DUMBARTON ACADEMY – DECEMBER 2015 NEWSLETTER

„KEEP THE HEARRT IN MIND‟

Dear Parent/Carer

As you will read in this final newsletter of the year, 2015 has been another extremely busy

and successful session where our pupils continue to achieve both within and outwith the

classroom.

We are delighted to announce that Claire McInally has been appointed our new Head Teacher

and will take up post on Tuesday 5 January 2016. We are all looking forward to welcoming her

to Dumbarton Academy.

This sessions SQA National Qualification Courses are well underway with the prelim exams for

all Senior Phase pupils (S4/5/6) beginning on Monday 25 January with National 5, Higher and

Advanced Higher exams. We wish all S4, S5 and S6 pupils the best of luck with their exam

preparation during the holiday period. All senior phase pupils have been issued with a copy of

the prelim exam timetable and a copy is also available on the school website.

We want to take this opportunity to thank you, the parents/carers, for your valuable and

sustained support for what we are striving to achieve for your youngsters. There is no doubt

that Dumbarton Academy continues to be an ambitious and successful school and the strong

partnership we have with parents and carers plays a key role in our success.

Finally we would like to take this opportunity to thank pupils and staff for all their hard work,

enthusiasm and commitment throughout this session and wish everyone – pupils, staff, parents

and carers - a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2016.

Mr Murray Hanvey, Mr Graham MacKay and Mrs Louise McMahon

Acting Head Teachers

YOUNG ENTERPRISE

Dumbarton Academy‟s Young Enterprise Group has had a very

successful year so far. This year‟s group, „Happy as Jarry‟,

consists of an incredible twenty five enthusiastic and

ambitious pupils from S6. The group has chosen to design and

manufacture a variety of jars; money banks, drinking jars,

sweet jars and candles. They worked very hard in the run up

to the Trade Fair to source raw materials, design and

manufacture their products. „Happy as Jarry‟ attended

Clydebank Shopping Centre on Saturday 28th November, where they were joined by other competing

schools in Dunbartonshire to sell their goods to the public. The pupils‟ did a fantastic job representing

the school, and made a number of sales.

The group will now focus on their Business Report and presentation due in March. The group have gained

valuable experience in communication, team working, organisation and problem solving skills. I hope you

join me in wishing the group well leading up to the Final Review Event in March.

NEWS FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Donald Dewar Debating Competition

Fiona Martin and Andrew Scarlett successfully progressed to the second round of the Donald Dewar

Debate which will take place in January: they were one of the two successful teams that advanced from

the first heat. The Donald Dewar Debate is a highly influential tournament and Fiona and Andrew, in

this technological age, had the difficult job of trying to persuade the judges to propose the motion,

“This house believes that the internet does more harm than good” but through their hard work and

engaging speeches they managed to succeed. We wish Fiona and Andrew the best of luck in the second

round of the tournament.

Procurator Fiscal Speaking Competition

Dumbarton Academy hosted the Procurator Fiscal Speaking Competition on Tuesday 8th December,

welcoming three local competing schools: Clydebank High School, St Peter the Apostle High School and

Our Lady and St Patrick‟s High School. Holly Moscrop and Isla Meechie represented Dumbarton

Academy in the local heats by discussing the topic “What it Means to be a Refugee in Scotland Today”.

Holly and Isla worked hard to create a mature, persuasive and engaging speech on this topical subject

and impressed their audience. However it was Our Lady and St Patrick‟s High School that secured a

position in the next round of this speaking competition but we wish Holly and Isla the best of luck for

any future competitions.

Advanced Higher English

The Advanced Higher English class enjoyed the opportunity to hear presentations from three

celebrated authors at the Urban Noir Showcase event which was held in Dumbarton Library. Pupils were

treated to a unique insight into the works of urban crime fiction from renowned authors: Arne Dahl, Eva

Dolan and Stuart Neville. Students listened to the authors share their inspirations, reveal their writing

secrets and were also given the opportunity to ask questions.

