ARDROSSAN ACADEMY

SPRING NEWSLETTER 2017

I hope you find this Spring newsletter informative and useful. Inside you will

find out lots about what has been happening in Ardrossan Academy in recent

months and what is coming up in the new term.

Page Content

1 Welcome

2 Duke of Edinburgh, Foodbank

3 SQA, P7 Transition days

4-5 Pupil Leadership

6 ArdCo

7-9 Developing the Young Workforce

10-11 Pastoral Support

12 News from the Library

13 Modern Languages

14 Easter School, Parent Council

14 Science News

15 Football, Music News

16 Science News

17 Art News

18 Rights Respecting School

19 Health and Wellbeing

20 Astra Base, Nurture

21 Crufts, Prom Fashion Show

22 Important Dates

Visit our website at

www.ardrossanacademy.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter

@ardacademy 1118 followers

and counting!

A photograph by one of the S2

Photography group.

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39 S3 pupils recently completed the first part of their Duke of Edinburgh expedition training by

completing a 9 mile hike to Ardrossan Wind farm in some very challenging conditions. The next

step of their training is an over night expedition in May. We also have 15 Silver pupils ready to

complete a 3 day expedition at Loch Ard at the beginning of June. Also a quick mention to the 13

S4 pupils who will be attending a North Ayrshire Council award ceremony at the end of March to

receive their awards.

Duke of Edinburgh

Thanks to the generosity of staff and pupils we collected 203 food items and 64 Easter Eggs on the second last week of term. A huge thank you to everyone for donations. Thanks also to the pupils who volunteered to help with some of the food collected. Your continued support of the North Ayrshire Foodbank is much appreciated.

Foodbank Friday

Our Volunteers!

TOP ATTENDERS

S1

Lucy Muir

Amy Palmer

Louise Ribbeck

Sarah Cannan

Andrew Jack

Molly Mitchell

James Wardrop

Janet Cheung

Joshua Kilpatrick

Freya Barclay

Caryn Findlay

Gemma Nix

Haseeb Afzal

Alix Kirkwood

Emma Levens

Daniel Bell

Ethan To

S2

Victoria Lees

Catriona McNairn

Rebecca Murphy

Nabihah Afzal

Andrew Buchanan

Hannah Blackwood

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Pupils in the Senior Phase have been

working hard this term to ensure unit

assessments, internal coursework,

assignments and Added Value Units are

completed.

The exam diet officially begins on

Tuesday 2nd May and concludes on

Friday 2nd June 2017. Exam leave for

pupils who have final examinations in

National 5, New Higher or New

Advanced Higher subjects will be

allocated exam leave during this

period. Senior pupils who are returning

to school will be invited in to meet with

their Pastoral Support Teacher to

review course choices and get their

timetable for Monday 5th June. S6

Induction will take place on Friday 2nd

June as there are no exams running in

Ardrossan Academy on this date.

Masterclasses in National 5 and Higher

courses will run throughout the exam

diet , with the timetable being issued

to pupils prior to the holidays.

S4 pupils who have no final exams will

be involved in Ardrossan Academy’s

Skills Academy, which will give learners

the opportunity to develop important

skills relevant to life and work and also

allow them to achieve additional

qualifications!

P7 Transition Days

On the 18th and 19th of May we will be welcoming our incoming S1 pupils from all of

our associated primaries. We are very excited that there will be 158 P7 pupils joining

us for a two day experience of secondary life and then very quickly starting with us

full-time in August.

The theme for the two day Induction Day visit will be “Food for Life”. Every pupil will

visit a number of departments across the school as we want to try to replicate what

life will be like for them as an S1 pupil.

TOP ATTENDERS

S3

Ben Wallace

Ross Gentleman

Christopher Ribbeck

Todd Campbell

S4

Katie Thomson

S5

Jordan Lundie

Dionne Palmer

S6

Marie-Ann Wales

Kalle Smith

UNIFORM

Just a reminder of the expected uniform standards for session 2016-17.

Plain black/white shirt. School tie (£4 from office) or senior tie (£5 from office)

Plain black jumper or cardigan (no hoodies)

Plain black trousers or skirts (no jeans, tracksuit bottoms or leggings).

Plain black footwear

Blazers can be purchased from the office for £20. They are a great alternative to a jumper and can be worn in class.

PE Kit

Black, blue or white t-shirt or polo shirt. Vest tops are not appropriate.

