Katy Hegarty Head Teacher

Inside this issue: I am delighted to announce that Roisin Craig is our DUX Head Teachers 1 –11 for 2017/18. comments

ATA Championships 12 A fantastic weekend for Education Group – 2018

Queen’s Badge-Boy’s 13 The P7 Community Band was awarded a Gold Award, Brigade the Junior Band was awarded a Silver Plus Award, the Young Athlete of the 14 Intermediate band was awarded a Gold Award and the Year/RTA Award Senior Band was awarded a Gold Plus Award at the National Scottish Concert Band Festival in Perth. Social Subjects & NEC 15 Card We were successful in securing Participatory Budgeting Awards at the PB event on Saturday morning including PE Dept. & Dick 16 Duke of Edinburgh, Gymnastics and Flex, thanks to our Institute Art & Design Parent Council, pupils and supporting staff. Exhibition. Stewarton Academy exhibitors. We had pupils competing in Curling and Gymnastics on Parent Council 17 Saturday and Sunday. members 2017-18

Parent Council. 18- Daniel Glasswell performed in the RCS West of Scotland (Various) 20 District Final of the Rotary Young Musician Competition in Glasgow.

Stewarton Academy 21 Glow blog and twitter. Page 2

“WORKING TOGETHER CREATING OPPORTUNITES FOR ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS”

I do hope you enjoyed the recent Easter break and I look forward to another successful term. Last term was a very busy one for the school and the school newsletter, blog and tweets summarise some of the many exciting activities our students have been involved in. Each week I continue to be astonished by the quality of learning, partnership and success I see across all aspects of school life. SQA Qualifications Well done to all of the pupils who have completed National 3 and 4 qualifications. These qualifications do not have final exams and are internally assessed by class teachers and verified by the SQA. Many pupils have worked hard to complete units and full qualifications which will appear on their SQA certificates in August. Well done to the pupils who have also completed N5/Higher Units and SQA Awards such as the Wellbeing, Employability, Leadership & Personal Finance. The focus on supporting pupils to achieve the highest qualifications possible has meant that many pupils have achieved additional qualifications as part of the curriculum. The National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher examinations have now started and I wish S4-6 pupils every success in the weeks ahead. Their preparation and approach has been very impressive and I know that they have been working hard alongside their teachers in order to be fully prepared for the Senior Phase examinations. Well done to our Science, Language and Expressive Art Baccalaureate pupils who presented to staff and their peers last month. They spoke about their project, research and how they had changed as a learner because of the qualification. Well done to all of the pupils and staff involved!

Page 3

PARTNERSHIP WORKING—PARENTS/CARERS

Stewarton Academy is fortunate to enjoy strong partnerships with all of our parents and carers. I would like to thank all parents and carers who continue to volunteer their support and help for our school. It really does make an enormous difference! All parents and carers are encouraged to share their views, via GLOW Forms, on the improvement priorities of the school. We are focused on improving outcomes for all pupils and I would like to hear your thoughts on how we can best take the priorities of the National Improvement Framework forward. The primary purpose of the National Improvement Framework is to drive improvement for children and young people. The plan has 4 priorities - raising attainment; closing the poverty-related attainment gap; improving health and wellbeing, improving positive school-leaver destinations. It hopes to achieve the ambition of excellence and equity in Scottish education. During 2017/18 we focused on the following – Page 4

Our 2018/19 Improvement Plan will place the 4 priorities at the centre. Your ideas and suggestions helped shape improvement priorities this session and I would like to build on this in 2018/19.

BUSINESS PARTNERS I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our business partners who have supported the school at Careers Events by facilitating mock interviews/discussions and by providing work placements for our young people. At Stewarton Academy we are committed to securing positive destinations for all of our young people. I would like to thank our Pupil Support Team and Robyn Calderwood, our Skills Development Careers Advisor for the fantastic support that our pupils receive. We were all delighted with our positive destination figure of 98.62%, which was released in February. This is an excellent achievement and we are all very proud. A real Stewarton Community effort!