This was a truly invaluable experience for the budding writers within the class as they are currently

working on creating their own imaginative essays as part of their Advanced Higher Folios. The novels

discussed at the showcase deal with contemporary issues such as immigration, terrorism and the fate of

refugees.

Scotland Our Nation Inter-Disciplinary Learning

In November S2 looked at Scots language as part of the „Scotland: Our Nation‟ IDL. They learned

about Scots grammar and lexicon and the history of the Scots language. They also looked at some weel

kent Scots words and phrases. Pupils Wiktoria Cieslukowska, Ronan Montgomery, Cara MacKenzie,

Matthew Don and Sara Wood put on their best Scots accents to read “Wee Rid Riding Hood” at an S2

assembly. S2 then took part in a workshop in which they wrote a short play of „The Three Little Pigs‟

incorporating Scots (“The Three Wee Bits a Bacon” hud a rare time ootwitting the pure big mad wolf

hing!) which they then performed in class. Pupils also wrote a Fairy Tale of their choice using Scots

language. Some of these were so impressive that they will be entered in The Association for Scots

Literary Studies‟ annual Scots Writing Competition and might win a cash prize!

SCOTLAND OUR NATION - KIDS FOR KILTS DAY

On Friday the 27 November Dumbarton Academy hosted its annual Scotland Our Nation – Kilts for Kids

day where we celebrated all things Scottish and had an early St. Andrew‟s day. All in support of

CHILDREN 1st a national children‟s charity. We managed to raise £696.66 all going to supporting

vulnerable children, young people and their families in Scotland.

Pupils paid a pound and came to school in non-uniform. The only stipulation was to wear something tartan!

A few brave souls faced the elements and wore their kilts but everyone joined in the spirit of the day

and managed to find something tartan to wear.

Period one began with an assembly for S2 pupils where they were piped in by their Duncan Johnston and

Lewis Barbour. This was a great start to the day and it also included an opportunity to celebrate pupil

success looking at the work they had been doing in different curricula areas that focused on Scotland.

Pupils were involved in sharing their work from Scottish reels written in the Music department to a

fairy tales retold in Scots and read by pupils from the English department.

We had our very own „Hunt the Hairy Haggis‟ and pupils scoured the school for clues on Scottish

inventors and entrepreneurs. The event was frantic but the pupils enjoyed it and it helped to raise

awareness of all things Scottish.

During lunchtime two senior pupils Georgia Alison and Ewan Donaghy got to work offering facing painting

for a small donation. The brave heart look was fashioned by a number of students and a good amount

was raised. In addition, a cake stall organised by senior pupils was set up during break and lunchtime

enticing young people and staff with beautifully homemade, delicious cakes !

Furthermore, throughout the day we had workshops taking place led by the PE, Home Economics, Art

and English departments where S2 pupil‟s experienced different activities all based round the theme of

Scotland our nation.

NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARTMENT

S2 Social Enterprise

Since the start of the year, we have been raising money for various charitable causes, as the festive

season approaches; we have decided

to select two charities to raise

money for. We all presented

individual PowerPoint‟s, to

demonstrate the reasons on why our

chosen charities should be picked.

Beatson cancer care and Rainbow

trust were chosen. All 12 members

of the elective together created

over 150 hot chocolate reindeers

and 65 goodie bags to sell during the

2 parent‟s evenings that were taking

place. We also sold in and around the

school community during 6th period

on a Friday. We have developed many skills including, citizenship, literacy and numeracy and have

enjoyed raising money and awareness for the 2 charities.

Cara McKenzie and Sara Wood

Business Trip to the No. 1 Chocolate Factory

On Tuesday 8th December the Business Studies department took 40 S1 pupils to the No 1 Chocolate Factory

in Glasgow. Pupils got a real insight into the production of chocolate and got in on the action themselves by

making a chocolate bar, a teddy or dinosaur mould and a chocolate lolly! The owner of the factory also led

pupils in a workshop to learn about how and when the business started up, the number of chocolate bars

they have to sell before they make a profit and the difference between the coco used by them and their

competitor businesses.