Ardrossan Academy badged t-shirts and polo shirts can be purchased from office.

Black or navy shorts or tracksuit bottoms.

Soft soled shoes.

Hoodies etc may be worn for outdoor activities.

Pupils not participating in

PE are still expected to

change into kit and be

involved in theory

aspects of lessons.

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Pupil Leadership

Ardrossan Eco’s Go Organic

The Eco Committee launched their social enterprise ‘Ardrossan Organics’ at the school

Christmas Fayre in November. The group were selling natural handmade cosmetic

products such as lip balm, moisturisers, bath bombs and candles, as well as home grown

herbs and pickled beetroot. A small group of the junior Eco Committee then attended a

craft fayre in the Whitlees Centre the following day, and between both events the group

sold £333 worth of products, £138 of which was profit to spend on their social aim. The

group aims to tackle food poverty in the community by teaching young people about

growing their own fruit and vegetables, using their school allotment plot. They are using

the money they’ve raised so far to pay for seeds and equipment for their plot, and the

group hope to be selling their fresh produce to staff and parents from spring next year.

Ardrossan Organics at

work.

Youth Philanthropy Initiative

Youth Philanthropy Initiative

On Thursday 2nd February, Ardrossan Academy had their second annual Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Finale. Six

groups took part in this enjoyable evening to promote charities that meant a lot to them and to have the chance of

winning £3000!

The first group was Women’s Aid, which is a charity helping victims of domestic violence. This group had a power point

and an anonymous video with someone who had been helped by the charity. If they won the money it would go towards

clothing and toiletries, and other essentials, needed by those fleeing abuse.

Little Box of Distractions is a charity to help distract people with mental illnesses, autism or disability from self-harm.

They had a video of all the different distractions inside the box like wee toys, colouring books, and things which make a

noise. Things like colouring books help to keep you calm and games distract you from negative thoughts. This group

would use the money to make lots more boxes for people who need them and to provide a drop-in centre for people to

go to and speak. Little Box of Distractions have a text service to help people who need to chat to distract themselves.

South Beach Care Home was another charity presented at this evening and included a funny drama performance from

younger pupils about an old man telling stories from a visit to the beach to his grandchildren. This group made the

excellent point that we shouldn’t forget our elders and wanted to use the money to make a garden for the care home, as

their previous garden had been destroyed. They also hoped to be able to take the elderly people out more often so they

could be active and happy.

The Royal British Legion Scotland talked about meeting with their charity lots, and with the charities cute dog Hamish.

They read out a poem and gave a power point talking about how the money would go to veterans who suffer from

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Everyone loved Hamish and he was excited to hear his name being said from the stage.

The National Autistic Society used a video to make people aware about autism. They spoke about working in Ardrossan

Academy’s very own autism base which supports people with autism to access mainstream education. They wanted

everyone to be treated the same and the money would help to raise awareness by going into school assemblies to talk

about autism.

Last up, North Ayrshire foodbank had a slideshow of pictures from their visit to the charity and spoke about the charity

not just providing boxes of food but also a café for anyone to visit. The café allows people to make a small donation of

their choosing for their food – allowing them to feel as though they are paying for the food. They put an empty bowl un-

der audience members’ seats to show how much some people actually have for their dinner.

Whilst the judges were deciding, there was excellent entertainment and delicious refreshments. Nicole Frew and Iona

Barclay played the flutes, Hannah Blackwood sang and played the ukulele, and then Jay Scott played on the piano.

Thankfully these performance were amazing as they had to be repeated because the judges took a lot longer than

expected. It took the 5 judges over half an hour to decide on the winner, proving just how good all the groups were.

And the winner was… The Little Box of Distractions!

By Rachel Davidson (with a wee bit of help from Miss Roberts)

Pupil Leadership

ArdCo News

The Ardrossan Academy Art and Design Company have been working with Mr Allan Hill (Manager) and Mr Eddie

Paterson (Owner) of the Art and Joy (Arti Farti Gallery), Hamilton Street Saltcoats.

S3 pupils, Hannah Brown, Isla Kolankaya, Anya Anderson, Nina Mitchell and Harry McDonald S5 have been invited

to stage an exhibition showcasing the art work of Ardrossan Academy pupils. The Art and Design Company have

been introduced to all aspects of organising an Art Exhibition from planning, selection of work and framing to

marketing, graphic design for posters and invites to presentation and hospitality. The Exhibition will take place at

the Arti Farti Gallery opening on Saturday the 1st of April until the 8th of April 2017. Private viewing 10am till 1pm

public viewing 1pm till 5 pm.

