Minerva Winter 2013

M I N E R VA

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F K E LV I N S I D E A C A D E M Y

WINTER 2013

Rachel Cunningham (S6) starring in the school’s modern production of The Merchant of Venice.

“What news on the Rialto?”

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John Glenday led a brilliant creative writing workshop with S5 students, who responded by making poems of imagination and subtlety.

There’s a danger, of course, in selecting highlights.

The life of an ambitious and energetic school is just as much about the quality of day to day interactions that go almost unnoticed or perhaps taken for granted.

The Remembrance Service, led by the Choir, is a very moving school occasion. In the preceding week, the CCF held a ceremony on the parade ground. RSM Austyn McKenzie lined the whole contingent up in an open square, brought them to attention as one, and then read a few words before a silence, broken by Oliver Hamilton playing the pipes. It was a privilege to stand to the side with the officers and admire the unity, precision and solemnity with which the cadets marked their respect. Lump in the throat time for a Rector who knew he’d watched something special.

Dear Parents Such is the speed at which the weeks fly past when school is in session, it seems no time at all since I wrote to you in Minerva at the start of term. Now, Mrs Wright has beautifully decorated a Christmas tree in Reception and we are looking forward to Ceilidhs, the Christmas Concert and the Carol Service.

There have been so many highlights to celebrate. The opening of the Nursery and the Highland Games at Balgray in August was followed by a very successful Open Afternoon, when once again Kelvinside pupils impressed visitors with their boundless enthusiasm and pride in the school. The 1st XV is unbeaten in eleven games, the rowers have swept to success on the water and we have just enjoyed, late in November, an accomplished and witty performance of The Merchant of Venice. I issue a strong reprimand to those who did not come to see the school play!

We have been privileged to have welcomed many distinguished visitors to the school this term. In October, the Scotland Rugby Squad, including Academical and British Lion Richie Gray, trained at our five star facilities at Balgray. One of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs, John Boyle OBE, demonstrated to the Business Breakfast, in frank detail, the very fine line between those twin imposters, success and failure. Professor Peter Vardy, philosopher, writer, academic and former CEO of a FTSE100 company, addressed hundreds of students from schools across Scotland in the Gilchrist Theatre. And Scottish poet 2

Young people never cease to inspire you. We ask our Captains and Vice Captains to lead school assemblies.

So Connor Davidson told the school that confidence isn’t taught or tested but developed through extracurricular activities and by being part of a team.

Heather Holloway and Robbie Dempster both spoke about the importance of perseverance through failure, Robbie recalling a losing streak of 15 games in S1 rugby before the joy of a first win. Lauren Hay said that we are all just trying to work out who we are, so she told us about the moments in her school career that had helped bring out the best in her. Scott Cummings spoke of working with military veterans and raising money for Help for Heroes. Tess MacGeachy explained that there were two types of people: drains and radiators. The drains of this world are negative; they exhaust others’ energy and contribute nothing. The radiators exude warmth and cheerfulness, they are helpful and polite. The expression ‘drains and radiators’ is now part of the school lexicon. These were moments to lift your spirit.

So as we move towards the turn of another year, there are many reasons to look forward to 2014. It will be an exciting year for Scotland, for Glasgow and for Kelvinside Academy. There are also many reasons to give thanks. It is a privilege to work with inspirational young people in a wonderful school with dedicated and caring staff. I invite parents and families to join students and staff at the Carol Service at Hyndland Parish Church on Friday 20 December at 11.00 am. I wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Robert Karling MA MBA Rector

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Nursery The Nursery children have thoroughly enjoyed their first term in new state of the art surroundings and are particularly enthralled with the outdoor space.

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Gardening Fun The Nursery 2 children have been collaborating with the J1 class to plan an outdoor Eco Garden. They have put forward lots of ideas and started to plant up pots – raised planting beds are being installed soon so the real gardening can start.

The Spring flowers should be ready for the next Minerva publication!

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Scarecrow Stuffing This term has been filled with activities and experiences themed around Autumn, Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night. The children showed real enthusiasm in making a scarecrow with Mr Docherty for the outdoor area and have explored the seasonal changes in the surroundings and the weather.

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Author Visit Visitors to Nursery included author Lynne Rickards, who shared her new stories during National Book Week, and members of the Fire Service who helped the children to understand more about fire safety in time for Bonfire Night.

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Junior School Dragon’s Den Evening As part of their Renewables Topic, J5 and J4 were given a project task of creating a product and developing the idea to showcase at a Dragon’s Den style event for parents. The groups had to agree on a product, develop a prototype, design a marketing campaign and work on their presentation skills in order to impress and persuade potential buyers (parents!). J4 created a product from recycled items and J5 had to create a type of Wind Turbine.

Held in The Pavilion at Balgray, the Dragon’s Den evening generated a huge buzz as parents worked their way round all the groups. After some very impressive presentation skills and extremely professional hand shaking and eye contact, the winning groups emerged. In J4 it was Top Recyclers with their book tidy – Nicholas Sproule, Prithika Selvendran, Ava Neilson and Juan Aguiar Canales. In J5 it was Renewable Fun with their Funbine – Ella Ritchie, Charlie Burns, Leo Findlay and Isla Bottomley.

The pupils were asked to reflect on what they had learnt from the experience: “I have learnt that when you grow up and you are marketing you have to do every single thing that we have done in our project. And also not to fight with your group and to listen to everyone’s ideas because if you don’t you could be missing out on very good ideas.” Skye Woodford (J5) “I feel our turbine was very good and I hope people liked it. The group has been good but sometimes we would argue. I think I’ve held back and let my group lead. I felt very nervous and excited about giving the speech. I’ve learnt that you can get

The winning J5 and J4 teams 4

Benson Ngare, Finlay Spiers and Holly Crean (all J4B)

Christie Burns, Skye Stuart, Rachel Gray, Mia Cousins and Rhea Costa (all J5)

things done quicker in a group rather than on your own.” Marley Boweh (J5) “I learnt that by working with my group we could face problems together, and find solutions as a team.” Ivy Gerber (J4A) “It can be a lot of fun selling products. This has given us a great experience for how we could create a business when we are older.” Emma Campbell (J4A)

WINTER 2013

J1 First Term Fun Junior 1 pupils have settled in really well and had a very busy start to school life.

