St Leonards Gazette 2023/2024

ST LEONARDS

EDINBURGH

LONDON

A Warm Welcome

Reflecting on the past academic year invariably fills me with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. Our school community has once again demonstrated that by embracing our diversity, we create an environment where everyone feels they can belong, and can truly thrive.

This year has been particularly special as we celebrated the Eric Liddell 100 events, which have been the inspiration for this year’s Gazette cover. The story of this extraordinary individual whose life exemplified the values of perseverance, dedication, and respect for others has been a reminder to us of the profound impact that one person can have on the world through their commitment to service and leadership. In this edition of the Gazette, we detail the incredible 680-mile journey that our pupils undertook in recognition and celebration of Eric Liddell’s enduring legacy.

This year, we have seen our pupils excel not only in their sporting endeavours, but also academically, in the creative and performing arts, and as key members of our local St Andrews community.

Their achievements are a testament to the inclusive environment we are cultivating together, and our young people have shown empathy, respect, and a willingness to learn from one another, embodying the very essence of a harmonious and dynamic community. I remain very grateful to them for their openness, kindness, and eagerness to learn from each other; they are exemplary International Baccalaureate learners, and it is the accounts of their achievements and personal growth in the pages ahead that reflect the true measure of our success.

Simon Brian Head

“This year, we have seen our pupils excel not only in their sporting endeavours, but also academically, in the creative and performing arts, and as key members of our local St Andrews community.”

news & events

August

Island Launch

In the first week back, our Senior pupils gathered on Birdcage for the Island Launch. New students were assigned to Islands based on their interests, popping a balloon to discover their Island colours from the falling confetti. Would it be Blue for Skye, Green for Mull, Yellow for Harris or Red for Lewis? After the ceremony, our Islands went head to head in a whole school ceilidh, a traditional Scottish dance.

Sorting Hat Assembly

First Day of School It was wonderful to welcome both new and returning families for the start of the 23/24 academic year. The sun shone brightly as families were warmly greeted at the school gates. In the Junior School, colourful balloons decorated the entrance, and many photographs were taken to capture this special day.

In true Harry Potter fashion, our new Junior pupils were sorted into their respective Islands by the magical Sorting Hat. During the assembly, all students from Year 1 to 6 gathered in St Katharines Hall to witness the enchanting moment. As the Sorting Hat was placed on the heads of the newest members of our school community, it revealed their personalities, hobbies, and interests. Using this information, the Sorting Hat assigned each pupil to their destined Island, which will remain with them throughout their schooling journey, up to Year 13. With their Island assigned, our pupils were now prepared and eager to compete and earn Island points for their teams!

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Higher Education Fair

Senior pupils were invited to the Higher Education Fair in the Main School Hall to meet with a variety of world-leading educational institutions including the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, and the University of St Andrews. Academic staff from across 18 educational institutions were in attendance to kindly share their advice and guidance on university life and specific courses of study. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to explore their future educational pathways and make informed decisions about their academic careers.

Our boarding pupils kicked off their first weekend with an exhilarating trip to TeamSport Go Karting in Dundee. Decked out in overalls, and helmets, they were geared up for an adrenaline-fueled afternoon. Our Boarding community continues to organise thrilling excursions for our pupils to get involved in!

Go Karting

Florida Day School

It was a pleasure to welcome Florida Day School from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to St Leonards for exciting rugby and hockey matches with our pupils. Both teams were ceremoniously piped onto the pitch, offering our visitors a traditional Scottish welcome. Fun and excitement filled the air as parents, peers, and family members gathered on the sidelines to cheer for our teams. The event was a wonderful celebration of sportsmanship and unity, highlighting the special bond formed through these international exchanges.

Beach Fun Run

Our Junior pupils enjoyed the glorious September sunshine at their annual Beach Fun Run held on East Sands Beach, only a two minute walk from our school campus! Years 1 to 3 had a fantastic time participating in a relay race, teaming up and running in pairs along the beach. Meanwhile, our older pupils in Years 4 to 6 ran in true Chariots of Fire style, beside the shoreline completing many laps. It was definitely a memorable day filled with fun and laughter, as our students enjoyed the fresh air and the beautiful coastline.

