jack Lawson, Ian Leslie, Sam Constable Front row l-r: Sarah Irvine, Miriam Veenhuizen, Matthew Scollay

Young Enterprise Company - Novus Clocks Young Enterprise is nearing its end for this year and Novus Clocks would like to thank

everyone who got involved! But we are by no means completely finished yet.

We are taking final orders into March, so please do not hesitate to contact us at

[email protected]

If you would like to see our designs, please visit out website:

http://novu.simdif.com or our facebook page

Novus Clocks Back row l-r: Nikki Smith, Lyla Moncrieff, Miriam Veenhuizen, Jenny Watt, Louie Gray Front row l-r: Michaela Peterson, Nicole Odie, John Robinson


Shetland Maths Team Challenge 2013-2014 - Mr E Irvine, Maths Department

In December, the Anderson High School hosted the annual Shetland Maths Team Challenge. Nine teams in total took part from across Shetland, including two teams from our school. The competition started with the group

round where each team of four S1/S2 pupils worked together on ten extended mathematical problems. In rounds two and three, teams were split into two pairs for cross number and ‘mini-relay’ challenges, with limited communication allowed between each pair.

The final round involved each team split into two pairs, at opposite sides of the hall. Each pair in turn answered

questions against the clock, running to and from the supervising teacher to check answers and collect the next question. The determination of the teams intensified in the closing minutes of the competition, with each pupil giving their all.

After the final whistle sounded, pupils and staff waited impatiently for the results to be announced. Our two teams

did well in the competition, however it was AHS Team A that managed to achieve 3rd place, just behind Whalsay School in 2nd position, and winners, Sandwick. Ms Nicolson presented the DITT Maths Challenge trophy to the winning team, and praised the participants on their efforts. Afterwards, AHS participants Lois Ross and Louise Cluness (both S2) commented, “We really enjoyed this year’s Maths Challenge. It is a good opportunity and fun to

compete against other schools.” Alec Henry (S2) also said, “I thought it was a good day that was fun and interesting. I am glad that I took part.”


Quoi de neuf en langues? What’s up in languages? - Mrs V Coyne, Modern Languages Department

I set up a partnership with the Collège Gaston Doumergues, a French secondary school in Sommières in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, in the South of France.

I am currently working with madame Brissaut, a French colleague and two of her classes.

At the AHS, two of my French classes, 1A and 3D, have been corresponding with their partners and had the

opportunity to meet face-to-face via the video-conferencing facilities in the school.

In October 2013, the pupils from class 1A met their penfriends for the first time. They were really excited and they played Simon Says and Jacques a Dit (the French equivalent).

During a session in December, the pupils sang Christmas songs in both languages and played some games. Both

groups joined in very well and it was very enjoyable. Some pupils in the class 1A came with the following comments:

“It was funny to hear them (the French) sing.” “It was good to see their faces.”

“I enjoyed seeing who they were.” “We liked to see what the class looked like’’. “We enjoyed finding out who our penpals are.”

On Valentine’s day, the classes 1A and 1D created poems about love and friendship. I really enjoyed all poems and selected some to share with you…….

Ellis Smith 1 A

La vie sans toi est comme la table sans chaise Life without you is like a table without legs

La vie sans toi est comme la guitare sans corde Life without you is like the guitar without cords

La vie sans toi est comme la fleur sans pétale Life without you is like a flower without petals

Catriona and Ileia 1 A

La vie sans toi est comme les chaussures sans lacet Life without you is like shoes without laces

La vie sans toi est comme la plage sans sable Life without you is like a beach without sand

La vie sans toi est comme la rose sans pétale Life without you is like a rose without petals

Ella and Dionne 1 A

Bonjour soleil, au revoir obscurité Hello sun, goodbye darkness

Bonjour amitié, au revoir solitude Hello friendship, goodbye solitude

Bonjour sourire, au revoir pleurer Hello smile, goodbye cry

Bonjour avenir, au revoir passé Hello future, goodbye past


Young Ambassadors update - Ms J Fraser, English Department The AHS Young Ambassadors have been working hard to provide lunchtime activities every Tuesday for S1-S4 pupils to promote health and fitness across the school.

Last term, they ran 2 mixed netball leagues: one for S1

& S2 pupils and another for S3 & S4 pupils. This was tremendously successful and 12 teams battled it out in 15 minute games over the 10 weeks. Although many boys took part in this activity, the two winning teams,

S2 Turtle Swimmers and S3 Rebound, were all female. It was really good to see so many pupils involved in playing netball or cheering on their favourite team in the games hall and so the YAs have been encouraged to

organise a lot more events for pupils.