They have met their J6 buddies, enjoyed storytelling in the Children’s Wood, made their own bread roll for the Harvest Festival and made sandwiches with strawberry jam homemade by one of their classmates!

They visited the Riverside Museum to attend a workshop called “Trains, trams and trikes” as they had been talking about transport and ways of travelling to Jolly Island, where they learn their alphabet and letters. The children loved seeing the different bikes, especially the penny farthing. They were allowed to sit on a tram, and tried on the driver and

Ashwin Dykes trying out the Sinclair C5

Aliens in underpants! Freddie Payne, Charlotte Wood and Ines Martinez

conductor hats. Learning how a steam train works and sitting in a Sinclair C5 made this a memorable outing.

The highlight of Winter Term was their ‘Aliens Love Underpants’ Assembly. The pupils were enjoying rhyming with the book ‘Aliens Love Underpants’ – so they learned the story and each pupil learnt a few lines off by heart. The Junior 6 buddies helped the children to practise their lines and during Assembly held up a washing line of colourful painted pants that the J1s had designed. They performed a song called “A Martian flew to planet Earth” and thoroughly entertained the whole Junior School, parents, grandparents and other family members! Well done!

J6 Hummingbirds

dangers he frequently has to cope with.

As part of their Amazon topic Junior 6 was treated to a fascinating talk by Dr Stewart White of Glasgow University about his jungle experiences deep in the Ecuadorian Rainforest.

He then went on to talk about his fascination with hummingbirds. He told the class how unusual they were – they are the only birds able to fly backwards!

He is involved in the Payamino Project which is now a thriving community conservation and development project situated in the foothills of the Andes. The children heard about the ordeals he has to endure every year when he goes out to Ecuador and he talked in great length about the life of the Payamino people.

The class was gripped for 2 hours as he described the living conditions and the

Piano Evening Pupils from J3 to S6 recently celebrated pupil achievement and success at all stages of playing from beginner right through to Grade 8. The evening was a great opportunity for parents to hear the pupils play and also for the youngsters to hear each other. Some of their teachers participated with duets and there was even a mother and son duet!

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Junior School Maths Challenge Champions Congratulations to the five young mathematicians, Lewis Ip, Murray Burns, Lucy Robinson & Abbey MacCuish (all SP) and Matthew Webb (J6), who won through to the national round of the Explore Learning Maths Competition. In the Scottish final they did extremely well and scored maximum points for team work and their approach to the problem. Final scores ranked the team among the top schools in the UK and they are now first reserve to compete in the British Final at Cambridge University.

All SP pupils took part in the recent Primary Maths Challenge which is a nationwide competition. Six pupils were awarded a gold certificate - Harris Cameron, Lewis Ip, Murray Burns, Tess Pirrie, Emily Moreland (all SP) and Matthew Webb (J6). The top score on the challenge went to Matthew Webb.

Problem solvers Murray Burns (SP), Lucy Robinson (SP), Abbey MacCuish (SP) and Matthew Webb (J6)

Badger Visits J1-J3 Badger the Mystical Mutt is a series of illustrated children’s books by authors Lyn McNicol and Laura Cameron Jackson. To celebrate Children’s Book Week Badger came to visit J1-J3 pupils, accompanied by author Laura Cameron Jackson. The fifth book in the extremely popular series is released this month and Badger will soon be on TV as an animation.

Netball In November eight Junior 6 pupils took part in the Glasgow Fun Fives Festival held at Tollcross. The KA team was undefeated; it played 7 matches, winning 6 and drawing 1. We were lucky enough to meet Rachel Holmes, who is currently in the Scottish Netball Team and hopes to be part of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next summer.

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Senior School News Ethics Matters! Conference Two inspirational and world renowned speakers visited the school to speak at a conference organised and hosted by Nicola Mathews, RMPS teacher. Dr Peter Vardy and Charlotte Vardy communicated complex ideas to over 300 visiting students and teachers from across Scotland.

The morning programme encouraged students to apply different moral theories to situations and explored the ideas of Immanuel Kant, Jeremy Bentham and Plato. Charlotte Vardy then debated the fast moving area of medical ethics.

In the afternoon Peter Vardy examined the world of finance and business

ethics. He outlined the history of the current world economic situation before examining employment and national and personal debt. This stimulated dialogue surrounding the decisions taken by governments and commercial institutions in various nations.

The day culminated in students debating the motion “this house believes that we should cut our overseas aid budget”. After much heated student discussion, the vote was equally split.

It was a challenging and stimulating day for all those senior pupils who had the good fortune to attend.

Staff News Mrs Marilyn Bennett retires from the Finance Department this Christmas after 22 happy years at the school. A graduate of Glasgow University, Marilyn has performed many duties at the school including organising the Annual Prizegiving Event at the Bute Hall, an important responsibility she has discharged with efficiency and attention to every detail. On top of her normal daily work as the Assistant Bursar Marilyn has also taught Philosophy to S6 pupils and always been on hand to help out with first aid when the school nurse has been away.

We thank Marilyn for her service to the school and wish her a happy and relaxing time in the future.

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MINERVA Industry Days and Enterprise The annual S2 Industry Day was chaired by lawyer Andrew Cowan (former parent), ably assisted by 8 other business mentors all of whom were parents or Academicals.

Pupils were tasked with completing various enterprising challenges within a tight timescale. All the teams worked well together producing creative and imaginative responses. We are very grateful to the mentors for generously giving their time to a day when pupils gained valuable experience and foresight into setting up a business, planning, manufacturing, budgeting, marketing and team work.

