Balfron Matters
Head prefects: Patrick Gallagher, Hannah Smith, Grace Johnstone, Adam MacKay, Tessa Knowles, Robyn Youens
Head prefects: Patrick Gallagher, Hannah Smith, Grace Johnstone, Adam MacKay, Tessa Knowles, Robyn Youens
Monday 19 August 2024
Weekly communication for staff
Building Futures Together
Dear colleagues,
It was great to have a positive buzz back in the place last week. Thank you for your part in contributing to a strong purposeful start. As always to keep the school calm and safe, I am keen to have your help where you can provide it, in supervising at breaks and lunchtimes. I have put together a Supervision rota that just includes the senior team right now - we need your help! Either drop your name into a place on the rota that suits you, or send me an email with your availability and I can add you. It is most enjoyable where there are two of us on at one time, so bear that in mind.
Our lovely new Head Prefects (pictured above) have put together a prefect rota that roughly mirrors ours. Together we will be able to ensure our school remains calm, safe and purposeful.
I hope that you found the Inservice days helpful and enjoyable. I know that in everything we do there is always room for improvement, so your feedback would be welcome. Please do complete this anonymous, follow-up Evaluation.
evaluation
You will have seen that the Scottish Government published guidance on mobile phone use last week. We are a Chromebook school and therefore mobile phones should not be used in classroom. Here is a reminder of our mobile phone policy which is in line with the guidance.
We are trying a new approach to assemblies this term. To avoid double year groups, assemblies will be fortnightly for year groups, generally running Wednesday- Friday. Here is a link to the assembly programme. Please note that it is often updated and can be subject to change!
The Head Prefects are looking forward to starting the Pupil Council. They plan to run year meetings on the 2nd and 4th week of every month where possible. They are keen to reach more of their year group than previously and plan to see 2 pupils as reps per term. With this in mind, please could FCLs organise a vote for two pupils per form class who will represent the class until the October holiday.
I have left easy access to the Safeguarding, Fire Procedures and other inservice day info below. If you haven't already confirmed that you are familiar with the guidance, please prioritise this. Also note that we will be looking to conduct a fire drill in the next week or so.
Raising Attainment is an important school priority. To help us focus on the right things, our SQA results analysis is on everyone's agenda right now. In addition to the Results Machine, we have access to an overview of results from across the country. This should help us identify schools that we may want to contact or visit if they have stronger results.
Thank you for your hard work and professionalism.
Elaine
This week at Balfron High:
Team Meetings
Mon:
Tues:
Wed: Lomond House Assembly
N5 Geography Trip
Thurs: Campsie House Assembly
Fri: Endrick Assembly
Freshers Fayre, P2-4
N5 Geography trip
Learning & Teaching Working Groups 2024-25
climate for learning
meeting learners' needs
lesson structure
digital learning
formative assessment
Pics include:
Reading in the library at lunchtime
Head Prefects
Please take photos and share with me directly or through Twitter (with pupils' permission). Let's recognise and celebrate all the good stuff. We will also share in the Parent Noticeboard. #wearebalfron #buildingfuturestogether
CLPL opportunities
Look out for our high quality in-house professional learning opportunities throughout the year. These come in many forms:
L&T working groups, Tri-learning, Lunch n Learn, Professional Reading Library, Education Scotland Learn , Walkthrus, BHS Digital CLPL, Professional Book Club
Professional Reading Library - Strathendrick Suite
Digital CLPL
always available through the links below:
Education Scotland: Professional Learning Modules
Digital Resource Library and Walkthrus
Find lots of links here to blogs, podcasts, research papers etc.
Walkthrus is a new digital resource we have subscribed to.
It is a rich resource full of structured routines for developing all aspects of Learning & Teaching - it can be used individually as well as full departments.
It's really excellent - click on the link to explore more.
Powering up our seniors for successful studying
Quick links for form and class resourcing
National supported study, free offer to all learners.
Teachers Guide to the BHS Study Planner - 3 min watch
BHS senior study planner
e-sgoil weekly online supported study timetable
Increased consistency in Learning & Teaching
Improved Wellbeing & Inclusion of all young people
Increased offer in Curriculum
Increased Attainment & Achievement
Increased influence of Pupil Voice on Improvement