Morning Dook

This year, our boarding community established a new tradition: heading to Castle Sands Tidal Pool bright and early for a refreshing dip in the North Sea. With record numbers of pupils taking the plunge, it is the perfect way to start the day!

October

Maths Week Scotland

At the end of September and beginning of October, we celebrated Maths Week Scotland, an annual event that promotes numeracy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Our pupils participated in a wide variety of activities, tasks, and competitions, both at St Leonards and other schools around Scotland. Years 7 to 13 also took part in the BBC Bitesize Maths Week daily challenges during tutor time.

A highlight of the week was the Curle Lecture at the University of St Andrews, where students attended a thought-provoking talk on AI by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. We were also delighted to welcome Dr Harris from the University of St Andrews onto campus to discuss wildlife population monitoring methods with our Year 12 Applications and Interpretation students. Dr Harris provided hands-on activities like plot sampling and capturerecapture, which directly linked to our Year 12’s coursework in Maths, Biology, Geography, and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS).

We were pleased to offer a Harp Initiative to our Year 3 pupils, allowing them to learn the basics of the harp with expert teacher, Ms Russell. The children thoroughly enjoyed the lessons throughout the Autumn Term, and some continued with instruction beyond this initial period. Ms Russell was delighted with their progress and wishes them the very best as they continue their musical journey.

Termly Dook

Our Year 8 pupils continued the unique St Leonards tradition by heading down to Castle Sands for a dip in the tidal pool. The sun was shining as our brave young adults faced the bitter North Sea temperatures. Their enthusiasm and resilience were truly inspiring, making the experience both memorable and invigorating for everyone involved.

Harp Initiative

St Leonards Day The students of Years 7 to 13 came together just before the October Half Term break to compete in an afternoon of sports and activities to celebrate St Leonards Day. The pupils competed for points in their Island Houses; Skye, Harris, Mull and Lewis. The festivities included games of hockey, football, touch rugby, ultimate frisbee and most popular of all, the inter-island tug of war. The entire Senior School, including staff, proudly donned their Island’s colour to participate and support their teammates in our annual event.

After a hard-fought but fun competition, the winning Island was announced as Lewis for its members’ exceptional skill out on the field.

Happy Halloween

The School was full of spooky celebrations on Tuesday, 31 October, also known as Halloween. Years 7 to 9 set the standard high with their costumes, featuring minions, pumpkins, sharks, and much more. The MYP team also dressed up, led by a fabulous Ghostbusters squad. At lunch, Restaurant 1877 was transformed with haunting decorations by the team from Thomas Franks. To top it off, the boarding houses hosted traditional pumpkin carving activities for all to get involved. Everyone made a great effort and looked brilliant in their costumes, making it a Halloween to remember!

Charity Fun Run

Years 1 to 6 celebrated the end of term with an exciting Island Fun Run. Students proudly wore their Island colours and raced around the school grounds, earning points for each lap completed. Their enthusiasm and energy made the event lively and competitive. The final scores were as follows:

1st - Skye - 345 laps

2nd - Mull - 260 laps

3rd - Harris - 258 laps

4th - Lewis - 254 laps

Remembrance Day

The whole school community came together to pay their respects and remember those we have lost. Junior School pupils dedicated their lessons to understanding Remembrance Day, learning about its importance, hearing stories of those who served in the World Wars, and visiting the War Memorial in St Andrews.

Both the Junior and Senior School held a poignant Remembrance Day assembly on Friday, 10 November. Mr Brian opened the Senior ceremony, emphasising the significance of Remembrance Day and the symbolism of the poppy. He also spoke about the contributions of St Leonards’ pupils during the war. Students who recently took part in the Battlefields Trip shared their reflections, expressing how the trip deepened their understanding of history and the sacrifices made for peace. The assembly concluded with Costanza Franzinelli Socini Guelfi in Year 13 reading a verse from ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon.

