Outstanding Achievements
At each Education Committee the achievements of our schools are recognised and celebrated.
This page allows us to share the many stories of resilience, creativity, accomplishments and successes of our young people across Highland.
Please enjoy reading, taking time to celebrate the hopes & dreams that are being made.
(We have used digital tools available to all Highland Schools to create this webspace including Google Workspace, Canva for Education & Unsplash).
Staffin and Kilmuir
The Highland Council Gaelic team, CLAD West Area worked in partnership with the Head Teacher for Staffin and Kilmuir to submit an application to Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s Taic Freumhan Coimhearsnachd 2022/23 funding stream. The Head Teacher received confirmation that the application was successful and £4,000 was allocated to support the partnership work with the Highland Council Gaelic team in delivering initiatives that support Gaelic medium pupils across both schools Staffin and Kilmuir.
Brora & Helmsdale Primary Schools
Brora Primary and Helmsdale Primary and Nursery are now the proud new occupants of outdoor learning classrooms. A place where pupils can connect to their environment, with each other and have free space to be creative, shelter from inclement weather and play together outdoors all year round.
Thanks to a stream of funding, Helmsdale Primary has two new outdoor classrooms and Brora Primary has one. The outdoor classrooms were made possible thanks to a combination of funding from the Lord Leverhulme Charitable Trust, Gwen Mayor Fund, Balcas, community funding, donations and a great amount of hard work and tenacity by the parent councils and staff.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The new outdoor classrooms at both schools offer a great space for pupils of all ages to use. Having this space will spark imaginations and support children in exploring spaces and places in creative ways. It takes a great deal of planning and coordination to bring together such valuable spaces and I commend all those involved in making it all come together. I’m sure the pupils will get many years of enjoyment from their new learning environments.”
Brora and Helmsdale Head Teacher, Dawn McKenzie said: “The key benefits of outdoor learning are allowing people to immerse themselves in their own environment, relating their learning to their environment and being able to apply that learning. The dynamic and flexible space will undoubtedly enhance creative learning and play, it’s a multi-purpose space to be enjoyed in all weathers and being surrounded by our wildflower garden is an enjoyable environment for both the children and staff. I am proud of all the team that have worked hard to bring the outdoor classroom to fruition, it has been a real community effort and we are grateful for all the hard work in making it all come together. Pupils of all ages are already enjoying the outdoor learning environment and the staff are inspired by the new space and are hard at work planning new ways to learn outdoors.”
Helmsdale and Brora have strong connections to the sea and land based heritage as well as coastal and crofting communities and are well known areas of interest relating to geology, minerology and fossils. The outdoor classrooms open opportunities to map out and explore the area whilst developing language, maths and science skills.
Alness Academy
Haydock Music Shop owner Alistair watched the Alness Academy virtual Christmas concert and was so impressed by S5 pupils Nathan Henderson on Clarinet…that he contacted the school and donated a brand new Clarinet to Nathan. Alistair said: “It was a joy to see young Nathan playing his clarinet”
Haydock Music is a specialist music store in Milngavie, Glasgow, established since 2002, run by musicians for musicians.
Thrumster Primary
Thrumster Primary pupils are requesting public opinion on whether people would like Alexander Bain’s Emmy award to be housed in the Caithness area.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “ I’d like to commend the pupils and staff at Thrumster Primary for their investigative and inquisitive approach to learning about the great work and life of Alexander Bain. I agree with the pupils and encourage the public to get behind the schools request to bring his Emmy award to his place of birth.”
Pupils have been finding out about the great achievements of Watten born Alexander Bain, as part of their project on Caithness. They were impressed to learn that he had invented the electric clock, the fax machine and made valuable contributions to electric telegraphy, and that he was posthumously awarded an Emmy back in 2016, for his contribution to the development of television. He developed the concept of scanning for image transmission and is called ‘the real father of television’. This prestigious award was given by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATA) for innovation in the broadcast industry.
However, the pupils were disappointed to discover that the award is housed in a museum in Kirkintilloch. Alexander Bain died in a Home for the Incurables there, a few weeks after having a stroke. There were no known descendants to collect the award, hence the reason the people of Kirkintilloch, laid claim to it, as he is buried there. The pupils feel strongly that it would be more meaningful, and appropriate, to have the Emmy award based in Caithness, where it would be appreciated by locals and visitors, and have written to the museum in Kirkintilloch where it is currently kept asking if they would consider sending the award to Caithness.
One pupil said: “It would mean the world to us to have this award in Caithness’. Another added: “It could be housed in the Wick Heritage Centre, I think Alexander Bain would have liked that, so the locals could see how well he had done and to inspire them. Also, to show that even though we live far away from colleges, you can still leave home and do great things.” Other pupils felt it should be in the Watten Hall where one of his electric clocks is housed, and where a memorial to him stands outside the hall. One suggested the Wetherspoon restaurant ‘Alexander Bain’ as it is named after him and contains some information about his work. One pupil also asked if the museum in Kirkintilloch would perhaps consider loaning it to the Wick Heritage Centre.
The fact that Alexander Bain had always intended to return to Caithness to work his family croft, and that he only lived in Kirkintilloch for less than a month have added to the pupils’ case.
