We at Oban High School believe that the school has a responsibility to ensure that all our youngsters achieve the best possible qualifications.
We also believe that we need to nurture and develop their social, emotional and vocational knowledge and skills to enable them to achieve their full potential, throughout their lives.
Area Committee Presentation Attainment and Achievement
2010 & 2011
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SQA Results 2011
Initial Analysis based on Fyfe Data (August Reports)
The following comments relate only to the raw data provided by Alastair Fyfe for Argyll and Bute. A more detailed report will follow when the full Fyfe Analysis is published. There are no comments relating to NCDs, Relative or Progressive Values, or comparator schools etc. at this time. Although the Fyfe data has information going back more than the usual 5 years these comments generally look at a five year trend.
Green text shows data that is to be commended (within that level); red text shows results and trends that need to be addressed.
NOTES
Level 3 – Standard grade Foundation and Access 3
Level 4 - Standard Grade General and Intermediate 1
Level 5 – Standard Grade Credit and Intermediate 2
Level 6 – Higher
Level 7 – Advanced Higher
Percentages are based on the relevant S4 roll
School Roll
The school roll has remained steady at 1146 (1147 previous year).
There were 25 more girls (160) staying on into S5/S6 than boys (135).
The number of girls staying on was the highest (77) of the last eight years.
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Cumulative Whole School Attainment
By the end of S4
The percentage of pupils attaining combined English and Maths at Level 3 or above has continued to oscillate between 93% and 97%.
The percentage of pupils attaining 5 or more Level 3s, 4s and 5s by the end of S4 fell this year. The percentage gaining 5 or more at Level 5 fell by 3% to 33%.
By the end of S5
The number of pupils attaining at 5+ at levels 3 to 6 remained steady.
The percentage attaining 3+ at level 6 (Highers) was the highest (27%) since 2004.
The percentage attaining 5+ at level 6 rose to 12% compared with 8% and 7% the previous 2 years.
The performance of the girls was particularly strong compared with the boys, e.g. the percentage attaining 1+ at level 6 (girls) was 55% compared to 37% (boys) and at 3+ level 6 (girls) was 32% compared to 23% (boys).
The girls’ attainment was the highest over the past 5 years. 5+ level 5 (60%), 1+ level 6 (55%), 3+ level 6 (32%) and 5+ level 6 (14%).
By end of S6
The percentage attaining 5+ level 6 (Highers) was the highest (25%) since 2005 and was up 9% on the previous year.
The attainment of the boys was steady and in line with previous years.
The attainment of girls by the end of their schooling was the highest over the past 4 years, e.g. the percentage gaining 5+ Highers was more than double (29%) that of last year and the highest since 2004.
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The percentage attaining 1 or more Advanced Higher (level 7) rose 3% to 14 %
In S4 pupils gained 5 or more credits and a further 2 pupils gained 4 credit passes. In S5 3 pupils passed 2 Highers, 2 passed 3 Highers and 2 passed 5 Highers. In S6 2 pupils passed a further 2 Highers each. Although the sample size is small these results suggest that the concerns raised in recent years regarding under achievement have been successfully addressed.
Analysis of Pupils not gaining 5+ NQs at SCQF level 3 (includes LAC / LAAC pupils)
In Oban High School session 2010-2011 there were 15 pupils, approximately 7.6% that did not achieve 5 National Qualifications at SCQF level 3 or above. The cohort of consisted of 197 pupils, 96 females and 111 males.
This compares with last year’s results for session 2009-2010 where there were 19 pupils, approximately 9%, whom did not achieve 5 National Qualifications at SCQF level 3 or above. The cohort of consisted of 202 pupils, 83 females and 105 males.
4 of these 15 pupils attended a highly supported small teaching group environment due to moderate to severe learning difficulties, only accessing mainstream where appropriate.
5 of these 15 pupils fall under the LAC and LAAC umbrella.
2 of these 15 pupils had severe medical conditions that prevented them attending full time.
4 of these 15 pupils were withdrawn from certain subject areas and did not sit their expected full complement of exams, due to attendance issues and gaps in learning.
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We at Oban High School believe that the school has a responsibility to ensure that all our youngsters achieve the best possible qualifications.
We also believe that we need to nurture and develop their social, emotional and vocational knowledge and skills to enable them to achieve their full potential throughout their lives.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2010 - 2011
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Every term Oban High School holds Achievement Assemblies where we recognise a variety of achievements both in and out of school. Often this recognition involves certificates, the opportunity to perform, or pictures of some activities.
S1 Achievements
S1 have had a very successful term. The vast majority are well settled and enjoying Oban High School. They have found their feet very quickly, made new friends and are playing a full part in the school community.
Earlier on in the year the S1 pupil council was elected and have been involved in making the thoughts and opinions of their registration group known. They are a great asset to the year group and we were all impressed as they delivered the Achievement Assembly at the end of the term.
The Achievement Assembly was also an excellent opportunity for new talent to make itself known in the year group. Tom Campbell-Paine 1.4, Kimberley Campbell 1.1 and Aaron Hossain 1.2 are all talented pipers and gave a confident performance at the assembly giving both as group and in solo performances.
S1 also has a number of talented dancers who made their debut with the Oban High School Dance Team.
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The Achievement Assembly is a great opportunity to celebrate the S1 student’s achievements both in and outside of school. There has been an impressive number of students receiving awards and recognition out with the school.
There were a considerable number of students who have maintained 100% combined with 100% timekeeping meaning that they had not missed one day of school or been late at all since joining the school in August. These students included:
Katherine Tamplin 1.5; Lewis Rutherford 1.8; Lewis Owen 1.10; Heather MacKenzie 1.2; Jamie MacFarlane 1.3; Jack MacAulay 1.9; Aaron Hossain 1.2; Nathan Harris 1.5; Sarah Green 1.2; Amy Gibb 1.4; Erin Cameron 1.6; Corrie Barrow 1.5.
Outside of school the students have also been busy and the following students received awards for their involvement in extra curricular activities:
Caitlin Workman – 5 Silver Medals at the Oban Otters Swimming Gala.
Andrew Watson – Won at a stick and pad drumming solo competition in Campbeltown.
Jason Goldie – Received his 3rd Brown Belt in Kickboxing.
S2 Achievements
S2 have built on last year’s successes and racked up an impressive list of achievements, which are literally too many to be named here. Apologies to all who have not been named. These successes have been both academic and recreational, and achieved both in and out of school. Many of these successes were celebrated at December’s achievement assembly.
At the assembly certificates were awarded to pupils whose performance was deemed to be excellent in all their subjects in the individual categories of: behaviour, effort, homework and progress. A total of 49 certificates were awarded, not counting the following pupils who merited certificates in at least 3 of the 4 categories:
Alfie Tinline Bartholomew Charlotte Boyd Ciaron Black Rhoanna Black Kirsty Rutherford Kirsty Hetherington Daisy Williams
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Attendance certificates were awarded to a total of 18 pupils who had maintained a 100% attendance record in the period up to Christmas.
The achievement assembly was also an opportunity for pupils to demonstrate their musical and gymnastic talents, which they have in abundance. There were entertaining slots from:
Flute solos – Maeve Hannigan and Rachel MacKenzie
Pipes and drums – Ellie MacNiven, Cameron, Bennet, Helen Stage, Cammy Scott and Andrew Scott
Violin group – Alison Boyd, Merle Harbron and Charlotte Collins
Clarinet group – Caitlin Taylor, Holly Strachan, Amy Boyce and Megan Judson
The Atlantis dance group
The whole event was compered, in his usual unflappable style, by Mathew Hall.
The school dance show this year was a huge success and almost 40 girls from S2 took part – 40% of the girls in S2. Two separate S2 groups performed to “Eye of the Tiger” and “Walk it Out.” For many in the audience the highlight of the evening was the excerpt from “Cats” which featured Caitlin Taylor, Maeve Hannigan, Meroula Hondru and Laura Grout from S2.
The “Cats” group performed at an international dance event held at Disneyland Paris featuring teams from all over Europe and did brilliantly to come 3rd.
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Our S2 pipers and drummers Ellie, Cameron and Helen are all now regular members of the Oban High School Pipe Band who swept all before them last year, being crowned World Champions and “Champion of Champions.”
Our S2 swimmers have had a wonderful season too, winning many medals on the local, regional and national circuits. Amongst many medal winners were: Connor MacNeil, Aidan MacCuish, Sam Dairon, Isla Duncan, Clare MacKinnon and Abby MacTaggart
There are many, many other achievements in our year group – from outstanding football, shinty and badminton players to good citizens who try their best every day. We look forward to further successes in the rest of S2 and are confident most of the year group are developing the skills and good habits which will prepare them well for the exciting challenges ahead when they make their choices for the Standard Grade courses they intend to follow next year.
S3 Achievements
Best Effort, Best progress, and Best Behaviour in all subjects
• Clare Davies • Briony Kincaid • Well done to Lorna Thompson 3.7 • Ruby MacFadyen Donald who received a complimentary • Anna MacKinnon Garvin Jingles ticket! • Connie McCreath • Kyle McKechnie Attendance Certificates • Jenny Tamplin • Emily Black • Marion Tinney • Kirsty Campbell • Caroline Tinney • Craig Livingstone • Emily Scott • Scott Dickison • Kyle Ormiston • Coll MacKenzie • Alana Moore • Duncan MacLean • Alice MacNeill • Niall Morrison • Kyle MacKechnie • Emily Scott • Erin MacIntyre • Jamie Sinclair • Megan McGuigan • Gordon Thomson • Kirsty MacTavish • Briony Kincaid • Artus Grigonis • Heather Ferguson • Liam Donn • Gregor Brydon • William Brett • Alisha Bovill
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3.12 Achievements S3 Music Achievements • Hazel Dunn played a “posh • Emily Scott – has achieved her person” in a play and did very well associated board Flute exams • Niall Morrison came 5th in the Grade 4 with Merit British Championships in Downhill • Kirsty Campbell– has achieved her Mountain Biking associated board Flute exams • Ewen McGlynn has been offered a Grade 4 with Distinction job with the Oban Times as a • Briony Kincaid – has achieved her professional photographer associated board Flute exams • Rebecca Forgrieve won a goldfish Grade 4 with Merit at the Carnival!
S3 Mathematics Achievements Subject Achievements – Philosophy
• Jenny Tamplin participated in the Beth MacArthur and Kyle McKechnie Scottish Final of Enterprising scored a perfect 30/30 in a recent test. Mathematics Both these pupils regularly perform to the • Nicole Lopez participated in the highest level and should be commended Scottish Final of Enterprising on this! Mathematics Class 3.2 Achievements Subject Achievements • Kyle Orr – member of world Marion Tinney and Connie McCreath, champion pipe band excellence in Graphic Communication • Iain Campbell – preparing to compete in downhill mountain
biking competitions next year. Class 3.7 Achievements Had an accident this year when he
crashed into a tree, broke both his • Jordan Lyons - has started writing a book based on World War 2 wheels and cracked his helmet! • Fergus Bradbury - has got through to • Coll MacKenzie – Plays in Oban the West Final for Rugby Saints Junior team and has scored • Alison MacVicar - is part of several goals for them. Drumchapel Amateurs who have finished in top half of league and 3.11 Achievements Alison scored 16 goals throughout season • Rachel Cameron is doing well in PE • Lyndsay Weetman has been helping her Nan more • Emelynne Byers can speak in 3 languages now 10
• Fiona Hardley made a cheese flan • Jenny Tamplin in 3.5 achieved her and learned the Darth Vader Rap Baden Powell Award - this is the • Jenna MacDougall got a grade 1 in highest award a Girl Guide can Drama achieve. • James MacPherson plays for OHS • She was also part of the School's Pipe band they won the Champion Gaelic Choir who won their section of Champions award and best at the Mod. Scottish pipe band in the MG Alba • Rhona Leadbetter is better S3 Responsible Citizens organised with her homework • Craig Livingstone plays for Oban • The following S3 pupils helped to Saints serve the teas and coffees at The • Rebecca Simcox has grown in Pensioner’s Treat: confidence in Drama this year • Abby McCallum • Danielle walked to school this • Megan Blair month • Alisha Bovill • Caroline Tinney Achievements • Joseph Darrah • James Johnstone • Briony Kincaid was nominated and • Jamie Black was in the final for Junior Sports • Meghan MacIntyre woman at this years Oban and • Catriona Cain Lorn Sports Awards.
S4 Achievements
Scottish Schools Swimming Championships
Shannon Reynolds 4.1 won three medals in the following races:
200m Freestyle 100m Breaststroke 100m Freestyle
Patrick MacKinnon 4.8 won four medals in the following races:
200m Individual Medley 200m Backstroke 100m Backstroke 100m Freestyle
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Girls’ Shinty
Sarah Jane Ferguson 4.8 and Lucy McNiven 4.9 were winners in the South Scotland Schools Shinty League Tournament held at Ardnamurchan on the 3rd November 2010.
Enterprising Mathematics – Scottish Final 2010
Harry Stage 4.8 and Martin MacPherson 4.1 participated in the Scottish Final of Enterprising Mathematics.
Argyll College – Skills for Work
Robin McMahon-Harris 4.1 and Jodie Goldie 4.4 both won awards for hairdressing and were presented with their prizes at the college on Wednesday 15th December 2010.
Paddle Power
Laura MacPhee and Ryan Cairns from 4.6 both Achieved Level 1 of their Paddlepower Passport which helped them to develop their basic sailing skills.
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Oban High School – Poetry Competition
Zoe Thomson 4.8 won the Senior Section of the Poetry Competition in November 2010.
Senior Jingles – December 2010
The following pupils achieved top ratings in their tracking for 7 or more subjects and were awarded a free Jingles Ticket:
Mairi Beaton 4.5 Alistair Fothergill 4.5 Keira Smith 4.7
Lauren Buchanan 4.4 Catherine MacFarlane 4.3 Andrew Strange 4.10
Daniel Burt 4.10 Murray Peden 4.6 Zoe Thomson 4.8
Michalina Wilinska 4.9
Rugby
Magnus Bradbury 4.3 continues to make huge progress in his rugby career and has been selected to train with the Glasgow U17 Squad. This will provide him with the opportunity to play in national selection fixtures and hopefully be selected for the Scotland under-17 squad. The under-17 squad play in the Wellington Tournament against teams from England, Belgium etc.
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The Senior Rugby team have won the Glasgow Regional Final and are now through to the National Quarter-Final of the Scottish Schools Bowl Competition. The following S4 pupils have been part of this team.
Magnus Bradbury 4.3 Alastair Fothergill 4.5 Ruairidh MacKinnon 4.7 Colin Davren 4.10 Daniel Smith 4.9 Ruairidh Morrison 4.7
S5 Achievements
Awards for pupils, vocational based
• Sean Dunstaffnage – XL Bronze award • Daniel Hall - XL Silver Award, -food hygiene, health and safety,200 hours volunteering • Hannah Rokitta - XL Silver Award, -food hygiene, health and safety, 200 hours volunteering, First Aid • Alex Dunnings, Alastair Taylor, Jamie Chapman, Michael Leplar, Lewis Bigham - ROV Challenge –BP in conjunction with Heriot Watt • Amanda MacNeill- first aid • Steven Ewart -food hygiene, health and safety. • Football Coaching Awards – Hannah Croucher, Angus MacCallum
S6 Achievements
This year is the highest number of S6 pupils staying for further education that we have had for a number of years. We have had over seventy applications completed through UCAS and many of them are starting to receive offers.
They have been a very proactive year group in their organisation of the pupil councils and various committees for jingles, fundraising and year book. The Christmas Jingles this year were described as the “best ever” with record attendance at both senior and junior.
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The fundraising committee put on an afternoon of entertaining activities which raised over £2000 for children in need, they are in the process of planning the comic relief day in March. The team also organised a “help for heroes” assembly which highlighted the plight of injured servicemen and their families.
They are in the process of preparing for their prelims in order that they all leave Oban High School with the best set of exam results that they possibly can. They are also planning S6 leaving events. Head Boy & Girl Report
As Head Boy and Head Girl of Oban High school we regularly contribute to many different events and running’s of the school. As pupil’s we know how much of a privilege it is to have the responsibility of giving the pupil’s of all ages throughout the school more of a voice. From attending Parent Council meetings, Senior Leadership Team meetings and arranging Pupil Council on top of fundraising and arranging events as well as our school work, we both keep very busy and are very honoured to be able to contribute to the many success of Oban High School. However, we never do it alone. We have our Depute Head Boy and Depute Head Girl along with eight sixth year Prefect’s helping us in all we do. None of the work the pupil’s undertake throughout the school could be done without all of them.
We have many jobs that we do all the time. For example, attending meetings with the Senior Member’s of Staff to contribute to the Curriculum for Excellence and refreshing the Clan System for a new way of Pastoral Care which is important as the school knows they are getting the input from the pupils. We also regularly speak in Assemblies to pass important information on to every year about events or Pupil Council, for example. We also help out at school events for example the annual Dance Show where we introduced the acts. We also contribute to the newsletter and organise items such as the S6 Leaver’s Hoodies. Along with the Prefect Management Team we run the tea and coffee at Parent’s evenings and the front desk. This takes a lot of organisation from all Prefects as well as this; we give up our free time after school to help out.
One of our main roles is organising and arranging our Pupil Council’s. Every class within the school has a representative who passes issues on to Prefects in monthly meetings. This information is then passed on to us, so we can get the voices of all pupils’ heard to the Head Teacher and Depute Head Teacher’s. This is a vital link in ensuring that what goes on in the school is truly in the best interest of all pupils. Many issues are raised and all of us do our best to ensure they are taken on board. For example, we ask about how they would like the school to fundraise for different charities and what they would like to see at their annual Christmas Dance. Pupil’s are also asked about uniform and how the school can control issues such as litter and congestion in corridor’s. Throughout the school, you can see that so 5
many elements have been thought up by Pupil’s, showing just how vital and successful Pupil Council’s can be.
As Head Boy and Head Girl, we also take on board the responsibility of fundraising for charities’, organising both the Junior and Senior “Jingles” and the S6 Yearbook. All of this is done with our Prefect Management Team. This year, however, we have branched out further to not only get more ideas, but also getting more S6 pupil’s involved, making them feel part of the school and giving them experience which would look great on University, College and Job applications. We have done this through committee’s which are ran on different day’s at lunchtime and are ran by different Prefect’s. This way we can get the most out of our events and this year, it has proven very successful.
In November, Children In Need was a big success and this was largely down to the Prefect Management Team and the Charity Committee. With the whole afternoon dedicated to the charity, we had a Crash Course in the P.E department as well as a traditional dance. On top of this we had “Soak the Teacher” in the Court Yard and numerous stalls within the school such as, Pin the Tale on the Pudsey”, Nail Bar, Face Painting, Make Up and Leg Waxing. This was all done with as many people as possible in pyjamas. Not only was the feedback so encouraging, we raised over £2000 for the cause. This broke records for the school! As well as Children In Need, we have helped raise awareness for Help for Hero’s by arranging to a presentation and the selling of support bands. This co-in sided with Remembrance Day where we were part of a very moving assembly where we both did readings. This assembly involved the unveiling of new plaque’s dedicated to two men who both attended Oban High School who lost their lives in battle after World War Two with both men’s friends and families present.
December is dedicated to our Christmas Dances, “The Jingles”. With the Jingles Committee, ideas coming from the Pupil Council’s and the Prefect Management Team both the one held in the school for 1st and 2nd Year pupils and the Senior Jingles held in the Corran Halls, were great success’. The Senior Jingles had sophisticated decor, music from four amazing talents to involve a disco, ceilidh and a set of contemporary music. The Junior
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event was lively with a great disco and so much effort put in from all pupil’s. Both event’s are fun for all ages and are a great way to celebrate Christmas and many achievements within the school. Pupils are always enthusiastic about both events and it is a pleasure to be part of putting them on.
Being Head Boy and Head Girl is hard work and takes a lot of time and dedication but the rewards that we see for all the hard work make it well worth it. Of course, as said, none of it could be done without the help of many other S6 pupil’s. The fact the school can offer us all a chance to get involved helps us all when it comes to applying for University, colleges or jobs. It makes all events more worthwhile and gives them a better atmosphere knowing that everyone contributes to what we do, which we feel is exactly our job. It is clear, that our roles are most important for making sure every pupil in the school is heard and everything which is taken on board makes the school a better place for everyone.
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The following achievements have been nominated by our departments.
Art
ART FOR ALL
Oban High School benefits from a lively, enthusiastic Art & Design Department which fosters the creativity and skills of each individual student. Our facilities and expertise enable us to deliver a high degree of skills in an increasingly wide variety of techniques and media.
Since last session there have been significant changes in our staffing and facilities. From August 2011 we will have three specialist art rooms and a small IT suite enabling us to cover many techniques including drawing, printing, painting, collage, textiles and 3-Dimensional work which can be enhanced by photography, image manipulation (Adobe Photoshop) and model making. Due to staffing reductions, we have lost a specialist art room and have reduced the number of senior students we can accommodate. We still aim, however, to embrace new opportunities and to provide imaginative solutions to the curricular changes we are experiencing. Art and Design is particularly well placed to deliver the new curriculum as we have always had the individual at the heart of what we do and creative problem solving runs through the veins of any worthwhile art teacher !
Alongside this we aim to nurture an appreciation of culture and to develop the discerning consumers of the future. So whether they can draw effectively or not, we hope our students can at least make educated choices when deciding on the colour scheme of their first property or can recognise when and how advertising is influencing their personal decision making.
