Marr College pupils raise money for Oxfam

Jun 4 2008 Marr College, Ayrshire Post

SECOND year pupils completed an enterprising art competition raising £110 for Oxfam to purchase mosquito nets which will make a great difference to the lives of children in Africa.

The enterprising competition allowed pupils to use Troon in Bloom as inspiration for designing logos for Troon Community Council who kindly awarded certificates and prizes to pupils.

SECOND year pupils enjoyed a day in Edinburgh visiting Heriot Watt University Graduation Show.

Pupils had the opportunity to view the fashion and textile show and speak to designers who explained the hard work required during the processes of designing and producing the garments on show. A great experience for the pupils.

A VARIETY of fund raising activities organised by second year pupils and the religious education department for Christian Aid week culminated on a Friday lunchtime QuizAid event.

Pupils and staff formed teams to answer general knowledge questions with pupils beating staff in a sudden death play off. Congratulations to all who took part in the quiz, raffles etc.

A total of £150 was raised for Christian Aid.

THIRD year pupils conducted a geography field trip to Arran as part of their Standard Grade course.

In the course of the day pupils walked along Corrie shore exploring its geology and aspects of the village, conducted a river study in Glen Sannox and completed a study of services in Brodick.

A PROGRAMME of events to tackle litter is being organised by PC Jones and the school ECO group. Initially they will be investigating and measuring the scale of litter in areas adjacent to our school.

A litter pick is being organised and a launch of our Bin it to Win scheme will take place week beginning Monday, June 9.

This will involve recognising and encouraging youngsters to take responsibility for litter in our area.

Pupils who use litter bins may be eligible for prizes.

A BUSY time of year for pupils and staff involved with the school show.

Pupils and staff are preparing and rehearsing during lunch times and after school for our annual school show.

With the dedication shown by pupils and teachers we are looking forward to three presentations of Barnam on the 17, 18 and 19 June. Tickets go on sale soon so don't delay.

ON Wednesday, June 4 at 7pm there will be an information evening for parents of pupils who are participating on the school trip to Switzerland.

THE programme of events to welcome primary 7 pupils to Marr College has been in progress for several weeks.

There are year long links between associated primary schools and Marr.

However at this time of year an intensive programme of events is undertaken to ensure the smooth transition of primary 7 pupils to first year pupils in Marr College.

Specialist staff of English and mathematics have visited all our associated primary schools to gain useful insights.

Guidance teachers, support for pupil teachers and the Marr College depute head teacher for next session's first year have also visited each primary school and consulted with their primary colleagues to ensure that each and every pupil is known as an individual before enrolling at the secondary school.

In addition the head teacher and depute head teacher have made presentations to each of our five associated primary 7 parents detailing our transition arrangements and answering parents concerns.

Parents of primary 7 pupils will have an opportunity to come to Marr College on Tuesday, June 3 to meet with their children's future guidance teachers and find out details of the three Induction Days for primary 7 pupils on 9, 10 and 11 of June when primary 7 pupils attend Marr College classes for two days and take part in a team building activity day.

IN service day. On Thursday, May 23 all Marr College staff came together and undertook an important aspect of the school's self evaluation programme.

Using quality indicators provided by HMIE teachers set about taking a broad look at aspects of the school.

The successes and achievements, the work and life of the school as well as leadership and management were discussed and examined to give teachers the opportunity to identify the strengths of the school as well as looking for areas to further improve the education we provide to our pupils.

Another part of the in service day was devoted to our Healthy Working Lives Programme.

An extremely informative and inspiring presentation was delivered by Jennifer Stevenson from the NHS dealing with issues such as work related stress.

PUPILS and parents are reminded of the following significant dates: Wednesday, May 28 - Marr College Sport Finals; S1 Reports issued to pupils; Thursday, May 29 - New Time Table begins and S4 Pupils return to from study leave; Monday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 3 - S6 students undertake Buddy training at the Piersland Hotel; Tuesday, June 3 parents of primary 7 pupils are invited to Marr College to meet next sessions' guidance teachers; Wednesday, June 4 - S5 students return from study leave; meeting for parents of pupils going on the Swiss Trip; Monday, June 9, Tuesday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 11 induction days for primary 7 pupils.