Wellington Wade

theWELLINGTONturret SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Spring 2015 Ayrshire’s only Independent School Founded 1836

Wellington Wade Pupil - a Freezing February Dip Exchange for ‘Meningitis Now’ to Jaipur A group of intrepid pupils (and one Formed in 2013, Meningitis Now exists During the October holidays a group of‘ teacher) took the plunge for charity on a to save lives and rebuild futures by eight students from Wellington School, cold, still day in early February. Cheered funding research, raising awareness and together with a further eight pupils on by a large group of pupils and staff, providing support. It was the powerful from Wellington’s partner school St the group ran into the icy waters for a image of the impact on families of the Dominique, in France, travelled to India lunchtime dip. devastation that can be left when a loved on an exchange visit to St Edmund’s There were a few chattering teeth one is struck down with meningitis that school in Jaipur. Three members of afterwards, which were soon brought won the hearts of the S6 year group in staff accompanied the group. under control by the hot chocolate and deciding which good cause to support. Ross Hastings, one of the senior dry towels on offer, and over £600 was With no central Government funding, boys on the trip, wrote the following added to the Sixth Year charity for this Meningitis Now is dependent on voluntary account: session, Meningitis Now. donations to continue its work. We were filled with feelings of both continued on back excitement and anticipation because we had no idea what to expect, especially since we were staying with host families. The long journey that would take almost 20 hours in total began at Glasgow Airport. At Heathrow we met with the French group and thereafter flew to Delhi from where we took a bus to Jaipur. Due to the fact that we were living the same way as our Indian hosts, we had the opportunity to experience many different aspects of their way of life, from things as simple as their daily routine, to the wonderfully extravagant Diwali Celebrations. continued on page 4 Monty and Oonagh Colourful costumes Bethlehem’s Got Talent

Simon, Amanda and David voice their opinions Well done to all the Wellington School performers from Primary 1 to Primary 3 who acted in this year`s original Nativity play, ‘Bethlehem’s got Talent’, in December. There was great acting, singing, dancing, humour and timing from all the young participants, providing a lot of fun for all the family! Mr Haggerty wrote the music, Mr Sheils supervised the lighting, Mrs Rimmer was in charge of the costumes, and Primary 1 teacher Mrs MacKenzie wrote the wonderful script and lyrics. Simon, Amanda and David were played by Ellis Porter, Charlotte Hardy and Callum Frater. Oonagh Clark was Mary and Monty Saunders played Joseph. The hall was packed for two performances to cater for all the mums, dads, grannies, granddads and friends who turned up to support the children. Both the Primary and Nursery plays were videoed as a record for parents and friends. Alf-Kirk and Flynn Lemoni The full cast take a bow Hamish, Lewis, Macey and Jasper Macey and Lewis Angel Express

The angel choir On the same day in December, children from the Nursery performed their Nativity play ‘Angel Express’ to an enthusiastic audience. The show was a great success with star performances from the youngest pupils at the school. With stunning costumes, catchy tunes and plenty of action, this was a very enjoyable production. Mary and Joseph were played by Macey Corrigan and Lewis Flynn. Jasper Thomas was the Angel Paper Boy who kept everyone updated with what was going on, and Hamish Reid played the part of the Angel Choir Conductor. Special thanks to Mrs Aileen Hamilton and Mrs Linda Fleming for directing the show, and to Mr Dennis Haggerty, the Musical Director. Zak and Callum Amara, Zak and Chloe Isla A warm welcome from St Edmund’s School Pupil Exchange to Jaipur Continued from front page: Our first four days in India were largely from the honorary judges, the visiting Mahal is hidden from view by a large red taken up by our visits to St Edmund’s teachers Mrs Coontz, Madame Norris sandstone gatehouse; this later becomes School to see the way their classes and Madame Lambré. Being eager to get a frame for the Taj Mahal as you enter into were taught. As a result of India’s recent involved in the activities, we volunteered to the main gardens. success of their satellite mission to Mars, play basketball and represent Wellington There was no better way to leave Jaipur the Physics Department at St Edmund’s which sadly didn’t go as well as it could than to stay up most of the night setting was very proud to show us their detailed have as we lost 23 points to 19; however, off fireworks and other pyrotechnics as and interesting representation of how the Cameron Reece did win Man of the the nation celebrated Diwali, the Festival mission panned out. Match. of Lights. Deafening bangs and blinding The afternoons at school were spent flashes aside, the sights of whole streets being taught a traditional dance known as lit up like Christmas trees and buildings Dandiya which is a type of dance where draped in vibrant colours seemed like the participants use bamboo sticks to keep perfect end to an unfortunately short trip rhythm. We were surprised to find out to India. However we keep in contact with that we would be expected to dress up in our exchange partners and their families colourful and intricately decorated clothes who send us photos of our time there on and perform the dance at a specially hosted an almost daily basis. Dandiya evening. The French students Though it’s a long way away and it may had a chance to show off their musical seem daunting to go to such a culturally talents with a performance of Imagine by different place, the exchange to India is John Lennon which the Indians enjoyed, definitely an opportunity not to be missed and Wellington’s Matthew Taylor treated It was easy to agree that the trips and and I would recommend it to anyone us to some Tchaikovsky. excursions were our favourite part of the interested in going abroad with the school During our second week at the school, we whole exchange as we got to see how the without a doubt. majority of Indians lived just by looking out took part in their Inter-House Day which The next visit to India will take place in was extremely different to ones we were the bus window. Even though the bus to the Taj Mahal took four hours, there was December 2015. This is a tour of Delhi, used to. The main spectacle was without a Agra and Jaipur for pupils in S5 and S6. doubt the dance competition. Each of the always something to watch, however nothing could compare to the building The trip will include a day at St Edmund’s four houses was allowed to put forward two School. acts in the hope of winning the best scores itself. As you enter the forecourt, the Taj Elephant ride Diwali decoration The Taj Mahal Lion King Dance workshop Expressive Arts trip to New York