In all Art and Design courses, our aim is to help pupils to develop visual and communicative skills. Practical skills are taught together with a sound knowledge of the visual arts. This inculcates in the pupils an awareness of Art in general and, in particular, the role of the artist and designer in society and their relevance to that society. We currently offer Standard Grade, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher Art & Design and are actively researching alternative courses which would provide a broad creative experience and act as a stepping stone to further study in a variety of fields. Problem solving, personal expression and creative evaluation are all valuable, transferable skills which are nurtured in our enterprising environment. 8
LIFELONG LEARNING………………………………………………………………………………
Early experience and preparation is essential if a child’s full potential is to be reached. We continue forging valuable links with our feeder Primaries through a Transition Board Game project which has been developed further in partnership with the Drama Department. This year at Induction Day, new pupils are given a ‘Visual Mission’ to be tackled during the summer holidays. These booklets are collected when new S1 pupils return in August and are a valuable insight into many aspects of our new cohort, whether as a gauge of ability or of responsibility !
In junior classes we have piloted and developed a range of interdisciplinary projects working in liason with a diverse range of disciplines including English, Modern Languages, Design Technology and Performing Arts. Colour and design combined with French vocabulary to create informative ‘booklets’ and presentations enhanced by an appreciation of the work of French artist, Henri Matisse. Experience with graphic software is now embedded in the S2 design experience and is currently being applied to S3 expressive work. Experimentation with such software can effectively inspire further media experimentation and certainly enhances the imagination.
Our latest joint project promises to be challenging and provocative as, along with Socials, Drama and Philosophy, our S2 pupils consider The Holocaust.
Our creative expertise will, once more, be utilised in partnership with English in Unpredicted Voices. In this project non-specialist senior students create visual stimulus as the basis for a piece of creative writing which is subsequently entered into the Fortieth Prize for Creative Writing.
Also benefitting from an ‘art make-over’ is the Drama department who invited our new S3 students to provide unique designs for an Alphabet which is used in practical performance activities.
We also introduced an element of competition for the poster design which will advertise the forthcoming production ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. Prizes will be awarded for the best design and also for the most exciting ideas sheets.
Other prizewinners will soon be informed of their success in the Oban Times Logo competition and yet more Oban High School art work will be published nationally in the Times Educational Supplement.
A visit from the SQA verifier gave staff an opportunity to ensure that our senior folios are following SQA criteria effectively. It is reassuring to note that most senior students work hard to follow advice regarding the content and quality of their practical work. Many of our students take advantage of studio space after school. Some seniors attended a ‘folio workshop
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day’ held during the holidays. This provided a relaxed, productive opportunity to put final touches to practical work.
ETHOS, ENVIRONMENT & ENTERPRISE……………………………………………………………..
The creativity of our pupils can be seen throughout the school, from inspired work in the English corridor to S1 printmaking in the Conference Room and a regularly changing selection in Mr Bain’s office. We also regularly host exhibitions of pupils work in our Gallery which provides a forum for peer evaluation and an opportunity to share our work with a wider audience. Artwork can be yours to keep with the purchase of our Art Cards which features a selection of pupils’ images.
Oban High School is about to be enhanced by some of the finest of Scottish art as we will host a selection of works from the Argyll Collection. As stated on the www.argyllcollection.com website : ‘The Argyll Collection’ …. was created as a learning resource for the young people of Argyll and Bute…… It has become a snapshot of Scottish art and is an important public asset and a rich and relevant teaching aid. A film link can be found at http://helensburgh.urtv.co.uk/stories/328-art-collection
Some of the finest examples, including a Joan Eardley painting, will remain in our care whilst others will form a rolling programme which will bring ‘the real thing’ to our youngsters.
Scottish Art was also a feature when S3 visited the Glasgow Boys exhibition at Kelvingrove, Glasgow. Not only did the Standard Grade pupils view some of the artworks they have been writing about in their critical essays, but they were also able to examine at first hand the work of metalsmith, John Creed, who designed the entrance gates to Kelvingrove. Mr Hamilton’s class wrote about this work in their design studies.
We enjoyed meeting a Japanese graphic designer as part of the Rotary Club Vocational Placement scheme. Local textile artist, Sharon Pirie, accompanied Miss Yumiko Inoue from Tokyo on a visit to Oban High School. Miss Inoue is a graphic designer with fashion retailers, Benetton, and our senior students particularly enjoyed modelling some of Sharon’s head-wear creations and trying out a few Japanese phrases. Links were also forged with local style consultant, Pauline Cameron whose work encompasses fair trade ethics and fashion recycling initiatives.
OHS & BEYOND……………………………………………………………………………………
Our art team was enhanced last November when we welcomed former OHS pupil, Laura Currie, to the department. Laura is a recent graduate from Grays School of Art, Aberdeen, and she spent a month with us experiencing ‘life in the classroom’ before applying to become an art teacher. Laura showed a natural aptitude in the classroom and built a sound rapport with all of our students who were impressed
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by her art school experience and her purple hair ! We wish her every success.
We maintain strong links with former pupils who frequently return to share their creative experiences with our pupils and act as valuable role models. Ellis Cameron shared her Portfolio Course experience with our seniors before going on to study at Glasgow School of Art.
GSA ~ ACES ……………………………………………………………………………………..
When we live at a distance from the central belt, these links can be invaluable and undoubtedly foster a sense of potential and opportunity. We are indebted to the Glasgow School of Art who invited us to propose senior art students who may benefit from their ACES programme. This provides support and mentoring from the staff of GSA and some of our seniors have already attended a Textile workshop and had Mock Interview and Portfolio advice. After attending a Degree Show Campus day in June, they also have the opportunity of attending free drawing workshops in July. We shall be running our usual visit to the Degree Show in June for senior art students.
STAR STUDENTS…………………………………………………………………………………..
It is always very satisfying to share in the success of our students and this year gives us plenty to celebrate. Since completing the Portfolio Course at Cardonald College, Caitlin Smith and Bridget Woolnough have gained places at Glasgow School of Art to study Visual Communication and Silversmithing & Jewellery.
Current Advanced Higher candidate, Katie Harris-Macleod, has been offered places at a variety of art courses, deciding to continue her studies on the Portfolio Course at GSA. This brings the total number of OHS former pupils currently studying at this esteemed establishment to four. A worthy achievement, we certainly look forward to viewing their Degree Shows in due course.
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee, will welcome Connor Macdonald S6 to their Graphics course and we hope that Rebecca Campbell will have a place confirmed at Abertay to study web based graphics in due course.
Former pupil, Eilidh Orr, has also been accepted to study Jewellery Design in Dundee and, after studying at Telford College, Shonagh Galbraith has been recognised as top student of her year at Edinburgh College of Art.
Meanwhile, the progress and success of former pupils. Eleanor Young and Fraser Hamilton, can be followed online on such websites as Etsy, funmakesgood and fraserhamilton.net. It is always satisfying to follow the progress of former OHS pupils and we look forward to sharing their experiences in the future.
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With the growth of enforced leisure time, perhaps due to lack of work opportunities, it is increasingly important that we develop attributes of self sufficiency, innovation and creative thinking. Combined with a ‘what if’ attitude to problem solving and the confidence to try something different, we hope that time spent in Art & Design will enhance the whole person and result in an individual who is prepared to benefit their community.
BUSINESS and TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
(ex Business Studies & Computing Studies)
Scottish education is now embarking on one of the greatest changes in its history. The new initiative called “a curriculum for excellence”, often abbreviated to ACE or ACfE is well and truly under way in all schools in Scotland. This involves many big changes for every department in every school, and we feel in this department we have embraced it wholeheartedly. We feel we have many good ideas and providing a good experience for the pupils who are undertaking ACE in the curriculum.
With CfE there is increased collaboration and contact with several other departments - we now have projects done with mathematics, home economics, technical, drama and with modern languages; we see no reason why this should not continue to increase with several more departments as they often seek to increase the use of technology in the work they do.
The computing club is working well and we hope to expand the general interest of all things computing for the school population. When pupils attend this club they are encouraged to pursue any direction that they feel they are interested in, and are given help and advice by staff. Work undertaken is often of that nature which will be directly relevant to a curriculum for excellence. In fact, in general, in non-timetable hours (for example lunchtime and at 4 PM) all pupils are encouraged to attend the computing suites, and staff will be on hand to help.
Here are some studious pupils following their interests at
the lunchtime club
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There is ongoing work with primary schools in a liaison project. This started as a multi cultural aspects in Oban and the surrounding district, stemming from the relatively recent flow of people from other parts of the EU and the rest of the world. The project is now expanding and will include work to do with historical aspects of Oban. The end result will be published as a website, and if the project continues the site will become more and more significant.
Not to be underestimated is the involvement with School and Community relations which is offered by the Department. The staff of the department are valuable contributors to the spirit and team ethos of the school, being strong and consistent participators in clubs, school events, sporting activities, trips, social occasions, even staffroom badinage. The staff of the department are also long standing members of the local community, being friends with parents and relatives of many, many of the children who pass through the school. This adds great cohesion to ‘parent stakeholder’ aspect of the department’s work.
Higher Admin
The class have done well so far, now is the time for concentration towards the prelims. Ms McIver set the the challenge of working in teams to build the Eiffel Tower (with marshmallows and cocktail sticks) this proved to be a very successful and the class showed excellent team working skills. Well done to the winners, Kenny Irwin, Rowen MacAskill, Calum MacFarlane and Kirsty MacLean.
SG Administration
The S3 class were set the challenge of designing a poster for the Junior Jingles. Well done to Lorna Thompson who’s presented the winning entry.
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Higher Bus Management
The class are progressing well, they have taken part in various activities including a very successful market research task which involved eating a variety of Jaffa cakes to find out which was the brand leader. Now the focus is on the prelims and we are working towards a successful introduction for Business management at Higher for Oban High School.
Also, a team from the Higher class (and an interloper!) entered the Arnold Clark Schools challenge in November. The task was to design a simple computer game that would be used as a marketing tool by Arnold Clark and posted on the Website. Although the team did not win they were commended for their efforts and found it to be a very worthwhile experience. We will be entering a team for next year’s competition on the back of it. Well done to Jennifer Killorn, Rosie Matheson, Alannah Higgins and Hollie MacLeod.
SG Bus Management
Ms McIver’s class had a visit from Mrs Lynette MacLeod, owner of Petals of Oban. Mrs MacLeod is the mother of one of the S3 pupils, a former pupil of Oban High and has a Business Studies degree. She had indicated her willingness to forge links with the High School and was happy to talk to the class about her experience running her business as a sole trader. The department is currently in the process of establishing links with other local businesses to widen the pool of possible speakers as we move to offering Business Management to the upper school.
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Design Technology
S1 Design & Technology
Our S1 pupils have been experimenting with some of our new units of work that we have been developing for a Curriculum for Excellence. They are enjoying designing children's lamps which has given them the opportunity to make use of computer-aided manufacture and they are also getting an introduction into basic electronics.
One of the main things the pupils have enjoyed learning is how to do 3D computer modelling. From our pupils surveys, most pupils said they enjoyed this the most, even though they found it quite challenging.
Product Design - Child's bedside lamp Technological Studies - Electronics (wiring for child's lamp) Practical Craft Skills - Mug tree Graphic Communication - Technical drawing Interdisciplinary – Memory box (English, Art)
S2 Design & Technology
We have decided to try our new Curriculum for Excellence S2 curriculum with this year’s S2. This is to allow us the opportunity to evaluate the course ourselves and also to get pupil opinion on it before we have to implement in August. This enables us to make any changes necessary to the course in order to best meet the needs of the pupils and the outcomes and experiences.
The units the S2 pupils are studying are:
Product Design - Bicycle helmet Technological Studies - Portable amplifier (electronics) Practical Craft Skills - CD Ends Graphic Communication - Smokehouse Challenge (packaging for a Smokehouse product)
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Enterprise Through Craft
Our S3 pupils are working on a number of small group projects. They have designed, produced and marketed a number of items including; garden benches, chopping board holders for Food Technology, sensory toys for a local primary school and a septic tank level indicator.
Our S4 pupils have spent most of last term designing and manufacturing items to go into a sensory garden. The plan is to develop the school garden into a sensory garden for students from the Learning Centre to enjoy.
The pupils have explored different materials, sounds, textures, colours, smells, etc. They have explored all aspects of a sensory garden and over the winter months they have been making items such as; a small bridge, planters to provide screening, bird tables and bird houses to encourage birds into the garden to provide sounds and colour.
When the weather improves the pupils will get the opportunity to get out and do some work in the garden.
Some local businesses have expressed an interest in supporting this venture.
Standard Grade Craft & Design
Our S3 pupils have worked successfully through a number of units so far this year. They have enjoyed learning about and working with different materials and using tools and machinery unfamiliar to them.
Our S4 pupils have been working on their final projects. They have designed a product of their own choice, taking into consideration restrictions such as storage space available, standard sizes of materials, etc.
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Standard Grade Graphic Communication
Graphics students have been learning to use computer 3D modelling. They are picking up the skills very quickly and are producing good quality work. They have been focussing heavily on technical drawing skills. With so many different drawing types to learn about, they are making excellent progress so far. Some of the folio work the pupils are producing is very good indeed. Through the folio they are able to demonstrate a range of talents, from rendering to desktop publishing, 3D computer modelling and knowledge of colour theory, layout and lettering, etc.
Senior pupils, (Graphic Communication)
Our seniors are fast approaching the end of their courses and with deadlines looming they are working very hard to complete their work to a high standard.
Intermediate 2 pupils have produced some good quality computer items for their folio and have made excellent progress with their technical drawing units. They should be very proud of the progress they have made so far.
Higher pupils are very busy embarking on their Thematic Presentations.
Advanced Higher pupils have made light work of the 3D modelling unit and are currently working on their Computer Graphic Presentation unit. Again, these pupils are really showing off their skills with the high standard of work they are able to produce.
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Senior Pupils (Product Design)
Intermediate 2 and Higher pupils are both working away on the Developing Design Proposals unit. They have learned about product evaluations and research techniques already. They are now learning about all the different ways to communicate ideas. Through not only sketches but also the use of rendering, modelling and text.
Senior pupils (Practical Craft Skills)
Although a small bunch, these boys are developing very good woodwork skills. They are putting more focus into the quality of the work they produce. They have manufactured a number of items so far, a bathroom cabinet, a mirror and a wine table and will soon be working on the final project which is a wooden clock.
Extra curricular
The department offer 2 extra curricular activities for students.
There is the ROV club for S4-6 students on a Monday and the Formula 24 club for S1-S4 on a Monday and Thursday.
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English
Iain Crichton Smith Plaque -On Wednesday 23 June we were privileged to take part in a ceremony to unveil a plaque in memory of the late Iain Crichton Smith, teacher, novelist and poet.
The Plaque was unveiled by Iain’s widow Donalda Henderson and the event was attended by many eminent figures from the Gaelic, literary and education fields, as well as members of the public who hold fond memories of Iain. The event also attracted media attention, including a film crew from BBC Alba.
Creative Writing from pupils in all year groups formed part of a visual display, with the work of junior classes representing an inter-disciplinary project between English and Art.
Unpredicted Voices Conference - Approximately 30 new S5 students took part in a joint English/Art conference entitled ‘Unpredicted Voices’. Pupils engaged enthusiastically in the workshops and by the end of the day had all produced work which will kick start their Higher English Writing Folio.
Arising from the day, the Iain Fortieth prize was won by Leigh Eisler, congratulations to her.
GLOW - Alison MacDonald, Clare Bryden and Rob Harrington have played an active role in the introduction of GLOW to OHS. They have started their own classes using the resource, provided in-service training to the English Department and supported staff across the school interested in becoming involved. At the moment, teachers are posting resources for many courses on this website, which pupils can access from home. Right now, there are resources for Higher English, and Advanced Higher English.
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Debating Club –
In the summer term Mrs Bryden started a Debating Society for all year groups.
On Tuesday 14th September, the debating club held an entertaining balloon debate which saw pupils take on the personas of a wide variety of characters, from Indiana Jones to Deng Xiao Ping, each trying to convince the others why they should get to stay in the sinking hot air balloon. General Tito was the first to be thrown out, while John Lennon was saved to see another day.
The club enjoyed a visit to the Scottish Labour Party Conference at the Corran halls on Friday 29th October. 8 pupils, accompanied by Mrs Bryden visited the conference, where we spent some time exploring the various stalls with their information about a wide variety of topics, from health to renewable energy, while amassing a substantial number of freebies! We had seats for the keynote speech by Ed Milliband, where he discussed the issues facing Scotland, which gave rise to some animated discussion amongst the debating club, before sitting in on a Scottish Forum Policy debate on the future of local government. We were delighted to have this opportunity and it was great to see politics in action, with animated discussion and assured public speaking. Many thanks to the Labour Party for their help in organising this event. We have also entered 3 competitions this year - the English Speaking Union's Junior and Senior debating tournaments, as well as the Law Society of Scotland's Donald Dewar Memorial tournament and we are spending the rest of our time honing our debating skills by discussing a wide variety of topics - with increasing energy!
Keith Gray Visit - On Tuesday 23 February 2010, Keith Gray, award-winning author of Creepers and The Fearful, came to speak to S3 pupils. His well received talk focused on creativity and the potential of everyday events and objects to inspire storytelling. The pupils left excited by the prospects of creating their own works of fiction.
S4 Study Skills - In March the English Department taught a series of Study Skills lessons. These were designed to highlight good study techniques to S4 pupils before they embarked on their Standard Grade exams.
Reading Certificates - Pupils in S1 and S2 have been busy working towards completing their Bronze, Silver and Gold Reading Certificates. The purpose of the system is to provide a structure to each child’s reading habits and to encourage our younger pupils to read a variety of quality fiction and non-fiction texts.
Embedding the capacities and outcomes - Developing and implementing the English and Literacy Outcomes in practise has been developed over this session. As a department, we 20
have done a considerable amount of practical work using the ACE outcomes for English and Literacy.
This involves taking the outcomes and working with pupils to make the outcomes an integral part of their learning experience in the classroom.
The language from the outcomes is used daily in sharing learning intentions with pupils, and used as the basis for formative assessment in the classroom. This embedding of the outcomes has been done in all levels of the school and has been adopted by the entire English Department.
Additionally, a member of the department shared this good practise at in service with all staff and was invited to be a representative at the LTS English Teachers conference, one of only two representatives from Argyll and Bute, to discuss the progress Oban High English Department has made with the outcomes in practise.
National Poetry Day -
The English department had lots of fun on National Poetry Day. In cooperation with the library we wrote and studied poems for a day on the theme of 'Home'. From S1 to S6 we enjoyed writing, studying and listening to poetry for the day.
All the entries went into a competition and the winner for the junior prize was Mia Colquhoun 2.7 and the winner for the senior prize was Zoe Thomson S4. They won 'Waterstones' vouchers donated by the librarian.
Miss Black, along with some other student librarians, put up a wall display of poetry and the winning entries will be going onto this display. All of the poems created on the day are to be put into a folder which any one can read and enjoy whilst they're in the library.
Prize –Winning Poems:
Home
The sea is always choppy, The wind always pierces my face The rain is mostly torrential It makes me look a disgrace.
It’s never warm, but freezing And the sun is not heat but light In winter everyone’s hiding, It’s minus 15C at night
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We may have some heart warming cafes And landmarks all the same But to be honest I’ll say entertainment To everyone here is lame
But I can’t even think about leaving I’ll miss all this when I’m gone I suppose it’s not that awful Having Oban as my home.
By Mia Colquhoun 2.7
River
Always moving Never stopping No sooner I arrive I must leave. It is good to return To where I have been: I missed the sight of the familiar trees and scenes That used to guide my day and night: The riverbed beneath my feet feels foreign, But somehow, known to me Somewhere in the depths of my waters, The flowers for the vines Of my mind now litter My existence with regrets. I wish I could rewind my Path, that I could have Taken a different journey. Why am I what I am? But I can’t stop to think of that now: I must once again move on, Away from what I once Called home, to find a new one. Not by choice, never by choice, But I am ushered along just the same Always moving Never stopping Zoe Thomson S4
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Sam Wilding Visit -
Local children’s author, Sam Wilding visited Oban High School on Monday 15 November. He spoke to all S1 and S2 pupils about his new novel, ‘Windscape’, which is set on the west coast of Scotland. He also spoke about how he became an author, his creative inspirations and how to write a story. Thanks to Sam for a very entertaining and enjoyable morning!
Carnegie Shadowing -
Fifteen S2 pupils embarked on an exciting project shadowing the Carnegie Book Awards. Pupils had a chance to read and comment on the novels selected for the shortlist in the run up to the Awards which took place in June 2010.
Information Evening for English and Maths -
On Tuesday 21st September 2010, there was an information evening for parents of pupils who are studying for exams in Higher English and Maths. Both departments talked about how to help your child to prepare for the exams, and passed on some useful advice and tips for studying and revision.
Advanced Higher English
The English department would like to recognize the achievements of our Advanced Higher students this year. The pupils who complete this challenging course never fail to impress though their development as writers and as insightful students of literature. However, this year’s class have been truly exceptional in their diligence and commitment to their English studies. We wish them much deserved success in the future. Well done!
Visit by J.A Henderson Tuesday 8 March 2011.
Popular children’s author J.A Henderson visited Oban High School recently and gave a very interesting account of his life to S3 pupils. His highly entertaining tales of his exploits abroad and the events that inspired him to become a writer was hugely enjoyed by the pupils. Following his visit many have gone on to read his novels such as Bunker 10, Crash and Colony.
