issue eight June 2015 at Willowbank Science fun BUSINESS ENTERPRISE BULLETIN

2 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

elcome to the eighth issue of the Business Enterprise Bulletin, which highlights recent enterprising events Mathletes and successes across the authority. WThese include the Interaction challenge run by leading architectural practice Keppie Design; the assemble official opening of the Morphy Richards Centre for Engineering Education by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay and all the exciting enterprise at Grange maths camp news from throughout . This edition has a particular focus on STEM – Science, Technology, Enterprise and Maths and all the wonderful events taking place in our schools, in partnership with local companies, which are helping to inspire our young people.

Contents Mathletes assemble at Grange maths camp 2 A sign of the times as Loudoun pupils help to regenerate Galston 3 Digital delight for St Joseph’s Academy 4 By Royal appointment 6 The inaugural Grange Maths Camp was held in March when over 60 students packed up their calculators and headed Stem celebration event 7 to Dounans Activity Centre near Aberfoyle for a weekend Pupils bag win at Young Enterprise Finals 8 of intensive Higher Maths and Advanced Higher revision. Around the schools… 9 Nine teachers from the Grange Maths Department Loudoun Academy 9 volunteered to accompany the students and provided ten 90-minute sessions of Maths across the weekend. Stem Challenge at 10 Small groups of between six and nine students allowed more Primary STEM Days 11 personalised support than is possible in class and this made a huge impact on students’ Mathematical skills, confidence and motivation. Plastic Products works with local company 11 Students were provided with booklets to work through Funding confirmed to carry on success of Active Schools 12 during the sessions and had more to take home which Young MSYPs elected to represent young people 12 helped to provide greater focus for future revision. Go4SET 13 In addition to the teaching sessions and the Sunday morning exam, the Dounans staff led the group through outdoor Cumnock Academy awarded top prize in activities such as archery, radio rescue and tree climbing. INTERACTION challenge 14 There was also a fiercely contested quiz on the Friday night Science breaks the ice at Grange Academy 15 and a problem-solving task on the Saturday night where Higher Maths questions needed to be solved to uncover March was maths month at Grange Academy 16 the combination to a locked treasure chest of goodies. Pupils are making the right Knex-ions 17 And it wouldn’t have been a Grange Maths event without teacher Record levels of East Ayrshire school leavers Chris Smith cranking up the “geek” factor a notch or two. Students going in a positive direction 18 and teachers embraced their inner geek by wearing customised Math camp 2015 hoodies and t-shirts and temporary tattoos. Chemistry matters at Grange 18 Twitter was buzzing with Math Camp tweets and updates; and several High praise for Willowbank from Education 19 schools from across the UK, and beyond, have approached Mr Smith to ask for advice on how to plan their very own Math Camp adventure. Science fun at Willowbank 20 The event was such a success that the Maths Department is Fond farewell for Mr Short 23 already planning their next Camp. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 3 A sign of the times as Loudoun pupils help to regenerate Galston Loudoun Academy pupils have a castiron reason to be proud of their local town. As plans for the regeneration of the town’s historic buildings start to take shape, pupils are playing their part by designing innovative pictorial hanging signs for local retailers, in a competition organised by Galston Community Development Trust. Owners of buildings within the town centre are being encouraged to apply for grant funding to restore the fabric of buildings through the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), jointly funded by East Ayrshire Council and Historic Scotland. These repairs are carried out using traditional materials and methods proven to be the most effective and sympathetic way to ensure they are fit for purpose in the 21st Century. But regeneration is not merely about buildings. It is about the people who live and work in them and those who will use and look after them for generations to come. As part of the CARS project, funds have been earmarked to educate tradesmen, householders and young people in the skills needed to restore and maintain these architectural gems. For Loudoun Academy, the scheme has enabled the Technical Department to instigate a hanging sign competition. Pupils had a visit from Pete Hill of PJ Johnston and Co, a traditional forge based in Rathobyres. He specialises in traditional metalwork and bespoke sculptural pieces and spent an afternoon at the school talking through the design process and showing how the plans were then forged into a final product. He will be working with the pupils as they plan and create the signs. Local businesses have been encouraged to apply for the competition as part of their CARS applications. They will be working with the pupils as they design signs for their premises. The final designs will be exhibited later in the summer before the winners are chosen by a judging panel and produced by the pupils. Already the pupils have been visiting businesses such as Lotus Crystals, Robert Neil Ironmongers and Murdoch Construction, speaking to the owners and getting some ideas for their designs. All involved are very excited at the idea that these signs will enhance the town, with a fusion of a traditional art-form and modern ideas, and Pete Hill hopes, for some pupils, the project will perhaps stimulate a lifelong interest and future career in traditional ironwork. 4 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