During the October break, a group of 18 This was a most valuable experience for all pupils set off to New York to participate in pupils involved, where they had a fantastic Music, Theatre and Dance workshops off opportunity to develop their confidence Broadway. in their performance skills. Many of the The theme of the workshops was centred pupils who took part will be starring in the around “The Lion King”, which the group upcoming production of “Crazy for You”, saw on the Saturday evening. Pupils which made this experience all the more learned songs and dances from the show, worthwhile. led by actors from the production, and gained invaluable insight into life behind the scenes in a theatre. It was most exciting being able to identify with the scenes that they knew and spotting their tutors on stage! The group also participated in acting and drama workshops, learning how to develop a character and a scene. In free time, there were non-stop activities including a sight-seeing tour, shopping trips and visits to famous sites. The group was awed by Radio City Music Hall, as well as taking in the breathtaking The pupils expressed their thanks to view from the top of the Empire State the teachers for giving up their time to Building. They had the opportunity to accompany them on the New York trip. Mrs glimpse the Statue of Liberty, appreciate Docherty, Miss Dunn and Mr McPherson the bright lights of Times Square, as well agreed that it had been a pleasure to as having a relaxing lunch break in Central accompany such a great group of pupils. Park.

Sightseeing in the Big Apple Primary 5 Pupils Seeing Stars

Pupils from P5 had the opportunity to see the stars and learn about the planets in the mobile planetarium operated by Dalmellington’s Dark Sky Observatory which was set up in Carleton Turrets Hall for the afternoon. The 6 metre diameter planetarium offered a comfortable environment for pupils to enjoy a projection of the night sky that is Primary 1 Pupils Visit Vikingar close to being outside on a clear night in a true dark site. As part of their Vikings topic, pupils in P1 enjoyed a stimulating trip to Vikingar in Largs where they sat in a long house, helped grind wheat into flour and talked about the Viking The astronomer gave an informative lifestyle with Thora the Red. After dressing up as warriors, rich merchants and farmers, session, showing pupils how to recognise they progressed into the Hall of the Gods, where they learned about Odin, Thor, Freyja some of the constellations visible with the and Njord. After seeing a film about the Battle of Largs (the Scots won), they played with naked eye, and explaining how many of interactive games and artefacts. The inspirational day finished with a bracing walk down their names come from Greek mythology. Glasgow Science Centre the prom to see the statue of Magnus the Viking. He also talked about light pollution and how we can try to minimise that to allow people to enjoy the beauty of the stars. The aim of the planetarium, as with the observatory, is to stimulate an interest in astronomy and science.