Anti-Bullying Week

On Monday, 13 November to Friday, 17 November, we celebrated Anti-Bullying Week. Our school community came together, with both students and staff proudly donning colourful odd socks to celebrate our unique differences. Throughout the week, pupils also took part in a range of activities and workshops to create a space where everyone felt heard, supported, and respected. The week fostered a strong sense of unity and emphasised the importance of kindness, understanding, and inclusivity in our School.

November

On Remembrance Sunday, Heads of School Jamie and Maddy, along with Mr Brian, laid a wreath on behalf of St Leonards at the War Memorial in St Andrews. This was part of a service at Holy Trinity Church and a military procession in the town. We Will Remember Them.

Years 1 to 6 made spot-acular efforts for Children in Need. The students looked fantastic, sporting an array of dotty outfits whilst raising a whopping £204.81 for the special cause. They also competed in the Pudsey Bearpees Challenge all week, resulting in an amazing total of 6389 Bearpees (burpees)! A special thanks to Mr Moan from the University Sports Centre for leading some lively Bearpee training sessions.

Toy Drive

We were thrilled to participate in the North East Fife Toy Drive, bringing joy to children in Fife who may not have had presents to unwrap at Christmas. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our school community for generously donating new and unopened toys to support this vital cause. Thanks to these efforts, over 500 disadvantaged children received gifts, reflecting the incredible spirit of generosity and compassion within our school community.

Take a Bow

There were a number of musical moments to celebrate in the Autumn Term, including the Autumn Concert and the Jull Singing Award. All of our performances were hosted in the beautifully renovated Music School Auditorium with a full audience of parents, peers, staff, and friends. The Autumn Concert was packed with musical talent, featuring performances on the drums, violin, cello, and piano, as well as incredible vocal performances from individual singers and choirs. The crowd favourite, St Leonards Ukulele Group (or SLUGS as they are better known), performed a wonderful rendition of ‘Use Somebody’.

The Jull Medal for Singing, a cherished tradition since 1916, was another highlight. Judged by Matthew Brown, former

St Leonards music teacher and current Director of Music at Heriot Watt University, the event showcased talented students singing diverse pieces in various genres and languages. Head Girl Maddy Wallard, the 2021 and 2022 Jull Medal winner, entertained during the interlude. Mr Brown provided insightful feedback to our students before announcing the results:

Arabella Hayes won the Year 7 to 10 category with her operatic piece, with Lana McGuire and Phoebe Fleetham highly commended. In the Year 11 to 13 category, Archie Barton and Weronika Ziemlewska were highly commended, and Shreyas Dhasmana in Year 11 won the coveted Jull Medal 2023. The evening was a spectacular showcase of talent and dedicationwell done to all involved.

Skills Scotland

Our Year 12 and 13 Career-related Programme students attended the informative Skills Scotland event in Aberdeen to explore future pathways and careers. They also seized the opportunity to connect with several St Leonards alumni now studying at the University of Aberdeen and enjoyed a wonderful campus tour. This experience broadened their understanding of prospective professions and offered a glimpse into the university life they may soon embark upon.

The Bethlehem Star

One of the season’s highlights is always the Years 1 to 3 Nativity, and this year, the pupils shone in their performance of The Bethlehem Star. The play featured a fun story of determined journalists on the hunt for the biggest scoop. Friends and families gathered to watch the festive show, enjoying the charming performances and festive spirit brought to life by our talented young stars.

Christmas Mix

Pupils, staff, and parents enjoyed a wonderful evening of festive cheer at our annual Christmas Mix concert. Sporting Christmas jumpers and an array of tinsel, our musicians performed a variety of festive pieces, from Mele Kalikimaka to Jingle Bell Rock and Carol of the Bells. The grand finale saw all members of staff take centre stage to perform White Christmas, bringing the evening to a heartwarming close.

