UNCRC Rights Day
Written by Faye AtkinsonTo educate pupils within the school about the rights that they are entitled to and how to respect other children’s rights, the Pupil Council and Prefect team organised a UNCRC Rights Day –which consisted of an entire day of interactive activities, workshops and sessions designed to incorporate the knowledge about the rights of the child into everyday life.
Three stations took place around the school: human chess, life-size Cluedo, and a children’s rights Monopoly. For human chess, each chess piece limitation represented people’s limitations in society and taught pupils how we can overcome them. The Cluedo involved replacing the traditional elements of the game (weapons, suspects, and murder location) with different rights, celebrities known for their advocation for rights, and places where you can go if you feel as though your rights aren’t being respected. Monopoly swapped property for different rights, so the aim of the game was to see who could collect the most rights by the end. Each of these activities provided a fun, interactive way to learn more about basic needs that aid children towards reaching their
upmost potential and receive the best treatment possible.
Additionally, a treasure hunt, where the pupils had to hunt for rights hidden around the school, took place. Each right featured a QR code that, when scanned, gave details about the right and a clue to the location of the next right.
Kirkcudbright Academy are proudly regarded as a Rights Respecting School and have achieved a bronze award for incorporating the convention into the school policies and putting the rights into practice. We are working towards a silver award and hope to do so by organising future UNCRC events at the end of each term.
What is UNCRC?
Written by Faye Atkinson
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international
agreement that all countries within the UN are obligated to follow to ensure that all children receive the rights they deserve for a healthy, happy childhood – regardless of race, gender, religion, or abilities. The convention was signed by the UK in 1990 and it came into force
in 1992, and is renowned for being the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world. The UNCRC includes 54 articles that present the rights that must be made available to all children by the government.
Made by students at Kirkcudbright AcademyAutumn Newsletter
Introduction from Mr Tuffery
Welcome to our end of term newsletter, produced by the S6 Kirkcudbright Academy Magazine team. Termly newsletters is a new departure for our KAM team who have previously concentrated on producing an annual year-book, I think this is an excellent change to how KAM operates; upholding the traditional values of the magazine whilst embracing the opportunities provided be more immediate electronic communications. I hope you enjoy meeting our new staff and reading about some of the fantastic things going on at Kirkcudbright Academy. It’s great to see our students taking part in a wide range of activities and opportunities, especially after the challenges of the past couple of years.
S3 Netball Festival
O n 29th September 9 S3 girls went to king George V to compete in a regional junior netball festival. The girls played extremely well for their first ever game for the school. They managed to win 3 games over the course of the day.
Autumn Newsletter
Charity fundraising
Written by Faye AtkinsonThis year, our S6 Charity Fundraising committee has chosen to donate to a wide range of different organisations, ranging from food banks to mental health charities; raising money to help provide aid to those in need all over the world. The committee decided to take a different approach than previous sixth years, opting to choose multiple charities rather than focus on just one, as
they agreed that there were too many worthy causes which were hard to ignore.
and staff had the opportunity to either pay as normal or swap tinned food in return for delicious cookies, brownies and cakes made by our S6’s.
The money raised in the first bake sale went towards Anthony Nolan – a charity that funds valuable research for blood cancer and blood disorders, alongside providing the best care possible for patients suffering from blood related illnesses.
The second charity was the Stewartry food bank here in Kirkcudbright. Pupils
Alongside the bake sales this term, the S6’s also organised a non-school uniform day and charity basketball game, in honour of World Mental Health Day (10th October). A big well done to team red who won with a score of 9-6! This is only the beginning of what will be an eventful year consisting of bake sales, non-school uniform days, and other fundraising events, to help make small but beneficial changes to the world around us.
‘This term, two bake sales have taken place, each with a unique corresponding charity.’
Newsletter
S6 Volunteering
Written by Faye Atkinson, Edie Wight and Anna MillerWith the highly anticipated ‘Festival of Light’ taking place from the 6th- 8th of October, some of the sixth years offered to volunteer during the evening, gathering donations to help towards funding future Summer Festivities events.
The Festival of Light provides the town with a weekend of beautiful light displays, entertainment, and a lantern parade alongside workshops for creating your very own lantern!
Despite the spells of bad weather, the festival kept everyone in high spirits and pupils were able to raise £58 for the Summer Festivities fund.
Recently Kirkcudbright seniors have been involved in litter picking around
the streets of Kirkcudbright as part of the environmental committee. They hope to reduce litter around the local area. The school hopes to involve the younger years further and aims to reduce waste and litter around the school. The s6’s are involved in helping get the school the green flag award.
Charity Quiz Night
Written by Anna MillerThemuch anticipated Charity School Quiz led by the S6’s took place on Wednesday evening raising money for the charity My Name’5 Doddie. MND is a disease which affects the motor neurons of the nervous system. It is life shortening and mostly progresses rapidly. Approximately 1,100 people are diagnosed with MND every year in the UK.
