Kyle Academy: 04 March 2009

Mar 6 2009

PRIMARY seven pupils and third year modern studies pupils will have an exciting new learning experience next week at a special Fair Trade event organised by Mr Miller and Mr Paul.

Cornelius Lynch, a banana grower from St Lucia in the Caribbean will be visiting Scotland to promote fair trade. As a result, modern studies and geography pupils and staff are hosting a special event to raise the awareness of primary seven pupils in our associated cluster schools of fair trade issues.

The primary pupils will visit Kyle where they will have the opportunity to play The Banana Split Game - a simulated experience which will allow them to explore the pros and cons of purchasing fair trade bananas. Third year pupils will act as facilitators for the game.

Later in the afternoon Cornelius Lynch will visit the pupils where he will provide a presentation on his own personal experiences. Third year pupils will then host a debate entitled Aid versus Trade and vote on which one they think best helps support the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. This will be followed by a structured question and answer session. Mr Lynch will also have the opportunity to view S2 art work that promotes fair trade and to discuss the pupils' projects with them.

We would like to extend our grateful thanks to Loretta Lees and Norma Duncan for their support in organising this event.

TO assist third year pupils in preparing for their examinations, which begin on Wednesday, April 22, Mr McPike, Miss McCormack, Dr Mohan and their team will be hosting another Learning about Learning event for all third year pupils.

The event will take place on Monday, March 9 in the new hall.

The event was piloted with fourth year pupils and was such a success that it has now been rolled out to S5/6 pupils and S3 pupils. Staff also underwent training on the techniques at the in-service day.

THE TEAM of staff and pupils who will be visiting Peru this summer have organised another unusual fund raising evening. A Mama Mia Night will be held in the new hall on Friday, March 6.

Tickets are now on sale from the school office at a cost of £5, but hurry as they are selling fast. This is a ladies only night, but some male members of staff will be on hand to serve our guests. Guests are encouraged to wear 1970's clothing! If you think you will enjoy singing along to ABBA and other groups of the seventies then this is the night for you!

THE PARENT Council met again on Tuesday, February 24.

Mr McQueen and Mr McGillvery, parents from Belmont Academy, attended to provide information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award, as it is delivered at their school.

A steering group was set up to plan to extend our current provision to all pupils in S3, S4 S5 and S6.

The council then received an update on the school budget. Ms Brown also issued copies of the results of the recent survey of parental views to be discussed at the next meeting.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr Phillips and the first year boys' football team who beat Marr College last week to win a place in the final of the Scottish Cup final.

THE HOCKEY Club will start again on Tuesday, March 3 after school. All pupils are welcome to attend.

MR McKenna and the Scotland Supporters’ Club have again managed to secure tickets for the Scotland versus Iceland game on Wednesday, April 1. The kick off is 8pm. Please see Mr McKenna for further information.

AYR College are holding a seminar on Accounting for interested pupils. This will take place on Tuesday 10th March. Any sixth year pupil wishing to attend should see Mr Bartholomew.