We look forward to your support in this venture.

Art & DeSiGn Co working with Mr Allan

Hill of “The Arti Farti (Art & Joy)

Gallery”, selecting work for

exhibition.

Design by Harry MacDonald, S5

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Developing the Young Workforce

Ardrossan Academy is… Developing the Young Workforce

Ardrossan Academy is working towards developing the next generation of workers. As part of the government agenda

we are continuing to develop pupils’ skills in relation to Learning, Life and Work and as part of this we are working

with outside partners to enhance pupils knowledge of skills required in life outside of school.

Our business partners have been working with teachers to help design and deliver school curriculum to help young

people see the value and relevance in what they are learning.

Some recent examples of this type of work include:

Maths Department – Ashleigh Construction

Pupils visited Ashleigh Construction site on Montgomerie Street and took part in some activities measuring out the

layout for a new building. Pupils listened to a mixture of professionals discuss their job roles and how mathematics

plays an important part.

SCOTTISH YOUTH

PARLIAMENT

ELECTIONS

Pupils in S1-6 had the

opportunity recently to

cast their vote for the

local candidates for

Scottish Youth

Parliament.

NAC YOUTH

CONFERENCE

S2 House Ambassadors

Megan Pettigrew, Aimee

Clark, Olivia Starr,

Danielle Cameron and

Rachel Davidson

attended the recent NAC

Youth Conference. They

had the opportunity to

meet representatives

from other school in

North Ayrshire and they

were able to take part in

discussions, give their

views and attend

workshops. We hope

they enjoyed

representing the school!

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Home Economics – Garfield’s Restaurant

S4 pupils have been involved in working with staff from Garfield’s, Ardrossan. Pupils

have been trying to recreate some of their signature dishes as well as creating some of

their own. Pupils will be holding a Tapas style buffet for staff at the end of March.

English department – Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald

A relationship with the local paper has allowed for pupils to start producing, editing

and publishing a quarterly input for the paper. Pupils find stories from throughout

the school community and bring these together in an eight page spread. The group

are excited to announce that the next issues will be out towards the end of March.

Travel and Tourism – The Waterside / SimpsInns

National 5 Travel and Tourism pupils visited the facilities at The Waterside Hotel

recently. Pupils were impressed by their tour of the hotel with one pupil remarking

that she couldn’t wait to start her career working in hotels. Hotel Operations man

ager Mike Crossland shared his career path which included working in hotels as well

as cruise ships which has helped inspire pupils towards obtaining their qualifications

and reaching their aspirations.

Computing – The Nexus Agency

Former pupil Gordon Bain has been working closely with a computing class to help them develop

their abilities in design and creating of web pages. In particular pupils have been focussing on ani-

mation within web pages. Gordon has also discussed his career route and also the skills which he

has needed to develop to run his own business.

MODERN

APPRENTICESHIPS

Modern apprenticeship opportunities can be found using www.apprenticeships.scot and more information about this career pathway can be accessed by discussion with your Pastoral Support teacher or Mr Bell.

Gordon Cowan, Youth Worker, has been working with a group of S2 boys in digital

photography. The group meets every Thursday in the school to learn basic principles of

photography, how to use equipment and produce digital images. They are hoping to

create a portfolio of photographs and went on a field visit to Heads of Ayr Farm Park

recently to take their first set of photographs.

S2 Photography Group

STAFFING UPDATE

Mr Johnston has joined the

Health and Wellbeing faculty as

the new Faculty Head. We would

very much like to thank Ms Muir

for her contribution to the faculty

and the school while she was in

Ardrossan Academy.

Mrs Davidson is the new Principal

Teacher of the Astra Base and will

be continuing to develop this

bespoke service which caters for

all young people across North

Ayrshire with an ASD diagnosis.

Ms McCready has sadly left us to

take up post of Depute

Headteacher in Inverclyde

Academy. We wish her the very

best in her new post, this is a

huge loss to our school.

We will soon welcome back Miss

Russell to Social Subjects as she

returns from maternity leave.

Thank you to Miss McGhie who

has been covering this leave so

competently.

Mrs Wilberton won’t be returning

to Ardrossan Academy following

her maternity leave. We wish her

and her family the very best for

the future.

We would like to welcome Ms

Houston to the Pupil Support

department.