The pupils and staff had lunch in the cafe and then made their way to

George Square by train to take in the Christmas lights in Glasgow. The

pupils had a great day and were a

real credit to Dumbarton Academy!

NEWS FROM THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Extra Curricular Sports Clubs

Well done to all the pupils who have attended the wide selection of clubs after school at Dumbarton

Academy. These included Badminton, Basketball, Gymnastics, Trampolining, 5-a-side football and

Fitness Suite. The clubs will start back in the New Year.

Sports Leaders

Congratulations to the 18 senior pupils who achieved their level 1 coaching award in Basketball, Netball,

Badminton and Football.

Jennifer Haig, Amy Goldsworthy and Hannah Connelly in S5 have since started a Netball Club for S1-S3

girls after school on a Monday. This will also start up again in the New Year. Well Done girls.

Sports Ambassadors

Dillon Young and Christie Grierson, our S5 Sport Ambassadors, have recently completed the application

process for the Dumbarton Academy Sport Council 2016. They are currently planning their first

meeting and we are sure there will be more to follow.

Dillon and Christie have also organised their first sporting event as Sport Ambassadors. The Inter

House Volleyball and Netball tournament for Senior Pupils will take place on Friday 19th December and

will raise money for a charity of their choice.

Aitkenbar Primary Reward Trip

Well done to our National 4 Sport and Recreation group who assisted in providing Primary 7 students

from Aitkenbar with a Trampolining reward period. Our Senior Phase students assisted in setting up

equipment, spotting for safe use and providing feedback as they learned new skills.

Another busy term in science has

seen a lot of activity from AH pupils

making Asprin to DAZL crew sewing

up oranges!

NEWS FROM THE SCIENCE FACULTY

DAZL

continue

to be active

every week and this term has seen the introduction of the very

successful afterschool drop in sessions run by various people now

involved with our in house Zoo. The most popular session since our

Owl pellet dissection has been the visit by Ciara Mulhern from Vets for Pets. Ciara allowed pupils to get

hands on with real suturing equipment from her practice, but rather than sew up a real patient the DAZL

crew helped save some rather beaten up oranges!

The DAZL crew have also been fundraising and have now hosted two fun lunch time events to allow staff and

pupils alike to sit down, enjoy some home baking and relax and spend some well earned down time with

each other.

In other extra-curricular news

the re-launched STEM club is

thriving under the enthusiastic

leadership of Mrs Weir, Mr

Berrie and Miss McGrotty

(Science McGrotty not Spanish

McGrotty!). The pupils have

enjoyed a variety of science

related activities this term from

making their own lava lamps and pinhole cameras to turning copper into

gold. After the Christmas break the STEM club will be getting stuck into some

more cross-curricular activities and the attendees will be working towards a

Bronze Crest award with some Global challenges from BP, E-on or RSC. The

science department would like to remind all S1-S3pupils you are welcome to

join STEM or attend DAZL after school sessions even if you didn’t sign up at the start of the year…anyone is

welcome

Now you are all updated all that’s

left for me to do is wish you a

very Merry Christmas from all in

the science faculty and leave you

with one cracking chemistry pun!

It s not just in the after school clubs that pupil are

enjoying varied activities with the science faculty.

Most recently our AH biology students visited the

Hunterian museum with Mr Johnstone, our

resident biology expert! Emily Martin commented

how much she enjoyed the trip and said seeing all

the taxonomy was really interesting, “it allows me

to link my learning with possible career choices” she said. In addition to trips the

AH pupils have been working hard on project research and practical tasks and

recently presented their ideas to the staff of the science faculty which

although they all admitted was a bit scary it did allow them the chance to

practice presenting their own research to an audience with some very tricky

questions! From analysing the caffeine content in energy drinks to finding out

what makes bananas go brown the variety of projects this year is reflective of

the calibre of our AH cohort this year, let’s hope their results are as good as

expected.

