Schola Clara Issue 10

Schola Clara The High School of Dundee Community Magazine

Summer 2026 Issue 10

Farewell to Mrs Hudson

For you and your family

For businesses

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Welcome to

Schola Clara

Contents 4

Interview with Lise Hudson

10

Former Pupil Find

14

From HSD to the Courtroom

18

Find your HSD Group

8

Reflecting on 36 Years at HSD

12

Playground Redevelopment

16

Physical Education

19

Alice Henderson

22

Raoul Curtis‑Machin

20 Chris van der Kuyl 24 Spring Concert 26 Craig Morrison

28 Katie Guest

29 Former Pupil Honoured with MBE 30 Mayfield Anniversaries 32

Foundation Committee

33 Eco Schools Green Flag

Dear Reader, Welcome to issue 10 of Schola Clara, the magazine for the High School of Dundee community.

Inside, you will find stories celebrating the successes and achievements of our alumni alongside news and highlights from school life today.

We hope you enjoy reading and staying connected with the School.

If you have any feedback or suggestions for future editions, please contact us at: development@highschoolofdundee.org.uk

34 Project Wellbeing

36 Chris Rea 40 Euclid Crossword 42 High School Highlights

44 Irfan Latif - Executive Rector (elect) 46 Upcoming HSD Events Produced by: The Development Office, High School of Dundee, Euclid Crescent, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 1HU T: +44 (0)1382 202 921 E: development@highschoolofdundee.org.uk

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Interview Lise Hudso 36 years. One school. A brilliant career devoted to HSD. As the 2025/26 school year draws to a close, so too does a remarkable chapter in the life of the High School of Dundee. After 36 years at HSD, six of them as Rector, Lise Hudson steps down in August. From her early days as a young History Teacher to becoming the School’s first female Rector in its nearly 800-year history, her career has been defined by relationships, values, and a deep commitment to young people.

In this special feature, Mrs Hudson reflects on her career, leadership, and what makes HSD such a distinctive place.

LEAVING How are you feeling about stepping away from HSD? “With very mixed feelings - which is exactly as it should be.

“This has been my whole working life. I really feel it stopped being somewhere I worked a long time ago and instead became somewhere I belonged. I know the timing is right: the school is stable, looking forwards, and it’s the perfect opportunity for new leadership.

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“Personally, however, the separation is going to be profound. Both my daughters have been pupils at the School and HSD is woven so deeply into my personal life as well as my career. So leaving won’t feel like a transition, for me it’s something much larger than that.”

TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP What has inspired your approach to teaching and leadership?

Did the teacher who arrived at Euclid Crescent 36 years ago ever imagine she’d become Rector? What motivated you to apply for the role?

“Some of my early colleagues, particularly the then Head of History Ian Wilson, were real mentors to me and helped shape my philosophy. He taught me that if you really understand a young person, you can help them set expectations for themselves that they otherwise wouldn’t.

“Absolutely not! I arrived as quite a green, shy 23-year-old history teacher, and I didn’t have a grand plan. I genuinely feel my career almost evolved organically, shaped by what inspired me about teaching.

Opportunities arose, I learned from colleagues, and my confidence grew.

“It was during the application process that I truly realised how much I wanted the opportunity. It wasn’t the title, it was the chance to lead and make a difference.

“My grandmother taught me never to say, ‘what if’ and regret not doing something. What I realised was that the vision, my vision for HSD, was already there. It had been building for years. And articulating that vision gave me clarity and conviction.”

“At their core, both are about relationships and after all my time in education, that remains my central belief.

”In my eyes, that applies equally to leadership. Whether it’s a pupil, a teacher or a member of support staff, people thrive when they feel seen, understood, trusted, and given the opportunity to take on challenges and develop.”

The pastoral aspect of education at HSD has always been very important to you. Why is emotional intelligence so crucial to you?

“Wellbeing and learning aren’t separate; they’re the same thing.

“I don’t see pastoral care as an addon, to me it’s the very foundation of

on education. A pupil who is struggling emotionally won’t be able to access learning, regardless of teaching quality.

“I’ve always believed that understanding what lies beneath a particular behaviour, rather than just reacting to it, is key in being able to create the best, most successful pathways forward for all young people.

“I am very passionate about wellbeing and one of the things I’m most proud of is that, not only have we been able to invest in creating a pastoral care system that I think is sector-leading, but there has also been a culture shift.

Pastoral care is no longer seen as just a department, it’s something every teacher owns.”

Was it a proud moment when you were named as the School’s first female Rector?

“For many years, I think I carried an unspoken assumption, wrongly as it of course turns out, that the school might not appoint a woman as Rector.

“When I was named as Rector I was enormously proud and humbled in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Being the first does carry symbolic weight and since I became Rector I’ve always hoped that young women look at me in this role and think, ‘that could be me.’”

THE ROLE OF RECTOR What is the biggest difference between being a teacher and being Rector?

“I’ve always wanted to make leadership feel normal and accessible, rather than exceptional. I think that’s the way it should be. But of course, as Rector you are ultimately accountable and that brings with it responsibly. It’s not easy to switch off, especially when there are difficult decisions to be made.

“And of course, there’s an element of relationships with colleagues changing slightly when you become ‘the Boss’, but I think that’s normal in any walk of life.

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“But I think the values required in both roles are the same, and being able to hold on to your core values and stand by them is a powerful approach that, I believe, will always keep you right.”

CHANGE AND CONTINUITY What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in education and at HSD over the course of your career?

“I think it’s definitely, and this is a huge positive, how we understand young people.

“I think it’s fair to say that when I began teaching, academic results dominated. But today, there’s a broader, more human understanding of young people and how we best educate them and prepare them for life; one that includes wellbeing, mental health, and personal development. It isn’t peripheral anymore, it’s central.

“As I’ve already touched upon, I do feel that we’ve been ahead of this curve. We were one of the very first schools in Scotland to introduce a full pastoral team in 1999. That was a big, significant shift.”

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What other changes have you seen at HSD? “One of the most pleasing changes for me is the range of paths our pupils now take when they leave us.

“The school has moved beyond a narrow perception of success which maybe in the past saw focus on certain vocations. Today’s leavers pursue diverse careers, from engineering and entrepreneurship to the arts and sport.

That shows that success is no longer pre-defined, it’s based on the ambition of each pupil.

“I also think that the School feels warmer, and more human, while still retaining its core identity.”

What about changes in technology in the classroom?

“Technology is just the medium, it’s the message that ultimately counts most.

I genuinely believe that the essence of education remains unchanged: it’s the understanding that’s developed between the teacher and the pupil.

“However, of course in today’s world technology is important.

The pandemic demonstrated how quickly staff could adapt to unprecedented circumstances and the rapid shift to online learning revealed creativity and commitment across the school.

“We shouldn’t pretend that AI doesn’t exist, we should teach pupils to use it well and to think critically about it.”

HIGHLIGHTS AND MEMORIES What have been your highlights at HSD? “The moments with individual people are always the highlight. We’ve had hugely memorable events at the School in my time, and it would be silly to try to list them as I’ll inevitably miss some out! But as much as I treasure those occasions, it’s the small transformations that I look back on with wonder. As a teacher, those lightbulb moments when something clicks and a pupil realises their potential, stick with you forever. And I still teach - that keeps me honest and connected back to the ‘real job!’

“We’re a close community at HSD and hearing from former pupils who return years later and describe the lasting impact of their time at HSD is always so fulfilling.

“On a personal level, educating my own daughters at the School was such a special experience. I am immensely proud of the young women they are and are becoming and this is in large part down to HSD.” An original piece of music was written for you and performed at this year’s Spring Concert… how did that feel?

“I knew, in the moment, that it would stay with me for the rest of my life.

The performance captured community, confidence, commitment, passion, not to mention the power of the music itself.

WHAT DEFINES HSD What makes HSD such a special place?

“It comes down to the people in our wonderful HSD community, and the values they demonstrate. Ours is a culture of ambition with humility, where pupils strive for excellence without arrogance. Relationships are central, and care for others is deeply embedded.

“The strength of the wider HSD community also stands out for me.

Former pupils remain connected long after leaving, and that’s a testament to the unique nature of HSD.” What will you miss most about the School?

It brought together so many things that I love about this School.

“The people, and the human connections made, without question.

I’ll miss the rhythm of daily school life: conversations in corridors, performances, sport, and the unpredictability that makes each day different.

“I’ll miss the ordinary days, just being part of our remarkable community, most of all.”

WHAT COMES NEXT What’s next for Mrs Hudson?

“For the first time in 36 years, I don’t have a fixed plan and that’s quite deliberate.

“I will take a moment to pause and enjoy more family time, reading, walking, and time without structure!

“I do know I’ll stay connected to HSD,” she adds. “This school is in my bones.”

We don’t think anyone can disagree with that. On behalf of the whole school community, thank you Lise for your truly inspiring dedication and commitment to HSD across a remarkable four decades.

Scan QR Code for the full interview

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Some milestone dates: 1990: joins HSD as Teacher of History 1999: appointed PT Guidance 2008: appointed Deputy Head (pastoral)

2014: appointed Joint Deputy Rector (pastoral)

2016: becomes sole Deputy Rector January 2020: becomes Rector

Reflecting on

Pillars illuminated In November 2023 new light was shone on HSD’s place in the city.

36 years at HSD

Provided by the generous support of Insights, The Lothian Family and The High School of Dundee Foundation, brand-new LED lighting for the School’s iconic Pillars was unveiled.

It’s impossible to distil an amazing career, spanning four decades, into a series of highlights. But, it’s fair to say there are some memorable moments and key developments that Mrs Hudson has seen or driven at HSD…

Mrs Hudson said at the time, “These fantastic new lights will allow us to take our place alongside our neighbours in showcasing our iconic Main Building as part of the community at the heart of Dundee.”

