Rosshall Academy Spring Newsletter · PDF fileKeeping Rosshall Academy smart ... ASL Department ... focused on self-esteem and confidence and all of them gained a Silver Solitaire

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Dear Parent/Carer

Demonstrating our school values

Thank you to all our parents, pupils, staff and members of our community who continually contribute to our efforts to embed and demonstrate our six core values - Aspiration, Compassion, Creativity, Integrity, Perseverance and Respect - throughout the school and the community.

Demonstrating Effective Learning

Term two has been an extremely demanding, but enjoyable term for all year groups. I am delighted at the hard work and achievements of our pupils in their learning opportunities in and out of classes which are highlighted throughout this newsletter. S4 -S6 are busy preparing for their SQA Examinations in May and are currently signing up for our Easter School classes which will be running during the spring break from Tuesday 7 until Friday 17 April. Our S3 pupils have selected courses for their senior phase, which will start on Monday 11 May 2015. At this point, S1 will move to S2 and S2 into S3 as they continue their Broad General Education. You are reminded that we are changing the whole school timetable in May as we believe this maximises opportunities for all pupils to have a head start to achieve highly as they move from the Broad General Education to the Senior Phase of Curriculum for Excellence.

Keeping Rosshall Academy smart

The way Rosshall pupils are perceived is highly important so I will continue to encourage all parents to fully support our uniform policy, which includes the wearing of a school blazer. We would like all pupils to be smartly dressed, projecting pride, identity and equality amongst the pupil population as well as enhancing the positive reputation of the school. Further information on our school uniform, including details of our new suppliers can be found on our website www.rosshallacademy.glasgow.sch.uk and on the next page of this newsletter.

Curriculum for Excellence: Personal Support Entitlement

We are currently consulting with young people to introduce an exciting new programme of Personal Support to replace current tutor time and to fully meet pupils’ entitlement in this important area. Further information will follow next term.

I wish all of you a happy and healthy spring break and look forward to welcoming your son / daughter back on Monday 20 April 2015 at 8.50am, in full school uniform.

Yours sincerely

Alison Mitchell Head Teacher

Rosshall Academy

Spring Newsletter 2015

http://www.rosshallacademy.glasgow.sch.uk/

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School Uniform Since the introduction of our new school uniform in 2012, including blazer, we have been delighted with the support we have had from pupils and parents. We believe uniform helps set the tone and contributes to an atmosphere of high expectation within the school. We also firmly believe it has helped greatly to create a shared sense of identity and pride amongst our pupils. Not only has it contributed to the positive ethos within Rosshall Academy, it has also helped to raise the profile of our school within our local community. This year Academy Uniforms will supply our uniform. Academy is a local company based in East Kilbride. Academy supply Eco friendly blazers which have been made from recycled plastic bottles, and as more and more young people become increasingly concerned about the environment, we felt that their product was an ideal choice. As well as preventing millions of tonnes of plastic waste reaching landfill sites, the production of these blazers also cuts CO2 emissions and requires 84% less energy to produce than a traditional polyester blazer. It is also durable and machine washable and available at the same price as a traditional blazer.

Both the boys and the girls blazers have a very stylish cut resembling a smart suit jacket. Junior blazers cost £29.50 and senior braided jackets cost £41.50

Blazer Order for August 2015 Academy Uniforms were in school on the morning of Monday 30 March to fit Senior Braided blazers for our current S4/5 pupils. Blazers ordered on this date will be available for pupils returning to school for their induction days into S5 and S6 in early June. Pupils are required to pay a £10 deposit for their blazer this week with the balance due to be paid on collection in June.

There will be a further three fitting evenings in school for the remainder of our pupils. A £10 deposit for the blazer is required on the fitting day with the balance due to be paid on collection. The fitting dates / times are as follows:

Wednesday 13 May 6.30 – 8.30pm Thursday 14 May 6.30 – 8.30pm Thursday 4 June 6.30 – 8.30pm

Whilst the majority of our pupils comply fully with our uniform code there is still a minority who wear items of clothing, such as hoodies, leggings and jeans which, for very good reasons, do not form part of our uniform. We would like to ask all parents for their support in ensuring your son or daughter complies fully with our uniform code and does not wear any of these items of clothing to school.

Rosshall Academy School Uniform

Black blazer with school badge

White school shirt

School tie

Optional black cardigan / jumper / sweatshirt (with school tie visible)

Black trousers / skirt

Black shoes (trainers allowed if completely black)

Whilst Academy Uniforms provide full school uniform including embroidered jumpers & cardigans as well as shirts, skirts and trousers, the only item we ask that you buy from Academy is the blazer as they are our only approved supplier. Everything else can be purchased from any retailer providing school uniform including, Tesco, Asda, Marks & Spencer & John Lewis. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our uniform policy please do not hesitate to contact Ms Loudon, Depute Head Teacher (S5/S6 Year Head).

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ASL Department

What has been keeping us busy this term is the regular steady classroom support that the ASL department

delivers. However, as always, there are a few demands which we have to fulfil. For example we are

currently making assessment requests to the SQA for those pupils who are shown to have additional needs.

This system is designed by SQA to make sure pupils who need it will have their chances equalised by using

these arrangements. That’s our part in the process but from now on it’s up to the candidates to put in the

work and make sure they achieve the passes they deserve. We wish them and indeed all Rosshall

candidates’ good luck.

But what of our other work? I can report that Glasgow life has completed the S1 girls’ programme which

focused on self-esteem and confidence and all of them gained a Silver Solitaire Award for which they are

rightly proud as are we.

Also we are lucky that Ms Jones, the teacher from Glasgow Dyslexia Support Service is back in Rosshall as

part of her Outreach remit and we are looking forward to strengthening our partnership with them. This

partnership working can only benefit our dyslexic learners and other pupils who might struggle with

literacy. Our other Outreach teacher is Mr Gibson our English as an Additional Language teacher whose

services we have for 1 day a week.

Jay Thomas too has returned to work with us focusing on S3 pupils who struggle to share the values of

Rosshall and who need some support in that regard. His small group or individual approach is well received

and the impact is positive for pupils and the school community.

Meanwhile through our links with the Princes Trust we will be engaged in a pilot programme in May called

Future Starts. This programme is aimed at our S4 pupils who are considering leaving and links them with

activities which improve job seeking and interview skills linking with mentors from industry and relevant

Work Experience opportunities. This is a new joint venture for us and we anticipate much success for the

pupils involved

The other end of the spectrum is our work on primary transition. Some pupils from our associate primaries

have already enjoyed a transition morning and we are gathering relevant information which will add to

with further additional visits in May and the transition days in June in order to ensure a smooth transition

in August

During this term as always the demands on the Support for Learning Workers increases in direct proportion

to the demands on our pupils for support for pupils. The diversity of activities they undertake from the

general support for learning to escorting groups out of school for activities and college and university visits

as well as mentoring pupils with challenging behaviour or supporting pupils with a Visual impairment –their

remit has expanded beyond recognition from its inception and for all of that and more I want to register my

thanks and wish them a well-deserved rest during this holiday.

Finally, we wish all our pupils and parents and carers a great Easter break.

Frances Carey March 2015

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Princes Trust XL Group

This term the group is coming to the end of the course and looking to achieve the Course Award. As always this course is practical and hands on and means the pupils are involved in a variety of activities and

enterprise experiences which prepare them for working in the community. Part of that this term was for us to link with Sandwood’s P5s and their teacher Miss Carey, and involve them in baking cakes which they then took to school and sold as part of their fundraising programme. As always we were happy to help.