NEWS FROM THE HUMANITIES FACULTY

NEWS FROM THE HUMANITIES FACULTY DECEMBER 2015

PRELIM DATES – FOR YOUR DIARY

Tuesday 26th January RMPS National 5 9am – 10.30am Room S111 RMPS Higher 9am – 11.15am Room S111 Monday 1st February History National 5 9am – 10.45am Games Hall Modern Studies National 5 9am – 10.45am Games Hall Geography National 5 9am – 10.45am Assembly Hall Geography Higher 9am – 11.15am Room S111 Modern Studies Higher 9am – 11.15am Games Hall Tuesday 2nd February History Higher 1.20pm – 3.40pm Assembly Hall (please note room numbers or exam venues – S111 is the Modern Studies classroom)

GEOGRAPHY

S2 – NATURAL DISASTERS UNIT All of the S2 classes have now completed their units on Natural Disasters. This is a very popular unit,

particularly as the end-of-unit assessment features a class presentation of a natural disaster in the

form of something edible ! While some are minimalist, some are truly magnificent creations and we‟d

like to thank all of those who assist the pupils with their presentations. It is very much appreciated and

the pupils gain so much confidence in presenting their work to their class.

S3 classes Pupils in Mr McDevitt‟s class built 3D models displaying landscapes to end their look at Physical

Geography, while Miss Harvey‟s class learned about trade and globalisation through the model of t-shirt

making companies in India. This involved a simulation game where the class split into

different t-shirt companies to gain a better understanding of life without health care,

health & safety rules and staff welfare rights.

National 4 and 5 classes The annual field trip to Ingleton in Yorkshire was an excellent day out for

all pupils concerned. Once again, 4 year groups were represented and once

again our pupils behaved impeccably throughout the long day. We had a

great day exploring underground in the White Scar Cave system, plus

getting up close and personal to some swallow holes and other surface

features in this stunning limestone area.

We hope to be able to fit in at least one more field trip next session to look at redevelopment features

in Glasgow. Some of the National 5 pupils will be able to use this as their field work for their

Assignment projects. These will start after the prelim. Higher Higher class have completed two out of the three internal assessments and are now working towards their Assignments, as well as preparing for their prelims. SUPPORTED STUDY is on offer at the times specified on the doors of both Geography classrooms (before school, lunchtimes and after school on most days)

RELIGIOUS, MORAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES

S1 “Creation of the Universe” posters

The First years have made fantastic and creative posters on this theme which will make an impressive

wall display. Their next topic will be Sikhism.

S2

This group have been learning about the interesting life of the reformed gangster Nicky Cruz. After

New Year, pupils will be moving on to a new unit called Conflict, Combat and Ceasefire”. This will help

pupils understand more about conflicts happening today around the world.

S3 pupils are making good progress with their YPI projects. Some pupils have already

met with their charities and are coming up with inventive ideas for their final

presentations, which we are very much looking forward to seeing !

LGBT+ GROUP

The RMPS department has been proud to support the

LGBT+ group as they promote equality and diversity in the

school. As part of their endeavours, representatives from

the TIE Campaign (Time for Inclusive Education) were

invited to present two assemblies to all year groups. Many

of the pupils were challenged and emotionally affected by Liam and Jordan‟s accounts of their

experiences with issues affecting LGBT+. The LGBT+ group also took the opportunity to introduce

themselves to the school and were pleased to welcome many new members afterwards.

TIE Campaign

Assembly

Souls of our Shoes Exhibition

This was a very moving and informative exhibition. The shoes speak on behalf of abused individuals who

suffer and some who die at the hands of their partner.

Many pupils and staff came individually and in groups to see this exhibition in the Assembly Hall over

the course of the morning towards the end of term. Building awareness of this abuse hopefully leads to

the timely help that can lead to people escaping their situation, rebuilding their confidence and living in

safety.