To try and build on the success of the netball activities, this term the YAs have been running kick-ball rounders leagues. This has also generated a lot of interest with 11 teams entered. So far, there has always been a good

crowd to cheer on the players and it’s hoped that this will continue in the final weeks of the term.

Upcoming Events

The YAs are hoping to organise an outdoor treasure hunt as part of the annual Active Schools ‘Sport Your Trainers’ day on March 10th. More information, and sign-up sheets for teams, to follow.

Clyde’s Visit

On February 25th, the AHS was lucky

enough to receive a visit from the Commonwealth Games mascot, Clyde. The energetic mascot posed for photos with the YAs and the kick-ball rounders participants.

A number of the YAs had met Clyde previously, at the Summer Carnival last year, but they were pleased to get the chance to show the mascot the sporting activity they

have been running this term and introduce him to a lot of other pupils from the school.


Armistice Interdisciplinary Week - Mr J Sandison, History Department

From the 4th to 11th of November, the Anderson High School

held Armistice Week. With the Shetland Museum and Archives,

educational activities were based around Armistice Week, both

in the school and at the Museum. The wider focus of the week

was to help give pupils an overall understanding of why and how

we remember on a community, national and global basis. The

weeks’ focus encouraged pupils to think about how future

conflict could be avoided, as well as looking at conflict in the

world today and how it is sadly so relevant.

In the school, there were regular ‘reflective’ tannoys throughout

the week, including poetry and general information about

conflict. One tannoy summarised the difference between the

red and white poppies. Another tannoy focussed on two

former pupils who died on the 13th of November, 1916. With

the 100th Anniversary of World War One on the near horizon,

it was hoped that these tannoys would get pupils thinking more

about WW1 which the world was on the cusp of 100 years ago.

Poppy fundraising, run by pupils, took place throughout the

school, with both red and white poppies being sold. Also,

during the week in school in RMPS, pupils discussed the moral

implications of war. Pupils had the opportunity to take part in a

national PoppyScotland poster competition.

On Friday 8th, all of S1 went down to the Museum and Archives

to take part in activities laid on by the staff there, accompanied

by teachers and senior pupils in the school. The classes

completed presentations with a linked programme of events. In

school time, each S1 class was allocated a different conflict in

which British Forces have been involved in over the course of

the last century or so. These included The Boer War, World

War One and Two, as well as the conflicts in Korea, the

Falklands and Afghanistan. They had to produce a presentation

which was shown in the Museum Auditorium. The pressure was

on to complete these before and after the October holidays, but

every group produced something. Nothing like a bit of

‘pressurised time management’. While in the auditorium, pupils

then considered key questions such as how do we remember

and commemorate. They had the opportunity to do a quick

written 'Tweet' to some former ex pupils from the World War

One Roll of Honour. What would you tell them if you had just

one chance to do so?

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them;

nor the years condemn;

At the going down of the sun and in the morning;


Other thought provoking activities were offered to pupils in

different parts of the Museum. In the Archives, and with the

help of the Archive staff, and teacher David Grieve, pupils were

able to develop research on a variety of sources which gave an

insight into aspects of conflict and how it affected Shetland. This

included themes such as how Armistice Day was

commemorated in Shetland, the impact of World War Two on

the Anderson Institute, the Anderson Institute Roll of Honour,

as well as the life of a Shetland soldier on the front line in

WW2, and a member of the Home Guard in WW2. Also,

pupils learned how Shetland was affected by the Pressgang

providing context that conflict in the outside world has always

had an impact upon these islands. Pupils enjoyed the experience

of using the Archives facilities. Also, in the Learning Room with

Yvonne Reynolds, pupils also heard the stirring story of a young

Shetlander, Karl Manson, who fought and died in WW1. This

always brings a tear to the eye of pupils when both hearing the

story, and seeing Karl’s personal items. Social Subjects teacher

Keith Turner gave classes the opportunity to look at conflict in

the world today by completing a brainstorm on why conflict

happens in the world today, and consider what may be the main

challenges of our planet in the future of avoiding conflict. After

all of this, pupils then trooped back up to the Anderson High

School, with thoughts about their morning. There was certainly

much to think about as they passed the house where Karl

Manson had stayed on the Upper Hillhead. A stark reminder of

the past touching the present.

On Remembrance Sunday, both Vaila Morrison S2, and Gary

Jamieson S5 represented the school by laying a wreath at the

War Memorial.