UK Bebras Children in the Outdoor Nursery Challenge take Winter in their Stride

During the week of 10 November The Outdoor Nursery was blessed with and pancakes. The children offered some 2014, P7, S1, S2 and S3 pupils, in the very little damage after the December wonderful suggestions of food to cook over Computing Science Department, took storms this year and the children have the fire such as a combination of cheese part in the 2014 UK Bebras Challenge. been coping admirably with the winter and jelly! P7 pupils completed the Junior Challenge, weather. The Chestnut Woods group have been S1 and S2 pupils the Intermediate The Oak Woods group have been investigating the topic of birds. We have Challenge and S3 pupils the Senior investigating the topic of fire. We have been looking to see which birds visit our Challenge. looked at the origins of fire, its causes, and woods, finding out what birds like to eat The Bebras Computational Thinking how we can combat fire both indoors and and why we need to feed them throughout Challenge is an international competition outdoors. We have looked at the benefits the winter. We have also been thinking which involves solving problems using and risks of fire and we have learned how about where birds live and have put up computational thinking skills. to build a fire in the woods. We have been some bird boxes which we added some thinking about our senses and how we of our special designs and decorations to. All participants received a Certificate of can use all five of them to appreciate fire. We have even made a bird kitchen for our Participation with the top 25% in school We have enjoyed eating a variety of foods little visitors to enjoy. achieving a Certificate with Distinction. cooked on the fire such as toast, soup Mr Parlour presented Best in School Home baking in the Outdoor Nursery certificates to the following pupils: Toby Hendrikse and Jack Napier for the Junior Challenge Emily Henry for the Intermediate Challenge Callum Duffy for the Senior Challenge. MP visits Modern Studies Sandra Osborne MP, with Modern Studies Dept. During December, S3 Modern Studies of question being posed, featuring such pupils were given the opportunity to meet topics as the independence referendum, the Sandra Osborne, the local MP for the Ayr, discrimination women face in Westminster Holyrood for Carrick and Cumnock constituency. and voting rights for 16-17 year olds. Mrs Osborne began by giving a talk about The S3 pupils found this to be a most useful the main roles and duties of an MP. She also and interesting experience, and much of Nat 5 History gave an account of her own specific duties the information gathered from the visit as a key member of the Panel of Chairs and will contribute towards the research to be As part of their National 5 course, S3 the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. undertaken for their National 5 Assignment. and S4 pupils study Mary Queen of Pupils then had the chance to ask questions This will be attempted in S4. Scots and the Scottish Reformation. of Mrs Osborne. The questions were The Modern Studies department is very Mary was arguably one of the most very thoughtful and penetrating, and Mrs grateful to Mrs Osborne for giving her time enigmatic figures in Scottish history. Her Osborne was impressed with the standard so generously. story was surrounded by conspiracy theories and often entertaining 16th century scandal. During the Autumn Term, pupils had the Rhiannon wins Competition opportunity to explore Holyrood Palace, Rhiannon Griffith, a Higher Modern Rhiannon triumphed with her submission Mary’s main place of residence during Studies pupil in S5, has won a prestigious entitled “Osborne licks his stamps early”. her reign. This was highly relevant to award for budding young journalists. The article played on the changes to their National 5 course. With the aid Rhiannon recently participated in a stamp duty and the realpolitik of the of an expert guided tour, pupils visited competition set by The News Academy, an impending General Election. It is believed Mary’s personal chamber and the very organisation linked to News International that Rhiannon competed with close to spot where David Riccio, her Italian newspapers, to promote journalism 5,000 entrants across the UK for this secretary, was stabbed 56 times. His among students aged 16-18 at schools award and so this is a truly remarkable blood stains still supposedly remain to and FE colleges. achievement. this day! The competition required a 200 word The winning prize was an all expenses These opportunities serve to extend opinion piece about the Chancellor’s paid trip to London to shadow an MP for the pupils’ knowledge and awareness Autumn Statement and entrants had just a the day. Rhiannon spent the day with of the period and hopefully this will be few hours from the time George Osborne Simon Hughes MP in January and was reflected in their exam performances. delivered his statement to draft their able to access all areas in the Palace of Westminster under his guidance. Pupils were accompanied on the trip by article, which had a deadline of midnight Mrs Malloch and Ms Hyslop. the same day! See Rhiannon’s winning article below: Rhiannon Griffith with Simon Hughes MP

