Issue 2 November 2011
The BAnner
Inside this issue
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4 & 5
Page 6 & 7
Page 8 & 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15,16,17
Page 18
Headlines
Advanced Higher Chemistry
French Exchange
EYP Durham
Paris Art Trip
WoSPEG Physics Quiz
PTA
Christmas Fayre
Derek Landy Author Talk
European Day of Languages
Exhibition of S5/6 Art work
Assessments
Calendar
Issue 2
Head Lines
Last month saw the school lose a fine young person. Martin Zelenka of S1 passed away as the result
of an accident. Our school community’s thoughts go to Martin’s family. At such times, we are
reminded of the fragility of life and, as a result, we are prompted to treasure our young people. My
thanks go to all who have supported our pupils in recent weeks.
Our S4 are entering a crucial time in relation to prelim examinations, set for December. They have
been encouraged by Miss Bannatyne to plan study and to set aside time adequate in advance of the
prelims to ensure they avoid a last minute dash. Where parents may wish advice on supporting their
children, please feel free to contact a pupil’s guidance teacher.
There are a number of opportunities in November for parents to engage with the school. Thank you
to those who have contacted us with a view to committing to the information sessions scheduled this
month. Details can be found below and on the website.
I would like to thank parents for their overwhelming support of the uniform policy this session. The
move to blazers has been a terrific success and pupils look splendid around the school and in the
local community. I have been impressed by the large number of pupils who have already made
suitable arrangements to cope with the winter weather either by wearing a suitable outer jacket or
leaving their blazer in a locker. I would remind parents that suitable tailored skirts for girls are
available through the school’s supplier, Academy Uniforms. Details for ordering all stocked items
are available on the school website.
George Cooper
Head Teacher
Parent Workshops
A reminder of the workshops running over the next month . Fuller details available in the September
BAnner or on the website.
Workshop
Date
Time
Numeracy-.
Mon 7th Nov
6.30 -7.30
S4 Study Skills-
Tues 8th Nov
6.30 – 7.30
SQA- New Qualifications-
Wed 9th Nov
6.30 – 7.30
P7 Induction Evening-.
Tues 15th Nov
6.30 – 7.30
Learning & Teaching-
Tues, 22nd Nov
6.30 – 7.30
Literacy-
Mon, 28th Nov
6.30 – 7.30
Page 2
Issue 2
S6 Advanced Chemistry
by Andrew McGowan, Emily McBride, Danny Lo
Upon our arrival at the University we were
greeted by a group of Chemists and
Chemistry students, who had agreed to give
us a lesson aiming to show how varied and
interesting Advanced Higher Chemistry is.
The laboratory session was made up of
numerous experiments that felt like an
extreme version of Brainiac rather than the
usually experiments we were all used to in
the Standard Grade and Higher syllabus.
We were asked to make stalagmites found in
caves; heated weird and wonderful chemicals to ridiculous temperatures to make sludge you
would normally find in horror films; and even got to make a “fairy liquid” explosion…Bath
time for S6 pupils will never be the same again…
The Chemists were extremely helpful and
friendly, and allowed us to understand the
complex chemistry behind the experiments, as
well as giving us advice on the best way to get
involved with a Chemistry related degree.
The trip was a great success and the S6
Chemistry contingent was very grateful to the
staff of the Department of Pure and Applied
Chemistry at Strathclyde University.
A Solar Innovation
by Fiona Byrne, Fergus Tibbs, Caitlin Chalmers, Elise McCaig and Michael Rodger
This month, a visit from Nina Chadwick, a Ph.D. student from Edinburgh University, gave
the sixth year students a real insight into the application of Chemistry in day to day life. The
Advanced Higher Chemistry pupils were de-light-ed by the demonstration on the production
of a functioning solar cell.
A hands-on way of discovering the amount of energy we require on a daily bases featured,
much to the amusement of the rest of the class, Andrew McGowan working up quite a sweat
on an exercise bike.
Throughout the period the students were shown just how important solar energy is to modern
society and that renewable sources, which are vital to the protection of our planet, are
perfectly achievable as a reliable replacement to fossil fuels.
The highlight of the period, apart from seeing a cool explosion (otherwise known as the
combustion of highly flammable methanol), was a working solar cell. The experience was
truly en-light-ening and I’m sure future classes will be eager to see Solar Sparks return.
