AHS Newsletter 44

Anderson High School Newsletter Issue 44

September 2014

Full article on page 11

Full article on page 20

Inside this issue:

Head Teachers Comments

2

AHS Development Plan 2014-15

4

Kindrogan Field Studies 5

Peer Support Training 5

Bridging the Gap Activity 6

Important Dates/Term Dates

8-9

Young Ambassadors 10

Page 2 Anderson High School

Head Teachers Comments, September 2014 - Ms V Nicolson, Head Teacher

their school subjects. I do hope that this will see some senior pupils enjoying a school-college experience to the full, with integral work experience and workplace mentoring. Referendum I was really pleased that Shetland’s Chief Counting Officer, Jan Riise, invited four senior pupils, and first time voters, to the Referendum Count at Clickimin Bowls Hall, to observe the count. With 301 pupils of voting age on the day of the referendum, AHS pupils were a significant part of the Shetland electorate. Paul Sansom 5G, Rachel Juel-Beer 5B, Jodie Sandison 6F and Brodie Lawson 5H represented the school well at the count. New AHS New Anderson High School planning permission was granted on 15th September 2014. AHS Parent Council is represented on the New AHS Stakeholder group. Alex Fullerton, Chair and Sarah Taylor, Vice Chair feed back information to the AHS Parent Council as it becomes available, and raise questions on your behalf. Please get in touch with them if there is anything you would like to know.

Summer 2014 It really was a fine summer and I enjoyed seeing many of our school community involved in the Commonwealth Games, other sporting events and even the Edinburgh International Tattoo. Last session's S4 was the first cohort of pupils to achieve the new National qualifications. I was pleased to note that all the hard work of youngsters and staff had paid off, with a good set of results. This year, most subject departments are embarking upon the new Higher courses. The additional In Service Day on Wednesday 29th October has been allocated nationally to give teachers time to continue developing new course materials and assessment. College Links Last week I attended the opening of the Shetland College extension. Former pupils talked about their college work with Princess Anne, as she toured the new building. This year we will see further links forged between Anderson High School, Brae High School, Shetland College and North Atlantic Fisheries College. We are all hoping to be able to offer the current S4 the opportunity to study in school, and at college, in S5 and S6. We hope to offer two HNC options whereby some senior pupils will study at college on two after-noons per week, achieving an HNC at the end of S6 in addition to

Edinburgh Tattoo 11

100th Anniversary Commemoration

12

Global Classroom 13

Glasgow Science Centre 14-15

Art & Design Department 16-18

Library News 19

John Muir Awards 20-21

Outdoor Learning - Geography Department

22

Malawi Experience 23

Student Representative Council

24-25

Music Department 26-29

ASN News 30-34

D of E 34-35

Road Safety in Class 6 36

“Be Your Personal Best” 38

Maths Competitions 38

Nuffield Science Bursaries

39

German Exchange 40

Norwegian Club 41

Advanced Higher Biology 42

S1 Outdoor Activities 43

AHS Activities - May 2014 44-45

Sports 46-47

Queen’s Baton Relay 48


In a Nutshell The National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) produced the useful guide to the Nationals, called ”Nationals in a Nutshell”. You can find these at http://www.npfs.org.uk/nationals-in-a-nutshell/. Now they have released “Highers in a Nutshell” to share more information about the new Higher courses. You can find these at http://www.npfs.org.uk/highers-in-a-nutshell/. If you would like any more information about your son/daughter’s courses, please get in touch with their Pupil Support Teacher at Anderson High School 01595 808008.

Parent Council Our current Parent Council Members are:

Mr Alex Fullerton Chairperson [email protected] Ms Sarah Taylor Vice Chair Ms Nicki Hamer Clerk/Treasurer Ms Catriona Barr Parent Member Ms Lisa Crooks Parent Member Mrs Joyce Davis Parent Member Mrs Karen Hetherington Parent Member Ms Cathy Mann Parent Member Mr Stuart Polson Parent Member Mrs Frances Valente Parent Member Mrs Patricia Wright Parent Member Mr Adam Johnson Staff Representative Miss Shona Taylor Staff Representative Mr George McGhee Halls of Residence Manager and Co-opted Member

AHS Student reps invited to attend

S1, S2 and S3 Pupil Profiling MerIT being launched in Anderson High School this term This term, Anderson High School is going to launch a new way of helping pupils gather their latest and best achievements together in an electronic profile. This electronic profile is called MerIT, and several schools across Scotland are involved in trialling it with pupils in S1, S2 and S3. By the October holidays, all pupils will have been set up with an account. As the year progresses, your child will be able to show you their achievements anywhere they have access to the internet, at home or school. A Parents’ Guide has been distributed in all school bags. We will have more information available for you at the S1, S2 and S3 Parents’ Evenings this year. If you have any questions, please get in touch with your child’s Pupil Support Teacher at AHS on 01595 808008.


Anderson High School Development Plan 2014-15

ICT Safety

We are going to raise awareness, with pupils, teachers and parents, of the importance of keeping safe when using social media. We are going to work with the local Police and other agencies;

Pupil Support Teachers are going to review their Personal and Social Education programme to make sure we have the best information for young people;

The school’s Code of Conduct Group will discuss this and will publicise good practice in classrooms, to help us be consistent;

Mr Redman, Depute, will continue to discuss this matter at Local Authority meetings.

Curriculum For Excellence

We are going to introduce our new curriculum structure from June 2014. S3 pupils will specialise in 11 subjects and then 7 subjects when they go into S4 (in 2015-16);

We are going to review how we have been get-ting on with the Broad General Education (S1-3);

We are going to improve our record keeping when we monitor and track the progress of pupils in S1, S2 and S3;

Subject teachers are going to review the new National qualifications, as these have just been introduced. Teachers will also prepare and present the new Highers, as the first new Higher exams are in May 2015, and

We are going to look at new qualifications and other opportunities for young people in the Senior Phase (S4-6).

GTC Professional Update

All teachers are registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC). The GTC has new operational guidelines for all teachers from August 2014;

Shetland Islands Council and AHS will plan, agree and implement new systems for our professional review and development (PRD).

SIC Strategies

New Anderson High School Project – we will continue to do any tasks asked of the school, as the new building develops. Mr Moncrieff, Depute Head, will be our link in the Project. Pupils, teachers and parents will receive information, and be consulted, as part of this Council project;

SIC Shetland Learning Partnership Project – the school will be working closely with Shetland College and NAFC Marine Centre to plan new courses for S4, S5 and S6. We will have more opportunities for young people in the Senior Phase;

SIC Schools Reconfiguration Project – our school will do any tasks requested of us, as the future of our associated Junior High Schools’ secondary departments is discussed, and

SIC Review of Additional Support Needs – AHS will work with SIC officers as future provision for ASN is planned.

What are our targets for 2014-15?

Kindrogan Field Studies Trip - Miss C Watt, Geography Department

Recently our Advanced Higher Geography class travelled down to Perthshire to visit the Kindrogan Field Studies Centre. After arriving on Friday, we collected a range of data on soils. We took soil samples to look at moisture levels and pH. We also looked at how the vegetation changes as you go up a slope and measured soil depth. We did this to investigate the changes in the landscape and test to see whether what we thought would happen was correct. We also went out to study the course of a river. We looked at depth, width, bed load size/shape, and velocity to see if these changed the further downstream we travelled. After going out and doing the field work, we then used our results to statistically test out ideas. On the Sunday we used Google Earth to map out land use; this showed us how the internet could make data presentation easier. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip away, meeting our new friends from Kilgraston School and all feel that what we learned will help us with the rest of our Geography course. Thanks to everyone who bought quiz sheets and home bakes, or to anyone who sponsored us on our walk, and a huge thank you to Northlink for our travel sponsorship.

L-R: Sammy, Shannon Jamieson, Louise Nicholson, Yasmin Lawrence, Vaila Henderson, Ruth, Rachel (Sammy, Ruth & Rachel from Kilgraston School)

Peer Support Training - Mr A Johnson, PT Pupil

This year’s Peer Support Training took place in the Bruce Family Centre. 43 class 6 pupils attended the training over the two days which was delivered by the school’s Pupil Support staff. The training was introduced by Ms Nicolson who shared her experiences as a sixth year supporting P7 pupils in Bells Brae Primary School. The Peer Supporters then took part in a number of icebreaker activities to demonstrate the importance of developing a relationship with the Class 1 pupils they are supporting. Mr Regan then discussed the importance of Child Protection and high level of trust that would be placed upon them as Peer Supporters. The afternoon session on each day involved group discussions on the pressures that young teenagers face today and an opportunity to view some of the materials which will delivered in the six week programme.