Digital delight for St Joseph’s Academy

A new iPad for Learning initiative was launched at Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “We’re fully St Joseph’s Academy in recently by the committed to providing a superb, fit for purpose education for all our Right Reverend Willie Nolan, Bishop of Galloway. pupils and, using technology such as iPads for every pupil today, is one way we can help students develop an advantage in tomorrow’s world. In 2011, St. Joseph’s Academy bid for 170 iPads as part “These days almost all young people use tablets and mobile devices of their Business Enterprise and Skills Centre in 2011 and from a very early age and by the time they are in school, using these is these have been successfully used in the school. second nature and, in most cases, it is an integral part of their lives. The school is now piloting the full implementation of iPads “This initiative is geared to capturing that enthusiasm and keeping across the whole school, with one per child and teacher. pupils’ attention by aligning our educational delivery with how the Pupils and staff are allowed to take them home, meaning learning is now new mobile generation wants to learn and communicate.” an ‘anytime, anywhere’ experience using thousands of apps and interactive The iPads open up a host of new learning opportunities in the tools to promote independence, personal responsibility and creativity. school, with lessons available to view online, after school hours, The iPads also link to the school’s Virtual Learning Environment or assignments and projects being submitted from home. which contains a wide range of work from different departments, In addition, video recording, picture taking and the ability including video lessons and self-assessment tools. to quickly and easily annotate work adds a different dimension to homework and teacher’s notes. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 5

Head Teacher Ben Davis explained the benefits: “In art, for example, abstract or difficult concepts can be explained visually. Artist’s work, their inspiration, life and times they worked in can be viewed online, almost instantly. “In French and German, word pronunciation can be heard, the use of verbs and grammar can be illustrated and the social networking aspect of all this brings pupils together to share ideas, solve problems and create a ‘can-do’ environment in the classroom – that’s invaluable for a teacher and helps accelerate learning. “In addition, iPads turn on in seconds, which now means every single pupil can be online and researching in minutes, rather than rummaging in bags, looking for pens, pencils, or text books. “The battery lasts all day, it has two cameras and the screen is the perfect size for viewing/ working, group collaboration, or even just holding the iPad up to show others your work. It’s incredibly versatile.” 6 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

ByRoyal appointment His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay, President, the Great Steward of Scotland’s Trust officially opened the Morphy Richards Engineering Education Centre on Tuesday 28 April at Dumfries House.

HRH met with representatives from Morphy Richards and other local Working in partnership with organisations such as Scottish Power, engineering industry representatives, as well as P6 and P7 pupils from UTC Aerospace Systems and Electronics Company Selex-ES, the Primary who are making use of the new facilities. programmes are designed to help schools deliver STEM-based activities The Morphy Richards Centre for Engineering Education provides while offering opportunities to highlight the valued and exciting future experiential indoor and outdoor learning for Primary and early career prospects in these areas and in particular within engineering. Secondary school students, aimed to help inspire and engage young The centre is also used by key STEM providers such as ‘Young Engineers people in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). and Science Clubs’ and ‘Primary Engineer’ to deliver motivating professional development for teachers which focus on practical activities and relate to real-life and current examples of STEM in the work place. Before unveiling a commemorative plaque, HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay said: “The point about this centre, which is really exciting, I think, is that not only is it helping to enthuse young people with the idea of engineering in due course, it also has this engineering ‘playground’ here which is going to be the only centre of its kind in Scotland. “I hope it will provide a particularly vital resource for teachers and pupils to promote the importance of engineering. “I’m so delighted that Dumfries House has yet another really excellent educational resource on its estate, providing further opportunities for heritage-led regeneration for East Ayrshire and indeed beyond.” School groups and youth organisations wishing to visit the centre should contact Dumfries House Education via email: [email protected] or telephone: 01290 429917 for more information on programmes and availability. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 7

