Senior School

Senior SCHOOL REPORT

Although the autumn term began with many Covid mitigations still in place, we were thankful that the whole school community could be back together in 17 Albyn Place. The buzz around the school as the staff and pupils returned after the summer break was heart warming and the atmosphere was one of let’s get back to as near to normal as we can.

As we said a fond farewell to the VI Senior as they moved on to the next chapter in their lives we welcomed our new I Senior intake. The transition from primary to secondary is a significant milestone in the life of any I Senior pupil and can bring its own challenges but the girls quickly settled into the daily routines of school life, embracing all that St Margaret’s has to offer. Other year groups also saw the arrival of new pupils and our II – VI Senior girls gave all our new pupils a very warm welcome.

The reintroduction of fieldwork in many curricular areas was of particular importance for the girls and in late September our IV Senior biology pupils took part in a trip to Banff Links and Macduff to study shore organisms, and girls from Senior geography classes visited Crathes Estate, where they carried out a variety of fieldwork techniques. Practical activities relating academic studies to the real world are a very important aspect of education and being able to provide these opportunities for the girls as we moved away from Covid restrictions was an important step. As the first half term drew to a close a group of Senior school girls, who had come third place in a competition run by the National Computer Security Centre, visited the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. This was a very exciting opportunity for them. These are just a few of the trips that took place and as the session progressed the girls embarked on many more.

At the start of the second half of the autumn term we welcomed two Language assistants, Celia for French and Mariam for German. Celia and Mariam were a welcome addition to the languages department supporting the girls in developing their speaking and listening skills as well as providing valuable knowledge of their own cultures.

In early November Glasgow hosted COP26 and although sustainability runs through many areas of the curriculum, COP26 provided a focus for us. We participated in a UK wide initiative where pupils were invited to write a pledge to the planet on one side of a leaf and on the reverse side a promise they wish the world leaders to make on their behalf during COP26. Our leaves were displayed in the foyer during COP26 and formed part of a Forest of Promises that were sent to world leaders.

With Covid restrictions easing we were able participate in many extra curricular activities once again. Our hockey players were thrilled as they saw the commencement

of tournaments and in mid November the 1st XI hockey team travelled to Lomond to take part in the first round of the Scottish hockey senior girls challenge cup. Also in November a group of senior pupils participated in the Oxford Global Model UN Conference. The event was held virtually with over 700 delegates from around the world participating. It was another excellent opportunity for our girls, who formed part of the health, disarmament and humanitarian committees. A music and drama production was put together and although still virtual ‘For One Night Only’ was recorded at the Arts Centre and was streamed so family and friends could all see the girls perform.

The start of spring term in senior school traditionally sees the commencement of the prelim exam diet and this session was no exception. It was wonderful that the girls were able to sit these prelims in relatively normal circumstances. SQA had also provided some clear guidance as to how the final exams in May would run, giving three scenarios depending on the national situation at the time. Although not a definite plan, at least a sense of clarity was provided and after the uncertainty of the previous two years this was hugely appreciated by staff and pupils alike. The II and III Senior girls also sat a set of exams, giving them important experience of formal exams. As the girls progressed through their courses, there was still time to participate in educational trips. Amongst many that took place a group of III and IV Senior girls visited the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh where they participated in a workshop which involved handling Roman artefacts.

As the spring term drew to a close we said farewell to our two language assistants who, not only spent many hours supporting our girls to improve their language skills, but immersed themselves in the St Margaret’s community whilst here in Aberdeen; we thank them for their time and wish them well in the future.

In February SQA announced that they were activating what they called scenario 2; in reality this meant that the exams would go ahead in May and that adjustments to courses had been put in place alongside study aids to help compensate for staff and pupil absences. So as we entered the summer term there was a certain nervousness and excitement amongst the girls. The teachers and the girls had all worked very hard to get to this point and as the exams commenced the girls rose to the challenge of sitting formal SQA exams with a sense of determination and confidence.

In May we held our first Learning for Sustainability day for the IS – IIIS girls. The day focused on five themes: food supply, fashion, mobile phones, fair trade and climate justice. The girls enjoyed a fully interactive programme of activities, developing a deeper understanding of how these five themes impact on our lives and the wider community. In early June we celebrated with the rest of the country the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The day started with a whole school assembly in which each of the girls was given a Platinum Jubilee pin badge. Thank you to the PTA for providing these! This was followed by a variety of activities across the school. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze practice and qualifying expeditions took place, with over twenty IIIS girls participating. All went well and the girls arrived back fairly tired but proud of what they had achieved. In late May our first educational residential trip since the start of the pandemic took place to Hadrian’s Wall. The pupils learnt about the lives of the Romans who were posted along the wall. This was yet another step back to normality as we moved on from Covid.

As the SQA exams came to a close the school community came together once again for the remaining few weeks of the session. A particular highlight of the summer term was sports day at Summerhill. This session the whole school could participate together and parents and friends were invited to join us.

In the penultimate week of term many senior pupils participated in residential trips to London and Greece. The trips were very successful and the girls enjoyed the mix of educational activities and entertainment. The girls that remained in school embarked on a week of activities, spending four days in school choosing to participate in either a drama, team building or sports programme. The week came to an end with the girls going on various trips in the local area. A great time was had by all.

I have only touched on a handful of the many events, activities and trips that have shaped this session and we are all immensely proud of everything the girls have achieved. Our team of dedicated staff, both teaching and non-teaching, all contribute towards the overall experience that we have to offer and we cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication. As I come to the end of this report I reflect on my first year here at St Margaret’s and can not imagine being anywhere else. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be a part of this incredible community and I look forward to continuing the educational journey of our pupils with the staff, pupils and parents in the coming years. I hope you enjoy reading the articles that follow, sharing more detail of many of the wonderful experiences that our girls have experienced.

Deirdre Latimer Deputy Head (Academic)