The S3 pupils took part in the Coca Cola Real Business Challenge and had one day to create a new, original, healthy juice

Diego Hidalgo, Honor McAlpine, Lucia Sheppard, Euan Brady, Leon Makarios and Chloe Gibson (all S2)

drink. The teams had to make decisions about the ingredients, branding, marketing and cost. The winning entries will be submitted to Coca Cola and entered into a national competition.

The Micro Tyco competition continues this month; pupils are gearing up for the school Christmas Fayre, where they hope to use their final day of competition to raise as much money as they can for the Wild Hearts charity. So far, we have seen them take part in a garden tidy, raffle for a 30 minute flight, guess the number of sweets in the jar, trendy phone covers, cake sale, cold weather grit bags... They have been busy!

The S6 Enterprise elective had a visit from 2 young entrepreneurs, Helena Murphy and Steven Reynolds, who shared their experiences of setting up a business.

Helena runs an online shopping company, ‘September Street’, showcasing premium women’s fashion designers with an ethical ethos at its heart. Steven runs ‘micro fitness’, a portable gym experience for schools. Both gave the S6 pupils an insight into the realities of setting up your own business and highlighted the pros and cons of self-employment.

Robbie McNaughton, Jamie Middleton and Robbie Dempster (all S6) marketing their Christmas Candles 8

S1 pupils completed their £10 challenge – preparing and selling various festive themed products to capitalise on the Christmas Fayre Market.

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World Marathon Challenge Leaders 62 enthusiastic pupils from J6 to S3 embarked on a challenge to try to beat Wilson Kapsang’s world marathon record of 2hrs 3 mins 35 seconds. The Kelvinside pupils were split into two teams, team Red and team Blue. The 26 miles 385 yards was covered in a relay style race with each pupil covering 200m per leg.

211,200ms makes the marathon distance!

Laura Muir, a GB athlete, and some Glasgow Warriors players, came to cheer on the teams at Scotstoun Stadium. The challenge has been undertaken by more than 600 schools across the world.

Paris Kayes (SP), Madeleine Robertson (SP) and Iona Paget (SP) with Laura Muir.

Team Red were on brilliant form and were under world record pace from the outset. The windy and cold weather did not seem to affect any of our athletes. Their final time was 2hrs 1 min 53sec. They set a new Scottish and Celtic record and are once again the fastest school in Scotland.

Team Blue suffered a few injuries but worked hard and finished in 2 hrs 14minutes 28 seconds (6 minutes faster than their time last year).

As well as running to beat the record, we were also raising money for Save the Children.

The school also provided the officials. S1 and S2 pupils recorded lap times, kept count and judged the take overs. Mr Karling was the official race starter. Beating the world record and setting the world leading time for the challenge is a remarkable achievement. Next year our goal is to break two hours!

Jessica Halley (S3)

A Poet Visits Pupils in S5 took part in a fantastic workshop led by Scottish poet, John Glenday. Born in Broughty Ferry, he is a poet who combines the everyday and the transcendent. His poetry often returns to the theme of absence; he doesn’t treat it as a void, but as something of substance, something real, almost tangible in our lives. Something that perhaps has a spiritual dimension or lesson to impart. The S5 pupils were given insight into poetry as an art form which is accessible and immediate; one that they should have no qualms about trying themselves. There were many imaginative pieces as a result.

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MINERVA

Shakespearian Spectacle For this year’s winter production Angela Schneeberger decided upon a contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’- an ambitious undertaking that brought together both seasoned pupil actors and, more spectacularly, a cluster of significant ‘first-timers’ to the stage.

From the outset the visual impact of actors in suits, moving briskly against projections of bond traders and brokers frantically at their work, demonstrated the truth of Ezra Pound’s declaration that literature is ‘News that stays news’. The topical resonances to the credit crunch, and the questions raised by both play and performance about value and worth, lent this production an edgy familiarity. So on they stride, these be-suited Masters of the Universe: Graeme Souter (Antonio) and Andrew Dickson( Bassanio) swiftly established the

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blurred distinction between business and pleasure, playing off loans against ‘futures’, leading them towards their inevitable pact with Shylock, played by Rowan MacAskill.

Rowan is very tall; but Shylock is insecure in himself, an outsider, a victim. Rowan’s great achievement was to convince us that despite his stature, he had no status: a towering (!) performance. These men of risk and venture were ably supported by Colin Hamilton (Grantiano) and Gavin Hughes (Lorenzo).

Wisdom often occupies a female home in Shakespeare’s plays; the contrast between the posturing and conflict within the all-males scenes and the reasoned sensibility in the all females scenes was an important structural feature of the production. With all their soft lighting and glittering caskets Portia’s rooms suggested romance and mystery. But Lyndsay Johnston’s performance conveyed the intelligence and self-knowledge of a woman who is nonetheless doomed (by her dead father, of course) to be married by a game of chance played with three caskets. This was a strong portrayal of a strong woman; and yet

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the performance was sufficiently nuanced to suggested playfulness, the fun of being a young woman - but nobody’s fool. Aidan Milburn and Alice McMillan alternated in the role of Nerissa, each bringing to the stage their own discovery of the character. Rachel Cunningham (Jessica) brought a musical note to the story, dueting with her lover Lorenzo and renouncing both father and faith.

There was some tremendous supporting work on display: the ‘choral’ trio of David Shanks (Salanio), Archie Ross (Salarino) and Samantha Frohlich (Salerio) provided, by turns, high humour, gossip and serious commentary on the main action. Mention must be made of Reuben Mercer’s exquisitely poised King of Morocco , Tess MacGeachy’s strutting Prince of Aragon, Niall Mullan’s chattering Launcelot Gobbo, Andrew Stratton’s imperious Duke of Venice and Oliver Timpson’s mixture of melancholy and mirth in the figure of Old Gobbo.

The production was enhanced by emotive music, written by Sheena Crichton and

performed by a group of pupils; the musical score reinforced by turns the relentless drive of the characters towards the brink of tragedy and the more contemplative aspects of the personal scenes. The lighting crew, an increasingly autonomous and confident unit (with one exception they’re all girls!) made my job of supervision very easy. In fact, the way pupils assumed responsibility for all aspects of technical and back stage work reflects the development of an important - often overlooked- aspect of learning: independence.

