Newsletter All the latest news from in and around the school... Issue 43—March 2018 www.stranraeracademy.org.uk

Silver for Stranraer Girls in British Shooting Schools Pistol Championships 2017/2018 !

Stranraer Academy girls Emma Donnan (S3) Susannah Service (S2) and Krissie Ramsay (S2) recently competed in the British Schools Pistol Championships 2017/2018 down in London back in January. The three girls had a very successful trip to the Pistol Championships where they won the Sil- ver medal in the competition! The girls competed as Stranraer Academy (also representing Scotland) and did themselves, the school and their country proud.

Susannah was placed 10th in the individual event and Emma and Krissie both shot well over the course of the competition.

Well done girls on what is a fantastic achieve- ment!

If you would like to find our more information and results, they can be viewed in full from the following British Shooting website: Susannah, Emma and Krissie show off their Silver http://www.britishshooting.org.uk medals from the UK Championships.

School News p1-5 | Showcase p6 | Sports News p7-10 | Information p11 - 16 | Parent Council p16 Page - 1 -

School News

Stranraer Rotary Club Youth Scholarship Award 2018 Each year Stranraer Rotary Club invite nominations from Pupil Support Staff for their Youth Scholarship Award. The criteria for the award is that a young person has overcome personal difficulties during their years of study and is about to go on to further education. This year the Rotary Club decided to award two of our S6 Students, Harry Glasgow and Kathleen McClenaghan. They, together with Pupil Support Teacher Ms McCulloch, were invited to have their lunch with the Rotary members at North West Castle and were then each presented with a cheque for £250 to assist with their studies next year. Harry and Kathleen are pictured with Rotary President, Neville Wright.

Kiera Hayton (S6) Commended the Scottish Review Young Writer of the Year Award 2017-18!

Congratualtions to Kiera Hayton (S6) who was Commended in the Scottish Schools’ Young Writer of the Year 2017.

Kiera submitted and piece of non-fiction writing that was to be around the 1000 word mark. Kiera made it to the final 20 against many entries from other pupils aged 15-18 from all over Scotland.

The results of the competition were announced on Monday 29th Jan- uary in a special edition of the Scottish Review (http://www.scottishreview.net) and although Kiera didn’t place in the competition, she has done very well to make it to the final stage!

Well done Kiera!

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School News

Young Enterprise Win Again! Congratulations to "Home" Stranraer Young Enterprise Company on being named overall winners in the Young Enterprise & Galloway Company Programme 2018 Awards recently. This is the second year running that Stranraer Academy have won the regional finals and will now go on to compete in the national Young Enterprise Scotland finals in Glasgow in June.

"Home" won the following awards: Managing Director of the Year: Fiona Ramsay. Link Teacher of the Year: Miss Fiona Martin. Best Interview.

"Home" are a company that makes Scottish-themed laser-cut wooden products, also came joint second for presentation. Well done all, and to teacher Fiona Jean and Business Adviser Lee Michael Medd.

You can find out more about the company via their official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/YesCompanyHome

Well done everyone!

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School News

S4 College & Apprenticeship Talk Yesterday, all S4 pupils received a talk from Dumfries & Galloway College staff explaining a new initiative where pupils can opt into some employment experience through the school. College staff explained how the scheme aims to introduce and involve pupils in the workforce and give them necessary experience and helpful qualifications that can further their chances after leaving school. It also allows pupils to net- work and build relationships with local employers that can hopefully become a positive employment des- tination in the future. The scheme will operate from the Stranraer and Dumfries Campus and features courses in many areas, including Child Care and Engineering. Transportation for trips to the Dumfries campus will be fully subsidised for all pupils on the scheme:

Pupils who are interested in the scheme and require further information should get in touch with Mrs Whalen as soon as possible.

ILF Transition Fund for Young People The new ILF Transition Fund provides money, for up to one year, to support young people living with disabilities (as defined in the Equality Act 2010) to improve their lives. This includes autism, learning difficulty, physical disability, mental health (e.g. anxiety or depression) or hearing or vis- ual impairments. The purpose of the Fund is to help young people, between the ages of 16 and 21 living with disabili- ties, with the transition after leaving school or children’s services to be more independent and to contin- ue spending time with other people. For more information, please see the leaflet on the App / Website or by contacting Mrs K McClelland, Principal Teacher of Support for Learning at the school.