Festive Hockey

The Years 7 to 13 mixed hockey teams had a fantastically festive weekend at the annual Christmas hockey tournament. Dressed in yuletide outfits and wielding sparkling candy cane hockey sticks, the players embraced the joyful Christmas spirit.

Island Christmas Trees

This year, we were excited to introduce the Island Christmas Tree initiative. Pupils in Years 1 to 6 were asked to create tree decorations out of recycled or recyclable materials in their Island colours. These unique creations were used to decorate Christmas trees, with each Island Captain and Vice-Captain decorating their own. The trees were displayed at the wonderful Christmas Fair organised by the Parents Association. After the event, they were donated to local care homes, including Balnacarron, Gibson House, St Andrews House Care Homes, and St Andrews Community Hospital. Our Island Captains were delighted to hand-deliver the trees, enjoying meeting the residents and wishing them all a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas Jumper Day

To spread festive cheer and raise money for the charity Save the Children, the whole school dressed in Christmas jumpers, transforming the campus into a holiday wonderland. Classrooms were filled with sparkles, reindeer, snowmen, and even festive Pokémon. The celebrations continued as pupils tucked into a delicious three-course Christmas lunch, expertly prepared by the wonderful catering team from Thomas Franks.

Christmas Carol Service The Christmas Carol Service is always a truly magical event at St Leonards. Held at Holy Trinity Church in St Andrews, the whole school community came together to spread Christmas cheer. This year, there were two services: one for Years 7 to 13 and another for Years 1 to 6. Both occasions filled the church with beautiful melodies from solo performances, the St Leonards Choir led by Ms Love, and congregational singing. A special mention goes to Ella Moan in Year 6, who beautifully opened the Year 1 to 6 Carol Service with a solo performance of Once in Royal David’s City, truly embodying the spirit of the season.

January

Collaborative Science Project

As part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, our Year 12 students spent the day immersed in a series of science-based challenges during our annual Collaborative Science Project (CSP). The CSP provides pupils with the opportunity to work together in interdisciplinary teams, tackling real-world issues through the lens of the scientific method. The project emphasises collaborative problem-solving by focusing on the process rather than the final product. This year’s themes ranged from estimating weight and cracking codes, to identifying a mystery substance and using dyes to create flags.

Still I Rise Our Year 10 English and Year 12 Music

pupils had an inspiring trip to Caird Hall in Dundee to see the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The orchestra performed works by three 20th-century composers: Ethel Smyth, Viktor Ullmann, and Julius Eastman. A highlight of the evening was the orchestra’s accompaniment to a reading of Maya Angelou’s powerful poem, Still I Rise. The trip beautifully blended literature and music, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Junior School Golf Squad

It was a delight to welcome our youngest golfers to the Golf Academy for the first time. The pupils toured the facilities, learned the basics of a golf swing, and engaged in fun, interactive games. After honing their techniques, they enjoyed a welldeserved hot chocolate. Of course, a trip to The Old Course would not be complete without a photo on the iconic Swilcan Bridge!

Planetarium We were thrilled to welcome Matt from Tayside Planetarium to our campus to bring the universe to life for our Junior pupils. St Katharines Hall was transformed into a stunning planetarium, taking the pupils on a mesmerising journey through space. Students whizzed past stars and planets, captivated by the breathtaking wonders of the cosmos.

Edinburgh Galleries

Our GCSE Art pupils enjoyed a productive trip to the art galleries in Edinburgh. The group explored a range of outstanding exhibitions at the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture (RSA), including The Art of Printmaking, The Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW), and works by William Gillies. The creative group later attended the Scottish Landscape Awards at the City Art Centre. The students demonstrated their artistic prowess through impressive sketching in their books and immersed themselves in a wealth of artistic experiences.

Burns Night

In true Scottish tradition, pupils and staff donned colourful kilts and tartan accessories on Thursday, 25 January, to commemorate the life and contributions of Scottish poet, Robert Burns. The celebrations continued with a Burns Night Ceilidh organised by the Parents Association. The event welcomed the St Leonards community to enjoy a Burns Supper featuring traditional haggis with neeps and tatties, followed by ceilidh dancing with Funkeilidh, a wonderfully talented band and caller.