Mhairi MacLean 6G, Charlie Unsworth 6B and Amy Paul 6F model their recycled outfits


A happy meeting


Bridging the Gap Activity - Mrs M Haviland, Languages Department

Another team had a lovely visit to the Walter and Joan Gray Home in Scalloway where they were given a very warm welcome. The same team spent a pleasant afternoon at Montfield Support Services, listening to the old folk reminiscing about the whaling as they unpacked a Memory Box. On both days a team of pupils attended the Islesburgh Lunch Club which is run by RVS. There they were involved in serving the lunches to the clients. They prepared the tables, collected orders and payment and brought out the meals from the servery. After-wards a good number of folk stayed for the entertainment which was again run by the pupils.

Two enthusiastic groups of young pupils spent one of their Activity Days in May with some of the older folk in our communities. Divided into small teams and allocated to a specific location for several hours of their day, they met, chatted with and helped the elderly residents and clients there. One of the teams dropped in at Market House where they were given an interesting and inspiring talk about volunteering opportu-nities for young people. They then had a very happy hour chatting to the hospitable residents of King Erik House before spending a lightsome afternoon at Montfield Care Services. There they potted up plants with some of the elderly folk and helped serve them tea.

In fine voice at Lunch Club

When do we get to eat?

Busy lasses


Here are some of the comments made by the young participants.

I liked going to the care homes and talking to the residents and listening to their stories. It was nice that they were really looking forward to meeting us! I loved bringing a smile to

people’s faces!

One lady had made pan-cakes before we came. She gave us some, and they were amazing!!

When I’m older I would actually like to work with the elderly as a carer. The elderly are so sweet and kind. It was kind of them to enjoy having us there.

I really enjoyed Bridging the Gap! I would definitely do it again.

I felt happy to help the elderly and I enjoyed talking to them and listening to what they had to say. I also liked the Bingo and I sang for them as entertainment.

I think that spending time with and helping older people is a good way to spend time. I really enjoyed helping to serve dinner, and I met interesting people.

I think it’s a good thing to do, because it’s making peo-ple happy, and you might discover some relative or friend.

It was a good experience speaking to old folk. I met a lady I didn’t know, but she had known me since I was little.

I felt happy making other people happy. I would like to do something like this in the future.

It was good learning about all the volunteering opportunities.

Martyna, Kirsty, Carly, Emma, Kaylee, Tegan, Jade, Emma, Rachel, Alyssa, Shannon, Mark and Rhys

Learning from an expert!

Ready for action


Important Dates 2014-2015

Thursday 4th December 2014 S1/2 Beanfeast

Monday 8th December S3/4 Beanfeast

Friday 12th December Senior Beanfeast

Wednesday 17th December S4 Reports out to pupils

Tuesday 13th January 2015 S4 Parents Evening

Thursday 22nd January S2 Information Evening

Wednesday 28th January Occasional Holiday

Monday 2nd February Junior Up-Helly-Aa Party

Tuesday 3rd February S2 Reports out to pupils

Thursday 5th February S2 Parents Evening

Monday 9th February S5/S6 Prelims start

Wednesday 18th February S3 Parents Evening

Thursday 19th February Last day of S5/S6 Prelims

Friday 20th February Occasional holiday

Monday 23rd February Occasional holiday

Thursday 26th February S5 Visit Day/Local Opportunities Event

Wednesday 25th March S5 Reports out to pupils

Thursday 26th March S6 Report out to pupils

Tuesday 28th April SQA Exams start

Monday 27th April S1 Reports out to pupils

Thursday 30th April S1 Parents Evening

Wednesday 20th May Activities (S1-S3) 1 of 2

Thursday 21st May Activities (S1-S3) 2 of 2

Friday 22nd May Occasional Holiday

Monday 25th May Occasional Holiday

Monday 4th May New timetable starts for S2, S3 and S4

Thursday 28th May S3 Reports out to pupils

Monday 1st June SQA last exam

Monday 1st June S5 Information Evening

Tuesday 2nd June

Wednesday 3rd June

Induction Day for new S5

New timetable starts for S5 and S6

Monday 8th June S2 and S3 Sports Day

Term 1 Monday 18 August 2014 - Friday 10 October 2014 inclusive Closed for In-Service: Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 August 2014 Pupils resume Wednesday 20 August 2014 October Holidays: Monday 13 October to Friday 24 October 2014 Term 2 Monday 27 October 2014 - Friday 19 December 2014 inclusive Closed for In-Service: Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October 2014 Pupils resume Thursday 30 October 2014 Christmas Holidays: Monday 22 December 2014 to Friday 02 January 2015 Term 3 Monday 05 January 2015 - Friday 27 March 2015 inclusive Closed for occasional holidays: Friday 20 and Monday 23 February 2015 Spring holidays: Monday 30 March 2015 to Friday 10 April 2015 Term 4 Monday 13 April 2015 - Friday 03 July 2015 inclusive Closed for In-Service: Monday 13 April 2015 Pupils resume Tuesday 14 April 2015 Closed for occasional holidays: Friday 22 and Monday 25 May 2015 Summer holidays: Monday 06 July to Friday 14 August 2015 Teachers’ In-Service Days: Occasional Holidays: Monday 18 August 2014 Wednesday 28 January 2015 Tuesday 19 August 2014 Friday 20 February 2015 Monday 27 October 2014 Monday 23 February 2015 Tuesday 28 October 2014 Friday 22 May 2015 Wednesday 29 October 2014 Monday 25 May 2015 Monday 13 April 2015 Term dates for the following school year can be found on Shetland Islands Council’s website. The direct link is: http://www.shetland.gov.uk/education/term_dates.asp

Term Dates for 2014/15



Shetland Youth Volunteering Awards 2014 At the beginning of this month, the AHS Young Ambassadors were delighted to hear that they have been nominated for the Shetland Youth Volunteering Awards 2014 for all of their hard work over the past year. The nomination was made by Louise Johnson, Active Schools, who was impressed with the range of activities the AHS Young Ambassadors had organised and the way that they supported the Queen’s Baton Relay events last July by giving presentations at the local Lerwick primary schools and helping out on the day. The awards will be judged by a panel including people from Voluntary Action Shetland, The Rotary Club, BP Sullom Voe, Shetland Islands Council, former winners and current young volunteers. A shortlist will be made and finalists will be invited to an evening event at the Town Hall on Monday 10th November to mark ‘Make a Difference Day’ where the winner will be announced. New Young Ambassadors We have a number of new Young Ambassadors joining the AHS team this session which will hopefully help us to organise even more sporting activities and one-off events over the course of the year. We’ve already kicked things of this term by arranging basketball games every Tuesday lunchtime for any S1 and S2 pupils who want to get active and have fun. Aberdeen Conference In early September, two of the AHS Young Ambassadors travelled down to Aberdeen to attend the Sports Scotland regional conference for YAs from across the North East of the country. Their day involved a lot of workshops where they could share ideas with other YAs and learn about the kind of activites being organised in other schools. They also heard from two members of the Scottish Commonwealth team, hockey player, Ailsa Wylie, and gold medal winning boxer, Josh Taylor, and one of the canoe slalom gold medalists from London 2012, Tim Bailey.

AHS Young Ambassadors - Ms J Fraser, English Department

Left to Right: Josie Wishart, Joseph Morgan, Eliza Perdu, Tahnae MacLennan, Stephanie Riise, Libby Fox, Rory Harkness, Katie Bain,

Ashley Symington, Caitlin Ward, Ava Williams, Sonny Thomason & Hannah Wright.

Left to Right: Joseph Morgan, Josie Wishart, Eliza Perdu, Karri Odie, Rory Harkness, Holly King, Stephanie Riise, Dana Watt & Hannah Wright

Rory said that the conference was excellent: 'It gave us a lot of information about our roles in school and lots of new, fun ideas to take back to the AHS.'

Rory Harkness & Hannah Wright attending the Aberdeen Conference

Miss Fraser - Celeb Spotting!!