App: More > Files > Support for Learning Website (Faculties & Subjects > Support for Learning tab): http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/ilf- transition-fund.html

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School News

S4 Tree of Knowledge Exam Workshops Tree of Knowledge visited the school to deliver a workshop to all S4 pu- pils on 15th and 16th of February. In addition to this, parents and carers were also invited along to a workshop that aimed to give them a taster of what their child/ward would be experiencing on the workshop.

"Laugh in the Face of Exams" was a fun, motivational experience packed full of inspirational tips for stu- dents helping them to cope with exam pressures. The learners were led on an entertaining journey of ex- ploration into the human mind and their own life-changing capabilities. It was designed to inspire self- belief, to evoke positive and productive attitudes, increase aspirations and encourage huge goals in life. The workshop encompassed a range of study skills that students can use in the run-up to and as prepara- tion for their exams. Covering a wide range of learning styles the workshop was sure to leave everyone with new, fun skills and increased motivation to help them during the exam period."

S2 Tree of Knowledge Awards Our S2 pupils have received awards from The Tree of Knowledge for taking part in a recent programme that aimed to improve and develop their personal skills, confidence, thought processes, self awareness and organisation to improve learning. This was delivered through workshops that focussed on developing a "Growth Mindset" where Emotional intelligence is a key factor in decision making. The course enabled pupils to feel in control of their choices and make better decisions at key points in their lives. All pupils involved gave individual or group presentations that explained what they had learned and how useful the skills will be for them in the future. Well done everyone!

Tree of Knowledge have worked with the school for many years and their input is always worthwhile and highly valued by pupils who take part. For more information on Tree of Knowledge, please visit their website: https://www.treeof.com/

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Showcase 2018

The annual Stranraer Academy Showcase took place on Tuesday 27th March in the school assembly Hall and was a great success, with everyone being entertained on the evening. More photos of the acts are available on the school website from the following link: http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/showcase-2018.html Well done to everyone involved!

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Sports News

School Sports Silver Award from SportScotland! Stranraer Academy recently received the Silver Schools Sports Award from SportScotland with the help of our Active Schools Lead Officer Laura McClymont, our Senior Sports Ambassadors and also our Pupil Sports Council. The aim of the Silver Award is to:

- Encourage schools to self-reflect and continuously improve sporting provision. - Put young people at the forefront of the decision making and planning of PE and sport in their school. - Help schools to increase young people’s opportunities and engagement in PE & school sport. - Help schools to put PE & school sport at the heart of their planning, practice and ethos. - Recognise and celebrate successful PE & school sport models.

Thank you to Laura and our pupils for their hard work in gaining the award. They are now working to- wards the Gold award for next year.

Cycle Award from Cycling Scotland Stranraer Academy have been very fortunate to have qualified for the Cycle Award from Cy- cling Scotland through the hard work of our Lead Active Schools Officer Laura McClymont. The award provided the school with recogni- tion as a "Cycle Friendly" school and included a grant of £3000 to promote and develop cycling in school. This money was used to procure bikes, helmets and locks for the pupils and school staff to use. The bikes have already been put to use in PE lessons focused on fit- ness development. The grant award also includes cycle mainte- nance sessions to help pupils and staff learn how to look after and fix minor issues on bikes Laura McClymont is pictured (centre) with Senior Sports Ambassadors Greg Marshall, Mathew Tait, Scott Forsyth & Katie McMillan alongside to ensure they will endure many years of use. some of the bikes that we now have available to pupils.

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Sports News—Netball

Junior A Undefeated Regional Champions! Congratulations to Stranraer Academy Junior A Team who won the Regional Netball League on Wednes- day 21st March 2018! They won confidently against (20-6) in the final which was held at . Thank you to the S1 supporters for cheering the girls on! Congratulations again on the unbeaten season girls! Team: Ellie Arnott, Emma Donnan, Bronagh Gibb, Susannah Service, Erin Rankin, Molly McLean, Elissa Fearn and Anna Ramsay.

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Sports News

Cashback 7's Football Qualifiers 2018 The junior girls football team have qualified for the Cashback 7's Finals on Thursday 22nd March 2018. After progressing through the group stages with some tough matches, the girls were equal on points and had to then settle with the final spot with play-off match, where they emerged victorious! Well done girls!