February

Creative Writing Success

Helena Flynn in Year 13, Anastazie McCormick in Year 12, and Oscar Flynn in Year 9 were selected for publication by Young Writers in the book titled The Glitch - Tales From The Quill. Their unique and imaginative pieces highlighted their creative flair and secured a place in the literary spotlight. These achievements followed Year 9 pupil Eva Sampson’s Young Writers Award, received just before the Christmas break. We are thrilled to see our Creative Writing Club flourish and our pupils’ talents continually recognised on a national level.

AI Knowledge Quest Recognised by the BBC as a ‘job of the future’, the role of an Artificial Intelligence Ethicist is becoming increasingly relevant for today’s students. Our Year 7 pupils are getting ahead of the curve thanks to Damian Kell, Head of History & Teacher of Philosophy, by learning how humans should treat machines that might one day develop sentience. The pupils engaged with the tough questions surrounding AI and contemplated how the world might look once AI becomes commonplace.

Dook at East Sands

In true St Leonards tradition, our Year 4 to 6 pupils started their Wednesday morning with a refreshing dip at East Sands. The brave students, accompanied by some hardy staff members, ran fearlessly into the chilly North Sea, cheered on by younger pupils and parents. It was an exhilarating and energising way to start the day, showcasing the adventurous spirit of our school community.

Lesson in Lacrosse

As the ‘Cradle of Lacrosse’, St Leonards is committed to preserving the rich tradition of the sport and values the opportunity to pass on this legacy to younger pupils. We were therefore delighted to welcome students from the University of St Andrews to lead a taster lacrosse session with our Year 6 and Year 7 pupils. The session was filled with energy, skill-building, and plenty of laughter as the pupils embraced the spirit of the sport.

Sports Science at Abertay University

Our IGCSE PE students travelled to Abertay University in Dundee for a morning of fitness testing led by Dr John Babraj. Our pupils took part in rigorous assessments, including the challenging VO2 Max Test, which measures the amount of oxygen an athlete utilises during maximal exercise, indicating levels of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. This trip provided the students with a valuable opportunity to experience firsthand the theoretical aspects taught in their course, focusing on fitness testing, energy systems, and key components of physical fitness.

Informal Concerts

Our Junior Informal Concerts are always a highlight of the term, providing an opportunity for our youngest pupils to showcase what they have been meticulously practising to an audience of peers and parents. It is particularly heartwarming to see first-time performers overcoming their nerves and building the confidence to take centre stage. The Spring Concerts featured a wide array of instruments, including the harp, piano, flute, and even bagpipes. These concerts not only highlight the talents of our students but also foster a love for performance and community spirit, making them a cherished part of our school tradition.

STEM Saturdays

We were delighted to welcome the local community to our STEM Saturdays sessions in March, offering four free and engaging lessons in science, technology, engineering, and maths. Open to all Primary 6 and 7 children, each session was attended by over 20 pupils. The sessions began with an introduction to lab safety and an exploration of magical creatures through activities such as creating ‘snakes’ with cross-linked polymers and experimenting with animal genetic hybridisation. The second week focused on potions, where the

children investigated chemical reactions, including neutralisation and flame spectroscopy. The third week delved into levitation and invisibility cloaks, with experiments on magnetism, hovercrafts, and refractive index. In the final week, the children explored coloured chemistry using the pH scale and natural indicators such as red cabbage dye, creatively painting with household substances. Each week was filled with wonder, discovery, and hands-on learning, as the children embarked on a journey through the realms of science and imagination.

MWorld Book Week

In celebration of World Book Week, our Junior pupils participated in a variety of book-themed activities, including the exciting challenge of ‘The Masked Reader’. Each class watched videos of teachers in disguise, trying to guess who was behind the mask, with subtle hints and misleading comments adding to the fun. Pupils also crafted Story Jars, using their creativity and imagination to recreate books within jars. Each class then took turns guessing which story each jar represented, with prizes awarded for correct answers. The activities were a delightful way to immerse our pupils in the joy of reading and storytelling.