A query from one of the pupil’s regarding the possibility of descendants being abroad led to one of their teachers carrying out some research, and discovered that Bain had five children, Elizabeth, Isabella, Barbara, and twin sons Alexander and Henry. His daughter Isabella Brander had been a School Inspector in India. The internet provided a great deal of information about her work, stating how she was forward- thinking in her teaching methods, and that she was dedicated and kind.
The pupils would love to discover if there were any living relatives of Alexander Bain and if so would love to hear from them regarding the award. Bain had six brothers and six sisters, so hopefully there could be a chance. They would also like to hear the views of the people of Caithness to see if they would like the Emmy award to be based in their county.
Glenurquhart Primary School
Highland Heroes Nomination - Offering a warm welcome to each child as they enter the school gate and always being available for a supportive chat has led to Headteacher at Glenurquhart Primary School, Kerrie Laird, being nominated for an award.
Kerrie, who has been Head of the school for the past six years, is said to have worked really hard throughout the pandemic, and goes out of her way to offer additional learning support.
She said: “I’m welling up hearing about this nomination. All of our teachers and support staff work so hard. It’s thanks to their efforts that we are able to create the learning environment that we do, and become such a big part of the local community.
“I love working with the children, every day is different! They’re always so happy and joyful to be here. They make my day when they come and ask if I want to come out to play!”
Glenurquhart Primary School currently has 135 pupils on its roll.
Kerrie concluded: “Each morning it’s fulfilling to see the pupils genuinely happy to be at school and it makes teaching all the more worthwhile.”
Ainmeachadh Gaisgich na Gàidhealtachd – Tha Kerrie Laird, Ceannard Bun-Sgoil Ghlinn Urchadain, an-còmhnaidh a’ cur fàilte chridheil air gach leanabh aig geata na sgoile agus tha i an-còmhnaidh ann airson còmhradh taiceil. Sin as coireach gun deach a h-ainm a chur air adhart airson duais.
Thathar ag ràdh gu bheil Kerrie, a tha air a bhith na Ceannard air an sgoil airson sia bliadhna, air obrachadh gu fìor chruaidh tron phaindeamaig, agus gu bheil i a’ dèanamh tuilleadh ’s a chòir gus taic ionnsachaidh a bharrachd a thabhann.
Thuirt i: “Tha e a’ toirt deòir gum shùilean cluinntinn gun deach m’ ainm a chur air adhart. Tha na tidsearan is an luchd-obrach taice air fad againn ag obair gu dìcheallach. ’S ann air sàillibh nan oidhirpean acasan a tha e comasach dhuinn an àrainneachd ionnsachaidh seo a chruthachadh, agus a bhith nar pàirt cho mòr dhen choimhearsnachd ionadail.
“Is fìor thoil leam a bhith ag obair còmhla ri clann, agus tha a h-uile latha eadar-dhealaichte! Tha iad an-còmhnaidh cho toilichte is cho sunndach a bhith an seo. Tha e a’ còrdadh glan rium nuair a dh’iarras iad orm tighinn a-mach a chluiche còmhla riutha!”
Tha 135 sgoilear an-dràsta air clàr Bun-Sgoil Ghlinn Urchadain.
Thuirt Kerrie san dealachadh: “Gach madainn tha e na thlachd a bhith a’ faicinn nan sgoilearan is iad dha-rìribh toilichte a bhith san sgoil agus tha sin a’ dèanamh na h-obrach teagaisg cho fiachail.”
Bishop Eden Primary
Bishop Eden pupil Robbie Lawrence was chosen to take part in a film about highland dancing in the Highlands which was recently published in the New Yorker online magazine. It was filmed by Scottish photographer Robbie Lawrence and Lachlan auditioned to be cast. We think he did brilliantly and are very proud of him. His amazing dance teacher Claire Bryce is the instructor voice-over. Here is the LINK to the film!
Muirtown Primary
Muirtown Primary School has been recognised for the excellent digital learning which is taking place. The school has been awarded ‘The Digital School Award Scotland’ as well as ‘The Digital Wellbeing Award for Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety’.
Muirtown Primary School has shown exemplary evidence of having embedded digital technologies across the curriculum, with innovative and progressive planning to drive forward school improvement. They are to be commended for their excellent work to date and their ambitious, well led digital plans for the future.
Digital Schools Scotland quoted ‘We are confident that Muirtown Primary School will be a pioneer among schools where digitally enhanced teaching and learning is helping our children and young people prepare for living and working in the 21st Century’.
Virtual School
The College Development Network (CDN) Digital Learning Awards took place in December. ‘Virtual Schools, Virtual Anywhere’ took first place in the Digital Learning Award Category. Virtual School is built on our very strong school-college partnership, between West Highland College UHI, North Highland College UHI and Inverness College UHI, and our partners in Highland Council and each of our 29 secondary schools. Praised for being high quality, sustainable and scalable digital learning with far reaching impact, Virtual School supports equity of subject choice. Inclusive, interactive and personalised learning reaches 300 senior phase pupils across the UKs largest council area. Not only is attainment very high, but pupils also gain such a wide skills base, digital communication and metaskills from working collaboratively with employers or other pupils online.
The CDN award follows on from the first place received for the Tes FE Award for ‘Outstanding Use of Technology in Delivering Remote Teaching and Learning’ as well as being highly recognised by the Herald Digital Transformation Awards.