Events within the school culminated on the 11th with a

ceremony in the English Department; the old Institute Building.

Pupils arrived to watch the ceremony to the sounds of Liam

Buchanan S5 and Arran Philip S1 playing bagpipes with Gussie

Angus. Classes surrounded the balcony, while those down

below looked up. This old building was of course where some

former pupils who fell in the Great War and the Second World

War walked and talked. Then, the all school minutes silence was

announced on the tannoy. It was replicated throughout the

school with all pupils stopping what they were doing. Lawrence

Binyons ‘They shall not grow old, as we that were left grow old’ was

read out by Bronwyn Miller of S3 while Janitor Geoffrey Johnson

read it out to the whole school on the tannoy at the same time.

Lord Lieutenant Bobby Hunter, Convener Malcolm Bell, and

representatives of the Royal British Legion, RAFA laid wreaths.

This was followed by pupils Alec Henry S2 and Gary Jamieson S5

also laying a wreath on behalf of the school pupils today, thinking

about former pupils. An emotional and haunting Last Post

played by S5 pupil Drew Garrick on the bugle. Flags were then

lowered by the Royal British Legion. After this, pupils read out

the names of all young men on the memorial. During World

War One, the Anderson Educational Institute lost 49 former

pupils alone.


Finally, Isla Bristol and Connor Dickson of S5 read ‘In Flanders

Fields’ by John McCrae. Then, Flowers of the Forest was played by

Gussie Angus on the bagpipes in a still very silent Anderson High

School. This rounded of an poignant ceremony, with pupils and

staff both reflective and thoughtful; not least as the 100th

anniversary of World War One looms ever closer on the

horizon. All went quietly back to classes, and the school day

continued.

When some pupils were asked 'Why Should We Remember'.

There were some interesting responses.

Rhianne Moar, of S3 said 'we should always remember WW1 no

matter how long ago it was. People of all ages died for our country.

They had the world in front of them. Instead they died fighting'.

Rebekah Jamieson, S3, said 'we should remember the service

people and their families because they have seen and experienced

terrible things that some people can't even imagine. They gave up

and gambled so much just to protect their country. We shouldn't

forget about World War One because it is part of our history and

helped to make the world as it is today. People need to understand

about it'.

Eve Thomson said 'I think we should remember all those lost to war

because they died fighting for something that was not really their

battle'.

Leanne Goodlad went on 'more civilians die in wars than soldiers,

sometimes they too deserve walls with their name. It is sad when a

soldier is killed, or comes back from war with mental health problems,

and civilians will have those problems too. War shouldn't exist at all,

but humans are a violent race, and it will always be unless we

remember'.

Tom Forteath added 'we shouldn't remember soldiers for their

actions, but for their sacrifices in this gruesome war'.

Lisa Watt said 'it has almost been 100 years since WW1 and even

though it happened a while ago we should never forget. The war is a

reminder of what can happen and we should never forget to ensure

things like that never happen again. So to all the people who lost their

lives we should never forget'.

Ella Sinclair S1 went on to say 'I think we should remember because

lots and lots of people died to make the world a better place. People

suffered and lost loved ones or friends and thousands of men were

forced to fight.'

Ellie Arthur S1 added 'I think it would be very disrespectful to forget

all the people who died for us, and I think we should remember

because soldiers would have been terrified but they fought for our

country, for us!'

Kirsty Tait summed up the general feeling well 'ninety nine years ago

thousands of soldiers were risking their lives for their country. Of

course we shouldn't celebrate that, but we should most definitely

remember.....

The Anderson High School would like to thank Tescos for

donating fruit for pupils whilst down at the Museum and

Archives. Staff and pupils from the Anderson High School

would also like to thank the staff at the Museum and Archives

for all activities that they provided, and the work that they

continually put in towards this morning every year.


In November 2013, Cathy Southworth from Edinburgh University Centre for Regenerative Medicine visited the Anderson High School for 2 days to run workshops to S3, S5 and S6 Biologists. The aim of the workshops was to raise our awareness of Stem Cell Research.

Cathy was an extremely enthusiastic presenter and she showed us some amazing video clips and slides whilst explaining fascinating facts about various types of Stem Cells.

Cathy explained the many uses of stem cells;

- Stem cells are being used to test drugs and work out the specific doses required for successful treatment of patients

- Stem cells are being used to help research into degenerative diseases

- Stem cells are being used to replace damaged cells

Cathy challenged us to think about the different steps, and timescales involved from drug discovery, drug trials, to actual use in hospitals and availability in pharmacies. We were surprised that this process can take between 15-20yrs!

