Balfron Matters
Monday 29 January 2024
Weekly communication for staff
Dear colleagues,
It is great to be back at Balfron High. Thank you for your warm welcome. I really enjoyed getting round classes and meeting briefly with staff. It was great to meet new staff. Returning after a long break has reinforced how special our school is, and what amazing potential we have to make a difference to our young people's lives and chances. While I recognise there will always be challenges, I am really grateful to work with this exceptional blend of adults and young people.
Attainment Matters
Monday marks the last day of prelims. Thanks as always to Phil for his meticulous organisation. The logistics are massive. Thanks also to Elaine J and Lynne for the significant work done ensuring that our AAA pupils are appropriately supported.
Many of you will still have your hands full with marking. I know you will be keen to feedback quickly to young people and parents/ carers. Once marking is complete, it is time to use data to identify patterns of attainment/ underachievement within classes and courses. This should inform interventions and areas for re-focus in class/homework.
Insight analysis with Lewis Patterson (Scot Gov) in June '23, highlighted that there is scope for improvement in our attainment in S5. There has been a pattern of low progression rates from S4 to S5. This is a focus for whole school improvement. Please remember that we have a positive presentation policy. Our main objective is to keep young people in courses and maximise their overall attainment.
It is useful to note that a 'D' at Higher is worth 149 tariff points, while an 'A' at N5 is worth 84. It is definitely worth keeping young people in courses - remember a 'D' is considered a course award by SQA. Here is a link to the Insight Tariff Scores.
Inevitably there will be some changes. Please note that these should not be agreed with the pupil by the class teacher. Suggested changes must go through the PT and Phil, who will engage with the young person and parents, considering the overview subjects.
With all of this in mind, the Senior phase tracking is scheduled for this week. You will hear from Phil in due course.
S2/3 FCL interviews and S2/3 Staged Intervention meetings continue this week. Getting our young people in the right courses at the optimal levels is critical for them and us. It is crucial that recent tracking data to help inform choices.
Seniors are back on Thursday so Head Prefects will be providing refreshments as for Thankful Thursday. You can nominate through the link on the right. Let a young person or colleague know that their effort is appreciated.
Have a great week.
Elaine & Claire
This week at Balfron High:
S4/5/6 Tracking
S2/3 Form Class Leader Interviews
Mon: N5, H , AH Graphic Com
N5, H Music Technology, H PE
Tues: Teacher Pension Advice, lunch
Wed: Stirling X-Country Comp, 11am
Digital Parents Group, 3.45pm
Thurs: Seniors Return
Fri: Senior Phase Tracking Deadline
Notice Boards
Learning, Teaching & Assessment CLPL
Pupil Landing Page (Inc notices)
Inservice Programme:
Last week at Balfron
Pics include Loch Eil trip, Peer Reading at Drymen Primary, S1 STEM final - Solve for Tomorrow, Girls Netball Festival & S2 Holocaust Memorial Day.
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 on the BM and Parent Noticeboard. #wearebalfron
Balfron High School Prelim Examinations 2024
Monday is the last day
Invigilation Prelim Examinations 2024
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SQA Calendar for Coursework and Assignments 2023-24
The Brew Box ☕
It will be open at break & lunch to pupils as follows, staff are always welcome to come along and enjoy a coffee and the chat.
Monday S1 & S6
Tuesday S2 & S6
Wednesday S3 & S6
Thursday S4 & S6
Friday S5 & S6
February is LGBT History Month
Thanks to Ansley and Andrew for organising activities as follows:
from the 1st Feb until Purple Friday, house competition to cover the most miles in aid of LGBT visibility
w/b 5th Feb LGBT icons form class activity
Friday 23rd Purple Friday, wear purple accessories to raise money
Learning & Teaching Updates
Updated padlet:
L&T Resources
Lots and lots (and lots) of new links have been added to the resource padlet around the themes of our working groups. Click below to access.
BHS L&T Toolkit
GLOW tile
This is now a tile on the glow BHS landing page - look out for it!
Powering up our seniors for successful studying
Quick links for form and class resourcing
Our Priorities for improvement 2023-24
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
Assemblies January- March 2024
CLPL opportunities
Digital CLPL
always available through the links below:
Below is a link to Dougie's Tech Tips Play list. Always worth a look - great tip on getting rid of adverts from presentations using YouTube this week.
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Teachers Guide to the BHS Study Planner - 3 min watch
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BHS senior study planner
e-sgoil weekly online supported study timetable
One portal to hold all information
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Useful Links