More recently we linked again with Howford School and their pupils had a really rewarding time here when together we produced some creative cup-cakes which they then took back to parents and school to share. These aspects of cooperative learning with other schools in

the community really foster community spirit and understanding and we are glad to be part of that. None of this work comes cheaply though and, as indicated, enterprise is at the core of the Princes Trust Prospectus. We have focused much of our work this term on enterprise activities which are aimed at being profitable and we share the proceeds between future projects and worthwhile causes. The whole course is a great learning opportunity in working with people and developing skills for work – what could be more worthwhile?

Getting it right for every child - update

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on detailed guidance that supports parts of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. This Act is a new law that will give children, young people and their families extra support and will encourage everyone to talk about children’s wellbeing using the same words. The consultation on the guidance is due to run until 1 May. It is mainly aimed at the people who support your child – including parents’ organisations – but individual parents are welcome to get involved if they wish. You can take part in the consultation via this link: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/02/1851

S4 Homework/Study Groups

Over the last 6 weeks several of our S4 learners have been participating in a Homework/Supported Learning Programme. During this period of preparation for their first SQA exams, this support has been well used by a number of S4 pupils who have been able to benefit from 4 hours per week of teacher supervised sessions, a warm, safe and peaceful environment in which to focus on tasks and access to Past Papers books, study guides and PCs as well as a much needed drink and snack before the session begins. Hopefully those pupils who came along will reap the rewards in their exams by

being able to perform to the best of their ability. Thanks to all of those who attended as well as the staff who facilitated the sessions.

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/02/1851

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S1/S2 Homework Groups

In addition to the S4 groups, we have also had a Homework Group running for targeted S1 and S2 learners. This has been a real success with pupils enjoying the peaceful environment, the support provided by a member of the teaching staff and the benefits to be gained by completing homework tasks. The main aim was to provide young people with the best opportunity to achieve their full potential and we believe that by participating in the Homework programme these learners will have made positive progress. Comments from those who have come along were, ‘the group was fun’, ‘It is a good club to have’, ‘it’s a good club so never stop as it helps you with homework”. It is hoped that similar groups will be available in the future to ensure that the learning completed in class is consolidated through Homework tasks.

Mr McKenzies Clothing upcycling class

This class seem to have grown arms and legs and now focuses on a variety of textile goods and home wear. Pupils have been coming up with new ideas and putting them into practice and the results have been excellent.

Seasons for Growth

This term we have had a ‘Seasons for Growth’ group running for a small group of learners in S2 and S3. Seasons for Growth is a bereavement, loss and change programme which is aimed at enabling participants to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand and to cope with change, loss and grief. This is all undertaken in a small group environment where learners can access peer support as

well as the advice and experience of the companions who lead the group. We have been lucky again this session to have had the support of Quarriers in running the groups and their assistance both in terms of personnel and finance has been much appreciated. If you would like further information about the Seasons for Growth young person’s programme please contact the school and ask for Mrs Dougall. As an addition to the young person’s programme, I am hoping to run an adult ‘Seasons for Growth’ seminar in the Summer Term. Whilst this is not the same as the full programme undertaken by the young people, it does provide an opportunity for parents/carers of Rosshall Academy learners who are experiencing challenges through loss, bereavement and change to participate in a Seasons for Growth programme. We hope that this might be especially useful if you have a young person who is completing the sessions in school, although this is not essential. We recognise that the benefits to the pupils of being able to share things from the programme is great, however at the same time we know that their issues may well be being experienced at home by others as well. As previously, if you would like further information about the seminar please contact Mrs Dougall at the school.

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Malawi Leaders of Learning Programme - 2015

Jenny Dougall, PT Inclusion and Caroline Paterson, PE teacher, are going to Malawi in September to work in schools as part of Glasgow’s Malawi Leaders of Learning (MLOL) programme. We will be there for 4 weeks and during this time they will be working alongside Malawi teachers, teaching pupils and helping to improve the learning and teaching taking place in Malawi. We will then be able to bring back their skills and experiences to Glasgow and more especially Rosshall pupils so that they too can benefit. We are hoping that the links we make whilst out there will be lasting and that in the future Rosshall learners and other staff will be able to visit Malawi and benefit from the MLOL programme. Initial plans are being made for a Malawi Young Leaders of Learning group to go out from Rosshall Academy in 2017 signalling very exciting times ahead. Fundraising initiatives already lined up are:- 50 sports in 50 days challenge which both Jenny and Caroline are doing and will involve the young people in Rosshall through staff pupils matches, running in various 10km/mile races, coffee mornings and home baking sales etc. Staff pupil matches have already taken place in basketball, volleyball and football with more lined up. Watch this space for more information. If you have any ideas for fundraising initiatives please contact either Jenny Dougall or Caroline Paterson. Thanks for your support.

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ROSSHALL ACADEMY PARENT COUNCIL

Thank you to our Parent Council which has raised, sourced and donated significantly to help Rosshall Academy’s learners so far this session:

£500 to the art dept for colour laser ink cartridges. £100 to fund the chemistry competition registration for pupils taking part. £550 to purchase football strips. £150 for stage lighting

We have also made some successful applications to the Community Area Partnership:

£1500 to purchase of computers for the accelerated reading scheme. £600 to purchase 2 sets of netball strips. £575 to purchase books for the library to aid dyslexic learners. £1800 to purchase various items for the school cottage in Peebles:

Responsible citizens

“Responsible citizens” is one of the key capacities of Curriculum for Excellence. Therefore it was disappointing to hear that a very small minority of pupils are asking members of the public to purchase cigarettes and alcohol from shops on Paisley Road West at lunch times and after school. Can we ask that as parents if you witness this can you please discourage Rosshall Pupils from doing this, but even more importantly discourage members of the public from encouraging this behaviour by agreeing to buy these items? This damages the reputation of the school and poses a serious health risk to our sons and daughters.

Community Hub

Over the last few years Rosshall Academy Parent Council have looked into the possibility of having an all weather football facility that would benefit the school and the community. Although progress has been slow I think we are finally starting to move this forward. We have a meeting planned with Sports Scotland who will give us all the technical information such as what type of facility we should have and what services will be required to support it such as electricity for flood lights etc. . We have also been working with Glasgow City Voluntary Sector who have been advising us on how best to set up the project and giving us ideas for getting access to funding. This is a significant investment of anything up to £500,000. We have also been receiving support from local football clubs such as Pollok United and Crookston football Club. We will keep you posted but if you think you can help us in any way please drop an email to the PC mailbox. [email protected]

Pam McVeigh (Chair of Rosshall Academy Parent Council)

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Parent Council Sub Group: Parents of Dyslexic Learners