Mrs Bruce has joined us as the

new Education Business Officer. A

warm welcome to her at a very

busy time of year.

Vacancies for a FH Design and PT

Music have been advertised and

should be filled soon. The FH

English & Drama post will be

re-advertised after the holiday.

Pastoral Support

Options Interviews S2-S5

This session Pastoral staff have been busy meeting with pupils from S2-

S5 to support them in making their option

choices for next year. We have been

delighted with the level of parental

engagement during these interviews and it

is encouraging to see how well pupils are

being supported, both in school and at

home. These interviews provided Pastoral

Support teachers with the opportunity to discuss current progress,

identify strengths and set targets to tackle areas for development.

We also discussed possible career areas and various pathways. It

was inspiring to meet with pupils who have already been busy researching University and

College courses in preparation for their interview.

We continue to encourage pupils and parents to utilise the following websites as they contain

a wealth of information regarding career areas and pathways:

www.myworldofwork.co.uk www.planitplus.net In addition, all pupils have the option to meet with staff from Skills Development Scotland to

receive additional support and information. Barra and Nevis pupils should contact

Robert Andrews and Annick and Lomond pupils should contact Claire Jopp. Appointments can

be made directly, or via Pastoral Support Teacher.

We wish pupils every success in their chosen subjects next year.

S2 PSE Substance Misuse

In PSE this session, S2 pupils have been

developing their understanding of

substance misuse, learning about a

range of drugs and the effect that they

have on physical, emotional and

mental wellbeing. The aim of drug

education is to equip pupils with the

necessary knowledge, skills, and

attitudes to enable them to make

informed, healthy choices and decisions, and to prevent or reduce the harmful

consequences of drug misuse. In additional to learning about different types of drugs, pupils

have developed a range of valuable skills including, communication, presentation, and

creativity.

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AD ASTRA: The Ad Astra Award

ceremonies took place for

pupils in S1-3 week

beginning 27th March and

we welcomed a large

number of parents to the

ceremonies.

Amy Palmer (S1), Michaela

McNeill (S2) and Hannah

Blackwood (S3) performed

at the ceremonies. Well

done to them and all the

pupils who achieved the Ad

Astra Award!

Senior PSE Mental Health

Senior PSE classes have been developing their understanding of Mental Health this session.

Mental Health continues to be a troubling issue in society as we seek to improve

understanding and reduce stigmatisation of those affected. Pupils have learned about a

range of conditions and lessons have supported them to understand individual experiences,

while developing empathy for others.

Pupils have been introduced to strategies to maintain good mental health, in particular,

Mindfulness.

www.seemescotland.org http://www.mind.org.uk/

Options interviews have now taken place and we are working on building

the timetable for next session based on pupil choices.

As always we will endeavour to meet every child’s first choice courses, however in a

small number of cases this may not always be possible. If your child is affected, they

will be re-interviewed to ascertain an appropriate progression pathway, ensuring this

is not a barrier to future learning opportunities.

Pupils wishing to study Advanced Higher courses may be required to travel to other

schools to study some of their subjects, as other schools send pupils to Ardrossan

Academy. This type of consortium work allows us to extend Advanced Higher

provision, however it must be noted that courses will only run when pupil numbers

make it viable.

Senior Options and Course Choices

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Parents Evening attendance rates this

session.

S1—60%

S2— 60%

S3— 62%

S4—58%

S5—63%

S6—48%

News from the Library

It’s been a very lively term in the Library with lots of activities, competitions and even some reading! So, what’s been happening? National Libraries Day Book dares – daring each other in Library periods to read something completely different. Lead to lots of giggles! Launch of the first Ardrossan Academy Book Awards – 6 books to read and vote for. Winner was announced on World Book Day and was Lari Don’s Mind Blind. The result was tweeted and Lari responded with “WOW! Thanks for letting me know about this and thanks to everyone who voted for #MindBlind!" World Book Day All S1-3 classes participated in a short quiz with a team winning from each class. The best team won a class prize. Well done class 2A with a brilliant 10 out of 10! It was fun and created lots of discussion. Hopefully everyone learned something – whether it was that you sneeze at 100 mph or it rains diamonds on Saturn and Jupiter! Peek a Book Shelfie –photos of pupils peeking through the book shelves. Amy Murphy in S1 won best photos. 5 Min speed read - challenge at lunch time with a leader board of who read the most pages in 5 minutes. Congratulations to Abbie Scott in S2 who read an impressive 21 pages! In PS class – a question a day in a short quiz with 4L2 winning a prize. Reading Wall has featured: “Don’t leave these books hanging” – recommended books from the Book Club hanging on a washing line! Read a Book of a film or about an actor nominated/received an Oscar Photos from the Peek a Book Shelfie photographs Displays have included: Cosy up with a warm book – titles contained fire, heat, warm etc. World Religion Day Burns Night Spring into Spring – books with spring related titles Read any Red books? Titles were red or contained the word red – a great pun! Spring into Spring – play on words with titles of spring related terms. Thanks to Mrs. Martin for the inspiration! Decorate your door for Literacy Week – the Book Club helped decorate the Library door with The Secret Garden book cover DVD collection is now available for loan thanks to kind donations Talking books – a small selection of audio books has been introduced