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Visit to European Youth Parliament
On Friday 11th March, 10 S5 pupils from Oban High travelled to Douglas Academy in Milngavie to take part in the 2011 European Youth Parliament, West of Scotland forum. Made up of participating countries across all of Europe, the EYP gives pupils the opportunity to take part in a day of exchanging ideas and opinions about aspects of European politics. There were 10 participating schools, each representing a different aspect of the European Parliament and Oban High School took on the mantle of the committee for foreign affairs, presenting speeches and arguments in opposition to the creation of a European army. In addition, the team worked together to take part in debates on climate change, investment in culture, the relation between church and state and the funding of scientific research. It was an entertaining and challenging day and the quality of Oban’s participation was very high, with confidence and debating skills developing rapidly through the day. The pupils are to be congratulated on their hard work and preparation for the event and their participation on the day.
H20 Visit
In March, 3.8 and 3.9 visited the Well, H20’s base in Lochavullin, to perform their newly- prepared solo talks to an audience of Oban’s senior citizens. Each pupil had prepared their talk under the heading ‘A Hero of Mine’, and subjects varied from celebrities of the sporting and music worlds to inspiring family members closer to home.
Tea and cakes, generously laid on by our hosts, put paid to any awkwardness or nerves among the eight speakers on the day. Their talks were well-prepared, well-delivered and well-received by an appreciative audience. The pupils’ dedication to the task reflects great credit on both themselves and the High School, so a big ‘well done’ to all those who attended on the day. As was the case last year when S2 visited, we are very grateful to the ladies and gents at H20 for the opportunity, and to Jayne Powers in particular for her time and enthusiasm.
Carnegie Shadowing
11 S2 pupils have volunteered to shadow the prestigious Carnegie Book Award this year which will involve reading the 6 short listed books over a 2 month period and meeting up regularly to have discussion on them. The group, self-named the Oban Book Worms, will have the opportunity to join online debates on the books as well as produce book reviews and illustrations to go along with them. Once registered they have their own online page they can post reviews, photos or videos relating to the books and the award. Pupils shadowing the award are able to take part in a creative writing competition supported by the Copyright Licensing Agency where they have to adapt a well known fairy tale. To inspire them they are going to visit the National Library of Scotland who currently have an Alice in Wonderland exhibition. As well as visiting the display they will be able to watch a video about the Scottish Ballet's production of 'Alice' and get to see some of the costumed 24
used in it. They will also have the special privilege of a private tour of the National Library of Scotland. The pupils will also have the opportunity to meet up with pupils from Tobermory High who are also shadowing the book awards and take part in a vote to decide who they think should win the award. Enterprise & Careers
Skills for Work Courses
85 pupils in total currently undertake Skills for Work courses, 51 in S4 and 34 in S5. The courses are run in partnership with Argyll College and offer the pupils an invaluable insight into the world of work as well as a qualification from the Scottish Qualifications Authority SQA at intermediate 1 and 2 levels. We have enjoyed a very high level of success with these courses in the past with almost all pupils achieving a nationally recognised award. The current group of pupils are on track this session to achieve similar results. Courses currently offered are :
Hairdressing Early Education and Child Care Hospitality Rural Skills Uniformed and Emergency Services
Two of our Hairdressing students achieved success recently winning 1st and 2nd place in an Argyll and Bute Hairstyling competition for Argyll College students. Robyn McMahon (1st) and Jodie Goldie (2nd) were presented with their awards at a ceremony in Argyll College in December.
Skills Development Scotland
Skills Development Scotland in partnership with the High School have developed a Career Planning course for S5 Skills for Work pupils. This will be delivered over 8 weeks in Feb/ March 2011. Units of work from the National Progression Award in Employability Skills are also being reviewed and piloted with this group with a view to future implementation.
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Enterprise in Education
1. Enterprising Learning & Teaching 2. Entrepreneurial Activities 3. Vocational Education 4. Careers Education 5. Recognising Achievement
1. Enterprising Learning & Teaching
Learning and teaching across the school seeks to foster and develop a ‘can do’ attitude. Almost all staff have been trained in ‘Co-operative Learning’ approaches and prior to this a significant number of staff completed training on the ‘Critical Skills Programme.’ Central to these approaches, used in various contexts across the school, is the development of soft enterprise skills:-
Team work Good communication and presentation skills Taking responsibility Decision making Delegating Negotiating Meeting deadlines and specifications Leadership
Subjects offered which have Enterprise as a core element include:-
Business Studies and Business Management Princes Trust XL Enterprise and Craft Skills for Work Young Sports Leader Awards S5/6 Pathways Programme
Making education ‘real and relevant’ is also an important feature of many courses in Oban High School. for example by using school visits, visiting speakers and business links.
Theatre visits (Drama) Visiting authors (English) BBC Alba film crew (Gaelic) Field Trips (Geography & Biology) Battlefields Trip (History) Fair Trade Week (Geography) 26
Girls in Physics Trip (Physics) ROV Engineering Competition (Physics)
The development of inter disciplinary projects in S1/S2 as a feature of A Curriculum For Excellence also involves input from outside agencies and business.
The Smokehouse Challenge
(Food Technology, Music, Drama, Art Departments in partnership with Inverawe Fisheries)
Wind Farms
(the Physics and Geography departments in partnership with Ali Energy and Skills Development Scotland).
The sharing of good practice where teachers learn from one another and develop skills together is a core feature of professional life in Oban High School, through peer observation visits, in house CPD session the establishment of a TLC Group (Teacher Learning Community).
2. Entrepreneurial Activities include the following:-
Young Enterprise Scotland (run a company in S6). XL Enterprise Projects (make & sell). Enterprise and Craft (make & sell). Smokehouse Challenge (make, market and promote a product). Wind Turbines (meet a specification and budget). ‘Tha mi seo’ project ( 250 primary and secondary pupils record a Gaelic song and video) Primary transition enterprise projects. School Music Show. School Dance Show. Pipe Band CD. Drama Productions. Christmas Jingles (dance) – organised by S6. Children in Need Events – organised by S6. Gaelic Film Competition (BBC Alba). Pensioner Treat - (pupils entertain pensioners at Christmas). School Burns Supper – open to public £10.00 per person. School Fun Run. 27
St Andrews Day Ceilidh for S1 and S2 (senior pupils, ceilidh band and Pipe Band perform) Sci-Fun Day ( lectures and hands on experience for S1 – Edinburgh University Team ). Lab in a Lorry (fun science applications for S1)
Other initiatives currently under discussion for implementation this session are:-
An S1 Enterprise Day in May. This project will amalgamate aspects of good practice here and elsewhere, eg ‘Dragons Den’ approach. The project is being developed by the Business Studies Department and Principal Teacher of Enterprise.
OHS TV This project will set up a whole school TV studio similar to Dunoon Grammar. The project is being developed by the Computer Studies Department and PT Enterprise. 3. Vocational Education
Skills for Work courses are a core feature of the curriculum at Oban High School. Currently 51 pupils in S4 and 34 pupils in S5 follow courses at Argyll College, 85 in total. Courses on offer are :
Early Education and Childcare Hairdressing Hospitality Rural Skills Uniformed and Emergency Services
Sport and Recreation ran last session but was replaced this session with the Uniformed and Emergency Services course. All courses are taught by professionals in their field employed as tutors by Argyll College. The courses lead to an Intermediate 1 Qualifications accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Early Education and Childcare is also offered at Intermediate 2, allowing progression from Intermediate 1 level. Pupils with learning difficulties from the ‘Learning Centre’ have also undertaken these courses.
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Last session all pupils undertaking Hairdressing and Early Education and Childcare were successful in achieving Intermediate 1 qualifications. Two pupils in Hospitality, two pupils in Sport & Recreation and six pupils in Rural Skills were unsuccessful in gaining their full Intermediate 1 qualification but received some accreditation for NC unit passes. 34 out of 42 pupils passed all NC units to gain an Intermediate 1 qualification, a success rate of 76%.
Almost all pupils this session are making satisfactory progress with their courses and are on track with qualification requirements, as outlined in their recent S4 Reports.
Pupils recently gave these courses a positive rate of approval in a pupil feedback survey. Some of their comments are listed below.
What pupils like about Skills for Work…
‘I like that I learn new skills for the future’ (Kayleigh C, S4)
‘I like the different learning environment’ (Kayleigh M, S4)
‘The help and support available at the college is really good. I think this is because
all the staff and tutors are nice and approachable so if you need help it is always
available to us’ (Elizabeth W, S4)
‘We get budget money’ (Luke Y, S4)
Some things to improve…
‘Have more time up at the college and more practical work’ (Kayleigh M, S4)
‘We need to cook more’ (Luke Y, S4)
‘More visiting the nursery, meeting midwives and nursery staff’ (Fabiya M, S4)
‘More time with children’ (Jodie C, S4)
Work Experience placements are offered to S4 pupils following their SQA exams in May/June. The school has over 100 local business offering places. Approximately 80% of S4 pupils took up this opportunity last session. S5/6 pupils can also arrange work experience placements as part of their curriculum or to enhance job prospects/career plans.
The Pathways Programme in S5/6 offers post 16 educational opportunities by providing timetabled courses run by local employers and organisations:- i.e.
Northern Lighthouse Board - Engineering Course
Pass It On - Driving Lessons
Hope to Oban - Youth Work 29
Club H2O - Working with Elderly
Stramash - Outward Bound
4. Careers Education
Colin MacLeod (Skills Development Scotland) is based in Oban High School 3 days per week. He provides a careers interview for all pupils in senior school.
Careers Education is a core feature of the Personal & Social Education (PSE) program at transition times in S2 and S4/5. Information Evenings are also run for parents and pupils at these times. All pupils are familiar with and use the Gateway Planitplus website as part of their individual career planning process.
Senior pupils attended University Open Days at Glasgow, Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian, Stirling and Edinburgh Universities this session. They received support in the UCAS university application process from Guidance Teachers, Year Heads and Mr MacLeod (SDS).
Skills Development Scotland, Argyll Training, Royal Bank of Scotland and some local employers have worked in partnership with the School to develop a Career Planning and Employability Skills Course for S5 Skills for Work students. The course will comprise of a series of workshops run by SDS and other professionals. A visiting motivational speaker the ‘Building Site Bard’ has been employed by SDS to start the series of workshops.
The ‘Theatre and Learning’ Drama Production Company are touring Argyll and Bute Schools in January 2011. They will visit Oban High School on Wednesday 26th January to perform an interactive drama followed by career planning and employability skills workshops led by the actors.
5. Some Notable Achievements
Last session our Young Enterprise Scotland Company won the Argyll and Bute section of this enterprise competition. They progressed to the Scottish Final where they won the ‘Best Company Report’ section.
In December 2010 two of our S4 Skills for Work students Robin McMahon-Harris and Jodie Goldie won 1st and 2nd places respectively in a Hairstyling Competition for Argyll College Students. Entries from across Argyll and Bute schools were of a high standard, and the girls were highly commended by judges.
Partnership Working between Skills Development Scotland and Oban High School
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and Oban High School recognise the need for strong partnership working not only in the delivery of high quality impartial Information, Advice and Guidance but in the development of career management skills for senior pupils through Curriculum for Excellence activities, where possible involving other partners from the wider 30
community. The intention of SDS is that all pupils wherever possible are given support in making well informed, realistic decisions about their transition from school into work, training or continued education.
This report will outline work undertaken between SDS and Oban High School both in terms of Information, Advice and Guidance and projects specific to the High School.
S6
During the Autumn term all S6 pupils were invited to attend small group interviews with the Careers Adviser and Head of S6 to look at their post school plans and where necessary to identify a further individual guidance interview. SDS also continues to support the development and implementation of the Pathways programme.
S4 and S5
Pupils identified as potential leavers at the end of S4 or S5 are offered 1:1 guidance interviews , help in applying to college and appropriate referral to external programmes such as Get Ready for Work.
Interviews are usually self referral or school referral and interview scheduling and Careers Adviser accommodation are provided by the school.
S5 Intermediate Two Modern Studies had a session from the Careers Adviser on the role of SDS locally and nationally.
Learning Support
SDS Careers Adviser and Key worker work closely with pupils in the Learning Support Unit and attend future needs assessment reviews and well as offering support to pupils and parents in the transition from school.
Shellach View
The Careers Adviser and Key worker visit pupils in Shellach View residential home to offer intensive support to pupils who are preparing for the transition from school.
Winter Leavers
Each year in December SDS runs group sessions in the Careers Office for those pupils identified by the school as potential winter leavers. These sessions were aimed at encouraging pupils to make decisions about their post school options and how to access them and included input from the Youth Community Development worker, Get Ready for Work (by Argyll Training) and the Jobcentre plus manager.
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Excite Group
The Ecxite group of pupils are identified by the school as being at risk of not accessing a positive destination (MCMC/16+ Learning Choices) when they leave school and SDS runs group sessions in the Careers Office to help these pupils identify their own personal skills, identify opportunities and discover job search and interview skills.
Skills for Work
SDS has a programme of sessions with the S5 Skills for Work pupils who this year will include seven weekly sessions on transition from school, what skills and qualities employers look for, how to identify personal skills, selection process for jobs, college and university and managing money. Input will also be from external organisations and this year the programme will be launched by Mark Thomson a motivational poet from Dundee.
The Excite group and Skills for Work programme has input and support from Career Advisers from other offices in Argyll.
Curriculum for Excellence.
Oban High School and SDS were identified as one of only four schools in Scotland asked to pilot a Curriculum for Excellence project of their own devising.
Oban High School put together a wind farm project using the geography and physics departments and piloted an interactive project with a group of twenty first year pupils with subsequent roll out to the rest of the year group. The pilot had input over the length of its six session life from SDS colleagues from Argyll who interspersed the wind farm project with sessions on the BUZZ personality quiz, the STAR quiz on realising your potential and a session on identifying the difference between a skill and a quality.
Other sessions from SDS included decision making, team working, researching and risk taking. All of these are in line with the Tartan Blueprint competences for Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.
As part of the project SDS invited guest speakers including Heather Reid (ex BBC weather presenter), MSP Jim Mather and representatives from
Ali-energy, Argyll and Bute planning department and Prince’s Youth Business Trust.
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Food Technology Department
Dinner Drink & Drama – Joint Extra Curricular Project (confident individuals, effective contributors)
As part of their Higher course work and assessment Higher Drama students are required to perform their work to a live audience. Seeing this as an opportunity to make the evening a special one for the pupils and audience the Food Technology department joined forces with drama to create an evening package. The audience was invited to come for a pre theatre dinner, prepared by Intermediate 2 Hospitality pupils and served in the dining room (created in the Drama room adjacent to Food Technology). The dinner was a great success and was attended by some 70 guests; the pupils were complimented for the professional and courteous service they provided. The diners also commented on the high quality of the food and the ambiance the pupils had managed to create with subdued lighting and displays of art work provided by pupils from the S4 standard Grade Art classes. Guests went on to the assembly hall where they were treated to an evening of inspiring drama from the Higher students. This was the first venture of this kind for the Food Technology and Drama departments and, following its success, will hopefully become an annual event. Menu
Shepherd’s Pie
Vegetable Bake
both served with
Braised Cabbage
Carrots
**********
Raspberry Cream Roulade
Raspberry Filled Meringue Baskets
both served with
Raspberry Coulis
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Pensioners Treat – (Responsible Citizens, Effective Contributors)
This was our 6th annual Christmas party for the senior citizens of Oban and Lorne. Pupils from S3,4 and 5 Hospitality classes prepared hundreds of mince pies and shortbread to serve to around 70 guests when they attended the “Pensioners’ Treat Concert”. Pupils from S3 Hospitality Intermediate 1 greeted their guests with a small glass of Mulled Wine followed by teas, coffees, shortbread and mince pies. While there the guests were entertained by the pupils of the Oban High School Music Department’s various orchestras, choirs, pipe band, instrumentalists and vocalists. The 2010 Pensioners Treat was a success to match those of the previous years. This annual event goes from strength to strength.
Rotary Young Chef Competition 2011 –
(Confident Individuals /Successful Learners)
The Rotary Club of Oban and the OHS Food Technology Department are once again sponsoring a Young Chef. This year, three young hopefuls entered the school heat in December. Maria Storr was successful in securing her place in the regional heats; to be held in Lanarkshire in January. Maria prepared a two course menu for £8.00 which she prepared under the watchful eye of Ronnie Neil (Rotary Oban) and Robert MacPherson (head chef Isle of Eriska Hotel).
Her menu, consisting of:
MENU
Chicken & White Wine Filo Parcels
served with
Seasonal Vegetables
and
Oven Roasted Potatoes
***
Individual Lemon Cheese Cake
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Maria will develop a more elaborate three course menu to cost a maximum of £12.00 which she will prepare in the Regional heat in January when she represents Oban Rotary Club and Oban High School.
Drama Summer Sensation Buffet
Successful Learners Confident Individuals
S3 drama students invited their family and friends to the end of year performance of their course pieces over two nights.
As part of the evenings entertainment pupils from S3 Hospitality Int1 and Home Economics Standard Grade provided and served a delicious summer buffet for 100 guests.
The buffet consisted of smoked salmon oatcake and mini pizza canapés, mini cream meringues, fruit tartlets and cup cakes served with sparkling fruit juices.
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Guests were able to mingle and socialise before the performances and enjoy a highly professional standard of food and service.
This type of joint venture is an opportunity for pupils to use their skills in a real context and to see the appreciation their guests have for the quality of the food and the effort made to bring off such an event.
The pupils all received a certificate of merit at their achievement assembly and congratulated on a successful fund raiser for both departments.
Intermediate 2 Practical Cookery Hospitality Exam
Successful Learners Confident Individuals
The pupils from S5 & 6 completed their Practical Cookery exam before breaking for the April holiday.
The menu this year was Chakalaka Relish
Served with Sweetcorn Pancakes/ Fish Pie/
Chocolate Pavlovas with Red Berries.
Pupils are requires to plan their menu to be completed within a 2 hour time frame and to develop the presentation of their dishes showing flair and individuality.
This years exam was an exacting one which the pupils found challenging, many pupils have not taken Hospitality before so it is a steep learning curve which develops skills of organization and confidence.
The dishes shown were prepared by the top candidate and subject prize winner –
Maria Storr.
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P7 Transition Project Bi Lingual Recipe Book
Business Studies/Gaelic/ Food Technology Departments
Primary seven pupils from Luing, Easdale and Kilninver primary schools took part in a joint venture involving Gaelic, Business Management, and Food Technology. Pupils attended the High school on two separate days to complete their project – a bilingual cookery book.
Day 1
The pupils used the computers in Business Management to take part in an awareness raising quiz followed by a chance to search the internet for recipe ideas.
Gaelic is the second language in their books and the pupils were very enthusiastic in trying it out – learning the words for the main ingredients in their recipes.
Following a chance to experience the school cashless catering and enjoy the variety of healthy lunch options pupils went to Food Technology where they watched as some traditional soup and soda scones were made – and happy to taste the finished results.
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To end their first day the pupils made their own healthy Scottish Berry Smoothies before going home on the school buses.
Day 2
On arrival pupils went straight to the Business Management department where they designed the covers for their recipe books using desk top publishing skills. A chance was given to practice their Gaelic words again, before going to Food Technology where they worked in teams to make 6 recipes. The recipes were modern takes on traditional recipes and all used traditional Scottish ingredients. Following lunch the pupils were given the chance to set up their dishes for photographing. Discussion of how to make it all look professional paid off and they were delighted with the resulting pictures which they used to illustrate their recipes.
The recipe books were finished in Business Management where the pupils keyed in the ingredients and inserted their photos. All left well fed, and happy with the results of their hard work.
This type of venture allows pupils to experience some of the skills used across a variety of subject department and gain confidence in coming to the high school. They have experienced a new learning environment and worked with new friends in new situations.
The P7 pupils have gained so much from this experience and are now eager to get started on the next phase of their education.
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Second Year Product Design and Marketing Challenge
Third annual Smokehouse Challenge Trade Fair.
Second year pupils at Oban High school took part in the annual enterprise challenge arranged in conjunction with local Inverawe Smokehouse.
This year the department of Business & Computing joined the existing subjects - Food Technology, Music, Technical and Drama – and local businesses, to continue the success of this now established project and introduce pupils to the real life demands of the food industry.
In September two hundred pupils, working in teams of four, were set the challenge of designing and manufacturing a food product suitable to be served as an accompaniment for a smoked food item, design packaging, web sites and adverts with music for their product. From each class of twenty pupils, one team of four was selected by the participating subjects to represent their class in a Trade Fair.
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Each of the ten selected teams had to produce and serve and present their products, together with a display of their work to date from the various subject areas, and promote their product through their Trade Stand to a panel of 4 judges: Peter Bain (Head Teacher OHS); Emma Harrington (Manageress Kitchen Garden) Robert Campbell- Preston (Inverawe Smokehouse); Lucy Thornhill (Inverawe Smokehouse Technical Manager).
The standard of work was considered even higher than before and pupils impressed the judges with their team work and enthusiasm. The final decision was extremely difficult but the winners representing 2.2-: Antony Capper, Allyson Boyd, Lauren Angus, Lewis MacPhee with their Cheesy Choux Buns - were a deserving team. The second and third placed teams will join the winners to experience the Trade Fair environment for real when they visit Ingleston for the Royal Highland show in June.
Visiting exchange students from Laurinburg, Scotland Street School and their Oban High student hosts spent a busy morning in the Food Technology Department.
Following a cookery demonstration the 24 students spent the morning preparing and cooking a Scottish themed lunch. They then set up the classroom area as a dining room before serving the food and sitting down to enjoy the fruits of their labours.
Cooking food always makes people more open to tasting new foods and the students were surprised to discover the delights of:
Haggis Stuffed Chicken & Whisky Cream sauce Creamed potatoes and Spring Greens Honey Cranachan
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Laurinburg pupils do not receive home Economics training as part of their curriculum so were quite daunted at the prospect of preparing a lunch of this type.
