Achievements! Govan High School ISSUE 7

BT Vision for education – page 02 Young people’s health – page 06 School of rock! – page 08 We’re helping make the good times roll SOME of you will know the old song ‘Let the Good Times Roll’. If we were looking for a musical anthem for Govan High, it would be a strong contender! We had our follow-up inspection visit from Her Majesty’s Inspectors last month. While the report is yet to be published, the feedback that Downing we got from the inspection team was very positive and the draft report reflects this. Street It is an affirmation of the changes that we have made in Govan High and our desire to realise the dream of all our leavers going into positive visit for destinations in jobs, training, college or university. The report will also commend the Head Teacher Iain White quality partnerships we have forged Stephanie with employers, colleges, universities and other providers to help develop I CAN HONESTLY SAY STEPHANIE Dykes (S6), was recently invited young people’s learning. THAT I HAVE NEVER to No 10 Downing Street to meet Prime City Council has also Minister Gordon Brown. recognised the success of this model BEEN HAPPIER WITH THE Stephanie was there as a Princess Diana and we are now working together on Award holder. She was the only Scottish its proposal to create a community WAY THINGS ARE GOING one present. campus at Govan High School. She received the Princess Diana Award for The active involvement of The purpose of the visit was to her work supporting younger children in the Anniesland and Colleges in hear more about our Future Skills Govan High School Theatre Arts Programme. discussions ensures that our existing programme and how it is delivering Accompanying Stephanie was the school’s partnerships with these and other a curriculum for excellence, theatre arts teacher, Mrs Alba. colleges will be enhanced. This is achievement and attainment. After a whistlestop tour of the sights, potentially a very exciting prospect for Soon, I shall have been Govan including the Houses of Parliament and the the school and the Govan community. High’s ‘Heidie’ for 15 years. changing of the guard at Buckingham We recently had a visit from Fiona I can honestly say that I have never Palace, they went to Downing Street to Hyslop (Cabinet Secretary for been happier with the way things meet other award holders from all over the Education and Lifelong Learning) and are going in the school, and the Nicola Sturgeon (our local MSP, Deputy impact we are having to enable …turn to page 2 First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for pupils to find employment and be Health and Wellbeing). responsible citizens. 01 Downing Street visit The educatio

WE currently have 20 pupils involved in a national football coaching project backed by British Telecom, and Rangers and Celtic football clubs. The project, called Communication for Success, aims to excite and involve …from page 1 young people to engage with education by using UK and also Maggie Turner, football as the context. chairperson of the Diana The project was launched at Award. Hampden Park and Scott Maggie came up from Miller, Claire McCafferty and London to do a talk at Jan Gardiner of fourth year the school’s celebration attended. assembly the week after Also there were Paul Hartley the visit. of Celtic and Sasa Papac of Stephanie and the other Rangers. The pupils met the award holders were national spokesman for BT congratulated by the Prime Minister, who gave them a ‘COMMUNICATION tour of 10 Downing Street. Then Stephanie and Mrs FOR SUCCESS’ Alba headed back to catch their flight to – AIMS TO EXCITE at the end of a long but AND INVOLVE exciting day. Stephanie said: “It was a really long day for us. “We were on the 8 o’clock flight in the THE school recently hosted morning and didn’t get a breakfast meeting for local Employers’ breakfast home till after midnight. employers and training suppliers to the roofing who have contacts with “But it was definitely providers. industry, security systems, a wide range of employers worth it. It was an The meeting was attended by 13 pupils, and 11 graphics and design in this part of the city. amazing experience.” employers and providers, and print, answering Members of the Leadership and was very successful. services, office and Team and Pupil Support staff Lessons from This was the third such administration together also attended. Leo on business meeting organised to with representatives from The purpose of the further develop our the Pearce Institute, and meeting was to bring pupils LEO McKee, Glasgow-born existing strong partnerships the Glasgow South-West and potential employers CEO of national retail chain with local employers who Regeneration Agency, together to discuss things Brighthouse, paid a visit have given their time and like employability skills to our higher Business experience for the benefit and what employers look for Management class earlier of the young people of at interview. in the term. Leo spoke Govan High. Everyone enjoyed the about making it to the A wide range of experience. Both groups top in business and spent employment types was said they had learned from time answering questions represented at the meeting it and would be happy to from students. including car repairs, do it again.

