The Royal Blind School
Physics at Firrhill High School By Saad Attieh Going into my third year of secondary, I had the same trouble as all other pupils do at this time choosing my subjects! I needed to decide on subjects I might find interesting and also that would help me in a career which I had yet to decide on! I remember having an inkling that when it came down to science, physics would be the perfect subject for me. Unfortunately, when it was time for my classmates to choose their subjects, they could not disagree more. After hearing that none of my fellow pupils wanted to study physics, I assumed that this meant that I would not be able to study physics, especially if it meant finding a teacher and all the equipment required to teach the subject just for one pupil. However, it was decided that if I really wanted to try physics I could attend classes at Firrhill High School, as the Royal Blind School already had a very good connection with them. So in S3 I was excited to find out that physics was part of my timetable, and that several times a week I would travel across to Firrhill with Mrs Balfour. From the start I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and it was especially useful having Mrs Balfour with me, as not only was she a great support during class, she also doubled as my
Maths teacher. This meant that if at any time I was struggling to understand a particular concept because of the maths involved, I was able to go over this with Mrs Balfour during Maths without falling behind in either of these subjects. After starting at Firhill nearly 3 years ago, I certainly didn’t expect to go on to achieve a 1 at Standard Grade and an A at Higher Physics. And I certainly didn’t think that I would still be attending Firrhill now that I am in my last year at the Royal Blind School, sitting my Advanced Higher Physics. Being given the chance to go to Firrhill has taught me much more than just physics. I have found Firrhill great preparation for University as it has meant that I now have experience learning as part of a larger group of people. I gained valuable note taking skills and have also had experience producing a lengthy scientific report and on top of all I have realised the extremely fast pace that mainstream pupils are expected to work at.
I am really grateful for the chance I was given thanks to the Royal Blind School and Firrhill High School for allowing me to study physics at Firrhill. My memories of my last day at Firrhill are great especially because I was awarded the best physics student prize, giving me something to remember them by.
Pg 3