This team building activity gave students the chance to work together on a task with a very satisfying end result. When they all sat down together and enjoy the very lovely meal they had prepared together it was clear that they were all impressed by the end result and happy to be together to share the food.
The activity was greatly enjoyed by all concerned and the Laurinburg students intend to take the recipes home and once there reproduce the dishes for their parents.
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Geography
. S2 completed an interdisciplinary project on wind farms with the science department. We had outside speakers in from Ali-energy to enhance learning and teaching.
. Higher classes were spoken to by an SNH employee about the geography of Argyll and careers within SNH. . Interdisciplinary project being planned with PE/Active Sports working on map work and orienteering for S1 . Transition project being expanded to include CFE outcomes and interdisciplinary working. . A band A was achieved which is a phenomenal achievement for the pupil and department. . S3 completed a co-operative learning project, culminating in a presentation which was made to all geography staff and pupils were give formative feedback. . The department has created an achievement notice board which gives a dedicated space to celebrate individual pupil achievement within the department. . More active learning has been added into the S1 course, with pupils using compasses and clinometers in the playground to measure direction and slope gradient. . S4 were given a detailed analysis of their prelim results question by question which allowed them to set precise and appropriate targets for the final exam.
Fieldwork
. Advanced Higher Geography were taken out my Mrs Wilson and Mr Craik, to study advanced geographical gathering techniques in the local area. . Higher class taken to Glasgow on an Urban field trip, where they had a speed boat ride along the Clyde to study regeneration projects along the Clyde. . S3 taken out to complete field work with a field work expert. Pupils studied River systems, slopes 42
and land use. . S3/S4 pupils have been involved in collecting local fieldwork in and around Oban. . Travel and Tourism have been out investigating tourist attractions in local area. Have visited the distillery and there are plans to visit chocolate factory. . S4, 40 pupils and 4 teachers completed a foreign fieldtrip to the Netherlands.
. Fieldwork, increase in self esteem/confidence - gain the ability to talk to/interview/question people in relation to the field work they carry out. (Advanced Higher consult many local people). . Confident individuals - able to plan, carry out and process the information, which they have collected, and come to a reasoned conclusion. . Responsible citizens - Fieldwork requires self discipline - out on their own carrying out fieldwork . Successful Learners - Tools to allow them to become lifelong learners. Variety of teaching and revision techniques used which gives them the confidence to learn new skills throughout their lives. . Devised new achievement certificates to award at year group achievement assemblies, this replaces merit postcards.
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History/Modern Studies
23 S1 History pupils participated in a trip to Kilmartin Museum. They watched an audio visual presentation on the early settlers of Kilmartin glen and completed an activity based visit to the museum. The pupils also had the opportunity to make their own clay pottery. Finally the pupils visited some of the remarkable stone circles, standing stones and burial cists which are prevalent in this area. In class history pupils have been able to see and handle replica artefacts from the Mesolithic Stone Age provided by the museum.
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S1 History class invited staff along for refreshments in the Caveman Café. Caveman café menus were handed out and orders for tea, coffee, “Adam’s brew” (water) and cakes were taken as the class took the opportunity to present information about our Cavemen ancestors, their lifestyles and eating habits. Several artefacts were handed round and their use explained to the café’s customers. Cavemen Café badges were also distributed.
The History department’s very popular battlefields trip is underway once more. Pupils will be travelling to Belgium and France in June 2011. This is always a very worthwhile, interesting and moving study visit to the battlefields and cemeteries of the First World War.
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S5/6 Higher history pupils have been studying a new topic in the higher course this year: The Impact of the Great War on Scotland. In the course of their studies pupils have had an opportunity to research and teach a “mini lesson” on an aspect of the campaign for the vote using role play, power point presentations and quizzes. In addition Leigh Eisler and Angus Sinclair ( pictured above ) produced a power point lesson on the Battle of Arras, checking learning and understanding by producing a multiple choice test.
Last session the S grade Modern studies class visited the Scottish Parliament and met local MPs. Last May hustings for the general election were held in the school With the forthcoming election for the Scottish Parliament in 2011 the intention is to arrange another hustings with prospective candidates for the Scottish Parliament.
Students of history in S2 have been taking part in a union debate. Not the question of Scottish independence in 2011 but the issue of forming a union with England in 1707. Students prepared speeches, leaflets, letters, posters and flags appropriate to their position on the debate using contemporary sources and arguments offered at the time.
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Scottish Parliament Trip.
A trip to the Scottish Parliament is being planned for Standard grade Modern Studies Pupils in the forthcoming session. Modern Studies pupils study the working of the parliament in class and will have the opportunity to meet their newly elected MSPs to question them about local and national issues.
The H2O Youth Work Team.
Way back in June, H2O wished Denise well as she looked forward to her new role as Catholic Youth Worker for Argyll and the Isles.
We were joined by Jayne Powers in December. Jayne, former Librarian at OHS, has recently returned from her work in Malawi, and will work part-time with H2O as Intergenerational/ Youth Worker. Rachel will soon be on maternity leave, and we wish her well with the forthcoming event.
Chaplaincy Assemblies—Alongside other members of the OHS Chaplaincy team, H2O presented two assembly themes over the past season, ‘God our Guide’, based on the Gaelic wording of the OHS logo, and ‘Remember’, considering the importance of remembering others and learning from the past as we look to the future. Both themes were brought together in a Christmas message shared by James Beaton, S4 Chaplain, at the Christmas services held in Glencruitten Church in December.
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On November 11th, a time of remembrance was led by Ewen, supported by the school captains and vice captains, buglers and piper. Families of OHS former pupils lost in conflicts in the Falklands and Afghanistan also joined in this significant time of memorial.
Rock Solid, the weekly lunchtime club run by H2O has now been on the go for over six years. Between 15 and 25 young folk regularly join us for a time of games and banter, including the ever-popular bottle game, tray wars, chariot races and 101 games to play with a very large blue bouncy ball!
The ‘Faith Matters’ conferences began with S3 in November as pupils considered ‘Conflict Resolution’, through workshops and times of reflection. As previously, pupils who had taken part in the Battlefields trip were invited to host a workshop based on their experiences, which they did very successfully.
Unfortunately, December’s S6 conference at SAMS,
’Faith Perspectives’ had to be postponed due to the extreme weather and will now take place at the end of February 2011.
H2O workers spend time every week in Glencruitten Hostel, weekday home for young folk from the Islands and outlying areas. The Hostel term culminated in two very special events. A group of young folk from the hostel made their way to the sheltered housing complex for the elderly, Torosay Court, just before Christmas. The residents there were treated to Christmas carols and songs alongside musical performances from some extremely talented young folk.
That same week, pupils from the Hostel hosted a Christmas Ceilidh and Craft Fair, inviting their neighbours from Glencruitten to an evening of dancing, musical performances, games, good food, Christmas Bingo and the opportunity to support Hostel fund-raising through sales at the Craft Fair.
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Languages
SQA performance
We are very pleased to report our continued success in our SQA performance.
Of particular note are:
Standard Grade French, where there has been a consistently strong performance at Standard Grade for the past 5 years, and indeed for some years prior to this.
Standard Grade Gaelic results were very strong again for the second year in a row.
Advanced Higher French results were outstanding. 3 out of the 4 pupils gained full marks for their speaking assessments with the external examiner, which is a great achievement.
Curriculum
We have been implementing our first year of our CfE course, and have several interdisciplinary projects as part of our course. A particular highlight is pupils writing poems based on artwork by Matisse, and then illustrating their work in Art.
Gàidhlig Pupils rehearsing for filming for the Film G Competition
Our pupils and staff ready to go to France November 2010
Extra-curricular
We try to provide a variety of experiences for our pupils which take place in real life contexts and therefore enable them to see the language come to life:
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Here are some of the things we offer:
Gaelic Society of London Competition (2 awards were gained from this last summer)
Film G Gaelic Filming. Our fluent speakers worked hard to produce 2 films in Gaelic for this competition and were fully immersed in Gaelic for 3 days of preparation, filming and editing.
S1/2 Paris trip Another 40 pupils will be taking part in this ever popular visit in June this year.
Senior French Exchange with Lycée Jean-Michel, Lons-le-Saunier. This exchange is now going from strength to strength. Our pupils visited the school last November, and we have 20 French pupils in Première coming to be hosted by our families on 24th March.
S1/2 Penfriend exchange. 24 of our pupils meet regularly to write letters to penfriends.
S3/5 Drama. A group of 10 pupils are entering the competition organised by the Institut Français d’Ecosse entitled ‘Rencontres Théatrales’. This will take place on June 6th in Edinburgh and is being organised by our French Assistante, Cécile Piveteau. The drama piece is based on a work called ‘Exercices de Style’ by Raymond Queneau.
French and Scottish pupils in Lyon, November 2010
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Mathematics
1. Scottish Mathematical Challenge – The University of Strathclyde organises a National Mathematical Challenge which attracts entries from schools across Scotland. Two students were awarded prizes in the Junior Division and one student in the Middle Division. The Junior Prize winners were: Robert Strange (Bronze) and Gordon Thomson (Bronze). The middle Prize winner was Andrew Strange (Silver).
2. Helping Your Child Pass Higher Maths Evening – The Maths Department, in conjunction with the English Department, held an information evening for parents of students studying ‘Higher Maths’ this session on Tuesday 21st September in the School Assembly Hall. This was the fourth such evening to be held in the High School and provided an excellent opportunity for parents to learn more about how they can help their son/daughter progress in this subject at ‘Higher’ level. The meeting lasted for approximately 1 hour and students were encouraged to accompany their parents. Approximately 70 attended. The varied programme for the evening included presentations on the format of the Higher exam and course, National and OHS statistics and strategies for learning. It was emphasised that mathematical ability is not an essential requirement in order to assist your child – simply an interest in their progress. Three S6 students talked about strategies which helped them when they were studying Higher Maths. In addition, useful websites were demonstrated and all parents were presented with a “Parental Booklet” which summarized the key facts and methods that students need to be familiar with if they have to have a chance of passing Higher Mathematics. Ways of using this booklet were also demonstrated. Once again, the feedback from the parents who attended was very positive and encouraging.
3. Mathsfest – February sees Oban High school host its 12th annual Mathsfest, involving 48 S1 and 48 P7 pupils from its feeder primaries. Each team consists of two pupils from P7 and two from S1. The teams spend one hour on practical problems and a further hour on written problems. Once again the Assembly Hall will be a hive of activity.
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4. Mathematical Challenge: United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) – Each year Oban High School pupils are encouraged to participate in the UKMT challenges organised by the School of Mathematics at Leeds University. The results for session 2009/2010 are listed below. (a) Junior Mathematical Challenge, May 2010 (Open to S1/S2) Certificates awarded:
Gold – 3
Silver – 12
Bronze – 26
(b) Intermediate Mathematical challenge (Open to S3/S4) Certificates awarded for February 2010:
Gold – 2
Silver – 6
Bronze – 16
(c) Senior Mathematical Challenge (S6) Gold – 0
Silver – 1
Bronze – 3
Particular mention must be made of Debbie McCreath who was invited to participate in the European Kangaroo 2010.
5. Maths Study Experience: January 2011 – On Sunday 16th January, 21 pupils and 3 members of staff set off for a 4 day Maths Study Experience to Disneyland Resort Paris. The group took part in 3 Maths sessions covering such topics as Maths in Roller Coaster Design, Maths in relation to the work of the landscaping, parades and costume departments, finance, Architecture and the importance of Maths in relation to the hotel booking system, hotel occupancy rates and maintenance analysis. While visiting the theme parks, the group also completed assignments. A great time was had by all and we made a few new friends along the way.
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6. Challenge of the Month – Each month a puzzle/problem is presented to pupils and pupils in all years and of all abilities are encouraged to enter. Correct entries are placed in a bag and the winner drawn out at random.
7. Enterprising Mathematics Competition – Each year, Oban High School Mathematics Department enters a team of 2 x S3 and 2 x S4 pupils in the annual Argyll & Bute enterprising Mathematics competition. This session the event was hosted by Hermitage Academy. The school was represented by Nicole Lopez and Jenny Tamplin S3 and Harry Stage and Martin MacPherson S4. The event in September involved a day of fun but very challenging mathematical games, puzzles and activities. As a result of excellent teamwork Oban High were placed first and went on to represent Argyll and Bute in the Scottish Finals where the team were placed 19th out of 58. A fantastic result.
8. Fantasy Football – Yet again the school are taking part in the Schools Fantasy Football Tournament. This season around 40 Managers, made up of staff and pupils watch the Premier League each week with keen interest. Managers of the Month are announced each month and overall winners are presented with a Cup and Certificate at the end of the season. The winners for the 2009/2010 Season were: S1 – Finlay Sinclair (The Gunners)
S2 – Craig Livingstone (Craig’s Champions)
S4 – Angus Sinclair (Tangusdale Utd)
S6 – Jamie Lodge (The Red Fruitbats)
Teacher – Mr D Sinclair (Real Salamanca)
FA Cup:
Pupil – Douglas MacLeod (Liverpool Legends)
Teacher – Mrs R Livingstone (Nissan Breakdown)
9. Chess Club - As the knights started drawing in, moves were made last session to develop an opening for a chess club in Oban High School. Mr. Sinclair of the Maths department mentioned it en passant to Mr. Bain, who saw it as a black and white issue, and offered funding. Since that first opening move, the club captured a mixture of both experienced and rookie players. From S1 to S6, 15 players regularly retreated to Mr. Sinclair’s room for a piece of the action on Tuesdays after school. With tournaments, chess puzzles and challenges going on every week, no-one had a chance to get board. Chess Supremos Duncan Campbell and Peter Strange were on hand to give every member the chance to develop their game and learn more about tactics and strategy.
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The club was entered into the British Land Chess Challenge. Murray Peden (S3), Chantelle Lopez (S1) and Finlay Sinclair (S1) competed in the Megafinal in Glasgow. From that competition, both Murray Peden and Finlay Sinclair qualified for the Gigafinal.
Results from UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge 2011 have just been received. Robert Strange was awarded a Gold certificate and also received the certificate for ’Best in School’. Three pupils were awarded Silver certificates and they were Finlay Sinclair, Edward Childs and Cameron Bennett. Claire MacPherson, Zac Thomson, Holly Strachan, Kirsty Hetherington, Abby McTaggart, Laura Broadfoot, Anthony Yau, Douglas MacLeod, Lewis Evans, Stuart MacLeod and Kate Werran were all awarded Bronze certificates. Congratulations to all.
Plans are now underway for our third visit to France in January. This opportunity is offered to S2/S3 pupils and is a four day excursion to Disneyland Paris where pupils study mathematics in the context of a theme park. The group will also take part in 3 Maths sessions covering such topics as Maths in Roller Coaster Design, Maths in relation to the work of the landscaping, parades and costume departments, finance, Architecture and the importance of Maths in relation to the hotel booking system, hotel occupancy rates and maintenance analysis.
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Department have 3 new additions to their team. At the end of last term we said goodbye to Mr Ben Redfearn (drama teacher) and in August we welcomed Mr Sam Martin and Miss Suzanne Gilvray to the team. Mr McLeish joined us in the music department as the new woodwind tutor and in his short time in the school he has revived the Wind Band and introduced flute and clarinet choirs to Oban High School.
Oban High School Pipe Band
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Oban High School Pipe Band have had a spectacular season this year after being crowned World Champions 2010, Champion of Champions 2010 and they also received the prestigious award of Best Pipe Band at the MG Alba Traditional Music Awards. Next season the band will move up to the Juvenile Section and preparations are already underway with a second band that will compete in the Novice Juvenile Section.
Congratulations must go to their tutors Angus MacColl, Bobbie Davie and Stevie Kilbride who work so hard in ensuring the members are competition ready. A big thank you to the Oban and Lorn Youth Pipe Band Association who work tirelessly in the background to enable the children to attend competitions and events and for all the various fund raising activities that they organise. Congratulations to all and we wish the bands all the very best for the 2011 season. Listed below are the results for both the Oban High School Pipe Band and the Inverary and District Pipe Band which also has members from OHS.
Banner at the top of the town The Silverware
Victory Parade Guests at West Highland Yachting Week
A Celebration of Achievement was held by the authority in September 2010 in recognition of the bands outstanding successes. Each band member was presented with a commemorative
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plaque. The Pipe Band was also invited to perform at Skerryvore’s concert in Oban as special guests.
2010 Competing Season Results – Oban High School Pipe Band
Oban High School
Date Competition Grade Position
9 May 2010 Gourock Novice 1st
9 May 2010 Gourock Juvenile 2nd
22 May 2010 Scottish Championships Novice 2nd
5 June 2010 Shotts Novice 2nd
5 June 2010 Shotts Juvenile 3rd
26 June 2010 British Championships Novice 2nd
31 July 2010 European Championships Novice 4th
6 August 2010 Bridge of Allan Grade 4 2nd
14 August 2010 World Championships Novice 1st
28 August 2010 Cowal Championships Novice 1st
Entire Season Champion of Champions Novice 1st
8 May 2011 Gourock Novice 4th
8 May 2011 Gourock Juvenile 2nd
21 May 2011 Scottish Championships Juvenile 5th
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2010 Competing Season Results – Inverary and District Pipe Band
Inveraray & District
Date Competition Grade Position
9 May 2010 Gourock Novice 2nd
9 May 2010 Gourock Grade 1 2nd
22 May 2010 Scottish Championships Novice 3rd
22 May 2010 Scottish Championships Grade 1 8th
29 May 2010 Bathgate Grade 1 2nd
29 May 2010 Bathgate Grade 1 2nd
5 June 2010 Shotts Novice 4th
5 June 2010 Shotts Juvenile 4th
5 June 2010 Shotts Grade 1 1st
12 June 2010 Bearsden Novice 1st
12 June 2010 Bearsden Juvenile 3rd
19 June 2010 Ayr Grade 1 3rd
20 June 2010 Helensburgh Novice 2nd
20 June 2010 Helensburgh Juvenile 1st
26 June 2010 British Championships Novice 3rd
26 June 2010 British Championships Grade 1 7th
31 July 2010 European Championships Novice 2nd
31 July 2010 European Championships Grade 1 8th
6 August 2010 Bridge of Allan Grade 4 1st
6 August 2010 Bridge of Allan Grade 1 3rd
14 August 2010 World Championships Novice 2nd
14 August 2010 World Championships Grade 1 9th
28 August 2010 Cowal Championships Novice 5th
28 August 2010 Cowal Championships Grade 1 5th
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Entire Season Champion of Champions Novice 4th
Entire Season Champion of Champions Grade 1 8th
8 May 2011 Gourock Juvenile 6th
21 May 2011 Scottish Championships Juvenile 7th
21 May 2011 Scottish Championships Grade 1 5th
Other Piping News
In addition to our pipe band we have a number of pupils who compete in solo piping and drumming competitions. Seen below is Angus MacColl Jnr who has had a particularly successful season. The photo shows him at the Kintyre Piping Competition with an abundance of his trophies.
Photograph courtesy of Oban TImes
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Argyll Ceilidh Trail
The summer of 2010 saw the first ever Argyll Ceilidh Trail where a group of youngsters were hand picked to be part of this exciting experience. Oban High School’s talented youngsters formed the majority of the group and they played at locations throughout Argyll for a number of weeks during the summer holidays. The youngsters chosen from Oban High School were Ewan MacDonald, Kim MacDonald, Murray Willis, Scott Sinclair and Malcolm Clark. As part of their experience they attended a week of intensive tuition at Plockton’s Traditional Music School of Excellence. This certainly prepared them as they embarked on their tour of Argyll. The group still play together and we look forward to seeing and hearing more of these extremely talented musicians in the future.
Associated Board Music Exams
Congratulations to the many pupils who sat their Associated Board Music Exams during the first term. In addition to playing their pieces the pupils also have to complete various other tests as part of the exam. Well done and thank you to their tutors who work very hard with the pupils throughout the year.
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Christmas Events
Christmas Cracker Concert
Oban High School held its annual Christmas Cracker Concert on Monday 13th December 2010 to a packed games hall. The evening was a fabulous mix of different styles and groups of musicians and even saw a performance from the staff choir! It was very encouraging to see the wind band reformed under the leadership of Mr. Derek McLeish, our new woodwind tutor. We hope to continue with the wind band in the New Year and look forward to hearing their music.
7th Annual Pensioners Treat
On Tuesday 14th December we held our annual Pensioners Treat in the Assembly Hall where we invite local pensioners into the school for a morning of music and festive treats. This year’s event was superb and we are grateful to Jenny Livingstone and Gayle Munro of S6 who organised this year’s treat. A huge thank you must also go to MacQueen Bros Removals and Storage who sponsored the whole event. Many other local business provided raffle prizes and donations. Well done and thank you to the Food Technology Department and their pupils who provided a wonderful spread of homemade mince pies, shortbread and teas and coffees. They also decorate the tables beautifully which adds to the party atmosphere for our local pensioners.
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Please see below a lovely letter of appreciation from one of our local pensioners who wrote to the Oban Times Letters Page:
Thank you Oban High School
I am sure I speak for everyone present on December 14th at the pensioners’ treat put on, at no charge to guests by students and staff of Oban High School. We were pleasantly seated in school hall at attractive tables and treated to seasonal hospitality by the home economics department.
The concert opened with a selection by Oban High School Pipe Band which has so distinguished itself during this past year. Later on, its very competent reserve band also played for us which bodes well for the future of piping in this area. There was also a large strings band, as well as a wind band, a large choir and various small groups of instrumentalists. Not only was the music enjoyable, but the atmosphere, helped by the very professional compere - also a member of staff, I understand - matched the quality of the performance.