Party on the Pillars If you were part of the HSD community in October 2009, you’re sure to remember The Party on the Pillars, a spectacular celebration to mark 175 years of the School’s iconic Main Building. And you won’t have forgotten a star turn from Mrs Hudson as part of a brilliantly entertaining staff ABBA tribute band!

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HSD goes phone free Mrs Hudson was pleased to be able to announce in May 2025 that HSD was now a phone-free school.

Implemented after considerable research and consultation, the move ensures that HSD pupils enjoy the healthiest, most connected school environment possible.

Dining Hall In April 2025 HSD served up an exciting development when it opened a brandnew, purpose-built dining facility in the Main Building.

Previously the School’s dining hall had been located a short walk away within one of the buildings of our neighbours, Abertay University.

In tandem with the refreshed L1-3 dining area and the tasty grab-and-go offerings available from The Pod, it fulfilled one of Mrs Hudson’s key objectives - to bring top-quality catering provision fully on-site within fantastic settings.

She also passionately supported a drive to provide more social spaces for pupils, with the latest venue created adjacent to the Dining Hall.

PCS and future skilling It’s fair to say that wellbeing has been a passion of Mrs Hudson’s since she joined HSD. So, in recent years she has been delighted to introduce a new Pastoral Care and Support model for the School, resulting in full-time Pastoral Care and Support (PCS) posts within the Senior Years, and the creation of a Social and Emotional Support position within the Junior Years teaching staff.

Innovation, Enterprise, and STEM Skills courses have also been embedded into the HSD curriculum during Lise’s tenure, as part of the School’s mission to create Real World Ready pupils.

Core Values In February 2018, following an extensive process of community engagement and listening led by Mrs Hudson, the School’s Core Values were created.

A brilliant, colourful articulation of the ethos and values that underpin HSD’s goal of inspiring, empowering and supporting each pupil to realise their potential.

COVID The COVID pandemic was an unprecedented situation. One of the many extraordinary challenges that society faced was how the education of young people could function while lockdowns and social distancing practices were in place.

The HSD community pulled together and found a way. Classes, musical performances and PE lessons took place online, and then outdoor learning and spacing precautions were put in place before pupils were finally able to return to Euclid Crescent and Mayfield as normal.

Out of the pandemic came two staples in the HSD week: the Rector’s weekly newsletter and the HSD pupil newsletter The Quarantimes, which is now The Columns.

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Former pupil find is a Smithsonian top discovery Katie Joss (class of 2019) got more than she bargained for when she uncovered an ancient artefact during a dig in the Orkney Islands.

While taking part in excavations at the fieldschool of the University of the Highlands and Islands at Skaill, Rousay, Katie unearthed a red sandstone carving of a head.

The carving is thought to be over 900 years old and, as if making such a rare find wasn’t enough, the amazing object made its way into the Smithsonian Magazine’s list of the top discoveries of 2025.

Katie is currently a final year undergraduate at the UHI’s Archaeology Institute in Orkney, examining the 17th-19th century animal bone, to interpret diet at Skaill, for her BSc dissertation.

She said, “Finding the carved head was completely unexpected and incredibly exciting.

“It was hidden deep under a wall on the site and rolled out into my hands as I was removing some surrounding stones. You always hope that you will

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uncover something interesting on a dig, but to discover something so rare and well-preserved was amazing!

“I began to realise just the scale of what I had found when the BBC sent their Orkney correspondent out to interview us for the news and the radio.

Then just as things were beginning to quiet down on the news front, a further surprise came in January of this year when the Smithsonian announced that it was one of their top finds of 2025.

“I really didn’t expect the traction that it has received. I’m still routinely stopped in the streets of Orkney to discuss it, but knowing that it has now been recognised internationally makes the experience even more special.

It’s something I’ll never forget and definitely the discovery of a lifetime!”

What an amazing find!

WHEN LOCAL VOICES COME TOGETHER CHANGE HAPPENS

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Playgrou redevelopment

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und Creating a safer, greener, more inclusive environment for fun

None of this would be possible without the generosity of all those who donated to our playground fundraising efforts.

We are extremely grateful for this wonderful support.

and learning.

If you haven’t seen the School’s playground for a while, then you’re in for a surprise!

During the 2025 summer holidays, our exciting playground improvement project was realised, transforming the western side of the space to feature a range of play equipment, social seating and soft surfacing.

Later in the Autumn term the project flourished further with the planting of a beech hedge which will grow to border the perimeter of the playground, enhancing biodiversity, adding greenery to the city centre campus and providing shelter.

Our playground is an iconic feature of the School. Generations of HSD pupils have grown up playing and socialising in this distinctive space, with the wonderful vista down Reform Street to the Caird Hall connecting HSD to the heart of the city centre.

It has always been a special place, but we wanted to make it even better.

Rector Lise Hudson said, “The redevelopment has been an important ambition of the School for some time. It has enabled us to provide a playground that’s more welcoming and functional for our current and future pupils. A safer, greener, more inclusive environment for fun and learning.”

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From HSD to the Courtroom Former pupil Levana Starkey’s legal career is off to an impressive start.

Despite being in only the third year of a Law degree at the University of Aberdeen, Levana has already earned leadership roles, national recognition and even her first courtroom win.

In her first year, Levana - class of 2023 - secured a place on the Legal Representation Team of the Aberdeen Law Project, a rare achievement for a fresher.

The pro-bono project provides free legal support to those who need it most and her work has already had a real impact. She became the first student in her cohort to lead a case, going on to represent her client in the Sheriff Court and secure both a four-figure refund and additional compensation sum.

Levana says, “Some other universities have projects where legal students offer advice but ours is one of the only ones where the students represent people. A qualified solicitor checks all of our work but they’re there to double-check our work, not write it, and there’s no-one in court with me to help - it’s just me, the judge, and the opposing solicitor.”

The impact that her work with the Project can have is significant.

“For instance, we deal with employment cases,” she explains.

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apart because they’ve been unfairly dismissed from a job. And then we can actually help them to get the money to support themselves.”

Her motivation for getting involved comes partly from her own experiences. She says, “I was on a bursary at HSD and I’m on a scholarship at the University.

So I’ve grown up with an awareness of how financial circumstances can significantly shape a person’s opportunities and experiences.”

Her work earned her the Casus Omissus Rising Star Award, a prestigious accolade given to a student who has gone above and beyond in helping bridge the justice gap.

Now, as Employment and Consumer Firm Lead for the Project, she co-leads the team, overseeing cases, reviewing work and deciding which cases the project takes on.

And as the University’s Ambassador for Legal Cheek - the most-read legal site in the UK - she’s in charge of promoting events which are designed to help young people get into the legal world.

Her accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed. Earlier this year Levana was shortlisted in the TargetJobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2026.

She says, “During school, I never even considered Law at all. It was only when I got my Higher grades. My dad was like, ‘hey, you know you could apply to Law, right?’”

From a record entry of more than 6,000 applicants, Levana was named as one of only ten finalists - and the only Scottish student - in the UK Future Lawyer of the Year category.

Levana credits her experiences at HSD as having helped her develop some of the skills she would in the end require not just for Law, but for university life too.

The award recognises students who see Law not just as rules to learn, but as a tool to shape society, break barriers and drive meaningful change.

She’s also been celebrating further success recently. After an extensive application process, Levana has been offered a place on the Summer Internship programme for DLA Piper (ranked the number1 law firm in the UK, based on overall revenue).

Earlier this year Levana was shortlisted in the TargetJobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2026.

It’s a lot to pack in when you consider her dual degree of Scots and English Law already entails extra subjects and exams.

In addition, she’s been selected as one of only 30 DLA Piper Brand Ambassadors across the UK. “I post online and organise in-person events to demystify legal careers and support students with applications, and hopefully help widen access to the legal profession,” she says.

“I work best when I’m under the most pressure,” she says. “I’m just the kind of person that’s always been busy the more so the better!”

Surprisingly, given her demonstrable commitment to the legal profession, Law wasn’t a subject that was initially on her radar.

From a record entry of more than 6,000 applicants, Levana was named as one of only ten finalists.

“Drama was very helpful to me.

In Law we get tested on how well we can speak, as though in court, and how well we can advocate for ourselves. And 100%, drama gave me that. The environment at HSD is so, so helpful and the teachers were so supportive. And that helped me learn to balance studies against all my other stuff I was doing while I was in high school.”

When she’s not researching cases, sitting exams or trying to widen access to the Law, Levana likes to relax by taking part in major TV shows!

“I was the double for the main character in the prequel to Outlander, called Blood of my Blood, during my summer job in 2024,” she casually mentions.

But it’s a starring role in Law that looks like being Levana’s next step…

Some other universities have projects where legal students offer advice but ours is one of the only ones where the students represent people.

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Physical Education at HSD it’s game on!

For some former pupils, memories of PE and Games at HSD might centre on traditional team sports and fixed timetables.

But drop in on Mayfield or Dalnacraig today and you’ll discover a set-up that reflects not only changes in sport itself, but a broader understanding of how young people engage with physical activity.

Finding your place in sport Director of Sport Ewan Jack explains the goal of the department.

“Our approach is to encourage maximum participation in sport,” he says. “We want to give everyone the chance to reach their full potential but, crucially, also build pathways into a lifetime of involvement in sport.”

PE and Games at HSD today is built around inclusion and variety.

Core PE - the timetabled classes from Nursery right through to Form 6 - has had a big overhaul with pupils now encountering a wider range of sports than ever before. As well as the traditional activities, newer ones like pickleball and tchoukball have been introduced alongside adapted approaches to the likes of gymnastics and dance, tailored to the class and age. Even lessons focused on movement and fitness are reimagined to ensure they are engaging and accessible.