Page 3
Issue 2
French Exchange
As the days shortened
the excitement grew. It
was nearly time for the
long awaited visit to
Lycee Jacques Cartier in
St Malo. A very early
start—6.15 at the school
was followed by a long
bus journey through to
sunny Portsmouth,
which we reached in the
early evening. The
excitement of being on
the ferry—there was so
much to do—different
restaurants, shops, the
cinema—that the idea of
sleeping seemed far from the thoughts of most people. However, eventually we settled
down for what was not the most comfortable night’s sleep and when we woke up we were
nearly there.
Arriving at the school, we were collected by our hosts and then had a couple of days of rest
and relaxation with them. Strangely enough almost everyone ended up in the old town of St
Malo that afternoon. On M onday we started a really busy 3 days. Breakfast in school was
followed by a trip to the Oyster Farm at Concale before returning to school for lunch. Then
there was an international volleyball game, run to Dinard for an exhilarating cliff top walk
and then back to St Malo for the formal reception. This year we were also really lucky to get
the chance of going up onto ramparts where there were great views all round the city.
Page 4
Issue 2
Tuesday was another packed day. We travelled to
the Breton capital, Rennes and visited the Musee de
Bretagne, and the Parliament before a tour of some
of the places of interest which pupils had to draw!
Some were more successful than others. Wednesday
was the highlight with a trip to Mont St Michel. In
the morning we visited the amazing Abbey and the
tourist shops, before a picnic lunch back on the
mainland and the weather was good enough to play
on the beach. We then began the long but enjoyable
walk across the bay through quicksand and rivers—
scary at times but we all got there. Back in St Malo there was a soiree with galettes and
crepes to taste and a review of some of the memorable moments of both bits of the
exchange. A party on the beach ended the evening for most and then it was Thursday and
time to head for home. This second exchange visit was just as much of a success as the one
in 2010. Thanks to everyone involved in organising the trip, particularly Mrs Grehan, who
is chiefly responsible for the success of the exchange.
Page 5
Issue 2
European Youth Parliament—-Durham 2011
For the third year running we were back at Durham in the autumn. Weren’t we lucky? The
venue this time – St Aidan’s
college – not as picturesque as
Hatfield but much more
comfortable. Having
accomplished the journey
without mishap, we only had
time for a quick but delicious
dinner before events got
underway – an evening of
games and teambuilding for the
pupils and a very civilised
reception for the Staff and then
the last proper night’s sleep!
Wake up call at 7 – day of
committee work and further
team building before the grand
formal opening and the
European Youth Parliament was in session.
After dinner the formal resolutions
were issued and then it was off to
work till we collapsed 2am, 3am,
and 4am! Saturday’s wake up was
at 6.30am.
This was a long day with 10 debates – our team were
afflicted by a ‘bug’, it was very warm in the lecture theatre –
but we got through. Back to our residence and it was
dinner and then a quick change for the party – with a techno
theme – and we went for scientists and robots. (Why did my
job description never mentioned spending a Saturday
evening wrapping up children in rolls of tin foil!! – Mrs
MacKay) However, the end results were possibly worth the
effort?
Page 6
Issue 2
Party was over about midnight and then it was back to
work to prepare for the next day’s speeches. -2am,
3am—you need stamina in this game. The 7am
wake up call was definitely a struggle. To get
everyone properly wakened , the organisers held a
variation on rock/paper/scissors which saw us
acting as ipods!!! - yes, outside on a Sunday
morning at 8am. The morning’s debates were
followed by lunch and the judges verdict. Sadly
we were not the team selected to go to Turkey but
we got great feedback and after all the EY puns
and EY preparation—the remark that we really had embodied the spirit of EYP was the best
compliment. And as we left Durham, we were still smiling..
Page 7
Issue 2
Paris Art Trip—-June 2011
by Mrs Daniel
A team of 33 artistic enthusiasts from S1flew to Paris before
the summer holidays to sketch, visit the galleries and soak up
the aesthetic delights that Paris has to offer! Accompanied by
myself, Mrs Pate, Mr Connelly and Mr Kearney, we stayed in
the artist's paradise which is Montmartre in the Hotel Luxia
(which was perhaps not quite so luxurious as the name may
have implied) overlooking the steps leading to the stunning
Sacre Coeur.
Our young artists took in a wide
range of galleries including the
Mona Lisa in the Louvre, Monet's
Waterlilies at L'Orangerie and the work of the Impressionists in
the Musee D'Orsay. We also sketched the outlandish sculptures
at the Salvador Dali Museum and soaked up the atmosphere at
the Musee Nationale d'Arte Moderne at the Georges Pompidou
Centre. In addition, our gang had great fun sailing down the
River Seine on the Bateaux Mouches, having their caricatures
drawn in the Place du Tertre and singing with buskers on the
steps of the Sacre Coeur.