When one appreciates that most of these young artistes maybe 150 in total, were present in the hall throughout, the disciplined quiet was more than impressive. The work that the music department as well as the students put in to provide this quality of entertainment is surely far beyond their professional remit.
One can only say thank you and trust that this level of education can continue to be provided in our state schools. Thank you everyone.
Annie Graham, Oban
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Oban High School Gaelic Choir – Royal National Mod – October 2010
Oban High School Gaelic Choir competed for the 2nd time at the Royal National Mod in Thurso. The choir were successful and gained a 1st and 2nd place in their two competitions. There were also soloists, conversationalists, poets and instrumentalists who competed representing their school well.
Photograph courtesy of Oban Times
Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival
Photograph courtesy of Oban TImes 62
A large number of pupils from Oban High School competed in this year’s Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival. Groups from Oban High School included Oban High School Choir, Oban High School Flute Choir and Oban High School Clarinet Choir. Mr McLeish has revived ensemble playing in his short time at Oban High School and he was highly commended for this. The choir gained 3rd place and both the flute and clarinet choirs gained 1st and 2nd place. Pupils competed in chanter, piping, pipe band drumming, clarsach, accordion, voice, folk group, choral, woodwind, brass, piano and fiddle competitions and it was very encouraging to see so many competitors from the school. Results for Oban High School pupils are shown below.
Junior Solo Piping and Chanter
Piobaireachd - Under 15
2nd James MacPherson
4th Cameron Scott
Lodge Earraghaidheal 1822 Trophy awarded to Argyll resident player with best aggregate points in classes 24 and 24A: Aaron Hossain
Piobaireachd – 15 and Under 18 Years
2nd Angus MacColl
3rd Kyle Orr
March – 15 and Under 18 Years
1st Angus MacColl
Strathspey & Reel – 15 and Under 18 Years
2nd Angus MacColl
The Shaw Family trophy awarded to the Argyll resident player with most aggregate points in Classes 26 and 26A: Angus MacColl
Hornpipe and Jig – 15 and Under 18 Years
1st Angus MacColl
The Allan Macinnes Memorial Trophy awarded to the player with the most aggregate points in Classes 25, 26, 26A and 26B: Angus MacColl
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SINGING
Choirs Open (Accompanied)
3. Oban High School Choir
Scots Song - S3+
1st Malcolm Clark
2nd Aimie MacDonald
3rd Amy Hoey
Classical Song S1 and S2
3rd Lora MacLeod
Classical Song - S3+
1st Rebecca Hill
2nd Malcolm Clark
Songs from the Shows - Secondary 1 and 2
2nd Equal James Kane & Caitlin Taylor
Songs from the Shows - S3+
1st Malcolm Clark
Vocal Duets - Secondary
1. James Kane & Caitlin Taylor
2. Jonathan Sayer & Amy Hoey
JUNIOR ACCORDION
March Strathspey and Reel Traditional Scottish - 12 and under 16 years
3rd Ruaridh Morrison
Gaelic Waltzes Traditional Scottish - 12 and under 16 years
3rd Ruaridh Morrison, Kilmore
Most Promising Shield in March, Strathspey and Reel:
Cameron Bennett
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PIANO
Grade 2
1st Lynne MacLean
Grade 4
2nd Amy Boyce
Romantic Period
2nd Finlay Sinclair
WOODWIND AND BRASS
Junior Woodwind Secondary Year 1
2nd Ruairidh Litster-Campbell
3rd Chelsea McNab
Woodwind – Intermediate Secondary years 2 & 3
1st Emily Scott
2nd Caitlin Taylor
3rd Kirsty Campbell
Woodwind Senior Secondary years 4, 5 & 6
2nd Kirsty Thompson
Secondary Woodwind Duet
1st Chelsea McNab & Caitlin Taylor
2nd Emily Scott & Kirsty Campbell
Junior Brass – Secondary 1
1st Alasdair Murphy
Brass – Intermediate Secondary years 2 & 3
2nd Laura Erin Broadfoot
Secondary Woodwind Ensemble
1st Oban High School Flute Choir
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2nd Oban High School Clarinet Choir
DRUMMING
Hornpipe & Jig (15 and under 18 years)
1st Amy Underwood
March, Strathspey & Reel (15 & under 18 years)
3rd Amy Underwood
Tenor – March, Strathspey & Reel (15 & under 18 years)
3rd Catherine MacFarlane
Tenor – March
2nd Helen Stage
Pupils who also competed:
Alasdair MacLean, Lewis Thomas, Alastair Cameron, Andrew Scott, Cameron Bennett, Rachel Campbell, Kimberley Campbell, Jade Brown, Lisa Marie Parkinson, Rebekah MacPherson, Fergus McGowan, Jamie MacGregor, Jamie Killorn, Sandy Keys, Merle Harbron, Anna Garvin, Charlotte Collins, Sarah-Jane Ferguson, Lynne MacLean, Millie Beushchier, Elizabeth Watson, Maeve Hannigan
Music in the Community
The department have played at various events in the school calendar and also for community events. These have included the Parent Forum AGM, An Comunn Gaidhleach Ceilidh, The Rotary Carol Concert and H2O (Hope to Oban). We are extremely lucky to have such a variety of talented musicians who represent the school very well within the local community. Below are photos from our most recent performance at Club H2O in May 2011.
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Drama News
This is the first year that the Higher Drama course has been offered at Oban High School. We have 20 pupils in the class, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to lead the way with the new course. In October last year, they performed their first showcase to the public in the Assembly Hall. The pupils performed original pieces of theatre, which they devised themselves. The performances were very well received and the pupils announced the Higher course’s arrival in style. Their higher acting exam in May went very well and we eagerly await our first set of results in August.
Congratulations go to Jessica Bichard in 6th year, who has gained an unconditional offer to study Acting & Performance at Dundee College next year. This is one of the most prestigious training colleges in Scotland, and she has done very well to gain a place so young.
The Standard Grade pupils have also been working extremely hard this year. We currently have two 3rd year classes and one 4th year class. Miss. Gilvray’s 4th year classes have been performing their stimulus response dramas to the public throughout the year, entertaining their audiences thoroughly. Special credit also goes to Kyle McKechnie and Kyle Ormiston in 3rd year who performed a 9 minute long devised mime in front of their whole year group at an assembly!
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The department have organised and attended various theatre trips throughout the year, seeing a wide range of shows with pupils including: Black Watch, Gagarin Way, Beauty & The Beast and Evita.
Preparation is also well under way for this year’s school musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.” The pupils involved have been fantastic, and are looking forward to rocking Oban with their outstanding performances. This is a show not to be missed. It takes place in September 2011 in the Assembly Hall.
We are delighted that the department has had so many successes this year, and are very excited to be moving into our brand new purpose-built studio soon.
Physical Education
S1/ S2 Core Programme
Class Numbers: We have endeavoured to keep class sizes at a practical size and continue to offer separate boys and girls sections in S1 and S2.
Block lengths These are 4 weeks in length which permits a full range of activities to be introduced to students ensuring a breadth in their curriculum.
Assessment: Standard Assessment Sheets have been devised. Every pupil’s grade for each activity now get logged on an easy to read Log Sheet. This has made monitoring of pupil progress and progression from S1 into S2 simpler.
Curriculum for Excellence: We are making good progress with the development of ACE courses. We have moved from discrete activities to more generic categories of activities such as outdoor games, racquet sports, etc. In line with whole school developments, we are ensuring that teaching approaches are more varied and involve students much more in their own learning through Assessment for learning techniques. Courses have been aligned with Experiences and Outcomes and inserts have been made to ensure literacy, numeracy and Health and Well being elements are covered. Each unit now has a theme Challenge which ensures that all students are stretched with allowances for individual abilities.
Health and Well-Being: We have introduced unit themes which will develop aspects of Health and Well-Being. These are introduced in class as part of our practical delivery and then developed through homework booklets and tasks.
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Major Sporting Events Themes: We are preparing unit themes aligned with the values of the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. Each Unit will address one of the values, e.g. Respect. Ideas will be developed in the unit and then extension work through homework booklets.
Target Setting: Each term, students are asked to choose a target from 2 areas – Health and Well Being and Behaviour. They are asked to discuss this with their parents and return their targets to class. The class teacher will then choose a 3rd target related to Curriculum for Excellence elements for each student. Students progress towards targets is then monitored.
Year Group Webpages: Each year group now has its own web page on the internet. This contains details of lessons, homework, handouts, course information etc. Students also are encouraged to send homework by email.
Dance: This year we have introduced a Dance unit which is undertaken by both boys and girls. This has been a successful initiative and has addressed issues of creativity in which our department was previously lacking.
S3/ S4 Core Programme
We are in the process of re-organising the structure of our S3/4 core programmes to take account of developments with Curriculum for Excellence. We have piloted three courses in particular which give greater responsibility to our students for their own learning; o Sport Education. We are piloting programmes in sport education in basketball, netball, football and rugby. We have organized sections in a variety of ways to look at the ffect of this course in a number of different structures. o Personal Exercise Plans – Students will learn about how to devise their own exercise plans based on their own needs. Principles of training will be covered and students then will have the opportunity to carry out their exercise plan in a 6 week unit. o Young Leaders Award – Students will undertake this award over a 6 week period learning the basic of leadership. They will then apply their skills by working with a primary class for a 6 week period.
S5/ S6 Core Programme
This is now part of the school rotation involving PSD, RE and Home Economics. Because of the limited time an increased choice has been provided using PSD tutors to supervise areas of recreational activity.
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Intermediate 2
This course has replaced the Standard Grade Course. It was our feeling that the Intermediate course offered a better preparation for those students moving on to Higher. We also feel that the new National Qualifications are more likely to be based on Intermediate than Standard Grade. We have increased the numbers taking the elective course to our highest point in 5 years. We have moved from 16 students to a high this year of 96 Courses are being revised and new materials introduced. The sharing of materials across the department increases. All lesson plans, homework, handouts etc. are being uploaded to the internet and students encouraged to use this as a learning resource. The choice for students in Practical Activities has been increased by more effective timetabling of staff. This represents a considerable advantage particularly to girls. A new profiling process is being introduced which will provide more information for parents and more effective retrieval of student information. There is also an opportunity for students and parents to comment on progress.
Higher
We are continuing to develop our course for Higher and are endeavouring to have the whole course online so that students can access materials easier.
The introduction of a fourth area of study (Performance Appreciation) has increased choice for students in both practical and theory. Again this has been of particular advantage to girls.
Sports Coaching:
o This course remains very popular and provides excellent leadership opportunities for our young people. The course has been revised this session to permit more practical experience for our students. They have been allocated first and second year classes where they work with our PE staff in a mentoring role. o We continue to provide opportunities to work with primary classes and sports groups within the school. o We have continued to liaise with sports development officers and active school coordinators to provide coaching courses so that our young people can gain further qualifications.
Leadership Academy
We have introduced the concept of a leadership academy which extends leadership opportunities throughout all year groups in the school in an age appropriate way.
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A structure has been put into place which illustrates specific duties for specific roles, e.g. sports leader, clan captain, etc. Recognition has been provided for our young leaders through badges and t-shirts to identify them. We have introduced a monthly sports assembly at which key information and themes will be developed and our young leaders will have the opportunity to present at this. We have introduced log books for our after school sports leaders and prepared guidance notes for them which offer more support for their progress. Each sports leader is being allocated a staff mentor who will check on their progress and observe their delivery.
Religious & Moral Education
Citizenship & PSE
SHARE (Sexual Health and Relationships Education)
On 18, 24 & 25 May 2010, 8 teachers from Oban High took part in SHARE training to allow them to deliver sexual health and relationship lessons. The training was delivered by Laura Stephenson, Senior Health Promotion Specialist (Sexual Health), NHS Highland and Katrina Mitchell, Health Promotion: Argyll and Bute, Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland.
All pupils from S2 to S4 receive lessons on sexual health and relationships delivered by volunteer tutors from across the school and part of the PSEd programme.
A RIGHT Blether
On 3 November 2010, representatives of Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People (SCCYP) visited the school. They delivered workshops for S1-S4 and enabled them to take part in ‘a RIGHT blether’ http://www.sccyp.org.uk.
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SCIAF
Tutor groups across the school showed their generosity just before Christmas 2010 by raising over £300 towards SCIAF’s Real Gifts campaign www.sciaf.org.uk. Here is a list of the items that were bought: A goat by Mr Heaney’s and Mrs Bryden’s group; Beekeeping, chickens and a school starter pack by Miss Brady’s group; A goat from Mr Hamilton’s and Mr Hale’s group. Mrs Wilson’s group and Mrs MacFarlane’s group bought a Fish Farm; Miss Rae’s group bought safe water for five families. Mrs Stewart’s group bought a sheep and Miss McGuire’s group bought pigs and shelter for a family.
Three Higher Philosophy classes and two S4 RMPS classes means that Mr Cassie, Miss Brady and Mr Fyfe are being kept very busy. Higher Philosophy pupils will not sit their prelim until 17 March, but will complete their Epistemology NAB by the end of January. S4 Philosophy & Belief pupils are in the final stages of their course, ready to begin their revision and practising exam technique.
All the resources being used in class for certificated courses have been uploaded to https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ab/RME and are now readily available online.
Rachael Smith from H2O visited S3 pupils to discuss Religious Authority, one of the ethical theories in Core RME.
The department has successfully made contact with two schools in India, Apeejay School and Maharaja Aggarsain Public School. Many of our courses involve the study of Hinduism and it is hoped that our students will make direct contact with those in India and begin to learn much more about Hinduism and life in India. Our progress in the development of these links can be followed at https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ab/India
Pupils from Maharaja Aggarsain sent some beautiful Christmas gifts as seen below;
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Science
Last year pupils studying Physics and Technological Studies took part in a competition to design and build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Although the team were unsuccessful the experiences gained by participating have allowed a new and improved ROV to be built for the competition next year. In the hope of encouraging more of our students to consider a future in engineering the Physics department is once again working with the Design and Technology department to develop our entry in the International MATE ROV competition.
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Costa Rica Expedition
This year five of our pupils in S5 will be travelling to some of the most remote regions of Costa Rica as part of a month long expedition to take part in a number of projects. One area in which the group will work in is the conservation of endangered species of turtles; this will take place on both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines of the country where the pupils will assist in the day to day conservation work but also build a number of cabins close to the beach. These cabins will be used to house tourists which will in turn pay to ensure the continued conservation and protection of turtles in these areas.
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Following this, pupils will trek through primary rainforest where they will enter the tribal lands of the Bri-Bri Indians. This is a special honour as most people are not granted access into this area by the tribal elders, however as our pupils will be travelling with pupils from Dunoon Grammar School who have built up links with this tribe over many years they will be privileged enough to witness areas of the country usually reserved for local people. As such we hope that our pupils will experience a truly unique trip which no travel agency could ever provide. Whilst in this area the group will continue work started in previous years which has provided running water and sanitation to the tribal community and also built a school.
This is the first year in which pupils from Oban High School have travelled into this area but will become a regular feature in the School calendar over the coming years.
Heriott Watt University’s “Sci-Fun Roadshow” visited the school at the start of the academic year to deliver a wide range of hands on activities and science experiments to the new S1 pupils.
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Over two days pupils were able to take part in a number of activities followed by a talk on how our senses work and finishing up with a look at the future of energy production with a working model of a carbon capture power station. This is the fourth successive year of the roadshow visiting the school and once again proved to be a truly inspirational experience.
Girls in Physics
The uptake of Physics by girls across the country is substantially lower than the uptake by boys. To counter this, the Institute of Physics held a number of workshops and seminars and George Watson’s College in Edinburgh in October. Girls studying Intermediate One and Standard Grade Physics attended the event and learned about the wide variety of college, university and career opportunities for women in Physics and Engineering.
This year we have been working closely with the Scottish Association for Marine Sciences based at Dunstaffnage on a number of projects. One of these was a conservation project where pupils worked in groups to discuss and debate a number of Environmental Biology issues. This session was delivered in conjunction with degree students from SAMS as part of their Science communication course. The session was based around a fictional tropical island and pupils had to listen to the views of fishermen, conservation groups and hotels before making a decision on the location of a nature reserve.
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SAMS have also been able to provide us with touch tanks and live organisms to assist in the delivery of Biology courses in the department. The facilities at SAMS have also been made available to our Advanced Higher pupils to carry out their investigations and over the next year we will be building further links to allow pupils to see Science out with School and understand the importance and relevance of it in our everyday lives.
This year we have been working with our partner Primary Schools to deliver two different transition projects. One of the projects was carried out with Ardchattan and Barcaldine Primary Schools in conjunction with the Design and Technology Deaprtment. In this project pupils learned about buoyancy and worked to design their own floating structures and then actually build and test them.
The second project took place with Rockfield and St Columba’s Primary Schools in conjunction with the Physical Education Department. This project looked at fitness and culminated in a dissection of a heart and lungs which all of the pupils from the Primary Schools thoroughly enjoyed! 77
Both of these projects will continue over the next year and will be delivered to more of our partner Primary Schools.
This year a number of staff within the Science Faculty have been trained as Heartstart instructors. We now have eighteen mannequins in the school which will be used to teach senior pupils and staff basic life support techniques. It is our aim to ensure that every pupil who leaves Oban High School will do so trained in Heartstart techniques.
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Support Department
XL – Working closely with the Prince’s Trust we now have 4 XL Clubs running in Oban High School. Over the last year our pupils have achieved a great many things including our first ever Gold ASDAN Awards. The overall attainment reads as 3 gold, 6 silver, 29 bronze as well as 4 x 100 hour and 5 x 200 hour Millennium Volunteer Awards.
One S4 group also designed and painted a themed mural of cartoon figures for Little Learners nursery in Dunbeg. This group also organised a camping expedition to Coll and both groups are currently enjoying their Enterprise projects. One involves the design and marketing of an Oban High School calendar and the other has been running a refreshments bar at events like the junior school dance.
The two S3 groups have been getting to know more about our community and themselves. This has involved visits to lots of local agencies to gather information about services and guided tours of the Police and Fire Stations. Team building events which are an important part of the course have included a sponsored walk and a great barbeque.
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Youth Achievement Awards
Some of our S4 pupils are participating in a multi agency programme aimed at increasing their chances of continuing in Education or finding Employment post school. As well as Youth Work input from the High School our partners in this project include The Youth Café, H2O, Community Learning and Development, Skills and Development Scotland, the Volunteer Centre, Atlantis Leisure and Strathclyde Police.
The course is based on the young people choosing 4 challenges with a minimum of 15 hours per challenge. They are involved in the planning as well as the taking part in each activity. There is plenty of opportunity for progression with this course as pupils can participate at different levels from basic participation and planning to taking charge of a peer led project (equivalent to a Standard Grade and up to Advanced Higher on the Scottish qualifications framework). This helps them to obtain ownership of the award and builds up the essential skills in confidence and self esteem for when they leave school. This year, one of the activities has been a team building weekend to Edinburgh which the young people planned and booked by themselves. On the weekend they took part in paintballing and climbing as well as a number of initiative exercises. They have decided that the second challenge will be fundraising so are planning an expedition on bikes. This will require a lot of planning as well as several weeks of training.
Learning in the Outdoors
Pupils in the support department have been using the outdoor learning environment this session in line with the 4 areas of the Curriculum for Excellence. This has been led by support department staff who hold a range of coaching awards in outdoor activities. The activities help pupils to develop their self confidence, self esteem and working with others as well as leading to the Youth Achievement Award. The first challenge was sea kayaking and all pupils were successful in achieving their British Canoe Union Paddle Power level 1 award. We hope to do more kayaking in the summer and further develop the pupils’ kayaking skills.
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From October the pupils joined by the ASD unit began a project to develop a Forest School in an area of woodland in Glencruitten Forest, with the kind permission of the landowner. They enjoyed making shelters, seating areas, problem solving activities and mapwork. A big part of learning in the outdoors is helping the pupils to organise and look after themselves by bringing the necessary equipment and wearing the right protective clothing. The Health and Well Being of the pupils is also a priority and they are encouraged to develop their health and fitness through taking part.
Supported by the RDA many of our pupils have continued to benefit from horse riding lessons.
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Swimming for our pupils has also continued this year with all those participating gaining their level 4 award.
We are also delighted to be launching a new opportunity for our pupils this term. Oban High School has now obtained five new bicycles to add to the learning in the outdoors experience our pupils receive as part of a Curriculum for Excellence.
In addition to this, staff received bicycle maintenance training towards the end of last term from Ken Lacey one of the Council’s technical advisors. Supported by ‘Bikefix’, the objective is to allow some pupils in Intensive Support to learn how to maintain and repair bicycles while they experience the challenges of running a small enterprise. This additional opportunity will also allow pupils to gain credits towards SQA qualifications.
Literacy Focus
We have re-arranged the way in which we provide ‘Toe by Toe’ in order to optimise attendance and the benefits of the programme. We are now having more pupils than ever completing the course. Pupils achieving this now go on to be supported by paired reading sessions.
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Further Course Developments:
Scots Culture:
As part of learning about our society and culture and as part of a Curriculum for Excellence pupils will also improve their Health and Wellbeing alongside their literacy and numeracy skills. This will include the opportunity to:
1. Achieve a basic understanding of Scots/Gaelic languages. 2. Organise and plan an event. This will include pupils undergoing a coaching programme in Shinty in order to prepare for participation in the 2011 Camanachd Association Shinty festival in Aviemore. 3. Explore various aspects of Scots Culture. The key literacy skills of understanding, analysis and evaluation will be enhanced through participation while pupils will also learn to improve their fitness and skills through reflection on their own and other’s performance.