02 Govan High School ISSUE 7 n game An innovative scheme is using football to encourage pupils to communicate better and to build self-esteem, fitness and health Ian cheques in again Vision, Martin Keown, Celtic. The programme will LOCAL MP Ian Davidson raised £100 for Govan High recently the former Arsenal and culminate in the secondary to help pay for essential travel costs to college. England player. school pupils organising a On hand to receive the cheques were fifth-year BT Vision aims to develop football festival for primary students Steven Lyon, Shauna Glancy, Garry MacPherson, core skills, particularly IT pupils at Hampden Park. and Neil Dowling. literacy, communication, Pupils taking part in the Shauna Glancy said: “We’d like to thank Mr Davidson for teamwork and problem programme also get places in the cheques to help pay for our travel to college.” solving. It will also involve the Celtic and Rangers study Mr Davidson has also arranged a link between Govan High enterprise skills and develop centres and get to attend the and 3M (Hillington) to support Higher chemistry pupils. coaching and leadership skills. Old Firm Coach Education Darcy Davies and Zara Savage (pictured above) have been The course aims to improve course at Easter, where they going to 3M on a fortnightly basis for mentoring assistance levels of healthy activity,self- will eat, train and play like esteem and confidence in the a professional footballer. with their studies from chemists in the 3M laboratory. participants. Participants qualify for The pupils taking part in BT match day tickets, a stadium Vision have been working with tour and free football kit. coaches from Rangers Coach At the end of the programme National careers initiative Education programme through the pupils will attend a OUR Learning Resource Centre Manager Ian McCracken has the Rangers Study Centre. graduation ceremony at been devising units to help pupils’ with their career choices. Another group of pupils at Hampden Park. The units are known as “identifying my skills”, “which All Saints Secondary are Achievements will report careers match my skills?”, and “what am I good at?”. working with coaches from on this in our next issue. Each unit included aims, learning outcomes, resource needs, instructions for use and the activities themselves. Teachers would be able to use the units with pupils, students or adults without having to do any additional work. The units have now been professionally polished, and Get ready for should soon be in use in schools, colleges and careers engineering offices throughout Scotland.

THE school is currently developing a new course to raise awareness of career Student Council news Faites des crêpes! opportunities in engineering. THE Student Council FOR Candlemas, S1 The course will begin in has been spending time pupils were given the August for S4, 5 and 6 students establishing itself and opportunity to eat a with good grades in technical making helpful connections typical French snack. subjects, maths or physics. with other schools and At the beginning of The course is sponsored by organisations like the British Airways and Rangers February it is a French Glasgow Chamber of Study Centre and supported tradition to make crêpes Commerce. “We now need to make by Glasgow Science Centre (a thin pancake). Council president, Austin and the University of the 2009 the action year.” To order their Sheridan, said: “We have If you have any pancakes, pupils West of Scotland. spent time establishing questions you can e-mail had to ask in French. The course will be based ourselves and 2008 was Austin Sheridan at: “Je voudrais une crêpe in Rangers Study Centre and the planning year. [email protected] au sucre.” Anyone? Glasgow Science Centre, with engineering site visits arranged. 03 Former pupils We are still mak IAIN MACFADYEN is a former pupil who has distinguished himself through his skill on the bagpipes. Our pupils are leading the way into A former World Champion solo employment among Glasgow’s secondary piper, he has been awarded the ceremonial Balvenie Medal for his lifelong services to piping. A retired schools. That’s something for all staff, pupils, schools’ piping instructor, Iain now lives in Kyle parents and carers to be proud of... of Lochalsh. Last year, he was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. OFFICIAL Government with the high percentage statistics for School Leaver of our fifth and sixth-year