In June 2014 RAPC sent out an invite to Parents/Carers of pupils with Additional Support Needs to join our parental forum. The original request covered a wide range of support needs, but for now the sub group is focusing on a forum for Parents/Carers of Dyslexic learners. This group meets on the first Monday of the month in school at 7pm (2nd Monday if school holiday). All parents/carers of dyslexic learners (primary/secondary) are more than welcome to attend. It’s an informal friendly meet which allows parents to support each other and most importantly ensure that the needs of the children are met throughout their education. After all

statistics have proven that with Parental Involvement the child is more likely to succeed! Please note this is a Parents’ group, the needs of your child within the educational establishment lies with the school. This sub group has applied and secured funding from GCCP Craigton Area Partnership to purchase Dyslexic friendly reading materials published by Barrington Stokes that ensures that dyslexic learners within Rosshall Academy and cluster primaries have a wide range of books on site. These books shall also ensure that dyslexic readers can participate in the school’s “Accelerated Reading Scheme”. While researching “what provision” there was for dyslexic readers within the local community I was deeply shocked that within our local library there was no reading materials on offer! I shall be liaising with Glasgow Life to overcome this shortfall. The books that are to be purchased shall be lodged within Rosshall Academy for the Learning Community use only. If you would like any more information re this group please get in touch via email: [email protected] Nancy Loftus (RAPC Member)

School/Employer Partnership Programme

Visit to Ross Hall Hospital

A group of our S5 and S6 pupils took part in an open day at Ross Hall Hospital as we ‘launched’ our partnership with them. The pupils were welcomed by the Chief Executive of the hospital before a presentation by senior members of staff in the boardroom. They took part in various activities, were given a tour of the hospital and had opportunities to speak with staff from different departments in the hospital before being treated to lunch. They gained a lot from their visit and we are hoping that this will be the start of a strong partnership that will benefit many Rosshall pupils in the near future and in years to come. We are continuing to build links with our local employers and a number of them have been helping out with offers of work experience, assistance with mock interviews and taking part in the ‘Numeracy and World of Work Day’.

mailto:[email protected]

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Faculty of English

Rosshall Academy: RSPB Swift Ambassador School

Rosshall Academy is one of six schools across Glasgow working with the RSPB to become Ambassador Schools for local threatened species. The species under threat in Glasgow include the house sparrow, bat, bumblebee, water vole, hedgehog – and the swift. Last Friday the English department’s two S3 John Muir groups worked with the RSPB to map our school and the surrounding area, discovering more about swifts, their habitats and what we can do to help conserve them. The pupils had lots of fun and were praised by the RSPB representatives for their attention to detail and interest in the surrounding wildlife in the area. Pupils made a 3D model of the school grounds.

English Department Shakespeare Trip

50 pupils S2-S4 visited the Citizen’s Theatre to see a radical version of Macbeth this term. Some of the pupils have been studying the play and reported that it gave them some very interesting insights into the themes. The company used a modern setting, using electronic music to heighten the atmosphere. There were also some very strange casting choices. Some of the main male roles were played by women and some of the actors were playing as many as 4 different parts. Two of the famous witches (pictured below) were played by men. This caused some confusion at first, but the pupils did very well to keep up!

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Maths Faculty News

S1 Numeracy in the World of Work

S1 pupils had the opportunity to work with many professionals this month to find out why maths and numeracy is important in the world of work. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed finding out how the things they learn about in S1 maths is used every day by a variety of industries from banks and surveyors to football and hairdressing. A huge thank you to everyone involved for making this event such a big success. We look forward to working with you in the future!

Maths Supported Study

Supported Study classes continue to run as follows:

Higher Wednesday after school (Mr McGarvie FF15)

Friday after school (Mr McGarvie FF15)

Intermediate 2 Wednesday lunch time (Mrs Fyfe FF12) Thursday lunch time (Mr Barrett SF24)

S3 National 5 Monday lunch time (Mrs Fyfe FF12) Wednesday lunch time (Mr Barrett SF24)

S4 National 5 Monday lunch time (Mr McGarvie FF15)

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Faculty of Performing Arts

Dance News

All Dance classes are currently working exceptionally hard in preparation of our Annual Dance Showcase which is taking place on Wednesday 1st April from 7pm to 8pm. All pupils in the S2/3 BGE, National 5 and Higher Classes who study Dance will be performing a collection of Jazz and Contemporary routines they have been studying in class.

In addition the senior phase pupils will also be performing their choreographies which they have devised themselves based on a theme of their choice and has been thoroughly researched using a variety of tools. Pupils will also present their choreographic review which is an extended piece of theoretical work accompanying their choreography describing their devised performance in greater detail.

All parents/carers of pupils who study dance are invited along to attend the evening and pupils will be given tickets during class time. An invitation is being extended to any pupil who has a keen interest in studying dance and would like to find out more information about the dance courses that are offered in the school. Any pupil who is interested in coming along to the showcase should see Mrs Hood for details.

A reminder to all pupils that they can order a RA Dance T Shirt that can be worn in during class time for the cost of £6 from Mrs Hood. S1 and S2 pupils who attend the dance lunch time club are busy rehearsing for an inter school dance competition due to take place in June. A big thank you to all pupils who attend every week however a particular thanks to Melissa Wallace, Lauren Fraser, Abbi Ogilvie and Millie Innes for their hard work, patience and excellent choreography work.

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Drama News Mrs McConnell’s S3 Drama class shared their work at a special evening in the Tron Theatre at the beginning of March. THIRD year pupils inspired playwright Martin O'Connor's new theatre production with their refreshing insights in to sectarianism Our teenagers believe bigotry is less about green versus blue than it is about cultural clashes and homophobia. It was part of the theatre’s Football Colours Allowed – a multi-stranded, week-long response to the issue of sectarianism. This project has helped our pupils explore beyond that traditional viewpoint. They looked at the issue as a whole, not narrowing it down. Pupils wrote their own short pieces, individually or in groups, and the ideas were developed in rehearsals. Unknown to

the class until they read the program, 6 pieces were then performed at the Tron by professional actors. Further to this, Adam Brown’s piece, “This is a bad idea”, was chosen to be developed into a short performance and he will work with Martin and a director to have this performed at the Adult Progressive Playwright evening in April. We are incredibly proud of the class and Adam’s achievement and hope it will encourage our pupils to think more about writing their own work in future.

S1 Charity Dance S1 Drama classes have been hard at work preparing a full class pantomime which includes a choreographed routine. Pupils were asked to donate £2 towards charity and take part in a year group performance. Full details and photographs in the next newsletter!

Theatre Trips This term senior pupils went to see John Byrne’s classic production of “Slab Boys” at the Citizens Theatre. This allowed them to use the skills they have learned throughout the year to analyse and evaluate the performance from an acting and production point of view. Higher Drama pupils also went to see “Men Should Weep” as perfect preparation for both their acting and written exams. Pupils were inspired by watching professionals at work, and even took away some tips for themselves!

Music News

At the time of print, our Behind the Noise group are busy preparing for their gig after a series of workshops focusing on the business and production side of music as well as an experience recording an original song in a professional studio. They will perform at the Classic Grand on Jamaica Street along with other schools from Glasgow. Rosshall’s band, ‘Circadian Rhythm’, will be playing their set on the main stage of the classic grand on Wednesday the 1st of April. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are £3 available from the Music Department or at the door on the night. It will be a fantastic night of music and we hope as many people as possible attend.

Band Camp The music department are hoping to resurrect our ‘band camp’ after a year layoff, this year. This will to take place on the weekend of Friday 4th to the 6th of September at the Dounans Centre in Aberfoyle. The weekend will be highly enjoyable and productive, and gets the ‘Rosshall wind band’ off to a great start for the school session. Participants work hard and at the same time thoroughly enjoy the social aspect to the weekend and of course, the food. Price per pupil has yet to be finalised. See Mr Reilly for more information.