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Choice Crucially, choice plays a key role.

Ewan explains, “It has a real impact on motivation. From L4 onwards, options expand further as pupils progress through the School so that by the time they reach the Senior Years, they have significant input into what PE looks like for them.”

The rise of Get Active One of the most significant innovations has been the introduction of Get Active an alternative to traditional team sports that focuses on more individual exercise.

Designed for those who may not be drawn to sports like hockey or rugby, Get Active offers fun gym-style sessions, which the pupils have input into to inspire new ideas and feed motivation.

Its success has been striking.

“It’s been really popular… and we’re seeing much more engagement and participation because of it, and that hasn’t come at the expense of the more traditional sports,” Ewan notes.

Strength and Conditioning has become another key strand, with over 50 pupils regularly attending sessions before school which not only support performance in multiple sports, but also develop transferable skills such as discipline, consistency and self-motivation.

High Performance Sport Programme Helping our ambitious young athletes to thrive in sport has always been a key aim of the PE department. Today it’s facilitated by the School’s unique High Performance Sport Programme.

“The demands of high level sport in today’s world can be all consuming,” says Ewan. “Our HPS programme is very popular because it supports talented

pupils to navigate school and the teenage years, while maximising their sporting potential. It teaches them the habits and behaviours that underpin success, with expert coaching.”

Standing out from the crowd At the top end of the Senior Years, pupils can get ahead and take their first steps into coaching and leadership by gaining the Sports Leaders Award.

And, in partnership with Dundee & Angus College, HSD pupils are able to achieve gym instructor certification.

An industry-recognised qualification, it has enabled a number of former pupils to gain entry level instructor positions.

“These are practical awards that pupils can really use to their advantage in the real world,” says Ewan.

Skills for Life While the actual physical skills of course remain important, today’s PE curriculum recognises and places equal emphasis on wider skills which extend far beyond sport.

“Emotional, mental, and social skills are all being developed within sport,” says Ewan. “Whether it’s resilience after a narrow defeat, teamwork in a class activity, or leadership in a coaching role, pupils are building attributes that support them across all areas of school life.”

Passion for sport With between 65% and 75% of pupils involved in core sports - and over 70% of Form 6 pupils still choosing to take part even at the stage when it’s no longer compulsory - the passion for sport at HSD is clear.

Another driver in this is the opportunity to embrace the full range of sporting

roles: pupils are also able to gain experience of coaching and umpiring/ refereeing, providing other pathways into a particular sport.

The results add up Certificate PE has also seen hugely positive change.

“15 years ago, there was no certificate PE at the School,” says Ewan. “Now we have National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, and the demand for the courses has meant we’ve had to create an additional teaching space at Mayfield.”

And that commitment to PE is reflected in recent exam results. For instance, in 2025 there were 100% pass rates at Higher and National 5, and 92% A grades at National 5.

Still Competing at the Top Alongside formal lessons, the cocurricular programme remains vibrant.

Opportunities range from team sports like football, hockey, netball and cricket to tennis, skiing, triathlon, water polo and more. The sports on offer are often shaped by pupil interest. “If we have pupils who want to take part in a particular sport or competition, we’ll try to get a team together,” says Ewan.

And HSD teams continue to compete at the highest level. ”Our rugby, hockey, netball sides, for example, are playing regular fixtures against the best teams in Scotland and we’re punching well above our weight, frequently reaching national finals and winning titles,” he says.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the pupils, and the coaches, rewarded for all their hard work with success on the pitch.”

High participation and high performance - a winning result all round.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the pupils and the coaches - rewarded for all their hard work with success on the pitch.

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Find your HSD group We’re very proud of the strong bonds that exist within our school community. Whilst we host lots of school-wide events that we’d love you to join us for, you might also like to connect with one of our constituent groups too.

Old Boys’ Club and Old Girls’ Club The Old Boys’ Club and Old Girls’ Club are always keen to hear from former pupils who might be interested in coming along to their annual sporting events and dinners. It’s been lovely to see recent school leavers join occasions like the Dundee Alumni Dinner and the London Alumni Dinner, both hosted by the Old Boys and taking place each November.

Huge thanks once again to our wonderful team of Old Girls who support our Thrift Shop of pre-loved uniform.

We’ve seen bumper sales across this year, and it is great to know that the proceeds come back to the School.

If you would like to reconnect with these groups please visit their pages within the

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‘Our community’ section of the School website.

Parents’ Association We are extremely grateful to the Parents’ Association (PA) for their fantastic programme of events designed to support the School and bring the parent community together.

Highlights in recent times have included the amazing annual Colour Run at June’s Festival of Sport, which in previous years has raised funds for the Playground redevelopment project; a brilliant Silent Disco/Spring Fling; raffles for wonderful Easter and Christmas hampers; spooktacular Halloween parties at Mayfield; and the hugely enjoyable Reading Café where family members can come in and read to their children in the Library.

Current HSD parents can keep up-todate with all the latest PA news and events by joining the group’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/ hsdparentcommunity

Friends of High School of Dundee Not an Old Boy, Old Girl or current parent? Don’t worry, there’s a school community group for you. The Friends of the High School of Dundee are a group of supporters who arrange social events and activities and fundraise for the school.

If you would like to join their group please contact Chairman, Ken Andrew: kga@scot-int.com

Alice Henderson Since leaving HSD in 2019, Alice Henderson has carved out an exciting path into the world of textiles, working with global brands at one of Dundee’s best-known firms.

Alice’s first step after school was to take on an HNC in Contemporary Art Practice at Dundee and Angus College.

The experience proved invaluable, allowing her to build her portfolio and secure a place studying Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD).

She began her degree in 2020 - right in the midst of the COVID pandemic.

“It was bizarre,” Alice says of starting university during lockdown. “My first year was completely different to any other first year. But, because of the practical nature of my course I was quite lucky in that the University prioritized us being able to safely go into the studios to work.”

Initially, Alice had her sights set firmly on fine art. However, like many creative journeys, her path evolved as she discovered new passions. “The first year was a general foundation year, giving a taste of all the departments,“ she says. “Going into that year, I was pretty set that I was going to do fine art. But then I did a textiles module and... I just knew textiles was what I wanted to do.”

Specialising in printed textiles, she developed both technical and creative skills - working with screen printing, hand-printing techniques and fabric dyes.

After graduating in June 2024, Alice embraced another life-changing experience, spending six months travelling across New Zealand.

She credits the unforgettable trip with helping her develop greater independence and resilience.

On returning home, she quickly stepped into the professional world. The skills Alice had developed in her degree made her a perfect fit for a role with Dundee textile manufacturer Halley Stevensons.

Within a year, she had progressed into the sales department and now works with major global brands. She says, “I’m now covering most of the UK in that role, talking to the customers, putting in their orders, finding out their needs and sending out samples.

closest friends now have been my friends pretty much since L1,” she says.

“I’ve always been creative myself, and I think being at the High School probably just heightened that because I had such great art teachers who were really motivating.

“I knew leaving school I wanted to go on to art college. And even when I was at college, and looking at DJCAD, I went back to my guidance teacher - Mrs Brown - who helped me with my UCAS application.”

“It’s just really exciting working with such well-known labels like AllSaints, Belstaff and Fred Perry. It really blew me away that we’re in Dundee, but working with all these massive, global names.”

That strong foundation helped nurture her creativity and confidence, setting her up for success beyond the classroom.

Looking back, Alice is clear about the impact school had on her journey. “I have such fond memories and all my

Now, with her career just beginning, Alice is looking ahead. “I’m just excited for whatever is to come,” she says.

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From Jut to Joystic

Chris van der Kuyl on Dundee’s Global Future

From its industrial past to its digital future, Dundee continues to reinvent itself - and few people are better placed to explain that journey than Chris van der Kuyl, CBE. The renowned tech leader was delighted to have been asked to give this year’s Innes Duffus Memorial Lecture at Discovery Point.

Speaking to Schola Clara, the 4Js Studio Chairman reflected on the core message of his talk, while making a compelling case for Dundee’s global importance in the games industry, highlighting its exciting future and looking to the future of the classroom.

His lecture pointed to the city’s remarkable journey, noting its “incredible industrial heritage” and how it continues to evolve. From the traditional “three Js” of jute, jam and journalism, Dundee has developed what he calls a fourth: “joysticks”, with the games industry now a defining part of the city’s identity, and a major economic and cultural force.

He highlighted how this transformation can be traced back decades, particularly to the production of a landmark home computer at 20

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a Dundee factory - an event whose impact is still felt today. “Were it not for Timex having the ZX Spectrum, I would unlikely be speaking to you about this today,” Chris explains.

“You can trace the roots of many companies back to that event. It led to Abertay being globally top-ten ranked for games for 30 years and the cluster of talent we see today.”

That legacy has positioned Dundee as a global centre for game development.

In fact, Chris argues its influence is disproportionate to its size. “When you consider its size, there is nowhere else that makes same the impact in this industry, globally, as Dundee,” he says.

His message is clear.

Dundee has been here before - transforming, adapting and leading.

For current pupils and alumni, Chris offers a powerful analogy for our city’s stature: “Being born and educated in Dundee is to the games industry what

being born in Los Angeles is to the film industry. It seems like a natural thing, there are companies on your doorstep, there’s people studying on your doorstep, it’s part of the culture.

And that’s massive, you know, because this - gaming - is the world’s biggest entertainment industry.

“In this sphere there isn’t a better place in the world you could be than Dundee.”

Looking to the future, he described a city on the brink of another leap forward. Dundee has recently secured major UK funding through a Local Innovation Partnership, recognising its “globally significant” role in the technology sector. The investment has the potential to open a new chapter for Dundee by expanding the use of games technology into fields such as healthcare and advanced research.