But perhaps the most significant feature of the production (and this a typical feature of life at K.A.) was the number of S5 and S6 pupils occupying significant parts as first-time actors.

Hats off, then, to Colin Hamilton, Reuben Mercer, Tess MacGeachy, Aidan Milburn and especially Lyndsay Johnston. And hats off to Angela Schneeberger for her visionary courage in bringing such a difficult play to life and into our lives.

Joe Gilius, Head of Languages Faculty

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The Sixth Year Centre and Leadership Programme

John Mackenzie joined The Rector and S6 Pupils to celebrate the official opening of Mackenzie House

Former Chairman of Governors Mr John Mackenzie (1958) formally opened the new Sixth Year Centre on 28 November.

Referring to fellow Academicals who had achieved great things in life, he encouraged the S6 students to embrace opportunities at Kelvinside Academy, a school which turns out decent and impressively well-rounded young people.

The new centre is designed to help prepare S6 students for undergraduate study and university life. In addition to a common room and kitchen, the accommodation in Mackenzie House includes a spacious study room and a multi-purpose seminar/ meeting room, together with staff offices.

The facilities, including wi-fi throughout 12

the building, were designed in light of conversations with Glasgow University, where collaborative learning areas give undergraduates the flexibility to work in small groups. In the Sixth Year Centre, for example, Advanced Higher seminars take place around oval tables seating 8 to 10 students, an arrangement that provides everyone a view of the other students.

Seven of our S6 students are taking Open University modules.

These fantastic new facilities form just one part of our focus on giving Kelvinside Academy students the best experience and preparation for the next stage of their lives. Leadership and personal development are at the core of new

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Professional Studies course. In addition to higher education applications and visiting speakers, the course is designed around six modules. Links with Glasgow University were instrumental in designing the academic skills module, which requires students to join the University Library and complete a literature search. The University also told us that too many of its undergraduates have poor writing skills, so the module includes lessons on writing an academic essay and avoiding plagiarism by using correct references and bibliography.

We want our school leavers to be as well prepared as possible for undergraduate study and life. In the Campus Survival module, this extends to student ďŹ nance, cooking on a budget, health and hygiene. cont.

School Captain Connor Davidson (S6) is feeling at home in the new 6th Year Centre 13

MINERVA

The Sixth Year Centre and Leadership Programme (cont.)

Professional Studies is an arm of our S6 Leadership Programme. This is based on academic challenge and personal development through service to the school and to the wider community. Students work towards The Minerva Award, a tariff or framework of credits for academic courses and extra-curricular contribution. The programme is negotiated with and planned around the individual needs and aspirations of each student. For example, our senior students develop adaptability and interpersonal skills by supporting pupils and classes within school, working with young children in local state primary schools and volunteering to befriend service users at the Cadogan Street soup kitchen. Commitment to sport, music, drama, the CCF and other school activities promotes leadership and teamwork. The aim is to challenge and support each individual to be ‘the best you can be’.

The Minerva Award

S6 Professional Studies

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WINTER 2013

Senior School Sport HOCKEY A Match Report Poem 1st X1 Hockey Plate Semi Final V St Aloysius’ Strong St Als side was hard to beat, Especially after our win last week.

Into the rain went the first X1 team, Onto the Commonwealth pitch at Glasgow green.

Determined, fit and ready to go, We came out fighting left hands low.

Makenzie shot from the half way line, The Chiswells missed, but we still had time.

Spirits lifted, but we made mistakes, This allowed St Als to make a break Down the centre heading to score, Ali was ready, brave to the core.

Victoria Craig came out of the blue, Taking the ball, stick and player too.

The first half finished with Laurens near miss.

We drew breath, rallied, and clattered our sticks.

The second half was fast, furious, intense, With a fight in the ‘D’ and a shot by Tess.

We kept the pressure on, we kept the pressure up, We attacked on a rebound St Als were stuck.

Face masks on. A corner was won.

Heather Louden took a shot, the scramble begun, Ball flying everywhere Elise took control, A bang of the back-board, we had our GOAL!!

St Als did attack, which was a shock, But Imi stayed strong and continued to block.

With only six minutes, the message came, Miss D whispered to slow our game.

An interception from Catriona brought the ball back, Passing among us we slowly attacked.

With seconds to go to the final whistle, On the side line Heather H did fiddle.

An awesome game by an awesome team, Never been so proud, living the dream.

So happy with my girls, to the final we go, Boys look out we’re on a roll.

By Lyndsay Johnston (S6), Captain 1st XI

Scotland U16 Scotland Squad Congratulations to Ali Westwood (S4) and Makenzie Brown (S5) who have been selected for Scotland U16 Hockey Squad and to Lucy Findlay (S3) has been selected for the Scotland U16 Development Squad.

Manchester Tour – S2 and S3 girls On Friday 11 October, a group of S2 and S3 girls set out on their first hockey tour to Manchester. Although we suffered a defeat in our first match, we dusted ourselves off and went bowling. Our two other matches went more to plan with Kelvinside coming away from both with 6-0 victories. The highlight of the tour for me was definitely Alton Towers. The weather may have been wet and windy but we still managed to complete The Smiler - and much to our amazement so did Miss Bruce and Miss Donald! Everyone came away from the three days with wonderful memories and new found friendships. We owe a huge thank you to all the staff who gave up their time to accompany us on tour and make sure we had such a great time. Lucy Findlay (S3) 15

MINERVA

RUGBY Brewin Dolphin U18 Plate Final (West) Kelvinside Academy played Biggar High School in the West of Scotland U-18 Plate Final on the state of the art surface at Lochinch. It was KA who made a lightning start. Scott Cummings (S6) collected the kick-off and drove forward, the ball was taken on in to the 22 and from a ruck, Andrew Davidson (S5) plunged over wide out.

