Kyle Academy: 22 January 2009

Jan 23 2009

DUE to popular demand, Miss Wilson of the computing department has kindly agreed to run a special twelve-week training course in February for parents of pupils in the present first year who would like to learn or develop computer skills.

Contact the school as soon as possible if you would like to take part. Places are limited to twenty.

A SPECIAL parents’ and pupils’ information evening will held on Tuesday, February 3, at 7pm in the new hall to provide advice and support in making subject choices for fifth year.

THE KYLE Parents’ Association Burns Supper will take place on Friday, February 6, at 7pm in the school dining hall. Tickets are now on sale from the school office or from members of the Kyle Parents Association Committee at the cost of £14.

HER Majesty’s Inspector, Fiona Pate, visited the school before the holiday to look at aspects of school leadership, collegiate working and support for the continuing professional development of staff. Mrs Pate provided very positive feedback on staff training programmes and their impact on pupil learning in classrooms. She was also supportive of the steps the school has taken to prepare for Curriculum for Excellence, the national educational reform programme in Scotland.

JUNIOR school pupils can look forward to an exciting new learning opportunity next week, when the Cooking Bus will visit Kyle Academy.

This is part of a national campaign entitled Focus on Food. The bus will arrive on Monday, January 26 and remain with us until Thursday, January 29.

THANK you to the staff and pupils of the fourth year ASDAN group who held a tea party for staff in the school on Monday, January 12. A great time was had by all and the group generated evidence which will help them to achieve their award.

PUPILS in all year groups have been taking part in a survey this week, to establish their views on their Personal and Social Education courses.

Two years ago we discovered that some year groups felt that improvements were needed in some areas. Since then, the guidance team have completed a full review of the courses for all year groups. Fingers crossed the pupils agree that the effort has brought about improvements in their learning experiences.

IT was recently reported on a special conference organised for fourth year pupils, designed to improve motivation and confidence in learning. Pupil evaluations of the event were so positive that it was decided to offer the same experience to fifth year pupils. This second event took place on Wednesday, January 14, and again was very well received by the young people.

A NEW football club for girls will be starting after school, thanks to our Active Sports Coordinator. S1 and S2 boys who are not already in the school football team can also express an interest in taking part in a new group. Please see the PE department for details.

THE MATHEMATICS department have re-launched their weekly problem of the week competition, which will run up to Easter.

STUDENT Council members visited Forehill Primary School on Friday, January 16, to approve a spending plan for Forehill Primary’s Student Council. Everyone was impressed by the quality of presentation and ideas provided.

MR Jarvie has been arranging training for staff on the use of interactive whiteboard. The course, entitled Love your Whiteboard, is open to all staff in South Ayrshire.

YOU may recall that we reported recently on the planned refurbishment of pupil toilets and changing areas. The first stage in this process is to erect temporary accommodation for toilets and PE changing areas. Progress has been hampered by heavy rain, but we anticipate that the huts will be erected soon.

THE SCHOOL has recently had a fire safety inspection as a result of new legislation. Officers visited the school in December to conduct a rigorous examination of school premises and health and safety procedures.

THE TEAM of staff and pupils who will be visiting Peru in June received a briefing session from a representative of the Vine Trust. An additional information evening will be held for parents.

PRELIM examinations for senior school pupils will begin on Monday, January 26. Pupils should return to school after study leave on Friday, February 6.

THE NEXT meeting of the Parent Council will take place on Tuesday, January 27 at 7pm in the staff room.