Blairgowrie High School Magazine

THE BLAIR BLETHER BHS School Magazine Edition 1 Autumn 2017

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BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

Note from Mrs Leslie Welcome to the first edition of the Blair Blether – our school magazine produced by our pupils. As part of their learning all young people in S4, S5 and S6 choose a wider achievement and vocational option.

The Blair Blether arose as young people wanted an opportunity to develop reporting and journalistic skills in a real context.

Under the leadership of Mrs Rutherford I’m delighted with the effort of our young people in producing such a great first edition.

I hope you will also find our magazine of interest, and that it gives you a snapshot of what life is really like in Blairgowrie High School.

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Head Girl and Head Boy

Kirsty Barnett

Murray Cunningham

We are all very excited about the first edition of the school magazine “ The Blair Blether� and look forward to reading the copies throughout the year. We know that there are many talented pupils in the school and hopefully this magazine will be a chance to showcase that talent and, encourage other pupils across the school to share their skills and achievements with us all.

Deputy Head Girl and Head Boy

Emily Downham 3The Blair Blether

Rhys Fraser BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

House Heads and Captains TAY

Mr Dingwall

Robyn Milne

Zoe Ainslie

STORMONT

Mr Stewart

AJ McGregor

Hannah Waugh

GLENISLA

Mrs Hill 4The Blair Blether

Louisa Pearson

Anna Walker

BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

Teacher Newbies

Miss Harvey, Music

Miss McGinlay Art

Mrs Duncan, Biology

Miss Orr, Maths

Miss McLintock, PE

Miss Smith, Computing

Miss Sabbagh, English

Miss Mackie, Maths 5The Blair Blether

BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

plus people in a small classroom trying to learn as much as they can. I also wanted to go as I thought it would be a great experience to see what it was like out there.

Visit to Malawi

How did you fund the trip: We had to do a lot of fundraising.

This is a big part of the whole expedition as all the participants are expected to help raise money for the trip. I was involved in helping with charity shops, a duck Every two years Blairgowrie High race, fetes, cake sales, selling School pupils head off to Malawi raffle tickets and many more to help maintain a school in Muzu activities. In the end we managed which is in the North of Malawi. to raise around £13500. We then all still had to pay around £1000 This year in June, nine senior each but it was great to have got pupils, together with Ross Marshall and Miss Gilles, were so much ourselves. involved. The magazine team What did you think of the spoke to David Bruce about the experience: trip.

Overall I though the experience What made you decide to go was absolutely amazing. We did a on the trip David? lot over there as we helped at the I decided that I would like to go to school by painting their rooms and the outside of their buildings.

Malawi to see a different kind of education. I feel a lot of people in But the last part of our trip was a Scotland take advantage of school safari in Zambia which was a fantastic way to end the trip. here, not taking it seriously, getting sent out of class and, disturbing other people’s learning.

In Malawi there are about 100 6The Blair Blether

BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

David

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We then walked back to the lodge and went to bed ready for the next day. Tuesday morning everyone woke up During the last week of Au- early and had breakfast and had their bags packed by quargust all 1st years took part in various activities for ter to nine. There were lots of Fresher’s week. Hannah activities which we all enjoyed Airth in S1 compiled this and even some of the teachers report from Gulabin Lodge enjoyed them too! where S1s undertook a I spoke to Mr Marshal one of short residential. the teachers who went and he On Monday the 28th of August told me, “I went on the crate pupils from Blairgowrie High climb and all of the children were watching. It was very School travelled to Gulabin Lodge in Glenshee. scary and wobbly. The children videoing me didn’t add any After our school day we boardpressure at all,” he added sared a coach and drove up to the castically. Other activities inSpittal of Glenshee where Gulacluded Archery, team building bin is located. (It is a bit twisty skills and trust falls. but luckily no one was sick!)

When we arrived we were ‘sorted’ into bedrooms and unpacked our things.

Fun Filled Freshers’ Week

We had dinner and afterwards went out to the woods to play games. Sarah MacKenzie commented, “My favourite game was Sniper. You had to run up to the rock and through it in the space of 10 seconds.”

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BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

John Muir Award

and we got to hang it up anywhere we wanted.”

All in all Freshers week was a great success. Izzy Short said “I think we are extremely lucky As well as a residential stay during Freshers’ week to have a freshers week”. all S1 pupils took part in Polly Goodman commented the John Muir Award which aims to try and en- that “This is a great achievecourage young people to ment for all of the pupils.” care for the environment.

And Alfie Meager summed it The first years all went to dif- up. “It was a great experience.” ferent locations (Bluebell Woods, River Ericht, Playing Fields) to look at the insects, wildlife and plants that live in that area. To achieve their John Muir Award each pupil had to complete three tasks. The first was to explore a wild place; then they had to give something back to that certain place; and finally they had to share their experience of the award.