Almost straight from the kick off Mel Scott (S5) made the first of several clean breaks which gave KA good position inside the 22 and from a scrum the ball was moved wide for Michael McDonagh (S5) to score in the same corner.

Despite enormous pressure being exerted on Biggar at the kick off, Kelvinside had a couple of excellent midfield tackles from Mel Scott and one try saver from Oscar Welch (S5) to thank for keeping their line intact.

With their strong and clever scrum half breaking and making good yardage at every opportunity, Biggar exerted pressure at the breakdown and achieved a turnover on their own 10 metre line which led to a try, duly converted – 10-15 after 28 minutes.

Davidson made a clean break on the 31 minute mark and then re-introduced himself to the attack to offload for Mel Scott to score under the posts. The conversion made by Fraser Waddell (S5) made the score 17-15 at half-time.

KA increased the lead after 6 minutes when Cummings forced his way over from a 5 metre scrum and Waddell converted to move the score out to 24-15.

As they demonstrated earlier in the season, Biggar are a dogged team and their 9 scampered away from a quick tap on their 10 metre line to score under the posts after 11 minutes:– the conversion made it 24-22.

This obviously gave Biggar a huge lift and 4 minutes later they capitalised on weak tackling and scored an unconverted try: 2427 A further try by Andrew Davidson took the score to 29-27. A short time later Jack Calder (S5) was threading a kick through for Fraser Waddell to dive on the ball and then convert easily: 36-27.

So it’s on to the National Finals next term with the following thought from our Rugby Coach Ali Craig: ‘The single most important element about being a team player is to understand that you have to have a personal responsibility to your team and your team-mates’ – Sean Fitzpatrick (former All Blacks captain)

Scotland U-18 Training Squad Congratulations to Scott Cummings (S6) and Andrew Davidson (S5) who have been selected as part of the 40-man Scotland Under 18 training squad.

They attended training camp at Heriot-Watt University Sports Academy. Scott was also selected for the Scotland U-19 team to play against the Australian Schools Touring Team.

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Manchester Tour – SP and S1 Boys Seventeen S1 and SP boys set off on their first ever rugby tour at the beginning of the October holidays. As well as 3 rugby matches, we bowled, shopped, and spun upside down at Alton Towers! Our first rugby match was against Stockport Grammar. After a long 4 hour bus journey, we were glad of a game of rugby.

Stockport fielded an U15 team so it was a tough match. We lost 36-0 but played well as it was the first time we had all played together. Zac Stringfellow (S1) was awarded player of the match.

Saturday gave us a fresh start. Having learned valuable lessons the previous day, we attacked Winnington Park from the outset. The result was a victory, 15-6, with Andrew Matheson (S1) and Blair Hastie (S1) scoring 2. An afternoon, in the rain, at Alton Towers followed.

Three rugby matches in three days was a tough ask and this showed on Sunday when we played Lymm RFC. The score ended in a 40-11 defeat. During this match we played with flankers and 4 x 15 minute quarters - all new experiences for our SP and S1 boys Alton Towers was the highlight for most - as well as the rugby win of course! The question is now, when is the next tour?

Glasgow U-18 Training Squad Congratulations to Oscar Welch (S5), Scott Cummings (S6) and Andrew Davidson (S5) who have been selected as part of the 24-man Glasgow Under 18 training squad.

Oscar Welch (S5)

SAILING Angus Stuart (S2) had an exciting sailing adventure during the October break when he was part of an all Scottish crew in the Rolex Middle Seas Race, Malta.

Team Eos finished second in their class of 45 boats.

The race was over 600 miles which took the team four days and 81/2 hours to complete. Not only was 13-year old Angus the youngest competitor by some years, but he won the RMSR BICREF trophy for the best spotting and recordings of Dolphins and Whales during the race.

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MINERVA

HANDBALL The S1/S2 Boys’ Handball team competed at the recent Scottish Schools’ Competition. This year both the boys and girls teams had to compete in qualifier matches so the obvious aim was to qualify. Last year, with only 6 weeks of training, we had finished 4th overall.

“In the first match against Duncanrig we won 4-2. Next up was Gleniffer High and we had a convincing win, 7-0. Our third match against Our Lady’s High, reigning Scottish Champions, was tough and although we took an early lead the final score was a 6-4 defeat. Last up was Abronhill who we were confident we could beat.

It wasn’t as easy as we thought and our confidence got in the way of good team work but in the end we won 3-1.” Zander Geddes (S2) Boys Captain Both boys and girls teams have qualified for the finals where they meet the top two schools from the East and South West on 7 February 2014.

ROWING At the Inverness fours, quads and small boats Heads on the Caledonian Canal Lois MacGeachy (S6), Baraat Boutaleb (S5), Katrina McCall (S5), Karis Sutcliffe (S6) and Cox Rachael Scott (S6) were the fastest Women’s Novice quad with a time of 18 minutes and 18 seconds. Lois and Baraat raced again on the Sunday in the Women’s Novice double event winning in a time of 18 minutes and 58 seconds. This was a notable achievement as the team had to compete against crews from Universities, Schools and Rowing clubs from all over Scotland to secure their gold medals.

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At the school’s first time of entry in the Glasgow Schools Indoor Rowing Competition, Frank Murray (S3) won the gold medal in J14 boys and Kelvinside finished 3rd in the team event. An excellent result considering all the pupils that participated only started rowing this term.

Many congratulations to Rachael Scott (S6) who was selected to represent Scotland as a cox for both the Scottish Schools Quad and the Four at the Home International Match. Rachael is Kelvinside Academy’s first rowing international and is Captain of Rowing this year.

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SHINTY Well done to Sam Clarke (S2) who played in The Hydro Electric shinty final at Fort William recently. Sam plays for the Milngavie & Bearsden Under 14 squad and they won 4-0 against Loch Carron. Sam has been playing shinty for the Milngavie & Bearsden team since he was 8.