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School Show

Get those performance dates in your diary now: Tuesday 16th – Thursday 18th June 2015! Preparations are well underway with Music, Drama and Dance rehearsals every week. Our cast have been working really hard and so far there has been a great energy and brilliant effort from our pupils. Pupils have also raised over £1000 towards the cost of the production, which will go towards costumes and other fabulous things! We hope to see you in June for some toe-tapping numbers, spectacular solos and a lot of fun.

Physical Education Department

Well done all the boys and girls from S1/S2 who represented the school at the Glasgow Cross Country Championships. It was a great day and all pupils where a credit to the school. A special mention to Robbie Maher who came 20th overall in the S2 Boys race.

Badminton Championships Three pupils from Rosshall represented the school at the Scottish Schools Badminton Championships on the 8th of March. Joirdan Crawford and Emma Doughty competed in the Junior Girls Doubles and Rachel Mathers competed in the Senior Girls Singles, reaching the semi-finals. Well done to all competitors!

Cycling at Rosshall Rosshall’s Cycling Programme is gathering some speed with the arrival of 5 new mountain bikes, a tandem bike and helmets! 8 pupils have also been attending a Track Cycling Programme at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome to develop their skills. We are hoping to start an extra-curricular cycling club after the Easter holidays! Anyone interested should contact Miss Paterson in PE

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U15’s Football The Under 15’s football team have been in fine form and find themselves top of their division and look certain to qualify for the knock out stage again this year. They lost 3-0 in the Glasgow Cup Quarter finals to reigning U15’s champions St Peter Apostle in snowy conditions. They learned a lesson about fine margins when playing the ‘top teams’. In league actions they have drawn 2-2 with Holyrood, goals coming from Darren Black on his return to action having been out for 4 months injured. Big Joe McNeil was a key figure v Holyrood and he helped the boys v Kingspark with two goals in our next fixture which was a 5-2 victory. Darren Black, and a rare Danny O’Neil goal was also on the score sheet. Ryan Montgomery grabbed the man of the match award whilst scoring a cultured lob from the edge of the box and causing chaos down the left hand side. They also won 12-0 in their last game – against Springburn on 29

th March.

Home Economics News

The Home Economics Department provides many opportunities for pupils to develop their cookery skills and this allows learners to aspire to a high standard as they progress through their Hospitality course in the Senior Phase. As you can see from the photos pupils learn how to prepare dishes to a high quality and to present them with creativity and flair. One of our S3 pupils performed incredibly well in the Future Chef competition in January reaching the Regional semi-final. To make these learning experiences possible we rely on pupils contributing to

the high food costs that are incurred throughout the session. Learners benefit from their experience in the practical lessons and are therefore able to achieve their full potential. Can parents/carers please ensure that their child makes the appropriate contribution before the end of the session in June? Pupils will be issued a letter to take home that includes details of the monetary contribution for their year group/course and when instalments should be paid. We are very grateful for this contribution and thank you for your support with this matter.

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Science club

Science club numbers have been growing since the start of the new term and pupils have had the opportunity to make their own glitter globes, hovercrafts and bath bombs. All the experiments that pupils have been doing have used materials found in the home so pupils have the opportunity to show their parents what they have learned. Next up, testing gases, testing flame colours and fire writing!

Senior pupils ‘teaching’ Sandwood primary pupils science

On Thursday 12th November 55 primary 4/5 pupils from Sandwood Primary visited to learn more about the science topics they were covering. Pupils were given the opportunity to test different concepts they had been learning about and see them in action at different stations. Our senior pupils got involved by manning the stations and talking the pupils through the activity. This was a great opportunity for our senior pupils to show off the leadership skills they have been developing and gain some practical classroom experience as some of them are interested in going on to become teachers. Everyone involved had a fantastic time and we hope to continue this next year.

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Sustainability

Pupils in science have been learning about sustainability in order to become global citizens. Different year groups have been investigating ways that they can alter their lifestyle to ensure we are making our planet sustainable. For example, S3 pupils have been looking at how to dispose of plastics safely, S2 pupils attended a workshop on battery disposal and S1 pupils have been looking at how to use renewable energies in an effective manner.

Salter’s Festival Chemistry competition A group of 4 S1 Science pupils will get the opportunity to attend the Salter’s Festival of Chemistry in May at Glasgow University. Pupils will experience hands-on practical chemistry challenges as well as chemical demonstrations. There will be a prizegiving ceremony with prizes for the winning schools. In the past Rosshall have performed well at the competitions, even coming 2nd place a few years ago, so we hope to continue this tradition in 2015.

Edinburgh Zoo

Mr McAvoy took fourteen S2 pupils to Edinburgh Zoo during February for a workshop investigating the vulnerability and importance of ecosystems and what can be done to conserve them. Pupils took part in various case studies and interactive activities linked to CfE and were able to explore the vast wildlife on show including the famous Pandas!

National Centre for Prosthetics & Orthotics Trip

A group of 15 S3 Biology pupils will be visiting the National Centre for Prosthetics &

Orthotics at Strathclyde University on Wednesday 1st April. This visit will give pupils the opportunity to follow the process of creating these life enhancing products from start to finish and gain an insight into the impact of the latest technologies in

this area. They will also meet with current undergraduate students to find out about university life and employment prospects.

Science Section of the school Website

We have recently updated the school website for the Science Faculty and Chemistry department. All S1 and S2 pupil booklets, homework booklets and extension tasks are available on the website. There are also practice tests for S1 to help them prepare for their end of topic tests. The National 5 chemistry section has also been updated with lots of revision materials in advance of the final exam in May. There are revision questions for each topic as well as calculation practice, open ended question help and problem solving questions. Materials for S2 and S3 chemistry as well as Higher chemistry will be updated in the next few weeks and Biology/Physics materials will follow soon after.

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Go4set Competition

We have some of the best S2 scientists from Rosshall Academy participating in a ten week project called Go4SET. Go4SET links teams of six S2 pupils with companies and universities to offer a 10 week science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experience. By providing a real and live STEM project, Go4SET will raise the pupils’ awareness and highlight the exciting future career opportunities in STEM. Work-related learning within an industry and enterprise context is at the core of the Go4SET experience. Pupils will benefit from personal development education, enhancing their powers of creativity and innovation. We are around half way through the experience and our group has been engaging in ‘transforming waste in Glasgow’. The team visited the local Viridor recycling plant at Polmadie and left with some excellent ideas for their final presentation to the Go4Set panel of judges in April. Good luck to our six Wastebusters!!

S2 pupils attended a workshop on battery disposal and S1 pupils have been looking at how to use renewable energies in an effective manner.

Holocaust Memorial Day

A group of S3 pupils attended a screening of the film ‘The Book Thief’ on 29th January as part of commemorations for Holocaust Memorial Day. The pupils agreed that the themes in the film made them think more deeply about discrimination, prejudice and genocide. A few of them had read the book and highly recommend it. It’s better than the film!

Uganda Group

The Uganda Group hosted a coffee morning for staff and raised £61 for the charity Dwelling Places.

Amnesty Group

Mr Steel is running the Amnesty Group which meets in FF62 on Tuesday lunchtimes. All welcome! If you are interested in supporting Human Rights around the world, then this is the group for you. Come along and make a difference!.

Sign Language Club

Ms McGrath is running a Sign Language Club in ff05 on Tuesday Lunchtimes. All pupils and staff welcome. Learn a useful new skill which could enhance your CV. It’s also fun!