Pupil Experiences Grace Anderson “I just loved going on that walk because I love to identify different types of trees.”

Kayleigh Bruce said, “My favourite part was when I created a bug hotel with my friends 9The Blair Blether

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keep its surroundings green and thriving, and protect fragile ecosystems.

The Sweet Smell of Manure!

The polytunnel has arrived and Mr McLaren, Mrs Kennedy, and Mrs McFarlane, along with a team of pupils are getting ready to start planting. I asked Mr McLaren about their horticultural plans.

Firstly, he told me, there will be many more trees. Fruit trees for the HE department, and some natural woodland planted by those doing the John Muir conservation award. Trees will give the garden character, provide a home for wildlife, and hopefully produce bountiful harvests for years to come.

Mr McLaren was keen to stress the importance of creating habitats for wildlife in the garden, and told me of his plans for planting wild flowers (for bees and butterflies) and a pond.

Even a small pond can benefit many kinds of wildlife, he told me; frogs, hedgehogs, and insects, to name a few.

Encouraging biodiversity is one of the key ways the school can 10The Blair Blether

Sustainability was clearly at the forefront of the gardening team’s minds, because Mr McLaren then went on to tell me about their plans for home-grown produce next year.

The vegetable beds will contain a combination of spring veggies, like lettuce and radishes, and autumn and winter crops, like potatoes and carrots. The challenge, he told me, will be growing things that don’t ripen during the summer when everyone is off school.

Mr McLaren would welcome any help from pupils, parents and the wider community in this exciting new venture.

BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

A Message from your Parent Council The Parent Council is delighted to support the creation of a new school magazine.

The Parent Council is formed from the parent forum which comprises all parents and carers of pupils at Blairgowrie High School. In addition to our parent members, we have representatives from the staff and also locally elected councillors, co-opted on to the committee.

Whilst our main role is to work with the school, we are also involved in developing a number of social and fundraising events over the year.

These are activities we hope pupils and parents will get involved with.

Please keep an eye out for further details but dates for the diary before Christmas include: Saturday 25th November: Christmas Lights Switch On, Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie and

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Tuesday 5th December: Christmas DIY night at the High School which will include a floral art demonstration, craft making and festive refreshments.

If you would like to get involved there are a number of ways we can be contacted: Facebook – Blairgowrie High School Parent Council e-mail - parentcouncil blairhs@gmail.com: Website: http:// www.blairgowriehs.org.u k/Parent-Council

BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

Carlie Brown – Ma Vie de Courgette On the 24th of October 2017 we went to the DCA to watch ‘Ma vie de Courgette’ with the Modern Languages Department. The DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts) is an Art exhibition, restaurant and also a cinema. I think the film was very interesting and the animated characters were well created. The setting and style of the film was really good and different— something that I hadn’t ever seen before.

The story was about a young boy called Courgette who accidentally killed his mother then he was sent to an orphanage.

He met one of his best friends, Simon and fell in love with Camille. Camille and him are finally adopted by a policeman called Raymond that Courgette seemed to really like and love.

I think it’s a good idea to watch foreign films to get a better understanding of a language. Also it’s a good way to pick up more of the vocabulary and get a better pronunciation.

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BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

Theatre Re

A Streetcar Named Desire 15 Higher English pupils enjoyed a trip to the MacRobert Arts Centre in Stirling for a trip to the theatre organised by Mrs Shields.

‘A Streetcar Named Desire’

by Tennessee Williams is set in New Orleans in the 1940s and is about a woman who is full of insecurities desperate to find a new life.

Unfortunately, things don’t work out.

A good night out even if Mrs Rutherford wouldn’t let us stop at McDonald’s on the way home as she was too tired! What a lightweight!

This production by the Scottish Theatre Company Rapture, was over 3 hours Marc Pattullo long which I felt was alright as it opened up the play to me and increased my understanding.

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D

on’t use the phone. People are never ready to answer it. Use poetry.

Jack Kerouac Spotlight on S1 poetry

What is a friend?

What is a book?

A friend is a treasure chest

An old book is a treasure trove

inside a huge boat

That holds the greatest gift,

A friend is a blood cell trying to reach your heart.

A thin book is a whirlwind where

A friend is a diamond

thoughts go round and round.

upon the night sky

A thick book is a fiercer breeze blowing through your room

A friend is a memory that always stays inside.

A good book is a miracle that comes in a blue moon.