POWER LIFTING Hard work and dedication paid off for pupil Ryan Rutherford (S5) and former pupil Hayley Rutherford (2013). Alongside their father, Paul, they each finished champions of their class at the World Powerlifting Championships held at Scotstoun Stadium. Many congratulations to the Rutherford family.

Scotland Rugby Squad Put Through Their Paces Ahead of their Autumn test matches against Australia, South Africa and Japan, the Scotland Rugby Squad held training sessions at Kelvinside Academy’s Balgray Campus. Several of the pupils went along to watch their heroes making full use of the school’s excellent sporting facilities.

The rugby captains from each school year group had a chance to wish the Scotland team well, meeting team captain Kelly Brown and Warriors captain Al Kellock.

Special attention was given by the boys to former Kelvinside pupil Richie Gray

(2007), who towered above 6-year old Mackenzie Craig (J3).

Matt Taylor, Scotland Defence Coach, praised the school’s sports facilities: “we were delighted to be able to use the Balgray Campus, which has offered a fantastic preparation platform for the Scotland team.”

In the Captains lineup: Scott Cummings (S6), Lewis Trainer (S5), Sandie Johnstone (S3), Fergus Harvey (S2), Jamie Campbell (S1) and Struan McCall Smith (SP).

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MINERVA

CCF and D of E DUKE OF EDINBURGH Bronze and Silver Expeditions The September Weekend Expedition was to Ben Alder, where seven groups completed expeditions over four days.

Bronze groups completed routes between Dalwhinnie in the East and Loch Laggan in the West, camping at Loch Pattack and enjoying excellent conditions for their Bronze Assessment. Only a bit of low cloud on Friday provided any challenges to navigation as three of the groups passed through the Bealach at 600m on route to Loch Pattack from Loch Laggan.

A lone Silver group had a similar route to their camp site near Culra bothy plus an additional

day involving a circumnavigation of Ben Alder, which included a tough climb between Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil. The group’s efforts were rewarded with spectacular views of distant peaks breaching the low cloud and the Corrie Loch reecting the Ben perfectly on an almost windless day. The camp site on the last night offered a clear and starry sky and as we walked out on Sunday morning it was to a backdrop of Ben Alder, the Lancet Edge and the neighbouring peaks bathed in warm, autumn sunshine.

A dry weekend in September provided perfect conditions for the 38 pupils who all successfully completed their assessments.

RAF Brussels Trip RAF Cadet David Shanks (S4) joined 44 Air Training Corp cadets for the North Region ATC Music Services trip to Brussels. They rehearsed at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) for performances at the Bobbejaanland Theme Park and the renowned Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, Ypres. The marching band also visited the European Parliament, In Flanders Field Museum and Musical Instruments Museum during their stay.

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WINTER 2013

Senior NCO Training Weekend Our S5 and S6 SNCOs survived a very cold weekend in the Cairngorms on the annual leadership training camp. S5 cadets were the focus of the training, whilst S6 helped to run the activities and do the catering. All the S5s put in a massive effort making it a really worthwhile activity. Throughout the weekend they were kept in the dark about the programme and plenty of surprises meant they had to be well organised and determined to keep up. This year we stayed in Abernethy Bunkhouse in Nethybridge, which proved to be an excellent venue, although we did miss the uphill challenge of the Rothiemurchus early morning run.

RAF Visit to Leuchars Air Show The 65th Leuchars Air Show was to be the last time that aircraft, ranging from state of the art to vintage, were to amalgamate at the base.

The event showcased many feats of engineering, a highlight of which was the Typhoon jet. The jet is a masterpiece, a true marvel of engineering, being forged by the perfect blend of mathematics and design to produce the most advanced machine of the

current age. First created out of necessity, but perfected over time with technology, the fighter aircraft has certainly come along way.

As the afterburners kicked in the only noise that permeated the entirety of the base was the deafening deflagration of the engines.

The sheer power of the machine could be felt as the vibrations percolated through the ground and rattled the core of the nervous system. However, within seconds the aircraft had accelerated to astronomical speeds and disappeared into the distance.

The event occurred in such as miniscule time frame that my friend Fergus Mitchell (S5), who had been entrusted to take photographs, remarked that he could not keep up with the aircraft through the viewfinder of the camera.

Indeed it was quite a sight and even recalling the event as I write this brings a smile to my face.

FS Shayan Iranipour (S6) 21

MINERVA

Business Breakfast Series John Boyle ‘Tale of Two Sales’

Next Business Breakfast Friday 21 February 2014

In October 65 parents, former pupils, S6 pupils and invited guests enjoyed another successful KA Business Breakfast at Balgray.

John Boyle OBE, Chairman of Hamilton Portfolio and Motherwell FC, spoke candidly about his trials, tribulations and success in business. One of Scotland’s best known Entrepreneurs, John shared generous detail of the negotiations process that led to the £82m sale of Direct Holidays to Airtours plc. His ‘tale of two sales’ was completed with the contrasting account of the business challenges he experience selling Zoom Airlines. It was a fascinating presentation for all in attendance and a very inspirational and insightful experience for our S6 pupils.

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Please come and support the School at the next Business Breakfast in the series where we will be joined by former Scotland Rugby Captain PC Brown.

Scotland back-row Peter Brown made his international debut against France in January 1964 and went on to amass 27 caps for his country, 10 as captain. Unusually for a forward PC was a proficient goal-kicker, landing six conversions and 15 penalties during his international career. No forward has scored more points in a Scotland jersey. The older brother of late Scotland and British and Irish Lions lock Gordon, Brown was dubbed “the man on the coathanger” due to his unusual gait.

Peter is an independent member of Scottish Rugby’s appeals panel and acts as a match and discipline commissioner for both the RBS Six Nations and the Heineken European Cup. A Scottish Chartered Accountant, he led a CA practice in the Scottish Borders for 30 years and is former Chairman of The Scottish Building Society.

A highly sought after-dinner speaker, Peter is also a keen golfer and photographer. He has two grandchildren attending Kelvinside Academy.