The entry can be seen at the end of this clip:
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh
Air Diardaoin an 3mh dhen Ghearran, thug Acadamaidh na h-Iomairt Sòisealta cuireadh do sgoilearan a bh’ ann an Clas 7 aig Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh gu coinneamh Teams gus bruidhinn mu #SocEnt mar aon de cheithir sgoiltean à Alba agus Afraga a Deas. Fhuair na ceithir sgoiltean a-mach mu phròiseactan a chèile agus bha iad sunndach mu na pròiseactan a bhiodh aca san àm ri teachd.
B’ iad Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh, Bun-Sgoil an Naoimh Iòsaph ann an Glaschu, Hidayatul Islam Primary ann an Cape Town, agus Zwaanswyk Academy ann an Cape Town, na ceithir sgoiltean san t-seisean seo.
Chuir Àrd-Sgoil Phort Rìgh air dòigh a’ choinneamh Teams. Bha Iar-Cheannard Àrd-Sgoil Phort Rìgh, Fiona Nic an Aba, air tabhann na sgoilearan a thoirt gu seòmar far am b’ urrainn dhaibh ceistean a chur is a fhreagairt len com-pàirtichean ann an Afraga a Deas.
Chaidh na seiseanan a chlàradh agus thèid na còmhraidhean a chleachdadh ann an deasachadh sònraichte de The Big Issue as t-samhradh.
On Thursday 3rd February the Social Enterprise Academy invited the former Class 7 pupils of BSGP to attend a teams meet to discuss #SocEnt as one of four schools from Scotland and South Africa. The four schools involved found out about each other’s projects and celebrated each other’s enthusiasm about future projects.
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh, St Joseph's Primary School in Glasgow, Hidayatul Islam Primary in Cape Town, Zwaanswyk Academy in Cape Town were the four schools in this session.
Portree High School facilitated this teams Meet. The DHT of Portree High School, Fiona MacNab, very kindly offered to take the pupils involved to a room where they could ask and answer questions with their South African counterparts.
Sessions were recorded and the discussions will be used in a special edition of The Big Issue magazine later this summer.
Dalneigh Primary
Dalneigh Primary School in Inverness has been awarded the Silver Rights Respecting School Award by UNICEF UK.
UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school. Silver is given to schools that make excellent progress towards embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its ethos and curriculum. There are over 1300 schools across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales that have achieved Silver and over 500 schools that have been awarded Gold, the next step up and highest accolade granted by UNICEF.
The school achieved their Silver: Rights Aware Award in November. Mrs Tunnicliffe led the Rights Repecting Schools group and they worked with their classes to share and discuss the rights. We have linked lots of what we do in the school to the rights.
Head Teacher of Dalneigh Primary School said: I am extremely proud that we have achieved the Silver Award. We are a very inclusive school and the Rights Respecting Schools work fits very well with our school ethos. We recognise the importance of putting children’s rights at the heart of the school. Thank you to the staff and children for all their hard work getting us to this stage. We have already started our journey towards achieving the Gold Award and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this has.
The Award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice. A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted.
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative is aimed at schools across the UK, including those in an early years setting. This year the programme has received additional support from The People’s Postcode Lottery. This vital funding is helping UNICEF UK continue its work with over 4500 primary schools, secondary schools, schools for children and young people with special educational needs and pupil referral units across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Schools have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, relationships and well-being by enhancing pupils’ self-esteem, leading to less truancy and bullying, better learning and improved academic standards.
Noss Primary
Ellie Watt is a P4 pupil at Noss Primary. Before Christmas she made over 167 shoeboxes to send to Romania so children less fortunate than herself were not forgotten. Here is a LINK to the press release:
Rosehall Primary
Last term pupils from Rosehall Primary visited and researched local folklore, flora and fauna in the local environment. In partnership with The Museum of Lost Trees Programme, they composed and produced a phenomenal piece of music, designed a beautifully illustrated card, and filmed a creative animation video that portrays the life of various Scottish trees in the local community.
The card consisted of exquisite native Flora and Fauna artwork, which was made by the hard working pupils from P2-7. The song and animation named CRAOBHAN CHATAIBH, which translates to Sutherland Trees, was composed and produced by the very same hard working pupils. In the animation it shows the life of an Ash, Rowan, Hazel, and Elder tree changing through the different seasons. The folk song accompaniment includes keyboards, glockenspiels (xylophones), fiddles and finally a couple of ukuleles – yeah. Again, all played by the pupils of Rosehall Primary.
They released the single and cover art card on the 17th of December 2021 and made quite a profit from sales. They hope to put the proceeds towards an exciting class treat or trip. They had great fun creating Craobhan Chataibh and we hope you also enjoy listening to and watching their amazing animation.
Sgoil Stafainn
Tha an dà fhilm a rinn Sgoil Stafainn air geàrr-liosta airson duaisean FilmG. Tha film Clas 1-3 air a bheil ‘Uilleam Uaine’ air a’ gheàrr-liosta airson An Riochdachadh as Fheàrr agus tha film Clas 4-7 air a bheil ‘Teàrlach san Eilean’ air a’ gheàrr-liosta airson Am Film as Fheàrr dhaibhsan fo aois 12. Bidh na duaisean air BBC ALBA air an 25mh dhen Ghearran.
