\McLaren High
\Alloa Academy
Inter-House The scores were much closer this week with Erskine scoring 13 points, Bruce 12 points and Schaw 11 points. 1B1 and 1S2 topped the weekly co-operation list and 3B2 had the highest number of homework returns. An inter-house programme of events is being put together by house captain and will be available shortly. We are looking forward to some good competition. Congratulations Well done to the dance teams who competed in the Clackmannanshire Schools’ Dance Competition on Tuesday. One of the junior small group teams were runner-up in their section and the seniors came second with their version of Welcome to the Circus. All girls danced really well and there was a great variety of amazing dances and wonderful costumes. Congratulations to Angus Young who has qualified for the Scottish Schools Swimming Final on Friday, January 27 in East Kilbride. Thank you Many thanks to all parents and carers of S3 pupils who attended the Option choice events and the Progress Information Evening. Attendance at the S3 Parents’ Evening was 55 per cent. Thanks to the prefect team for excellent support of the event. The option choices process is now underway and interviews with S3, S4 and S5 students are going ahead. Early returns of forms are appreciated. Leavers’ hoodies S6 students have taken delivery of their Leavers 2017 hoodies and are a veritable rainbow of colours around the school. The hoodies serve as a reminder that it is time to get working on a final revision campaign. Homework club is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school for all year groups and the mixed S4, S5 and S6 study groups should meet on Thursdays at close of school to share study ideas and work together if appropriate. Pupil Council The next meeting for the Broad General Education will take place on Monday, January 23 (period 6). Class reps are currently asking their fellow students about items for the agenda. Careers Event Parents and carers are reminded that the Careers Event at Lornshill on Wednesday, January 25 is open to all at Alloa Academy. Go along to find out information about career pathways from local employers, colleges and universities. Lots of great ideas including Modern Apprenticeships and job opportunities will be found there. Reports Students in S4 and S5 were issued with their reports on Friday of last week. If you have not received the report, please contact the school as soon as possible.
\Balfron High
School Mental Health Workshop On Friday, January 6, during the S5/6 Health and Wellbeing period, the Head Prefect Team organised a mental health workshop. The aim was to de-stigmatise mental health issues and raise awareness. Pupils had a choice of three workshops on the day: Stress and Anxiety, Suicide and Depression and Breathing Space. Running the workshops were members of the Samaritans and Breathing Space charities. An adolescent psychiatrist was also present. Going forward the school plans to continue to promote good mental health and ensure pupils know where to find support. By Head Girl Emily Watson Enterprise Maths Competition best part of my experience with Maths is the many opportunities that are available like the Enterprise Maths Competition. It was great to come second in the Stirling heats and to be able to progress on to the finals in the Glasgow Science Centre. There were four main rounds, all of which were equally challenging. There was the questions round, where you had to answer problem solving and mathematic questions each on different subjects but a similar theme. Then there was the practical round, where you had to make a 3D model and answer questions involving the complex model. Thirdly there was the stations round, where there were six different puzzles and challenges of various difficulties. Last, but certainly not least, the relay round, where everyone was frantically running around in the hopes that they could find the answer quickly enough before they started to fall behind. Coming 27th in Scotland was a great success for us. It was a great experience and I truly can’t wait for next year. Archie Duff 3L2 The