Balfron Highlights

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of the first term, I am delighted to share some of the highlights of the year so far.  To give you a flavour of the wide range of great experiences at our school, I have included a load of photos and videos by week.

It was fantastic to be able to share and celebrate the significant successes of our young people in Qualification Scotland exams. Thanks to Dr Appelquist who organised a superb Outstanding Achievement Ceremony with around 80 young people recognised. Our key note speaker, former pupil and Commonwealth Gold Medal winner, Mel Woods, told her own courageous and inspirational story.  Massive congratulations to our 2026 Dux Beth Stephen and joint Proxime Accessit medallists Zach McColl and Amelia Mitchell. Congratulations also to our Junior Dux Aiden Archer and Junior Proxime Accessit, Farah McIntyre.  Here is a link to the programme where you can see all of our prize winners.

Massive thanks to Steve McCooey and Strathendrick Rugby Club, we were invited to host the Scotland Women's Rugby Team at Balfron.  Our girls were given the ultimate surprise when the squad joined them for a coaching session. It was a privilege to train along side the squad and see our pupils interviewing so confidently for Scottish Rugby.  They did themselves and us proud! More details and a video of the visit here.

A couple of weeks ago we hosted headteachers from Stirling, St Modan's and Wallace High Schools along with their DHTs and PTs.  The purpose of the two day visit was to share our evidence of where we think our strengths and areas for improvement are at Balfron High and get an objective evaluation.  The team of ten observed lessons, met with young people, staff, PTS and the SLT.  Overall they were impressed with our school and our confident and positive young people. 

Key strengths highlighted by the team during the visit:

• Strong ethos; pride in school; culture; very positive learner voice about community and opportunities - confident and articulate young people very invested in their school. Caring and calm school environment.

• Very good policy and ‘infrastructure’ around learning and teaching - policies and the professional learning approach is very strong 

• Wider curriculum opportunities and engagement - very strong capture; data; positive promotion

• Improved curricular pathways creating appropriate learning contexts for all

Areas for improvement highlighted:

• Focus on - ‘push yourself further’ - personalised learning and a bit more ‘bustle’ and creativity being on display consistently across classes

• Ensure consistency of approach of Form Leaders, ensuring a robust pathway of appropriate interventions

The first tracking reports for S2-4 have been completed and shared with parents.  You can access these at any time.  An email was sent to all parents of S2-4 with a reminder of how to access these.  S5/6 tracking reports are due out on 1st October.  S4 have their first parents evening on 6th October and S1 will get their first tracking report on 9 November.  Look out for emails with further details.

Our S1 pupils have settled in well. Last week they took part in their House Team Building days.  They stepped out of their comfort zones and further developed friendships, relationships with their House teachers and took part in fun outdoor, team building activities. Lots of photos below!

This term ends on Friday 9th October. On the last day of term, pupils will be encouraged to add something yellow to their school uniform.  Senior Prefects are raising the profile of mental health and are encouraged to give a donation to Back Onside if able.  Back Onside provide us with drop-in sessions and support for young people.  We are always looking for donations to the Balfron Larder.  If you are able to donate cereals, biscuits/sweet treats and toiletries, we will send them to those in need for the holiday period.

Next term begins on Monday 26 October.  Key dates for your diary:

• Thursday 29 October: Halloween Disco (tbc)

• Wednesday 4th November: S5/6 Parents Meeting

• Tuesday 18 November: Parent Council

• Thursday 19th November: S1 Parents Meeting

• Tuesday 1 December: S3 Parents Meeting

• Wed 9th December: S3/4 Christmas Ceilidh

• Thursday 10 December: S5/6 Christmas Ceilidh

• Monday 14th December: S1/2 Christmas Ceilidh

Following feedback, the HT drop-ins this year can be in person or online.  To help manage the time available, you are invited to click the link to secure your drop-in appointment.   If there is something you would like to ask or share, it would be fantastic to see you.  Make an appointment through this link.

Feedback on Balfron Highlights is always welcome.  I am happy to receive that directly  

Very best wishes,

Elaine Bannatyne

Head Teacher

bannatynee01s@glow.sch.uk