STEM celebration EVENT A STEM celebration event held at St Joseph’s Academy recently showcased the work of young people, and their teachers, who have benefitted from Primary Engineer training over the last academic year. Young people who have shown a particular flare for primary engineering projects, held within the classroom, were chosen to represent their school at the final celebration event with each team consisting of two pupils. Apprentice level pupils from primary 2 were given the task of manufacturing a toy car that originated from a shoe box. The designs were exciting and very diverse with cars ranging from VW camper vans to emergency service vehicles with LED lights. Engineering level pupils, from primaries 5, 6 and 7 were tasked with making an electric car from wood with electronic components. This project plants the seed and encourages an early interest in engineering in its many forms - electrical, mechanical or civil. Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills were on display as the young people worked hard to manufacture their toy cars to a very high standard. Representatives from local engineering companies had the unenviable task of judging the completed cars which were subjected to rigorous testing on an indoor track. And the winners were: • St Andrew’s Primary School Apprentice level 1 • St Xavier’s Primary School Apprentice level 2 • Primary School Engineer Level 1 • New Farm Primary School Engineer Level 2 8 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN Pupils bag win at Young Enterprise Finals A local business selling cotton shopping bags for life has been named 2015’s Ayrshire Company of the Year by Young Enterprise Scotland. The Go Co, which was established and operated by a team of senior pupils at Academy, was named overall winner at Young Enterprise Scotland’s Ayrshire finals at Troon’s Marine Hotel in April. Their bag business also received recognition for Best Marketing, Best Report and Best Presentation. A hat trick of awards also went to Doon Academy’s Flawless, whose educational flashcard business was recognised for Best Product/Service, Best Teamwork and Best Innovation. Two further trophies went to Kilmarnock’s James Hamilton Academy, with their bespoke decorations company, Aspire, taking the Best Interview category whilst the school’s Lorraine Egerton was named Best Link Teacher. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 9 Around the schools… Loudoun Academy The Reach Campus The Reach Campus at the University of Glasgow provided an excellent opportunity for S4 pupils to find out more about the professions they have expressed an interest in. Pupils attended a lecture and participated in an active workshop discussion on a topical case study. The Reach S5 campus week at the University of Glasgow will take place in June. Pupils will spend the week in subject-specific groups at the Law, Medicine, Dental and Vet Medicine schools. The awards were the culmination of months of hard work by In the coming years, Reach will continue for Medicine, Dentistry, each of the teams with each creating, financing, launching and Law and Veterinary Medicine; and will be developed further with the operating their own business, supported by Link Teachers and University of Glasgow establishing a programme to cover Education, by volunteer business advisors from the local community. Engineering and Accountancy and Finance, which is great news for pupils. Overall Ayrshire winners, Stewarton’s The Go Co, will now go on to represent Ayrshire at Young Enterprise Scotland’s national finals in Glasgow. Sixth year pupil and Managing Director, Jonathan Seaman (17) from Dunlop, said: “All of the hard work which has gone into the The Go Co has been so worthwhile. I’ve loved every stress- filled minute of this fantastic experience and learned so much, gaining experience in dealing with business owners and the public as well as our own team. We are absolutely thrilled to win these awards tonight and look forward to representing Ayrshire at the Scottish finals.”

Duke of Edinburgh Awards Loudoun Academy recently held an inaugural ceremony for the Duke Of Edinburgh Award, celebrating the achievements of pupils attaining both Bronze and Silver awards. The school is now looking forward to its first cohort of Gold awards in the near future.

Seventeen year old Elleis Peters from Patna is a partner in Doon Business Management Masterclass Academy’s triple award winning Flawless and a fifth year pupil at A group of fifth and sixth year Higher Business Management the school. She commented: “Being part of Young Enterprise has students recently took part in the West Lothian Masterclass been a really exciting experience, giving us all a great opportunity at James Young High School in Livingston. to widen our skills. We’ve learned so much, especially the Representatives from the SQA were on hand to provide tips on exam importance of keeping control of your time management.” techniques and how to improve their grades. Pupils participated in three workshops aimed at helping them tackle aspects of the new higher. 10 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN STEM Challenge at Doon Academy As part of a recent STEM challenge, twenty junior pupils from Doon Academy put a team of pupils from Primary School through their paces in a CSI masterclass.

Scientists of the Future Three S6 pupils from Advanced Higher Biology have been involved in experimental lab work at the Scottish Rural University College (SRUC), Ayr. Pupils visited SRUC over a five week period to learn more about the field of Biological Science and to give them an insight into life at University. Dr. Iain Ratchford from SRUC reported that the pupils were very motivated and worked extremely hard during their time under his supervision. The three pupils involved were Jack Hassard, Fiona Moir and Niamh Fraser.