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Issue 2
Paris Art Trip—-June 2011
Perhaps the highlight of our stay was our ascent to the very
top of the Eiffel Tower as sunset fell over the city and
floodlights from the top of the tower lit the skies! This was
beautiful and a sight not to be missed which was captured by
our keen photographers!
Dinners were traditionally French with delicious chicken on
the first evening, and again on the second, and then again on
the third!! We thought perhaps the restaurant was 'poulet'
our legs! Pupils were thrilled to be taken to Flunch on the
last evening where pasta, pizza and salad was an option. In
keeping with tradition on the trip, teaching staff looked with
bemusement as some of our young artistes tucked into a
lovely meal of... wait for it... CHICKEN!!
I would have to say that it was an absolute pleasure to take
pupils away on this excursion. Their behaviour was absolutely impeccable, their company great fun and they were superb ambassadors for Bearsden Academy! Formidable!!
Page 9
Issue 2
WoSPEG Physics Quiz 2011
The first round of the annual
WoSPEG (West of Scotland Physics
Education Group) Standard Grade
Physics Quiz took place on 6th
September at the University of the
West of Scotland. Bearsden Academy
was represented by Max Cochrane
(S4), David McCubbin (S4) and
Thomas Wilson (S3).
The team tested their wits against
strong opposition from Hutcheson
Grammar and Jordanhill Secondary
School. After a closely contested clash, the Bearsden Academy team came second to
Hutcheson Grammar, by the narrowest of margins.
Both teams proceed to the semi-final, which will take place on 26th October at Glasgow
Caledonian University. With the potential of proceeding to the finals the team still
everything to play for.
Good luck to the boys in the next round!! Information about this in the next BAnner
Parent Teacher Association
Christmas Fayre
Our big event is almost upon us with the Christmas Fayre just over a week away. Tickets
will be issued to each family in advance and should be paid for at the door. As last year we
will have over 50 very varied stalls as well as raffles, refreshments and we hope a
wonderfully festive atmosphere. We had over 700 visitors on the night last year and we
want to make this an even bigger event this year. Please help with donations if you can and
please come along on the night.
200 Club
We are still actively seeking members for the 200 club. Cost is now £7 for the remaining
draws (though if it is easier to send in £10, feel free to do so!!)
The winners of the October draw are
1st (£20) Mrs McKee, mother of Kirsty McKee,2.2
2nd(£10) Ms Smith, mother of Monica Febrero Smith, 3.3
3rd (£10) Mrs McKechnie, mother of Jack McKechnie, 1B
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Issue 2
PTA Christmas Fayre
Thursday 10th November
6.30pm — 9.30pm
Tickets will be issued 2 per family beforehand.
Please pay at the door on arrival.
Cost £3 (£2 concession)
Family ticket £6 ( 2adults /2 children) (includes refreshments) Please can you help us with donations for:Christmas hampers
Raffle Prizes
Bottle Stall
(Please hand in to Miss Easton any
day next week)
Home Baking is also required
(Please hand in to Miss Easton on Thursday 10th
November only)
Page 11
Issue 2
Derek Landy – Author Talk
by Liam Mckeown
A select number of pupils were taken
to the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow
to meet the author Derek Landy and
get a greater insight into the man
behind the Skulduggery Pleasant
series. This series is jammed packed
full of action, horror, adventure and
crime. Which is why his first book
published in 2007 was such a big hit
with many young readers and won
the Red House Children’s Book
Award. It is also why all his other
books became even greater successes
and won many other awards. He told
us about his school life and his
passion for English. Also as a young man he wrote several screen plays. This led him to
write the series we all love, Skulduggery Pleasant. He then enlightened us about how his
house contains props from movies like Star Wars, Captain America and Superman. The
reason behind this being that he always wanted to wake up and be inspired with new ideas
for his books. After this inspiring insight into his life he took a question and answer session.
Afterwards we were taken outside to have our books signed by the man himself making the
trip all worthwhile. Overall we had a wonderful experience and were inspired by a
spectacular author.
Derek Landy Event
by members of S3/4 Girls’ Book Group
On Monday 5th September members of the S2-S4 Book Groups were lucky enough to attend
a trip to the Mitchell Theatre. This was in order to hear a talk form the author Derek Landy,
who writes the ever so popular Skulduggery Pleasant series. This presentation was enjoyed
by people of various ages from many different schools. Derek Landy shared with the
audience many interesting and memorable facts about his life and how he came to be an
author. However it was his quirky attitude and lively humour that caught most of the
audience’s attention. After he had finished his presentation several members of the Book
Groups were fortunate enough to have their Skulduggery Pleasant books signed by the
author. Not only was this experience very interesting it was educational.