We all played a Stem Cells Game which was really useful learning tool that helped us to remember that Stem Cells play two roles – they can differentiate, and they can make new stem cells.

After the talk and game, we all engaged in a discussion, resulting in a question and answer session. We covered so many interesting angles on Stem Cells including; current use of stem cells, media coverage of stem cells, the controversial debates around stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and the potential for the future use of stem cells.

Two Advanced Higher Biology Students – Kirsty Laurenson and Kirsty Uttely helped Cathy run Stem Cell Family Workshops at the Shetland Museum on Saturday 2nd November which was a huge success.

All 80 National S3 students, 100 Higher students and 20 AH students were so grateful for the experience to engage with Cathy, who was so knowledgeable and such a good scientific communicator! All students and teachers were left enthused about the endless potential of stem cells!

Stem Cells Outreach Workshops by Advanced Higher Biologists


This year we have been working hard. Since the start of the school year we have had a number of suggestions brought to our attention from students in various year groups.

The following are just some of our achievements so far.

We organised a Halloween disco for S1-S3 pupils. There was a

fancy dress competition, with Sam Malcolmson and Michaela Robertson (both in S3) coming out as winners.

We spoke to Ms Nicolson about the S4 pupils getting a year group photo. This was approved and will happen soon.

We helped organise nominations for the Queens Baton Relay (the Commonwealth Games equivalent of the Olympic Torch Relay). Our school nominee is David Leaper in S3.


We raised money for Children in Need by organising a lunch time event “It’s a Knockout”, a fancy dress

relay competition with teams from every year group. The commentating was once again done by Mr Smith from PE and thankfully his jokes are improving. We also sold all of our Pudsey wristbands, which helped increase the total amount of money raised. This year, we raised £479.01, which is more than we have ever raised before!

We spoke to the Canteen staff about getting more jams and flavoured teas, which

has been carried out already.

We conducted a survey about the dietary requirements of pupils in the school, and

discussed the results with the Canteen staff. This is a work in progress for us.

We are looking into the possibility of pupils getting First Aid Training.

We are currently working very hard to organise a number of events to raise money for a charity during the last week of this term. We hope to get a lot of pupils involved and collect as much money as

possible.

The SRC would like to once again thank everyone who has

supported them in the last year and for all their great suggestions.


SRC members decided to interview staff members to find out some interesting information about them.

Interview with Mr Cameron, Depute Head

1. When did you go to the secondary school? 1966.

2. When did you leave the secondary school? 1972.

3. What was your favourite subject? English and Latin were my favourite subjects.

4. Was there a subject you regret not doing? It was Physics.

5. Who was your favourite teacher? Why? It was the English teacher, very up to date.

6. Which teacher did you dislike the most? Why? It was the Art teacher, because I wasn’t good at this subject.

7. Did you enjoy the secondary school? Yes, very much.

8. What do you like about the Anderson High School? Good staff to work with and the pupils.

Interview with Geoffrey the Janitor

1. What’s your full name? Geoffrey John Johnson.

2. What are your hours in the school?

37+. 3. How long have you worked here?

14 years. 4. What do you like about the school?

Speaking to pupils, holidays, insulting the teachers. 5. Is there any year group you dislike?

No, I like them all. 6. What’s your favourite year group?

7th year, they’re a nice, quiet bunch. 7. What do you not like about the school?

The geography of the school, the size (not big enough) and the lack of storage space.

8. What are your hobbies outside of school?

Up-Helly-Aa and repairing clocks. 9. Is there anything you really want to see in the new school?

A big janitor workshop.


AHS Code of Conduct Group - Mr B Redman, Depute Head The AHS Code of Conduct Group has met this session to review the current Code of Conduct. Over the next term we will be working on the following: Termly Focus We are going to introduce a termly focus on particular areas of the Code which can be reinforced in the classroom, in the corridors, on the tannoy and on the electronic screen. The themes will be: Term 1 - Safety Term 2 - Respect Term 3 - Responsibility (this will happen from August 2014) Activities for New S1 Pupils We will be devising a Code of Conduct sorting task for new S1 pupils. This will be part of lessons in Personal and Social Education during the first week in August. This will lead onto a competition for S1 pupils to design posters on the Code of Conduct to be displayed in the S1 Social Area. The aim of this task is to highlight the Code to new pupils so they are aware of the key themes. Pupils will also be involved in reviewing the current Code and will be encouraged to suggest amendments at this time. Personal Electronic Equipment As the use of personal electronic equipment increases, we need to look at ways of minimizing disruption to classes with the inappropriate use of devices. Mobile devices can at present be taken to school but due to increasing use the following guidelines have been agreed to help minimize disruption for all pupils and staff. Pupils must switch off all portable electronic equipment before entering a classroom. Photographs must not be taken in school. Clearer guidelines for the inappropriate use of portable electronic equipment have been developed by the group. If a pupil uses portable electronic equipment in class without permission the following guidelines will be consistently followed in school.

