The Banter
Issue 1 - October 2015
The Newsletter of Keith Grammar School, School Road, Keith, Moray, AB55 5GS
: (01542) 882461 : [email protected]
: www.keithgrammarschool.co.uk
…I would walk 500 miles
S2 Pupils on the Enrichment Walk ~ Ben Aigan
On Wednesday, 30th September 2015 as part of the S2 Enrichment Course, over 60 pupils along with 9
adults embraced the idea of 'learning in the outdoors' when they set out to tackle Ben Aigan for the day.
Pupils had planned their day expedition during class time and worked on developing numerous skills
(including map reading, using grid references, pacing and timings) to prepare them for the activities ahead.
During the day everyone participated in different activities, including: monitoring of pulse/breathing rate,
estimating distances covered and time taken and in discussions about conditions of their surroundings. All
of the data collected will be taken back and utilised in the classroom to build on prior learning and as a basis
for introducing new concepts where the relevance has already been identified. Pupil and staff spirits were
kept high throughout the day with the fantastic weather and picturesque scenery visible throughout the
walk. Congratulations to all pupils and staff who participated in the walk - you ALL did it and reached the top
(471m above sea level)!
Aspirational ~ Active ~ Hardworking ~ Healthy ~ Respected ~ Responsible ~ Safe ~ Supported
Message from the Rector…
Lewis Featch and Callum Gordon (Head Prefects) with Mr Macpherson
Welcome to the first edition of “The Banter”, the
newsletter of Keith Grammar School. As part of our
desire to share more of our achievements with you
it has undergone a redesign which will hopefully
mean it is more interesting and informative. If you
have any feedback on this issue or things you would
like to hear about in future issues please contact
the school. If you would like to receive future
newsletters by email please let us know by emailing
on
[email protected]. We will also aim to include all
communications
on
the
school
website
www.keithgrammarschool.co.uk.
It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of the
first term. It has been a busy time in school –
welcoming in the new S1 pupils, ensuring all Senior
students have a suitable curriculum taking into
account their exam results and a visit from
Education Scotland Inspectors. All our students
have been busy settling in to their new timetable
and making progress in all their subjects. They will
all have had conversations with their teachers
about their learning and how they see themselves
progressing. For S4-6 students this will include
setting targets for the grades they wish to achieve
next May. Every young person will have received a
short report summarising where they are in their
learning at the moment. These reports will be
analysed by SMT and PTs Guidance who will then
meet with and support students who are not
progressing as we would hope.
Much of my own work this term has been focussed
on reviewing last session in terms of whole school
attainment as well as individual subject
performance. As you would imagine we have a
wealth of information from the SQA exams which
allows us to measure our performance against our
own previous results and those of other schools as
well as National comparisons. I will soon have met
with all departments to discuss their analysis of the
exam results which then allows us to plan
developments and support that will lead to
improved attainment and more opportunities for
our young people.
I was pleased by the turnout at the Parent Council
AGM this term as the support and challenge of
parents is essential to ensuring our school is
providing the best possible range of learning
experiences and opportunities that our young
people deserve. You will read more about the
Parent Council in this edition of The Banter and I
would encourage as many of you as possible to get
involved with it either through attending meetings
or adding your name to the mailing list so you have
the opportunity to have your say.
The Education Scotland Inspection Visit in
September gave us the opportunity to again look
closely at all that we do and to have really good
discussions with the Inspectors which allowed them
to point us in the direction of schools working on
similar priorities to ourselves. The School Inspection
Report will be published at some point during
November and will be available online or in printed
form from the School Office. We will notify all
parents when the report is published.
Jamus Macpherson
Staffing Update
Over the course of this term we have been
delighted to appoint Anna Ritchie as Acting PT
Music. She is currently with us 3 days per week
but will take up the post full-time from after the
October break. We have also welcomed back
Gillian Dick to the English department following
her absence. Shortly after the October break
Stacey Hamilton will return full-time; our thanks
go to Ross Jagger and Peter Geddes for their
excellent work covering the PT Maths position.