OSBORNE LICKS HIS STAMPS EARLY by Rhiannon Griffith All eyes on the 2015 election and the middle ground. George Osborne gave a restrained but practical Autumn Statement today targeting the votes of middle income families by next May. Stamp duty has been made fairer for first time buyers and especially for those traditionally scared off by the £250K duty threshold. With little room for manoeuvre, he nonetheless found more money for GP surgeries while £2bn extra for A&E departments will ease tension in the NHS. We can certainly bet our stamp duty savings that fuel duty will remain untouched until 2016. Let’s just hope Amazon don’t raise their Christmas price-tags given the 25% ‘Google tax’ hit on corporation profits invested oversees. The Office of Budget Responsibility calculates public sector spending (excluding health and schools) at £1300 per UK resident. However, that’s a stunning 57% less than 2009/10 estimates. The question is will this worsen as the Chancellor strives to get the budget deficit to zero. We’re not in it together as we know that lower tax receipts from public sector wage freeze and low wage growth is the real reason for the deficit reduction shortfall. Not quite the Sheriff of Nottingham, so he might not cancel Christmas yet. STEM Week in Junior School For the second year running, Wellington work with children throughout the Nursery coats and safety goggles could be spotted Constructing kites, windmills, pan pipes and celebrated STEM Week in the Junior and Junior School. One of the aims of STEM everywhere in the school as children got electric fishing rods were just some of the School, with Jon Davies of ‘thinkScience’ Week is to encourage more young people to into the spirit of the week. Asked what they things on offer for the youngest children. mesmerising the pupils with some become engaged with science in school and thought of the event, children in Primary 2 Mr Cox said: “We are continually striving to spectacular experiments. the fascination was clear to see on the faces said: “STEM Week was STEMtastic!” and find ways to challenge the children - creating Pupils were involved in a variety of STEM of the children as Jon worked his magic. “I love this investigating lark.” inquisitive minds through new and exciting (Science, Technology, Engineering and As with all the new and exciting projects Working across age groups allowed pupils opportunities. STEM Week is one way in Mathematics) projects in their classes and in the school, the enthusiasm the children from the Nursery and Primary 1 to take part which we achieve this.” Ben, Primary 5, Senior School teachers were on hand to demonstrated was overwhelming. Lab in the activities and experiments together. said: “The whole week was awesome!” STEM Week in Junior School For the second year running, Wellington work with children throughout the Nursery coats and safety goggles could be spotted Constructing kites, windmills, pan pipes and celebrated STEM Week in the Junior and Junior School. One of the aims of STEM everywhere in the school as children got electric fishing rods were just some of the School, with Jon Davies of ‘thinkScience’ Week is to encourage more young people to into the spirit of the week. Asked what they things on offer for the youngest children. mesmerising the pupils with some become engaged with science in school and thought of the event, children in Primary 2 Mr Cox said: “We are continually striving to spectacular experiments. the fascination was clear to see on the faces said: “STEM Week was STEMtastic!” and find ways to challenge the children - creating Pupils were involved in a variety of STEM of the children as Jon worked his magic. “I love this investigating lark.” inquisitive minds through new and exciting (Science, Technology, Engineering and As with all the new and exciting projects Working across age groups allowed pupils opportunities. STEM Week is one way in Mathematics) projects in their classes and in the school, the enthusiasm the children from the Nursery and Primary 1 to take part which we achieve this.” Ben, Primary 5, Senior School teachers were on hand to demonstrated was overwhelming. Lab in the activities and experiments together. said: “The whole week was awesome!” Focus on the Geography Department by Ms Johnston, Head of Geography Department Footpath erosion and management strategies Management strategy - cross drainage

To supplement the Advanced Higher Geography course, earlier in the session Craig Morley enjoyed a residential field course at Kindrogan Field Study Centre, Perthshire. Logistically and academically the trip was a great success. Craig was able to join other Advanced Higher Geography students and learn practical skills. He had the opportunity to add to his repertoire of field skills by collecting data on vegetation succession, carrying out a soil study and investigating stream hydrology, whilst learning about and using GIS (Global Information Systems) which enabled him to put ‘theory into action’ when planning his own Geographical Study ‘A comparison of the Sauchrie Burn to Bradshaw’s river model’. Measuring footpath erosion Craig carried out his data collection in October and has been busy analysing the While Craig was off to Kindrogan, in August were taught how to plan a geographical variables that change with distance from our National 5 students visited Drymen and study from conception to realisation the source. He has been using statistical Balmaha, Loch Lomond National Park, for looking at different gathering techniques, analysis to prove that relationships one day of field work. ‘If it’s not raining presentation methods and methods of between variables exist and are significant. it isn’t training!’ Our S4s endured a Friday analysis. This enabled them to gather their This is worth 40% of the overall mark and that was miserable but both Mrs Shaw own data and to start their own Controlled combined with the Geographical Issues and I commented that they hadn’t let the Assessment Investigations based on the Essay, completes his Folio - worth 70% of weather ‘dampen’ their spirits! From a staff hypothesis that they chose to study. his overall mark. Craig thoroughly enjoyed perspective we very much enjoyed their A full day was spent gathering their own the experience, particularly meeting other company. primary data (which included measuring students and the collegiate atmosphere Our S4 students were investigating the footpath erosion, trample zones, vegetation that the centre fosters. impact of tourism on an upland glaciated cover, carrying out environmental quality environment. Before the field trip they surveys, traffic surveys, tax disc surveys,