PC is sure to have many entertaining tales of his time leading Scotland on the rugby pitch as well as thought provoking business and leadership reflections.

Please contact Elaine Solman on 0141 357 3376 or elaine.solman@kelvinsideacademy.org.uk to book your tickets.

WINTER 2013

135 Celebration Ball Kelvinside Academy opened its doors for the education of boys who were drawn from the growing population of the western suburbs of Glasgow on Monday 2nd September 1878 at 10 o’clock in the morning.

Ensemble from St Andrews University, took to the floor. Their hilarious and talented performance was led by two Academicals Andrew Pattie (2010) and Matthew Pattie (2008).

At 7 o’clock in the evening on Saturday 5th October 2013 the Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor opened its doors to a celebration of 135 years of the school.

Robert Karling offered a warm welcome and Jim Taylor (1973) gave a toast to the school.

Almost 300 Academicals, Parents, Teachers, Friends and Sixth Year Pupils gathered to mark the occasion and to celebrate the school’s history.

Rachel Cunningham (S6) entertained the audience with two beautiful songs before The Other Guys, the all male A Capella

Old friendships were renewed and the Kelvinside Academy community spirit was burning brightly.

Thanks must go to the Ball Committee for such a splendid occasion: Yvonne Craig, Ross Mushet (1999), Nikola Thomson, Margaret Cairnduff and Elaine Solman. The raffle raised over £3,000 towards the cost of a new school minibus.

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MINERVA

Academicals NEWS John Burleigh (1972) was invited to take part in a charity fundraising cycle challenge.

Under the patronage of Investec Bank, sponsors of the Ashes Test Series, and The Lord’s Taverners, he and the other participants cycled from Chester le Street to Lord’s Cricket Ground via the other three main Test venues; Old Trafford, Trent Bridge and The Oval. John nominated The Royal Surrey Hospital Eye Clinic as his personal charity with half the total sum raised going to the Lord’s Taverners Charity and the remainder being divided equally between the participants’ nominated charities. Nearly £250,000 was raised and, with Mike Gatting as their talisman, everyone succeeded in completing the challenge.

This enabled the Lord’s Taverners charity to provide 4 or 5 buses for disabled children to access sport and recreation and also provided valuable support for the participants’ local causes up and down the country.

‘John is on the extreme left in the front row’ Ian Dalziel (1955) continues to work as a Research Professor mainly in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean and comments that ‘the science still fascinates me!’. He attributes his passion for the subject to J Norman (Norrie) W Dall, former KA Geography teacher and Deputy Rector, who ‘got him fired up on this – bless him’. His daughter is in business in Oregon and his son, Kyle, flies for the US Air Force Special Operations.

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Ben Butters (2001), married his Swedish fiancé Carola on November 24th 2012 at Oran Mor in Glasgow’s West End . Ben is now the First Officer on the 60 meter Motor Yacht “Virginian” based in the Mediterranean. The happy couple are intending to set up home soon in Palma ,Mallorca.

E Rupert N Q Clarke (1968) graduated BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Strathclyde after leaving KA. He was awarded a Student Apprenticeship by Babcock & Wilcox (Operations) Ltd., and subsequently worked in the company’s Service Department first as a Field Service Engineer and then Principal Field Service Engineer, gaining experience in the UK, Europe, Caribbean and South east Asia in various sizes of natural circulation utility boilers and associated firing systems burning coal, oil, gas and refuse. He was elected CEng MIMechE in 1981. Between 1982 and 1985 he led the commissioning of the Drax Power Station boilers 4 & 5 as site commissioning manager and thereafter he has held a variety of positions within the company at its London and Crawley offices. Rupert plans to retire in a year or so.

Michael A Ferguson (2009) graduated Master of Arts with Honours in Geography from the University of Aberdeen on 2 July 2013. He is currently working as a research assistant at the James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen before embarking on PhD studies.

WINTER 2013

Douglas Drysdale (1951) is ‘well retired and happy’ living on the oyster famous island of West Mersea. He was a piper and founder member of the KA Pipe Band when it re-formed c. 1948 following the end of the Second World War. He hears from Colin Sutcliffe and Calum John and would be pleased to hear from other former classmates.

Sophie McLeman (2008) graduated Master of Arts with Honours in Politics and International Relations from the University of Aberdeen on 4 July 2013.

Toby Paterson (1992), artist, will exhibit his work on tour to venues in Kirkcaldy, Inverness, Peebles and Dumfries.

Hunter Reid (1965) recently enjoyed a visit to Buckingham Palace to collect his OBE. Hunter was presented with the award on Tuesday November 12 “for services to architecture and to community engagement in Glasgow” by Prince William.

Douglas is 3rd from the left in the back row Peter S W Fraser (1955) is retired and spends winters in Port Charlotte, Florida. He is still an avid golfer and has a handicap of 8. He provided news of Dr Robin Shearer (1954) who also lives in London, Ontario where he works at the London Regional Cancer Programme.

Gareth Gaston (1992) and his wife Victoria welcomed their second son, Grant Jeffrey Gaston, into the world on 12 September 2013.

Gareth mentioned that his former classmate David Duncan (1992), is currently living in Canberra, Australia and is interested in starting either an Australian or Asia Pacific section of the Academical Club.

Graham Gillespie (2012) won the Puissance on 28 September 2013. The height of the wall was 2.11m which qualifies him to compete in puissance at The Horse of the Year Show. Graham will also compete in the under 23 Young Rider class as he is in the top 7 young riders in Great Britain.

Gordon Richmond (1989) gained a degree in Law from the University of Edinburgh and then travelled extensively and worked in a variety of roles, most of them legal. He has just completed an LLM in Advocacy and is currently in Glasgow studying for a research PhD in Law. He will be returning to Denmark on completion of his degree.

Mhairi Rushforth (2002) got engaged to Neil MacMillan on 5th August, 2013 and they are looking forward to their wedding in July 2014.

Louis Russell (2010) is graduating from 3rd year at the Mackintosh School of Architecture.