Exciting developments for the future.

And with AI bound to be a part of that future, Chris urges students not to fear

e ks: it but to engage with it. “I think the best approach is to be inquisitive and to try to understand it,” he says, warning that those who ignore AI risk being left behind.

He adds, “More and more tools are available which will allow people to create and deliver solutions using technology that was previously the domain of only a tiny number of people. Now it will be the domain of everyone.”

Chris hopes that technology will handle the “mundane” tasks like drilling vocabulary or arithmetic - freeing up teachers to do what they do best: inspire.

At the same time, he stresses that human qualities will remain vital.

While AI can process vast amounts of information, it cannot match the human ability to take a creative leap.

I think the best approach is to be inquisitive and to try to understand it.

Chris believes that for pupils, developing certain core skills will remain crucial. “How you work in teams, how you communicate… these skills will be invaluable and therefore even more essential,” he says.

adapting and leading. The difference now is that today’s pupils are growing up at the heart of one of the world’s most exciting industries, with a chance to help write their city’s next chapter.

What does all this mean for the future of the classroom? Chris hopes that technology will handle the “mundane” tasks - like drilling vocabulary or arithmetic - freeing up teachers to do what they do best: inspire.

Innes Duffus was a former pupil of the High School of Dundee. In 2019 an annual lecture series was created in his memory to recognise his amazing contribution to Dundee through his work - over several decades - as archivist to the city’s Nine Incorporated Trades.

His message is clear. Dundee has been here before: transforming,

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Raoul Curtis‑Machin Raoul Curtis‑Machin is Executive Director of Gardens at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. His career has seen him manage some of the UK’s most iconic landscapes.

But his journey into horticulture can be traced back to humble origins.

Early inspiration: a chance beginning It was around the age of 11 that Raoul accidentally damaged a plant in his garden and, in trying to make amends, unwittingly ignited a lifelong passion.

Raoul, class of 1987, explains, “I accidentally trampled an alpine plant and when I saw the label and it was this blue Gentian flower with the white Alps behind it, it struck me how pretty it looked.

“So my mum said, ‘let’s go and get another one’. So we did and I suddenly got into growing plants. I found I could relate to it and that I could relate to nature too through growing plants.”

His interest blossomed at HSD. “I was lucky at school because we had a Biology teacher called Rosemary Stewart and she had a passion for plants,” he says. “She found an old greenhouse in the school and she started up a horticulture club.

Today, Raoul is Executive Director of Gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - one of the most important botanical institutions in the world.

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“I signed up to it and actually she encouraged me then to just learn more and take it seriously as a potential career option. So I did!”

Turning passion into a career Raoul started growing plants at home and when he began selling them at Craigtoun Country Park near St Andrews, he realised that he could make a living from his passion.

He wanted to start practicing it as quickly as possible so he turned down the opportunity to attend Oxford interviews and instead applied for a new course in Landscape Management at Reading University.

He says, “I wanted to do something to conserve nature and to basically try to save the world. And I kind of know that it’s got to be hands-on for me.

“The degree gave me a broad connect, if you like, into horticulture. The skill of growing plants underpins almost all aspects of plant conservation and nature conservation, because it leads into ecology, it leads into understanding ecosystems.

But if we lose those skills or we don’t develop them, then we’re kind of sunk.”

He was appointed by UK Government Ministers to be responsible for the UK garden at Antalya Expo 2016 and worked as Director of Horticulture for the Horticulture Trades Association.

And a truly stellar, hands-on career has followed. Rather than following a rigid path, Raoul’s journey has evolved naturally. Driven by curiosity and opportunity, it has led him into heritage gardens, conservation, and work with major organisations such as Historic Scotland, where, as Landscape Historian, he contributed to safeguarding important designed landscapes.

A highlight was helping to protect Abbotsford, the historic home of Sir Walter Scott, from development by demonstrating its importance as part of a wider landscape and cultural heritage.

National Trust A role as Gardens and Parks Advisor at the National Trust marked a major step in Raoul’s career - but one he describes as “the scariest job” he’d had.

“You’re responsible for these big, famous gardens… and you’re thinking, I better find out a bit more before I make a decision!”

It was also incredibly rewarding though. “I love developing people and seeing them come out of themselves and step up and grow in jobs and careers”, he says.

“I was also in charge of training and development for all the garden staff, of which there were about 800. So we created a careership programme, which is like a threeyear apprenticeship, and for that I developed courses in greener gardening and managing historic gardens. That was very fulfilling.”

Rewriting Culloden’s history Later, working as Operations Manager at Culloden battlefield, he combined conservation with creativity - introducing grazing cattle to manage the battlefield landscape and even helping uncover new archaeological evidence.

“What a thrill that job was,” he says.

“It’s a landscape because it’s a battlefield, but it wants to become a woodland because it’s got all that forest around it. So you have to try and keep the trees down so you can serve that feeling of what it was like back in 1746.

“So I introduced Highland and Shetland cows onto the battlefield for conservation grazing. And then, of course, COVID hit. So with no intention whatsoever, I was part of the skeleton crew feeding cows and sorting out their problems!

“The grazing cleared parts of the landscape which military historian, Professor Christopher Duffy was desperate to see because he had a new theory about the way the battle started. If we could find some musket balls beside the carpark then it would rewrite the first chapter of the Battle.

And we did. We opened up some pits and we found some musket balls.”

Shaping policy Along the way, Raoul’s influence has extended into policy development and industry leadership - helping to improve plant health regulations and influence environmental policy across the UK and EU. He was appointed

by UK Government Ministers to be responsible for the UK garden at Antalya Expo 2016 and worked as Director of Horticulture for the Horticulture Trades Association.

He became a leading voice in promoting the importance of plants not just as something decorative, but as essential to tackling climate change and supporting ecosystems lobbying at Holyrood, Westminster and at the EU. He explains, “The horticulture industry was changing and horticulture was changing. Everyone has always seen that as just pretty gardens and the Chelsea Flower Show and nice parks.

“But we started to realise that the horticulture industry was delivering an awful lot of ecosystem service benefits. We were cleaning the air, we were cooling down cities. Plants and trees were helping to slow down stormwater surges. We realised that if we could start to develop more rain gardens and storm water planters

and green walls, then we could actually start to make our cities far more livable in terms of adapting to climate change.

“I found that really exciting. So I was thinking, okay, that’s us now looking at plants in a whole new way.”

Kew Gardens Today, Raoul is Executive Director of Gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - one of the most important botanical institutions in the world.

He oversees hundreds of staff, vast collections of plants, and major education programmes reaching thousands of young people each year.

Not to mention its appeal as a hugely popular visitor attraction.

Kew’s work extends globally, with scientists operating in over 100 countries. There is a huge focus on sustainability - helping communities grow and protect plants locally.

Later, working as Operations Manager at Culloden battlefield, he combined conservation with creativity.

His passion for his work is inspiring, but unfortunately our time is cut short by a rather important appointment Raoul has an invite that evening to the BBC’s 100th birthday celebration for David Attenborough.

“It’s a massive honour. I think the difference he’s made is phenomenal.

If we can reach a tenth of the people he’s reached, we’d be doing an amazing job.”

Raoul has built a career rooted in what he loves. “I’m massively privileged,” he says, “I’d be doing this stuff without being paid for it.”

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Premiere Performance centre stage

Our annual Spring Concert is always a highlight in the School calendar. A chance for our amazing young musicians to showcase their talents on the Caird Hall stage for family, friends and the city’s music lovers.

It was a delight to be able to set it because it mentions a multiplicity of musical instruments.

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But this year’s event was even more special than ever; it featured the world premiere of a brand-new composition!

The centrepiece of the evening was the performance of a wonderful 11-minute setting of Psalm 150 for chorus and orchestra by the school’s Director of Music, Dr Lionel Steuart Fothringham.

Lionel wrote the composition as a tribute to Rector Lise Hudson, for whom it was her final Spring Concert before her retirement.

Making the premiere even more remarkable was a musical homecoming it inspired. In a touching tribute to Mrs Hudson’s HSD legacy,

takes

nearly 40 Former Pupils from the classes of 2013-2025 returned to the stage to perform alongside current pupils, creating a one-night-only, multigenerational celebration of the School’s musical community.

Lionel said, “With the knowledge that Psalm 150 is one of Mrs Hudson’s favourite texts, it was a delight to be able to set it because it mentions a multiplicity of musical instruments.

That allowed me to showcase the particular talents of our pupils and my colleagues in a new composition in tribute to her passion and support for music and all the positive effects it has on our pupils’ education and welfare.

“To have former pupil-musicians with us on stage as well gave us a wonderful opportunity to use the power of music to unite current pupils, staff, former pupils and the audience in celebration of Mrs Hudson’s love of music.”

Beyond the premiere, the full breadth of HSD’s musical talent was on display.

The School’s Pipe Bands, Choirs, Symphonic Band, Sinfonia, Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and performers from the Senior Years production of Pippin, were all in action.

Pieces ranged from pop favourites like ‘California Dreamin’, ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ and ‘Super Trouper’, to film and TV scores like ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ and ‘Band of Brothers’, and classical performances of ‘Mars’ from Holst’s ‘The Planets’ and the ‘Triumphal Scene’ from Verdi’s Aïda.

A truly memorable occasion! Missed it? Don’t worry, you can see a recording of the world premiere at:

Scan QR Code to watch full concert

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Craig Morrison Is a foodie - and he’s been cooking up a storm online

A cook, recipe developer and food writer, his profile is well and truly rising after his Instagram channel - sub-headed mostly veggie; always delicious - gained more than 630k followers in just one year.

Former pupil Craig’s mission is simple: to give people flavour-packed, practical ways to reduce their meat intake.