Lily Manning

My Magic Box My box is made from a soft silky blanket that has big brown fluffy dog ears that has wonder and excitement in it

I will put in my box The clip clip of horses shoes The smell of palm trees

I shall sit on my box and fly high in the sky, then land on top of a soft fluffy cloud and

The crashing sound of crystal blue waves

soar into the cool fresh air.

I will put in the box Another month to make the year longer,

By Emma R

The delicious taste of chocolate as it melts in my mouth

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Pupils’ Art Work

Euan Rutherford Ailsa Bruce

Leilanni Tracey

Joselyn Turner Dylan Borthwick

Gregor Graham & Surreshta Singh 15The Blair Blether

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Our Sports Ambassadors Our school Sports Ambassadors are Andrew and Katie. They were chosen to be Sports Ambassadors by the PE department because they show enthusiasm and are interested in sports.

These pictures show them at Perth Concert Hall where they met Sarah Robertson who was part of Scotland’s commonwealth Hockey team.

What made you want to become a sports ambassador?

We were chosen by the teachers in the PE Department What do you have to do as a sports ambassador?

Our job is to promote, motivate and inspire people to do PE 16The Blair Blether

BHS Magazine Autumn 2017

HOW COOL ARE YOU? TRY OUR QUIZ AND FIND OUT!

1.Do you ever wear a. b. c.

c.

ripped jeans?

Not on purpose No Yes

2.It begins to rain, what do you do? a.

Keep Walking b.

Open your umbrella c.

Run for cover 3. How do you like your coffee? a.

Black b.

Milk and/or sugar c.

Don’t drink coffee

4. Do you wear sunglasses indoors? a.

Yes b.

No c.

Why would I?

Signal for cars to stop with my hand

7.How do you wear a backpack? a.

Over one shoulder b.

Over both shoulders c.

The wrong way round 8. Running late, what do you do? a.

Do nothing b.

Speed up c.

Start running 9.What music are you into? a.

None you’ve hear of b.

A mix, anything really c.

All Star 10. Someone screams in your face, what do you do? a.

Stare straight ahead like nothing happened b.

Run away c.

Scream back

5. Have you ever cried? a.

No b.

Yes c.

Crying right now

6. How do you cross the street? a.

Jaywalking b.

At the corner

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Sport and Extra-Curricular Activities

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Seeing Stars!

Miss Sabbagh, who has just started working in the English Department, has launched an Astronomy club at the school.

In this exciting new venture you can: -learn about the universe - do small experiments -take photographs of the stars and moon - meet real life astronomers who will speak to the club -watch documentaries about space -make posters Everyone welcome. Wednesdays E5 at lunch time.

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S

potlight on Sport Meet two of Blairgowrie’s talented young sports people.

Darts

Chloe O’Brien from S3 is part of the Scottish Darts association and a member of Blairgowrie Youth Academy coached by Daryl Stewart.

Chloe finished the year as Scotland Female Youth Number 1, despite the fact she has only been playing for National title of the year. a year and a half.

Not only does Chloe enjoy the Chloe was selected to play for sport but she says it has also been Scotland in the European Cup in helping her in school, “It helps Sweden. She played well, just me with my maths as I’m always missing out on a semi final place doing times tables, subtracting in the singles to a Turkish player. and adding, Chloe told us. Chloe However, in doubles she got all puts a lot of time into the sport the way through to the semipractising at least 2 hours a day. finals!

We wish Chloe all the very best Chloe spends her time here, there for the 2018 season and look forand everywhere at different com- ward to hearing how she gets petitions. Recently, she spent a on. week in Bridlington for the World Masters and Lakeside Qualifiers, and a weekend in Irvine in North Ayrshire where she won her 6th 20The Blair Blether

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singles match right at the last hole.

Golf I started playing golf when I was only 2 years old and ever since I have been in love with the game. For me it’s a very demanding and challenging game, but at the same time very enjoyable. My first handicap was 22 at the age of 8 and has gradually reduced to now 3.8.

I won the Perth and Kinross under 14 championship last year, the U14 coaching medal earlier this year, came 4th in the European Championships at Musselburgh Golf Club, and made the cut at the Scottish Boys U18 championship and the English U14 championship.

Two years ago I tried out for the Gleneagles Foundation, I was very excited to be selected as it is a fantastic opportunity to receive golf coaching and a membership at Gleneagles. Last year I got into the Scottish Golf Academy where I also get coaching and attend camps. I have now progressed to the Scottish U16 winter training squad; there are 13 of us selected from throughout Scotland.

I have won a number of junior opens throughout Scotland over the years and I am looking forward to working hard over the coming years and hopefully reach my goal of playing for Scotland within 2 years. I would encourage anyone to give golf a try.

I practice, play golf and do strength and conditioning sessions every day, trying to improve, so I can reach my goal in being a professional golfer.