There was a big turnout of local people, eager teachers, and Rotary Members who all came ready to win. There were 10 rounds on various topics – ranging from music to geography, each with 10 corresponding questions which were compiled entirely by the S6 team.
There was also a break where delicious tea, coffee, and biscuits were provided, and to give the contestants the chance to recharge and prepare for the second half of the quiz.
To conclude the successful night before the winners were announced the contestants had the chance to take part in the raffle where prizes included chocolates, bath sets and alcohol.
Finally, amidst the feelings of tension and anticipation, our winning teams were revealed:
In third place was members from the rotary , with a score of 72.
In second place was a team led by Mrs Jackson and Mr Firth, with a score of 76.
And our winners, soaring ahead with a score of 84, was a team led by Miss Hodgson and Mr Boyce . A big congratulations to the winning team for such a fantastic score!
The quiz night was a great success and raised £575 for a great charity the S6’s would like to thank everyone who came and we hope they had a great night.
Autumn
Autumn Newsletter
School Clubs
This year, alongside the popular clubs such as netball, we have a selection of newly organised clubs for pupils to get involved in to further pursue their hobbies and interests outside of the classroom.
Below is a list of all the clubs that are running during the week:
After School:
Badminton – Gym Hall - Monday - 3:45 to 4:45
Hockey – MUGA – Monday – 3:30 to 5:00
Basketball (S2-S6) – Gym Hall – Tuesday – 3:30 to 5:00
Netball (S1-S6 girls) – Gym Hall - Wednesday – 3:30 to 5:00
Athletics – Games Hall – Thursday – After school
Choir – Music Department – Friday - 3:30 to 4:30
Panto/Show rehearsals- Cochran Hall – Wednesday – 3:30 to 5:00
Golf club with Mr Brannock – Thursday – After school
Set Design club – Thursday – 3:30 to 5:00
Lunchtime:
Experiment club – Room 19 – Tuesday – 1:15
String group – Music Department – Tuesday – 1:20
Book club – Library - Wednesday – 1:25
Creative Writing club (S3+) – Room 26 – Wednesday – 1:20
Music Tech club – Music Department – Thursday – 1:20
Dance/yoga club – Cochran Hall – Friday – 1:25
We aim to keep this newsletter updated with the various achievements, activities, and other plans for each club – and we hope to see more students make an appearance to a club that interests them!
Autumn Newsletter
New Staff
Interviews by Molly Davies, Edie Wight, Anna Miller, Faye Atkinson and Maximuz MercadoMr Mason - IT
Where did you previously work?
‘My last job as a teacher was at Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow, but I’ve spent lots of time working in industry. I worked in programming and had my own software company, working for councils, private companies and banks.’
What university did you attend?
‘Originally, I went to Nottingham Polytechnic to study a humanities degree called Individuals and Society. I then did an Open University course later in Computing. I did my teaching degree at Glasgow University.’
What do you like most about Kirkcudbright Academy?
‘I like that Kirkcudbright is quite small, it’s a nice change from working and living in Glasgow.’
What do you like about being a teacher?
‘I like being able to pass on my knowledge from working in industry. I like working at secondary level as teenagers are inquisitive.’
Miss Gilliland - Drama
Where did you previously work?
‘I worked at a school in Kilmarnock called Grange. That was my first year of proper teaching. It was a lot bigger than Kirkcudbright.’
What university did you attend?
‘I went to Queen Margaret University to get my Drama and performance degree. Then I went to Edinburgh University for my teaching degree.’
What do you like most about Kirkcudbright Academy?
‘I think the pupils are great; they are polite, well-mannered and all of them are interesting.’
What do you think you might have done if you didn’t become a teacher?
‘I thought about being a maths teacher, or an actress in theatre or a director.’
What do you like about being a teacher?
‘I loved being in school when I was younger, so I am trying to be like the teachers I looked up to. They did so much for me, so this is my way of giving back.’
Autumn Newsletter
Mr Moses - English
Where did you previously work?
‘The first place I ever taught was actually South Korea, I taught English to primary school kids over there and that was for 2 years in a small town called Taebaek.’
What university did you attend?
‘After South Korea I came home to do my teacher training in Aberdeen and I worked in Aberdeenshire for a year, I was then in the Highlands for 5 years.’
What do you like most about Kirkcudbright Academy?
‘The pupils are the best. It makes a big difference, when I came here as a supply teacher everybody was immediately really welcoming and friendly, usually you get a bit of a hard time when you come in on supply but everyone was really great, same with the staff.’
What do you think you might have done if you didn’t become a teacher?