Page 5

Page 6

AYRSHIRE COLLEGE

We have also been working in partnership with College to provide a Barista qualification for some our young people. Staff have been working hard to develop other courses for 2018/19. Watch this space!

DEAN PARK RANGERS Some of our S3 pupils had the opportunity to stay at the new Dean Park residential facility last month. The pupils planted trees, made a fire pit and a wild flower bed for the community to enjoy during their time at the park. The pupils were supported by Stewarton Academy staff and Dean Park Rangers. The pupils completed their John Muir Award while they were there as did Mrs Smith, our Classroom Assistant. Well done everyone!

Page 7

CELEBRATING ABILITIES CONFERENCE Stewarton Academy hosted another very successful Celebrating Abilities Conference last term. Our pupils were fortunate to be working in partnership with Elaine Cramond on a Dyslexia Friendly Play. The pupils performed the play in front of their peers during the event and highlighted the views that some people can have towards children with additional support needs. The pupils performed brilliantly! Page 8

LEARNER PARTICIPATION In April Education Scotland published a document relating to learner participation. The guidance was initially developed in response to research that was commissioned by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland and carried out by the University of Stirling. The research demonstrated that schools who were performing higher than expected in attainment had a strong focus on learner participation. Page 9

There are ‘Four Arenas of Participation’ which provide a framework for schools. Some suggested examples of where learner participation can have an impact include: • School building and estates design • Human rights awareness • Links between school and community • Staff appointment processes • Violence prevention initiatives • Learning, teaching and assessment

At Stewarton Academy we continually look for ways for pupils to share their views and participate fully in the life of the school. Recently our pupils took part in 2 Participatory Budgeting events run by Vibrant Communities.

Page 10

They set up stalls and spoke to members of the community to try and secure funding for their group. Participation in action!

STAFFING

Mrs Holligan, Teacher of Food & Textile, said farewell to her pupils on the last day of term. We wish Mrs Holligan well in her new post. We will be recruiting for a permanent Principal Teacher of STEM & World of Work, Principal Teacher of Curriculum Support and Principal Teacher of Pupil Support before the end of term. These posts currently exist within the school management structure but are being filled on a temporary basis at present. We look forward to filling them on a permanent capacity to drive forward the school priorities. We will be recruiting an Acting Depute Head Teacher (maternity leave) before the end of term. The successful candidate will lead of Pupil Support issues across the school and will work closely with our Inclusion Team. Finally, we will also be recruiting a Music Teacher and a Librarian Assistant before the end of term. We’re going to be busy! Page 11

NEW S1 PUPILS We have had some very successful transition events over the last few weeks. P7 pupils participated in a Curriculum for Excellence Day at Nether Robertland Primary School. Pupils took part in activities which promoted leadership and group work. The pupils and staff had a great time!

I hope you enjoy reading about the other achievements and successes within the Newsletter.

Yours Sincerely Mrs K Hegarty

Head Teacher Stewarton Academy Page 12

ATA EUROPEAN TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018

Three local martial artists enjoyed a successful trip to Barcelona recently. Competing in the ATA European Championships brothers Jamie and Campbell Mitchell from and Maria McCaffrey from Stewarton all returned with medals. The training camp and Championships attracts athletes from Spain, Portugal, Holland, Italy and the competition this year was extremely strong in all rings and age groups. Campbell won bronze in Traditional Forms and Maria bronze in Traditional Weapons. Jamie also took bronze in Traditional Weapons and in a hard fought final was just pipped for European Gold in Combat Sparring but was still content to take the Silver medal. The 2019 Championships will take place in Rotterdam and all three are already looking forward to competing and representing their country again in the Netherlands next spring. Page 13

THE BOY’S BRIGADE—QUEEN’S BADGE

Well done to Zak Francis who was awarded with his Queen’s Badge at a recent Boy’s Brigade ceremony. The Queen's Badge is the highest award that may be gained by a member of The Boys' Brigade. A young person wishing to work towards their Queen's Badge must first have completed their President's Badge. The Queen's Badge offers the chance to engage with the local community, take on responsibility, set personal goals, build self-confidence and experience a sense of achievement. Well done Zak!