N5 group Evidence of footpath management with erosion EQI’s in Drymen house in Glasgow (1471AD) and students and (1471AD) Glasgow in house oldest the passed Street High down walk a here, From century. twelfth the in site at the cathedral built on a drumlin on a dry themselves factors of the site and situation of Glasgow location human for and physical original appreciate where the Glasgow, could of site they original the taken to were pupils Griepenburg, Ms and Malloch Mrs Shaw, Mrs by assisted Ably Assignment Assessment worth 33%. an aspupils complete opportunities work field more the S5 next year. for The New cease Higher will may offer August in Higher New the of development the with so and 5 National to Higher from moved has area topic This and itwasagreatsuccess. year that the trip was offered to S4 students first the was This Glasgow. of Geography urban the experiencing field’ the ‘in day a National 5 and Higher Geography enjoyed On Wednesday 3rd December those taking outside oftheclassroom’. ‘learning and work field of support going overall the mark at of National 5. Thank you 25% for your on- worth is this superb; were marks Assignment Assessment our particular In SQA average. national the published above well results Geography enjoyed cohort 5 National the year, Last their writeup. commence to school questionnaires) to returning and before counts pedestrian opportunities. support these to fantastic time and free very their worthwhile up gave who staff all to on Glasgow and current narrative changes. Thank you up-to-date hervery and for and informative booklet notes field the Particular thanks to Mrs Shaw for organising India. environment Mumbai, city: world developing urban a in found the to this compare CBD. pupils the 5 in National shops At on had Silverburn like centres shopping town links. They also discussed the impact that out of communication good and parking free with facility shopping weather’ ‘all an of benefits the about learn to students the enabled Silverburn at stop brief A shopping areas. town consider of out to of had advantages also the study this of STV Part and BBC new buildings andtheFinniestounBridge. the includes now the redevelopment of this first-hand area which of see course to able were students Museum, Broomielaw Transport new the the towards out through walk CBD a the through from Clyde; River the along Industrial decline led to a scarred landscape study: Glasgow. case their for examples named reference noted District and students Inner City and are now able to day, Business Central the between differences the Throughout use, land street patternandtrafficinthisarea. buildings, the on notes made Higher pupilsinGlasgow over theFebruarybreak. Italy in Folgaria to trip ski a enjoyed staff of members 5 and pupils 42 of group A Successful Ski Trip of numbers pupils takingupthisopportunity. increasing seeing is Club in southern Spain coming up, the Spanish and an exchange programme with a school year,this curriculum the on Spanish With Spanish Club provisions in Scotland. youth various throughout safety of Internet importance the promote a as to used resource be to chosen been and has many’ this become can lie ‘One video their behind idea the in role significant a played They are). they think you who be not may (people the media social of dangers about people young warning video a made workshop, Creative’ ‘Get the in who, team the of part were Elli and Chris and socialmedia. Youth many workshops featuring Internet safety Ayrshire South were there recently,which Conference at the attended Large Christopher and MacDonough Elli Youth Conference of aid in Breast CancerCareandraised£527.94. February in Morning Coffee The Nursery held a very enjoyable Thistle Thistle CoffeeMorning Duke ofEdinburgh’stheir Gold Awards. and Gregor Stevenson who Mackie recently completed Grace Leslie, Angus Hunter, Andrew pupils former to Congratulations Former Pupils Strike Gold! be healthy lifestyles. will work joint our of focus main year,the This visits. staff reciprocal on spent be to has funding Jaipur.The School, Edmund’s to St with work project international support year consecutive fourth and the a for awarded grant successful been has been School Connecting Wellington has for application Classrooms latest Our Connecting Classrooms News In brief the judgesas‘awesome’. by described was performance Their round. third the won in place a and triumphed Eilidh and Amy College, Joseph’s St and Grammar Uddingston Glasgow, of School High the Craigholme, of opposition tough both against well exceptionally performed Debating Although teams ESU the second Competition. the of in round part took who Meera Amy Barbour and Eilidh Thomson Bowmar, to Abby Mohankrishnan, Congratulations ESU Debating Wellington International Conferences and Projects New Erasmus Project: Art Nouveau-Art Renouveau - - 2014 to 2017

Wellington School has been awarded Initial stages a grant by the European Commission The Erasmus pupil group meets on towards a new Erasmus project to run over Thursday lunchtimes. Pupils are currently the next three years. The project’s title is doing research into Charles Rennie Art Nouveau – Art Renouveau. Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style. They have chosen to concentrate on Furniture, Project Synopsis for Scottish Pupils Advertising, Architecture and The Glasgow Rose. Their results will be displayed on