Both films from Sgoil Stafainn have been shortlisted in the FilmG awards. The P1-3 film called ‘Uilleam Uaine’ has been shortlisted for the best production prize and the P4-7 film ‘Tearlach san Eilean’ has been shortlisted for the best film for under 12 year olds. The awards will be on BBC Alba on 25 February.
South Lodge Primary/Nursery
South Lodge Primary School, Invergordon, has a very special place in the heart of head teacher David Hayes-MacLeod and it is his passion for the school, instilled in his team, that has led to its nomination for Heroes school of the year.
The nomination said: “This headteacher goes out of his way to support his pupils and his staff in whatever they would like to achieve. From equipping his school with benches and other equipment suitable for people with mobility issues, to providing a safe space for children who struggle with day-to-day activities, this includes children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. He’s not like your regular head teacher; he inspires the children and his staff to thrive to their best ability showing them, and also us, nothing can get in our way to achieve anything we want.”
And an Education Scotland inspection in 2019 also praised the school’s efforts in going the extra mile for families.
David added: “I’ve got such love for this school. Myself and my team have worked tirelessly to make the school a school to be proud of, for pupils and their parents.”
“It’s a lovely-feeling school, it’s got such a warmth about it. You have to work very hard to get that good ethos in a school but I really feel we have achieved that here.”
Ardnamurchan High School
Pupils from Ardnamurchan High School were successful in the Rotary Club of Lochaber Photographic Competition. Ellis McConnachie was winner of the Senior Competition, Cheryl MacIntyre was runner-up in the Senior Competition and Lexi Duncan was runner up in the Junior Competition. Their success is well deserved. It’s been fantastic to see many more young photographers from the school submitting entries for this year’s competition. There were many interesting and beautiful interpretations for this year’s theme: The Colours of Nature. I’m sure the judges had a hard time deciding who were the winners of each category!
The young people travelled to Fort William on 9th February to receive their awards at the Rotary Club Lunch.
Tha Parker Dawes a tha na sgoilear FtG air an treas bliadhna ann an Àrd-Sgoil Àird nam Murchan agus an sgioba aige de sgoilearan eile air faighinn gu geàrr-liosta farpais filmichean goirid FilmG na bliadhna sa leis an fhilm aca ‘Spies-R-Us’. Tha iad air geàrr-liosta anns na h-earrannan a leanas: an cluiche as fheàrr, an neach-labhairt fileanta as fheàrr, an neach-film òg as fheàrr, agus an riochdachadh as fheàrr.
Tha Parker air pàirt a ghabhail san fharpais gach bliadhna o ÀS1 agus tha e air a bhith a’ leasachadh nan sgilean aige ann am filmeadh, riochdachadh is deasachadh gus filmichean goirid eireachdail a chruthachadh. Cha bhiodh seo air a bhith comasach ge-tà às aonais an sgioba de sgoilearan eile bho ÀS1-3 FtG (san dealbh còmhla ri Parker) a chuir gu mòr ris na filmichean tro bhith ag actadh aig sàr-ìre agus tro bhith a’ cuideachadh leis an riochdachadh.
Tha an sgoil moiteil dha-rìribh gu bheil tàlant a leithid seo aca agus gun robh pàirt aca ann a bhith a’ leasachadh nan sgilean a bha a dhìth airson soirbheachadh chun na h-ìre seo. Thèid prògram nan duaisean a chraoladh air BBC ALBA air an 25mh dhen Ghearran.
Ardnamurchan High school third year Gàidhlig medium pupil Parker Dawes and his team of fellow students have their film ‘Spies-R-Us’ shortlisted in multiple categories in this year’s annual Film G Gaelic short film competition, including for best performance, best film fluent speaker, best young film maker, and best production.
Parker has entered the competition every year since S1 and has been improving his skills in filming, production and editing to produce fantastic short films. All this wouldn’t have been possible though without the rest of his team which consisted of several other S1-3 GM pupils ( pictured with Parker) who contributed greatly with excellent acting performances and assisted with the production.
The school is very proud to have such talent in their midst and to have played a part in developing the skills required for this amazing success. The awards programme will be broadcast on BBC Alba on the 25th of February.
Culloden Academy
Aimi Kenyon is a S5 pupil at Culloden Academy . She had an amazing race season last year and to add to the National Championship she previously won, she won the Scottish and the British Downhill Mountain Biking Series making her Junior Women’s Scottish and British Champion 2021.
On the back of this success she has been offered and accepted a place on a World Cup Downhill Race Team. Pink Bike Racing. This is an amazing achievement and is in this team with the Junior male Australian champion Jackson Connelly in addition to 2 well recognised adult World cup racers Ben Cathro and Thibault Laly. This team place allows her to race all the UCI Downhill World Cups this year which are in various places including, France ,Italy, USA, Canada, Austria and Ft William to name a few.
Glen Urquhart High School
Here is a photo of pupils from Glen Urquhart High School who won the Scottish Schools’ Hydrogen Challenge with over 4000 pupils taking part. The school have just booked their place on their next challenge The Global Underwater Hub STEM Challenge 2022 and hope to engage pupils again in thinking broadly about Stem careers.