Gregor with Megan Ashton

Gregor Graham

Gregor Graham

I was very privileged to get selected to play in the Scottish Schools team where we played at Troon against England. I won my pairs match but unfortunately I lost my 21The Blair Blether

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Restaurant Review - School Meals rule ok!

The main dining hall is in the heart of the school located conveniently between the music department and the techie department. It is the favourite hangout of S1s, swotty sixth years and Senior Management.

As you enter you are immediately struck by the size of the place. Sitting at any table you have a wonderful view of the workshop-like kitchen where you can see the dinner ladies hard at work. For those who do not get to skip the queue and are waiting patiently, there are colourful ‘Aspire’ posters to admire on one side of the hall and on the other a decadent glass wall from which to view the bus bay and berberis bushes.

All the products were fresh and the dishes had the warmth of home-made food. The cook takes great care in selecting the best quality ingredients and the prices are extremely affordable with a main meal, soup or cake and a drink for a bargain price of £2.25.

The restaurant is self-service which is a pity as waiter service would suit the very tired clientele who have just sat through four periods of gruelling lessons. However, the dinner ladies behind the counter are charming and are always willing to exchange some kind words with their youthful customers.

For all the reasons above I highly recommend you forget about walking down the road and inThe menu offers a wide variety stead do your dining in the BHS of mouth-watering meals. I had Assembly Hall. the cheesy macaroni with a slice of crispy garlic bread, while my friend tried the fish, chips and peas. They were exquisite. The main course consisted of creamy and cheesy macaroni served with a hot garlic bread and a selection of vegetables. It all was followed by a delicious apple pie served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

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Unsung Hero Every edition we will bring you someone from the school community who we feel deserves a little more recognition.

A life in the day of Gillian Stewart Mrs Stewart works in the school office as the Administrative Assistant. We think it is not really a very good job title because her job is so wideranging. It includes managing the school funds, monitoring school finances, running the school office, organising the office workload, organising prizegiving, school photographs and other events.

her dogs outdoors or having a fun time on touring holidays in her caravan! Mrs Stewart also enjoys taking trips on her small boat and canoe “Which are great fun!

Mrs Stewart has been working as an Administrative Assistant for 15 years now and she also deals with SQA time tabling, parent and staff queries and almost anything else you could think of.

When Mrs Stewart is not in school she tends to be walking

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How to bake the perfect...

Cocoa Brownies (Serves 12-15) INGREDIENTS 175g Melted butter 330g Sugar 2 teaspoons Vanilla essence 3 Medium eggs 85g Self raising flour Pinch of salt 50g Cocoa powder

EQUIPMENT Swiss roll tin Greaseproof paper Small pan Electric mixer Bowl

Preheat oven to 180°C Grease and line a 33cm x 23cm cake tin (Swiss roll tin) with greaseproof paper.

Melt the butter SLOWLY in a pan and put to the side to cool slightly.

Weigh all the other ingredients carefully and put in a large bowl. Pour in the melted butter.

Mix all ingredients together (lowest speed on mixer or by hand), and carefully pour mixture into the tin.

Place tin into the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes.

Put a knife into the sponge and if it comes out clean, the brownie is ready. If sponge mixture is on the knife, cook for another 5 minutes.

Once baked, remove from oven and place on pot stand. Sprinkle with icing sugar.

Thanks to the HE Dept for this recipe.

Boring but Important Prelim Exams start on 15 January 2018

Top Study Tips         

Be engaged, take notes, and listen Keep up to date with your homework Have an organised system in place Have a routine Have daily and weekly objectives in place Do not put things off Have a dedicated place to study Unplug, log off, mute, and power down.

Manage stress with exercise and relaxation

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Thanks very much to the Parent Council, The Henderson Trust, and our advertisers for supporting this magazine.

Please contact us at the school if you are interested in advertising in our magazine.

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A

nswers to How Cool are you?

Quiz

Not quite cool but not uncool either. It could go either way for you at this point. Sometimes you do Mostly As? You things that are legit cool are the epitome of cool. and others, well, not.

You are level-headed and You know what I’m talkdon’t let anyone question ing about. why you would wear sunglasses indoors. Keep it Mostly Cs? I’ll be blunt, frosty and rock those you are gonna need a shades. whole lot of leather and some major work on Mostly Bs? You are walk- your music taste. ing the line my friend.

Editorial Team Louise Bloor David Bruce Olivia Bryce Sara Bukowska Verity Cairns Shannon Downie Holly Kirkwood Abbie Nellies Dulcie Robertson

The Blair Blether Edition 1 Blairgowrie High School www.blairgowriehs.org.uk 28The Blair Blether

BHS Magazine Autumn 2017