Year 1 Mood Boards which will be sent to our Here at Wellington pupils are going to look partner schools. After Easter, we will at Art Nouveau in Scotland and share their receive information from our partners research with the partner schools - who will about Art Nouveau in their local areas. in turn send Wellington their own results to study. Pupils here will study the organic First Pupil Mobility forms of Art Nouveau and then explore the outside world for inspiration for their own In June, Wellington School will host the work. first pupil mobility of our new Erasmus project. 50 pupils and 15 staff from our Winning logo designed by Colegiul National Year 2 will visit from our partner schools and we Constantin Cantacuzino, Romania Pupils will prepare a Town Trail of important would welcome offers of accommodation places in Glasgow. They will examine for the visiting students. Information will Timetable for Transnational the works of contemporary artists and be sent out to parents and posted on the designers who use the organic in their own website in March. Learning Activities: design. Pupils will design small objects 14-20 June 2015 Scotland for sale at the Christmas Fair and look at Second Pupil Mobility some literary texts written during the Art (Wellington will host 50 pupils from our Ten Wellington pupils will travel to Romania Nouveau period. They will then prepare a partner schools) in September to continue our collaborative storyboard for a film which will be produced 6 -12 September 2015 Romania work. During this mobility they will design in collaboration with film students in Paris. 17- 23 January 2016 Slovenia objects for an Art Renouveau house and goods to sell at craft fairs using natural and 10 -16 April 2016 Bulgaria Year 3 In Year 3, pupils will make a film in France, recycled materials. The week in Romania 25 Sept - 1 Oct 2016 France edit it and add subtitles or dubbing. An will give our pupils the opportunity to 2- 8 April 2017 Germany e-book will be produced to showcase the explore a new culture and country. work over the three-year project and at the Staff at the 1st Transnational Project meeting Project partners same time an exhibit of the work will be shown at an exhibition which will travel to Institut Saint-Dominique, France the partner schools. www.saint-dominique-mortefontaine-60.fr Mallinckrodt-Gymnasium, Germany Project Involvement www.mallinckrodt-gymnasium.de Anyone in the Senior School may take part St Stanislav’s Institution, Slovenia in the project, although to travel to one of www.stanislav.si the partner schools, pupils must be in S3 Colegiul National Constantin or above at the time of the mobility. Cantacuzino, Romania The grant from the European Commission www.cantacuzino.valahia.ro will cover the travel costs to our partner SOU Emilyan Stanev, Bulgaria schools. www.em.stanev.org In most cases, pupils will stay with families when on the mobilities. Ballistic engineering experiments Graphic art workshops War poetry classes with Mrs Sheils Wellington International Conferences and Projects New Erasmus Project: Art Nouveau-Art Renouveau - - 2014 to 2017 Wellington Commemorates WW1 with UCAPE conference The first transnational Project Meeting Pupils at Wellington School had the Forces Charity, were invited to talk to the took place at Wellington School in exciting opportunity to be involved in participants. November 2014. It was attended by an international conference from 10- Although the language of this event was teachers from all project teams from 13 November as part of the School’s English, the pupils used German, French Scotland, Germany, France, Slovenia, commemoration of the centenary of the and English in all combinations to get Romania and Bulgaria. Part of the outbreak of the 1914-18 War. their points across in their discussions. report from the Romanian team follows: Young people from four schools in Europe As Mrs Coontz, said to them on the first The main purpose of the first meeting was joined Wellington pupils for the 4-day evening: “The most important thing is to to get to know our partners, establishing the event held at the Gailes Hotel in Irvine: the communicate. Don’t keep quiet because means of communication and collaboration overseas participants came from the Lycée you don’t know the correct word in English throughout the project period, 2014- Sainte-Agnès, Angers, and the Lycée - use any language that you are happy 2017. Each team made a presentation Sainte-Marie, Cholet, in France; and from with.” As the first evening’s workshops of the school and of the community they the Mallinckrodt-Gymnasium, Dortmund, progressed, the increasingly lively buzz represented. We discussed the project and the Evangelisches Gymnasium, from around the tables provided evidence objectives and the guidelines for the Nordhorn in Germany. of the success of this advice. transnational mobility, taking into account This conference, hosted by Wellington At the end of the week the young participants what is specific in the activity of each School, and coordinated by International combined their language skills to write a country. We clarified important aspects of Co-ordinator Mrs Coontz with a lot of help multilingual report. This report has now project documentation and project products, from staff across the school, was supported been published on the UCAPE website, a interim or final. Students’ involvement was by a generous grant from UCAPE (Union real reward for all those involved as they negotiated so that their creativity and for Cultural and Professional Advancement see their own activities described online. inventiveness could be facilitated. That in Europe) and contributes to a five-year www.ucape.eu/pdf/actes_nov_2014.pdf is how a fundamental objective of the programme of activities being coordinated The last UCAPE conference hosted by project - developing cultural competence by the Lycée Sainte-Marie. The outcomes Wellington was in 2011, when the topic through visual arts – will be achieved. of the conference will be shared with their was Water, the conference language was The meeting allowed the teachers from the international project and Wellington pupils French, and the participants came from six partner schools, four private and two will have the opportunity to participate France, Germany, Slovenia and Scotland. public, to share their professional experience in a visit to the Somme later in the Wellington prepares pupils for the UCAPE and best practices. We acknowledged the programme. European Diploma, a prestigious award seriousness with which the preliminary The conference aim was not only to requiring a cultural exchange of not less meeting was organized, the preparation of commemorate the events of a hundred than 2 weeks to a European country where all the materials necessary for a good start years ago but also to celebrate the fact a student will practice a second language and the attention given to every detail. that we are now allies and friends and to in an immersion setting. We defined several ways to promote our strengthen ties between our schools and For the visiting pupils, many of whom research of the art nouveau style: the blog countries. had not visited Scotland before, the week of the project, Prezi presentations, Pinterest To help in the building of friendships, a was not all work and no play! Everyone and virtual exhibitions of buildings in each wide variety of cross-curricular activities enjoyed the all-day excursion to Edinburgh country representative of this architectural took place over the four-day period. The to the National War Museum, Edinburgh style. We also analyzed aspects young people worked together through the Castle and the Royal Mile with free time concerning materials and documents to week in a series of workshops on various for shopping and sight-seeing. Early in the be used in the communication between aspects of the First World War ranging from week the evening entertainment included the stakeholders of the six schools and the history, literature, graphic art and song a ceilidh with a group from Ayrshire Fiddle way of reporting to the National Agency. to ballistic engineering for the Western Orchestra providing live music, which We agreed upon the types of eligible Front and the role of the Nobel Prize- undoubtedly helped people get to know expenditures and objects / materials that winning Fritz Haber in the development each other better. Other leisure activities could be acquired through the project of explosives. They also considered First included a visit to LA Bowl bowling and funds in order to optimise our activity. World War propaganda and the tradition Lazerquest, and plenty of opportunities to All in all, it was a very fruitful meeting of commemoration in Scotland. Outside sample traditional Scottish food. with profitable exchange of experience. speakers including SAFFA, the Armed Conference introduction at Gailes Hotel Andrew Ratcliffe - Artist in Residence