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Our Modern Apprentice successfully completed her training and has moved onto pastures new. Thanks Madaleine! Author Session – 7 specially chosen pupils went to Saltcoats Library for a workshop with author Lari Don. The pupils heard from 2 of her books, listened to a Viking story which has inspired Lari, contributed to story ideas, and asked questions. Brilliant experience for those involved Foodbank donation – for every very overdue book returned, a donation is made to the local foodbank. So have a look for overdue books under beds, in shelves and cupboards. Help the Library and local community.

If you are spring cleaning and find any CDs, DVDs or books you no longer want, please pass them to the Library where they will find a good home. Finally, remember to visit and like the Library’s Facebook page @ardacadlibrary.

Modern Languages

Recently, on the 22nd of March, Ardrossan Academy pupils in S5 and S6 from the modern languages department were given

the chance to watch and participate in the annual multi-lingual debate at Heriot-Watt University. Pupils left the school at

around 11:00am and took the 90-minute journey to the university. We were then ushered into the main conference room

where the debate was to take place. Many other schools around the country were in attendance, and there was around

250 students and teachers. From there the debate started. We were introduced to the statement that the panel was going

to debate on which was if robots ‘will soon become a positive and defining feature of our daily lives’. However, this is

where the multi-lingual part of the debate was put into play. The speakers themselves spoke a variety of different lan-

guages: from English, French, Spanish, German, and even Chinese and thanks to language students at Heriot-Watt who

were interpreting for the audience from booths, we could understand everything due to the headphones that we received

and the work of the student interpreters. Before the speakers started the speeches, we as the audience were given to op-

tion to agree with the statement or disagree. The result was 51% agreed where as 49% disagreed. From there the speakers

each talked about their arguments from their point of view and tried to persuade the audience on their view. After this

came audience questions in which the audience could ask questions related to the topic to the speakers. I asked a ques-

tion concerning the use of robots in conflict zones and each of the speaker’s opinions on the matter. One side said that this

was a good idea as robots don’t have to go through the same emotions as humans do, but the other side said that

legislation would have to be required. At the end of the debate we were asked to vote again on the statement, however

this time the final result was only 33% agreed and 64% disagreed with the statement, so the disagreed campaign had made

a remarkable comeback. Overall it was an enjoyable experience and a good indication of what languages can do for me

later on in my life.

Ardrossan Academy visits multi-lingual

debate by Alexander Chisholm

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Easter revision classes have been planned for the Spring holiday, with classes running in English,

Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Drama, Art, Music, Geography, History, Modern

Studies, Design & Manufacture and Graphic Communication.

Morning sessions run from 9.30-12.00 and afternoon sessions from 12.30-15.00.

Pupils have been heavily encouraged to sign up for classes. Any pupil who hasn’t done this by the 10th

March deadline can still register in advance by phoning the school office on 01294 461931.

Easter School is a wonderful resource to help keep pupils focused during the holidays and provide them

with support as the intense exam diet looms on the horizon. If your child hasn’t already signed up,

please encourage them to do so.

There is no requirement to wear school uniform during Easter

School. Pupils may wish to bring their own refreshments.

Easter School

Participatory Budgeting We are delighted to inform you that Ardrossan Academy’s Parent Council was successful in the three applications they submitted to North Ayrshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership Participatory Budgeting Event (Your Mental Health and Wellbeing, Your Money, You Decide: A Treasure Chest of Opportunities). The Parent Council presented, as part of the Participatory Budgeting process, a 3 minute pitch to the community on each of their applications at the Civic Centre on Saturday 25th February. The parent council were delighted that the community voted for Ardrossan Academy and each bid was successful. The applications were made to help our pupils with their Mental Health, with Social Isolation and to help all the senior phase pupils with their exam stress and pressure next session. Now staff from Ardrossan Academy and the parent council will work together to organise the events.