DYW is celebrating the success of Glen Urquhart High School and industry leader partnership in a drive to improve youth employment https://scottishbusinessnews.net/dyw-celebrates-school-and-industry-leader-partnership-in-drive-to-improve-youth-employment/
On the back of the school’s DYW partnership the school has launched a (Covid safe) S3 week of work involving local and national partnerships. The Week of Work gave S3 pupils at Glen Urquhart High School a hands on experience of the world of work. One of the highlights this year was seeing engineering up close with a site visit to see the work taking place on the Drumnadrochit Flood Defences. As well as this, the pupils enjoyed hearing about careers in Hospitality, Emergency Services, Renewable Energies, Land Management, Health & Social Care and the Media. Throughout the week, the pupils were preparing CVs and job applications for mock interviews that took place on the Friday morning. Representatives from SSE, Soirbheas, the Police and Developing the Young Workforce, interviewed then gave helpful feedback. The week ended with an inspirational closing message from the Scottish musician and former shinty international Gary Innes. As our S3 pupils come to the end of the junior phase at school and make important subject choices in the weeks ahead, this week has helped focus their attention on some of the careers that are right on their doorstep. As a school we will continue to encourage and support these pupils as they develop skills and find out what sort of career is right for them. We also plan to build on the links that we have with local businesses in the hope that further connections can be made between classroom lessons and the world of work.
DYW is one of the school’s improvement priorities.
Inverness Royal Academy
Inverness Royal Academy have been awarded SCQF Bronze Ambassador status receiving high praise for the quality of their submission.
North West Sutherland Schools
North West Sutherland Schools have funding from Education Scotland this year for a “food for thought” project which is currently running with S1 and S2. The project will be ongoing for the rest of this session and hopefully beyond and will include the building of a polytunnel, lots of planting and growing of food and will also link with the Hill to Grill days and the John Muir Award. This may involve a few beach cleans and days spent looking at the coast near the school.
The evaluation attached gives much more detail of what we are doing and is what Education Scotland ask for to justify the award of their grant. I am very pleased to report that they are very happy with what we are doing and planning.
North West Sutherland Schools have also been shortlisted in the Highland Heroes Awards due to be presented in March.
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis
Pupils took part in a COP26 project linked to the Lost Woods project in Glasgow
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh have been involved in a monthly Teams meet in Gaelic with Alzheimer Scotland West Highland with members from across the North of Scotland. The pupils speak in Gaelic to the participants and sing and play traditional tunes. Members take part from Lewis, Harris, Uist, Skye, Ullapool and Lochcarron. Pupils really enjoy taking part and look forward to it monthly. They have gained such an understanding of the condition and can see for themselves the link between someone’s first language and the associated memories they trigger.
The school were informed this week that Alzheimer Scotland West Highland has been selected as a finalist in the 2021 Scottish Gaelic Awards in association with the Daily Record and Bòrd na Gàidhlig for the Community Award. MG Alba came to the Alzheimer Scotland West Highland base last week and invited the pupils from BSGPR to attend the filming.
This has really improved links with a wider Gaelic community across the West of Highland area.
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh
We are just coming to the end of two weeks of activities for COP26. Two of our S6 pupils, James Campbell (Head Boy) and Rachel Shaw were on Radio Scotland on Saturday morning talking about this. Please find out more here
A group of pupils and staff have been planning for the COP26 fortnight for some time. These are the events from this week:
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh
Chaidh am film seo a chruthachadh bho thoiseach gu deireadh taobh a-staigh seachdain le sgoilearan AS3/4 air cùrsa nam meadhanan againn. Rinn iad seo airson co-labhairt SLF aig Foghlam Alba. Chì sibh ann mar a tha na sgoilearan fhèin a’faicinn buannachdan foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig.
‘Deònach, Dòigheil, Deiseil airson gach Dùbhlan’
Our S3/4 GM media students directed, produced and starred in a film highlghting the successes of Gaelic Medium Education here at Portree high School. This week, we were able to share this film with Teachers across Scotland at the Education Scotland Learning Festival.
"4R's of PHS- Ready"
PLEASE VIEW THE VIDEO HERE
Climate change.movDunbeath Primary
P6/7 present a climate change video
Kilmuir Primary
The Gaelic Medium P5-7 class won the drama competition at the Royal National Mòd and were rated ‘sònraichte’ or ‘exceptional.’
Lochardil Primary
Pupils took part in a project called Collect Our Packets campaign which was shared at the Highland Climate Change Conference
Lundavra Primary
Three P7 pupils from Lundavra Primary Ben, Maya and Mollie, have been involved in climate change projects for some time and are now Highland representatives at COP26.
Children across Scotland were encouraged to hold a ‘climate surgery' with their elected representatives (MP, MSPs or local councillors) online or in person to talk about their climate calls to action. On Friday 29th Oct three children from Lundavra Primary, Ben, Maya and Mollie, spoke with Kate Forbes about their views on climate and what they have been doing as Investigators for the Children’s Parliament.
On Thursday 4th November, Ben, Mollie and Maya had a 15 minute discussion with Mikiko Otani, the Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. They will talk about what it was like being in the Climate Assembly, and what other countries can learn from what we've been doing in Scotland. It's an online event, but Mollie, Maya and Ben will be dialling in from the Children and Young People's Commissioner's office in Edinburgh.