Prison Warden Visit

Ms Stevenson’s dad, Mr Julian Stevenson, Prison Operations Manager, came to visit 2 S2 RMPS classes to talk to them about prison life in Scotland. A great debate was held discussing the purposes of punishment in Scotland and the ethical issues posed by this topic which is being studied by these pupils. A big thanks to Mr Stevenson, the pupils really enjoyed his visit and learned a lot!

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Warm congratulations to Aqeel Ahmed who has been successful in his campaign to be elected as a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament. Aqeel has worked tirelessly over recent months securing support not only in Barra house but across the whole school. Aqeel is being interviewed by Zoe Gillespie 1B1, thank you to pupils in 1B1 for their questions: What inspired you to become a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament? I love politics and I am determined to get more young people involved in politics. Young people need to be heard more loudly and clearly. There are many issues that impact on young people’s education and ultimately there success in life, I want to have a positive influence on the lives of young people. Did you think you would win? At first I thought I wasn’t going to win because I wasn’t well known in Pollok, but once I started campaigning and people got to know me I became more confident of winning. How did you feel when you won? Relieved and absolutely delighted. It’s probably one of the biggest things I’ve done in life. Possibly also one of my best achievements. Was your family supportive, in what way? Yes, very. My mum and dad delivered my manifestos by hand to the houses in the estate, my mum also made people aware of my campaign and how they can vote.

Will you have letters after your name like politicians have? The letters after my name will be MYSP (member of the Scottish Youth Parliament) – so this means I can change my name on twitter, I don’t know if Ms

Mitchell will change it on the register! What is the first thing you are going to do now that you represent the young people of Pollok? I am going to be working alongside another newly elected MYSP, Thomas McEachan a sixth year pupil from St Paul’s High. Over the next 2 weeks we aim to set up a dedicated email address and twitter account so that young people can get in touch. The real work will begin in June when we’ll have our first National sitting, where all newly elected members will meet for the first time. What is going to be the hardest part of the job? To make everybody happy! Some things may be out of my control. Who is your role model and why? It’s got to be Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister. She comes from a normal background; not privileged in any way. She is the first person in her family to go to university and could only do this because it was free. She has worked very hard to become the first female First Minister in the whole of the UK. Now a couple of personal questions! What’s your favourite food? Homemade lasagne We think your hair is cool, do you use gel? No, no gel (he’s blushing now!) Do you play the Xbox or PlayStation; if so what games do you enjoy playing? Being very honest, I don’t play the Xbox or PlayStation, but I enjoy playing games on my ipad

- 19 -

ROSSHALL ACADEMY: OUR SCHOOL, OUR FUTURE

Our top performing pupils who have received the most merits this term:

Pictured left Chantelle Buckley 3B2 Emma Kirkwood 3B2 Abbie Ogilvie 3B2 Karli Bradshaw 1B2 Also Andrew Banks 1B1 and Rachel Swan 1B1

Congratulations also to the following S1 pupils who competed recently in a House cross country competition:

Pictured right:

Molly Smith 1B2 Maria Thomson 1B2 Dylan Underwood 1B2 Robert Pluck 1B2

Congratulations also to Mohamed Al-Hadithi who was presented with a bronze medal for being 3

rd in the cross country inter-house competition.

This article has been written by who tells us a little about his hobby.

Ice hockey is one of the fasted sports played; you have to be fast on your feet and keep your head up and

be prepared for anything! To play ice-hockey you need the following equipment:

Helmet

Neck guard

Shoulder pads and gloves

Elbow pads

Padded shorts

Knee/elbow pads

Skates

It’s a great sport to play and also very exciting to watch. Teams competing in Scotland come from

North Ayrshire Kilmarnock

South Ayrshire Dundee

Fife Inverness

It is a sport that is growing in popularity!

- 20 -


Harris House

Harris Top Performing Pupils for months of January - March 2015

Rowen Allan Gabriel Harvey Stuart Hanton Charlie Lovering Kimberly Black Andrew Wilson Audrey Oko

Harris Values Ambassadors

Many of Harris pupils are demonstrating Rosshall Values on a day to day basis. Some of these pupils are included in the Harris achievements. This year we had a number of pupils nominated for Harris -Congratulations to Emma Doughty 2H2 and Jordan Stewart 5H1 who were awarded values ambassadors for Harris this year.

HARRIS SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

Cross Country Successes S1 Girls: Well done to the following pupils who represented Harris House: Olivia Campbell , Eva Clark, Ruby Dickson, Kimberly Black, Megan Byrne all 1H1. All these pupils displayed perseverance coming 2

nd overall

wining points for Harris House.

Congratulations to Lauren Stephen 2H1 who won a silver medal in the S2 girls Cross Country run.

Samuel David West 2H1 and Luke Butterfield 2H2 also gained points for Harris in the S2 boys inter house cross country competition.

Harris S1 Pupils with 100% Attendance August - December

1H1 Gabriel Harvey

Ellie Hunter

1H2 Heather Dillon

Andrew Wilson

Emma Doughty

Respect

Compassion

Creativity

Jordan Stewart Aspiration

Perseverance

Respect

Integrity

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Peter Gordon’s 1H2 report of his Glasgow School Cross Country experience: When I went to the Glasgow Schools Cross Country at Nether Pollok I was so up for it then it turns out it was so mucky I found it very hard to run. Out of 200 runners I came 21

st. I was happy but lost my shoes but at the end it was worth it.

Rhys Morton 1H2 was successful in reaching the quarter finals of a badminton competition through Boys Brigade. This was held at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow – a fantastic experience well done Rhys.

Dancing Competition – Heather Dillon 1H2 Heather’s team ranged from 9 -12years of age and they finished in 2

nd place in the U16

category! Heather performed break dancing and she is pictured here with her medal. She said while she was waiting she was ’extremely nervous’ but obviously she overcame her nerves when it came to the actual performance – well done. Heather also came third in the ‘Got to Dance’ S1 Competition winning more points for Harris.

Karate Well done to Cara McFarlane 3H3 who has passed the first part of her black belt in Karate this month. Cara has displayed perseverance through her continued practice to achieve this stage. Cara will be sitting the

next part of her black belt later this year. She is also participating in a further club competition 22

nd March. Good luck Cara.

Rowen Allan 1H1 came second wining a silver medal when she participated in a team Kata competition at Karate.

Athletics Josh McDonald and Ben McDonald competed at the Scottish Schools Indoor Athletics Event in February at the Emirates Area and were very successful. Josh McDonald 800m 4

th in heat (2.09.05), 1500m 8

th in heat (4.30.42)

Ben McDonald Shot Putt 4

th overall (12.62)

Swimming Gabriel Kane 3H2 continues with his commitment and swimming success. He competed in a Grade Meet at Cumbernauld on Saturday 4

th March and won a bronze

medal for the 100 m breaststroke and a silver medal for his 100m fly.

HARRIS CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS Quest 4 Talent Congratulations to Kelsey Barr 3H3 who has been successful in getting through to the final of the Quest 4 Talent in the Musical Theatre section age 12-25 years. We wish Kelsey good luck for the final in the Lagoon Centre Paisley on Friday March 27

th.

In addition to this Kelsey has been developing her creativity in writing her own songs with the help of a vocal coach. One of these is currently being recorded - we look forward to hearing this Kelsey at a future house assembly!