The senior pupils led the youngsters through the different stages of a mock crime scene investigation, including crime scene inspection, interviewing witnesses, analysing shoeprints and CCTV footage, ink chromatography, fingerprinting and DNA electrophoresis, before finally presenting their findings to the campus police officer.

Art and Design Gemma Campbell from S2 received a highly commended award from the Royal Scottish Academy, at the recent schools art competition. This is the most prestigious schools art competition in Scotland and receives thousands of entries from schools throughout the country. Gemma’s stunning drawing of a garden bird was included in the prize-winners exhibition in the friends’ room of the Royal Scottish Academy in April. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 11 Primary STEM Days Cumnock In May Primary 7 pupils from Plastic , Dalmellington, Littlemill and Patna Primary Schools, met Products together at Dumfries House for two days of STEM activities. works Science with local The students were involved in three science based workshops run by Miss Kerr, Miss Moffat, company Miss Carrington and Mr Gooding. They enjoyed an ecology treasure hunt, an Acids and Alkalis Cumnock Academy pupils are workshop and pupils also visited the adventure acquiring new skills in plastic park to look at motion and measure speed. manufacturing after the school successfully bid for funding for equipment through the Business Enterprise Fund. The Business and Technologies department purchased a laser cutter and formed Cumnock Plastic Products (CPP), the school’s very own plastics company. Pupils from S1 through to S6 are now involved in the manufacturing process. CCP has worked with local company KCP Environmental Services, producing a range of bespoke promotional goods including coasters, clocks, door hanger signs and personalised engraved glasses; Technologies earning almost £500 for school funds. Supported by Miss Steven and Mr Orr, the Young people from the schools are pupils competed with each other in a bridge set to attend the Royal Highland building challenge set by Miss Steele. This Show in June with KCP where they required a significant level of team work and will see their promotional items being the end products were very impressive. distributed from the KCP stall. Mathematics Miss Rodger created Doon Academy’s version of The Crystal Maze. The pupils were set a number of different challenges which earned them crystals. For every crystal the young people collected, they were given five seconds extra for their final challenge. Challenge afternoon On the final afternoon, the pupils were given a number of problem solving challenges which pushed their team work skills to the brink but they all got there in the end.

12 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN Young MSYPs elected to represent young people Three local young people celebrated success after battling it out in a bid to get elected to the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). Two young people were selected as Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) for

minority groups in sport, physical activity Funding and leadership, including YDance, girls’ football and Ayrshire Sportsability. In partnership with Kilmarnock Football confirmed Club, the team coordinates and supports football programmes such as the Tesco to carry Bank programme for P2 pupils, Food Standards programme for P4 and 5 pupils on success and Match Fit for secondary aged children. 2014 was an exciting year for sport in of Active Scotland and the Active Schools team made significant achievements in supporting the Commonwealth Games Legacy. The team Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley – Kyle Brown Schools was the only one in Scotland to register all (19) from and Ewan McColl (17) from Kilmaurs; while in Cumnock The Active Schools programme in educational establishments to the 2014 ‘Game On’ educational programme, while 15 young Kaitlyn Moran (16) from will East Ayrshire has secured funding for represent Cumnock and Doon Valley. the next four years due to its success people were selected as Queen’s Baton Kyle is committed to campaigning for over the last decade in providing Bearers and two senior pupils were involved in the opening ceremony of the Games. equal gender rights both in terms of children and young people with An impressive 300 volunteers have been equal pay for men and women and the chance to adopt active, healthy also ensuring that divorcing parents can lifestyles now and into the future. recruited, trained and supported by the Active Schools team, 100 of which are secure equal custody of their children. sportscotland, which has invested in the Active young people from our schools who in Ewan, a pupil at , who has Schools Programme for the past nine years, has turn inspire and motivate their younger been involved in the Westminster Campaign confirmed its continued investment of £338,580 peers. Volunteers are offered leadership to secure the voting rights for 16 year olds, has per year until 2019; while the Council will experiences in the areas of sport and dance, pledged to launch a Saturday job database to continue to invest £127,000 per year. or they can become Young Ambassadors. help young people find the work experience The service has celebrated many achievements The work of the team in supporting they need to pursue their chosen careers. and in the last year alone, it has seen all schools volunteering was recently recognised by Kaitlyn, who is an Academy pupil, participating in five or more competitions and Ayrshire College with an Ambassador Award, is focused on improving the life of her peers events which have involved 4000 primary and after the team provided over 50 student by identifying their needs and helping to create 2000 secondary aged children, and over 200 placements within schools and communities. positive change within her community. young people with additional support needs. The MSYPs will take over in June from There are over 20 clubs delivering established the standing MSYPs and will hold the school sports programmes as well as school post for two years to represent the views holiday activity programmes which are offered of young people in East Ayrshire. in partnership with East Ayrshire Leisure. For more information on the Scottish The Active Schools team also provides Youth Parliament go to www.syp.org.uk or programmes which are targeted at contact Kevin Wells on 01563 576354. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 13