1. Teacher gives pupil a warning. 2. Confiscated by Class Teacher for the period. 3. Device confiscated and delivered to Year Head – pupil collects at end of the day from Year Head. 4. Device confiscated and delivered to Year Head – parent contacted to collect device.

We look forward to your support on this.


Curriculum for Excellence - Mr J Cameron, Depute Head

In the previous edition of the Newsletter, we were awaiting the completion of the Local Authority’s policy on the number of subjects that most pupils will take through to National Qualification level at the end of S4. The policy is now finalised and the implications for the Broad General Education for all pupils in S1-S3 and the Senior Phase are as follows.

S1 & S2 Broad General Education (Common Course)

Pupils will be working on a common course which covers each of the 8 curricular areas in the Broad General Education. Most pupils will study the same 14 subjects.

S3 Broad General Education (with some Personalisation and Choice)

Pupils will complete the Broad General Education in S3. They will continue to cover each of the 8 curricular areas and study a total of 14 subjects.

As in S1 & S2, most pupils will be taking English, Maths, French or German and the core subjects of RMPS, PE & PSE. However, they will have a degree of personalisation and choice as they will choose all of their remaining subjects so long as each of the curricular areas is covered.

There will be the opportunity to take more than one subject from the curricular areas of Languages, Science, So-cial Subjects and Expressive Arts & Technologies.

S4 Senior Phase (National Qualifications)

Most pupils will take English, Maths and choose 5 other subjects as their courses leading to National Qualifications at the end of S4. Usually their 5 choices will come from the subjects they studied in S3.

S5/6 Senior Phase (National Qualifications, Highers & Advanced Highers)

In S5 most pupils will take 5 courses, including English, at National 5 or Higher level. In S6, most pupils will take at least 4 courses at National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher level.


Shetland Schools Music Festival

This year the Shetland Schools Music Festival runs from Sunday 16th March until Thursday 20th March and is for primary pupils. This however does not mean that there is no involvement from Anderson High School pupils!

A very successful concert was held in Scalloway Public Hall on Saturday 15th February and several AHS pupils participated, using their musical talents to help raise funds for the running of the Festival. Well done to all who

participated and gave of their time freely.

This year’s Festival is extra special being the 70th anniversary of the very first Festival in 1944. To mark this milestone occasion there will be an Opening Concert at Mareel on Sunday 16th March. A number of our pupils will be participating, some in a choral item, along with pupils from other secondary schools, and some in a massed band

of Fiddles and Accordions. The Concert will also feature performances from previous Festival “Young Musician of the Year” winners and looks set to be a wonderful evening of musical entertainment not to be missed. Tickets are available from Shetland Box Office. Please remember that apart from the Opening Concert (16th March), Young Musician of the Year (Wednesday 19th March, 7 pm) and Gala Concert (Thursday 20th March, evening) which are all

ticketed events, members of the public are welcome to attend and view any of the other classes run throughout the 4 days and Monday and Tuesday evenings. There is no charge for this and all performances will be at Mareel.

Music Department News AHS Musicians in the Community

Our pupils have been busy getting out and about entertaining members of the community over the last few months since the last newsletter. This has included a couple of visits to Edward Thomason House in October, on Wednesday 9th by some fiddle pupils, and on Thursday 31st by some woodwind pupils and also a visit to the Lerwick Senior Citizens Christmas lunch at Clickimin in

December by the senior fiddlers and the S1 Singers. Please read about these events in the following pupil accounts:

On the 31st of October, some of Mrs Peterson’s pupils travelled to Edward Thomason

House in Lerwick to play some music for the residents. There were performances from a flute group, a saxophone group and also some solo piano pieces. The concert was very

well received and enjoyed by everyone! The musicians also enjoyed juice and

biscuits afterwards with the residents. Jack Tait S3


Workshop News - Mrs A Leslie , Teacher of Music

On Friday 22nd November, S3 music pupils were very pleased to have Ms Joy Duncan come into the school to deliver the first of two workshops on Latin American music. She led us through a whole range of Latin

musical styles allowing us to discover the country of origin, language used, tempo and even the dance steps to go with the music! Due to an unfortunate accident, the follow-up workshop was not able to take place on

the 6th of December as planned, but we are still eagerly awaiting the opportunity to try out some Latin rhythms with Joy one day soon!

