Doon Academy news

Oct 24 2008 by Julie Simpson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

DOON Academy/ Kilmarnock College’s Motor Vehicle Department has taken delivery of two quad bikes and a Vauxhall Vectra for pupils to work on to develop their motor mechanic skills.

Vehicle ramps and tyre-changing facilities will be fitted to the base in the near future.

For their courses, S3 pupils have been given the task of designing a cycle with more than two wheels. They will compete against each other around various designated circuits. S4 pupils have almost completed their six month project to design a barstool racer. Plans were downloaded from the internet and, upon completion, the group have to file a report and send photographs to the designer in the USA

THE SCHOOL staff and pupils were very saddened recently to hear of the death of Mike Hanson, a former physics teacher who retired from Doon a few years ago. Mike was a well respected, much loved teacher and colleague whose 'inventions' will be talked about for many years to come.

Former colleagues and pupils of Mike would like to take this opportunity to pass on their sincere condolences to his family.

THE ECO committee, chaired by Mrs Elder, is aiming to achieve a bronze eco-award this year. The greenhouse made from reused plastic bottles is being moved to a sunnier site and two compost bins are being delivered. Five pupils, so far, have volunteered for the eco-committee: Stephanie Smith, David MacLean, Lindsay McCracken, Darren McLelland and Ryan McKnight, who will draw up an eco-code for the school.

Recycling by Recycool and collections of old clothing by RagBags are to be set up. Thirty native trees, donated by the Woodland Trust will be planted in and around the school grounds in November. Offers of help to clear the science garden are appreciated. Mrs Elder is collecting Let's Grow vouchers from Morrisons for free seeds and garden equipment. We hope that parents will send in the vouchers with their children.

ON Tuesday, November 4, all S1 pupils will be visiting the Odeon Cinema in Ayr as part of National Schools’ Film Week. The pupils will see a screening of WALL-E, which is an ideal film for the study of camera angles and shot types which will help pupils’ understanding of media techniques.

IN the art department a decision is soon to be made on the date of the fashion show. This will be a huge event for the school. S2 pupil Stephen Grant and S4 pupil Tazmyn Hearton received a commendation, and Tazmyn's image has been used for the 2008 Friends of Royal Scottish Academy art competition. Glasgow School of Art Open Day is on October 30 and senior pupils will be visiting the exhibition.

PRIMARY 7 pupils from the Learning Partnership have started their transition to Doon Academy. The pupils will be attending Doon every Friday morning where they will have maths, swimming, dance and science classes and also a literacy period.

SENIOR pupils in maths have completed the first part of their maths course and are due to sit their NAB.

THE S2 Citizenship programme is under way. Fourteen S2 pupils are working, after school, with Mr Tomlinson, Mr Lynn, Mrs McRoberts and Mr MacKenzie. They will be studying car maintenance, welding, community service and making video diaries.

The programme runs until the middle of December when there will be a graduation for the successful citizens.

By Ryan McKnight, Claire Hainey and Zoe Muller.