Go4SET provides the opportunity for S2 pupils in Scotland to become involved with local companies offering live Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics experiences over a ten week period. Three secondary schools in East Ayrshire have been involved. The young people also researched reverse vending machines, which Cumnock Academy provide a discount voucher for people who use them for recycling, A team of S2 pupils from Cumnock Academy worked closely and spent an extremely productive day at KCP headquarters just with Barr Environmental on an environmental project with outside New Cumnock, learning about the design solutions the a focus on improving recycling within the school. company has created for industries including waste management. Pupils carefully researched their project and visited the recycling centre at The A-team included Taylor Owens, Scott McKee, Amy Aiden Hessett, Garlaff, to understand what happens to their rubbish once it is collected. Liam Gatherer and Natasha Romaniuk and they were supported by Under the watchful eye of mentor Gordon Whiteford from Barr teachers Miss Haxton and Miss Kadel and mentored by Wendy Pring, Environmental, and with support from teacher Mr McKenna and a chartered civil engineer and managing director of local company KCP. Headteacher Angus McVake, the team Kilmarnock introduced a new recycling Academy station to allow pupils to separate their rubbish where into different categories. Healthier The team from Cumnock Academy included Means Ben Menzies, Sophie Happier Carson, Evan Burns, Bronwyn Alexander Kilmarnock Academy’s and Lyndsay Wilson. Healthier Means Happier team focused on making Auchinleck their school healthier. They worked closely Academy with their mentor James Pupils at Auchinleck McGuire from The Academy worked Cook School Scotland with local company KCP to look at how materials were used and who helped them create disposed of within their school and to identify ways of reducing focused questionnaires to establish the eating habits of pupils and staff waste, helping the environment and saving money for the school. within the school and find ways of encouraging pupils to eat more fruit. The young people also looked ahead to the construction of The team spent a productive day at the Cook School with James, the proposed new school campus for their area and tried who is the Sales Manager and a Chef, and he helped them to find to identify new, greener ways of heating the building. easy solutions to make school meals healthier – like swapping white bread for brown bread and using sea salt instead of table salt. The team conducted surveys which identified food waste as a possible source of fuel for a new school. Biogas, which is He also explained that many of their ideas, like Free Fruit Friday, would also known as methane, is a clean burning green fuel which be expensive to implement and helped them look again at their healthy can be used for heating, cooking and power generation. eating ideas. With this food for thought, the team met with Headteacher Bryan Paterson to discuss their ideas including Free Fruit Friday; introducing The team experimented by creating their own biogas from food wifi into the cafeteria and music chosen by pupils; the introduction of waste and paper, and researched the creation of biogas on a a salad bar and fundraising for better equipment for the school gym. much larger scale by investigating pneumatic waste collection systems, already in operation in large cities across Europe, which The Kilmarnock team included Ellen Taylor, Jennifer could possibly be introduced into their new school’s design. Carey, Heather Kelly and Rowan Sivewright. They hope their ideas will be implemented in the future. 14 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