European Culture:
As part of learning about Scotland’s place in Europe and the life and culture of different European countries and as part of a Curriculum for Excellence pupils will also improve their Health and Wellbeing alongside their literacy and numeracy skills. This will include the opportunity to:
1. Recognise and name the different counties of Europe. 2. Gain understanding of the European Union and how it affects everyday life in Scotland. 3. Explore various aspects of the language, culture and lifestyle of different European countries. The key literacy skills of understanding, analysis and evaluation will be enhanced through participation while pupils will also learn to work with and appreciate the contribution of others.
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We at Oban High School believe that the school has a responsibility to ensure that all our youngsters achieve the best possible qualifications.
We also believe that we need to nurture and develop their social, emotional and vocational knowledge and skills to enable them to achieve their full potential throughout their lives.
Attainment & Achievements 2009 - 2010
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SQA Results 2010
Initial Analysis based on Fyfe Data (August Reports)
The following comments relate only to the raw data provided by Alastair Fyfe for Argyll and Bute. These are only my initial thoughts. A more detailed report will follow when the full Fyfe Analysis is published. There are no comments relating to NCDs, Relative or Progressive Values, or comparator schools etc. at this time. Although the Fyfe data has information going back more than the usual 5 years my comments generally look at a five year trend. The subject list may also look out of order as it does not follow an alphabetical or NQ hierarchical pattern. However, the order in these notes follows the order of the Fyfe data to make referencing the original figures easier.
Green text shows data that is to be commended (within that level); red text shows results and trends that need investigation.
School Roll
The school roll rose to 1147, this is the highest figure over the 5 year trend.
The number of boys staying on into S5 (77) is slightly lower than last year but consistent across the trend.
The number of girls staying on into S5 (100) is at its highest point over the trend.
The number of boys staying into S6 (63) is at its highest point over the trend.
The number of girls staying on into S6 dropped to 59 which is below average over the trend.
Cumulative Whole School Attainment
By the end of S4
The percentage of pupils attaining combined English and Maths at Level 3 or above has remained average at 96%.
The percentage of pupils attaining 5 or more Level 3s, 4s and 5s by the end of S4 have all remained average (91% - level 3; 80% - level 4 and 36% level 5).
The girls again out-performed the boys at all levels. Significantly at level 4 and 5.
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By the end of S5
The number of pupils attaining at 5+ at levels 3 to 6 all rose from last year.
The rises at all these levels remain average across the 5 year trend with the exception of attainment at 1+ level 6 which reached a high of 46% over the trend.
By end of S6
The percentage of pupils attaining 5+ at levels 3 to 6 fell this year. This is due to the ‘carry
forward’ from last year’s S4 cohorts, who were the poorest attaining cohort since 1999.
It should be noted that many pupils have opted to sit a 2 year Higher or Int 2 this year, which obviously affects percentages reporting in S5.
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Hostel
S4 – 17 pupils LEVEL HOSTEL % WHOLE SCHOOL%
5+ LEVEL 3 88% 91%
5+ LEVEL 4 82% 80%
5+ LEVEL 5 29% 36%
S5 – 15 pupils LEVEL
1+ LEVEL 6 66% 46%
3+ LEVEL 6 20% 24%
5+ LEVEL 6 0% 8%
S5/6 – 5 pupils LEVEL
1+ LEVEL 6 20% 45%
3+ LEVEL 6 20% 26%
5+ LEVEL 6 0% 15%
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In January 2010 Oban High School attained the Silver Award for Investors In People
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S1 Achievers
Attendance & Timekeeping
Stewart Mobey Carla Maciver Laura MacCallum
Lauren Lawson Zoe King Stuart Jordan
Mia Colquhoun Charlotte Collins Kirsty Bryce
Ciaran Black Finlay Sinclair Chloe Macleod
Ellie MacNiven Edward Childs Chris Burton
Lewis MacFarlane Robert Colthart Lewis MacPhee
Lauren Cameron
Effort in 14+ Subjects
David Lamont Taylor MacInnes
Homework in 11+ Subjects
Linda Blair Rowan Cameron Edward Childs
Cameron Galbraith Danielle Jeffery David Lamont
Rachel MacKenzie Rhona McGlone Kirsty Rutherford
Daisy Williams
Behaviour in 14+ Subjects
Lauren Cameron Hazel Cruickshanks Naomi Fox
David Lamont Tyrone MacDougall
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Progress in 11+ Subjects
Roanna Cameron Rowan Cameron Chloe Currie
Scott MacRae
Achievement in all four categories in 9+ Subjects
Rowan Cameron Anthony Capper Chloe Currie
Zoe King Eilidh MacLean
Confident Individuals
Cameron Bennett Finlay Sinclair Taylor MacInnes
Niamh Steel Isla Duncan Chelsea Higgins
Helen Stage Laura Grout Rhoanna Black
Charlotte Boyd Murren Smith Alison Ferguson
Caitlin Taylor Isla Donald Matthew Hall
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S2 Achievers
100% Attendance
Lyndsay Weetman Ben Watkins Gordon Thmson
Jenny Tamplin Matthew Strachan Philippa Robson
Megan McGuigan Kyle McKechnie Morgan MacLennan
Craig Livingstone Luke Gordon Heather Ferguson
Alex Campbell Murn Cameron Ruaridh Cain
Gregor Brydon Stuart Alexander Lorna Thompson
Suzie Smith Mallory Robertson Ewan McGlynn
Shaun Maciver Ruby MacFadyen-Donald Rachel MacDougall
Thomas Cummins Anna McDonald
Effective Contributors
William Brett David beaton Stuart Alexander
Alister McKerracher Cameron Underwood Emma MacLachlan
Ruaridh Cain
Successful Learners
Davie Campbell Kirsty Sinclair Emily Black
Rachel MacDougall Tierney Carter Stephen Skinn
Emily Scott Hayley Scott Clare Davies
Andrew MacDonald
Confident Individuals
Lauren McCulloch Shannon Addison Matthew Anderson
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Jenny Tamplin Matthew Strachan Beth MacLellan
Liam MacEachan Kyle MacKechnie
Responsible Citizens
Abigail Evans Briony Kincaid Calum McBurnie
Gordon Thompson Murn Cameron Gregor Brydon
Jenna MacInnes Alex Galbraith
Excellent Progress
Cameron Allward William Brett Heather Campbell
Kirsty Campbell Hazel Dunn Abigail Evans
Malte Glud Hayley Higgins Sarah Hill
Anna McKinnon-Garvin Ruby MacFadyen-Donald Corey MacDonald
Emma MacLachlan Alison MacVicar Cara Mackinnon
Connie McCreath Erin MacIntyre Philippa Robson
Rebekah Stephenson Emma Storr Ciara Watling
Lorna Young
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S3 Achievers
100% Attendance & Perfect Timekeeping
Ian Abdelli-Deshayes Lucy MacNiven Craig Donald
100% Attendance
Niall Williams Owen Thomas Lauren tennant
Harry Stage Daniel Smith Stacey MacLeod
Ryan MacInnes Catriona MacInnnes Stephen McCracken
Jamie MacRae Fiona MacPherson Kirsten MacMillan
Amanda MacLean Patrick MacKinnon Melaine MacKenzie
Michael MacIsaac Kieran MacInnes Niall MacFarlane
John Kennedy Aaron Johnson Eilidh Hunter
Sarah Jane Ferguson Shona Elliott Colin Davren
Megan Cruickshanks Dylan Cooke Ryan Cook
Jodie Campbell Fiona Cameron David Cameron
Anmol Arshad Murray Peden
Best Effort, Best Progress, Best Homework & Best Behaviour in all subjects all Subjects
Mairi Beaton Murray Peden
History Achievements – Excellent Classwork & Homework
Erin Kelly Josh Tinline-Bartholomew
S4 Achievers
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Successful Learners - XL Bronze Awards
Sam Birkett Daniel Hall Craig Handley
Louise Kynoch Daniel Lamont Eleanor Lopez
Calum MacGillivray Matthew MacLean Kieran Martin
Hannah Rokitta Jordan Strang Stephanie Waiton
Confident Individuals
Amy King Angus Sinclair Kirsty Thompson
Elizabeth Campbell Malcolm Clark Kenna Barrow
Angus John MacColl Alannah Higgins Amanda MacNeill
Thomas Dalgaty Calum MacGillivray
Geography Certificates
Ewan MacGregor Scott MacAllister Daniel Hall
Leanne Barnes Jamie Chapman Katherine Sutherland
Blair Menzies Ashley Lind Fraser McGlone
Chelsea MacDonald Claire MacCuish Laird Kennedy
History Certificates
Angus Sinclair Richard Thomson Leigh MacKenzie
Elizabeth Campbell Gerry Kilmurray Mairi Cameron
Effective Contributors
Laura Meek Samantha MacIver Caroline Smith 94
Linzi MacVicar Malcolm Clark Alex Dunnings
Ashley Lind Amy Hoey Diarmid MacKinnon
Amy Underwood Fraser McGlone
Responsible Citizens
Leigh Eisler Euan Livingstone Debbie McCreath
Daniel Parrot Robin Scott Angus Sinclair
Reannon Sinclair Kirsty Thompson Maggie Yau
Ewan MacGregor
Jonathan Gilchrist David O’Neil
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S5 Achievers
Consistent Academic Effort
Rona Anderson Anna Campbell DJ MacDougall
Andrew MacFarlane Sarah McInnes Kirsty Pallas
Anna Smith Louisa Stage Helen Tinney
Jakki Watt
Highest Total Merits Representing the School
Iain Livingstone Fergus Matheson
Anna Smith National Scottish Rugby
Rotary Chef Award Julie Campbell
Stef Anderson
Services to School Community
100% Attendance/No Lates James Bastow
Calum Galbraith Guy Forteith
James McCullock
X Factor Award Hannah Poulton
Murray Willis Sarah McInnes
Katherine MacCuish
Raising Money for JIM
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Radio Play Authors Michael MacMillan
Jonathan Gilchrist Fergus Matheson
David O’Neil Sean Cook
Ryan Jackson
Bells Lawrie Scottish Schools Rugby Cup Jonathan Sayer
Clan Shinty
David Hill Leaders/Judges at Gymnastics Competition
Craig Wright Katie Sims
Raising Money for Africa Class 5.2 Rachel Broadfoot
Completed Swimming Teachers’ Course
Louisa Stage Rona Anderson Cara Thompson
Calum MacFarlane Jonathan Sayer Eilidh Muir
S6 Achievers
Successful Learners Niall Redshaw Sinclair
Allan Laycock Allan Laycock
Jennifer McLuckie Sally Anne Bramley
Ewan MacDonald
Effective Contributors Jennifer McLuckie
Charlie Harris Lora MacLean
Responsible Citizens
Caitlin Smith
Robert MacKinnon
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The following achievements have been nominated by our departments. These achievements have taken place since May, when I last presented on this subject to the Area Committee. A full list of all Achievements is available on request or can be found on the school website.
ART & DESIGN
The Art & Design department is currently a bit like a swan….being a very visual department, things can look very accomplished and graceful on the surface, as our current displays of photography, fashion and folios demonstrates. Below the surface, however, there is a lot of hard work going on both in the art room and elsewhere.
We have also seen a number of staffing changes which brings diversity and new ideas to our department. We welcome Miss Chiappa, a Fine Art Photography graduate, to our teaching team. She has already established a weekly Art Club which explores techniques in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Mrs Taylor was last in our department a few years ago on placement and we welcome her return which was brought about by Mrs Pupillo’s recent promotion to Depute Head Teacher status.
Perhaps our most evident success was our participation in the Argyll Rhapsody Homecoming Show.
The Fashion Show element of this Argyll project formed the basis of our new S3‘s introductory Design folio. A very challenging design brief had been set and our new specialists grew in confidence and ability as they discussed, developed and presented their ideas. We were also pleased to welcome back former pupil, Joan Beaton, recent costume design graduate, who was an inspiration to our designers.
Photographers had also been selected from our current 4th year students and their exceptional images formed a fitting backdrop to the whole show. Much of the photography had been done independently by these students and they should be complimented on their creativity and commitment.
Our Advanced Higher (A Team) were on hand to act as mentors, models and general assistants and the whole project culminated in the marvellous performance before appreciative audiences in Oban and Helensburgh. If you missed this event, you can enjoy it on the website www.rhapsody09.com
The A Team is proving to be a very committed bunch of individuals. Some are supplementing their class work as they prepare folios for art school applications. All are willing participants in a flood of opportunities which come our way. One student aims to develop a career in marketing and events management and has therefore been a key player in requests for artworks for such diverse places as Glencruitten Hostel, Oban Youth Hostel and Trinity Hair Salon!
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Oban High artworks are also enjoyed by recipients of our VIP gifts which take the form of a framed selection of work by former pupils who have gone on to develop their creativity at various art establishments.
The achievements of pupils past & present can be enjoyed in our new range of Cards for all Occasions which are currently for sale in school.
Under the auspices of the Curriculum for Excellence initiative, we have joined ranks with the English department. S1 and S2 pupils are involved in using their English texts as a source of inspiration for a piece of expressive art. This will culminate in a refreshed display of framed artworks in the English corridor. It has certainly given us all a fresh perspective on what it means to be ‘creative’ and recognises achievements in many facets of creativity.
Recently we were pleased to add a selection of Homecoming artworks to the St Andrew’s Day Celebration. Currently we are preparing a virtual display of S1 visual diaries and S3 fashions for the OHS website. We value such opportunities to recognize the broad spectrum of achievement whether it is creating a skilful piece of design or just reliably handing in sketchbook homework on time! This is now recognized at Achievement Assemblies in the presentation of customized Art Department bookmarks.
BUSINESS STUDIES
PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE 99
Third year Business Management had the opportunity to put theory into practice by running their own Christmas business activity.
The pupils were divided into groups and formed their own businesses deciding on their name, the Christmas novelty products they would make and sell, how they would promote them, where they would get their capital from and who would take responsibility for the various activities. These activities culminated in the Christmas Bonanza they ran during the last week of the term.
The businesses were delighted that overall they made a profit and were able to repay their loans in full.
They all agreed it had been great fun and that they would be able to draw on their experiences throughout the Business Management course.
MAKE YOUR MARK
Four members of the S3 Business Management class took part in the Make Your Mark Business Enterprise competition which launched on 16 November as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week.
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Their remit was to come up with a new and innovative business idea that took its inspiration from something local. The aim was to invent a cool business which minimised the impact on their environment, had a low carbon footprint and would make a profit.
The Group of Erin Kelly, Lauren Buchanan, James MacLeod and Lewis Payne came up with the idea of a producing an audio tour of Oban which could be downloaded onto MP3 players. Customers could either hire an MP3 player or use their own. The tours would be sold through the Tourist Information Centre, Hotels and other commercial premises. Links with bus tour operators was also considered.
The group thoroughly enjoyed the experience and though they did not manage to reach the final round all agreed it had been good fun and a worthwhile experience.
S3 Administration
Christmas Jingles Poster Design Competition
The S3 Administration classes were challenged to design a poster to advertise the Junior Jingles to be held on 17 December. Pupils used all their word processing and display skills to produce a wide variety of posters advertising the event. Mrs Binnie had a very difficult task selecting the winner - Kirsten MacMillan 3G1. She liked the clarity and simplicity of the design. There was a notable mention for Michael McIssac.
The winner received a certificate and a free Jingles ticket.
Higher Administration
TEAMBUILDING EXERCISE
High fashion came to the Business Education Department in the form of a teambuilding challenge for the Higher Administration Classes.
Each group had to design, make and model an outfit made from newspaper.
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The groups thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and learned how much could be achieved in a short time by co-operating with others.
LINKS WITH INDUSTRY
VISIT TO CLUNIE GROUP LTD
The Higher Administration class enjoyed their visit to Clunie Group Ltd. They were divided into small groups and were taken to visit the Design Studio, Production and Printing and the Finance Departments.
The visit provided the students with an opportunity to see what it is like to work in a high-tech environment.
Through the visit they realised how important it was to meet deadlines, work as a team and to provide first class customer service.
COMPUTING STUDIES
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This session has seen big changes for the computing studies Department. With the arrival of a new teacher, and much closer co-operation with the Business Studies department we envisaged that in future we will be engaged in much more work which is more of a whole school nature and not strictly subject-based.
For example, we have started a computing club to expand the general interest of all things computing for the school population. When pupils attend this club they are encouraged to pursue any direction that they feel they are interested in, and are given help and advice by staff. Work undertaken is often of that nature which will be directly relevant to a curriculum for excellence. In fact, in general, in non-timetable hours (for example lunchtime and at 4 PM) all pupils are encouraged to attend the computing suites, and staff will be on hand to help.
Also, a project is underway in the local area about multi cultural aspects in Oban and the surrounding district, stemming from the relatively recent flow of people from other parts of the EU and the rest of the world. The end result will be a web site created by pupils of several local primary schools with the co-operation of the Computing department and Modern Languages departments of Oban High.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
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Smokehouse challenge (all S2 classes)
The department designed and manufactured packaging for this inter disciplinary task to hold the product that the pupils made in food technology. They had to learn about orthographic drawing, surface developments, dimensions, geometric shapes, using instruments, line types.
F24 challenge (mainly S3 boys, Mrs. Durkin)
An extra-curricular club. The group has to design and build an electric car which they are to race in the regional finals in June in Alford.
Primary Liaison project (P7 Mrs. Durkin)
Recycling project with P7 pupils from Dalmally, Kilchrenan & Taynuilt. Pupils learned about the 3 R's. They learned about the design process, and then manufactured a clock from recycled material
Product Design Industrial Visit (S5/6, Mrs Durkin, Mr McKenna)
Int 2 and Higher Product Design students went to the Product Design Faculty at Strathclyde University where they learned about various aspects of rapid prototyping, 3D animation, 3D printing, 3D scanning, laser cutting and CNC routing and milling in a real life context. The pupils (and staff) enjoyed the experience and some students have now been inspired to study design at university.
S3 Enterprise through Craft
The students have been manufacturing garden benches. They have sold quite a number now and there are many satisfied customers.
DRAMA
‘Blackout’ – Standard Grade Performance Evening
On 10th December 2009 pupils from our S4 Standard Grade class worked incredibly hard to put on a highly successful evening of performance for their first public audience. The evening consisted of four short plays that were created entirely by the pupils themselves and played to an audience containing friends and family. What was particularly impressive was the level of support they
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showed one another, helping reset the stage during scene changes and providing technical help for each other’s work. A big well done to all involved!
Pensioner’s Treat – December 2009
The drama department were invited by the music department to provide a short theatrical interlude at their Pensioner’s Treat. Two S3 pupils did very well to overcome their nerves and perform their short comedy extract as part of the day’s entertainment.
‘Blood Brothers’ by Willy Russell – A Trip to the Theatre
Pupils in the S3 Standard Grade Drama class will be visiting the King’s Theatre, Glasgow to see Willy Russell’s musical ‘Blood Brothers’ at the start of February. The trip is vital as it provides an opportunity to evaluate a professional performance but it also promises to be a really fun and enjoyable day out.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
H20 Solo Talks Visit
On Thursday the 3rd of December 2X6 visited H20’s base in Lochavullin in order to perform solo talks before an audience of Oban’s senior citizens. The boys’ talks were based on a selection of their heroes chosen from the worlds of cinema, music, literature and sport.
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Despite having spent almost a week preparing during class time, with the help of Mrs Cameron, Denise Clancy and senior student Vicky Cunliffe, the lads were somewhat nervous once the big day arrived. A few bars on the harmonica from Donnie, however, and a quick dose of hot chocolate and the boys were raring to go. For many of the boys this was their first time speaking in public and they performed admirably, entertaining their audience with interesting facts about personalities and characters as diverse as Muhammad Ali and Yoda from Star Wars. 2x6 were delighted with such an appreciative audience and were excited at the success of their visit. Our sincere thanks to Denise, Vicky, Mrs Cameron, the S5 Pathways crew
and the ladies and gentlemen at the centre for such a great experience.
Reading Certificates
Pupils in S1 and S2 have been busy working towards completing their Bronze, Silver and Gold Reading Certificates. The purpose of the system is to provide a structure to each child’s reading habits and to encourage our younger pupils to read a variety of quality fiction and non-fiction texts.
Each certificate involves reading a specific number of books, drawn from different genres of writing, and completing a Reading Record of tasks based on various aspects of these texts. The Gold Record is particularly testing, requiring pupils to read and analyse ten novels drawn from a list that includes many classics of English literature.
Although everyone begins this process in S1, relatively few go on to complete the Gold Certificate by the end of S2, making it a very significant landmark in a pupil’s study of English.
The Department is delighted to award Gold Certificates to Tierney Carter, Torquil Fergusson, Gordon Thomson and Gene Palmer. Congratulations and very well done to you all.
Well done also to Rachel McDougall, Lauren McCulloch, Leanne McMaster, Emily Scott and Jenny Tamplin who have all been awarded Silver Certificates. The Department wishes you all the very best in your pursuit of Gold over the comings months.
Finally, congratulations to the many pupils who have achieved Bronze Certificates this session- don’t rest on your laurels! Keep up the good reading habits and gold and silver are around the corner.
ENTERPRISE
Make your Mark
Two groups of pupils entered the Make your Mark Challenge as part of Enterprise Month in November. The competition is the largest one day event in Britain for secondary aged pupils. The
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senior group of Ryan Jackson, Rachel MacMillan, Hannah Mather and Fergus Matheson won through to the National Finals in Glasgow. Unfortunately the group did not make it through to the Grand Final in London, but the judges were so impressed with the responses to the questions that they gave them an award for 'Thinking on your feet'.