He explains, “I’m trying to use delicious veggie food to show that you don’t need to sacrifice anything or feel like you’re losing out by cutting down on eating meat, whether that’s one meal a week or whether that’s 30 dinners every month.”

With his recipes having also featured on BBC Good Food, there’s clearly a huge appetite for Craig’s work.

But while he reminisces fondly of Home Economics at HSD, a culinary career wasn’t always on the menu.

After leaving HSD in 2013 he studied sports science, before going on to complete a Masters in International Business and then working in tech sales in London.

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I worked very hard and wasn’t afraid to pivot and try something new.

But something wasn’t quite right.

“I always knew that I was really going to struggle working in a job that I didn’t like,” he admits.

“I think my interest in food had always been bubbling away but it was during lockdown that I realised it was a passion I wanted to follow.”

Craig applied to Leiths School of Food and Wine - a prestigious culinary school in London - and went on to be named 2022’s student of the year.

A Job at Marley Spoon - a meal delivery service in Australia followed, before he moved back to London to work for the major vegan, web-based brand, Bosh.

“That gave me a real introduction into plant-based cooking,” he says. “If you’ve seen their recipe videos, the hands in them are mine for the most part.

“I wasn’t veggie and that was the pretence I was hired under - that I could help to create those sort of more umami, meaty flavours without meat and have some kind of reference point.”

And it was at this stage that Craig realised that he wanted a way to make his own voice and message heard.

He says, “I spent months planning what I was going to, what my voice was going to be and if there was a gap in the market for that. And it just so happened that in the year that I was working for Bosh, I’d reduced my meat intake significantly.”

He began to notice something missing in the food world - particularly online.

The gap was a balanced, realistic conversation about eating less meat - not necessarily eliminating it altogether.

Craig is back in Dundee now and HSD is still a special place for him.

“I was in the more flexitarian camp.

I saw myself as someone that wasn’t necessarily vegetarian. I do still eat meat, but I know - probably along with the vast majority of the population that we should cut down.

“And then I had a look on social media and could see that nobody’s saying that. I don’t think that getting on a high moral horse works for lots of people; it’s probably not the way to change hearts and minds. I’m not necessarily trying to get people to go veggie or vegan. I thought, ‘I think I can make a bigger change if I come in with a more gentle take.’”

This approach - accessible, practical and non-judgemental - struck a chord.

His content began to grow rapidly, attracting a wide audience of people looking for simple ways to improve their diet.

“It’s just gone absolutely nuts,” he reflects. “I think the BBC Good Food collaboration was the one that got my parents’ attention. They were like, ‘oh, right, that’s getting quite real now, isn’t it?’”

Craig’s career is an impressive example of not being afraid to try different directions, trusting your instincts, and being willing to start again.

“My earlier experiences seem quite far removed, but all of it ties in quite nicely to what I’m doing right now.

Through sports science I learned a lot about nutrition and diet, which are important aspects of my work now. And then same with the Business masters. I’ve got my own limited company now.

“I worked very hard and wasn’t afraid to pivot and try something new.”

And it was at this stage that Craig realised that he wanted a way to make his own voice and message heard.

Craig is back in Dundee now and HSD is still a special place for him.

“I was there since P1, so I was a 13 year Dundee Higher. I’ve very fond memories of school. When I walk along Reform Street now and I see it, there’s a very nostalgic feeling.”

We’re thrilled to have been just one ingredient in Craig’s story so far.

Check out Craig’s Instagram account @craigmorrison and his website: www.craigamorrison.com which was designed and created by another HSD FP - former Head Girl and Craig’s L1 friend, Susan Graham!

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© ParalympicsGB

Katie

Guest

In bright colours, HSD former pupil Katie Guest speeds down an alpine ski slope.

The vivid look is by design; she’s steering champion Paralympian skier Menna Fitzpatrick - who has just 5% vision through split-second decisions at up to 60 km/h.

Since joining forces the pair have enjoyed enormous success, winning major championships and in Spring 2026 representing Team GB at the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games.

Katie’s road to guiding began more than a decade ago. In 2015, she stepped back from her own successful racing career - which saw her win national titles and represent Scotland and GB - and briefly guided Millie Knight during a training camp. University then called while she stayed on as a reserve guide.

contrast as much as possible from the slope and background, and give Menna a reference point to follow.

“Guiding a visually impaired (VI) skier may seem like a similar sport to solo ski racing. But whilst the two still consist of getting down a course as fast as possible on a pair of skis, the similarities end there.

The solo sport of ski racing suddenly turned into a team sport. I really enjoyed the new challenge of racing whilst helping a VI racer, and it gave me a new outlook on the sport I loved.

“It has taught me the importance of clear communication, reliability, and confidence - after all Menna has to trust my decisions implicitly whilst travelling at 60kmph.”

In 2019, a full-time invitation to partner with Menna arrived. She said yes, and then somehow balanced competing full-time with the British Alpine Para Ski Team with a Masters in Physiotherapy at Robert Gordon’s University, and working.

She couldn’t compete at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games - at which Menna went on to win a silver and bronze - because of a positive Covid test, but the pair were back racing together soon after.

Katie and Menna’s participation in the Milano Cortina Games was nearly derailed by a run of serious injuries for Menna, including a tibial fracture and a ruptured ACL.

Katie explains how guiding works. “We race with two-way Bluetooth headsets built into our helmets. I ski in front, 2-20 metres ahead depending on speed and discipline, calling out terrain changes, turn shape, snow texture, and tactical cues. I wear bright colours to try and

“It was such an incredible environment - and an experience I will never forget.

The Para community is a very inspiring one, and consists of a collection of athletes that are constantly pushing new boundaries and showing that disabilities can be celebrated. So it was certainly an

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“The fact we made it to these Games was an incredible accomplishment,” says Katie, “and we were happy with the results we achieved - a 5th place, two 6th place and a 9th place.

event where my perspective on sporting events shifted and all athletes, regardless of winning a medal or not, deserve so much recognition and celebration. It was an honour to be selected to represent GB and to be made to feel welcome into this incredible family of athletes.”

While Dundee isn’t renowned as a ski centre, she recalls, “At HSD, we had a great number of successes with a strong ski team winning multiple events.”

She credits her time at the School as providing a foundation for her ability to juggle studies and sport, and helping develop the strong academic baseline for the physio career she enjoys.

“I am passionate about physiotherapy as I find the human body is incredible and so much can be helped with only a few alterations to movement patterns, simple exercises and strengthening,” she says. “There are so many incredible opportunities to meet amazing people, help individuals recover from injuries, accidents and surgeries and reach goals they weren’t sure were possible anymore.

“I am not sure what the future holds in terms of guiding, but I have loved working in the world of physio, and think I have the opportunity now to potentially continue a career in sports, but maybe from the sidelines rather than the start gate.”

Sounds like a perfect plan.

Former pupil honoured with MBE

We are delighted to share the amazing news that our former pupil Ruth Robertson (née Anderson) has been awarded an MBE. Ruth, class of 1981, received this prestigious honour in recognition of her services to public health and health protection in Scotland, following a brilliant career spanning more than three decades.

After graduating from Dundee University with an honours degree in Microbiology, she completed an Environmental Health degree at Strathclyde University, sponsored by Dundee City Council.

Qualifying as an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in 1986, she spent 14 years in frontline roles. She later completed her Masters of Public Health, again at Dundee University, and was subsequently seconded to its Medical School’s Epidemiology Department. There she contributed to collaborative work with the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH), while also developing her interest in workforce education, and lecturing at the University.

In 2000, Ruth joined the SCIEH, helping shape national environmental health policy. Following the creation of Health Protection Scotland in 2005, she led the development of Scotland’s national framework for health protection workforce education.

Until her retirement in December 2023, she then served as Head of

Programme for Health Protection at NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and Public Health Scotland, providing strategic coordination and leadership.

During this time Ruth led on national workforce education development across a multitude of health protection topics including BBV (such as Hepatitis C and HIV), vaccination (e.g. HPV, Men B and pertussis), public health microbiology, incident management and epidemiology.

She was also instrumental in supporting the establishment of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Scotland, leading the development of national workforce education resources thereby helping to ensure that hundreds of staff and volunteers were rapidly trained and equipped to deliver vaccines at a critical time.

Her efforts have contributed not only to the wellbeing of people in Scotland, but also across the UK and internationally through the sharing of best practice.

And it’s not the first time Ruth’s sterling work has been recognised. In 2024 she received the Meritorious Endeavours in Environmental Health Award from the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland. The significant accolade

recognised Ruth’s major contribution to the improvement and protection of health and well-being in Scotland over many years.

Ruth said of her award, “It came as a complete shock, but I was absolutely delighted and honoured.

“I accepted the award on behalf of all the wonderful colleagues that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years and my family and friends who have been a great support.”

Congratulations, Ruth, on this welldeserved honour. A fitting recognition of a lifetime of service, commitment and leadership in protecting and improving the health of others.

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2026 is the 50th school year since Mayfield became the home of HSD sport, while in June, Mayfield Sports Centre turned 20!

Mayfield

celebrates double

anniversary This year, Mayfield celebrates two milestone anniversaries.

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When a new home was built for Dundee College in West Ferry in 1975, HSD purchased the Mayfield site, allowing the School to supplement its existing recreation grounds at Dalnacraig and vacate the grounds it had occupied at Monymusk Park since 1959.

Scottish and British Lions rugby internationalist, former pupil Chris Rea, officially opened Mayfield for the School in session 1975/76, and we were delighted to welcome Chris back to HSD as guest of honour at this year’s prize-giving (read our feature on Chris on page 36).

Meanwhile, Mayfield Sports Centre was opened by World and Commonwealth gold medal-winning runner Liz McColgan on 16th June 2006, in front of guests and HSD sporting pupils (including Liz’s daughter, and current running superstar, Eilish!)

multi-use all-weather pitches.