Remaining Parent Council dates this session. Monday 24th April Monday 5th June These meetings commence at 6.30pm in the Conference Room, situated in the main building.

Parent Council

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Football

Burnley vs. Man City Trip During the session 37 of our pupils had the experience of watching an English Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester City. The pupils had the opportunity to see some of their football hero's close up and thoroughly enjoyed their day. After the match the pupils had the opportunity to develop their own football skills when they took part in a coaching session delivered by Burnley FC coaches.

Ross Jack was awarded the Bob McMillan Memorial Trophy for his performances whilst

representing Ayrshire Schools Under 18s.

Music News

I-Create Music Technology A group of 12 students from S2-S6 have been working with the Software Solutions Company, i-create, every Thursday for two hours after school. They are getting an experience of Music Technology and Sound Engineering with the team who deliver the course. The course runs for 8 weeks and students are completing a recording and editing task.

Nicola Benedetti. The violin students in the school will be travelling to Edinburgh on Thursday 18th May to observe and participate in a Master Class given by Nicola Benedetti. This is an amazing opportunity for our violinists who always show the utmost commitment to the Music department and the School community as a whole.

Work Experience Miss Barnett is looking to arrange work experience with a recording studio in Paisley. Students have undertaken this placement previously. This would take place in June. If you are interested, speak to Pastoral in the first instance.

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Science News

This year Sophie Gribben in N6 became the first pupil at Ardrossan Academy to undertake the Scottish Baccalaureate in Science. In addition to her Advanced Highers in Physics and Computing, Sophie completed an interdisciplinary project. The project was a feasibility study looking at powering the local allotments with sustainable energy through installation of a wind turbine. On Friday the 17th of March Sophie presented her findings to a group of people including representatives from the allotment group, a local engineering firm, community development and science faculty staff. Sophie delivered an excellent presentation, detailing the cost of the project, available grants to fund it and requirements for planning permission. She will be presenting her findings at the next allotment committee meeting and we look forward to seeing the project progress in our local community.

Sophie presenting her baccalaureate project.

On Thursday the 9th of February we welcomed the P7 pupils from our local primary schools to enjoy a day of STEM activities with us. Pupils from 6 schools worked in science, social subjects and technical to investigate issues linked to global warming. Working in teams we designed homes that could survive a flood. Pupils discussed what each house would need to be flood resistant and what would make it a good home. They also considered the construction materials and what would work and be cost effective. In the afternoon we looked at the use of floating gardens in areas of the world prone to flooding. Each group designed their own floating garden and tested them to find out which one could hold the most mass. We had a wonderful day with primary 7 and look forward to meeting them again when they return for their transition to S1. Throughout the day the P7 pupils (and our staff) were supported by our S1-3 house ambassadors and the S2 leadership group. I think everyone was in in agreement that they did an amazing job and were outstanding representatives of Ardrossan Academy.

P7 STEM Day

P7 STEM Event

ACHIEVEMENTS

Nicole Turner, S5

Nicole is currently playing for

Kilmarnock FC Ladies U-23

team.

Aria Pascual, S5 competed in

a recent Karate Grand Prix,

Wishaw, winning gold in Kata

(senior female) and gold in

Kumite (female 16/17

category).

Art & Design News

Senior Art & Design exhibition

The Art & Design senior exhibition was on Tuesday the 21st of March, 4-6pm. The event was well

attended by pupils, parents and extended family members who joined us in celebrating the Art

work being produced across our senior cohort.

GSA S4 Taster week Spring

Glasgow School of art are offering a S4 Taster week during the first week of the Easter holidays.

The course is designed to give pupils the chance to experience what it is like to study a visual

creative degree within Higher Education – working in a studio, learning about contemporary art,

design and architecture, answering challenging but fun creative briefs and making friends from

other schools.