S3 Skills4Work
As part of their coursework the class have to set up and run an enterprise activity. One class decided to take advantage of the Christmas Market and sell personalised Santa Hats. The group sourced materials, advertised the product, collected and delivered orders and were very successful. They have decided to donate £50 from their profits to Yorkhill Hospital.
GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
. S2 completed an interdisciplinary project on wind farms with the science department. This project is now being expanded into a project with SDS (Careers Scotland). . Higher classes were spoken to by an SNH employee about the geography of Argyll and careers within SNH. . Interdisciplinary project being planned with PE/Active Sports working on map work and orienteering. . Transition project being expanded to include CFE outcomes and interdisciplinary working. . After school study has been running for higher all year. . Many stunning AH results this year. A top band A was achieved which is a phenomenal achievement for the pupil and department.
Fieldwork
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. Advanced Higher Geography met with a field work consultant and carried out three days of fieldwork in Glen Strae near Dalmally. The local land owner asked them to investigate the best location to plant a new forest; the results were fed back to the owner directly by the pupils.
. Higher class taken to Glasgow on an Urban field trip, where they had a speed boat ride along the Clyde to study regeneration projects along the Clyde. . Plans to take S3 out to complete fieldwork in Glen Strae this Spring . S3/S4 pupils have been involved in collecting local fieldwork in and around Oban. . Travel and Tourism have been out investigating tourist attractions in local area.
. S4, 70 pupils and 5 teachers and 3 assistants completed a foreign fieldtrip to the Netherlands. . Fieldwork, increase in self esteem/confidence - gain the ability to talk to/interview/question people in relation to the field work they carry out. (Advanced Higher consult many local people). . Confident individuals - able to plan, carry out and process the information, which they have collected, and come to a reasoned conclusion. . Responsible citizens - Fieldwork requires self discipline - out on their own carrying out fieldwork. . Successful Learners - Tools to allow them to become lifelong learners. Variety of teaching and revision techniques used which gives them the confidence to learn new skills throughout their lives.
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. Devised new achievement certificates to award at year group achievement assemblies, this replaces merit postcards.
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HISTORY / MODERN STUDIES
Battlefields 2009
In June 2009, 40 History students took part in our seventh Battlefields experience. The pupils visit the battlefields, graveyards and memorials of the First World War. This year was especially memorable because, for the first time, we were able to visit the memorial to our local regiment, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, on the Somme. It was very emotional to see the battle cry “Cruachan” carved on the monument.
Another highlight of the trip is always our own memorial service to the fallen which we hold at the Menin Gate on our last evening. Our pupils choose their own heartfelt inscription for their wreath, the eulogy is read and a lament, “the Flowers of the Forest” is played in remembrance. This service of our own has a huge and long lasting emotional impact on our pupils.
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As a result of their visit, two of our History students, Amanda Noddings and Katherine Jackson, participated in the senior RO conference on conflict and resolution. They gave a presentation based on their experiences during the Battlefield visit the previous summer. Their presentation linked past conflicts to conflicts in the present day with a particular focus on remembrance. The pupils wanted to make a special mention of former OHS pupil Robert Mclaren, a soldier in the Black Watch, who was killed in Afghanistan recently.
Recruiting is currently underway for the eighth Battlefields Visit in June 2010. The value of this experience for pupils cannot be underestimated. It brings what they’ve learned into the classroom to life in a way no method of teaching can. Many of the pupils say it is an unforgettable experience which changes the way they think.
Visit to Auschwitz Extermination camp
September 2009
In September Asif Arshad and Craig Stoddart, two S6 students, accompanied by Ms Rae, visited Auschwitz in Poland. Both students have an undertaking to pass on the lessons they learned to others.
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Craig delivered an impressive presentation to an S2 class on the visit and the lessons to be learned from it.
Asif is scheduled to make a presentation to senior pupils on Holocaust Memorial Day.
In November Ms Karly Kehoe, a lecturer from the University of the Highlands and Islands, and a colleague, visited the department to discuss her current research project with pupils.
Senior History pupils participated in a workshop which raised awareness of the courses offered by UHI. The students were given opportunities to: identify individual preferred learning styles, to evaluate primary sources and to analyse essay questions into component parts of subject area and focus.
As part of their S1 course all modern studies pupils will have the opportunity to take part in a mock election. Pupils may choose a current political party or found an original party of their own. A suitable candidate for the party is chosen. In groups the pupils organise their own election campaign; designing election posters, creating party leaflets explaining the party manifesto which has to be agreed by the party.
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Candidates then have to make an election speech and the class then votes. Pupils make ballot papers and ballot box; returning officers count the votes and announce the winner.
Andrew MacCallum 1.3 was the winning candidate in his class’s election.
HOME ECONOMICS
Oban High School Meets ----
Confident Learners/Responsible Citizens
When two members of staff from Butterworth High School in South Africa came on an exchange visit to Oban High School the pupils of the Food Technology Department hosted a dinner in their honour.
Members of the local community and the staff from the High School, came together to enjoy an evening of good food and fellowship.
A traditional Scottish menu was prepared and served by S5 & 6 pupils, all of whom have studied Home Economics or Hospitality for 4- 5 years.
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Haggis Neeps and Tatties in Whisky Sauce
Cock-a-leekie Soup
Steak Pie
Oban Seafood Pie
Trifle
Crannachan
Coffee and Tablet
Pupils joined their guests for coffee and tablet providing a chance to discuss school life in their respective countries and food and entertainment traditions. The standard of hospitality was praised highly by all those present and pupils commended on the quality of the food.
This was a wonderful chance for pupils to meet people from such a different cultural background, while using skills developed in the Food Technology Department in a meaningful and realistic situation.
Master Classes – (successful learners/confident individuals)
For almost 10 years the Food Technology Department has enjoyed the support and help of Robert MacPherson Head Chef at Isle of Eriska Hotel.
Robert has been willing to come into school to work with pupils of many ages and to help develop a high standard of practical skill in our Hospitality courses.
As part of this support he comes into school twice a year to hold master classes for Intermediate 2 pupils preparing for their prelims and final exams.
The exams which are wholly practical require a very high level of skill and style of presentation.
The master classes focus on the dish requiring the highest level of presentation – usually a starter or dessert which must be served in four identical portions. Pupils are expected to develop their own style for presentation. By working for 2 hours with Chef the pupils see a skilled professional at work. What seems to them a basic recipe can be transformed by garnish, decoration and design. Robert demonstrates various ways he would consider appropriate for the dish to be presented and then works with pupils to develop their own ideas.
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Pupils gain knowledge and confidence through this activity and can achieve higher grades as a result. The pride and sense of achievement is clear and commented on by many of the pupils who participate in the classes.
Pupil’s Final Exam Dishes May 2008
Rotary Young Chef Competition 2010
In May of 2009 The Rotary Club of Oban invited the Food Technology Department to enter pupils in their annual competition. Interested pupils were invited to attend an introduction and demonstration by Chef Robert MacPherson of ‘The Isle of Eriska Hotel’. Of the twelve who attended the demonstration in June Five six pupils decided to compete in the school heat to be held in September.
Competitors ranged in age from 13 – 16 years and had to devise their own menu of two courses at a cost of no more than £8. Pupils developed their ideas independently over the school holidays and prepared costings for their dishes in readiness for the competition held in the Food Technology Department on
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30th September 2009. All ingredient costs were covered on the day by Rotary Oban.
The Judges - Head Teacher, Peter Bain; Rotary Member, Ronnie Neil; and Chef Robert MacPherson – considered the level of skill shown by the pupils and the calibre of the final dishes to be very high.
The worthy winner on the day was Stef Anderson with her stunning menu of:
Medley of Sea Food in Saffron Sauce
in a puff pastry shell.
Strawberries in Vanilla Sauce in Tuille Baskets
Stef won her own set of personalised Chef’s Whites provided by Rotary Oban. Her high standards and obvious skill combined with delicious dishes impressed all judges.
Stef went on to represent the Oban Rotary Club and OHS in the Area heat in December held in East Kilbride. Stef who works in the Willowburn Hotel in Easdale developed her menu with the support of owner and Chef Chris Wolfe. Her new three course menu to cost no more than £12 consisted of:
Clear Tomato Soup
Fillet of Beef with Goats Cheese & Creamed Potatoes & Honey Glazed Swede and Carrot.
Strawberries in Vanilla Sauce in Tuille Baskets.
Stef had practice sessions with Chef Robert MacPherson to develop and fine tune her new menu.
Stef did well on the day against 12 competitors from all over Scotland. Her experience was a positive one and she was an excellent representative for Oban. The winner of the competition will go to London for the final to be held in Jamie Oliver’s “Fifteen” restaurant.
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Autumn/ Winter 2009
It was another busy term for H2O in the High School. In November we welcomed a team from Scripture Union called Check-It-Out. They were a band and a drama group and stayed in the school for a week leading assemblies and various different classes including RME and Music. It was great having them around and they finished the week off with a concert that was really well attended.
The Check-It-Out team were also around for the S3 Faith Matters conference on ‘Conflict Resolution’. Additionally we had speakers from Woman’s Aid, the Red Cross, Social Work as well as several teachers from the High School. This year we also had a couple of 5th years, Amanda Noddings and Katherine Jackson running a workshop based on their reflections of their trip to the Battlefields 2009 and they did a fantastic job.
The S6 Faith Matters conference happened in December at SAMS. The theme of this conference was ‘Faith Perspectives’, and we had 7 different speakers from various faiths including Judaism, Bahaism and Christianity. Pupils attended all 7 workshops and the feedback for this conference was positive. Both the S3 and S6 conference were organised and coordinated by H2O and the RMPE department.
Club H2O, our inter-generational initiative, has been very much part of the Pathways programme this past term, with a ’Speaking and Listening’ project involving S6 and S2 pupils, and the end-of-term providing opportunities for Christmas celebrations, with preparations and party coordination by an active group of S5 pupils.
The JiM (Jayne in Malawi) group, set up to support the work in Malawi of former Oban High School librarian Jayne Powers did some fantastic work last term. They organised a cake bake and guess the birthday of the teddy, and along with the retiring offering from the Christmas services, have so far raised £286 for the school project in Dzure, Malawi. The group also had a visit from Fletcher Matandike from Malawi. Fletcher was able to carry some of the toys and pencils that 118 had been gathered for Jane to give to children so they reached her before Christmas. The rest will wait and will go in with another shipment of equipment being sent out later in the year.
LANGUAGES
French
5 pupils have taken part in the first Exchange with a French lycée in Lons-le-Saunier, near to Lyon in France. We look forward to receiving 20 French pupils and their teachers for the return visit when we will be showing them our school and area.
The S1/2 trip to Paris is now a firm fixture and was extended to include a visit to Bruges. It continues to be a very successful and popular trip.
The standard of work of one of our Advanced Higher pupils, Mark Welsh, deserves particular mention, as he is reaching outstanding levels in the language.
Gaelic
Our S2 Gaelic fluent speakers are now linking with Wallace High School in Stirling to exchange information about themselves in Gaelic.
Our S3 learners wrote and produced a play on the topic of music to perform to our Gaelic fluent speakers.
Every year - trips to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for senior pupils to learn about Gaelic learning opportunities at the college.
LEARNING SUPPORT 119
A very busy Autumn term has ensured that our pupils’ social, emotional and vocational needs are being nurtured.
The SD3 Autism specific class, have been going swimming twice a week. They have all made excellent progress.
Jack can swim full length of the pool using front crawl.
Geoffrey is learning to swim a width of the pool using front crawl.
Niall is learning to swim a width of the pool using front crawl.
And Jordan is learning to swim across the pool with support.
The class went horse riding last term.
As part of our sea project we visited the
Sealife Centre in December.
In the lower school Stuart can now swim by himself!
Ryan is a strong swimmer. He has been coaching Laura in the swimming pool. He is interested in becoming a junior helper at Otters after school next term.
Shonnie completed the whole fun run in September.
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Ryan now rides a bigger horse and is growing in confidence all the time.
Laura has also gained more confidence in the kitchen!
The senior class deserved and received high praise for their radio broadcast which involved the pupils creating the script and recording their performance.
Report on Radio Play scripted and performed by Senior students in the Support Dept.
During the Summer term of last year, three students in the Support Dept, Gian Bove, Johnathen Gilchrist and David O’Neill, put their creative powers to full use and produced a script to be used as the basis of a radio play. As the work progressed to completion, one of the students, David O’Neill, had a work experience placement at James Gray’s Musicworks recording studio. On hearing about the radio play, now entitled ‘You’re a Dead Man’, James immediately offered to record the work to a professional standard, adding necessary sound effects to bring the piece to life.
With a change of, and increase in, class personnel in August, the group steadily worked towards bringing the play up to a standard whereby it could be recorded. As well as three scriptwriters, the characters were brought to life by Yasmin Murray, Lorraine Smith, Grant Laird and Nick MacLean.
Finally, in early November, the recording took place – in fact the last to be done within the Musicworks studio before it closed. James then spent far more time than we could have hoped for adding sound effects and producing the final copy.
Everyone who heard the play was so impressed that it was suggested that it should be submitted to Oban FM – which was duly done.
Stricken by the writing bug, the scriptwriters are currently working on a serialisation of their own soap opera – look out for Episode 1 coming soon.
Many thanks go to James Gray for all his interest and efforts
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Our Youth Workers have also helped pupils to improve their motivation and performance
By completing challenges like climbing Ben Lora (in high winds!).
MATHEMATICS
1. Advanced Higher Mathematics Weekend – Nine students studying Advanced Higher Maths last session took part in the Annual Residential Weekend at Ardentinny Outdoor Centre, 24th – 26th April, 2009. Oban High School students were joined by students from all over Argyll & Bute and took part in workshops to extend and enhance their mathematical skills. Outdoor experiences, e.g. gorge walking, canoeing and a night-hike were included in the weekend. programme. The weekend was an invaluable revision experience and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. It is hoped to repeat this experience in April 2010 for present s t u d e n t s
s t udying AH Maths.
2. Scottish Mathematical Challenge – The University of Strathclyde organises a National Mathematical Challenge which attracts entries from schools across Scotland. Last session two students were awarded prizes in the Junior Division and one student in the Middle Division. The Junior Prize Winners were: Andrew Strange (Gold) and Gordon Thomson (Silver). The Middle Prize Winner was Richard Thomson (Bronze).
3. Helping Your Child Pass Higher Maths Evenings – The Maths Department held an information evening for parents of students studying ‘Higher Maths’ this session on Tuesday 29th September at 7pm in the School Assembly Hall. This was the third such evening to be held in the High School and provided an excellent opportunity for parents to learn more about how they can help their son/daughter progress in this subject at ‘Higher’ level.
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The meeting lasted for approximately 1 hour and students were encouraged to accompany their parents. Approximately 70 attended. The varied programme for the evening included presentations on the format of the Higher Exam and Course, National and OHS statistics and strategies for learning. It was emphasised that mathematical ability is not an essential requirement in order to assist your child – simply an interest in their progress.
Three S6 students talked about strategies which helped them when they were studying Higher Maths. In addition, useful websites were demonstrated and all parents were presented with a “Parental Booklet” which summarized the key facts and methods that students need to be familiar with if they have to have a chance of passing Higher Mathematics. Ways of using this booklet were also demonstrated.
Once again, the feedback from the parents who attended was very positive and encouraging.
4. Mathsfest – February 2010 will see Oban High School host its 11th Annual Mathsfest, involving 48 S1 pupils and 48 P7 pupils from its feeder primaries. Each team will consist of two pupils from P7 and two from S1. The teams will spend one hour on practical problems and a further hour on written problems. Once again the Assembly Hall will be a hive of activity and the event will hopefully be thoroughly enjoyed by both pupils and staff.
5. Mathematical Challenge: United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) – Each year Oban High School pupils are encouraged to participate in the UKMT Challenges, organised by 123
the School of Mathematics at Leeds University. The results for 2008/2009 are listed below.
(a) Junior Mathematical Challenge, May 2009 (Open to S1/S2). Certificates awarded:
Gold 5
Silver 15
Bronze 34
S1/S2 pupils will have the opportunity to participate in the Junior Mathematical Challenge, May 2010.
(b) Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (Open to S3/S4) Certificates awarded for February 2009:
Gold 2
Silver 6
Bronze 16
Present S3/S4 will be entered for this competition in February 2010.
(c) Senior Mathematical Challenge (S6) Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 3
Certificates awarded for November 2009:
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 1
Particular mention must be made of Andrew Strange who was invited to participate in the European Kangaroo 2009 and who gained a certificate of merit in this competition.
6. Maths Study Experience – January 2010 – Ten S1 - S3 pupils accompanied by two members of the Maths Department will visit Disneyland Resort, Paris to discover how Mathematics is put into practice at the Resort. During three Study Experience education sessions the Maths Curriculum will be brought to life and students will be encouraged to view their visit to the resort as a total learning opportunity.
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7. N.S.P.C.C. Number Day, 4 December 2009 – The Mathematics Department celebrated ‘Number Day’ by holding a ‘number’ competition open to all pupils. The event raised approximately £84.22 which was donated to N.S.P.C.C.
8. Challenge of the Month – Each month a puzzle/problem is presented to pupils, and pupils in all years and of all abilities are encouraged to enter. Correct entries are placed in a bag and the winner drawn out at random. All correct entries receive a merit point and the winner a prize.
9. Enterprising Mathematics Competition – Each year, Oban High School Mathematics Department enters a team of 2 x S3 and 2 x S4 pupils in the Annual Argyll & Bute Enterprising Mathematics Competition held at Lochgilphead High School. This year the school was represented by Andreas Day & Ryan Cook S3 and Angus Sinclair & Jack Jamieson S4. The event in September involved a day of fun but very challenging mathematical games, puzzles and activities. Although the team did not win they are to be commended for their enthusiasm and sporting attitude.
10. Fantasy Football – Yet again the school is taking part in the Schools Fantasy Football Tournament. This session around 40 Managers, made up of staff and pupils are watching the Premier League each week with keen interest. Managers of the Month are announced each month and overall winners are presented with a Cup and Certificate at the end of the season.
11. Check out the new Chess Club - As the knights started drawing in, moves were made in September to develop an opening for a chess club in the Oban High School’s Maths department. Mr. Sinclair mentioned it en passant to Mr. Bain, who saw it as a black and white issue, and offered funding. Since that first opening move, the club has captured a mixture of both experienced and rookie players. From S1 to S6 fifteen players have been regularly retreating to Mr. Sinclair’s Maths room for a piece of the action on Tuesdays between 3.40 and 4.40pm. With tournaments, chess puzzles and challenges going on every week, no-one has a chance to get board. Chess Supremos Duncan Campbell and Peter Strange are on hand to give every member the chance to develop their game and learn more about tactics and strategy. The club has been entered into the British Land Chess Challenge, with successful players playing out their endgames in Manchester next summer. So why not come along and check us out? At only 50p per session, you won’t be pawning your watch to pay for it! Complete beginners very welcome, tutorials on offer.
MUSIC
Oban High School Pipe - Band Ben Lora Challenge – June 2009
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On Sunday 7th June 2009 OHS Pipe Band held a sponsored event playing both pipes and drums continuously from the car park at the foot of Ben Lora up to the Eagles Eyrie viewpoint. They managed to raise the magnificent sum of over £5000 which has allowed the pipe band to kit out a further 10 youngsters with full uniform.
Oban High School Pipe Band - Competing Season 2009
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The pipe band has had a very busy and successful competing season which started in April 2009. Our drummers took part in the Inveraray Drumming Competition and the Kintyre Solo Drumming Competition and the results were excellent. In May 2009 a number of our chanter players and pipers were successful in the Argyll & Islands Music Festival.
The pipe band competed at a number of competitions over the summer months including the Scottish Championships, Bearsden Games, Balloch Games, the European Championships, Bridge of Allan Games, the World Pipe Band championships and ending their season with the Cowal Games. They had some excellent results which can all be found on the pipe band’s dedicated website www.ohspipeband.org.uk
This Is Your Life – September 2009
The Music Department organised a surprise “This is Your Life Dave Mason” for our brass and woodwind instructor of 35 years, Mr Dave Mason. Dave has worked in the same 6 primary schools and Oban High School and has been such an inspirational figure in so many children’s lives. Dave was a very gifted teacher that children will always remember way beyond their school years. He nurtured, inspired, guided, encouraged and most importantly enjoyed teaching children. The event was held in the Argyllshire Gathering Halls and was attended by quite a number of his former pupils and colleagues, pupils coming from as far afield as London. The musical evening consisted of performances from the school choirs, pipe band, his associated primaries and the wind band which included Dave’s current and former pupils. A great night was had by all and the mood and atmosphere very much reflected Dave’s contribution to the authority.
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Rehearsals Primary Pupils
Dave Mason – Instrumental Instructor 1974-2009
Oban High School Gaelic Choir – Royal National Mod – October 2009
The newly formed Oban High School Gaelic Choir gained a 1st and 2nd place at this year’s Royal National Mod in Oban. They won two trophies, one being for the highest overall marks in the choir competitions. The choir gained 1st place in the puirt-a-beul competition and 2nd in the unison competition. There were also various soloists, instrumentalists, poets and conversationalists who represented Oban High School very well.
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Pensioner’s Treat – December 2009
The music department held their 6th annual Pensioner’s Treat on the 14th December with the Home Economics department. Our local senior citizens are invited into the school for a morning of carols, dancing, musical entertainment and lovely treats from the home economics department.