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Drama Adam Brown 3H1 In drama we participated in the Tron Theatre progressive playwright. This meant we got to write our on plays and some were selected to be performed. I was lucky enough for my play to be picked and performed again at the Tron. I will be working with a professional playwright and my piece will be performed again at the Tron on the 23

rd April.

This is certainly an achievement to be proud of. Other achievements

Numbers Day Aaron Breen 2H2 came 2

nd in the S1-3 maths challenge. He threw the second furthest distance.

Cadets Daniel Given 3H3 has recently been promoted to a lance corporal within the army cadets for showing a continued responsibility and excellent attendance. This has developed his confidence and trust in working with others within his unit.

IDL Event

Harris came third in the S3 Enterprise event. Team Wales was: Eva Lockhart, Scott Loftus, David McGuire, Rebeccah Mitchell, Steven Monaghan, Andrew Morton, Ben Paterson, Jennifer Rielly & Emma Simpson. Well done to all these pupils and their achievements this term. Remember to inform Miss Sharp or Mrs Stillie of your achievements in or out of school so they can be included in the next newsletter.

Sports Acrobatic Gymnastics challenge

Chloe MacDonald 1H1 was selected by her

Bellahouston Gymnastics club to compete in the Scottish Acrobatic (Grade 3) Championship event at Avondale on Sunday 18

th march.

Chloe said she performed with her partner in front of 20 judges and a packed audience. She found it nerve-wracking particularly in the warm up amongst the other gymnasts however she was able to focus and was very proud to come 4

th out of 22. She achieved very high marks

25.700 out of maximum 30 points. Her next is to perform as a trio for the British Championships and next year go to compete in Granada. A fantastic achievement Chloe and is certainly demonstrating creativity, perseverance and aspiration!

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Football Colours Allowed S3 pupils Sam Clark, Emma Jane Hargan, Samantha Lacey and Robyn Wright have been participating in a Tron Theatre production on Sectarianism. The pupils also appeared in the Daily Record – Well done stars!!

Scotland Football Star

S3 pupil Jamie Lee Napier has had the opportunity to travel to Portugal with Scotland U16 ladies football team for a training camp. Jamie Lee played against Spain, Holland and Germany and won player of the match! Jamie-Lee is also one of the youngest players in the team.

Well done Jamie Lee!!

British Judo Star Laura Hewitt 5I1 has been selected to represent Great Britain this month at the European Cup in Spain. Well Done Laura!!

British Cheerleading Star Jade Masson 2I2 will be competing in British Open Cheer & Dance Championship at Capital FM Arena in Nottingham at the end of March. She will also be competing in Future Cheer Brings it On in Disneyland Paris shortly after! Well Done Jade!!

The Iona house council is up and running. The members were given training on how to run an effective committee and all have important roles such as minute taker and chair. This month, the pupils have been looking at better ways to recycle in Rosshall and how to make our school even more bright and welcoming.

Council Members are Josh Gaughan 1I1 Kian Power 4I2

Cameron Collins-Greig 1I2 Emma Wilson 4I2

Mitchell Fulton 1I3 Dylan Hislop 4I3

Aiden McCrone 2I1 Colby Kay 5I1

Molly McKinnon 2I2 Owen Patrick 5I2

Regan Fraser 3I1 6I Alannah McPhee (House Captain)

Olivia Carmichael 3I2

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Team Iona has dropped to 2

nd place this month – let’s not make a repeat of this and get back on top next

month. Thank you to all of our pupils who have been working hard to get even more merit points. Our shining merit stars this month are:

Scott Cuthbertson 1I3 -33 merits Leesa Watson 1I3 -33 merits

Rebekah Burns 1I3 - 32 merits Florence Payne 1I1 - 30 merits 1I1 and 1I3 are the top merit classes - WELL DONE!

S2 Cross Country Challenge Well done to all of the S2 Iona pupils who took part in the cross country challenge. Girls: Jade Masson 2I2 - 2

nd place

Mia Rafferty 2I2 – 5th

place Boys: Aiden McCrone 2I1 - 2

nd place

Nathan Dallas 2I1 - 6th

place

Well done athletes!!

The little Princess Trust is a charity that provides real hair wigs for children suffering hair loss.

They provide wigs free of charge to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment. Emma chopped off 1ft from her lovely hair and donated it to Little Princess Trust. She made well over £350 this is the cost for the charity to make 1 wig. Emma would like to thank you for all donations

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Top Performers! Congratulations to the following pupils

who all achieved the highest number

of merits this term! Well Done!

S1 – Grace Wong

S2 – Craig Moffatt

S3 – Rhiannon Kirkland

S4 – Dean Moran

S5/6 – Chloe McKinley

Lewis Values Ambassadors Congratulations to Zenaib Abaid 1L1 and Elise Stewart 3L1 who are our Values Ambassadors this year.

Zenaib has set herself very high targets since beginning

Rosshall and works hard to meet them. So far Zenaib has

already participated in assemblies across every year group

and participated in Rosshall’s Got Talent. Elise works hard in

school and is a role model to all of us in regards to persevering

and not giving up even when things are difficult.

The girls were appointed even though there was tough competition from other Lewis House pupils

including: Mohammed Sahli, Baillie Morrison, Chloe Whyte and Stephen Healy. Well done to all of the

pupils!

Competition

Congratulations to Mya Brown 1L2 who secured first place in Rosshall’s

Got to Dance competition. Mya was closely followed by Taylor Hendry,

Lia McGurk and Mai Sutton all from 1L2 also who came in 2nd

place.

In the boys competition Arin Crawford 1L1 also secured 2nd

place. Well Done Arin!

Lewis House

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Sporting Stars

Lewis House was ranked in first place after the S1 Girls Cross Country

Championship. The following girls made up our team:

1st place – Ellie McKenna

2nd

place – Lyndsay Todd

3rd

place – Lia McGurk

In the S1 boys Championship our team was ranked overall 2nd

place. Well done to the following boys:

2nd

place – Paul Scott

4th place – Jamie Grassick

10th place – Josh McCallum

In the S2 Cross Country competition the S2 girls continued with our winning streak by winning the team

event. The S2 pupils involved include:

1st place – Billie Jean Mason

4th place – Chloe Whyte

And the boys achieved 2nd

place overall well done to:

1st place – Robbie Maher

9th place – Ross McChristie

Aspiring Professionals Programme Congratulations to Maria Murray S5 who has successfully

gained a place on this very prestigious programme which

will run during the summer holidays and help Maria achieve

her goal of studying law at University!

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Assemblies

This term a number of pupils from S1 and S2 have both presented and performed at our assemblies! This is

a nerve wracking experience but each of our performers and presenters have demonstrated their confidence

by performing very well!

Interdisciplinary

Enterprise Event

Lewis House’s Cuba group from S3 won the IDL event

which required them to pitch, design and manufacture CD

cases. Our Cuba team consisted of: Thomas McAlpine,

Victoria McBlain, Amy Neil, Ruth O’Hare, Lauren Park,

Steven Price, Julieann Revie, Mitchell Sweeney and

Adam Wright.

And finally ……. Craig Moffatt in S2 baked a cake to sell during tea at church on Sunday for donations to Comic Relief. He raised a massive £60.92 which for one Sultana and Orange traybake is pretty good going!