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Issue 2
European Day of Languages
Well done to all S1 pupils for
taking part in the European Day of
Languages
Treasure Hunt. This was organised
by the Modern Languages
Department and took
place on 27th September. Pupils
were tested on their knowledge of
European countries, culture and
languages.
Congratulations go to the winning class
1D who scored a very impressive 50/50.
Many thanks go to all the staff and S6
pupils who helped the S1 pupils to find
the correct answers and , ultimately, made
this event possible.
Thanks also to the staff who got into the
spirit of the day by greeting their classes
in a a different European language
Art & Design Clubs
Page 13
Year Group
Day
Time
Room
Teacher
S1
Wednesday
1.20
S030
Mrs Lambert
S2
Thursday
1.20
S028
Mrs Daniel
S3
Monday
1.20
S030
Mrs Lindsay
S4/Florence
Wednesday
1.20
S024
Mr Davis
Higher
Monday
3.45
S026
Mrs Pate
S6 2012 Calendar
Tuesday
1.20
S026
Mrs Pate
S6 Yearbook
Thursday
1.20
S026
Mrs Pate
Issue 2
Bearsden Academy Art and Design Department
Exhibition of S5 and S6 Work
Self Portrait by Fergus Tibbs
Portrait by Jonathan Walker
You and your guests are cordially invited to an evening to
celebrate the work of our S5 and S6 pupils.
Thursday 24th November 2011 6.30pm –8.30 pm
Bearsden Academy Assembly Hall.
A slideshow presentation of photographic images from the
Florence and Paris Art & Design trips will also be on display.
Light refreshments will be available.
RSVP
[email protected]
Page 14
Issue 2
November 2011
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
Assessment Information (All year groups)
Detailed below are the provisional assessment and deadline dates for the month of November. We hope that
parents will find this information useful and that it will help them to support the preparation of their children for
these key tests and assignments. Should you have any queries regarding our assessment and reporting detail
then please feel free to contact A MacKay, Depute Head Teacher, Assessment and Reporting Coordinator.
Number denotes week/s of assessment/s i.e. 1-w/b 7/11/11, 2=w/b 1411/11, 3 w/b 21/11/11, 4-w/b28/11/11
Provisional Assessment dates for November 2011
S1
S2
S3
S4
Int1
Subject
Accounting
Art & Design
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Computing
Craft & Design
Economics
English
French
Geography
German
Graphic Communication
History
Home Economics
Information Systems
Mathematics
Modern Studies
Music
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
RMPS
Science
Politics
Spanish
Technological Studies
3,4
2
3
2
S5/6
Int2
H
3
4
1
3
3
4,2
1
3
3
3
AH
2
3
1
4
3
3
4
1, 2
4
2
4
3,4
3
3
1
2
1
3
1
1
3
4
4
4
1
2
4
2
1
3
3
2
2
2
2
2,3
4
1
4
1,3
4
1,3
1
2
3
2,4
1
4
2,4
1,3
Deadlines November 2011
Year
S5/6
Date
w/b 14th Nov
Subject
Photography
Level
H
S6
w./b 14th Nov
Art & Design
Adv H
AHS6
w/b 16th Nov
Chemistry
AH
S5/6
S4
S6
S5/6
S5/6
w/b 21st Nov
w/b 21st Nov
w/b 28th Nov
w/b 28th Nov
w/b 28th Nov
French
Art & Design
Modern Studies
Spanish
Art & Design
H
SG
AH
H
H & Int 2
S4
w/b 28th Nov
Art & Design
SG
Page 15
Deadline
Research Project NAB and all
Coursework completed
Interim Review 8 x A1 sheets required
Identification of AH investigate
and background research
Reading NAB
Final Draft of Design Essay Due
Dissertation Chapter 1
Reading NAB
Design Unit Investigation Sheet
Assessment
Prelim Preparatory Work Completed
Issue 2
December 2011
ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING
Assessment Information (All year groups)
Detailed below are the provisional assessment and deadline dates for the month of December. We hope that
parents will find this information useful and that it will help them to support the preparation of their children
for these key tests and assignments. Should you have any queries regarding our assessment and reporting detail then please feel free to contact A MacKay, Depute Head Teacher, Assessment and Reporting Coordinator.