Andrew Ratcliffe was appointed Artist in thanks for the support that we received Residence at the end of last term, providing from Mr Parlour and Mr McColgan in a wonderful experience for both pupils and organising this event, as well as from the staff in the art department. staff and pupils who made it a very positive It was as part of our ongoing endeavour experience for all.” to build on existing skills and approach art Pupil comments included the following: from a different perspective that we decided ‘I like the anecdotal stories that he told about to have an Artist in Residence. Andrew his work as he came round the room’ Ratcliffe was a very easy choice for us to make as he has a very good reputation as ‘I liked the techniques and styles as well as well as very positive ways of passing his the demonstrations’ skills onto creative young people. ‘I liked seeing him draw someone from life’ We tried to let a number of year groups ‘I liked the way that he showed me a new benefit from his visit and therefore to allow way of using water with acrylic paint to for flexibility and accessibility we ran some start my work’ workshops on a Friday and Saturday in ‘I liked how we focused on colour mixing December. Altogether, between the two as a starting point’ days, around 64 pupils dropped in to ‘It was interesting to look more at the workshops and hopefully benefited from varying colours and shades of objects’ some background information on Andrew as well as some practical activity in I learned that it’s ok to make mistakes’ !!!! developing their painting skills. ‘He showed us new techniques (how to Mrs Gabriel said: “It will definitely be judge the tone of a mixed colour) and not something that we will do again to enrich to work on a completely white surface’ the learning and teaching in the art ‘He gave me more confidence in the way department. We would like to express our that I paint and use colour.’ Faris on track for Competition Success

I am Faris Al-Nakkas and I’m in Primary My favourite track is called Whilton Mill 5D. I have an exciting hobby which takes and is near Northampton. This is where me all over the country and hopefully next I normally practise in my new cadet kart. year, abroad. There’s a lot of travelling and you need to My hobby is karting and it started when I be committed. I recently sat an exam and was in Kuwait when my dad took me to a got my licence to race in competitions. I kart track. We watched for a while and then once met Paul Diresta, a Formula One my dad noticed that they had little karts for driver at our local track in Larkhall. I was kids called Bambino. He asked if I would also the youngest person to drive round like to try and since that day I have been Silverstone in a simulator at the age of in love with it. five, racing at speeds over one hundred miles per hour and I didn’t crash! We moved back to the U.K. and on my sixth birthday I got my very own Bambino! I played about in it for a while until we found someone who could teach me all about racing, since then I have tried to get on the track as much as I can, but sometimes it’s difficult as the tracks I use are in England.