The Edinburgh Tattoo - Jade Cole 5F

From rehearsals in the Anderson High and Mareel to being stood in front of roughly 9,000 of an audience for a run of 25 shows is some-thing I could only have dreamt of. Having worked at home for 8 weeks, suddenly everything got very real and we were in Edinburgh for 4 days intensive rehearsals to pull the show together. Being part of Hjaltibonhoga, who, as a new group specially formed for the event and for each of us as individuals never experienced anything like the Tattoo before, it meant learning the ropes of the show, formations and even how to march! My abilities and confidence grew every day, even with the show changing rapidly during rehearsals in search of perfection. Having the opportunity to learn completely new skills increased my self-belief. Margaret had warned us of the military operation that the Tattoo is, but nothing could have prepared me for the utmost precision that was requested of us. I found myself constantly checking I was in line, front to back and side to side, waltzing on the right foot, marching on the left and making sure I gave the ultimate contribution as an individual in order that our part was as professional as possible. No one could prepare me for the contrast of playing for a local hall of Shetlanders to playing for a stadium of people from all around the world. I was so hung up on the possibility of being nervous during performances that I never considered the fun that I would have, the friends that I would meet or the music that would move me. As a 16 year old with a burning desire to join the Royal Marines Band Service, I can safely say that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has only served to encourage me more. I will forever remember my experiences in Edinburgh with a smile and, in the words of Brigadier David Allfrey, whose vision it was to have us in the show, it was ‘absolutely epic!’


100th Anniversary Commemoration - S3 History Pupils

In line with the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of the Great War, S3 History pupils are currently learning about World War One. Here is what a couple of them had to say about it.

In History so far we have learned about the 37 days leading up to World War One. For example, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and some of the main causes of the war including Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism and Nationalism. We have also started to look at Scots on the Western Front. For example the creation of the Western Front, the German invasion of France through Belgium, how Britain got involved and recruitment. We have looked at the different stages of army recruitment including the role of the British Expeditionary Force, the Volunteers, the Territorials and conscripts. We have also looked at the difference between the kit of the British ‘Tommy’ and the Scottish Soldier. The 100th Anniversary of the First World War is extremely important so that everyone throughout Scotland and Britain can remember every soldier that fell during the war. We also have to remember that the 100th Anniversary will only happen once and never again. When we reach the 200th Anniversary there may be less newspaper clippings, photographs and medals so there may be less real items that meant so much to people. World War One was a tragic time in history throughout the Commonwealth, Europe and the rest of the world, and I hope that it will never happen again.

Alec Henry S3 History pupil

In History we have been learning about how the Great War started. Many factors contributed to how the war started. One of the first factors was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo, Bosnia. The first conspirator threw a bomb at the car and missed. He was arrested. There were seven Serbs behind the assassination plot. One succeeded. We have been learning about the Triple Alliance, including Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, as well as the Triple Entente, including Britain, France and Russia. The existence of these Alliances made it more likely that war would break out between the major European powers. At the moment we are working on Scots on the Western Front. We are learning about why people joined up for war. One of the main reasons was peer pressure, partly by women. Also, one poster asked ‘Daddy, What did you do in the Great War’. This put across a picture of a man being made to look guilty about not doing anything. Another reason was that people would have seasonal work, or boring jobs. Joining up could be an escape from this and an opportunity to also get a regular wage. In my opinion, I think the most important thing is that we as a nation learn from our mistakes. The reason we learn about what we have done is so we don’t do it again. The 100th Anniversary is very important because we need to remember the lives that were lost and how so many people willingly joined up to fight for our country.

Sonny Thomason S3 History Pupil

On the anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, 28th June, History pupils read out a school tannoy. S3 History pupils are currently undertaking community Heritage work in relation to the impact of World War One upon Shetland.

German army advance in 1914 on the Western Front.

British Army resting at Mons.


Global Classroom Conference Returns to Shetland - Mr L Peterson, Global Citizenship

Next summer AHS hosts the annual Global Classroom Conference, which will see around 70 staff and students from around the world visit the islands in what should be a community event and a celebration of the isles' proud history of international links. This all stems from Anderson High’s unique educational links with schools in Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany, USA, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Every year, pupils and staff visit one of the partner schools and have a conference on a particular theme. This has seen hundreds of AHS students travel and make friends from around the world over the last 20 years.

Next year, everyone will come to Shetland and take part in various cultural and educational activities throughout the isles. They will share views on the world and present work done on this year’s Conference theme, which is ‘Sharing Pasts – Shaping Futures’. There will also be a social side to this as pupils are hosted by local families and the itinerary and activities will be led by a group of 6th years from AHS. Last time it was held here was in 2009. It all kicks off from 21st June 2015 and lasts till Monday 29th when the international groups return home.

Japan Exchange A group of seven students from Hanamaki in Japan will be visiting Shetland between Tuesday 4th and Monday 10th November. The students are aged 13-14 and will be spending their week visiting various places of interest while also presenting to classes on Japanese culture and their home community. If parents are interested in hosting a member of the group, please get in touch with Lewie Peterson.

Global Classroom Conference in Zlin, Czech Republic which took place in June

Hosting can be a very enjoyable cultural experience for the whole family, as well as providing a much more interesting insight into Shetland life than the visiting student would otherwise gain. With the holidays fast approaching, time is a little tight, so we would appreciate if anyone interested could contact Lewie as soon as possible (details below). If you have any questions, please ask - Lewie Peterson on 01595 744012 ([email protected])

In June 2014, Anderson High School pupils experienced an AMAZING 3D Body Works Show produced by Glasgow Science Centre. S3, S4, Higher and Advanced Higher pupils wore 3D glasses and encountered a 3-dimensional journey through a virtual human body in the WOW Room. Show Topics included the Nervous System, Respiratory System and the Digestive System.

Glasgow Science Centre - 3D Body Works Show - Mrs C Reid, PT Biology/Physics


The 3D images were amazing and really highlighted how complex the human body is! It was so interesting seeing how all the aspects that we’ve learnt about in Biology actually fit and work together! Kate Jones & Agata Delnicka (Advanced Higher Biology)

I really enjoyed the show! It was so interesting to find out the story behind the man that was dissected, and how useful his body has been for science and medicine. Megan Grant (Advanced Higher Biology)

The show was so relevant to CfE Higher Human Biology because we’ve just completed the Neurobiology Unit. It was great to see the neural pathways and all the different parts of the brain in 3D.

Ruairidh Nicolson, Maddy Chivers, Beatrice Anderson, Meg McGinlay (Higher Biology)

The show really helped to put our learning into perspective, and it was really fun and engaging. To actually see a real life body in 3D was amazing and it was captivating to view each part of the inside of Joseph’s body. The use of a prisoner’s body who was on death row is very controversial and generated lots of discussion and thoughts.

Dorothy Ferguson, Lynsey Henry, Olaf Kurtz (Higher Biology)



National 4 and 5 Art work Last May, our S4 students had their first go at producing work for the new National Qualifications. Here is a selection of work from student Expressive Folios and Design Folios. We hope you are as impressed by the quality of the work as all the Art & Design staff were. Very well done to all the students who put in such a remarkable amount of work over the two years!

Art & Design Department—Mr F Hogg, Principal Teacher of Art & Design and Music

Becky-Jo Smith

Lauren Boyle

Lauren Nicolson

Lisa Moncrieff

Rachel Bradley

Nathan Rosie

Sophie Williamson


Amy Johnson

Darren Kerr

Lynsey Henry

Eliza Perdu

Eilidh Blance

Murdo Grahm

Nathan Rosie

Rachel Bradley


In our Advanced Higher course, all our students produced excellent work and achieved great grades last session. As a testament to all their hard work, and for a second year in a row, a student folio from this school has been selected to be displayed at a National exhibition of outstanding Advanced Higher work in Glasgow in October. Louie Gray’s work shows fantastic attention to detail, close observation and has a strong theme running through it. Here is a small selection of Louie’s outstanding work.


Library staff – Tanya Odie, Zuzanna O’Rourke and Frazer Pottinger. Frazer (S5) is doing some work experience in the Library this year.

Library News — Mrs T Odie, School Librarian

We held a World Cup competition before the summer holidays. Pupils and staff were invited to complete quizzes about football and the countries involved and were entered into a prize draw. The winner of a book and DVD set was Chloe Hitchin, 2D, and the winner of the staff prize was Mr Malcolmson. We have recently updated the Library pages on the school website. Please have a look. We would like to encourage pupils, staff and parents to send us their book reviews which will be added to the website. The Library is also now on Twitter, follow us @ AndersonHighLib for up to date book releases, book and film trailers, author news, tips on studying and both Library and school news. The new S1 have been playing ‘The Reading Game’ as part of their Library induction and this has involved looking at books from different genres, discussing them in small groups and deciding which one has the best cover, the best blurb and the best beginning. The Library staff have constantly had to update the piles of books after each class as so many were being borrowed – a good sign.