Cumnock Academy awarded top prize in INTERACTION challenge Cumnock Academy emerged as proud winners of school enterprise challenge, INTERACTION, run by leading architectural practice Keppie Design, in partnership with East Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire College. Seven secondary schools in East way in which they were presented. The • CBE, Ayrshire College Board Ayrshire participated in the finale, teams from all of the participating schools of Management and CEO of the Klin Group chaired by TV personality and are an absolute credit to East Ayrshire and • Eileen Mackin, Ayrshire College broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli. exemplify the mature and innovative way in project team leader which learning is delivered in the area.” In November 2014, the pupils were • Ryan Sylvester, divisional director at challenged to design an inspirational, The schools were asked to develop design Keppie Design and project architect flexible and open learning space for the concepts and worked with the project for the new Ayrshire College new Ayrshire College campus, which team from Ayrshire College (including Cumnock Academy demonstrated is being built on the site of the former representatives from Keppie Design, structural thinking in a wide variety of areas including Johnnie Walker bottling plant at Hill Street, engineer Ramboll, contractor McLaughlin & furniture, lighting, acoustics and fabrics. Kilmarnock. Using the construction project Harvey and interior designer Space Solutions) The team presented a comprehensive as the basis for the brief, the college has as well as students from the existing Ayrshire solution that showed a significant amount been acting as a client for the students. College to finalise their ideas and presentation of background research which included for the external judging panel at the finale. David Ross, design director from Keppie testing the durability of materials, the flow Design, who developed INTERACTION, The winning design from Cumnock Academy of traffic in the college and accessibility of said: “As part of their business and enterprise will form the basis of the solution which the space. The team also showed several programmes, pupils have been learning the college team will implement, with the skills by using video content and the use of skills and attitudes to help prepare them winning team remaining part of the process. modelling software in their presentation. for the world of work. The INTERACTION The next step is to present the indesign Chair of the judging panel and TV personality project is a great way to develop those skills solution to the college’s project board. Hardeep Singh Kohli, said: “I’ve been and to help create the open, interactive The following people made blown away by the quality of not only the and collaborative learning environment up the judging panel: presentations but also by the fantastic design the new college is aspiring to be. • Hardeep Singh Kohli, TV personality solutions put forward by the teams. Some of “It has been fantastic to see all of the teams’ and broadcaster (chair) the ideas wouldn’t be out of place in some of incredible design ideas. The judging panel of • Professor Christopher Platt, head of the most well-known buildings in the world.” design professionals, educators and leading Mackintosh School of Architecture business people were genuinely speechless at the quality of the ideas and the polished BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 15

Science breaks the ice at Grange Academy

Lucky P7 youngsters had their first exciting experiences of biology, chemistry and physics at secondary school when they took part in Grange Academy’s fantastic science fair in June. More than 260 pupils from local primary schools enjoyed a wide range of fun experiments and activities with new classmates. The children were divided into 14 aptly-named groups – The Mitochondria, The Einsteins, The Catalysts, The Electrons, The Golgi Bodies, The Hydrocarbons, The Oscilloscopes, The Atoms, The Newtons, The Ions, The Gamma Rays, The Noble Gases, Higgs Boson and The Nucleotides. Topics explored included energy, living things and matter, where budding young scientists explored questions posed by the greatest scientific minds of our time. Pupils carried out scientific tasks in challenging and enjoyable workshops – including Flame On, Radical Radiation, Rocketeers and Whodunnit? - presented by the Grange Science teachers, staff from Glasgow Science Centre and Owl Magic. The youngsters also found out about the huge range of interesting careers they could pursue in science around the world – everything from being a vulcanologist, to a forensic scientist or oceanographer. 16 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

March was Maths month at Grange Academy Maths teacher and resident Maths geek, Chris Mr Smith said: “As you can imagine, I was delighted to hear Smith, led the annual celebrations of PiDay at that our YouTube sensation The PiMCA was selected to win! Grange Academy with a Pi in the Sky(line) event. I’m a wee bit gutted I wasn’t able to accept the invitation from the Museum to perform the song live on PiDay but the Each year, Mathematicians across the planet use 14 March, pupils deserve credit for making this song so successful. Their which is written as “3.14” in America, to recognise the creative lyrics, infectious enthusiasm, singing and unique dance most famous Mathematical constant π which has a decimal moves have cemented this song as an absolute classic!” part which is infinite and never repeating. This year the Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Promoting date 3.14.15 made it even more special since the first few Lifelong Learning said: “In addition to all the PiDay action, digits are mirrored in the date - Pi starts 3.1415926.. the school also benefitted from a visit from Professor Adam Mr Smith mobilised students in the games hall to create a McBride, OBE, who delivered a talk about hidden Maths in skyline of buildings with each digit of pi being represented TV show The Simpsons to S3 pupils and a fascinating lecture by a building with the corresponding number of storeys. At to senior pupils on the beauty and usefulness of Maths. the end of the day, 150 digits of Pi provided a stunning visual “Finally I would like to congratulate the S3 and S4 pupils representation of the number spanning the length of the hall. who performed very well in the UKMT Challenge. A The gym hall was buzzing with enthusiasm number earned Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates in and some Annanhill Primary pupils took the this tough competition. Three S4 students, Calum Boyle, opportunity to join in the fun too. Conor Barr, and Holly Leitch did so well that they achieved In other exciting Pi news, New York’s Museum of Math “Pink Kangaroo” awards. And S3 pupil Angus Docherty played their favourite Pi-related song at 3.14pm on PiDay. excelled once again, securing a Hamilton Award, qualifying The winning entry from this worldwide competition was for the next round of the Olympiad; an outstanding “The PiMCA”- a musical tribute written and performed achievement from a promising young Mathematician.” by Mr Smith and Grange pupils back in 2013. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 17 Pupils are making the right Knex-ions Pupils from Bellsbank, Dalmellington, Dalrymple and Patna primary schools put their engineering brains to work as part of a K’nex Challenge, held at Doon Academy. The K’nex Challenge is an annual competition open to all schools in the West of Scotland. Using the popular modelling toy K’nex, pupils had to apply their creativity and construction skills to succeed in a series of engineering-based challenges, competing at three levels to become area champions. Their work was assessed by local engineer Donald Briggs and Mark Gibson from Craigengillan Estate in Dalmellington. Pupils were asked to explain their ideas and how these might translate into the final design. They were quizzed about the structure of their designs, how they might make their design move and who would benefit from it. Points were awarded for knowledge and understanding of the process, for creativity and the ultimate success of the project. Once the local events have taken place, the winners compete at an Area Event before an overall winner is selected. 18 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