We were unable to appoint a replacement for Bill
Malcolm as PT English but are delighted that
Helen Bodiam is able to continue as Acting PT in
the meantime, joining us from Elgin Academy.
Following a number of years of loyal service to
Keith Grammar School, Mrs Moira Bangura retires
at October break as School Librarian. Mrs
Bangura has worked tirelessly for our young
people at KGS and will be sorely missed.
Similarly, a fond farewell to Hannah Mills who
takes up post as Teacher of Biology at Perth High
School in October. We are grateful to Jacqui Bibby
and the Science Department for reorganising the
timetable to ensure all National Qualification
classes continue to be taught by a subject
specialist as we advertise this permanent post.
We also welcome Mrs Judith Reid to KGS, two
days per week on a subject specialist supply
teacher basis, to cover remaining classes.
Bon Voyage, Mrs Bangura
Berlin and Krakow Trip
The Humanities Department Trip to Berlin and
Krakow to provide students with the opportunity
to visit two different countries affected by the
atrocities of World War 2 departs on Thursday, 8th
October 2015. The trip will involve various
excursions including visits to Brandenburg Gate
and the Bundestag, Checkpoint Charlie, the
Topography of Terror Documentation Centre, the
Jewish
Quarter,
Auschwitz-Birkenou
Concentration Camp and sightseeing in Krakow.
More to follow in the next “Banter”.
‘Branching out’
Once again this session, Mrs McLeish is working
with a team of Senior Phase students, participating
in the Young Enterprise Scotland, Company
programme. Currently, the team are brainstorming
product ideas and will soon be offering products
for sale to the general public. In late 2015, the
team will also travel to Inverness to take part in the
Moray, Highlands and Islands Trade Fair. Building
on the success of last year’s company, a sustainable
yet ‘woody’ product idea seems to be the preferred
option, hence the company name, ‘Branching out’!
The Company Programme is the ultimate business
experience for S5 and S6 pupils. Young people set
up and run their own company and develop a wide
range of skills throughout this year long
entrepreneurial experience. We wish our young
people every success in their venture!
Rights Respecting Schools
Last Friday, it was confirmed that Keith Grammar School has achieved the “Recognition of Commitment”
for work undertaken to date with ‘Rights Respecting Schools’; UNICEF’s award scheme for schools who
put the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child at the heart of school ethos and life,
furthering the respect agenda. Led by Head Prefects Lewis Featch and Calum Gordon, Mr McLauchlan
and Miss Innes, a variety of activities have been undertaken to date. These include launch events to
staff and pupils through Inset and Assemblies, advertising RRS journey to the school community through
School Notes in local newspapers, Focus Groups and Questionnaires to establish a baseline of where we
are now with rights, general awareness raising and action planning. In the coming months, Student
Voice @ KGS (our Pupil Council) will be taking forward Rights Respecting Schools further, developing our
School Charter and promoting rights and respect for those rights across the school community.
As part of Rights Respecting Schools a programme of activities is planned, alongside integration within
lessons in various curricular areas of key messages pertaining to rights. Mair, Ogilvie and Smith House
Councils have already identified their ‘top 10’ articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child where voting will soon take place across the school community on the articles to be
included in our School Charter, to be launched in October. Our staff-student steering group will soon
work together to work further on our Action Plan for Rights Respecting Schools, with ongoing work to
support RRSA Level 1 undertaken to help achieve level 1 accreditation, planned to be achieved by June
2016. Student-led activities to be undertaken include ‘article of the month’, charter promotion, Global
Citizenship activities and awareness raising.
Skillforce @ Millbuies
As part of their Skillforce activities, S3 and Senior
Phase students helped renovate the main access
path at Millbuies earlier in the term, making the
path less of a trip hazard. They also cut drainage
run-offs into the path to make it suitable in all
weathers.