Some of 1D playing ‘The Reading Game’


John Muir Awards completed in May 2014 - Mr K Turner, Geography Department

As we reported last, the school is now engaged in working towards the John Muir Award with S2 class. In May the current S3 completed their Awards and received their certificates at a special assembly, led by Mr Pete Richardson. The John Muir Award involves the discovery, exploration, conservation and sharing of experiences in relation to wild places. The project has been a partnership between SIC Outdoor Education team and the AHS Social Subjects departments which has seen 125 pupils in Secondary 2 being offered 4 themed outdoor adventure days. The days exposed pupils to the different environments we have here in Shetland and complimented a range of classroom lessons on Wild Shetland and coastal landscapes. This project is an opportunity to ensure that secondary pupils at AHS have quality outdoor learning experiences that are truly imbedded into the school curriculum. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge pupil achievement in a meaningful way. During the outdoor days, planned and delivered by Pete Richardson, pupils were repeatedly asked “how does the wild make you feel on the inside?” Here are some of their responses:

We also asked pupils if their experiences over the year had changed their opinion of Shetland. Here are some of their responses: .

Of the 125 pupils in the Secondary 2 classes, 97 received an Award at a special assembly presented by Pete Richardson.

Well done everyone!

Exciting but SCARED

Adventurous, Wild, Excited

Excited and Thrilled

Free, Happy

Relaxed, Alive, FABULOUS!

Makes me feel good Calm Peaceful

Like I could do anything and proud

I feel more confident to explore Shetland

My thoughts are that Shetland is bigger than I thought it was and it has great memories for me.

There’s a lot more things to do and see than if you just stick to the obvious places. I’ve seen a waterfall and caves that I never knew even existed before.

There’s a lot more things to do and see than if you just stick to the obvi-ous places. I’ve seen a waterfall and caves that I never knew even existed before.

I’ve always thought Shetland is amazing, but after the John Muir award I’ve realised, that Shetland is not just amazing but a one in a million place.

I have done things I would not have done before.

I stop and look at Shetland’s beautiful views far more than I used to.

I’m proud of Shetlands outstanding views.


John Muir Award: the next class! At the time of writing, the current S2 classes were just about to start out on their second outdoor adventure day. After summiting Ronas Hill in June and completing the first themed classroom work in Social Subjects, they are well on their way to achieving their Awards. We are also really excited that the English Department have come on board this year to lead the classes through reflective writing based on their outdoor adventures. We’ll report on the adventure days in the next Newsletter.

2P1 enjoying a typical June day on Ronas Hill

Students created a display inspired by John Muir Award at Shetland Library – May 2014

Calling all S3 Students.... Did you enjoy the John Muir Award Outdoor Days?

Are you ready for some real outdoor challenges?

Have you considered the Conserver John Muir Award?

See Mr Turner for further information.


Outdoor Learning through the Geography Department - Mr K Turner, Geography Department

In September we will be spending the day in the Clickimin area collecting a range of data that can be processed and written up by students. Look out for an update in the next Newsletter. Advanced Higher Geography: Lerwick & Beyond In June the AH Geography classes used class time to practice a range of field techniques around the Lerwick area. As the last cohort of the old curricular system, field work it quite novel to these students. It’s vital that they learn their techniques before starting their personal research project which forms 40% of their final grade. As this Newsletter went to press, the AH class were departing on their annual trip to the Kindrogan Field Studies Centre in Perthshire. Here they will work with other schools to develop their physical geography techniques as well as applying statistical and graphical analysis. The group would like to thank everyone who supported their fundraising activities prior to the trip. We’ll report on their weekend in the next Newsletter!

With Geography certificate classes well into the curricular changes there is now a far greater importance and relevance placed on fieldwork data collection and analysis. All students now take part in some form of outdoor learning that forms part of their final qualification. Nationals Geography Field Work Day: Sound In May, the current S4 Geographers spent the day learning fieldwork techniques so they could investigate the urban geography of the Sound neighbourhood. Based at the Community Hall, students recorded data on traffic flow, environmental quality, and land use. They also explored the Sound beach area to conduct a sediment analysis and footpath erosion study. Groups were also taken out to the Dale Burn to learn river study techniques. After a successful day in the field, classes used a range of graphing and analysis techniques to look for links and relationships between their data. We used Digimap map software to introduce Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and to consider what future developments would benefit the Sound neighbourhood. The individual write-ups of the project have formed the National 4 added value units for the class and may form the basis of their National 5 assignments. Higher Geography Field Work Day: Clickimin As well as updating the Higher Geography content, Curriculum for Excellence has also brought back the Higher assignment. Worth 30% of students’ final grades, the assignment is most effective when based on field work.

S4 learning river study techniques at the Dale Burn

Quantifying the rate of footpath erosion at the Sands of Sound


Malawi Experience - Ms Ingrid Thomson, Former Pupil

programme will finish in 2015 so if it is really something you feel you are interested in, then apply now, it really is your last chance!! I can’t even begin to tell you all how much of a valuable experience it was! It is something you need to experience before you really understand but I can tell you for a 100% fact if it is something you do decided to pursue you won’t regret it for a second! If you have any more questions for me at all feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at [email protected] or visit http://www.volunteerics.org/. If you’re not sure about what you want to do after you finish school I would advise you to give ICS some serious consideration!

Looking back on my time in Malawi now it almost all seems like a dream, it’s crazy to think this time 3 months ago I was sitting in my house in Mzuzu and now I’m sitting back in my house in Shetland just like nothing ever changed. But things did change, I have changed in more ways than I thought possible and that is all down to the time I spent in the most amazing country with the most amazing people. I hate clichés and I hate people who use them even more but there really is no other way of putting it than to say my time in Malawi really did change my life. I volunteered through the programme ICS which is funded by DFID, a programme for 18-25 year olds. There is 9 different charities taking part and you could be sent to countries literally all over the world from Nicaragua to Ghana to Cambodia. (I’m just being bias but if you apply GO TO MALAWI!!) There are projects working on a range of different things including Improving Health and Sanitation, Women’s Empowerment, HIV/Aids Awareness and projects concerning the Environment just to name a few. The ICS


(Not Pictured: Bianka Meszaros, Anna Perry, Emma Eunson, Rose Roberts)

Chairs Yhanna Smith

(with Ciara Kelly as Vice‐Chair) Connor Dickson, Isla Bristol, Jodie Sandison, Finn Gibson

Secretaries Chloe Nicolson, Sally Sandison, Vaila Henderson

Due to this being the biggest SRC group yet (33 members!), the SRC has been split into subcommittees, each run by a different Chair, and Vice‐Chair:

Communications Connor Dickson (S6) Rachel Juel-Beer (S5) - Rory Harkness (S5) - Natalie Moverley (S5) - Mona Zuberi (S4) - Amber Grieve (S3) - Emily Briggs (S3)

Journalism Isla Bristol (S6) Sarah Burgess (S6) - Sally Sandison (S5) - Lucy Holden (S3) - Rona Learmonth (S3) - Karen Lobban (S3) - Rose Roberts (S2)

Board Decorators Jodie Sandison (S6) Sarah Kissick (S6) - Chloe Nicolson (S6) - Vaila Henderson (S6) - Paul Sansom (S5) - Hannah Wright (S5) - Hedda Shannon (S5) - Brodie Lawson (S5) - Joe Thomson (S1) - Louis Duncan (S1)

Other Finn Gibson (S6) Nicola Wright (S5) - Alec Henry (S3) - Anna Perry (S2) - Emma Eunson (S2) - Bianka Meszaros (S1) - Loni Wiseman (S1)


The SRC Members Get to Know One Another All newly applied members took part in an Induction Day in the Hostel, where we participated in a range of team-building activities. Firstly, we engaged in such activities as: 2 Truths & A Lie, and other tasks that encouraged speaking to each other and learning about our differing strengths and traits. This helped break barriers and build foundations for new friendships. We were then split into groups and given a task to design two 3D models: one which included things that we thought represented the Anderson High School community, and one which included things that we felt represented Shetland. Everyone had fun! The SRC’s Plans for the Year Ahead The SRC are very excited about the year ahead. Our first task is to try and get orders together for the AHS hoodies. We will be starting to interview staff members, too! We have another couple of things to keep us busy and we will have more things to do once other pupils tell us their views and ideas. Every year the SRC organise some fundraising activities, which are enjoyed throughout the school. We can’t wait to get started with planning all these fantastic events.