Then on Friday 5th November, parliamentarians from all over the world are coming to the Scottish Parliament for two days - The Globe Legislators COP26 Summit. They will discuss what parliaments can do to tackle the climate emergency.
Ben, Mollie and Maya will meet at the Scottish Parliament and open the Summit by explaining what they've been up to as Members of Children's Parliament to the Parliamentarians. This event will be livestreamed on Scotparliament.tv.
Miller Academy
Pupils at the school have each painted a pebble to create ‘Paige’s Path’ which leads up to the Learning Lodge in their forest.
It’s in memory of a pupil who passed away from sepsis who was just 6 at the time. Paige’s Path is a positive outdoor celebration in memory of her and each year, the new P1 class and new staff will add a painted pebble to it, to ensure that it’s a living and growing path.
It became a community project, as parents also painted pebbles. Local contractors GM Henderson, when they were on site building the new ELC setting, provided workmen and the things needed such as cement etc to create it. Paige’s parents, granny and sister came up to see it and were very moved and so grateful that everyone had done this to remember her.
Sgoil Stafainn
In the Maths Inside Competition Sgoil Stafainn won the GM 1-3 Best Commentary Overall and Sgoil Araich Stafainn won the Early Years Best Commentary.
Grantown Grammar School
Theo Pilkington an S6 pupil at the school has been selected for the U18 Scotland Basketball Team. He is a very keen athlete and this is a fantastic achievement for him.
Nairn Academy
Pupils took part in the global Forest of Promises on Friday 5 November. In Leaf day, they wrote their personal promise to the planet which will be displayed on the school Tree of Promise.
There have been regular updates/activities for pupils ahead of COP 26 as well as daily information/facts during the event.
Scottish Schools’ Hydrogen Challenge
Secondary school students aged between 12-14 from across Scotland took part in a unique event in the run up to COP26. Working in teams of three, students were provided with only LEGO parts and real micro hydrogen fuel cells to design, build, and ultimately race their creations. Over 4000 young people from 70 schools took part in the first round and 17 teams made it to the Final.
Glen Urquhart High School took 1st place achieving an impressive 105m distance with their miniature vehicles powered only by green hydrogen.
Following the success in the Highland round of this challenge, S2 pupils Tegan Bruce, Lucy Matheson and Lexie Mackenzie from Plockton High travelled to Glasgow to compete in the Scottish Final and came in second place with a total distance of 99.36 m.
S1 pupils took part in World Clean Up day on 17September. As responsible citizens they helped to litter pick, wee in the garden, redesign noticeboard etc.
Highland One World
Highland One World do fantastic work to support staff and schools across Highland and have just produced their Annual Review 2020-21.
Drakies Primary School
Drakies Primary were asked to share their thoughts on why digital tools were so useful for learning, why Chromebooks were awesome and what they thought learning would look like in the future!
Crossroads Primary
Pupils at Crossroads Primary have also been working on how to use a camera to film and have been learning about close up shots, wide angle and editing. They have also produced some short clips about digital tools and digital learning.
Learning for Sustainability Team
Since August 2021 Chloe MacDonald & Jenny Scotson have been seconded to support the development and raise the profile of Learning for Sustainability in Highland on the run up to COP26 in November. In September we launched a New LfS Highland Platform to support learning, teaching and development of Learning for Sustainability, in Highland. As part of this work we developed and set up an LfS Highland Twitter Page as well as the new website which can be accessed via the link. Our New Website Platform collates:
- Learning and teaching resources for Early level – BGE
- Awards and Acreditation Systems for schools
- Partnerships and supporting agencies
- CLPL opportunities for staff
- Underpinning legislation and frameworks
- Sustainable Development Goals Information
- UNCRC links
- Opportunites to share learning and success, network and celebrate achievement within Highland
Since September, our website has been accessed over 2.5 thousand times by over 1 thousand users in Highland and across the United Kingdom, and even the USA. In August 2021 our Twitter accout received around 1100 impressions each month. In October 2021 we received 10.4 thousand. We hope that these LfS Highland platforms will continue to prove to be a popular and valuable support to staff across Highland and beyond, after COP26.
This month Glasgow hosted COP26, bringing world leaders together to tackle the climate change. To build momentum for this pivotal event, we asked inspirational Highland voices to support us to raise the volume of Highland’s voice and impact during COP26. We joined forces under the hashtag #HighlandCOP to shine a light on learning happening in Highland around COP26. As part of our #HighlandCOP We ran a Twitter campaign #BigHighlandVoices in which we were supported by inspiring and influential including:
- Drew Hendry (MP)
- Babara Hendeson (Author)
- Douglas Ross (MSP/MP)
- Katy Andrews (Highland Council Climate Change Co-ordinator)
to talk about and highlight the importance/impact of Climate Change and encourage young people to take action and help lead the change towards a better future. The videos can be found on our Twitter page and our website.
We are collecting views from people of all ages all over the Highlands to share what young people feel about climate change. Their voices can be shared on this form . We aim to gather as many voices as we can from across Highland.
Former Inverness head teacher hopes COP26 track can inspire children to save the planet
October 22, 2021, 6:00 am
Former head teacher Robert Quigley hopes the track can inspire children
A former head teacher is attempting to have his say at COP26 – by contributing to a song in the hope of inspiring children to save the planet.