Pre-match at Doonside Swimming Gold Rugby Exchange 2015 At the Ayrshire Schools Swimming This is the 4th year of the Junior Rugby team together from different year groups Gala held at the Citadel in the autumn, Exchange and Saint-Dominique players was a challenge and the boys certainly Wellington won one gold medal, four silver are now giving their Scottish counterparts had to find second gear quickly after St medals and three bronze medals. real competition on the field. Dominique had taken an early lead. The Patrick Smith won a gold medal in the 18 junior rugby players arrived on a French ran strongly using their big midfield 200m backstroke & a silver medal in the November evening from the Institut Saint- runners. Poor tackling by the Wellington 400m freestyle. Callum Crossley won Dominique, Mortefontaine, Wellington’s boys put us under pressure. After a few a silver medal in the 100m freestyle & a partner school north of Paris, for the positional changes the school team quickly bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke. Scotland leg of the Rugby Exchange. began to exert pressure and managed to Jacqui Gibson won a bronze medal in the They played a match at Doonside in cold level the score. The match was a tightly 100m butterfly. Isla Crossley won a silver wintry conditions on the Friday afternoon contested affair with St Dominique always medal in the 50m breaststroke and Isla and in a closely-contested game the in the lead and Wellington playing catch Crossley, Amy Grassom, Laura Hampson French boys were narrowly beaten in the up. In the final third, strong running and Tori Laird won silver medals in the end to give the home team the win. by Daniel White, Bradley Bennett and William Novak lead to the winning score. relay. Callum Byers, Toby Hendrikse, Rory On the return leg in February, the The difference in the score was just one McCluskie and William Sheils won bronze Wellington boys didn’t have long to warm conversion. medals in the relay. up before the match in France. Putting a New Library encourages Reading in Junior School A new Junior School library was officially designed bookmarks to mark the opening opened this term. The library, which is of the new library and the winners were situated on the top floor of Drumley House, announced at assembly. is intended for use by all pupils from Nursery to Primary 6. The Library Club runs on a Tuesday after school encouraging reading for pleasure With help from the WSA the library has and dialogue about books. Our new been designed as a peaceful area with librarians are helping run the library and rugs and bean bags to encourage quiet have lots of ideas about how to develop it reading. and ways in which pupils can be inspired Children throughout the Junior School to read more widely.

Dates for your Diary Office Bearers 2014/2015 25th-27th March School Show Senior School: 27th March School closes for Easter Head Boy Martin McHard Wed 15th April Staff return to school Head Girl Rosalyn Thomson Thurs 16th April Pupils return to school Deputies John McLaren 30th April S4 Study Leave Begins Alexandra Brown 4th - 8th May S1/S2 Examinations 4th - 13th May S3 Examinations Junior School: 22nd-25th May Mid Term Holiday Head Boy Harris Laraway 1st June New timetable begins Head Girl Leigh Timothy Annual Senior Burns Supper Meningitis Now Once again the Governors, staff and pupils Continued from front page: were treated to an excellent evening’s entertainment to celebrate 256 years since The Sixth Year would like to thank all our local hero’s birth. parents and friends of the school for The ‘Heaven Sent Ploughman’ was their continued support of all charity remembered in style by Rosalyn Thomson events. They are well on their way to and Eva Richardson of S6. achieving their target of £20,000 for Alexandra Brown of S6 delivered her final Meningitis Now, but are still in need of Address to the Haggis and the haggis itself everyone’s help if they are to reach that was piped in by Cameron Reece of S4. mark. The Toast to the Lasses was delivered by A range of solo singers provided some Look out for details of further fund dynamic duo John McLaren and Martin fine examples of the work of the bard. The raising initiatives in the coming weeks, McHard and Yasmin Habib delivered a food was excellent and was ably served by including the second annual Wellington very witty reply. pupils from S1. School Charity Golf Day in May.

WELLINGTON SCHOOL Carleton Turrets Craigweil Road Ayr KA7 2XH Phone: 01292 269321 Fax: 01292 272161 Email: [email protected] www.wellingtonschool.org