Wigtownshire Sports Personality Awards 2017! The Wigtownshire Sports Council held their annual Sports Personality Awards on 23rd March. Stranraer Academy pupils features, both for achievement within and outwith school. Here is a run down of our pupils achievements:

Junior Male 13 and Under: 1st - Kian Govan - Boxing Junior Male 14-16: 1st - Josh Rennie - Football, 2nd - Lewis Rennie - Bowling, 3rd - Kaleb Johnston - Golf Junior Female - 13 and under: Joint 2nd - Laura Donnan and Susannah Service - Tetrathalon & Triathalon Junior Female - 14-16 - 1st - Emma Donnan - Tetrathalon & Triathalon Junior Team: 1st - Niall Ryder (with team mate Robyn Munro) - Curling, Certificate- Stranraer Academy Netball A Club: 1st - Stranraer Stingrays- Swimming (award reps, Susannah Service, Emma Donnan & Emma Walker)

Well done to everyone who won an award!

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Scottish Schools Curling Championship 2018

From 16th—18th March, 12 Stranraer Young Curlers represented Stranraer Academy at the 2018 Scottish Schools Curling Championships at Intu Braehead with three rinks competing in five round robin games over two days with the play-offs and finals being played on the Sunday. In section A Stranraer Academy was represented by Karlyn Lyon (skip), Niall Ryder (third),Matthew McCrone (second) with Robbie Lyon playing lead. Their games got off to a good steady start with two wins out of three games, losing dramatically 15shots to 1 against the Kelso rink, but more importantly losing six ends. Their last two games on the Saturday saw the winning way back on track, however after all the five games had been played it was third place in their section with 8points 19ends, S/U7 T/S 41.Also playing in the early games were Stran- raer Academy 3 with Logan Hare skip, Adam Cairnie third, Findlay Hare second and young Kerr Lyon from Castle Kennedy Primary School playing lead, Kerr was playing as pupils being in P7 and from a feeder school. This rink really played some fine curling against pupils much older than them. Logan and his rink got off to a good start on the Friday morning with a win against Beith High School 11shots to 4, their second game in the afternoon saw them play High School of Dundee and a closer game however an other win 7shots to 5, their last and late game on the Friday night was against but the boys took an other win 7shots to 3 and an early night for this rink. All fired up on their last three wins in the Friday games, Saturday morning didn't get off to a good start with a small defeat of 9 shots to 6 down against Stirling High School for Logan, Adam, Findlay and Kerr. With a break between that game and their last the boys regrouped and fin- ished off their round robin games with a convincing win against I would have said to be one of the favourite rinks to win overall the boys took on Perth High School. Perth had the hammer in the first end and were forced to a 1shot, Perth stole a 1 in the second end, but Stran- raer came back strong with a 2 in the third end, stealing a 1 in the fourth end, a further steal of a 3 in the fifth end, stealing single shots in ends six and seven going down the last end 8-2 up the boys were happy to give Perth a 2 in the final end giving Stranraer the win 8shots to 4 and top of their section with 8points, 23ends, S/U14 T/S 39 and through to the quarter final against Kelso High School on the Sunday. The Stranraer Academy 2 rink skipped by Frazer Taylor, Kaleb Johnstone third, Harry Hay playing second and Ross Plant playing lead stones played two of their five games on the Saturday with a win of 8shots to 4 win against Perth, their afternoon game against Elgin Academy was a 10shots to 9 win. The first of their three games on the Saturday saw them continue their wins this time 10shots to 4 against 2. Their fourth game was against Cumlloden Academy with a win of 12shots to 3. Their last game in their round robin was against a young Dalbeattie rink which no matter how Frazer and his rink buried their stones the Dalbeattie rink seemed to find the luck of the rub offs and find the button, this was Frazer, Kaleb, Harry and Ross's only loss with 7shots to 5 against saw them qualify second Section D and play St. Joseph's College, Dumfries in the quarter finals on the Sunday morning. Sunday morning in Intu Braehead was warmer than the outside temperature saw Stranraer 3 skipped by Logan, Adam playing third, Findlay second with young Kerr playing lead stones take on Kelso High School, with a bit of nerves starting to creep in saw the first two ends being blanked by Logan, Kelso in the third end stole a 2, Logan came fighting back with a 1 in the fourth and fifth ends, Angus Bryce skip for Kelso turned the pressure up taking a 4 in the sixth end, however the boys regrouped and got a 1 in the seventh but going down the last end needing a 3 to draw for an extra end was a tall order but only managed a 1 losing 6shots to 4, the score line didn't reflect the true game with some good curling from all the Stranraer rink, from very good draws and take outs to just true one hundred percent effort from all four boys. On rink seven was the quarter final between Stranraer Academy 2 skipped by Frazer, Kaleb vice, Harry second with Ross playing lead stones against the rink from St Joseph's College, Dumfries. On ranking St. Joseph's had the hammer in the first end taking an early lead with a 2, Frazer came back with a 1 in the second end, Neven Harmjanz skip for St Joseph's turned up the pressure on Frazer taking a 3 in the third end, Frazer with only one stone counting in the fourth went in to the fifth end 5shots to 2 down, St Josephs took their 1 in the sixth stealing a further single shot in the seventh saying that Frazer started off well placed in the seventh end but only managed to keep two of his stones covered and taking a 2 and 7shots to 4 down decided that they had had enough after seven ends needing a 3 in the last end to force an extra end offered a hand shake. Article by Jim Ryder (parent).