HISTORY

Remembrance

In the run up to Armistice Day, S3 history

pupils produced some fantastic acrostic poems

to commemorate those who lost their lives

fighting in WWI. They also created a poppy

wreath with details of real soldiers; many of

these were their relatives who fought in major

battles.

Scotland Our Nation

As the school celebrated Scotland Our Nation,

S2 pupils researched famous Scots in history

and produced some excellent work for our

classroom display boards. Some pupils

researched the origins of St Andrew to explain

why we celebrate a day of national

significance. S2 pupils thoroughly enjoyed this

event and we look forward to next year!

MODERN STUDIES

S1 Pupils have been conducting Mock Elections in Social Subjects classes

Miss Kennedy‟s class – 1.1

The pupils in 1.1 created their own political parties and

looked at real party policies in order to create their own.

They worked hard to create manifestos, party ribbons,

posters and speeches. On Election Day, each candidate got

the opportunity to talk to the whole class and tell them why

they should be elected and the class got to ask questions

about their policies. All of the questions were very good -

parties were asked where the funding would come from, why do

the parties want to implement these policies and how will

their policies make a difference to life in the UK.

Recent visit from Jackie Baillie MSP and Kezia Dugdale MSP – more details in next

newsletter !

FOOTBALL

Bits & Pieces Politics

Major League Politics

Scottish Political Party Party

National Blue Party

NSDA

UPDATE

Senior Team Recently won their first match together this year at Clydebank High School. They have been very

competitive in all their fixtures this year and we still have high hopes that they can match last year‟s

success in reaching the knock-out stages of the Glasgow League.

Under 16 team They are through to the last 16 of the Scottish Cup after successfully winning three rounds in the

competition. Their match against Old Machar Secondary, Aberdeen, takes place on Wednesday 16th

December in Aberdeen.

Under 14 team Have progressed through to the Quarter Final of the Glasgow Cup and will play their tie in February.

Man City v Southampton trip – early December This was a very successful trip involving 50 pupils and staff to see the feature match and also engage in

a number of other football related activities over the course of the weekend. There will be another trip

later this year, to London. Details to follow.

SCHOOL GARDEN

We would like to thank the Parent Council for their generous gift to us which has enabled us to make

great progress with our pathways across the garden. After Christmas, we hope to start work on the

raised beds so that we are on track for a new garden to be available to classes early next session.

We are also raising funds through selling infused Olive oils – please call if you would like to order any. It

is £4 per bottle, or 3 for £10 while stocks last !

FOR SALE – NOW !

Infused Olive Oils - 250ml Lemon, Garlic, Rosemary & Basil

GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH

2015 has been a busy year for our Duke of Edinburgh participants.

Here are some pictures from our expeditions:

Bronze

Practice expedition – Auchengillan May 2015

Assessment expedition – Aberfoyle May 2015

Findlay Brown, Ross Banks, Lewis Barbour, Mathew McGroggan, Lauren Eccleston, Amy Millar and Sophie

Wilson

Antonia Breen, James Weir, Katie Black, Emma Irvine, Kieran McEwan, Duncan Johnson, Katie MacDonald

Silver

Practice expedition – Loch Goil April 2015

Assessment expedition – Braemar, Caringorms June 2015

Inder Hayre, Dean Allardice, Robert Martin, David Henderson, Christie Grierson and Carla Knox.

Gold

S6 Practice Expedition - Loch Tay June 2015 (not pictured)

Emily Martin, Fiona Martin, Rowan Johnston, Alan Boyd and Andrew Scarlett.