- 28 -


This is excellent news for Skye House and well done to all pupils who received merits this month. A particular well done to our top performing pupils and classes who have significantly contributed to our top place merit position and here is hoping their outstanding efforts will contribute to Skye's drive towards winning the overall house trophy this year.

Top Performing Pupils Top Performing Classes 7 Merits: Asmita Gaire 3S3 1S2 53 Merits Hannah Smart 1S1 2S2 23 Merits 3S2 27 Merits 6 Merits: Nichola Fraser 1S2 3S3 27 Merits 5 Merits: Jade Campbell 1S1 Charlie Davidson 1S1 Caitlin McKendrick 3S1 Jason Rodger 3S2

- 29 -


Skye News Film Star in the making…..

Michael McCardie (5S2)

A massive congratulations Michael who has recently starred in his very own short film called ‘Dropping Off Michael’. Dropping Off Michael was made by Channel 4 JUMPCUT’s 2014 Summer Production Company and has recently won the audience award at Glasgow Short film Festival. The film is about the character Michael who is taken out for his last day of freedom by his Uncle Duncan. Despite the fun line-up that his uncle has laid on for him, Michael cannot forget where he’s finally going that day. This is an outstanding achievement and we all wish Michael every success for the future in what will no doubt will be a highly successful acting career.

Skye Achievements

Ryan McInnes (1S2) A fantastic achievement from Ryan who has just won bronze medal at the British Schools Championships. Ryan is travelling up and down the country at the moment competing at a high level in Judo. Keep up the excellent work Ryan as you are a real Judo star in the making!

Rachael Hamilton (4S1) Continues to excel in both the Gymnastics and Ice Skating world. Rachael has recently competed at the Gymnastics Scottish Championships whereby Rachael was awarded 5th best ‘grade trio’ in Scotland. Keep up the great achievements Rachael.

Megan Curley (5S1) Good luck to Megan who is performing at the Scottish Variety awards in March with the UK Theatre School where the group are performing a musical theatre piece.

- 30 -


Ade Awokoya-Meebude (5S2)

Congratulations to Ade who recently represented the school at the Emirates Stadium for the Scottish Schools Athletics Championships. Ade won gold medal for the 60m with an exceptionally fast time of 7.19 seconds. Ade also won silver medal at the Scottish Nationals in the Under 20 category. Well Done Ade!

Conor Logan (3S1) We wish Conor every success for the upcoming Scottish National Swimming Age Group Championships which are taking place in April. Conor will be competing in a range of events including his favourite event the 100 Back Crawl.

Sara Borland (5S2)

Well done to Sara who has recently finished playing the role of Patty Simcox from Grease as part of the GSYT group. A fantastic effort from Sara. A Special Thank You Kaitlin Ruddy (5S2) We would like thank Kaitlin for her commitment and dedication to the school shop whereby Over and above preparing to sit 5 Higher examinations this year, Kaitlin plays a key role ensuring that the school shop continues to be a success. Kaitlin not onlyvolunteers her own time serving in the shop however spends considerable time organising and buying all stock.We appreciate your efforts Kaitlin.Kaitlin is also a senior black belt in Karate and recently won Bronze at the KATA championships. Well done Kaitlin Cross Country Success Well done to all Skye pupils who participated in this year’s Inter House Cross Country competition. Particular congratulations to the following pupils who were awarded medals for their efforts. S1 Boys Individual Gold - Scott Reid Bronze - David Anoh S1 Boys Team overall won GOLD Scott Reid Shenan Perera David Anoh Ryan Waters Ryan McInnes Joseph Gilmour Stewart Glen Bryan McCool S2 Girls Participants S2 Boys Participants Hayleigh McLean David Hart Sarah Strain Aaron Thompson

- 31 -


School Show Skye Stars Several of our Skye pupils have principal roles in this year schools show production of Hairspray. Well done again to those pupils involved and we are all very much looking forward to seeing our fantastic Skye acting, dancing and singing talents on stage. Happy rehearsing and remember to look out for…. Ryan Little as Seeweed J Stubbs Beth McColl as Motormouth Maybelle Lauren Madden as Penny Pingleton Nadia Coia as Shayna Good Luck We wish all senior pupils in Skye House who are about to embark on their SQA examinations this year the very best of luck and every success as the examinations get underway. Remember to aim high and keep working hard, two of our very important school values, Aspiration and Perseverance.

Good Luck to Ms Mitchell

On the subject of aspiration and perseverance, we would like to wish our Head Teacher Ms Mitchell good luck in her 5x50 challenge which started on 29th March and finishes on 17th May. Every day for the next 50 days she will be running or walking 5 kilometres to raise money for the charity Alzheimer Scotland.

- 32 -


EMPLOYABILITY NEWS

ROYAL MARINES VISIT ROSSHALL ACADEMY January, 2015, saw the Royal Marines visit Rosshall Academy, Home Economics Department. The Marines travelled up from their base in England and demonstrated how to cook a quick, nutritious meal. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed this experience and we hope to have the Marines visit the school sometime in the near future to do further demonstrations.

LAW EVENT

On 23rd January, 2015, Rosshall Academy students went along to the City Chambers ‘A Career in the Legal Profession’ event. This event was sponsored by Education Services in partnership with Bridge Litigation and Brodies with input from GCC, The Right Honourable Rita Rae, Dr Iain MacRitchie, Bridge Litigation, Brodies, the Police Federation and Reach and Focus West.The Right Honourable Rita Rae spoke with great enthusiasm of her career in law over the years -being admitted as a solicitors in 1974, through to Junior Council, Faculty of Advocates (1982-1992). Then being appointed QC in 1992 and Sheriff in 1997. Lady Rita Rae also delivers lectures to students. Her career talk was an inspiration. Our young people gained a great insight into the world of law from the various partners in law who gave of their time to make this event possible.

S3 pupils visit CITB (Construction

Industry Training Board), Inchinnan

Linda Jane Sutherland of CITB welcomed our young people to the Training College, informing them of who CITB were and what they did. The pupils were also given a careers talk around the careers and routes in the industry followed by a tour of the college , seeing first-hand the facilities and meeting with apprentices. The morning finished with a Q and A Session

CAREER ACADEMIES PUPILS – Masterclass at

Barclays, Glasgow 2

nd Year Career Academies students were invited along to a Master

class with Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, Bothwell St., Glasgow. Our young people were given invaluable information and advice on how to get themselves on the career ladder. For further information on our Career Academies Programme please visit: http://www.careeracademies.org.uk/pages/internships.html

http://www.careeracademies.org.uk/pages/internships.html

- 33 -


GENERAL INFORMATION ON EMPLOYABILITY

The Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative is now open for any young person over 16 years of age to register. What is the CAI? For further information on this initiative please go on-line to: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/apprentices or Phone: 0141 287 7282

APPRENTICESHIPS There are a number of other apprenticeships advertised in the school bulletin and on-screen in school at various times throughout the year. May I ask that you encourage your child to look out for this information?

Peer Mediation Update A focus group of our peer mediators met with the Peer Mediation Network coordinator, Roxan Nazifishirayi, on 12

th March. The pupils were involved in discussions with the coordinator about peer mediation and their

role in Rosshall. Roxan recorded short clips of their views which she may include in an informational and promotional video she is currently creating on peer mediation for Education Scotland. Following this meeting we received very positive feedback from Roxan about the pupils:

‘I was so impressed with how insightful and articulate the group was, and how many brilliant ideas and suggestions they had, and the enthusiasm for the project.’