The New SRC Interview! The SRC are starting a new project where we will interview staff members of Anderson High School,

finding out more about those who make this building and community tick.

Interview with Zusanna O’Rourke, one of Anderson High’s esteemed Librarians

SRC: Where did you grow up?

Zusanna: In the middle of Poland, in a big industrial city, with skyscrapers. SRC: What was your childhood dream?

Zusanna: To have bright green hair! But, I didn’t get to, because my mum wouldn’t let me. SRC: Did you always want to work in a library?

Zusanna: No, but I always loved books. Since I was 5, I have always thought that the Library was a good place.

SRC: Why did you want to work at the Anderson? Zusanna: I love books, and I think that books are great to have in your life.

SRC: What does your job involve? Zusanna: Reading, being able to recommend books, picking the right book for a person,

generally keeping the place in order, and helping with homework or research. SRC: What do you like about our Library?

Zusanna: I like the room. It is light and cheerful. SRC: Are you enjoying Shetland?

Zusanna: I am! SRC: What do you do in your free time?

Zusanna: Read, play with my 5-year-old and 7-year old kids, walk, and watch movies. SRC: What’s your favourite book?

Zusanna: The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver. It is about an American family living in the Congo.

SRC: Do you recommend any books? Zusanna: The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman. But, pretty much anything in teenage fiction.

It’s like a whole new world.

Go say “Hi!” to Zusanna in the Library, and make sure to thank her for all the great work she does!


Music Department News — Mrs A Leslie, Teacher of Music

Jazz On Monday 2nd June we were honoured to welcome into school 4 renowned Jazz musicians – Gilad Atzmon, Tom Bancroft, Ronnie Rae and Brian Kellock – who were in Shetland to perform at the Jazz Festival. S4 pupils were both entertained by and educated about the basics of jazz improvisation. At one point in the workshop, Tom Bancroft created a “human piano” out of the workshop participants and used this unusual instrument to demonstrate simple improvisation. Gilad Atzmon also took time to talk with the pupils about his philosophy regarding music education. The following quotes give a flavour of the pupils’ reaction to the work-shop: “It was very inspiring and gave a great insight into the world of jazz, improvisation and playing by ear. Also we got to see them play some jamming tunes.” “Inspirational in everything you do, not just music”.

Latin Rhythms The sounds of Latin Rhythms pulsated from the Music Department on Tuesday 24th June when Joy Duncan visited to deliver the second of two workshops to S4 pupils. Great fun was had by all and it was a worthwhile learning experience for the pupils involved.

Unusual Instruments At the end of term Mr Davidson, Biology teacher and folk music enthusiast extraordinaire, very kindly brought in a selection of his more unusual instruments for pupils to get a close up look at them. The star of the show was undoubtedly the Hurdy Gurdy which not only made a fascinating sound but was also a beautiful item with intricate patterns of inlaid wood. A Hurdy Gurdy is a very complex instrument to play but Mr Davidson was able to give a very polished performance and also explained clearly to the S3 pupils the various different techniques employed in producing the music. Thank you Mr Davidson!

Workshop Wonders


Summer Serenade

On Wednesday 11th June our S5 and S6 Music pupils, supported by some of the younger Music pupils, filled St Columba’s church with beautiful music much to the delight of the assembled audience. There was a wide selection of performances ranging from a rendition of Saint-Saens “L’Elephant” played on electric bass guitar to songs from the shows delivered with theatrical panache! Mrs Wood announced this year’s winner of the Geoff Wood music prize, Jenny Watt, being the worthy recipient.

On Tuesday 1st July some of our Anderson High School fiddlers went to Clickimin to be involved in the Commonwealth Baton Relay. Their job was to provide a harmony to accompany the song “Here’s to our Commonwealth” which was sung by everyone at the end of the ceremony.

Baton Fiddlers

The standard of musicianship on display at the Senior Young Musician of the Year competition on Wednesday 26th March was particularly high and each participant is to be congratulated on their dedication and attention to detail which led to such polished performances. There were 7 competitors altogether playing on a range of instruments including Drums, Clarinet, Piano and Strings. After a very enjoy-able “concert” provided by the competitors, the adjudicator of the Shetland Schools Music Festival, Mr Andrew Adamson, was faced by the hard task of choosing one person to be the winner of the trophy and title of Senior Young Musician of the Year 2014. This honour fell to Sophie Wishart, S6, who had performed on both Piano and Cello. On being asked to explain her feelings on winning, Sophie commented: “Before going on stage I was quite nervous because all the other acts were playing at a really high standard, and I had to go on

stage twice to play. I was extremely surprised to find out I had won but very pleased at the same time. I would like to thank Mrs Cooper and Mrs Garrick for helping me to perform to my best ability on the day.”

Senior Young Musician of the Year 2014

Cheque Presentations from Willie Hunter Concert - full story overleaf


In July 2014, Sarah Keay, Debbie Adamson and I travelled down to Perth for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) Senior Orchestra’s summer course. The orchestra has about 80 members between the age of 12 and 18 from all over Scotland. It was a resi-dential course in a boarding school which lasted 8 days. We spent the first half of the course rehearsing for our concert in Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh. Each day we practiced for about 8 hours in sectional, ensemble and full rehearsals under our Conductor, James Lowe who has previously conducted the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Our repertoire included Franck’s Symphonic Variations with the soloist Benjamin Grosvenor and Glazunov’s 5th Symphony. For the second half of the course we travelled to Glasgow each day to rehearse as part of the Perch Carnival in the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme and Surge Festival. The carnival was held outdoors and it consisted of performers flying from the roofs of buildings, mass street theatre and a rooftop choir. The 90 minute long show was performed twice in Rottenrow Gardens, Glasgow beginning at 9:30pm each night. It was an incredible experience and a great opportunity to meet other musicians from across Scotland who were the same age as us. It was amazing be tutored by professional musicians who were so encouraging.

Hannah Adamson

Trinity and Associated Board Instrumental Grade Exams - 24 – 28 November 2014

Christmas Concert - Wednesday 3 December 2014

With an ever increasing number of young people playing fiddle in school, the time has come to assess the group work available. Group work has been a regular feature of the music on offer as part of the Anderson High's fiddle timetable. It offers many skills beyond that of music. Commitment, responsibility, team support, reliability, the list goes on. 'No Strings Attached' is a long established band suitable for players up to a Grade 2 or equivalent. 'Tunester' remains the advanced group aiming at Grade 4-5 or equivalent as a minimum, with the topflight players forming 'Hansel'. The new group 'Unreel' will cover the middle bracket of youngsters at Grade 2-4 level. It is the intention that this should keep the number in each group more manageable and that the music played can be at a more appropriate level for all. If you play fiddle in Anderson High but do not receive your lessons in school there's no reason why you cannot join these school bands - see Mrs Scollay in the Music Dept on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

Fiddle Groups at Anderson High School - Mrs M Scollay, Instrumental Instructor


Celebrating the Life and Music of Willie Hunter—Mrs M Scollay, Instrumental Instructor

the recording of Shetland music for many decades were present. We were most touched by the attendance of Pat Hunter, Willie's widow and also his sister Lorna and her husband Artie Fullerton. Many of Willie's compositions were featured by the school groups from Anderson High and Brae High. Musical highlights of the evening have to be the music by the current Cullivoe band, which also featured Zara Sinclair in S4 joining them for a set of waltzes, and the fiddle solo by Bryan Gear accompanied by Violet Tulloch.

Bryan's playing has often been likened to that of Willie's and to hear him play tunes, of which Willie was an exceptional exponent, was indeed special. Violet Tulloch was Willie's accompanist for most of his solo performances and recordings. Her playing is solid, reliable and her delivery of a slow air is unequalled. Annually I present the 'Lell Robertson Award' in memory of my late father who was the biggest enthusiast for traditional music I have known. The award is presented to someone who has reached a personal goal, achieved beyond expectation, or who has given extra commitment to group work and their playing in general. This year it was my pleasure to give the award to Mary Dimitrov. Mary has taken her playing to an excellent standard. She has been a dedicated member of all school bands she has been part of and has always brought her musical ideas to the arrangements of music. As Willie ended his career as a fiddle instructor and was immensely proud of all his students achieved, we decided that all proceeds should be divided between the Young Fiddler of the Year competition and the Shetland School Music Festival. An overwhelming total of £1,000 for the evening gave £500 to each organisation. Cost of a night out can be prohibitive for a family and I genuinely worry that young players have fewer chances to see live the quality of music we experienced in the church that night. However there is nothing quite like seeing the result of devotion, emulation and the maturity of tone that this brings. What the fiddle students gave to the evening along the exposure to this level of traditional music is something that they will not forget in a long time. But also, the point of the evening, to bring Willie Hunter to their minds has been well and truly achieved.