School leavers Assessment Expedition – Loch Tay June 2015

Lewis Austin, Rachel Thomson, Mhairi Buttle, Lisa Dalrymple and Chloe Smith

RAISING ATTAINMENT

Raising Attainment

Ian McEwan and Sarah Cannon have recently taken on the role of Acting Principal Teacher of Pupil

Support with the aim of Raising Attainment in the school. A number of strategies have been put in place

to ensure that every pupil in the school has the opportunity to become a successful learner:

Supported Study

Formal Supported Study block one is now up and running; it began on the 23rd November and will run up

until the Prelims. All senior pupils have been issued a timetable informing them of departmental

supported study times and we hope that pupils are taking advantage of this opportunity to seek help and

support from their teachers. Any encouragement of attendance at supported study would be greatly

appreciated as it is an opportunity to build on knowledge learned in class and receive feedback on how to

improve.

Mentor Programme

The mentoring programme has been in place for a number of years and pupils find this essential in

supporting them through their senior years. This year has seen another successful uptake and everyone

who signed up to the programme has already been allocated a teacher to be their mentor. Senior Private

Study Classes have been integral in ensuring that the pupils who want to be mentored can have the time

and access to a teacher. This has meant that pupils can now meet with their mentors more often and in

a time that is convenient for them.

Reciprocal Teaching

Reciprocal Teaching is an approach that aims to improve pupils‟ reading comprehension through using a

number of strategies to help them understand the information that they are taking in. The English

Department in Dumbarton Academy are trialling Reciprocal Teaching Assessments in the Broad General

Education and are working closely with Educational Psychologists to track the improvement in pupils‟

reading comprehension. All teachers in Dumbarton Academy will be trained in this methodology and we

hope that this improves literacy skills in our young people.

Still to Come...

Plans are in place for a motivation workshop which will target S4 pupils after their Prelims. The hope is

that the workshop will inspire the S4 students to work to the best of their ability in preparation for

their examinations. This workshop will begin in Dumbarton Academy but will be made available to every

high school within the authority.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Well done and thank you to all who contributed towards the Dumbarton Academy‟s Christmas Hamper

appeal this year. The school managed to fill an impressive 50 boxes to be distributed to vulnerable

families within the local area. A special thank you to Hannah Russell who coordinated the event as part

of her Leadership Award; and also to all of the senior pupils who helped: collect, wrap and deliver the

hampers.

CHRISTMAS DANCE

The Dumbarton Academy Christmas Dance took place on Wednesday 9 December. All pupils and staff

had a fantastic time dancing to the ceilidh band and then the disco.

KEY DATES/EVENTS

Tuesday 5 January School reopens – pupils and staff return

Thursday 14 January S2 Parents‟ Evening

Tuesday 19 January Course Choice Information Evening

Monday 25 January S4/5/6 prelim exams start

Monday 1 February Parent Council Meeting – 6.30 pm

Friday 5 February In-service Day

Monday 8 Feb – Tuesday 9 Feb Holiday

Wednesday 10 February School reopens – pupils and staff return

Wednesday 17 February S3 Parents‟ Evening

Friday 25 March – Monday 28 March Easter holiday

Tuesday 29 March School reopens – pupils and staff return

Monday 4 April – Friday 15 April Spring Break

Monday 18 April School reopens – pupils and staff return

Merry Christmas from all at Dumbarton Academy

...and finally a little something from the Home Economics department to make your festive parties

even tastier!

Snowball Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients

4 digestive biscuits

25g margarine or butter

45ml coconut

30ml cocoa (a mixture of cocoa and drinking chocolate is good)

45ml condensed milk

30ml coconut (in a sandwich bag for rolling truffles in)

Method

1. Collect and set out ingredients.

2. Crush the biscuits in a sandwich bag using a rolling pin.

3. Melt the margarine/butter in the microwave.

4. Add the cocoa and coconut and mix well. Add the crushed biscuits and condensed milk and mix

until everything is thoroughly combined.

5. Take the mixture out and use your hands to form a rough sausage shape. Divide it into 6 pieces

and roll each one into a ball before placing them on a plate. Wash hands.

6. Place one truffle in the coconut bag and shake it gently until coated with coconut. Place into a

paper case. Repeat until finished.

7. Leave to firm at room temperature.

8. Serve and enjoy.