Robert Quigley, who used to be the head of Milton of Leys primary, has written the song alongside another former teacher, Alan Cameron.
The duo have been joined on the track by Graeme Duffin of Wet, Wet, Wet fame, along with his son Jamie.
The lyrics are sung by female vocalist Rebecca.
The Duffin’s assisted in mixing and producing the track in their studio in the shadows of Glasgow’s famed Barrowland Ballroom.
We have been promoting the eco-agenda for years
Mr Quigley said: “Alan and I are both teachers who have been involved in promoting the eco agenda over the years.
“When the chance to write a song to tie in with the COP26 conference presented itself, we felt it was a really great opportunity.
“As a head teacher, I’ve always placed a really high importance on the climate change push.
“A song like this could also be ideal as a way for pupils to show their commitment to helping save the planet in a fun and engaging way.”
The project is now complete with the track distributed to event organisers and media outlets for inclusion in coverage of the event.
The conference gets underway on October 31.
‘Extremely exciting’ project
Mr Quigley has now taken up a new role with Highland Council working as a collaborative lead with a focus on developing digital learning.
The 48-year-old expressed his delight at being part of the project.
He added: “The chance to work with such distinguished musicians and songwriters was incredible.
“I have been writing songs for the past two years and have released a number of solo tracks, but it was lovely to work as part of this team as part of the band East End Friend.
“When you consider how much Graeme has achieved as part of Wet, Wet, Wet, it was extremely exciting.”
Track will officially be launched later this month
The song, Good Cop, Bad Cop, will officially be released on October 28.
SUMMER OF HOPE
Funding was received from Scottish Government to support improved wellbeing following the impact of COVID-19. The Highland Council collaborated with partners and colleagues across the Authority to build a range of opportunities for children and young people (CYP) and their families to enjoy over the summer holidays. In consultation with schools, the project was named “Summer of Hope”.
Please enjoy the video below:
Applecross & Lochcarron Primary Schools
Hydroponic food growing project awarded funding from Education Scotland - Food for Thought for Applecross and Lochcarron Cluster Schools
Good news for Applecross and Lochcarron Cluster Schools who have successfully been awarded almost £3,000 from the Food for Thought Fund to support a food growing project known as ‘Hydroponics’.
Hydroponics is a sustainable solution to future food production, a growing process for plants that feeds on mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water and doesn’t require soil to grow.
The funding will allow the schools to work in partnership to research, grow and share vegetables grown through hydroponic methods. Developing a garden laboratory and hopefully grow a successful crop in which to enjoy home grown vegetables.
Chair of Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The hydroponic project is worthy of the Food for Thought funding, The project demonstrates innovation, offers dynamic learning experiences and offers an opportunity to broaden the skill set of pupils enabling them to make informed decisions, encourage food sharing within the community and learn about important environmental and sustainability issues. I wish all involved every success with the project and look forward in anticipation to see how the hydroponic growing method works in our environment and what opportunities it could develop for the future.”
Applecross and Lochcarron Cluster Head Teacher, Robert Gill commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have been successful in being awarded nearly £3,000 from the Food for Thought Funding application submitted to Education Scotland. I submitted the application at the end of last term and look forward to sharing the good news with the schools. We are all very interested to see how this cutting edge learning opportunity develops in the months ahead and hope to report back successes and evidence of the children enjoying the vegetables they have grown. It is a fantastic opportunity to embrace outdoor learning and empower the children and staff throughout the new school year.”
The project will begin next month and will be a phased approach outlined below:
Phase One: Working between the two schools we will introduce the science and methodology which lies behind hydroponic growing methods. This will form the initial research phase of the project. It will specifically involve looking at the ethics behind growing through hydroponic means. Following from this we will learn about world food shortages, sustainability, as well as investigating hydroponic projects already going on in the wider world. It will offer an opportunity to learn about the quality and nutritional value of vegetables grown in this way.
Phase Two: What is Hydroponics? – Understanding the different systems available. Research the different types of hydroponic systems which are used across the world. Meet online with growers and hydroponic specialists from across the world. Evaluate the pros and cons for each type of system – and then as a collective identify how to move forward and build our own systems. Identify suitable locations for the hydroponic system – we want this to be as unusual as possible.
Phase Three: Source the range of equipment, purchase and install. We have sourced local and Scottish companies/providers which has been informative and helpful to identify what vegetables could be suitable to grow, and which will provide us with the best chance of success. A STEM learning process for all involved.
Phase Four: The Growing Phase: Investigating the timescales involved to maximise growth of our vegetables. How do we need to support and look after them during this critical rapid growing phase? Establish teams of children who specifically work across both of our schools. What is our feedback so far – how does hydroponic growing systems compare to our localised traditional methods? Using this opportunity to scientifically record progress and introduce important data handling.
Phase Five: The Testing and Selling Phase: Taste testing of our hydroponic vegetables by children across both cluster primary schools. An end goal would be to work with The Highland Council to identify the suitability to supply hydroponic grown vegetables within the menus in our school kitchens.
The hydroponics project was one of 365 applications for the Food for Thought education funding of which 62 projects were successful. The application was assessed and graded by a panel from Education Scotland, Scottish Government, RHET and Zero Waste Scotland.