International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Emma Coyle, Teacher of Biology, led a group of Year 10 and Year 12 pupils to a lecture at the University of St Andrews focused on women in science and evolutionary biology. The captivating lecture highlighted Rosemary Gillespie’s pioneering research on spider diversification in the Hawaiian archipelago. This enriching event significantly enhanced our pupils’ learning experiences and was a great way to celebrate this special day.

Reverend Colin Chambers’ Talk

A group of Year 12 students set their sights on an incredible project, aiming to run from Paris to St Andrews in May 2024 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Eric Liddell and raise money for their chosen charities, The Eric Liddell Community, Mary’s Meals and the Personal Best Foundation, supported by England Athletics. In preparation for this event, the Year 12 students orchestrated a series of local community initiatives with the dual aim of engagement and fundraising. Impressively, the pupil’s secured Reverend Colin Chambers as a guest speaker, who presented an enlightening talk on his experiences working with Nelson Mandela and the unification of South Africa. This special event unfolded in the Auditorium, welcoming members of the local community to delve into Chambers’ impactful life story. The presentation proved to be both stirring and motivational, marking it as an unforgettable occasion.

Shakespeare Rocks

Never Such Innocence

Serena Konig (Year 5), Michelle Chernin (Year 6), and Theo Kell (Year 7) represented St Leonards with distinction at the Never Such Innocence (NSI) 10th Anniversary event at Edinburgh Castle. NSI, a charity originally founded as a First World War commemoration project for children and young people, celebrated its decade-long impact with a special roadshow. This event brought together students from across Scotland to showcase their creative works. Serena, Michelle, and Theo were the youngest participants, delivering their inspiring and poignant poems to a distinguished audience that included generals, admirals, members of the Royal Family, government representatives, and, perhaps most exciting of all, J.K. Rowling. Their remarkable performances highlighted the exceptional talent and dedication of our students.

Our Year 6 pupils delighted audience members with their performance of ‘Shakespeare Rocks,’ presented to an Auditorium packed with family, friends, and local community members. This musical play, both hilarious and historically accurate, offered a whimsical take on the life and times of William Shakespeare, featuring a cast of amusing historical characters and entertaining glimpses into his works and his journey to prominence. The Year 6 students delivered an exceptional performance, complete with vibrant song, dance, and comedy, while our Year 5 pupils enhanced the production with their wonderful contributions in the choir.

April

Swift Schools Golf Champions

Two St Leonards teams competed in the Swift Schools Golf Tour (SSGT) Strokeplay Championship Finals at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester, Staffordshire. During the event, our A team played exceptionally well on the course, emerging victorious by three strokes over Wellington School. This remarkable achievement crowned St Leonards as No. 1 in the UK Order of Merit for the 23/24 season. We are incredibly proud of our pupils, who represented our School with distinction: Julian Geerebaert, Ewen Farquhar, Martin Shone, Finlay Hazelwood, Everett Williams, Harry Jacks, Summer Jakubek, Johann Barth, and Taiyo Ezaki.

Inquiry-based Teaching & Learning

The Junior School was delighted to welcome 14 teachers from independent schools across the East of Scotland for a day focused on inquiry-based teaching and learning. During our IB Evaluation in November, our School’s excellence in inquiry-based teaching and learning was highlighted. In response, we reached out to other schools in Scotland to showcase our commitment to lifelong learning and best practices. Throughout the day, the visiting teachers toured the Junior School, participated in classroom observations, and engaged in workshops and discussions. The event was a resounding success, with an abundance of positive feedback from the participants.

