Talking their way to success
Pupils from St Aidan’s High school are delighted to be taking part in the 2016/ 2017 Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Public Speaking Competition.
The first round was held recently in the school library and seven keen S2 pupils took part in the proceedings. The theme for the first round was, “Social media is the enemy of Equality”, and was judged by Principal Teacher of English, Miss Fiona McGrogan and school Librarian, Miss Marie McGough. During the speeches it became evident that all of the pupils had researched the topic to a high standard. The delivery of each talk was also impressive especially considering that this was the first time the seven pupils had taken part in a public speaking competition. The two winners chosen from this round were Ella McKendrick and Devlin O’Neill. The runners- up were Caitlin O’Neill and Amy Kerrigan.
Ella and Devlin will be taking part in round two, in which, they will be competing against pupils from various other North and South Lanarkshire schools. St Aidan’s High school will be hosting the second round which takes place on, Tuesday, March 14, and we will be welcoming pupils from North and South Lanarkshire who will be taking part in the competition along with their parents and supporters. Festival Theatre visit
This week a group of 40 second and third year pupils attended a production of “The curious incident of the Dog in the Night- time” at the Edinburgh festival theatre. They have been enthusiastic while studying the play in class and were excited to see the theatrical adaption on Thursday, February 23. They have made their own theatrical adaptions of the novel with St Aidan’s new drama teacher Miss Mullen and are looking forward to see how their versions differ from the professionals. The head of the English department Miss Mcgrogan had this to say;
“This was a real opportunity for the kids to see a first rate, west-end production. The students jumped at the opportunity to see the play as they have been enthusiastically studying the play in class. The students and staff were amazed by the exciting staging of the play: it was a real multi-media experience that brought together acting, music, dance and lighting to really explore the ideas and characters from the text.” Success for S2 Student
Second year student Vivian Duruh took part in the Scottish Schools Indoor Championships and not only achieved a new personal best of 11.01 metres in the shot putt, but took home a silver medal. Although she is only 13, she impressively competed against girls in the group of under 16’s. This meant yet more success for a student of St Aidan’s High School.
Another athletic student of second year, Matthew McVittie took part in the North Lanarkshire Schools Badminton Championships and received a bronze medal in the under 13’s age group. The school takes great pride in this achievement and encourage more students to take part in sports organised in the school.
St Aidan’s High started a new fitness class for their pupils to inspire them to be more active. Anyone is free to join, you just need to sign up in the social area by putting your name down.
Pupils should also begin to prepare for the schools Cross Country held by the P. E Department. Trials will begin within the next few weeks. Maths Weekend 2017
During the weekend of February 18 and 19, 49 S4/ 5/ 6 pupils and 10 staff attended the 12th annual maths study weekend, designed to help raise attainment at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.
Mr Tony Macdonald PT Mathematics who has attended all 12 study weekends believes that it is one of the best opportunities for students to prepare for their exams in a different environment. Nearly 600 students have attended the weekend supported as always by the Edinburgh Mathematical Society. Without their support and financial input a number of students would not be able to attend.
The venue was Ardmay House which is situated in Arrochar overlooking Loch Long. The pupils use a number of different study techniques which are all based on their individual needs. The students use their post assessment action plan to target specific areas and spend the majority of their seven hours studying these target areas. The students also participate in many outdoor activities.
The weekend has become part of the school calendar and is a date that all staff and students look forward too. Roll on March 2018.