They also trimmed wind fall trees in preparation
for rebuilding the path during their time. The
equipment used including spades and axes were
supplied by Rothes Glen Fishery. When the tools
were returned at the end of the day, the fishery
owner kindly gave the students a half-hour tour of
his fishery, providing insight into his business
venture. Many thanks to Mr Shearson (Skillforce).
KGS Young Engineers
The KGS Young Engineers travelled to the Glasgow Science Centre on Friday, 5th June for the National
Celebration of Science and Engineering. Schools from all over the country who had won their regional heat
were invited to present their own stall showcasing the work undertaken at their Young Engineers club
throughout the year and participate in challenges throughout the day set by companies such as Network
Rail and Morrison Construction. The team from KGS also took part in the “What’s Watt” challenges where
their train carried 4 apples up a steep incline and a staggering distance of 5.5m! They also created their
own candle powered steam boat which flew through the test tank and generated electricity from apples.
Prizes were only awarded for first place and although the team did not bring home a trophy this time, their
appetite for success has been whetted by the experience (and from hearing how much prize money is on
offer!) The judges commended our young people for their team presentation and staff at both the hotel
and restaurant remarked how polite students were and how smart they looked in their uniform. Grateful
thanks to Mr Tubbs and Miss McFarlane (Design and Technology Department at KGS) for accompanying the
team.
STEM @ KGS
‘Keith Quines’ – Girls into STEM
The Technical Department continues to run a number of successful STEM clubs after school on various week
nights including Lego League, Young Engineers and The Keith Quines all female Young Engineers Club. All
groups are busy working on projects in preparation for applying for various local and national competitions.
As always, if any STEM related business in the community is keen to support our young people, please get in
contact with the Technical Department at KGS on 882461.
Artistic Talents
Holocaust Workshop
In October, KGS will host a gentleman – a
Holocaust survivor - who will run a Holocaust
workshop with all of S1, S4 and senior History
students on 28th October 2015.
This is an amazing experience to have and ties in
closely with the trip to Berlin and Poland
scheduled for the start of October. There are a
small amount of tickets left which are open to
the public. These tickets are free.
Eight S2 pupils from Keith Grammar were
selected to attend an Art and Design trip to the
Elgin Museum to draw from the Museum’s
artefacts.
The work produced is being presented for
display at the Museum as part of a Moray wide
schools exhibition which will be running from
the 3rd of October until the end of the month.
Art teacher Ms Neillie says that “The pupils
enjoyed the challenge of using their drawing
skills learned in classroom, within a different
environment.”
If you would like the opportunity to attend
please contact the School Office at Keith
Grammar School who will direct your request to
the Humanities Department.
World of Work
Since the beginning of term, S4 pupils in PSE
have been examining the world of work and
what choices they may make when it comes to
their careers. As part of this, some pupils have
been making choices for their work experience.
During week commencing 2nd November 2015,
some pupils in S4 will be spending a week in
various places of employment ranging from Vets
to Farms, Garages to Solicitors, finding out what
skills they may require for entering the world of
work. All pupils keen to take part had to make
choices by Friday, 4th September and over the
coming weeks will look forward to finding out
what jobs they have been selected to do.
Share the good news…!
It is always exciting to hear of the success of present and past students where pupils, parents, carers,
grandparents and friends are encouraged to share their wider successes with Senior Management or the
relevant PT Guidance. Please contact your child’s PT Guidance at the school on 882461 or e-mail in on
[email protected] where we are always keen to celebrate and share the
success of our current or past pupils in assemblies, around the school and in our various publications.
KGS Sponsored Walk
On Tuesday, 8th September, students across year groups participated in the annual school sponsored walk
raising money for school funds to support transport costs to events and pay for additional activities to
enrich the curriculum. Grateful thanks to the Forestry Commission, Tesco, Police Scotland and our many
staff and friends of KGS who helped plan and participated in the walk. It was a glorious day.