While driving to work one morning the radio presenter announced 'the news today, the 3rd of February'. That day, in 2013, would also have been the 80th birthday of local fiddler Willie Hunter, sadly January 2014 marked 20 years since his death. As someone who grew up listening to the music he played, eventually getting to know him, playing piano for him on several occasions and also having him in the Cullivoe band sit in front of me, I realised that it was now my job as an instructor to make sure the current learners knew of his importance to our music.

The name Willie Hunter is, to any fiddler, synonymous with Shetland fiddling. Willie was barely 61 when he died from cancer in 1994. When I think of Willie, it is of a gentle man who played with fire and passion in equal quantities and with a depth of emotion that was engulfing. Although a traditional fiddler, he admired the technical abilities of players such as Josef Heifetz, the magnificence of the Kreutzer studies for violin, the spontaneity of Stephane Grappelli, the tone of Nat King Cole's voice. In his younger days he had played Inter-County football which instilled a keen interest in keeping up with the weekly results. With a new publication of Willie's compositions released in December 2013, the way was paved for a concert in June 2014. It was testament to the love the public had for Willie that St Columba's Church was packed on the evening of June 18th. We were also delighted with the attendance of several special guests. Jim Halcrow, accordionist of 'The Hamefarers' dance band, Mary Kay, wife of the late Billy Kay who was responsible for

Bryan Gear plays with the Cullivoe Band


ASN News - Ms M Grant, PT ASN

Swan Trip On the 6th of May 2014, pupils and staff from the ASN department went out for a trip on the Swan. They went for a sail around the harbour, looking at all the wildlife, and learning about the boat as they went. Even though the weather was not the best, and it was a bit rough, everyone had a good time, even if some people were feeling a little bit seasick!

Activities Week During Activities Week, pupils from the ASN department enjoyed taking part in a variety of activities. The pupils also took part in a trip to the Quendale Mill, where everyone enjoyed having a look around and learning about the Mill. They also spent time at the Cunningsburgh Youth Club playing games and interacting with each other.

Craig Tilston plays pool at Cunningsburgh John Robert Jamieson at Quendale Mill

Dylan McDougall at Quendale Mill

Ellie Lynch, Kaylee-Ann Best, Paul Ditchburn & Craig Tilston enjoying their time on board the Swan


The pupils took part in a trip to Scalloway, which included a visit to the castle, the museum, and a trip on the boat, the ‘Wootton Lass’.

There were also other activities going on at the same time, including trips to local cafes, swimming sessions and walks. Everyone enjoyed their week, and are looking forward to next year’s activities.

Skipper Angus Morrison takes the wheel

Ellie Lynch, Paul Ditchburn and Kaylee-Ann Best enjoy the boat trip

Artwork using Beach Bruck by the ASN pupils - Ms K Hay, Art & Design Department

Back in the department, some pupils took part in a craft session, led by the Art Teacher Kirsten Hay, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. ASN pupils upby created some group artwork using beach bruck. Some of them collected shells and bruck from a beach during that week and took it back to class where we created a large whale picture, crab and some garden art/sculptures.


Pupils collecting ‘bruck’ and shells from the seashore

Roan Polson & Kaylee-Ann Best collecting shells and pebbles from the shoreline at Hoswick

Katie Hunter working on her art work


ASN News continued

Hilary Conabeer’s class have been to visit the new Visitors Centre at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. It was a fantastic trip. Pupils learnt how lighthouses work and many interesting facts about marine life. This visit ties in with their project this term called ‘Shetland Shores.

As part of this project they also visited Hoswick Beach to see what they could find on and around the shoreline. They collected lots of bruck from the shore and discussed whether it was possibly washed in from the sea or litter carelessly or deliberately left behind from people. They also collected shells and pebbles to use for art work. On the other page you can see several pictures pupils from the department previously created from items gathered from the seashore with Art & Design teacher Kirsten Hay, as part of the Activities week in May this year.

As part of ASDAN Towards Independence coursework this year Hilary Conabeer’s group have produced a huge wall display all about ‘Pregnancy.’ Lots of adults in the department brought in baby ‘scan’ pictures, and everyone tracked the weeks of 2 members of staff in the department who were expecting babies! We then had a fundraising idea to make up a ‘GUESS THE NAME OF THE BABY’ competition. This is currently in progress and money raised will go the Gilbert Bain Hospital Maternity Unit. ASN pupils showing work they have carried out on ‘Pregnancy’ as part of their

ASDAN Towards Independence ‘Relationships’ course

Ellie Lynch lighting up the lighthouse! Looking on are Tom Blackburn and Kaylee-Ann Best

Tom Blackburn, Ellie Lynch, Kaylee-Ann Best and Caira Sinclair comparing how tall they are compared to that of an Orca fin!

Tour guide Tony telling Tom Blackburn, Ellie Lynch and Caira Sinclair all about the dangers of bruck on our shores

The ‘A’ Team heading back from Hoswick beach Jennifer Moss making good use of beach bruck and shells!


ASN News continued

Visit to the department by Bruce NCube On the afternoon of the 27th August, Zimbabwean drummer and dancer Bruce Ncube came to visit the department. Bruce specialises in teaching songs from his native Zimbabwean culture. However in collaboration with local drummer and musician, Joy Duncan, Bruce delivered an uplifting workshop for all pupils in the ASN department involving song, djembe drumming and dance. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and we thank Joy for thinking about us and arranging Bruce’s visit.

D of E, What’s That? - Mr G Dorrat, PT Maths

This is the newer name for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award! The school runs the Award for all pupils in S3 through to S6 who are interested to take part. It is all about crediting improvement and commitment to leisure activities. Pupils choose to do one activity from each of four sections and continue to do that regularly for either three or six months, showing some improvement over that time. The DofE Award is held in high regard as completion shows that the young person has the ability to set goals and stick with tasks until they achieve them. It is the first thing which universities and many employers look for after academic qualifications, when choosing applicants. Pupils can choose to take up a new activity or do something they would be doing in any case. For example many pupils choose playing their musical instrument for their Skills section, and continue to play in their football or netball or hockey team etc. for their Physical Recreation section. As long as they attend regularly and put in the effort to make some improvement out-with school hours, this counts towards their DofE Award. Volunteering is a worthwhile section of the Award where pupils may help out running clubs or groups they have been part of when younger, or give of their time in a charity shop, or S6 pupils can help out in school departments in their free periods. Many also use this same time to count towards a Saltire Volunteering Award. The fouth is the Expedition section. Here all participants learn campcraft, first aid, how to route plan, navigate, and to cook on stoves as part of the expedition training course we run after school. Then in groups they plan and go on two expeditions. Any S3 to S6 pupils are welcome to come along to find out more or make a start to the Award any Thursday lunchtime from 1.25pm in A2.3.

Melody Duncan, Mona Zuberi & Eleanor Hutcheon practice cooking on a camping stove

A Team Building exercise – How quickly can you get all of your team up the bank

Musical Excitement We are really pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Annalie Irvine to the post of ASN Music Teacher. Annalie works in the department on a Thursday morning and is now working hard to get our pupils prepared for this year’s Secondary Music Festival. Our pupils benefit so much from music and to support Annalie’s teaching we have decided to use some of the money our former pupil Mari Johnson raised and donated to the department. Mari is a lovely singer and her voice is missed in our corridors, however thanks to her donation, we are looking forward to receiving a delivery of some very lovely new instruments which we are sure Annalie and our pupils will put to very good use.