Stranraer 1 Stranraer 2 Stranraer 3

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DYW Update

DYW Stranraer Academy works to develop sustainable links between our school, parents, employers & col- leges. Our Facebook page will include information regarding: business offers which we have created alongside our partner agencies, apprenticeships, DYW work experience opportunities, business presenta- tions due to take place in Stranraer Academy and assessment days. Search: @DYWStranraerAcademy

S3 CREST Awards

The S3 cohort have been working through the Crest Awards. Our second group presented their work to members of Senior Management this in March. The winners of this mornings competition were JARS construction who carried out a very thorough and professional presentation.

S4-6 Careers In Medicine

Stranraer Academy pupils had a great morning working alongside Dr Beattie and two fourth year medical students from Dundee University. Senior students gained a significant amount of worthwhile information from their session and S1-S3 students enjoyed an interactive and fun workshop later in the morning.

We are very grateful to everyone who helped to provide this wonderful experience for our pupils and hope to work in partnership again in the near future.

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Information for Pupils, Parents & Carers

Writing Competition 2018

The annual Stranraer Academy Writing Competition is being run by the Literacy Group once again and is open to all S1-S3 pupils. You can write up to 1000 words in fiction or non-fiction. The top prize is a £25 gift voucher and the esteemed Writing Shield! Entries must be handed in by Wednesday 25th April to Mrs Fay of the English Department.

Study Leave 2018

The SQA examinations begin on Monday April 30th. Study leave for S4, 5 and 6 pupils sitting National 5 and Higher exams will begin on Tuesday May 1st. However if pupils are sitting examinations in Geogra- phy at National 5 and Higher on May 1st they are encouraged to attend school for study sessions with Geography staff on Monday 30th April. They are not expected to attend other classes.

Throughout the examination period Library 2 will be available to pupils for revision and quiet study and we would encourage pupils to attend. We will also make sure that on the day before exams there will be subject staff available to answer any questions and for final preparation. When pupils are attending school for study or sitting exams they must wear school uniform.

The new timetable will begin for senior pupils on Wednesday 30th May although Art and Design. Drama and Hospitality pupils will still be sitting exams up to Friday June 1st.Pupils studying at only National 3 and 4 levels and not sitting any exams will receive information about opportunities for work experience and employability courses after the holidays."

A copy of the letter is available to view on the school app and website from the following links: App: More > Files > SQA & Exams Website (Curriculum > SQA & Exams tab): http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/study-leave-2018.html

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Information for Pupils, Parents & Carers

Easter School 2018 The timetable for Easter School 2018 is available to view / download here on the app and also on the school website. Please note: - Easter school will run from 9.00am to 3.25pm each scheduled day with a break in the morning and at lunchtime* - Pupils must sign in and out at reception each day. - The Library will be available for private study (not for socialising) but will be used for Business and Administration study on Wednesday 4th April. - School uniform is optional. - The canteen will be open to buy hot drinks and tray bakes on the following days and at the following times:- Wednesday and Friday – Week 1 - 10.30am – 11.00am and 12.30pm to 1.30pm Monday and Wednesday – Week2 - 10.30am – 11.00am and 12.30pm to 1.30pm *On Tuesday 3rd April and Tuesday 10th April there will be no refreshments available.

To view/download the timetable, please use the following links: App: More > Files > Easter School 2018 Website: http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/easter-school-2018.html S4/5/6 Study Support A list is now available detailing the extra Study Support classes available to our S4-6 pupils who will be undertaking the 2018 SQA exam diet. The list contains classes that run during lunchtimes and also after school by staff giving up their own time. Some classes are available on arrange- ment with teachers. The list is available to view / download here on the app and also on the school website from the following links:

App: More > Files > S4/5/6 Study Support Website: http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/s456-study-support- 2018.html

S5/6 Options Booklet 2018-19

The S5/6 subject options booklet is now available to view / down- load on the app and also on the school website.

The booklet provides detailed information regarding the subjects that can be chosen for study in the senior school.