Number denotes week/s of assessment/s i.e. 1 -w/b 28/11/11, 2-w/b 5/12/11, 3-w/b 12/12/11, 4-w/b
19/12/11
Subject
Accounting
Art & Design
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Computing
Craft & Design
Economics
English
French
Geography
German
Graphic Communication
History
Home Economics
Information Systems
Mathematics
Modern Studies
Music
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
RMPS
Science
Politics
Spanish
Technological Studies
Provisional Assessment dates for December 2011
S1
S2
S3
S4
Int1
1
4
2
S5/6
Int2
H
3
AH
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
1
3
1
2
1
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
2
2
1, 2
3
1,2
3
2, 4
2, 3
3
2,4
3
4
2
3
2
Deadlines December 2011
S3
1st December
History
All
Complete research and dissertation plan
S3
2nd December
Textile Technology
Int 1
Practical assignment deadline.
S4
5th December
Art & Design
SG
Prelim preparation sheets completed
S3
5th December
History
S5/6
10th December
Creative Cakes
Int 2
NAB Cake decoration
S5/6
10th December
Hospitality
Int 2
Final deadline for Foods of the World Unit.
Page 16
Test-Trench Warfare
Issue 2
Deadlines December 2011 continued
S6
10 December
Chemistry
AH
S6
13 December
Geography
Adv Higher
S5/6
15 December
Art and Design
Higher/Int2
S5/6
15 December
Health & Food Tech
Higher
Research into practical aspects of investigation.
Choice of issue and research question.
Three sources, with at least 2 with disruption
and summary for each.
Expressive Folio – Research & Investigation
completed
Technology project complete to 2.1
S5/6
16 December
Creative Cakes
Int 2
Organisation of practical skills deadline
S5/6
S5/6
S3
19 December
20 December
22 December
Art & Design
English
History
S6
Higher / Int2
All
Design Unit Assessment
Textual analysis re-assessment.
First draft of dissertation due
Music department assessment dates ---------Session 2011/12
S5/6 Performance NABs
w/b 24/11/11
Higher
Advanced Higher
w/b 28/11/11
w/b 5/12/11
Instrument 1 assessment - 5 minutes
Instrument 2 assessment – 2 ½ minutes
Instrument 1 assessment – 6 minutes
Instrument 2 assessment – 4 minutes
Higher
Instrument 1 assessment - 8 minutes
Instrument 2 assessment – 4 minutes
Advanced Higher
Instrument 1 assessment – 10 minutes
Instrument 2 assessment – 6 minute
Advanced Higher
Instrument 1 assessment – 12 minutes
Instrument 2 assessment – 8 minutes
In each instance re-sits take place the following week
Term 2
Entire Programme to be performed at Higher/Advanced Higher Performance Prelim
Page 17
Higher
Instrument 1
Instrument 2
Minimum of 10 minutes
Minimum of 5 minutes
Advanced Higher
Instrument 1
Instrument 2
Minimum of 15 minutes
Minimum of 10 minutes
Issue 2
EVENTS CALENDAR
NOVEMBER
Tuesday 1st
Wednesday 2nd
Monday 7th
Tuesday 8th
Wednesday 9th
Thursday 10th
Tuesday 15th
Wednesday 16th
Tuesday 22nd
Thursday 24th
Monday 28th
Wednesday 30th
7.00pm
4.00-6.30pm
6 30-7 30pm
6 30-7 30pm
6 30-7 30pm
630-9 30pm
6 30-7 30pm
4.00 -6.30pm
6 30-7 30pm
7.00 - 9.00pm
6 30-7 30pm
4.00-6.30pm
Chamber Concert
S3 Parents’ Meeting
CfE workshop—Numeracy
CfE workship—S4 Study Skills
CfE workshop—SQA new Qualifications
PTA Christmas Fayre
P7 Induction Meeting
S1 Parents’ Meeting
CfE workshop—Learning & Teaching
Art Exhibition
CfE workshop —Literacy
S5/6 Parents’ Meeting
7.00pm
S4 Prelims start
Parent Council Meeting
DECEMBER
Monday 5th
Tuesday 6th
Next Parent Council meeting on Tuesday 8th November
Next PTA meeting on Monday 21st November
Next BAnner is due to be issued at the start of December.
Contact details:
Address : Stockiemuir Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 3SF
Phone number : 0141 955 2344
Fax number : 0141 942 5949
Pupil Absence Line: 0141 955 2345
Email : [email protected]
Web site : www.bearsdenacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk
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