He is about to embark on a year out working in an office. He provided news of his brother, Clyde (2013), who began studying Architecture at the University of Edinburgh in September 2013.

Sam Thomson (2011) played for Worcester University 1st XV, Lyndey 1st XV, and North Midlands U20’s in season 2012/13. He continues to play for Worcester University and North Midlands U20’s in season 2013/14 , and he also hopes to sign as a development player for Championship team, Mosley.

25

MINERVA

LONDON SECTION DINNER The Annual Dinner of the KA Academical Club in London took place in the warm surroundings of the Caledonian Club in Belgravia on November 21st. The occasion also marked the 10th anniversary of the reformation of the London section which had been inactive for nearly 25 years until 2003, having originally been formed in 1920.

A highly enjoyable evening ensued with the best turnout since the section restarted, showing the strength of interest in the club. Academicals from a variety of years spanning four decades were in attendance.

A fine meal was followed by speeches from

Gil Scott (1989) the current London section president, Colin Neill (1972) president of the main academical club and from Rector Robert Karling. Academicals were updated on the school’s news, activities and future plans; the support of the main academical club was well received and the London section past and present was described…not without lively interruptions along the way…!

Norman Jack (1973) closed formalities with a skilled performance as auctioneer raising welcome funds for the section and also for the Hearts & Balls charity. Once again, thanks must go to David McGill, club secretary, for arranging the dinner so efficiently.

London Section enjoying their annual dinner

NOTE FROM THE CLUB PRESIDENT Academical Dinner The Annual Academical Dinner will be held on Friday 7 March, 2014 in the Kennedy Mall at Kirklee Road. We would be delighted to see as many Academicals in attendance as possible. There have been 130 tickets sold already - to reserve yours please contact Elaine Solman. This is a great event to catch up with old friends and revisit the school to see the many positive changes taking place there.

Academicals v School Hockey and Rugby Matches The annual matches will take place on Saturday 29 March, 2014 at Balgray. The Hockey Match will kick off at 9.30am followed by the Rugby Match at 10.30am.

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WINTER 2013

DEATHS We record with regret the deaths of the following Academical, former KA Staff member, and friends of KA. L L (Bill) Pennycott, former Head of Mathematics and Assistant Rector, died peacefully at Canniesburn Care Home on 7 November 2013. He was the beloved husband of Jan, former KA Mathematics Teacher, dearly loved father of Tom, John, Amanda, Colin and the late Belle and the late Gillian and grandpa to the family to whom we express our sympathy and condolences.

Sybil Davis, daughter of the late Rector, Robert Muirie, died peacefully at Randolph Hill Care Home, Dunblane aged 89 years. She was the first girl to attend KA when she joined her parents and the other KA staff members and pupils who were evacuated to Dougarie Lodge on the Isle of Arran at the outbreak of the Second World War. Sybil was the dearly loved wife of the late Kenneth and much loved mother of Fiona to whom we express our sympathy and condolences.

Mrs Gwendoline Black died in May 2013 aged 95 years. Mrs Black always had a great interest in KA as three generations of the family were Academicals : her late husband, George A Black (1934), their son Michael G A Black (1961), and their grandson Tony R Stark (1990). She is survived by her son Michael, daughter Carolyn and grandson Tony to whom we express our sympathy and condolences.

Terence (T.K.) Macfarlane (1958) died in Almondsbury, Bristol on 6 October 2013 after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Joyce Paton and the late Patricia Cotton, brother of Tony (1962), uncle of Grant (1994) and Fiona, loving father of Robin and Simon, proud granddad of Angus, Jack and Amelia, to whom we express our sympathy and condolences.

Ian Hamilton Nairn (1952) . Peacefully, at Hallhouse Care Home, Fenwick, with his family by his side, on November 26.

Ian, formerly of Newton Mearns, beloved husband of Betty, dearly loved father of Ian (1978), Jennifer and David (1987), father-in-law to Robin and Agness and gramps to Laura, Stuart, Scott, Sarah, Jennifer, James, David and Jack.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Class of 1983 Reunion – Friday 31 January, 2014 Class of 1993 Runion – Friday 6 June, 2014 Business Breakfast – Friday 21 February, 2014 Annual Academical Dinner – Friday 7 March, 2014 London Section Dinner – Thursday 20 November, 2014

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MINERVA

SCOTLAND AGE GRADE PLAYERS Congratulations to James Couper (2013) and Jack Solman (2013) who have been selected as part of the 40-man Scotland U18 training squad. They attended training camp at Heriot-Watt University Sports Academy.

Congratulations also to Sam Thomson (2011) on his selection earlier this year to join the extended Scotland U20 camp at Murriefied.

James Couper (2013)

Jack Solman (2013)

RUGBY LUNCH Saturday 7 December A successful Academical lunch was held at Balgray on December 7. It was attended by over eighty Academicals and friends. A full report will be in the Spring 2014 edition of Minerva.

ACADEMICAL CLUB FACEBOOK PAGE page https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Kelvinside-Academical-Club. The purpose of this official page for members of Kelvinside Academical Club and family, is to supply news, updates and memories.

Sam Thomson (2011)

USA SECTION It is hoped to hold a dinner in New York during Tartan Week to inaugurate the new Kelvinside Academical USA Section.

LONDON SECTION We would like to hear from any academicals who are interested in the London club’s activities in 2014, including the annual dinner which will again be held at the Caledonian Club on November 20. Please contact David (scotlandend@btinternet.com) or Gil (cgscott_98@yahoo.com / 07920 834 019).

We are very proud of our Academicals and are always keen to hear from you. Around 3000 former pupils are registered on our Academicals database, a figure which is growing all the time as new pupils leave the school and as we renew contact with other Academicals through our widening channels of communication.

We would like to thank our Academicals who have contributed to this issue of Minerva and if you would like to be included in future editions please send your information to Elaine Solman, Development Manager, Kelvinside Academy, 33 Kirklee Road, Glasgow G12 0SW. 28