Students from the UHI BA in Applied Music course had a residential stay in Shetland over the last weekend of November. On Friday 29th November the students went out to one of several Shetland schools to conduct

workshops for pupils. In Anderson High School we were pleased to welcome 11 students for the day,

including former pupil, Peter Keay, to deliver a workshop on song arranging to two separate groups of senior music pupils. Some S2 pupils also benefited from a short concert from the students. This was a very

worthwhile day and a lot was gained from the experience.

First Ever Flash Mob at AHS - Mrs L Wood, Teacher of Music

As part of their music course S1 pupils were learning the Cup Song. They were so enthusiastic and doing so well with it, it was decided to have a Flash Mob at lunchtime to raise money for Children in Need. All the S1 gathered in the canteen at the appointed hour of 1 o'clock - cups at the ready - and performed the Cup Song. S1 volunteers went round collecting and in total they raised a tremendous £90! Not bad for 2 minutes of music.


Shetland’s Invitation to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - Mrs M Scollay, Instrumental Instructor

An invitation has been extended for Shetland to be represented by a group of 40 fiddlers at this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT). Instructors, Pauleen Wiseman and Margaret Scollay, with the help of a small working group, have taken on the challenge of creating the county super group who will travel to Edinburgh in late July. The REMT takes place annually on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Rehearsals in Edinburgh begin on Monday 28th July with the opening show on Friday 1st August through to Saturday 23rd August. Groups perform to an international audience of almost 9,000 each night, with the BBC coverage broadcast all over the world to an audience in the regions of 300 million. This promises to be an unprecedented opportunity to bring the heritage of Shetland to an unparalleled level of publicity. Margaret Scollay attended rehearsals and the show last August to gauge how all elements of this production could be pulled together and commented 'this is a huge opportunity to take Shetland into the homes of people worldwide and is the biggest stage our fiddle players could dream of. The atmosphere is beyond anything I've ever encountered'. In keeping with a year of home coming for Scotland, the REMT are using the theme 'our home, family and friends' for this year's show. Plans are well underway. Costumes are the creation of local designer Neila Nell from Hoswick. While keen to keep a strong traditional element to these garments, Neila will cast a modern twist, appealing to the mixed ages of the group who will be wearing them in Edinburgh. The lighting and sound is provided by top professional teams who have worked on productions such as 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'The X Factor'. Responses are already in from a large number of invitations and there are more in the mail. Many Anderson High students have been given the opportunity to take part in this event which promises to be a lifetime experience for all involved.


Willie Hunter - 1933-1994, Fiddle Instructor at AHS - Zara Sinclair & Eve Thomson (S3)

With the 20th anniversary of his death in January of this year, the fiddle groups of Anderson High have raised their focus on Willie Hunter. We have been listening to recordings of him play and learning some of his compositions. An extensive wall display of pupil’s researched articles about Willie is already underway. The groups will perform the music they have learned at a concert in St Columba’s Church on Wednesday 18th June. The book ‘The Music of Willie Hunter’ was published in December last year by The Shetland Music Heritage Trust and launched at a special event in Lerwick’s Town Hall. Following their successes at Grade 3, the invitation to attend on behalf of Mrs Scollay was extended to pupils Zara Sinclair and Eve Thomson. Willie Hunter Book Launch

On the 13th of December last year we were lucky enough to be asked along to the launch and celebration of the new book of Willie Hunter’s tunes. Some of Willie’s closest family, friends and musical partners were in attendance.

To start the night, local Music Promoter Davie Gardner made a speech about Willie. This was followed by a few words from one of Willie’s best friends, Jimmy Burgess, who told some stories about his times with Willie. After the speeches, fiddler Bryan Gear and Violet Tulloch – one of Willie’s close friends and his accompanist – put their take on some of Willie’s best loved compositions, Leaving Lerwick Harbour, Annie and Farewell to Hayfield House. They gave these all total justice and played them superbly. The night was closed with a few more speeches before we were able to buy our own copy of the book, a day before it went on sale to the public. We were delighted to be at this event. It was lovely to be able to represent our school and our teacher, Margaret Scollay, who was unable to attend.