Page 14

YOUNG ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AND RYA AWARD Rory McKinna was presented with the Young Athlete of the Year Award at the Ayrshire Sport Ability Ball recently and was also awarded the RYA Young Person of the Year Award at a ceremony, along with 3 other individual awards. The Sailability Young Person of the Year award recognises a young person who has shown significant commitment to boating and progressed not only their own skills and knowledge but encouraged and supported others. It was presented to 16 year old Rory McKinna. Rory is the Scottish TT Hansa 303 Singles Champion, the Multiclass winner for his class and was a silver medallist for Team GB at the European Para Youth Games last summer. Well done Rory and all of the pupils, staff and instructors involved!

Page 15

SOCIAL SUBJECTS DEPT.—YOUTH SEAS AND OCEANS SEMINAR

At the beginning of March, S6 Anna hopes to feedback to Stewarton Geography pupil Anna Freel Academy pupils some of the attended the prestigious Youth Seas knowledge she gained through and Oceans seminar Southampton providing a series of marine pollution University. Anna’s successful workshops during May. Anna will application was selected from entries work within Geography classes to across the UK and Germany. develop pupils’ understanding of the The seminar is part of a UK-German problems facing our seas and oceans. government initiative for young people aged 16-19. During her time at Southampton University she undertook workshops examining plastic pollution and renewable fuels. She then attended the national oceanography centre where she toured and went on board one of their research vessels. This amazing opportunity will stand her in good stead for her university studies next session where she will begin undergraduate course in Earth Science.

NEC CARD

As of the 1st of January 2017, all Please have a look at your young A replacement can also be 16-18 year olds will be required person’s card. The latest version arranged through any of the local to hold a newer version of the of the cards have a pink strip NEC verification points, full Young Scot National Entitlement over the date of birth. details are on the website. Card to access reduced bus and rail fares. Young Scot and your If the card is missing a pink While you are visiting young.scot, local authority are working to strip then please visit take a few moments to look at upgrade as many cards held by young.scot/upgrade for details on the opportunities, discounts, 15-18 year olds as possible how to upgrade the card and rewards and information services before the New Year. update your picture. for young people. Page 16 BASKETBALL

All 4 basketball teams continue to champions! This meant they caster (MVP) dribbled the ball work hard and there are certainly went into the Ayrshire Cup Final down the court and took the shot improvements being made if not unbeaten for the whole season just before the busser. The shot always reflected in our results. and looking for the double— missed but Andrew was fouled The S1 team are struggling for unfortunately they missed out which meant 2 free throws. Calm numbers and could do with more narrowly to a very good Loudoun as you like Andrew slotted the regular attendance at practices team. first one securing the league and and games – however despite The S3 team had a very exciting cup double!!! A special mention this there have been finish to their season. Having to both Andrew and Sam Speirs Improvements made particularly lost to Belmont earlier in the sea- who also starred in the Senior in their latest game versus Kyle son it came down to the Ayrshire team throughout the season. Academy. Cup Final which would also count The Senior team have won 3 and The S2 team had a mixed finish as the league decider! The boys lost 6 however big improvements to their season winning their last needed to win by 29 points to be have been made throughout the league game against Ardrossan crowned league and cup winners. season especially as we are a Academy to be crowned league With 4 seconds on the clock, win- team of S3,4,5 competing ning by 28 points, Andrew Lan- against S5/6 teams.

