\Alloa Academy
\Balfron High
Space School A few months ago I applied to be a part of Scottish Space School 2017, which I managed to get into, one of only 100 students from the whole of Scotland. On Sunday, June 11, I embarked on an adventure to Strathclyde University in a week where I got to meet with and speak to a variety of academics and professionals involved in the space industry including representatives of NASA and astronauts Bob Cenker, Doug Wheelock and Bill McArthur. We did a multitude of space-related activities including building a scalesized rocket which we launched at a target across Glasgow Green. Other activities included making a soft lander for an egg using parachutes, wiring a circuit that measures your heart rate and many other innovative and hi-tech activities. We enjoyed the opportunity to stay on campus and experience student life and at the end of the week 40 students, including myself, were invited to interview for a chance to visit NASA headquarters in Houston, Texas later this year. Only 10 students would be selected for this trip of a lifetime and unfortunately I did not make it. Still this whole week was an amazing experience that I will never forget and I would wholeheartedly encourage any interested student to apply in the future. By Michael MacColl Equestrian vaulting The Scottish Equestrian Vaulting Team featuring Katie Henderson won the one-star competition at the British International Equestrian Vaulting event at Onley Equestrian Centre, Rugby recently. Katie also came second in the two-star child individual competition. China trip Recently, 10 students completed 10 hours of tuition in Mandarin in preparation for their visit to China this month. Mr Allan, who is accompanying them on the educational trip, also attended the classes. Alongside the crucial language lessons, the lunchtime work included sessions on various aspects of Chinese culture. These included trying out various dishes and learning how to eat with chopsticks. There were also art sessions where they learned how to paint and draw in a Chinese style and tried their hand at calligraphy too. The group watched videos about different towns and landmarks and found out about the natural world of the country, especially pandas! Other subjects included literature, films and the ancient mythology of China. All of this should serve the group well when they fly out to steep themselves in Chinese culture soon, French exchange visit The French exchange was successful this year. We had a lovely trip to Villeneuve d’Ascq in Lille in the north of France to visit equally lovely people. We set off on the coach and then stayed overnight on a ferry, which was enjoyed by everyone - beautiful sunset in the evening and a disco at night. When we arrived in Villeneuve d’Ascq we were greeted by our French exchange partners whom we had all missed greatly since seeing them in October! After a welcome by the mayor we headed home to spend the weekend with our exchange partners and their families. They took us to many pretty places around Lille, such as the city itself and other surrounding villages, some of us even headed to Belgium. During the week we went on lots of trips with our French friends, we had an evening of bowling, went to Villeneuve d’Ascq planetarium and spent the day admiring the beautiful Versailles Palace in the sunshine. After a very sad goodbye we were on our way back home, stopping off at York on the way back. Everyone had a wonderful time and to our French friends we say - Tu nous manques. By Innes Dunlop, Lucy Steel and Martha Coombes Inter-House competition The competition included all year groups apart from S1 in the final week of term with 30 points available. There was again a draw for the top pace with Erskine and Schaw both achieving 11 points. Bruce came third with eight points. 3S2 topped the list for total merits and 3E2 had the highest number of homework returns. Learning Community Race for Life All students who took part in the Race for Life received medals at a special assembly. D-Day The D-Day event took place at Gartmorn Dam on Friday, June 23 and, despite some windy and cool conditions, it was a huge success. The S2s rose to the occasion and gave 100 per cent effort at all of the activities. Wetlands Watch and Our Alloa Thanks to all parents and friends of the school who attended the premiere of two short films. Supported by the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative, students produced an animation featuring the birds who call wetlands their home and a potted tour of Alloa interviewing a variety of people about the historic sites around Alloa. Both films are highly entertaining and students reported that they had learned a lot and really enjoyed working with the staff using the cameras and other equipment and generally feeling how it is to be involved in film-making. Tesco Collection There is an opportunity to support the school with its garden and allotment projects by putting charity tokens into the Alloa Academy box at Tesco over the summer months. The school would appreciate all your support. Calling all former pupils The school would love to hear from former pupils who have a story to tell about the pathway that their lives have taken. Perhaps you have recently graduated from college or university, completed an apprenticeship or got a job. Your story could inspire the young people. Please get in touch with cllchristie@ glow.sch.uk