Expedition Training


Expedition Training continued

Learning to use map and compass Joanne Tait, Melody Duncan, Eleanor Hutcheon, Mona Zuberi, Jack Tait, & Tommy Carroll

Learning to use map and compass Joanne Tait, Melody Duncan, Eleanor Hutcheon, Mona Zuberi, Jack Tait, Tommy Carroll & Conner Uren

Ready to walk on bearing of 070º

Expeditions this Summer

Mona Zuberi, Tommy Carroll, Vaila Irvine and Eleanor Hutcheon at Ronas Voe on their assessed expedition

at the end of August this year

Connor Uren, Ross Jamieson, Tommy Carroll & Aleks MacKay at the start of an expedition

In the Hole O’ Hellier “press gang” cave on Turvald’s Head

Cooking their tea

The Muckle Roe campsite next morning

Mona, Tommy & Vaila at Warri Gill, Tingon, Esha Ness Ponies at Ronas Voe


Road Safety in Class 6

A number of pupils in Class 6 have already passed their driving test, many more are taking lessons and will be on the road soon. As part of our PSE programme and in association with the SIC Safety Officer and the Emergency services we have organised a number of events to raise awareness of young drivers. Last month we welcomed a drama group who put on a Road Safety Presentation and Workshop for S6 titled ‘Friends Disunited’ The play followed a group of young friends, secondary pupils, dealing with the fun and responsibilities involved in becoming a driver and getting behind the wheel. Realistic, hard hitting - comic at times, the play illustrated how the dreams and ambitions of young people can be utterly shattered by the inexperience and over-confidence of a young driver. The aims of the performance were: � To explore how emotional issues can affect logical decision making

� To demonstrate how various tensions and changes can impact on driving ability

� To demonstrate how the lack of driving experience coupled with over-confidence can impact on driving safely The performance was very well received by the pupils and brought home to many of them the potential dangers of irresponsible driving. On Friday 26th September Class 6 will be going to Clickimin for a morning to meet with all the Emergency Services and attend workshops aimed reinforcing the message of responsible driving. The morning will also provide first hand local experience of the consequences which the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services have to deal with. Road Safety Scotland issue the following advice to young drivers. The risks Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in an accident than older drivers. 17-25 year-olds account for 10% of licence holders, but over 20% of the accidents. The types of accidents in which young drivers are involved are different from older, more experienced drivers.

· Single vehicle accidents are common among young drivers. · These are often a result of the driver losing control of the vehicle.

This high rate of accidents mean you will pay more for your car insurance. The facts Every day in Scotland an average of 16 drivers aged between 17-25 years are involved in a road accident. These accidents result in:

· 1 young person killed every week. · 17 seriously injured per week – many of whom will be permanently disabled or scarred.

Remember, as the driver, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers.


Developing your driving skills There are certain driving skills which cannot be acquired as quickly as a Driving Licence. The ability to anticipate and spot hazards can only be developed with experience. Failure to anticipate hazards is a common cause of road accidents – it means that you can't stop in time! Observation, concentration and anticipation are skills which you will develop over time. Speed Speed is one of the most common causes of road accidents – you needn't even be breaking the speed limit to kill someone. Driving at an inappropriate speed for the road, either in a built-up area or on a country road can have lethal consequences for yourself, your passengers and other road users. And remember, the Police have lots of different methods for detecting speeders, so slow down before it’s too late. Fines and points on your licence Current legislation means that people passing their first driving test will be "on probation" for two years. A total of six or more penalty points during that time will mean they have to go back to learner status, apply for a new Provisional Licence and take the test again. Alcohol and drugs All drivers know that they shouldn't mix alcohol and driving. But what about drugs? Well, the situation is the same – drugs and driving don't mix. Never take any substance that could affect your driving ability before driving. It's an offence to be under the influence of drugs while driving and at the very least you'll lose your Licence. Alcohol and drugs affect your reaction times and judgement. They can give you a false sense of confidence so you actually think you're in control - but you are far from it. Remember, losing your Licence will result in higher insurance premiums when you get it back, plus you could possibly lose your job. Driving is an important life-skill but it comes with responsibilities. So, remember to obey the Highway Code, the rules of the road and aim to become a safe, courteous driver.


“Be Your Personal Best” - Mrs H Aitken, ASN Department

The key message that emerged from the gathering was that young people can be their personal best by gaining confidence through learning from failure, and that success comes from sustained effort.

Anderson High School pupils Rhys Tulloch and Zacc Llewellyn were given a pleasant surprise when they attended a national event for young Scots near Glasgow in May as part of a group of 150 taking part in the “Be Your Personal Best” event organised by Winning Scotland Foundation. The boys found themselves face to face with Sir Chris Hoy and Katherine Grainger and had time to chat with them during an informal meeting as part of the day’s activities. The Olympic legends were the surprise guests at the gathering taking place at St Peter the Apostle High School in Clydebank. The event fea-tured around 30 high-profile Scottish-based athletes including Olympi-ans, Commonwealth champions and Paralympians. Rhys and Zacc were the furthest travelled students who joined other young people from across Scotland in a series of inspirational sessions where the athletes worked with the pupils to talk about their own experiences and how they achieved personal success. The event, sponsored by the Weir Group, was aimed at inspiring young people to be successful in life and show the youth of Scotland that everyone has it in them to succeed.

Zac Llewellyn (left) and Rhys Tulloch with Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy

Maths Competitions - Mr G Dorrat, PT Maths

In February each year the UK Maths Trust’s Intermediate Maths Challenge competition is run in Anderson High for pupils in the middle age range of the school. The photo shows pupils who were in S3 when they sat the competition and did well enough to gain a bronze, silver or gold certificate. Fyntan Shaw (front row, centre) and Bo Anderson (middle row, right) did particularly well at this level and gained entry to different follow-on Mathematical Olympiad competitions. Fyntan received a merit certificate for his Olympiad performance. Well done to all who took up the challenge to compete.

Later in the session in April it was the turn of S1 and S2 to sit the Junior Maths Challenge competition. Nationally about 40% of those who enter receive certificates so we were delighted to see many more of our pupils do this well. Those pictured received bronze, silver or gold certificates. If you would like to see the type of questions they solve log on to http://www.ukmt.org.uk/individual-competitions/intermediate-challenge/

Last session’s S1 pupils with their Junior Maths Challenge certificates

Last session’s S2 pupils with their Junior Maths Challenge certificates

Last session’s S3 pupils with their Intermediate Maths Challenge certificates


Nuffield Science Bursaries - Advanced Higher Biology Student - Kate Jones 6C

“I really enjoyed my Nuffield placement. My supervisor, Fiona Henriquez organised my placement along with a PHD student called Priya Tamilselvan. My four week placement involved researching the effect of tank enrichments (e.g. plastic plants) on the growth of microorganisms in fish tanks. I was able to use many interesting and complex techniques like PCR and Gel Electrophoresis. After my placement, I had to create an A3 poster about my research along with a scientific report. I participated in a celebration event at Edinburgh University which enable me to showcase my research and view the work of other Nuffield students as well. I am very glad that I took part in the Nuffield placement as it has given me a chance to experience what working in a science lab is like. It also made me more independent as I was taking a train on my own to the university each day and I had to do a lot of the work and solve problems on my own. It is also very useful as I can use my research to help with my Advanced Higher Biology investigation. I would really recommend that the current S5 AHS students think about applying for a Nuffield placement for next session.

Frances Chapman from TECH-FEST SETPOINT has linked with the AHS Biology Department to encourage pupils to participate in the Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries. The aim of the Foundation is for students to work alongside practising Scientists, Technolo-gists, Engineers and Mathematicians. Projects take place during the summer holidays, giving students an insight into the world of scientific research and development. Students in the first year of a post-16 Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) course are eligible to apply for a bursary of £80 per week to support them during their project. Placements are available across the UK, in universities, industry or research institutions. Demand for bursaries are high, and AHS pupil Kate Jones gained a place at the University of the West of Scotland in Paisley.

Kate’s experiment


German Exchange - Mr P Haviland, PT Modern Languages

A record number of pupils signed up for the 2014 exchange between Anderson High School and our partner school in Reinfeld, Germany. 24 pupils from Reinfeld stayed with the families of Shetland pupils in June, and everyone took part in a range of activities and outings as well as attending normal lessons. Highlights included a visit to the refurbished Sumburgh Lighthouse, a sports evening, and a traditional dance lesson. The pupils from both schools were also received at Lerwick Town Hall by SIC Convenor Malcolm Bell, himself an enthusiast for school exchanges. On 12th September the Anderson High party set off on the return visit to the same families in Germany. They had a lot to look forward to, but the most exciting part for many was the thought of meeting up again with their young German friends. The trip, including two days in Berlin, will be reported on in the next issue of the school Newsletter. Meanwhile, here is a selection of comments from the young people involved, from Classes 2 to 4.

I joined up for the exchange to gain experience at other countries and gain experience on language (German) also my brother did it and he enjoyed it and make new friends in school and also German friends.

I joined the German Exchange to meet new people from a different country and for the experience. I have learnt a lot of German while they were in Shetland so I am looking forwards to learning a lot when I go to Germany.

The German Exchange has been an amazing experience that has inspired me to learn a new language. I am looking forward to the culture of Germany and meeting new people.