Pupils will have an opportunity from this for further training and once the network is established will hopefully be able to work with peer mediators from other schools.

Pupils involved in this focus group were: Kelsey Barr, Samantha Likonde, Beth McCloy, Caitlin McKendrick, Andrew Morton and Maria Murray. Well done to all – a credit to Rosshall.

Just a reminder Peer Mediation is available for pupils: Forms are found outside the Pastoral care interview room and should be placed in the box. Pupils can also approach a peer mediator or ask a Pastoral Care Teacher to set it up. A Peer Mediator will then let the pupils involved know when to meet them. B Sharp / E Brogan Pastoral Care

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/apprentices

- 34 -


SQA Exams

1 The SQA examination diet starts on Tuesday 28

th April 2015 and finishes on Friday 5

th June 2015

(actual last exam occurring in Rosshall Academy is Monday 1st June).

All pupils have been issued with an exam timetable and a personalised timetable.

2 Study arrangements are as follows:

Study leave will run from 7th May-29th

May (inclusive)

If any pupil has an exam before the 7th May they have permission not to attend school on the

day before that exam

All pupils will return to school on Monday 1st

June(except Higher PE candidates, they will

return on the 2nd

June)

Any pupil with few or no exams should attend school as usual (Mr Quinn had arranged a

programme of work and support for you) All pupils are welcome to attend and study in school for the duration of the exam period

3 It is every pupil’s responsibility to know which exams they are sitting, and where and when

the examination is taking place. The exam timetable and relevant pupil information is also on the school website. May I take this opportunity to wish all our pupils the very best of luck in their exams. Graham Keith, Depute Head Teacher responsible for SQA Examinations

S4/5/6 pupils – Easter Revision School Easter revision school will be running again this year from Tuesday 7 April – Friday 17 April. This provides an excellent opportunity for pupils preparing to sit exams to seek some additional help and support from their teachers. The main focus of the additional support will be on exam revision and study techniques. Evaluations from previous Easter School’s indicate that pupils found it extremely worthwhile and all pupils felt that it helped them greatly in the final stages of their exam preparation. We have no doubt that Easter School has, in the past, contributed to the improving grades of many of our pupils and we would therefore ask you to ensure that your child takes full advantage of this opportunity. Pupils have already been issued with a timetable of classes available and should have already signed up for sessions however, if this is not the case they can still check availability with individual teachers. Many staff have volunteered to run classes during their holidays so if a pupil signs up for a session we really would expect them to attend. Registers will be taken for each class and you will receive a text alert the day before to remind you that your child has a class the next day. Since we expect that many of the classes will fill up quickly it will not be possible for a pupil just to turn up on the day without previously having signed up for the class.

- 35 -


If you would like any further information please contact Ms Loudon, DHT.

Easter School will run from Tuesday 7 April until Friday 17 April.

The time slots each day will be 10am – 12pm and 12.45pm – 2.45pm. Try to attend both sessions

Please note that classes are only for N5. Please tick the sessions you wish to attend.

Week 1

am pm am pm am pm am pm

Graph Com Music P Elec Art (Hanley)

Des & Man Geography Maths Bio(Rae)

Computing Des & Man Spanish Chem(McSkim)

HFT Media RMPS

Maths(Quinn)

Week 2

am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm

Art(Cherubini) Art(Leven) Drama Art(Bland) Bio(Kelly)

History Bio(McAvoy) Chem(Bain) Bio(Kelly)

Chem(Bain) Modern Stud

Name: ___________________________ Class: ___________________

Parent / Carer Signature: ____________________________________________

Forms must be returned no later than Thurs 26th March

If more than one teacher in a subject i s ava i lable to run a sess ion their name is bes ide the sess ion however, regardless of which class you are in you are

free to attend any session

*Your teachers are giving up part of their holiday to volunteer to run extra classes for you so if you sign up you will be expected to attend.

**Important - you cannot just turn up on the day. If your name is not on the register you will be turned away so make sure you sign up in advance.

FridayMonday Tuesday Wednesday

S4 Easter School

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Thursday

Easter School will run from Tuesday 7 April until Friday 17 April.

The time slots each day will be 10am – 12pm and 12.45pm – 2.45pm. Try to attend both sessions.

Please note that classes are only for Higher unless I2 indicated. You should also check with individual faculties

as some may run H / Int 2 / N5 together

Please tick the sessions you wish to attend.

Week 1

am pm am pm am pm am pm

Graph Com Maths Geography Art(Hanley)

Computing PE Product Des Maths

PE HFT RMPS

Media

Admin (I2)

Week 2

am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm

Art(Cherubini) Art(Leven) Drama Art(Bland) Chemistry

Dance History Chemistry

Human Bio Human Bio French

Name: ___________________________ Class: ___________________

Parent / Carer Signature: ____________________________________________

Forms must be returned no later than Thurs 26th March

*Your teachers are giving up part of their holiday to volunteer to run extra classes for you so if you sign up you will be expected to attend.

**Important - you cannot just turn up on the day. If your name is not on the register you will be turned away so make sure you sign up in advance.

Tuesday (A) Wednesday (B/D) Thursday (B)

S5/6 Easter School

Friday ( E)

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Monday ( E)

- 36 -


DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

APRIL 2014

Thursday 2th April School closes at 2.30pm for Spring Holiday

Monday 20th April School Reopens Tuesday 28

th April SQA Examinations start

MAY 2014

Monday 4th May May Day Holiday

Tuesday 5th May Graduation Event

Thursday 7th May Inservice Day/ Study leave starts for S4(N5),S5 and S6

Monday 11th May New timetable starts for new S2, S3 and S4

Friday 22nd

May Holiday Monday 26

th May Holiday

JUNE 2014

Monday 1st June New S5 Induction Day Tuesday 2nd June New S5 Health Day Wednesday 3

rd June New S6 Induction Day

Wednesday 4th June P7 Visit

Friday 5th June P7 Visit

Monday 15th – Friday 19

th June Activities Week

Tuesday 16th – Thursday 18

th June School Show

Monday 22nd

June Awards Ceremony Tuesday 23

rd June Young Philanthropy Initiative Awards Ceremony

Wednesday 24th June School Closes 1pm

SCHOOL CONTACT DETAILS

131 Crookston Road Glasgow G52 3PD Telephone 0141 582 0200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rosshallacademy.glasgow.sch.uk

Follow us on Twitter @RosshallAcademy

Please keep us posted about your child’s out of school successes:

[email protected]

Head Teacher

Ms Alison J Mitchell Depute Head Teacher Mr Graham Keith Barra House Depute Head Teacher Mrs Wendy Stillie Harris House Depute Head Teacher Ms Tracey Loudon Iona House Depute Head Teacher Ms Maureen Moy Lewis House Depute Head Teacher Mr Stephen Murphy Skye House

Pastoral Care Teachers

Mrs Kathryn King Iona House Ms Brenda Sharp Harris House Mrs Evelyn Brogan Barra House Mr Barry Quinn Lewis House Mrs Nicola Hood Skye House


http://www.rosshallacademy.glasgow.sch.uk/


Documents

Rosshall Academy Spring Newsletter · PDF fileKeeping Rosshall Academy smart ... ASL Department ... focused on self-esteem and confidence and all of them gained a Silver Solitaire