Adapting as the PE and Games curriculum has evolved, these facilities have been at the centre of HSD sport ever since, as well as hosting wider school events and - when not in use by the School - being widely used by community clubs and organisations.

The building of the Centre was supported by a fundraising appeal that was generously backed by the School community, and in particular, the High School of Dundee Foundation. In a tribute to our legendary former Head of PE & Games, the Games Hall was named after Dallas Allardice.

And when HSD acquired Mayfield, who would have imagined that it would go on to become home to a Nursery as well! Our fantastic, purpose-built facility for 3-5-year-olds - the Mary Lily Walker Building - opened its doors on the site in 2014.

The subsequent addition of top quality astroturf pitches at Dalnacraig completed a trio of outstanding sporting options for the School to call on: extensive grass playing fields, first class indoor facilities and floodlit

The next generation are already moving forward in leaps and bounds at Mayfield…

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A Year of Making a Difference A message from the Chair of the Foundation Committee Every year, when I sit down to write this article, I find myself thinking about the people behind the numbers.

The Foundation is not just a fundraising committee - it is a community of people who care deeply about this school and what it stands for. And this past year, that community has shown up in the most generous way.

Thanks to the donations we have received from alumni and friends of the School, we have been able to do things that genuinely matter. Let me tell you about some of them.

Supporting our Bursary recipients This year, contributions to the Bursary Fund have helped a number of young people take up their place at our school who might otherwise not have been able to. These are talented, motivated pupils who bring so much to our community - and it is your generosity that opens the door for them.

development of new social spaces areas where pupils can gather, relax, and simply be themselves outside of the classroom. These spaces matter more than they might seem. A school is not just a place of learning; it is a place where young people grow, and the environments we create around them play a real part in that.

We have also been able to fund new hedging around the perimeter of the playground. It might sound like a small thing, but anyone who has seen it will know it is already making the outdoor spaces feel greener, calmer, and more welcoming. The children have noticed. The staff have noticed.

It is a quiet but real improvement to daily school life.

A bursary is not simply a financial transaction. For the families involved, it can be life-changing. It means a child gets access to an education that fits them, surrounded by teachers who know them well. We are proud to offer that, and we could not do it without you.

Looking ahead and asking for your support None of this happens without the people reading this page. Whether you have given before or are thinking about it for the first time, I want you to know that every gift - of any size - makes a genuine difference. Our two funds, the Bursary Fund and the General Fund, each play a distinct role: one in widening access to our school, the other in continuing to improve the experience for everyone within it.

Improving our shared spaces Alongside the Bursary Fund, donations to the General Fund have allowed us to invest in the School itself. This year, we have been able to contribute to the

If you have been thinking about giving, I would gently encourage you to do so.

And if you have already given this year, thank you. Sincerely. You are part of something that matters.

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To find out more about how to donate to the Bursary Fund or General Fund, please get in touch with me via development@highschoolofdundee. org.uk or visit our Foundation pages.

Scan QR code to make a donation

We would love to hear from you.

Sheena Leadbitter Chair, Foundation Committee

Junior School earns

Green Flag The High School of Dundee Junior School has been awarded the coveted Eco Schools Green Flag.

An international accreditation, it recognises the Junior Years’ commitment to environmental action and to embedding sustainable development across school life.

The award assessors praised pupils and staff for their work across a number of initiatives aimed at driving meaningful, long term-change.

These included biodiversity projects such as creating bug hotels and enhancing local wildlife habitats through the NatureScot pilot, as well as regular litter picks which have helped pupils take responsibility for their environment.

The major redevelopment of the playground to create a greener, safer

and more inclusive environment for fun and learning, was also highly commended.

Alongside this, the Junior School has been working to improve its outdoor learning spaces and provide staff with additional training to make the most of these areas.

In addition the fantastic work of the Eco Club was highlighted, with the pupil-led group having run many of the initiatives as well as creating an Eco Code to champion good behaviours.

It also played a crucial role in shaping the playground improvement project by organising questionnaires for pupils and teachers and sharing the results and ideas with the architect.

Deputy Rector and Head of Junior Years, Julie Rose, said, “I am incredibly proud of our Junior Years team, and especially of our dedicated Eco Club, for achieving the Green Flag award.

“This recognition reflects the passion, teamwork, and commitment our pupils, staff and parents show every day as they work to make our school - and our world - a greener, more sustainable place.

“The Eco Club, under the guidance of class teacher Chloe Devlin have shown leadership and enthusiasm to inspire us all. This award is a wonderful celebration of our Junior Years’ hard work and determination.”

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Project Well

2026

Mental health is one of the most important foundations for a healthy and long life.

And yet the mental health of children and adolescents has been widely described as being in crisis, with the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland stating that one in four young people in Scotland face mental health challenges every week.

PCS teachers Lucy Jack and Sarah Guy organised the event, which is now in its third year. They said, “Project Wellbeing offers pupils a valuable opportunity to take ownership of their mental and physical health through an engaging day of expert-led sessions.

There’s no doubt that school pupils need more guidance and support than ever to help them navigate the pressures they face in today’s increasingly complex world.

“What makes this event unique is not just that it’s an exciting event focussed solely on all aspects of pupil wellbeing, it’s that pupils are able to choose their own sessions. This creates a personalised timetable that enhances engagement, motivation, active involvement throughout the day and ensures pupils get the most out of it.

So in May, HSD took action and staged an event that was unique in nature and singular in its aim.

Over the course of the day at Mayfield, the practitioners ran a series of engaging activities centred around Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s 4 pillars of health movement, sleep, food, relaxation.

“Through hands-on learning, pupils gain simple, practical strategies they can continue to use well beyond the event. By taking part in sessions focused on sleep and relaxation, food and movement, and small everyday changes, pupils develop a clearer understanding of how quick, easy tweaks can positively impact their wellbeing and support healthier habits for the future.”

From yoga, kick-boxing and relaxation techniques to nutrition advice, developing a positive mindset and peer support, the pupils explored some of the things they can do to look after their mental health and general wellbeing.

The School was extremely grateful to the local organisations and practitioners who gave up their time to run sessions for our young people, and to a number of local businesses that kindly donated food and other items for the event.

Project Wellbeing brought together around 30 local experts to provide pupils in L7 - F3 with fantastic practical tools to allow them to take the best care of their minds and bodies.

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lbeing

Through hands-on learning, pupils gain simple, practical strategies they can continue to use well beyond the event.

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Chris Rea:

From try to byline At this year’s prize-giving ceremony, we were delighted to welcome back Chris Rea, class of 1963, to present awards and address the leavers. Our guest of honour enjoyed two distinguished careers: one as an international rugby player, winning 13 caps for Scotland and touring New Zealand with the famous 1971 British Lions, and the other as one of Britain’s best-known and most respected sports presenters and journalists.

According to Chris, it all began at HSD… The influence of Dallas Allardice Chris recalls that in those days, sport was almost an afterthought and far less structured than it is today. “There were no competitive games against other schools until we reached senior school, and formal coaching was frowned upon.” Like his sport-mad friends, Chris honed his skills by kicking a tennis ball in the street and dreaming of scoring the winning goal for Scotland at Hampden Park or hitting the winning runs at Lord’s.

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All that changed with the arrival of the Rector, David Erskine, who understood the value of sport as an effective means of promoting the School, and the appointment of Dallas Allardice, whose sporting achievements included a trial for Aberdeen Football Club and selection for the Scotland national rugby team at scrum half.

“It is no exaggeration to say that Dally changed the lives of many of us. For him rugby was a simple game based on teamwork, mastery of the basics and the

ageless principles of self-discipline, respect, humility in victory, dignity in defeat. He was an inspirational role model.”

At the time HSD was viewed as a rugby backwater, and at schools’ level some distance behind Aberdeen Grammar and Robert Gordon’s in the North and Dollar Academy, Morrison’s, Glenalmond and Strathallan in the Midlands. The top rugby schools in Edinburgh and Glasgow were in another league altogether. But Dallas’s arrival heralded an upturn in the School’s rugby fortunes with Doug Hardie, Roger Leslie and Chris being picked for the Midlands Schools XV and Chris becoming the first-ever HSD player to be selected for the Scottish Schoolboys side. The fixture was the annual New Year’s Day match against the English Schools at Richmond.

“In preparation for the match, Dally suggested that I invite my scrum half partner, who was from Glasgow High School, to stay with me at Meigle between Christmas and New Year, and for three days he worked with us no question of overtime in those days.

For Dally it was a labour of love.”

line As it happened the country was gripped in the 1963 Big Freeze which lasted until mid March of that year, forcing the cancellation of the match. A few weeks later, however, another career defining opportunity, generated by the School, presented itself. The BBC’s Songs of Praise, was being broadcast from St Mary’s Church, and as Head Boy, Chris read one of the lessons. At the end of the programme, Dr Ronnie Falconer, the BBC’s Head of Religious Broadcasting, approached him. ‘You have a fine voice. Have you ever thought of a job in broadcasting?’ he enquired. Chris thanked him for the compliment but said that he was going up to St Andrews University to play rugby.

Amateur status; serious standards For younger readers raised in the professional rugby era, it’s hard to picture the world Chris inhabited.

University rugby was a powerhouse “The standards were high,” he recalls, “with the Edinburgh side fielding six internationals and winning the unofficial club championship”. Having opted to play for DHS FPs in his first year at St Andrews, Chris went on to represent

Scottish Universities, and captained the British Universities against French Universities at Bridgend.