LOCH EIL NETBALL The Loch Eil Trip has been S1/2 and S3/4 netball teams Team members from the rearranged for 1st – 3rd June. continue to perform well within Scottish Sirens netball team will Pupils should have had a letter their school league. They each be coming into school to lead home and returned it to the have two games left to play sessions specifically to engage school. before finding out their overall girls who don’t currently placing. S1/2 team also took part participate in extracurricular in an Active Schools Tournament activities. These sessions will in February coming second out of

eight secondary take place in April during school schools. hours and will be a great experience for those involved.

GYMNASTICS VOLLEYBALL ART DEPT

The after school gymnastics A group of S4 National 5 pupils "The Art Department are group entered the preliminary recently took part in an Active delighted to announce this local authority floor and vault schools Volleyball tournament year's exhibitors in the Dick competition recently where one performing well enough that they Institute Schools Art & Design group successfully achieved first came first overall out of nine East exhibition. Congratulations to place and will now represent East Ayrshire secondary schools. Ian McFadzean, Craig Ayrshire in the Scottish Floor and McFadzean, Jaime Creach and vault competition in Perth this Mr Alexander has also started an Hannah MacLean who, once month. extra-curricular volleyball club again, displayed beautiful Monday and Wednesday paintings showing exceptional The lunchtime gymnastics S1 Lunchtimes and we also hope to talent! group are working hard to create arrange in the near future a visit a group routine to perform at the from a SVA Development officer Scottish Schools Gymfest event to work with classes. in June. Page 17

STEWARTON ACADEMY PARENT COUNCIL 2017 / 18

Alexandra Goldie Fiona McKenzie Lauretta McKenzie David Caulfield S1 S1 S1 S2

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] David Mitchell Michael Waddington Nicole Adrain Maria Cumming S2 S2 S3 S3

[email protected] [email protected] nicole.cunningham@ btinternet.com [email protected] O7910814975 O7884008041 Laura Lyon Paul McCaffrey Fatima Somedien Jen Broadhurst S3 S3 S3 S4

[email protected] paul@.org [email protected] [email protected] O7403295374 Maureen Reid Elaine Smith Elaine Goudie Rhoda Howe S4 S4 S5 S5

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] O7443624173 O7576900026 O7875272770 Georgina Richmond Rose-Ann Cunninghame Ellen Freel Rev Alison McBrier S5 Co-Opted Community Rep Co-Opted Community Rep Co-Opted Community Rep

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] O7595880201 O7748280036 Page 18

FUND-RAISING

A massive thanks from everyone associated with the Parent Council goes to Elaine Smith and her team for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes fund-raising for the Academy and associated Club’s. Elaine has submitted a number of applications recently for school projects and initiatives which takes time and energy and co-ordination with the various bodies and school departments. A summary is included in the PC support section. Every single penny raised goes directly to benefit the young people of Stewarton Academy. The Celebration and BBQ will take place early June. If you are interested in helping with this or fund-raising in general email Elaine, Chair of the sub-group, at [email protected].

FACILITIES SUB-GROUP

There are lots of exciting new developments planned for Stewarton Academy including a floodlight all weather Hockey pitch which will be completed this year. We have a sub-group chaired by David Clark and all PC meetings include an update on progress. Please get in touch if you would like more information. David’s email address is [email protected].

STAFF AWARDS

The Parent Council have initiated awards to express thanks to the teachers and staff of Stewarton Academy for all their efforts and commitment over the year; recognition of going beyond their normal duties. There are two awards, one for Teaching Staff and one for Support Staff.

TWITTER

The Parent Council Twitter feed is - @Stewac_PCouncil and we would really like to hear from you on everything Stewarton Academy. Please follow the school’s twitter account as well - @Stewarton_Acad

ACADEMY PARENTS

Could all parents / carers please email us at [email protected] with your name and contact details as well as, the year(s) your child(ren) are in? The Parent Council are trying to build a complete database of parents to allow us to distribute information relevant to Parents and the Parent Council. We will blind copy when distributing information, will only be sent by the Parent Council Chair or Secretary and will not be passed to any other organisation.

