Dear colleagues,

Thank you all for another amazing and successful week at Balfron High.  It was a super busy and impactful week.  Some of the highlights included our Plus One working group meetings, Achievement Assemblies,  our 2026 Duke of Edinburgh Launch for S3, Open Doors in Expressive Arts and Science, Supporting Learners workshops for S1 parents and carers.  S2 took part in Invigor8 workshops, 44 of our pupils performed in the Stirling Schools Concerts, the S3 boys rugby team participated in a mental health tournament, S3 sports leaders led 100+ primary 3s in a fun athletics tournament and of course, we ended the week with very entertaining inter-house movie trailer which provided an entertaining lunchtime event - if not a little controversial. 😉

It was brilliant to see so many staff join a squad of pupils from each House. Those mentioned were just some of the fabulous opportunities that our young people had last week thanks to you. Please take a look at the pictures and videos below - they capture our ethos of attainment & achievement and demonstrate what it is to be Balfron. #wearebalfron #findyourthing #buildingfuturestogether

Appeals 2025 Update

13 from 136 appeals were successful, just under 10%.  That is great news for young people. Nine were upgrades to As, one to a B and three to Cs.  None improve our 5@ stats but good news none the less.

Interestingly, two headteacher colleagues (outwith Stirling) each shared one example of significant downgrades through this year's appeals process.

Tracking & Monitoring

We have now completed the first tracking cycle for all year groups. Thank you for your rigour and professionalism with this and to Phil for coordinating the process. We are keen to have your feedback and take a first look at analysing the data. Please keep a close eye on the progress and support required for our young people who have characteristics including FME, ASN, EAL, Care Experienced and Young Carer status.

Tracking and Celebrating Wider Achievement next steps

Thanks to Ashley and the working group who have set up our strategy to identify, track and celebrate wider achievements.  The assemblies last week were a fantastic launch for our plans. Due to the cancellation of S3, we will reschedule as soon as is appropriate. In the mean time, thanks for getting behind this with senior phase nominations. I am looking forward to the first S5/6 Endeavour assembly on Monday morning. 

Progressive Masculinity Assemblies on Wednesday

Assemblies will run as follows in the theatre as follows:

Period 1 (9.20-10.10): S3

Period 2 (1010-11.00): S2

Period 3 (11.20 - 12.10): S4

Period 4 (12.10 - 13.00): S5

There is a parents' support workshop on-line that staff are welcome to attend.  Details as follows:

Progressive Masculinity are inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting hosted By Howard Turner.
Time: Oct 8, 2025 06:00 PM
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81522574205?pwd=MqvqL4EAmFEB6TPGEVqqaz08cSOzbi.1

Meeting ID: 815 2257 4205

Passcode: 117873

Thanks again for your hard work and professionalism.  

Have a great week and a fantastic holiday when it comes.

Elaine