I did the German Exchange to gain experience of different languages and make new friends. The Germans seemed to really enjoy themselves and I enjoyed them being here. I am very excited to go to Germany and let the German show us their home.

I joined the German Exchange for the experience, I had an amazing time when the Germans came and visited Shetland, they were so much fun and it make me look forward to going and visiting them! I feel like me and my friends that took part have become good friends with each other and the Germans. It’s an experience I will never forget.

Young people and staff from Anderson High School and Immanuel-Kant-Schule at Sumburgh Lighthouse


On the same day, the Nybakk was presented with a beautiful oar to be transported to Oslo. There it joined 199 other oars from along the coast of Norway and the former Norse islands in a celebration of the anniversary. The Shetland oar had been specially crafted by members of Shetland College as a token of friendship between Shetland and Norway. It was presented on behalf of Shetland organisations that seek to promote that friendship, including the Anderson High School’s Norwegian Club.

Norwegian Club The Norwegian Club, open to everyone from S3 upwards, has kept up contact with the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. They have corresponded with young people from schools in the Bergen area, and welcomed them ashore at the Victoria Pier when the ship came in. Activities in the Anderson High School followed, then a joint visit to Scalloway, and finally a warm welcome for the Shetlanders on board the Statsraad Lehmkuhl in the evening. Another regular visitor to Shetland is the converted fishing boat, now a museum ship, the Nybakk, from Måløy. In June, members of the S3 Norwegian classes visited the ship and had a brief tour on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Norway’s constitution.

Jack Tait, Rhys Sim, and Lowri Best from the Norwegian Club, holding the friendship oar carrying their signatures, with Per-Kåre Nybakk, captain of the museum ship Nybakk

Advanced Higher Biology Trip - Mrs C Reid, PT Biology & Physics

In June 2014, our Advanced Higher Biology class were given a biological mission. The class were split into groups and each group had to creatively design and carry out an investigation into the plant biodiversity found at the Knab. We designed our investigations using quadrats, transect lines, pH probes, moisture meters, light meters and biological keys to identify the common and Latin names of the plants found such as sea pinks, birds foot trefoil, daisies, buttercups and wild orchids. Now in September we are working on our AH investigations. Some students in the class have chosen to continue on the Biodiversity theme and study an aspect of Environmental Biology, whilst others have decided to investigate the world of Microbiology, Physiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.


Advanced Higher Class - Andrew Goodland, Aidan Redpath, Jonathan Hunter, Callum Tait, Liam Peterson, Freyja Abbott, Hannah Adamson, Laura Smith, Kate Jones, Agata Delnicka, Yasmin Hitchin, Bronagh Goodlad, Karis Georgeson, Chloe Nicolson, Yasmin Lawrence, Megan Grant, Louise Nicolson, Krissi Sandison, Sophie Wishart, missing from photo Beth Johnson


S1 Outdoor Activities 2014

AHS Activities - May 2014


Class 1A on their Outdoor

Activities


AHS Activities - May 2014 Alton Towers


Sports Day Results 2014 - Mr K Smith, PE Department

The P.E. department held their annual Sports Day on the earlier date of the 9th of June – hoping for sunshine, and we got it! A beautiful day of weather was given to us which was taken advantage of with half of the events taking place outside. Teams were split into register groups with the theme being countries who are taking part in both the Commonwealth Games and the football World Cup. It was clear from the first event that Nigeria were going to be the team to beat, with excellent results in the first two events. Congratulations to all those who took part, won an event and who managed to break a record. The real success of the day was yet again the level of participation – there were large numbers of pupils taking part in each event.

Individual Results:

Team Points

Nigeria 765

Australia 488

Ghana 450

England 440

Cameroon 349

90 metres S2 Boys ‐ Kingsley Ho ( 12.75secs) S2 Girls ‐ Alana Smith (13.91 secs) S3 Boys ‐ Dan Swanson (12.25 secs) S3 Girls ‐ Sophie Grant (13.17 secs)

Welly Boot Throw S2 Boys ‐ Theo Irvine (16.10m) New Record S2 Girls ‐ Eden Wadley (14.70m) New Record S3 Boys ‐ Dan Swanson (23.60m) New Record S3 Girls ‐ Leigh Nicolson (17.60m) New Record

High Jump S2 Boys ‐ Stuart Bain (1.30m) S2 Girls ‐ Hannah Robertson (1.33m) S3 Boys ‐ Dan Swanson (1.35m) S3 Girls ‐ Lucy Holden (1.30m)

Triple Jump S2 Boys ‐ Stuart Bain (5.54m) S2 Girls ‐ Hannah Robertson (5.40m) S3 Boys ‐ Dan Swanson (7.06m) S3 Girls ‐ Caitlin Ward (6.30m)

Speed Bounce S2 Boys ‐ Jordan Young (75) S2 Girls ‐ Hannah Robertson (70) S3 Boys ‐ Connor Grant (77) S3 Girls ‐ Caitlin Ward (77)

2 Lap Race S2 Boys ‐ Stuart Bain (1.33 secs) S2 Girls ‐ Hannah Robertson (1.45 secs) S3 Boys ‐ Euan Uttley (1.26 secs) S3 Girls ‐ Lois Ross (1.39 secs)


Inter-Schools Day - PE Department

Next up was the 200m event where Ellie, Hannah and Katie were all in action once again, racing very well despite the strong winds. In the boys event Sam was back in action, joined by Ross Anderson. Sam qualified for the final, where he came 2nd in a time of 28.19s, and although Ross ran a strong race, he narrowly missed out on a final place.

The 400m straight final event followed right on the back of the 200m finals. Euan Uttley ran a steady first 300m and powered through to the end to finish in second place in a time of 1.03.50. Lois Ross in the girls event took control of the field gaining 1st place in a time of 1.16.28.

The final event of the competition was the 4x100m relay. The boys team of Ross, Sam, Lenny and Euan ran a good race in a strong field and narrowly missed out on a medal place. The girls team of Ellie, Hannah, Alana and Katie made sure of some very safe, yet very fast changeovers which helped put them in 2nd place going into the home straight. Ellie showed great determination to catch the lead runner and take her team home in gold medal position in a time of 1.02.17.

All athletes performed very well in their respective events and can be proud of their efforts. It was a difficult day weather-wise, however with a great deal of determination and team spirit, all competitors gained some good competition experience, renewing old friendships and forming new ones with pupils from all over the Isles.

The Anderson High School sent fourteen pupils to the Inter-Schools Sports Day, held at Clickimin in June. The first event was the boys 75m hurdles, with Shaun Penders and Sam Malcolmson competing, and Alana Smith and Ellie Spence for the girls event. All four runners did well in their heats recording good times despite the head wind. Alana qualified for the final and ran brilliantly finishing 2nd in a time of 14.66s.

The 800m event was run as a straight final, and the AHS had Lenny Allan and Euan Uttley representing the school. It was a strong field for the 2-lap race and both Lenny and Euan put in strong performances. Lorna Wagstaff was in for the girls, and she also put in a commendable run in difficult conditions.

The throwing events were next, and Shaun Penders demonstrated great power in both the shot putt and the javelin. After the 3 throws, Shaun had secured 2nd place in the shot, throwing 9.62m and 1st place in the javelin with a throw of 29.52m. The girls event also saw some medals going home to the Anderson High School with Leigh Nicolson and Alana Smith doing the throwing. Leigh gained a 3rd place in the shot putt with a throw of 7.06m and 1st place in the Javelin, throwing 16.69m.

The next event was the 100m, with Ross Anderson, Sam Malcolmson, Sophie Grant, Katie Bain and Ellie Spence all competing. There were some excellent runs once again, with Sam Malcolmson, Sophie Grant and Katie Bain showing their experience to make the final. Sam and Katie both achieved medal positions, taking the bronze medals back to the AHS.

Unfortunately the warm up of the long jump saw Corey Pearson injure his knee and he was no longer able to take part. Shaun Penders stepped up to the task to take Corey’s place and put in a good performance for the boys team. Hannah Robertson and Alana Smith both put in excellent performances in the same event, with Alana winning the gold medal with a jump of 4.13m. Hannah was also competing in the high jump

event, this time with Ellie Spence, and both girls showed great determination with some excellent jumping.

Alana Smith wins the gold medal with a jump of 4.13m

L-R: Ellie Spence, Alana Smith, Katie Bain, Hannah Robertson

Queen’s Baton Relay in Shetland

Documents

AHS Newsletter 44