To view / download the booklet, please use the links below:

App: More > Files > S5/6 Options Booklet Website (Curriculum tab): http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/ s56-options-booklet.html

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Information for Pupils, Parents & Carers

SQA & Exam Information All S4-6 pupils were issued with the annual 'Your Exams' booklet for the upcoming 2018 exam diet. This booklet is very useful and contains in- formation regarding the exams, such as preparation, rules and regula- tions and what to expect if you are sitting exams for the first time. The booklet can be downloaded from the following links:

App: More > Files > SQA & Exams Website (Curriculum > SQA & Exams tab): http:// www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/sqa-your-exams-booklet-2018.html

The 2018 Exam Timetable is also available to download from the school website and here on the app. It is also available from the SQA website

App: More > Files > SQA & Exams Website (Curriculum > SQA & Exams tab): http:// www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/sqa-exam-timetable-2018.html

For more information on the exams, such as useful apps, please visit the following link: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/41619.html

SAAS Applications for Further Education The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) will open applications for funding in mid-April. You should apply for funding as early as pos- sible and do so before 30th June to ensure that you receive your funding in time for your course starting.

If you have a conditional offer you must also submit your application, there is no need to wait for your SQA results.

The funding for fulltime courses includes:

HNC HND Undergraduate Degrees Nursing and Midwifery

For more information on how to apply, please visit the SAAS website: http://www.saas.gov.uk

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Show My Homework

For a while now, Stranraer Academy have been using Show My Homework - an innova- tive tool for managing, completing and moni- toring homework issued by the teachers. Show My Homework is a new web based initiative where all pupils, staff and even parents / carers can become more involved with homework issued by the school. We hope this approach will enable pupils to improve their organisational skills, time management and help them to keep on top of their workload.

Show My Homework can be accessed through an icon on the top right and footer area of the school website or by saving the following link to your favourites:

https://stranraer.showmyhomework.co.uk/

Download the Personal accounts have been created for all staff and pupils for effective manage- App Free! ment and tracking of homework tasks through a very intuitive user interface. All pupils have a gradebook and homework calendar that is automatically linked to their subjects, class and teacher.

For more information, please visit the Show My Homework page on the school website: http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/show-my-homework.html

Show My Homework provide a free mobile device App that is currently supported by Apple iOS and Android operating systems. Search for the App in your relevant App store to download.

Here are some sample screenshots from the pupil Show My Homework Interface. It is really intuitive and easy to use through a very user friendly layout.

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Information for Pupils, Parents & Carers

Uniform On Sale - Tuesday 17th April - 3.30pm - 6pm School Uniform will be available to buy directly from the school on Tuesday 17th April be- tween 3.30pm and 6pm in the school Assembly Hall. This is open to current secondary par- ents, carers and pupils and also Primary 7 pupils who will be coming to Stranraer Academy after the summer holiday.A large range of stock will be available to be tried on, sized, pur- chased and taken away on the day. Cash will be accepted on the day if you plan on buying there and then. If a uniform item / specific size is not available to buy and take away on the day, don't worry as it can also be ordered, paid at this event and collected another day. For more information/prices of uniform items, please visit our website by clicking this link: Website (Information tab): http://www.stranraeracademy.org.uk/prices--ordering.html

Parent Council Meeting Dates Please note that dates for future Parent

Tuesdays Council Meeting have now been published. They are available to view on the left and also on the school website and Parent Council Facebook page.

The next meeting of the Parent Council

will be on Tuesday 14th April from 7pm to 9pm in the school library. Directions are available in school. The Parent Council would like to thank everyone for their support so far and hope you all have a Happy Easter!

School App & Social Media The Stranraer Academy school App is completely FREE to download. It works on all Apple iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices. Please search for Stranraer Academy in your App store or visit the school website for details. Our Social Media Pages...

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StranraerAcademy Twitter: @StranraerAcad

Stranraer Academy would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Change of address or Phone Number? STRANRAER ACADEMY All newsletters are available in colour from McMasters Road our archive on the school website. They can Please remember to notify us if you Stranraer be viewed / downloaded from the DG9 8BY Information menu tab. move house or change phone number.

Please also notify us of any other Phone: 01776 706484 changes, such as for Emergency Fax: 01776 704748 Newsletters from May 2014 onwards are Contact Information. E-mail: [email protected] also available on the school App files www.stranraeracademy.org.uk section.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY OR SOME EXCITING NEWS RELATED TO THE SCHOOL? PLEASE LET US KNOW! WE’D LOVE TO PUT IT ON THE APP & SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES!

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