In the amateur era, international players lived a double life - working regular jobs during the day and playing elite rugby at weekends. After leaving university with what he describes as “an extremely modest” MA degree in Scottish and American History, followed by a post graduate course at the Manchester Business School, Chris returned to Scotland to take up an administrative post at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow, and to join the mighty West of Scotland team from where he won his first Scottish cap against Australia in 1968. “It would be fair to say that my career in hospital administration was even less distinguished than my academic achievements at university,” he says. ”When an advert appeared in the Glasgow Herald for an administrative assistant role at the BBC in Leeds, I jumped at it.” It was the start of an international odyssey which was to take him from Paris with Scotland to New Zealand with the British Lions.

Playing for Scotland At Headingley he was part of a glittering back line - including the England captain John Spencer at centre, Ian McGeechan at fly-half, along with two England triallists - and his own outstanding form regained him the place in the international side that he had lost the previous season.

In all, he played for Scotland 13 times and in 1971 scored the try which Peter Brown converted to earn Scotland’s first Calcutta Cup win at Twickenham in 33 years. “That would be the career highlight of course”, he says. But earlier that season in front of 90,000 spectators at Murrayfield, Scotland played Wales in what was described as the “The Game of the Decade”. Wales won it 19-18 with the last kick of the game.

Chris also scored a try in that match, but he’s quick to play down his individual achievements. He says, “What concerns me about the professional game, apart from the fact that the current crop of players appear to have no knowledge of, or interest in, the deeds of the past, Scola Clara 2026

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is that the game is no longer for the players but is more concerned with creating a personality cult through which the media can promote the game, thereby entertaining the paying public.

But whatever the changes and despite the incredible individual skills displayed by the modern players, rugby remains the ultimate team game.”

The Lions come calling Selection for the British Lions is one of the greatest honours in rugby.

Chris achieved it after being called up for the squad for the 1971 tour of New Zealand, going on to make ten appearances and scoring three tries against provincial sides.

It was a unique experience, but one which was impacted by injury.

Nevertheless, a Lions call-up would probably be the career highlight for most rugby players.

He says, “I loved the pressure of Sunday writing where you had to put together a reasonably knowledgeable, analytical article 15 minutes after the game finished.”

But while Chris was undoubtedly proud of the honour, he reflects that it can never replicate the thrill or excitement of winning a first international cap in front of your home crowd.

A special presenter By then, Chris was also appearing on TV. After doing some interviews for BBC’s Rugby Special, he was asked if he would present it. He accepted, on condition that the powers that be spent serious money on the programme, making it studio based, recorded on a Sunday with guests, features and top producers.

With Johnnie Watherston, brother of the former Scottish flanker Rory, as the programme director, the viewing figures rose dramatically, making Chris one of the UK’s best known and most respected sports presenters.

From rugby Centre to sports correspondent Before the 4-month-long Lions tour, Chris had been working for the BBC as an administrator and when he returned he was offered a role with the BBC Radio sports department.

He became rugby correspondent and lead commentator for BBC Radio, and golf, too, became a speciality: from 1973 into the 1990s, he walked the fairways as a pioneering, on-course radio voice at The Open Championship.

Drawn to print journalism, Chris joined The Scotsman as rugby and golf correspondent, before writing for the newly launched Independent on Sunday, a role he greatly enjoyed.

He says, “They were probably the happiest and most fulfilling six years of my working life, and although I was sad to give it up when the programme was outsourced to an independent company, I still meet up with fathers and sons who religiously tuned in to BBC 2 at 5 o’clock on a Sunday afternoon, with their tea and crumpets, to watch the programme.”

Chris continued his TV career, joining ITV’s commentary team for the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.

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He says, “Without any question the most spectacular and colourful tournament to date, and when Nelson Mandela came onto the field wearing Francois Pienaar’s number 6 jersey, it was a moment of sporting history - pure theatre.”

He also commentated on Paddles Up, a hugely popular TV programme that involved the world’s best canoeists taking on white-water rapids and kayaking challenges. He says, “It was fun commentating on a sport I knew nothing about and in front of a cumulative audience of approximately 12 million over the Easter holidays. Now that was a challenge.”

Challenges and Resilience There was another, far greater, challenge ahead. At the height of his broadcasting success, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer which had spread to the liver and lymph. Thirty five years ago, that was as near as it comes to a death sentence.

But because of his weekly broadcasts on Rugby Special, Chris requested that his media colleagues kept the illness under wraps - “Presenting a sports programme looking like death warmed up was not a good look,” he says - and his colleagues honoured that. But after a year of treatment, he agreed to a single article for the Daily Mail, on two conditions: full editorial control, and the chance to raise money for Macmillan nurses. The piece ran and donations flooded in.

Weeks later, a letter arrived from a man who had read the article, by chance, while waiting for a train in Italy.

Something Chris said about symptoms resonated so the man immediately sought a scan on his return and doctors found an early-stage cancer. ‘As far as I’m concerned, your article saved my life,’ the man wrote.

“It was an emotional day in the Rea household I can tell you,” says Chris.

Returning to HSD Prize-giving is always a very special occasion, so we were thrilled to have Chris with us for it. How did he feel to have been asked to be guest of honour?

“It means a tremendous amount,” he says. “I’ve had a charmed and at times glamorous life in many ways, met people I would never have met had it not been through rugby and

broadcasting - and for that I owe a debt of gratitude to HSD. “For me and, for my beloved wife and family, being invited to speak at the school prize-giving in Dundee, where generations of my forebears have lived and worked, has closed the circle.”

Chris’s story is not just about international rugby or broadcasting success. It’s about taking opportunities, learning from great teachers, bravery, and understanding that success is never achieved alone.

In all, he played for Scotland 13 times and in 1971 scored the try which Peter Brown converted to earn Scotland’s first Calcutta Cup win at Twickenham in 33 years.

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Euclid Crossword 1

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General Knowledge Crossword created

by Roger Burns, Class of 1964.

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Scan for the answers

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Across

Down

4. Short memorable saying in widespread use expressing a basic truth. (7) 8. Dundee memorial dedicated 17/09/2009 to this branch of the Royal Navy. (9) 10. This can express a greeting or farewell. (4) 12. Remove dirt from an object; OR flush with water. (5) 14. Town in Fife where the world’s first train ferry sailed from. (11) 17. In the way or manner indicated. (2) 18. Light sensitive membrane covering the rear wall of the eyeball. (6) 19. Thomas Telford built this Scottish 60 mile canal. (10) 21. Trousers made from coarse twilled cotton. (6) 22. See 53D. 23. 24km long cave in Slovenia which tourists enter by train. (8) 25. Loud deep cry of a lion or other wild cat.(4) 26. Operate an aircraft. (3) 27. Acronym for the world’s motorsport governing body. (1,1,1) 28. Yield. (4) 30. Identical in value. (5) 32. Most aeroplanes since 1930’s have one to 26A. (4) 33. Informal for a blighter or fella. (4) 34. This siege gun sits in Edinburgh Castle. (4,3) 37. Absent. (4) 38. See 50D. 40. Fifth element in the Periodic Table. (5) 43. Battle of ______ was fought here in 1689 during the Jacobite Rebellion. (13) 46. Nearly horizontal passage in a mine. (4) 47. Peak. (4) 48. Beryllium symbol. (2) 49. Depository for collecting and displaying objects of scientific, historical or artistic value. (6) 51. Make a mess of. (5) 54. See 59A. 55. Upstream dam on the easterly tributary about 150m as the crow flies from 52D. (6) 56. Single. (3) 59 & 54A. In Scotland, name of the world’s only rotation boat lift. (7,5) 62. Tenth letter of Greek alphabet. (5) 64. Fishing village on SE shore of Loch Ewe, about 2 miles from WW2 Boom Defence; DHS CCF summer camp here in 1964. (7) 66. Male parent. (3) 68. Designer of V&A Dundee. (5,4) 69. Longer of the two bones in the human arm. (4) 71. Bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. (4) 72. Objective of “I”. (2) 73. Treat with contempt. (4) 74. _______ Works dedicated to the Dundee Jute Industry. (7) 75. Jamaican capital. (8)

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Name of river at 4D. (6) 2.

Furnace for pottery. (4) 3.

Having little or no detrimental effect. (6) 4. Perthshire town with fish ladder as a tourist attraction at its hydro dam. (9) 5. Coastal town which is the unofficial capital of the Scottish West Highlands. (4) 6.

Coniferous tree of the pine family. (3) 7.

Light to moderate brown colour. (5) 9.

A disorderly crowd of people. (3) 10. Former PoW camp in Perthshire used by DHS CCF in the early 1960’s for summer camp. (12) 11. Card gambling game. (9) 13. Low lying Scottish region c. 20miles long eastwards of Perth, known for fruit growing. (5,2,6) 15. A single in cricket. (3) 16. Location of the locally known “Electric Mountain”. (8) 17. Regional location of the UK’s only public rack and pinion railway. (8) 20. See 36D. 23. Group of aquatic animals. (3) 24. On a boat at sea. (6) 29. One of the cardinal points. (4) 31. Before noon. (1,1) 32. The Royal ___. (2) 35. Island awarded the George Cross. (5) 36 & 20D. Heaviest and third largest administrative building in the world, in an EU capital. (6,2,3,10) 39. Speak out. (5) 41. A lyric poem. (3) 42. Iron and carbon alloy. (5) 44. Small part in a play or film; OR low relief carving on a stone. (5) 45. Asian capital city, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. (9) 47. Near the stern of a ship. (5) 50 & 38A. Scottish author whose monument is the world’s second largest. (3,6,5) 51. Express farewell. (3) 52. Capital city where two major tributaries join thus forming the longest African river. (8) 53 & 22A. Nickname of an iconic double- hairpin bend of 17% gradient, now bypassed, near the summit of Cairnwell Pass in the Scottish Highlands. (6, 5) 57. Range of cars originating in the Czech Republic. (5) 58. Dundee shipbuilder 1866 to 1981. (7) 60. Annual publication with information of a specific field for a given year. (7) 61. Large terrestrial monkey, with long snout. (6) 63. Someone with an obsessive hobby. (6) 65. Green napped fabric on a snooker table. (5) 67. Amidst. (5) 70. Incline from the vertical. (4)

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High School

Highlights

The Wizard of Oz: a spellbinding production The cast and crew of our Junior Years’ production of The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition delivered magical entertainment to audiences at the Space Theatre.