Four of our S4 pupils have applied and been accepted on this course

Jack Stevenson

Lauren Houston

David Gamble

Iona Welsh

S6 moving on

Tia Payne - Conditional offer for Fashion Technology and manufacture at Cardonald College

Graham Bruce – Bachelor Degree of Architecture at Strathclyde University

Lewis Boylan - Art & Design Graphic route at Ayr College

Sophie Young - HNC Art & Design at Langside College

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Our school is participating is participating in the Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) a program set up by UNICEF which uses the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as a guideline to transform our school into a rights respecting school. UNICEF is already helping more than 4000 schools to achieve this and in turn helping 1.5 million children go to a rights respecting school. This feat is being undertaken by the Rights Respecting Group at our school which meets every Wednesday lunchtime to discuss our next steps to achieving the RRSA. In order to achieve this we have to follow four steps and present evidence showing that they have been reached and in turn receive our level 1 of the RRSA. These steps are… Standard A: Rights Respecting Values are top priority in all actions of leadership and management.

Standard B: The Whole school is taught and educated about the UNCRC.

Standard C: The school has young people and adults collaborating to maintain and develop the Rights respecting school

community based on the UNCRC.

Standard D: Children and young people have the right to say what they think and have their views taken seriously so as

they may develop their confidence and have an active part in their learning.

Before our School begins undertaking these standards it must first achieve the ROC Recognition of Commitment the first step of the RRSA which has already been completed by the Rights Respecting Group. It had us supply documented evidence of the school’s commitment and how we intend to become rights respecting and was therefore a primarily planning stage. After completing this, our next step is level 1 which will have us show that the school is making good progress towards embedding children’s rights in the school’s policy, practise and ethos as outlined in the four standards. We are currently progressing towards level 1 and after completion our next step will be level 2. After hearing about the stages of the Rights Respecting School Award it is understandable that may be wondering what the point is. Well when our school is progressing towards achieving the RRSA it will mean great benefits for all students such as improved learning and overall respect for staff, peers and the school in general. When the UNCRC is implemented it our school it will allow children and young people to make informed decisions and to grow into confident, active and empowered citizens. From 500 rights respecting schools analysed it was found that... -98% of Head teachers believe that the RRSA has had a positive impact on relationships and behaviour throughout the school -97% of head teachers considered that working on RRSA improved children and young people’s respect for themselves. -93% of head teachers considered that the Award contributed to children and young people being more engaged in learning their learning. -93% of head teachers considered that RRSA impacted on children and young people’s positive attitudes to diversity and overcrowding prejudice. -76% of head teachers stated that RRSA has had a positive impact on reducing exclusions and bullying. The Rights Respecting Group is working very hard to achieve this and join the already growing number of schools who are making sure that they are respecting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We are all looking forward to observing the changes we will be experiencing within our school and achieving or Rights Respecting School Award.

Rights Respecting School

Health and Wellbeing

School of Sport Rugby and Basketball squads are working hard, (especially in their 8am starts), showing dedication, teamwork and skill development. The rugby squads have been competing in Ayrshire Conference tournaments, both at home and away, coming 2nd at the most recent fixture at the 4G Weir pitch in Largs. S1/S2 Basketball squads have won both the three towns and the Active Schools tournaments. Our S1 team finished the AyRshire league in 2nd place. Ayrshire Tornadoes run U12, U14 and 16 development session for pupils to further develop their Basketball skills. See Laura, our School of Sport coach or the PE dept for more info. There is an opportunity of a Rugby Modern Apprentice with Scottish Rugby within North Ayrshire Council and Ardrossan Accies RFC. Anyone interested should speak to Andy Duncan or the PE Dept. Ardrossan Accies have started up an U15 girls team who train on a Sunday afternoon, anyone interested should contact Andy Duncan. U15 and Senior girls Rugby training is now on a Thursday after school.

PE and Home Economics Our Sport Council is up and running, meeting in the PE dept on a Thursday lunchtime. If interested in joining, see Miss Irvine or James Weatherston. On a Thursday after school our Gymnasts are in training for the National Gymfest competition in May where they will make their debut performance, competing against schools from all across Scotland in a choreographed team gymnastics routine. Rehearsals are going well so far. The Food for life group is working with the Eco committee and Art dept in creating and producing a recipe book with healthy and fun to make dishes. This book will be on sale at the Summer Fayre. In partnership with Glasgow Clyde College, our Textiles pupils spent a day at Dumfries House working with staff to create a specially designed handbag.

More info/photos

Working at Dumfries House

INTER-HOUSE SPORT

We have had Cross Country, Badminton and Basketball competitions for S1-S3. So far the results are:

Next up is the final round of Athletics after the Easter Holidays, where pupils will be working towards qualifying for the final in various heats across the track and field events.