Donald Fullarton Photography Donald Fullarton Photography Destinations in Scotland pupils from last session GORDON LENNON, captain of confirmed that numbers of who are now in further Dumbarton Football Club first team, young people leaving Govan education, and of those recently became a dad when partner High last session – who were pupils who were successful Kelly gave birth to son Kai in registered as unemployed – in gaining apprenticeships January. A product of Harmony Row continued to decrease and with BVT Shipbuilding and Football Club, Gordon has played was at its lowest level ever. Thales electronics. for Partick Thistle, Stenhousemuir In fact, the percentage of This session, we have and Albion Rovers. pupils from Govan High supported pupils who left going into employment school in December. was the highest among all of Five of those pupils joined ASHLEY CAREY has graduated from Glasgow’s secondary schools. a community programme Central College with a HND in Accounting. Something to be proud of! called Tomorrow’s People – The Positive Destinations which prepares them for programme is now in its life after school. final year of additional A group of six boys and Govan High School is diggin it! funding. This does not two girls were successful in mean that the support for gaining certificates and ■ Govan Ironworks M74 COMPLETION PROJECT the various initiatives qualifications which will (Dixon Blazes): Prominent IN 2007, our S2 English class introduced over the last help them into the in the Scottish iron industry. was asked to investigate and three years will cease. construction and hospitality ■ Falfield Mills: Well known document the history of four A Positive Destinations industries. Particular for their tablecloths. historical sites being covered Core Team of staff has been mention goes to Conor Those involved wish to thank over to make way for the M74. formed to review what’s Oliver of fifth year who was Becky and all the people who been done and what needs successful in gaining an The sites were: helped us from HAPCA, The to be done to support pupils apprenticeship with City ■ Pollokshaws Tenements: West of Scotland Archaeology prepared for life after school. Building, and Ashley Magee Once filled with tenement Service, Transport Scotland, all We are particularly pleased who was successful in housing, churches, pubs and the sponsors and teacher Ms. industrial units and Lowe, who helped make this continuously active until 1960. project possible. ■ Caledonian Pottery Site: Visit the project website at: Excavation there was still http://web.mac.com/mediama Living in Scotland event visible, such as kilns. ma/M74/Welcome_M74.html TWO senior pupils, Marlena was held at Glasgow Rzepus and Angelika University in March. Rudnika, were recently It was sponsored by the involved in an event UK’s Economic and organised by Social Research Council. Glasgow University’s The event was an Centre for Russian, Central opportunity for young and East European Studies. people from these The event for migrant communities schoolchildren, titled to share ‘Cultural experiences of life Samantha McColvin (left) Connections: in Scotland and and Kayleigh Robertson migration, identity their changing with the M74 display and integration’, identities. 4 Govan High School ISSUE 7

Some of our recent king a positive impact success stories IT’S official! Govan High is Meeting potential employers has now one of the most an impact on pupils’ futures successful schools in Glasgow for getting young people into Positive Destinations. Here are some recent leavers and their Positive Destinations: ■ Ashley Mackenzie – Cardonald College course ■ Paige Connell – Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency ■ Ashley Magee – PowerJet Hire office junior ■ Lauren Mulvey – John Wheatley College course ■ Waqar Nabi – Nautical College course ■ Conor Oliver – City Building apprentice joiner ■ Chloe Platt, Danielle SUMMER LEAVERS WERE GIVEN McNair, David McKay, THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AND Shauna Glancy, Demi gaining an office junior Campbell – Tomorrow’s position at PowerJet Hire. TALK WITH LOCAL EMPLOYERS People Training programme Her employer was very ■ Jamie Wilson – Consol pleased with the way Ashley construction programme presented herself at interview Our Core Team members The Core Team will ■ Neil Dowling, James and with her progress so far. also met a representative continue to carry on Mehigan, Declan We also arranged a from Careers Scotland to the work of Positive McLaughlin and Ryan breakfast meeting in discuss ways in which both Destinations, which is Livingston – have all passed February where a number the school and Careers a priority at Govan High. CSCS tests in the of our possible summer Scotland can work more construction industry and leavers were given the effectively together for the Jim Rafferty have been working on opportunity to meet and benefit of the young people, Co-ordinator different sites since January. talk with local employers. their parents and carers. Positive Destinations