Acharacle Primary
Bun-sgoil Àth-Tharracail Pupil Fundraising
When the pupils heard the local community were raising funds to improve the local play park they decided to get creative! From a sponsored cycle to Kilchoan, sponsored steps, making loom bands and deer antler key rings to sell, road side stalls and guess the sweetie competitions they have now raised over £4000 for the community project. They were supported by their parents and staff, but it was all their own ideas and effort. Pupils from Nursery to P7 were involved.
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Righ
Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ won the first ever Social Enterprise Academy Gaelic Dragon’s Den. Their video entry is below.
This is the second year in a row the school has won a prize at the Social Enterprise Academy Awards. Also the school found out last week that their project will be included in COP 26. The Social Enterprise Academy are partnering with WOSDEC and ‘After the Pandemic’ to bring their Social Enterprise Schools message to COP 26 and the Bun-sgoil Ghaidhlig Phort Righ project will be featured as a showcase at the event.
Glenelg & Loch Duich Primary School
Both schools received the Silver Award from the Rights Respecting Schools Awards under the auspices of UNICEF.
Newton Park Primary
P3 pupil Nola Ross, went to Blackpool in the summer holidays to compete in one of the first face to face Disco freestyle competitions and got a 1st and a 2nd out of massive groups. At only 7 years old she had to dance in Blackpool Tower ballroom on her own.
Shieldaig Primary
Shieldaig Primary have celebrated the success of a six week outdoor programme facilitated through Outward Bound.
On returning from the second lockdown after a year of rules, sitting at desks, sitting at computers, and staying in their small rural village the school decided to do something about this. With a local provider working for Outward Bound, Tom Tindal, they devised a six week programme of outdoor activities all taking place in the outdoor paradise that is Shieldaig! They gained funding from the Community Council who supported the school as part of their Covid recovery fund, and from MOWI Scotland.
For the last six weeks of term, every Wednesday, the school packed their bags and set off – taking in Rock climbing, canoeing, mountaineering, bushcraft, bouldering, swimming, and finally building a raft. Every child in the school of 14 P1-7s, aged 5-11 took part in every activity, developing leadership, cooperation, teamwork, physical skills, an appreciation for their environment and so much more. Importantly, every child discovered all the opportunities available on their doorstep in their wonderful West Coast village.
Dingwall Academy
Although now a former pupil, we are all following with interest Fin Graham as he takes part in road and track cycling at the Paralympics. Fin’s Dad is a teacher at Dingwall Academy and runs the school mountain bike club. A number of pupils involved with the club are enjoying international success and this demonstrates the huge impact a teacher can have through extra-curricular provision.
Millburn Academy
Soirbheachas sgrìobhaidh!
Writing Success!
At the change of timetable the new National 5 Gaelic class each prepared a piece of writing to enter into the national CLAS (Commun Luchd-teagasg Àrd-sgoile) competition. The theme was either ‘Mise’ or ‘Am baile agam’ (myself or my town).
All the participants received a certificate and Anna Duncan received overall 3rd place for Gaelic learners S1-3 and a £20 gift voucher!
SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD
Massive congratulations to six pupils from Millburn who were selected from over 1500 young people as finalists in Show Racism the Red Card Creative Competition 2021. This year’s fantastic entries were part of a movement which saw more than 1,684 young people creatively express their messages of anti-racism and inclusion through artwork, poetry, creative writing, t-shirt designs, music and short films.
Well done to the Finalists - Indrani Bramley, Rory Kiln, Ciara Thomson, Abby Smith, Douglas Leslie, Josh Anderson.
SCOTTISH NATIONAL GOLF TEAM
S4 pupil Summer Elliott has been selected to play golf in the Under 16 Scotland team against Wales at Troon in August. Fresh from winning the Tarbat Ladies Open, we wish Summer well in this international match.
TAEKWON-DO NATIONAL TEAM
S3 pupil Mia Croall has been selected to represent the International Taekwon-Do Federation Scotland in the forthcoming World Taekwon-Do Championships.
GOLFING SUCCESS AS PART OF SCOTLAND UNDER 16 TEAM
Warmest congratulations to S4 pupil Summer Elliott who contributed to Scotland's win over Wales at Royal Troon Golf Club at the weekend.
With a handicap of 4, Summer won two of her three matches, playing her part in Scotland's 12-7 win over Wales.
Summer is pictured attached (second right, back row) with the Under 16 National Team.
Duncan Forbes Primary
P5 pupil Quinn Young scaled her 100th Munro in the during the summer break and featured in the following STV news article. Quinn, who started accompanying her dad on climbs when she was just 3 years old, has even conquered the renowned ‘Inaccessible Pinnacle’ on the Isle of Skye which includes a rock climb as well as abseiling!
Read more here
Inshes Primary
We are delighted that P7 pupil Sienna Kellacher (age 10, not 11 as the article below states!) has been selected to join the Scottish Ballet as a Junior Ballet Associate after auditioning with over 500 children from across the country.
Lochardil Primary
We at Lochardil Primary School achieved our 6th Eco Schools Green Flag which we are absolutely thrilled about, and also were awarded our Digital Schools CRIS (Cyber Resilience Internet Safety) Award which apparently we are only the 2nd school in Highland, and few across the UK to achieve.