Music in the Community
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The department have played at various events in the school calendar and also for community events. These have included the Parent Forum AGM, An Comunn Gaidhleach Post Mod Ceilidh, Jim Mather MSP visit, the annual Pipe Band Ceilidh and the Northern Lighthouse Board Christmas Event. We are extremely lucky to have such a variety of talented musicians who represent the school very well within the local community.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
ATHLETICS
At the Oban sports hall athletics heat, some of our pupils put on a good show and won their age group. In the Under 13 boys Finlay Sinclair was the champion and Kelly Lamont was the girls’ winner in the same age group.
It was good to see Kirsty Gillies and Kayleigh Tennant competing in the under 15s and under 17s respectively and winning all of their events. It will be Kayleigh’s last year in Sports hall and she has been a great competitor and an excellent role model for our younger girls.
Under 13 Boys Finlay Sinclair Under 13 Girls Kelly Lamont
Under 15 Girls Kirsty Gillies Under 17 Girls Kayleigh Tennant
BADMINTON
Senior Badminton is on every Wednesday after school with a regular number of participants. The main competition season for Badminton is January – March and we are hoping to enter a number of regional competitions this year.
The Badminton club has been going well with a good attendance at the extracurricular clubs. Some of the talented players competed at the Scottish schools competitions and enjoyed playing different pupils from other schools. Gregor Brydon and Jamie Livingstone competed in the age group level doubles and fared well against strong 130
opposition.
In the under 13s Stuart Mobey competed in the boys’ singles in Wishaw. The competitors were placed in pools and played a round robin tournament. Stuart played well and came second in his pool, beating a boy who is highly ranked in Scotland on the way.
Gregor, Jamie and Stuart are improving well and show great aptitude as well as attitude for the sport.
BASKETBALL
Basketball in OHS is led by some of our senior students who have done an excellent job of keeping a very enthusiastic group of students involved. This year the regular practices on a Tuesday and Thursday have now been supplemented by more regular competition.
Teams have been entered into the Scottish Cup and the Highland League and this has resulted in an increase in the number of games being played with some encouraging results.
Senior Boys 43-44 Dunoon
Senior Boys 28-78 Mearns Castle
Senior Boys 32 – 76 Lochaber
Senior Boys 36 – 35 Glasgow Academy
U 15 Boys 28 - 42 Bearsden Academy
U 14 Boys 33 – 34 St Andrew’s Secondary
Senior Girls 36 – 37 Hermitage Academy
DANCE
Many of our pupils are working very hard in preparation for our annual Dance Show, this year to held over two nights, on Wednesday 13th Jan and Thursday 14th Jan 2010 in the Corran Halls. Over 150 pupils will be taking part in the event which this year has a story based around it entitled ‘Dance, Despair and All that Jazz’.
A fantastic array of talent will be on display with a wide range of dance styles and Gymnastics to capture the audiences’ imagination. Modern dance, Gymnastics to music, Cheerleading Squads, traditional Highland dancing and highland dancing to modern music, jazz, ballet and a piece from our group of 6th year Sports Leaders boys and
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girls will all feature with standards even higher than seen in previous years.
Tickets last year were sold out on the afternoon of the performance – so buy your ticket early. Tickets will be available from the PE department and the school office from January 7th 2010.
FOOTBALL
One of the very positive successes of our programme this year is the growth in activity amongst our seniors. Mr McCue has put together a really enthusiastic group of boys who performed very well in this year’s Scottish Cup.
This season the senior boys’ football squad (U18) had a very successful start to their Scottish Shield campaign, winning 8-2 at home against St. Andrews.
The team produced a terrific performance, with Marc Beaton stealing the show by scoring 5 goals.
Aiden Harris, Sean Cooke and Craig McDougall also got their names on the score sheet.
Unfortunately, the cup run ended in the next game, with the boys narrowly losing out to John Paul’s Academy 2-1. The boys put on another great display, with Craig McDougall scoring the equaliser in the second half in a game which could have gone either way.
As we move forward into 2010, we will be looking to organise some more fixtures.
GYMNASTICS
On Monday 14th December, the PE department organised the 3rd Gymnastics Festival inviting feeder primaries to enter teams to compete in a competition.
There was an excellent response and 20 teams from Rockfield, Park, Dalmally, Lochnell, Dunbeg and Easdale took part. Each pupil had to perform a mat sequence and a vault and was marked on each section by a panel of senior pupils led by Sally-Anne Bramley.
The individual scores were added together to achieve a team score. The judges were impressed with the standard of performance and general conduct. Mrs Clunie would like to thank the senior pupils for judging in such a professional manner.
The runners up were a team from Rockfield and the winners were from Park primary.
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The top scoring gymnast was Katie Trafford from Park and Rona MacIntyre came a very close second. The team from Easdale primary were awarded medals for best effort.
The girls from Oban High competed in the afternoon and performed some excellent flowing sequences. The high standard was remarked upon by the PE teachers and judging was difficult.
The winners of the Level 1 competition were Laura MacCallum, Laura Campbell, Eilidh MacLean and Lauren Angus who are all in S1. Laura MacCallum won the top scoring gymnast trophy.
In Level 2, the winning team were Isla Donald, Caitlyn Taylor in S1 and Christie MacKechnie in S2. The highest individual at this level was Caitlin Taylor who performed a flawless floor sequence.
HIGHLAND GAMES
Four of our sports leaders, Alannah Higgins, Jane Carson, Rosie Matheson and Jennifer Killorn made a trip to Dunbeg primary school highland games this term. During this day they helped the primary pupils with different events from tossing the caber and weight over the bar to tug of war. The day was a great success and the girls were thanked greatly by Ms MacVicar. We hope this kind of activity can be repeated next term.
SHINTY
Shinty has been one of our priority sports this session, particularly with the year of Homecoming. We have been fortunate that the newly appointed Shinty Development Officer for Argyll, Darren Reid, is based in Oban and we have linked with him for a number of activities.
Our first tournament of the season was the Under 14 Cup played before the Camanachd Cup Final at Mossfield where our U14 boys emerged victorious.
This was followed up by the Scottish Schools Homecoming Challenge Shield which we hosted at Oban High School. This was a new initiative led by our school for senior students and the final was contested by two sides from Oban High. Our B team won the final on penalties as an exciting climax to a great day.
A number of our students were then selected for the South of Scotland Schools, with Garry McKerracher making it through to the Scottish Squad.
RUGBY
S1 and S2 Rugby has been well attended this year. Training is on Tuesdays after school and the team was narrowly defeated in their first tournament, losing in try difference to Lochaber, after beating Mid Argyll and Mull. 133
The S3 to S6 boys have been training twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Under15 team have made it through to the ¼ finals of the Scottish Schools bowl competition, after defeating Jordanhill School away from home last week. They now face Langholm in the ¼ final. Magnus Bradbury has been put on an Individual Player Development programme by the SRU, This is to help him progress to national squad and professional standard. Nic Humphries the SRU Performance Development manager for Glasgow North has asked to coach the Tuesday training sessions on a fortnightly basis after Christmas, this is a great opportunity for the S3-S6 players to get top professional coaching regularly. The U18 team were narrowly defeated away to Craigmount/Forrester and now only have friendly fixtures and SRU pathway to look forward too. The new players, Michael McMillan and Sean Cook have made a good impression and look hopeful for the pathway selection in January along with previous selections of Angus McCallum, Calum MacLachlan, Ryan Baxter, Fergus Matheson and Magnus Bradbury.
The Pathway nominations and training will take place in January, along with the U15 Tobermory side to play Langholm date TBC.
Girls Rugby has been strong this year with a number of new players turning out. An under18 and under15 team travelled to Perth to play in a national 10-a-side tournament. The Girls performed well making up numbers with players from Mull, forming an Argyll select. Their next competition is the National Cup Qualifying tournament in Glasgow on the 21st of February.
SWIMMING
Whilst we do not do swimming within the school programme we are delighted to acknowledge the commitment and achievement of our young people who took part in the Argyll Schools Championships in November. The event was held in Campbeltown and was very well organised with so many people from Argyll’s clubs involved. Our students were accompanied by Mrs Reynolds and Mrs Mackinnon who are both parents of young people at our school and members of the Otters Club. Our students performed very well in winning 27 medals with a number of our students also qualifying for the Scottish Championships in January.
GIFTED AND TALENTED
In September, Mr McCue working with the Support department started a programme for pupils who are considered Gifted & Talented in their chosen sport, primarily pupils competing at county level or above.
Pupils were referred to him by their Guidance teacher or a member of PE staff and were interviewed before being formally inducted into the programme.
On a general level, the programme offers support to these pupils in terms of various aspects of sports psychology, training and study schedules and appropriate nutrition and hydration for sport.
In addition to this, the programme offers support to these pupils on an individual basis, depending on their specific needs.
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So far, the programme has proved to be successful, with many of the pupils involved in the programme achieving good results in the various competitions they have been involved in since September. Feedback has shown that some of the ideas/techniques that the pupils have gained from the programme have had a positive influence on their performance.
The programme will continue to run until the end of the academic year as we are aiming to further improve the performance of our elite student athletes.
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RELIGIOUS and MORAL EDUCATION
and PHILOSOPHY
Claire Brady joined the department to cover for a long term illness and has been making a huge impact on the department with her enthusiasm and creative ideas. The department was delighted to ‘come into the fold’ and leave the old leaking huts at the rear of the school to join the main building. With a large number of plastic boxes and strong backs, departmental staff ably assisted by the head janitor, ensured that everything arrived safely - whilst the rest of the school enjoyed Sports Day!
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Our anti-racism project in S3 Core RME as part of the Racial Discrimination course produced excellent posters, some of which may be eligible for the annual anti-racism competition run by ‘Give Racism the Red Card’.
Use of ICT continues to increase, use of Comic Life to help consolidate pupils’ learning…
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project, partly funded by the School Challenge Fund, continues to grow and we have been working with the Modern Studies Department on bringing it into S1 to develop an interdisciplinary project based upon it.
Use of our website www.teachingconcern.co.uk also continues to grow, as does pupils’ use of our department blog http://religiousandmoral.edublogs.org/ .
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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
The Departments have visited and had visits from a variety of scientific organisations:
Shore Thing Beach Survey
All S4 Biology pupils took part in a number of beach surveys to establish the variety and distribution of marine life on the intertidal shore at Ganavan. The project is coordinated by SAMS with the aim of discovering the animals and plants which already inhabit the area and to find out if any new species have recently arrived. The Shore Thing Survey is part of a scheme, where data is collected nationally, in order to establish whether the seas around Britain are becoming warmer and to study and monitor the effect of global warming on our marine habitat.
Edinburgh University’s Sci-Fun Travelling Road Show
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Edinburgh University’s Sci-Fun travelling road show visited Oban High School in May. They offered presentations on The Senses, Global Warming and Careers as well as a set of hands-on exhibits. The show was well received by S1 pupils and also by a number of non-scientist members of staff.
Student volunteers from S3 and S6 acted as demonstrators for the S1 pupils. The Sci-Fun staff said they were impressed the by the knowledge and helpfulness shown by the volunteers.
The two day visit was part of the National Science and Engineering Week and funded by a grant from the Scottish Government and the British Science Association.
Jeans For Genes Day
This fundraising day took place on Friday 2nd October 2009. The aim of the charity is to help children who have disabilities arising from genetic disorders.
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The event was organised by Mr Lightfoot, but undertaken by Advanced Higher Biology students. This year (2009) the largest ever total was collected, £887.43. This came from the sale of non- uniform stickers and other merchandise. There is an obvious link between this charity and the teaching of biology.
Five students were involved constantly going around classes informing pupils of the charity’s good work and selling stickers etc, a great effort was put in by the students.
Developing successful links with SAMS
The school is very keen to continue to seek ways to develop closer links between SAMS (Scottish Association for Marine Science) and the school.
So last June a group of five Advanced Higher Biology students, accompanied by Mr MacPherson, toured the laboratory facilities of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
They were guided round the facility by Dr Anushka Miller who spoke about the important work carried out there as well as giving our students an overview of scientific investigation and report writing.
One key aim of the visit was to establish possible future collaborative work on student’s Advanced Higher practical investigations and plans were put in place to give our students the opportunity to present their work to students and scientists at SAMS.
Three students will present their investigations later on this term giving them the opportunity to further develop their presentation skills as well as pick up advice and tips for their future careers.
Following on from this visit the school became an associate member of SAMS and we are now able to use the excellent conference facilities there. In December SAMS hosted our S6 Faith Matters conference led by our H2O partners and a Routes For All day conference led by Glasgow Caledonian University for 58 S6 pupils.
Both events were hugely successful with staff from Dunstaffnage and GCU very impressed with the behaviour and attitude of our senior students.
We look forward to further collaborative work with SAMS in the future and are now actively involved in looking at involving senior pupils in the Arctic expeditions during the summer months.
Physics Department Projects
1. ROV Competition - Ten S4 pupils, led by Mr. Morrison, are designing and building a Remote Operated Submergible Vehicle. This national competition is
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being run by Robert Gordon’s University, Aberdeen, in partnership with international oil companies working in the North Sea. Winners of the Scottish Heat will then compete in the USA against international opposition - funded by the US government. We at Oban High will be drawing on some of the local expertise at Dunstaffnage Marine Research Laboratory SAMS as the team develop the project. 2. Wind Turbine Project - The Physics Department have been working in partnership with the Geography and Enterprise Departments in Oban High plus Skills Development Scotland and Ali Energy to develop a set of lessons on alternative energy sources, particularly wind power. These will be piloted this year with S2. 3. Trans Atlantic Cable - Some S1 pupils have been investigating some local Science History. In partnership with BT, Fishburn-Hedges (PR company) and the Scottish National Museum in Edinburgh the Physics Department and pupils in class 1.1 have been commemorating 50 years since the opening of the 1st Trans Atlantic Telephone Communications Cable. The cable left from Gallanach Bay, Oban, and resurfaced in Newfoundland, Canada. This was the ' hot line' between the USA and Europe during the Cold War years. It is hoped to set up a web-cam conference between Scottish and Canadian Engineers who worked on the original project with questions from OHS pupils.
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XL GROUP
S3 XL Group Achievement
Our XL groups have had a busy few months. After spending some time in June team building and getting to know one another, we felt that we wanted to start off our XL experiences with something big! The decision was made by the group that we would do a sponsored walk with all proceeds going towards an end of term outing as a reward. Together, we were sponsored to walk from Dunbeg to Ganavan. Beautiful sunshine made the day perfect and after our walk we enjoyed a picnic on the beach followed by a bit of competition – ROUNDERS!
The money raised by the two groups enabled us to enjoy a ferry trip to Mull, some enjoyable time relaxing on the beach, a ride on the miniature railway and a nice big ice cream to finish the day off. It was all the more enjoyable knowing that we had all worked hard, together as a team, to earn our reward.
As part of our Citizenship and Community Awareness project we organised and carried out a litter collection around the school grounds. There was torrential rain but we still soldiered on.
As part of the same project we also visited Oban Fire Station on the run up to Bonfire Night. Each member of our group got to experience how the fire fighters are trained and how they practice – in
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the dark room. We also had a tour around the station and had a look at all the equipment a fire fighter may require and we had the opportunity to sit inside the fire engine.
This year, due to Homecoming Scotland, Oban High School’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations were even bigger than usual. We played a massive part in the Ceilidh preparations and were entirely in charge of the decorating of the hall. We also ran a juice bar and a face painting stall, with all the money that we raised going towards our next big outdoor activity.
We’ve also had fun in our own classroom. We’ve played a lot of teambuilding and icebreaking games and we’ve had two very successful end of term parties, where we’ve danced and eaten lots of delicious food. We’ve also enjoyed some competition with games of football, rounders, tower building and hat making.
It is now the start of a new year and we’ve got a lot more challenges and fun experiences lined up for 2010. We’re currently doing a project on ‘Crime in the Community’ and are awaiting a visit to the police station and the cells, as well as a visit from a local drug awareness charity, and also exploring the possibility of a skiing trip to Glencoe.
4th Year XL achievement
The S4 XL group have had a busy year organising events and taking part in a variety of activities.
Three pupils arranged a school golf tournament at Glencruitten Golf Club. 16 pupils took part along with Mr Irvine, Mr Robertson and Mr Mitchell. It was a resounding success and it is planned to hold another competition in June 2010.
A School Shinty Tournament was also organised last term. 6 teams took part.
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The 4th year group also arranged some fun activities for sports day. These included sponge the teacher, beat the goalie and face painting.
All the money raised from the activities organised by the group went to help pay for a residential trip on an Ocean Youth Trust yacht for a week. This trip was extremely beneficial to the youngsters and helped them gain in confidence, improve their team work improve their communication skills. The group were accompanied by Mr Waltho and Mrs O’Doherty.
ETHCO Success
After the Skills for Work pupils’ success in the national Ethco song competition the pupils were invited to attend the official Ethco Launch in Perth. The pupils performed at the start of the event then participated in a variety of activities including interviewing other guests and planning how the Ethco project could fit into the curriculum. The girls then sang again to close the event. The girls did Oban High School proud and a number of staff from other local authorities commented on the exemplary behaviour of the girls over such a long day and the excellence of the song and their singing.
PATHWAYS
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This year saw the introduction of an exciting new initiative called Pathways. This programme has given our senior pupils the opportunity to experience some life skills relating to a selected career pathway. This year has seen our pupils involved in many projects such as, primary teaching, building a buoy for the Northern Lighthouse Association, gaining a pool lifeguard qualification, driving lessons, youth work and many other great opportunities. These courses have been a resounding success for the pupils. The feedback we have received from the Pathway providers has been very positive.
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SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS
Butterworth High School, South Africa
This year saw the introduction of an exciting partnership between Oban High School and Butterworth High School in South Africa. Oban High School was one of 6 Scottish
Schools selected to be involved in a sporting and cultural partnership between Scotland and South Africa.
The first stage of the partnership saw David Mitchell, Depute Head Teacher and Jim Lay, Principal Teacher of Physical Education visit South Africa for a week in April making initial contact. The Principal and Sports co-ordinator then visited Oban for a week in September.
The partnership offers a number of opportunities with a trip planned during the football World Cup.
A welcoming event was held which was attended by local councillors, Dick Walsh and Alan Reid MP. The picture shows the partnership agreement being signed by Peter Bain and Kris Mdingi the principal of Butterworth High School.
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Laurinburg Exchange 2009
This year’s visit to Scotland County in North Carolina USA was again a fantastic experience for all the participants.
An innovative and varied set of selection challenges was introduced that stretched and helped develop our young hopefuls, for example, they were asked to organise a Valentines dance, a raffle and write a letter to Barrack Obama
Eleven students – Robert Pawson, Caitlin Smith, Mark Welsh, Lynsey Burger, Jennifer McPhee, Fraser Brydon, Laura Underwood, Robert McKinnon, Rowen Paterson, Catriona Mackie and Angus Scott accompanied by Murray Hamilton (PE), Anne Stewart (PT Business Studies) and John MacPherson (Senior Depute) had a wonderful time exploring the sights and tastes of America with their host families.
Their packed programme of activities included a two day trip to the Appalachian mountains where the Scots and Americans enjoyed ziplining, visits to Football Games, a Canoe trip in on the Lumbee River, a Pow Wow dance and song evening, a two day trip to Ocean Isle beach and a day at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh.
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Towards the end of their adventure in America the group attended the Rotary Lunch in Laurinburg
and everyone spoke about the highlights of their trip.
It was evident to all of us that the kindness and willingness to share of the host families and the new friendships that are made are truly special and unique parts of this exchange programme.
Our students were excellent ambassadors and representatives of our school and community. They came through tough selection procedures to be given the opportunity to take part in a brilliant trip, an experience they will remember always and one that they would recommend to all. The group gave interesting and entertaining presentations to the Rotary Club in Oban and to our new S5 students to encourage them to follow their footsteps.
The selection process for next year’s USA exchange began in mid November when 5 teams of 4 S5 students took part in their first challenge which was to research the American pledge of allegiance to the Stars and Stripes and to write a Scottish Pledge to the Saltire.
Each team presented their work to a panel of judges and a selection of S1 and S2 pupils in the assembly hall. The presentations were excellent and included the story of St Andrew - one pledge was selected to be performed for the first time at the St Andrews Day concert attended by OHS S1 pupils, pupils from Rockfield and Lochnell primary schools, local councillors, parents and Jim Mather MSP. Students Louisa Stage, Ruaridh Dunlop, Danielle Thomson and Andrew MacFarlane were joined by the eleven strong S1 pupil Council and two S4 drama students Amy King and Jane Carson on stage in the games hall.
Linking hands in cross over 'Auld Lang Syne' style they delivered this powerful and moving pledge:
'We the people of Scotland promise to honour those who fought for our freedom and independance, and to guard the name of St Andrew, our patron and protector. Let our customs and traditions live forever, let us never forget our motto: in my defens, God me defend.'
The exchange hopefuls then completed a detailed application form ahead of their selection interviews that were held the week beginning 7th December Following the interviews for the 18th Laurinburg exchange the following students were selected:
The judging panel Anne Stewart, Graham Innes (Rotary), John MacPherson, Caitlin Smith (S6 08/09 exchange) and Robert MacKinnon (S6 08/09 exchange) were very impressed by the high quality of application forms and interviews of the candidates. . They found it so difficult to pick ten that we asked the American selection committee if they had another good candidate that they were happy to exchange and they said yes - eleven students are now involved.
The students all know that they must maintain very good tracking and participate fully in the fund raising activities if they are to retain their place.
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Activities will include:
January - Burns Supper participation
February - Valentines Dance
March - Spring Auction
April - sponsored Cruachan Climb jointly with Oban Rotary
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