Paramedic Visit
Sixteen S2 pupils were selected from a large number of volunteers to participate in a First Aid Training
afternoon with Paramedic, Graeme Hay, in preparation for their Day Expedition up Ben Aigan on 30th
September. The sixteen pupils practiced: CPR; moving someone into the recovery position; bandaging;
along with participating in discussions outlining procedures for dealing with a variety of injuries. KGS are
very grateful to Graeme for giving up his time to share his knowledge of First Aid with these young people.
Dressing to impress…
So many of our young people dress smartly in school uniform, prepared for their studies ahead. As a
gentle reminder to parents and carers, items including hooded tops, logo-emblazoned clothing and
woollen scarves are not part of formal school uniform. Similarly, with regards to footwear, plain black
shoes as intimated last session, are the preferred option.
Members of the local community regularly comment on how smart our young people look in their school
uniform where – with everyone wearing similar clothing – inequality issues and bullying are less likely to
result from having to wear the latest or most expensive brand. We appreciate the ongoing support of our
parents and carers in reinforcing standards of dress for school.
Parent Council Update
New office bearers, along with members, were elected at the KGS Parent Council (KGSPC) AGM in
September with Laura Simmers as Chairperson, Mary Rettie as Secretary and Stewart McLauchlan as
Treasurer. All parents and carers of KGS pupils are welcome to attend Parent Council meetings. There
are approximately 6 meetings per year. Any issue that’s of interest to parents can be discussed. This can
be from uniform to homework, bullying to drugs and sex education. There is also a Rector’ Report at
each meeting. If you would like: an issue raised at a meeting, to be added to our mailing list or to offer
help for fundraising, please email Laura on [email protected] or phone and leave message
at school office. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 3rd November at 7 p.m. in Staffroom. It would be
lovely to see you!
One of the aims of KGSPC is to fundraise in order to help support KGS where all our children will benefit.
Most recently funding has been given to: purchase iPads for PE department and digital piano for music
department, S3 activities/residential, S2 Hopscotch Theatre (Burns Last Supper), plants for Garden Club,
maps for Duke of Edinburgh and transport for school trips.
Our main fundraiser is a tombola which is on Wednesday 18th November at Royal British Legion. (Doors
open at 6.30 p.m. Eyes down at 7.30 p.m.) You can support this event by donating bottles, raffles,
prizes to school office by Friday 13th November or by coming along to help and/or play.
KGS Parent Council 200 Club
We have also tried very hard to get a 200 Club up and running. For those of you who don’t know how
this works you pay £1 per monthly draw. Each member is given a number. A number is drawn at
random and the lucky person wins half of the money raised. (The other half is for KGSPC funds.) The
ultimate aim is 200 members with a monthly prize of £100. It started in March and disappointingly,
from a school with over 400 pupils, there are only 149 members (with a prize of £75). Memberships
usually start in March (£12 for the year) but to make a final push to reach our target of 200 you can join
by 8th October for £5 (for 5 monthly draws). Please send a cheque made payable to KGS Parent Council
along with your name, address, email and contact phone number in a clearly labelled sealed envelope to
the school office.
Chivas Outwards Bounds 2015
Operation Youth Advantage
Pupils from Keith Grammar School are going to be attending Operation Youth Advantage. This is being
run jointly with Police Scotland and the Army at Cameron Barracks in Inverness between the 19th and
23rd of October 2015.
Operation Youth Advantage is a 5-day residential course, facilitated by the Army and based at Cameron
Army Barracks, Inverness, for males and females aged between 15 and 17 years. The course is designed
for young people interested in Army Life and outdoor pursuit. Activities include drill, sporting activities,
navigating an assault course, map reading and an overnight field expedition. Pupils from Keith Grammar
have attended in the past and have had a thoroughly enjoyable, if tiring, time!