Music Department Dates for your Diary

11 – 14 March 2014 SQA Music Performance exams for all National 5, Intermediate 2 and Higher pupils

13 March 2014 Shetland Youth Wind Band performance in Yell

16 March 2014 Opening Concert of Shetland Schools Music Festival

17 - 20 March 2014 Shetland Schools Music Festival

19 March 2014 Young Musician of the Year

24 March 2014 Associated Board Grade exams

25 - 27 March 2014 Trinity College Grade exams

25/26 April 2014 Young Fiddler of the Year

2 May 2014 National 5 Listening exam

13 May 2014 Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher Listening exam

18 June 2014 Tunester (+ guests) concert

Rockschool - Mr R Gair, Instrumental Instructor

During the term before Christmas many of our AHS instrumental pupils were involved in Grade examinations with one of the Examination Boards – Trinity, Rockschool and Associated Board. All pupils did well with too many to mention individually. Congratulations to all who received pass, merit and distinction certificates. Best wishes to pupils undertaking Trinity and Associated Board Grade exams in the last week of this current term.

AHS Netball Team - Miss K Leask, PE Department In November 2014 the AHS netball team travelled south to play in round 1 of the Scottish Schools Cup. After making it to the final last year, narrowly missing out on the title, the new team from AHS were keen to get this year’s competition underway. Anderson High School were drawn in a group with Robert Gordon's College, Cults Academy and Albyn School and all 3 of these matches were to take place in Aberdeen over the girls’ short 2 day visit. AHS needed to win at least 2 of the 3 games to secure a place in round 2. In their first match, AHS faced the notoriously strong team from Robert Gordon's College (RGC). Regardless of enduring a choppy night on the boat, the girls were excited and raring to go when the starting whistle went. Both teams took a while to settle, with quite frantic and fast play from end to end. RGC were first to settle, and with some strong passing and fast movement, they took the lead early. After a shaky start, AHS came into their stride with some excellent interceptions from Kim Johnson (GK) and Heather Marshall (GD) and more steady shooting from Alina Murray (GA) and Megan Petursdottir (GS), and managed to close the gap on RGC to 8-7 at quarter time. No changes were made going into the second quarter and both teams started off with some excellent passing and moving. RGC’s shooters were on top form and started extending their lead again. But with some great linking through mid-courts from Lynsey Morrison (C) and Holly King (WA), and vital support from Suzy Hickey (WD), AHS kept the pressure on. RGC loaded pressure on the AHS at-tackers making it very difficult to feed the ball into the circle and the half time score stood at 18-11. Some changes in the AHS side saw Emma Niven come on with fresh legs at WA and Holly King change to WD. The defenders Kim Johnson and Heather Marshall swapped positions and despite the 7 goal difference, the AHS team were as positive and determined as ever. In the third quarter, AHS started off very well with passing linking very well up the court. Emma Niven (WA) worked very well with Lynsey around the circle and the feeding into the shooters was strong. Alina Murray and Megan Petursdottir continued to shoot well despite the strong defence from RGC. Kim Johnson and Heather Marshall fought endlessly against the RGC shooters who were very consistent, and with some critical interceptions from them saw the attack turn them successfully into goals. At three quarter time AHS had managed to close the gap to 22-19. With only 3 goals in it, it was anybody’s game. The AHS positions remained the same and the girls from both sides were ready to give everything in the last quarter. RGC started off very well and took control of the game, increasing

