Balfron Highlights

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to share the 2nd of our monthly editions of Balfron Highlights.  The first term seemed to pass very quickly. It was super busy with much to reflect on and celebrate. At Balfron High, we are committed to helping our young people find their thing. I'm glad to say that this edition is a lovely showcase of just that.  I hope you enjoy the pictures and videos.

Last term in numbers:

• 10 Parents nights, Info Evenings & events (S4 Parents Evening, Future Pathways, Outstanding Awards Ceremony, 2 HT drop-ins, 1 Parent Council, Barcelona, Duke of Edinburgh Launch, S1 Open Evening, Progressive Masculinity)

• 42 weekly clubs for young people

• 8,754 Merits awarded across the school

• 30 HT lesson observations

• 23 Inter-House activities

S1 Parents and Carers have been invited to meetings in the school day week beginning 27 October.  We hope that this will help you get to know Form Class Leaders and PTs PS.  We hope that this will help us review how our S1 pupils have settled in and promote close working together.

Key areas for focus the new term:

• Attendance of young people - average attendance of young people was lower than we would expect:

August : 93% September: 91%

Our average should be nearer 95%.  We ask that you work with us in encouraging excellent attendance as we know there is a close link between attendance and achievement. Catching up with work missed is extremely difficult despite our excellent use of Google Classroom.  Our young people have the best chance of doing well if there are here having the direct teaching that their class teachers provide.  Having observed 30 lessons so fat this year, I can certainly vouch for that.

• Identify and Celebrate Wider Achievement - We have to improved our approach to identifying and celebrating wider achievement. The slides from our first S5/6 celebration are below.  Look out for emails confirming that you child has been recognised for effort, progress or participation. 50 S4 awards were presented at assembly this morning!

• Use assessments and tracking data to support progress - we have started to use a new system this year which we hope will give us a more accurate overview of progress and help us all track progress well over time.  The leadership team will be using the data to identify which young people may need more support. Senior phase pupils should look out for targeted supported study sessions.

• Promote equalities & wellbeing - Our Equalities group have prepared input for assemblies and form class to support Black History Month, Male Mental Health Awareness and Gender Based Violence.  Ask our young people about our assemblies, supported by teachers, researched and delivered by senior pupils.

• • • Help us to maintain the improved uniform standards - it is not easy but it is worth it!  Please do send your child to school in full school uniform, including blazers.  As the winter months arrive, please join us in ensuring standards don't slip.  Winter coats can go over school uniform. We will continue to provide uniform where it is needed.  You can also look out for the Parent Council Pop up shops.

• The Next Parent Council is on the 18th  November online.  Hope you can make it. Here are the log-in details:

Tuesday, November 18 · 6:30 – 8:30pm

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cmb-qsog-huo

I have shared a wide range of photos and videos with you from in classes, clubs, awards ceremonies and inter-house fun.  I hope that they highlight the wide range of learning, activities and successes that have taken place since our last edition, just five school weeks ago!  I also hope they give you a nice flavour and a great overview of our school.

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

In addition, I am holding a drop-in between 5.30 and 6.30pm on Thursday 30th October.  If there is something you would like to ask or share, it would be fantastic to see you.  Of course, you are welcome to make contact any time.

Thank you for your support. 

Very best wishes,

Elaine Bannatyne

Head Teacher

bannatynee01s@glow.sch.uk