House Colours
th
On Friday 9 October, pupils were encouraged to come to school wearing clothes relating to their House
Colours and make a donation towards the India Trip and School Fund. In addition, House Captains invited
pupils to sign up and get involved in a selection of fun indoor and outdoor lunchtime activities in order to
win House Points.
Future Trips
Future trips are in the stages of planning, including the Maths Trip to Disneyland Paris in January 2016, the
Modern Languages/Modern Studies trip to London in February 2016 and the Modern Languages trip to
India in July 2016. Fundraising for the latter trip is ongoing with all donations gratefully received for this
senior school volunteering opportunity.
Modern Languages Day
Twenty S3 pupils attended the Moray Modern Languages Day on Wednesday 7 th October 2015. More to
follow in the next edition of ‘The Banter’.
Girls Football Success
Congratulations to the girls who represented KGS in round one of the Moray Football League at Elgin City
Football Club on Monday, 5th October 2015. The ‘A’ team won all four of their matches and finished in first
place! Both teams had great fun and were an absolute credit to the school.
Supporting our Learners
Our Principal Teachers of Guidance:
Miss Innes (Mair) - Mr Abenheimer (Smith) – Mrs Bain (Ogilvie)
Over the course of Term 1, our Principal Teachers of Guidance have been providing pastoral support to
our young people at Keith Grammar School, alongside providing them with various opportunities to raise
their career and wider aspirations. This includes:
Moray UCAS Convention:
Senior students from Keith Grammar School travelled to Gordonstoun on Wednesday, 9 th September
2015 to take part in this event. Aimed at students aiming to progress to Higher Education, pupils found
out more about different Universities and Colleges with many represented on the day.
Developing the young workforce:
Six of our young people are involved in the Johnston’s Work Ready Programme, preparing for future
employability through this valuable programme. Similarly, three of our young people attended the Career
Ready “meeting their mentor” day on Wednesday, 16 th September 2015, providing business mentoring
and valuable paid work experience in the summer holidays.
K Factor:
The value word of the term has been “Aspiration” with pupils encouraged all term by PTs Guidance and
staff to reach their full potential and work hard to achieve their goals. Tutor groups have been
nominating one pupil from their tutor group for the “Aspiration” K Factor with celebration assemblies
held this week.
Trips and Events:
This includes involvement with Operation Youth Advantage and an RAF trip for students in Senior Phase,
showcasing careers on offer in this field.
Work Experience:
Alongside planning for S4 Work Experiences, PTs Guidance have been working with our young people to
arrange Work Placements to build employability skills and gain experience in preferred vocations.
Safe Drive Say Alive and Moray East Careers Fair:
Senior Phase students will soon travel to Aberdeen to participate in the Safe Drive Stay Alive Road Safety
Awareness/Safe Driving event. Similarly, the Moray East Careers Fair will be held in November, providing
valuable careers information for our young people, helping them to make informed careers choices.
2015 KGS Football - Under-15s
League winners, North of Scotland Cup finalists, Moray Cup winners
Date
Monday, 26th October 2015
Tuesday, 3rd November 2015
Tuesday, 10th November 2015
Wednesday, 11th November 2015
Monday, 16th November 2015
Tuesday, 17th November 2015
Wednesday, 18th November 2015
Thursday, 26th November 2015
Wednesday, 16th December 2015
Thursday, 17th December 2015
Tuesday, 22nd December 2015
Event
Term begins – 8.45 am
Parent Council Meeting – 7.00 pm
S4-6 Moray East Careers Fair
S4-6 Parents’ Evening – 4.00-7.30 pm
In-service Day
In-service Day
Parent Council Tombola, British Legion - 6.30 pm
S2 Parents’ Evening – 5.00-7.00 pm
Junior Christmas Dance 7.00-9.30 pm
Senior Christmas Dance 7.30-10.30 pm
End of term
: (01542) 882461
: [email protected]
: www.keithgrammarschool.co.uk