GoDance 09 Friends of City artists THE Youth Dance Company Elder Park WE are currently involved in recently took part in Stage 2 of an exciting new GoDANCE ‘09 at the Theatre TWO senior pupils, Stephanie Dykes and Natalie Hunter, have project to celebrate 18 years Royal in Glasgow. Groups of St Enoch’s shopping from all over Scotland took been invited to join the events management committee of centre in Glasgow. part from Tuesday through Pupils’ artwork will be until Saturday. The Friends of Elder Park. displayed in the centre for Govan High School was The organisation is involved four weeks from 30 March. featured in the closing in the refurbishment and Please support our pupils Saturday night Gala. regeneration of Elder Park as a community resource. by placing a vote for your All pupils taking part (Top) ‘Street Dance’ by Courtney deserve praise for their effort. We’re very proud of favourite artwork. We think Wilson, and ‘Wild In The City’ by Stephanie and Natalie for you’ll be impressed! Lauren McCann their contribution to this cause. 5 Following the success of last year’s event it was time to encourage Getting healthy can healthy living for pupils, parents and carers – and staff! be LOTS of fun for all OUR second annual health event took place in March. Parents and children from all the associated nurseries and primaries came along to the school to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment. Following a very successful event last year, when parents had the opportunity to attend workshops on various topics such as breast cancer awareness, first aid and stress management, this year’s focus was on fun and physical activity. Working in partnership with Culture and Sport Glasgow, there was dance and fitness-based activities that are all currently running in Bellahouston Sports Centre. This meant that if you the opportunity to take part in age were catered for too, as they all had a fun time. enjoyed an activity on the these activities with their Culture and Sport Glasgow Finally, as we recognise the night, you could access it in children and also attended a provided a physical activity need to balance physical your local community. disco provided by our DJ in session specifically designed activity and diet, there was We also had carpet bowls, residence, Bobby Coates for that age group. an appearance by a local chef circus skills and magicians. (Faculty Head of Aesthetics Very young children who demonstrated how to In a demonstration of real in Govan High). were catered for by the cook a healthy two-course community spirit, parents had Young children of nursery in-house crèche where meal for less than £5. New Hub to serve you It’s just The Place IF you need information, help HAVE you got a health query ■ alcohol or advice about your local and don’t know where to go ■ spots health or social care services, Rowan Park Hub is your new for advice? ■ bullying ‘one-stop-shop’. Then pop into ‘The Place’ ■ drugs You don’t need an at Hills Trust Learning ■ smoking appointment – just turn up Academy. ■ sexual health. during opening hours This is a free health advice The Place, which is based (8.45am to 4.45pm Monday service for young people at 121 Langlands Road, to Thursday and 8.45am to aged 13 to 19 (both male Govan, is open on the 3.55pm on Friday) or call and female) where you can second and fourth Thursday 276 8700 to speak to staff. get advice, information, of each month from 5-7pm. There is information on a treatment and support for a There’s also The Place at wide range of health and wide range of health issues. Health Centre, 21 social care services. Cardonald, Craigton, These include: Cowglen Road, Pollok (near Rowan Park Hub is based Crookston, Govan, Hillington, ■ relationships Silverburn Shopping Centre), at 5 Ardlaw Street, Glasgow Ibrox, Kinning Park, Mosspark, ■ stress on Mondays from 6-8pm. G51 3RR. The Hub serves Shieldhall, South Cardonald people living in Bellahouston, and Tradeston. 6 Govan High School ISSUE 7