Every pupil in L6 and L7 played a part as the classic tale of Dorothy and her companions’ eventful quest to reach the Emerald City to meet the allpowerful Wizard was brought to life in spectacular fashion!

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Armistice Parade In November, the School marked Remembrance with its annual Armistice Parade and Service.

In tribute to the fallen, the School’s Combined Cadet Force and Pipe Band completed a parade in front of the school.

In recent years we’ve been livestreaming the event on Facebook so that members of the school community who can’t be there in person can still be part of the event. Keep an eye on our social media channels for details of the 2026 event.

Festival of Sport The Festival of Sport has become a favourite with the HSD community.

It was fantastic to welcome everyone to Mayfield again for a day of fun activities, house games, music, stalls, and fiercely contested Sports Day events.

The event was rounded off in vibrant fashion by the Parents’ Association’s amazing Colour Run!

Fundraising work adds up In June 2025, it was announced that an amazing total of almost £18K had been raised for charity by HSD during the school year.

Junior Years pupils become computer games testers HSD pupils were thrilled to get a taste of life inside the fast paced world of computer games development.

A huge amount of fundraising and volunteering work has been taking place again across the whole school this session, so what will the 2026 total be? Keep an eye on our social media channels to find out.

Children in the Digital Leaders club crossed the road to Abertay University for an exciting hands on mission as real beta testers, gaining highest scores for their feedback.

Nativity story goes intergalactic The Christmas message reached the final frontier, thanks to children at HSD! In December, pupils in the Early Years completed a mission to spread seasonal cheer to parents, guests, fellow pupils, and even little green men, by performing their intergalactic Nativity play, ‘An Out of this World Christmas’.

With the stage filled with colourful characters, every child in L1-3 - and a few familiar faces from L4 - played a part.

Nursery goes all in for World Book Day Children at the High School of Dundee Nursery didn’t just celebrate World Book Day, they enjoyed a whole Book Week!

The youngsters went all-in on reading, dressing up as their favourite literary characters and bringing in their mostloved books to read. Parents were also invited in to read with the children, making it a real family story!

The internationally renowned Department of Games and Arts invited the youngsters in to try out some of the computer games made by current undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Cluedo Bravo to our F6 pupils who put on a spectacular, sold-out performance of Cluedo!

The pupils - led by Director George took the reins on every aspect of the production - from acquiring performing rights, running to a budget, innovation and set design to lighting, sound and fostering a strong sense of teamwork.

A brilliant way to gain hands on experience in the full creative process of theatre-making, while delivering an amazingly entertaining slice of murder mystery!

Pupils take to the seas A group of intrepid HSD explorers enjoyed an amazing sea-bound adventure.

Ten F2 and F3 pupils boarded a 70ft Ocean Youth Trust tall ship to sail around the Inner Hebrides, pulling together to take on responsibilities ranging from maintaining the yacht and cooking, to navigation.

Cadets impress in biennial inspection Teamwork, confidence and a real appetite for learning were on display in abundance as our cadets completed an excellent Biennial Inspection.

Across two action‑packed days, the two HSD Combined Cadet Force platoons developed key field skills, took part in patrols and section training, and impressed during practical stands delivered by 7 SCOTS. HSD in tune with ABRSM In June 2025, the School was named as one of only two ABRSM Partner Schools in Scotland, and one of only 18 in the UK. The ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Partner Schools programme celebrates schools that share the organisation’s values and enter a significant number of students for ABRSM examinations.

An amazing recognition of the School’s commitment to fostering musical excellence, engaging pupils in highquality music education, and excellence in exam performance.

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Irfan Latif Our Executive Rector (elect): Looking ahead to joining HSD Since my appointment was announced earlier this year, I have had the pleasure of spending time in and around the High School of Dundee community on several occasions.

Every visit has confirmed what attracted me to HSD in the first place: this is a school with a long and proud history, a strong sense of identity and a genuinely exciting future.

Most importantly, it is a school built around people.

I have met pupils who are articulate, grounded, ambitious, and full of personality. I have met staff who care deeply about young people and who are passionate about education in its broadest sense. I have met parents and directors who speak about HSD with real affection and pride. There is a warmth to the HSD community that is difficult to manufacture and impossible to fake. You feel it almost immediately.

Schools are never just buildings, league tables, or prospectuses. They are living communities shaped by relationships, values, and shared purpose. HSD already has those foundations in abundance.

I also want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Lise Hudson. Stepping into the role after a successful and respected Rector is both a privilege and a responsibility. Lise has led the School with care, integrity and vision, and it has been clear to me during our conversations how much thought and commitment she has invested in ensuring a positive and smooth transition. I know the whole community will want to thank her for the sterling service she has given to the School over the past 36 years.

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As I prepare to take up the role of Executive Rector in August, I do so with genuine excitement and optimism. The independent sector faces challenges, of course. Economic pressures, demographic shifts, and changing expectations from parents mean schools must continually evolve.

However, I firmly believe that schools like HSD are exceptionally well placed to thrive in this environment. Parents are looking for schools that combine academic excellence with strong pastoral care, breadth of opportunity and a clear sense of values. They want schools that prepare young people not only for examinations, but for life.

There is a warmth to the HSD community that is difficult to manufacture and impossible to fake. You feel it almost immediately.

That is exactly where HSD stands out.

The School already offers an outstanding all-round education. Academic ambition sits alongside sport, music, drama, outdoor education, service, and

leadership. There is a confidence and balance to the educational experience here which feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.

Looking ahead, my ambition is simple: to build on these strengths and help take HSD from strength to strength. I believe strongly in schools that are ambitious but grounded. Schools where kindness matters. Schools where young people feel known, supported and challenged to become the very best version of themselves. Academic outcomes matter enormously, but culture matters too. In my experience, the strongest schools are those where people feel a sense of belonging and collective purpose. I also believe that schools must continue to innovate and adapt. The world our young people are entering is changing rapidly.

Artificial intelligence, digital technology, social media, and evolving career pathways are transforming society and the workplace. Great schools cannot stand still. They must prepare young people not simply to pass exams, but to think critically, communicate confidently, solve problems creatively and collaboratively, and lead with character. At the same time, some

things remain timeless. Relationships matter. Great teaching matters. High expectations matter. Character matters.

These principles will always sit at the heart of an excellent education.

One of the things that has struck me most during my visits is the enormous potential of the School. HSD has a fantastic reputation, wonderful facilities, talented staff, and exceptional young people. It also sits within a city that is increasingly dynamic, creative, and forward-looking.

Dundee has energy and momentum.

There is a great deal to be proud of and a great deal to be excited about.

Every school has its own character, traditions, and story.

Over the coming months, I am looking forward to listening carefully and learning more about the HSD community. Strong leadership begins with understanding. Every school has its own character, traditions, and story.

It is important to respect and preserve what makes HSD special while also being ambitious about what comes next. I have already been made to feel

The future of HSD is bright.

I cannot wait to get started. incredibly welcome by pupils, staff, directors, and parents alike and I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity. My family and I are very much looking forward to becoming part of the special and unique HSD community and to starting this exciting new chapter together.

The future of HSD is bright. I cannot wait to get started.

Irfan H Latif Executive Rector (elect) The High School of Dundee

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Upcoming HSD events

Some key dates for your diary Saturday 26th September, 2026

Annual Alumni Reunion and Whole School Open Morning, Meadowside campus

Friday 6th November, 2026

Remembrance Parade, front Playground

Monday 9th November, 2026

Old Boys’ Annual General Meeting, HSD Boardroom and online via Teams Register with Andrew Walker - awalker@walkerdunnett.co.uk

Friday 13th November, 2026

Alumni London Dinner (All Old Boys’ & Old Girls’ welcome), Quo Vadis, Soho, London Contact Richard Armit - dhsobc.londondinner@gmail.com

Friday 27th November, 2026

Alumni Dundee Dinner (All Old Boys’ & Old Girls’ welcome), Invercarse Hotel, Dundee Contact Colin Dargie - c.dargie@eosf.co.uk

Monday 30th November, 2026

Junior & Senior Years Open Day (open to prospective families for L1 to Form 2), Margaret Harris Hall Contact our Admissions Team admissions@highschoolofdundee.org.uk

Tuesday 8th December, 2026

Winter Concert, Caird Hall, Dundee Visit Dundee Box Office for tickets nearer the time

Wednesday 16th December, 2026 Service of Nine Carols and Lessons, St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee Recent Alumni Leavers (Classes of 2022 to 2026) Welcome Back event, Trinity Hall Tuesday 16th March, 2027

Spring Concert, Caird Hall, Dundee Visit Dundee Box Office for tickets nearer the time

Wednesday 16th June, 2027

Festival of Sport 2027, Mayfield

Wednesday 30th June, 2027

Prize-giving 2027, Caird Hall, Dundee

For more details of these and further events, keep an eye on the events page on our website highschoolofdundee.org.uk

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Stay connected with HSD The best - and the easiest! - way to stay up-to-date with everything that’s happening at HSD, is to follow our social media channels.

Missed our amazing Senior Years production of Pippin? Didn’t catch this year’s colourful Festival of Sport? Couldn’t be at our Christmas Carol Service?

Then fear not! Login to our channels and get up to speed with all the latest news.

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