RECORD Chemistry LEVELS matters at Grange of East Ayrshire Grange Academy was named overall winner at the national Salters’ Festival of Chemistry held at Glasgow University in May. school leavers going The competition, which is run in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, was attended by a team of four S1 pupils, namely in a positive direction Gemma McTaggart, Jenna Niven, Carter Frew and Liam Davis. The number of school leavers in East The team spent a day in the University’s Chemistry department where Ayrshire going on to work, training they took part in two challenging competitive practical activities. or further study has reached a record They had to demonstrate their skill in the laboratory by solving a forensic challenge level, according to new statistics. through a series of experiments, using several techniques unfamiliar to them. The team had to maintain their focus and show real determination to beat Skills Development Scotland found that 93.1% of off strong competition from 18 other schools from across Scotland. school leavers in session 2013/14 went on to one of these ‘positive destinations’. That compares Four pupils from Primary 7 at Annanhill Primary also attended the with the previous year’s total of 90.8%. competition - Amber Gallacher, Jenna Henry, Archie Jackson and Adam Craig - and they performed extremely well under challenging conditions. In relative terms, performance this year is above the national average of 92.3% and And that is not all. Grange Academy’s Science department has been East Ayrshire Council is now 13th out of selected to participate in Glasgow University’s Schools Collaborative 32 local authorities for the percentage of Crystal Chemistry Project, a unique opportunity to be part of a leavers entering a positive destination. large distributed research project with 30 other schools. To continue to build on this success, the Students will work in tandem with Glasgow University Council will look at introducing enhanced learning about crystal growing with a view digital learning based on employability, literacy to discovering a new compound and numeracy skills; using internships and in the classroom. volunteering opportunities within and outwith the Council, and working more closely with schools and colleges through the new Ayrshire College site and the development of the Knockroon Learning and Enterprise campus. Young people will also continue to be consulted to find out their views on how information and advice should be communicated to them. Work is also ongoing to ensure that young people leaving care receive the support they need to access training, employment or further education. Councillor Eoghan MacColl, Spokesperson for Promoting Lifelong Learning, said: “The figures for 2013/14 are the best on record with over 9 out of 10 young people reaching a positive destination after leaving school. Ensuring that this happens for as many young people as possible remains a key priority for the Council and we are making a real difference so far through partnership working with employers, training and further education providers. “Our young people deserve the best start in life, and through our schools continuing to equip them with the education and skills that they need, pupils can feel more confident and positive about their future and their prospects after they leave school.” BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 19