PARENT COUNCIL SUPPORT SUMMARY 2016-2018

The fund-raising sub group of the Parent Council works to raise funds to benefit the entire school community. A summary of the various projects and causes supported is below. The accounting is included in the monthly meeting minutes and the year end accounts. More details of each can be obtained from the Parent Council or the Head Teacher. Each Department submits their ‘bid for support’ through the Head Teacher and is then reviewed at the Parent Council meetings. To date over £15,000 has been provided to directly benefit the young people of Stewarton Academy. This figure includes grants successfully applied for as well as fund-raising activities by the Parent Council. Page 19

DEPARTMENT SUPPORT BENEFIT

LIBRARY Purchase of e-books and the To enhance and increase accessibility to online relevant license. (annual cost) reading for pupil’s. Enables pupils to access 32,000 online books.

PE Purchase of Table Tennis and New equipment to assist in extra curricular activities. shuttlecock equipment.

MUSIC Purchase of specific music support Provide additional support. books 2016/17.

HISTORY Purchased books and games. Supported lunchtime club and BGE.

PE Green gym kit purchased. Support for new project.

PE Volunteer support for 5k fun runs 2016 and 2017 fun-runs. Pupil, staff and community and financial support providing involvement. income.

SCHOOL Purchase team sweatshirts. Enhance School Curling team and support at national CURLING CLUB competition.

STAFF AWARDS Part purchase staff awards. (annual Recognise exceptional support given to pupils. award) Nominated by the pupils.

SCHOOL Show My Homework software Recommended by the HT, parents and pupils to license. (annual cost) significantly enhance visibility of homework.

SUPPORT FOR Fund Dyslexia Drama Workshops. Provide different opportunities for learning and support LEARNING Dyslexia Friendly school initiatives.

WIDER Purchase JASS (junior award Provide opportunities in wider achievement to benefit ACHIEVEMENT scheme for schools) awards S1 and S2 pupils. licenses.

MUSIC Purchase of specific music support Provide additional support for musical attainment. books 2017/18.

PUPIL SUPPORT BOARDWORKS software for S1-S6 Provide additional support tools. PSE.

SCIENCE Purchase additional equipment for Provide kit and supplies for additional curriculum S4. activities.

STEM Challenge support aids. Provide additional support tools.

S6 RETRO GAMES Design aids. Provide additional support tools. DESIGN

SCHOOL 2018 entries and team kit. Enhance School Curling team and support at national CURLING CLUB competition.

PE Purchase new football strips. Financial support. Page 20

The Parent Council has also successfully applied for the following, ‘Stewarton Decides’ PB funding secured in conjunction with Stewarton Junior Netball to enable grass roots support and growth within the community. Local new home builder funding secured to enable support for a Literacy Focus Group by S2 pupils. GSK ‘making a difference’ funding secured to enable support for various bids.

Arnold Clark Landrover Engineering challenge funding secured supporting STEM projects.

Also, in the recent Annick Ward PB funding the Gymnastics Club and the Duke of Edinburgh applications both were successful and received £2000 each toward their projects. Both bids submitted through Elaine and supported at the presentations and PB awards by the Parent Council.

Parents / Carers views are welcomed on suitable departments to support and on identification of new projects. Please get in touch if you have any questions to any member of the Parent Council.

2018 PC MEETINGS

The remaining Parent Council meeting schedule for 2017/18 is copied below. Parent Council Meeting Schedule 2018 3rd Term Monday 14th May Monday 11th June (AGM) All meetings 1900hrs – 2030hrs in Stewarton Academy.

The meetings start at 1900hrs and all parents / carers are welcome to attend. If you have any questions relating to the Parent Council or are interested in getting involved, please get in touch.

David Mitchell Chair Stewarton Academy Parent Council [email protected] 07910814975

Stewarton Academy Cairnduff Place Stewarton KA3 5QF

Phone: 01560 482342 Twitter: @stewarton_Acad

Stewarton Blog https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ea/STEWARTONACADEMYBLOG/