their lead to 7 goals. However, the AHS team dug deep and with excellent defending from all the players along with accurate passing, the AHS team crept back to only one goal behind. With the final whistle looming, RGC upped their game and with almost flawless shooting and fast movement, they pulled away again to take the game 28-24. Final Score 28-24 Later in the afternoon AHS were again ready to take on their next match against Cults Academy. After playing earlier in the day the girls were tired, although they now knew that they had to win the next 2 games to progress to the next stage of the competition. AHS found their rhythm quickly and were linking well together managing to get the first five goals of the game. AHS defence Susy Hickey (GK), Kim Johnson (GD) and Heather Marshall (WD) made it difficult for Cults to feed the ball into the circle as Johnson got many interceptions. The mid-court players Holly King (C) and Emma Niven (WA) worked well together taking the ball up the court to the shooters Alina Murray (GA) and Megan Petursdottir (GS) who barely missed a shot increasing their team’s lead. Cults kept fighting and worked as hard as they could but AHS were dominant in the first half of the game leaving the score 15-3. AHS made a few changes at half time taking Lynsey Morrison on at C moving King to WA and Niven to GA. The team got back on court and kept fighting. Cults defence worked tirelessly getting a few tips of the ball but AHS were quick to gain back possession of the ball and turn into goals. King and Morrison were managing to quickly get the ball into the circle. In the last quarter Cults managed to get the most goals they had gotten in a quarter bringing their final score up to 8. Both teams played a good game and were of a high standard. At the end of the game the score was 28-8 to AHS. Final Score 28-8 The AHS team deserved their meal and a good nights rest before taking on Albyn School the following morning. AHS started playing strong in the beginning of the first quarter with defenders Kim Johnson (GD) and Susy Hickey (GK) getting almost every rebound. Brilliant movement in the circle from AHS shooters Emma Niven (GA) and Alina Murray (GS) made it difficult for Albyn defence to intercept. The score for this quarter was 14-2 AHS. In the second quarter, Albyn shooters worked well around the circle with some accurate feeding. Despite their hard work, Heather Marshall (GD) and Hickey (GK) added pressure to Albyn shooters making it difficult to get the ball. AHS fought back with strong attack from Niven (WA) and Lynsey Morrison (C) feeding well into the AHS circle. The score for this quarter was 25-5.



The third quarter was very strong for AHS with brilliant shooting from Megan Petursdottir (GS) and Murray (GA). Morrison worked well in mid-court making accurate passes up to AHS shooters. Albyn attack worked very hard to get the ball up the court but AHS took a hold of every chance they could only letting Albyn score 5 goals. The score for this quarter was 40-10. Albyn kept on fighting with some brilliant shots from their shooters. This made AHS even more determined to up their score. Holly King played very strong in mid-court making accurate feeding into the circle along with Niven. Johnson (GK) and Marshall (GD) made some great interceptions along with Hickey (WD) helping to get the ball up to Petursdottir who rarely missed a shot. The final score of this game was 51-16. Final Score 51-16

After winning two out of three of their games, the AHS team had secured a place in the 2nd round of the competition. They were drawn a home game against Balerno High School, who unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition. In the 3rd round of the competition the AHS team were due to face The High School of Dundee in an away tie. However, with the boats being on dry dock and pressures of S5/6 prelim exams the team were unable to meet the deadline of this fixture, therefore pulling out of the competition. A big well done to the girls on their success in the group stages of the competition. AHS netball is not over for the year as the girls will be embarking on an in house netball league consisting of teams from different areas of Shetland.

Back row (l-r): Susy Hickey, Lynsey Morrison, Alina Murray, Emma Niven, Heather Marshall Front Row: Nicole Petursdottir, Kim Johnson, Holly King

AHS Parent Council

Current members: Chair Alex Fullerton Vice Chair Sarah Taylor Clerk/Treasurer Nicki Hamer AHS Head Teacher Valerie Nicolson Parent Members Catriona Barr Stuart Polson Frances Valente Lisa Crooks Patricia Wright Joyce Davies Cathy Mann Staff Representatives Adam Johnson Shona Taylor SRC Representatives Hannah Budge, Kaylee Mouat Co‐opted Member George McGhee Elected Member Jonathan Wills Steven Coutts

At the recent Parent Council meeting on 13th February we thanked Councillor Cecil Smith for his contribution to the Parent Council over the years, and welcomed Councillor Steven Coutts as our new Elected Member Representative. We also discussed a few issues of interest to parents, and we are keen to hear from you about these or any other issues that affect your children or the school.

∙ We have been asked to respond to the Sandwick Junior High School Secondary Department Statutory Consultation. You can respond directly individually, but if you would like the Parent Council to represent your views on this please get in touch with any member and we will include your views in our response. The deadline is Friday 28th March.

∙ We are involved in the Stakeholder Group advising about the new High School. If you want to feedback

your views or have any questions about the plans for the new school please get in touch with Alex Fullerton (Chair) or Sarah Taylor (Vice‐Chair).

∙ We continue to talk at our meetings about Curriculum for Excellence and how it is being introduced in the

school. If you are confused about it or want any more information please ask at the school or talk to any member of the Parent Council. We receive regular updates from the staff at our meetings, and they are pleased to hear our views, so we are keen to know how it is going for you and your child and to pass that on to the school.



Proposed New AHS &

Halls of Residence

View of Halls of Residence looking North

View of Main Entrance to High School

View North to Site from Clickimin Broch


Location Plan

Documents

AHS Newsletter 43