High praise for Willowbank from Education Scotland Less than two years after opening, the performance of staff and pupils at Willowbank School in Kilmarnock has won high praise from Education Scotland. Education Scotland was so impressed with some of the school’s innovative teaching methods and practices, they’ve agreed to come back and learn more, to widen their use in other schools. Inspectors pointed to the positive way young people were encouraged to make choices, express their preferences and do as much as they can for themselves – taking on responsibilities such as organising the weekly café, taking the fruit trolley around the classes and playing active roles on the pupil council and Eco committee. The report added: “The school is working very effectively with a range of partners, including local schools, to provide challenging experiences that help young people develop their self-esteem, confidence and skills for learning, life and work. “The curriculum has a clear focus on helping young people develop meaningful skills for learning and to support them into life beyond school. Staff are confident in planning high-quality learning experiences in and across curriculum areas. “Provision for physical education is outstanding. All children and young people enjoy and benefit greatly from a range of well-planned, challenging physical activities, including swimming, outdoor education, dance and yoga. “In a number of these lessons young people enjoy learning alongside children and young people from other local schools.” The report is a superb outcome for the £11.5 million campus which houses pupils from the former Woodstock and Witchhill schools, built on the site of the former Park School. 20 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN Science fun at Willowbank

March was science month at Willowbank School in Kilmarnock and the young people had the opportunity to participate in two exciting events which included star gazing, rockets, giant bubbles and active science experiments, organised by Kilmarnock Engineering and Science Society (KESS) and staff from the school. BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 21

The first science day focused on astronomy and the pupils explored the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory’s (SDSO) portable planetarium. The pupils were able to stargaze, watch constellations and a short animated clip about a journey to the moon. The Ayrshire Astronomical Society brought along a variety of telescopes which allowed the pupils to look at different plants and the sun. Students from Glasgow University also helped out on the day with hands on experiments exploring gravity and static electricity. The second high energy event saw the Glasgow Science Centre Outreach van visiting the school with a hands-on bodyworks exhibition. Pupils from Willowbank, Hillside and Park Schools were encouraged to explore their endurance, strength and agility in a scientific fashion in a Fit Lab. STEM ambassadors, volunteers and staff from The Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust were also on hand to deliver science activities including lego robots, magnets, making electricity from fruit and vegetables, launching rockets and exploring the science behind giant bubbles which were even bigger than the pupils. At the end of the event, each school received a science pack courtesy of the members of KESS. Each pack contained a series of exciting and appropriate scientific experiments and activities which will help teachers and carers carry out regular scientific activities with pupils in years to come. 22 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

KESS exists to promote interest in engineering and science locally through an exciting series of lectures and direct help to local schools and other organisations. Membership of KESS is open to anyone over the age of 16 years who has a general interest in science and engineering. Membership is £10 a year – school, college and university students gain free membership. Contact KESS on 01563 527010 or email kess.contactus@ gmail.com for more details of how to join. Further details and information about the Society are available from the KESS website - https://sites.google.com/site/kilmengscisoc/ BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN issue eight 23 Fond farewell for Mr Short East Ayrshire Council said farewell to Graham Short, Executive Director of Educational and Social Services, at a retirement presentation at Grange Academy, the school where Graham began his teaching career in 1979. Executive Director since 2006, Graham first started work educational authorities and working closely with school boards and parents as a teacher of geography, modern studies and guidance including serving on the Ministerial Expert Group for Parental Involvement. following studies at Cambridge and Glasgow Universities. He has also overseen a far reaching school building programme, has led Graham had been with East Ayrshire Council since it formed in 1996, on over 20 school consultations, all with the aim of making sure young firstly as Head of Quality Improvement and then serving in a number of people in East Ayrshire have the very best educational experience. posts including Head of Service and Depute Director of Education, until “East Ayrshire has been extremely fortunate to have Graham his appointment as Executive Director of Educational and Social Services. Short serving our communities and I wish him a very well- Prior to this, Graham worked as a school inspector with Strathclyde Region earned happy, healthy and long retirement.” and as an associate assessor with Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education Outside work, Graham ran marathons all over the world including the (now Education Scotland). In 2006, Graham represented the Scottish Mongolia Marathon. This involved a 42km run across mountainous terrain Government at the Institute of School Leadership at Harvard University. 5,000 feet above sea level.

Fiona Lees, Chief Executive said: “Graham has been an exceptional In an area inhabited by wild animals such as wolves, Graham recalled that public servant for the past 36 years. He has ensured that children the most dangerous creature the runners came across was a chipmunk. and young people and their educational attainment and achievement Married with two sons and three grandchildren, Graham have always been at the forefront of our Council’s priorities. looks forward to more foreign travel in the future. “Graham’s influence has stretched beyond the boundaries of East Ayrshire with his achievements including developing the first set of indicators for 24 issue eight BUSINESSENTERPRISEBULLETIN

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