Languages could be the key to your future success

RECENTLY, some second-year “It was very interesting, pupils went to Glasgow’s City I learned a lot I didn’t know Chambers to learn about before,” said pupil Richard different languages and how McPherson. they can help in everyday life. For example, you don’t need The people that went all said to travel to use languages. You they enjoyed it and thought could become an official it was something different Scottish guide and earn up to from anything they had £150 a day. For information, Youngsters experienced before. contact the French department. are learning vital work skills We’re out making music Bright young sparks MUSIC pupils have been performing at various venues recently including the school coffee morning, Govan Cross Centre with ‘Scotland in Europe’ and at our annual visit to the Spinal Unit at ScottishPower at the Southern General Hospital. SINCE September 2008, seven given information about the Recently, singers and soloists performed at the Southside of our young people have skills required by employers, Businessman’s Burns’ Lunch at the House for an Art Lover, been participating in the including presentation skills, and 20 pupils went to the Royal Concert Hall to see Quebec’s ScottishPower Young problem solving, team skills ‘La Bottine Souriante’ as part of Celtic Connections. Manager Programme. and communication. Each month Demi Graham, This culminated in Kayleigh Robertson, Scot February 2009, with our Morrison, Chloe McGowan, pupils making a presentation It’s Govan High’s turn again Danielle Masson, Zoe Love to a large group of people FOR the fifth year in a row, involving pupils in studying, and Amanda Murray including representatives Govan High has secured places discussing and taking part attended sessions at from ScottishPower and for five third-year pupils on in, community issues. ScottishPower locations. Govan High. the prestigious ‘Your Turn’ This year’s ‘Your Turn’ pupils At each session there were All the pupils took part with programme. are Ryan Jackson, Lauren Shaw, many fun and interactive enthusiasm and they were a This project aims to develop Siobhan Smith, Alexander activities, but pupils were also credit to our school. citizenship and leadership by McGuire and Pamala Galloway. Internet joy for Scott’s review MRS LOWE’S Film Club, which meets every Wednesday after school, has scored a success with Scott Morrison’s review of the movie Donnie Darko. Scott’s film review has been accepted and published on the Filmclub website. Investigating history The full review can be seen on the SOME first-year pupils have been visiting Govan Parish Church, website at www.filmclub.org the site of one of the earliest Christian settlements in mainland Scott said: “Donnie Darko is Scotland – dating back to before the 9th Century. a strange disturbing film with The present church was built in the late 19th Century, but twists, turns and tricks around excavations have shown there was a medieval church which every corner. The film was hard was on top of earlier remains. to follow at times and the plot became obscure at one point, Inside the church is an amazing collection of early Christian so I think you have to watch carved stones. Our pupils were amazed at all the artefacts it several times to fully within the church and the graveyard in front of the church. understand it!” 7 Govan High School ISSUE 7

Matchday menu is ‘muy bien!’ THE Autism Unit’s Access 3 Spanish class were invited to translate Celtic FC’s matchday menu last December. The occasion was the visit of top Spanish club Villarreal in the Champions League. The boys worked hard putting their dictionary skills into action to produce the menu before the deadline. The menu was then emailed to Celtic and the boys are to be rewarded for their efforts with a trip to the club’s Parkhead stadium. The pupils involved were Grant Morris, Steven Paterson, Andrew May, Darren Anderson and David Kelly. Govan rocks!

Officers Gary Harrison (left) and Graeme Gallie join pupils and staff to record ‘I Can Be So Good For You’ Hoop, hoop hooray PUPILS from the Enterprise the marketplace works. GOVAN High had three Through Music course Students are responsible Basketball team results 2009: matches recently, including contributed to Stow College’s for the production of a music one against an experienced Bearsden Academy 39 graduation ceremony at the CD including auditioning Bearsden side. Govan High 23 Royal Concert Hall for the potential artists, production The players who have taken Lenzie 20 third time recently. and marketing of the CD, part this season are: Alistair Govan High 21 Just before Christmas, four working to budget and Orr, Jamie Wilson, Steven Hillhead 27 members of the class, Shauna distributing the final album. McCall, Connor Skivington, Govan High 14 Glancy, Demi Campbell, Jade The 2009 Govan High class Gary McPherson, Stephen Bearsden Academy 30 McGinty and Jan Gardiner, are called Starstruck Records, Lyon, Ahsan Afzal and Govan High 33 attended the ceremony. and the CD they are producing Kris Brown. Hannah Brown (pictured features youngsters from Govan below) from the Autism Unit High and Drumoyne Primary. performed during the event, Starstruck Records have been singing ‘I Can Hear The Bells’ supported financially by Football news from the musical Hairspray. Strathclyde Police – and two THE girl’s senior team got to the final Hannah’s performance officers also contributed a track of the ‘Soccer G’ annual Christmas blew the audience away – to the CD – the theme tune tournament at the Kelvin Hall in you could hear from TV show ‘Minder’. December, where they beat Lochend the clapping at The Starstruck crew also 8-3. Well done to Stephanie Dykes, Govan Cross! represented the school at Natalie Hunter, Danielle McDonald, Jan The Enterprise the national launch of Gardiner and Claire McCafferty for this Through Music Enterprise through course encourages Music at STV studios excellent performance. pupils to learn in March. And in February, the under-13 boy’s more about The CD will be and under-14 girl’s football teams took commerce launched at Govan part in the ‘Coca-Cola 7s’ in Glasgow. and how High on 23 April.

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