‘I do a bit of farming anyway so I’d probably be doing some more of that, I’ve always had it in my mind that I could be a joiner or a carpenter too, but I think every English teacher secretly would love to be a writer. That’s why I’m a teacher because I couldn’t make up my mind.’
What do you like about being a teacher?
‘Every day is different and teenagers are funny honestly. I love my subjects and think it was one very good English teacher that really got me into reading and enjoying literature, if I can do a little bit of that then it would be a good day.’
Miss Gibson - Art
Where did you previously work?
‘This is my first teaching job, so my last job was actually in Tesco.’
What university did you attend?
‘I did my degree in art at the University of Dundee, then I did my teaching degree at Strathclyde University.’
What do you like most about Kirkcudbright Academy?
‘Kirkcudbright has a friendly environment; the pupils and staff are lovely. I also like working in an arty town.’
What do you think you might have done if you didn’t become a teacher?
‘I always wanted to be a teacher, although I did have a phase of wanting to be a banker.’
What do you like about being a teacher?
‘I love getting to meet the pupils and get them into art.’
Autumn Newsletter
Mrs Penman - Modern Studies
What university did you attend?
‘I did a politics degree at Stirling University, then my teaching degree at Aberdeen.’
What do you like most about Kirkcudbright Academy?
‘I think the kids are lovely and the staff are nice and welcoming, which has made it easier to settle in.’
What do you think you might have done if you didn’t become a teacher?
‘I tried being a primary teacher, but realised it wasn’t for me after a child had an ‘accident’ on my feet. I also thought about being a midwife, but I can’t deal with blood.’
What do you like about being a teacher?
‘I love to hear kids’ ideas, especially when I pose obscure questions and see how they react or answer them, they can answer in ways you wouldn’t expect.’
Mr Perez - Spanish
Where did you previously work?
‘My first job in Scotland was as a cook, before I started teaching, it was a really good way for me to learn English.’
What university did you attend?
‘I went to university in a town near Malaga to study teaching.’
What do you like most about Kirkcudbright Academy?
‘I really like the atmosphere; the students are great. Everyone is so nice and helpful. It was really good for me to adapt to.’
What do you think you might have done if you didn’t become a teacher?
‘I thought about being a police officer. I’m also passionate about sport, so maybe coaching football.’
What do you like about being a teacher?
‘I love teaching. I like helping pupils to achieve, not just in one subject but in general. I like to encourage others. I like having good relationships with the pupils, I like hearing about their life, I really care about them.’
Curling Trip
Written by Molly DaviesOn the 21st September, sport and recreation class went to Dumfries Ice bowl where they learned how to curl and how to deliver a session. They will use these skills with the primary school after the October holidays.
Music Trip
Written by Edie WightThe music department were given the opportunity to take all N5, Higher and Advanced Higher students to listen to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the Easterbrooke Hall. As part of their ‘Immerse’ project, the SCO are performing for school pupils around Scotland, enabling pupils to experience the excitement of hearing a live orchestra. Music students from across the region were played four pieces, three were inspired by poems by female Scottish poets, and the last was Anna Clyne’s Sound and Fury, inspired by Macbeth. It was a great way for pupils to hear the concepts they have learnt in the classroom into an orchestral context.
Walking Football
Written by Anna Miler
Recently Kirkcudbright Acade my seniors have been helping with walking football which is held regularly at the Saints Pitch. Walking football is the same as a standard game of football but on a smaller size pitch where players walk instead of run. Some of the s6’s involved in the sports commit tee helped to referee some of the games and encouraged the players, and are excited to get further in volved.
Autumn Newsletter
Senior Chemistry Trip
Written by Emma CarstairsWe all got to school by 7:30 and after a rather bumpy bus ride we arrived at the University of Strathclyde. Our instructor told us about the experiments we were going to do and went through some safety rules (don’t eat the chemicals, don’t snort the chemicals etc).
Rugby Festival
The boys team lost against Castle Douglas (24-0) and against Douglas Ewart (7-5) and won against Stranraer (310). Isla Dodds and Beth Hutchison joined up with the Castle Douglas U16 girls team and helped them win every single one of their games that day.
The first experiment we did was to make stalactites. The crystals grew from the desk as we poured the solution on, creating pretty crystal towers. For our second experiment we half-filled an enormous glass cylinder with water. We then added ammonia, bright blue dye and dry ice, which made the whole thing smoke and turn yellow. The colour could be changed back to blue by adding more ammonia, then to yellow again with more dry ice.
After that we made slime by first melting our own PVA (which is more difficult than it sounds!). Adding borax and dye left us with either a blob of slime or a gloopy mess. The final experiment we did was adding various concentrations of a chemical to a solution of nickel
salts. Each concentration created a different shade of blue, green or purple. Overall it was a great trip and getting to work in a proper chemistry lab for the first time was really exciting.
Autumn Newsletter