Place House Points

1st Lomond 250pts

2nd Nevis 200pts

3rd Annick 175pts

4th Barra 150pts

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Astra Base

Our Astra Base Buddies were nominated for North Ayrshire Council’s

Provost’s Young Citizen of the Year Award for their outstanding contribution

in helping support our Astra Base pupils. Our Astra Base is a North Ayrshire

Resource for pupils on the Autistic Spectrum. Each of the girls, during

Personal Support, interval and lunchtimes give up their free time to meet

with our pupils and be another layer of support for them.

Sometimes they even give up their study periods to spend time

with the Astra Base pupils to help them with their work. We are

very proud of our finalists, and although they did not win on the

evening, we believe they deserve all the recognition they can get

for their hard work and wonderful contribution to our school

community. Well done!

Our Ace Base pupils have been working very hard with Mrs Venman and Ms Floyd over the past few months. Each

morning our pupils meet for breakfast and prepare for the day during Personal Support time.

The S1 and S2 pupils have been working on making beautiful picture frames in preparation for Mothers Day. The S1s

were working out in the table tennis rooms, enhancing their hand eye co-ordination. The S1 pupils were also doing

some experiments with their left over sweetie wrappers which had some amazing results.

Our S3 pupils are really beginning to enjoy working outdoors on the allotment and have started to plant some

strawberry seed and grow tomatoes. The pupils will be taking full responsibility for looking after them and ensuring

that they are well fed and watered.

Mrs Green has now joined the Ace Base as our Classroom Assistant. Mrs Green will be supporting S1-S3 pupils

throughout the day and during the nurture periods within the Ace Base.

Nurture—Ace Base

On the 9-12th March I attended Crufts at the NEC, Birmingham. Crufts is the biggest dog show in the world and this was my fifth year there. My mum and I travelled down on the Wednesday with my toy poodle, Milly. We competed in the three dog agility events. In the ABC agility run, Milly was a bit cheeky and picked up 15 faults. On Saturday we ran in the U-18 jumping; Milly had a lovely run but took the wrong last jump which eliminated us. On Sunday we were in the teams event; 5 people in each team with 15 teams competing. With a total of 10 faults our team came 3rd overall. We were all very happy with this result. Dog agility is an amazing hobby that I love. I am now looking forward to competing at the open agility junior championships at the end of March. I am also looking forward to competing at the World Agility Open in Holland as part of Team Scotland in May.

Crufts by Eilidh Murray

On Wednesday the 22nd of March the S6 Prom Committee held a Fashion show to raise funds for their 6th year prom that will be held on Thursday 8th of June at the Burnhouse Manor. The audience were shown a wonderful catwalk display of beautiful gowns and kilts which were supplied by So Beautiful and Clyde Kilts. Each of the female models were also able to display corsages by Flowers by Aileen, Jewellery by Stella and Dot, hair by Abundance and make-up by former pupil, Lori MacFarlane, who is now an independent make-up artist. The pupils also raised more money by raffling some wonderful prizes which were donated by the local businesses and selling some amazing home baking. The local businesses who supported the event, in addition to those already mentioned, were iKandi, TanOz, Vanilla Joes, Bee Beauty, Jennifer Reeves Hair and Bella Mani. The total raised was well over £600. Well done Prom Committee!

Prom Fashion Show

Important dates

Tuesday 18th April School re-opens

Monday 24th April Parent Council 6.30pm

Monday 1st May Holiday

Tuesday 2nd May S4-6 Exam Leave starts

Wednesday 3rd May S1 Heats Sports Day

Thursday 4th May S2/3 Heats Sports Day

Tuesday 9th May S1-3 Sports Day

Thursday 18th May P7 Induction

Friday 19th May P7 Induction

Friday 26th May In-service.

Monday 29th May Holiday

Tuesday 31st May Timetable Changes for S1-3 pupils

Friday 2nd June Exam lave ends, new S6 Induction

Monday 5th April Parent Council AGM 6.30pm

Thursday 8th June S6 Prom, Stratford Trip

Friday 9th June S1 and S2 reports issued

Monday 12th June Barcelona Trip

Tuesday 13th June S1-3 Prizegiving

Monday 19th June School Show Opens

Thursday 22nd June London Trip

Tuesday 27th June Activities day (proposed)

Wednesday 28th June School Closes at 1pm.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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