Deaf Action Donation

We were delighted to welcome Richard MacQueen from the charity Deaf Action to our campus for the presentation of a cheque, generously raised and donated by Year 13 pupils Katie Adrain, Helena Flynn, and Luna Clunie. The pupils organised a highly successful IBCP Masquerade Ball in December as part of their IBCP Business course, which raised an impressive £1,228 for the charity. During Richard’s visit, the pupils had the opportunity to share insights into the planning and execution of their event. They discussed budgeting strategies and the various challenges they overcame to achieve their fundraising goal. This accomplishment was especially noteworthy as the students were also studying British Sign Language as part of their IB Careers Programme.

Scottish Space School

Year 12 pupil, Grace Halden, was honoured to be selected for the prestigious Scottish Space School, becoming the first St Leonards student to participate in this esteemed programme. This week-long residential course at the University of Strathclyde saw Grace stand out among hundreds of applicants. During her time at the University, Grace joined 80 other Year 12 students from across Scotland. She benefited from the expertise of the University’s Engineering Department and gained invaluable insights from NASA engineers and astronauts.

Bikeability

We were excited to launch our Bikeability initiative, designed to help Year 7 pupils become more confident and safer cyclists. Each tutor group participated in three comprehensive training sessions. The programme began with bike maintenance, followed by basic manoeuvres around the school grounds, and concluded with advanced skills on the roads in St Andrews. The sessions were highly successful, leaving our Year 7 pupils feeling much more confident in their cycling abilities.

St Leonards Summer Slam

We were thrilled to launch the inaugural St Leonards Summer Slam, an eight-week series of hockey matches that culminated in a Finals Day on Saturday, 22 June, where the St Leonards Summer Slam Champions 2024 were crowned. This exciting event was open to all boys and girls in Years 9 to 12 and featured four teams: the West Sands White Caps, the East Sands Eagles, the Castle Sands Captains, and the Kingsbarns Keepers. The teams competed in small-sided matches every Tuesday, showcasing their skills and enthusiasm throughout the series.

May

Craigtoun Adventure

Pupils in Years 4 to 6 embarked on an exciting adventure, hiking from St Leonards to Craigtoun Park and back.

Despite the wet weather, their resilience and determination shone through as they completed the six-mile trek. Songs were sung, tales were told and laughter was had as all Year 4 to 6 pupils enjoyed the beauty of this glorious walk, whatever the weather!

LAMDA Showcase

Art and Design Exhibition

Our annual Art and Design Exhibition was a spectacular showcase of creativity, welcoming friends, family, and the local community to admire the exceptional work from our IBDP, GCSE, and Middle Years Programme. The exhibition featured a diverse array of art, from portraits and sculptures, to fashion design and engineering, each piece showcasing remarkable skill and creativity. Adding to the ambience, the Parents Association kindly provided delightful drinks and nibbles as you walked the show, and live music was performed by Head of School, Maddy Wallard.

On the same evening, the Junior Art Exhibition unfolded in St Katharines Hall, displaying the vibrant creations of our Year 1 to 6 pupils. This exhibition not only highlighted the artistic talents of our youngest students but also demonstrated the restorative power of art for creators and viewers alike. Highlights included beautifully balanced Alexander Calder-inspired sculptures by Year 5, vibrant papier-mâché insects by Year 2 climbing the walls, and the simple yet charming watercolour sketches by Year 1.

The LAMDA Showcase is a highlight of the Junior School’s worldleading drama programme, LAMDA. During this exciting event, students present the solos and duologues they have worked diligently on throughout the year. Described by students as both ‘exciting and confidence-building for their LAMDA exams,’ the showcase is a special time for them to perform for friends and family. Held in the Music School Auditorium, the performances captivated the large audience with scenes covering a range of topics, including The Titanic, MasterChef, family feuds, and treacherous adventures.

MYP Community Project Showcase

Our Year 9 students worked incredibly hard on their MYP Community Projects this year, resulting in a remarkable showcase for parents and the broader St Leonards community. The MYP Community Project involves collaborative, in-depth inquiries that inspire students to explore their rights and responsibilities, while striving to make a positive impact. This year’s projects were exceptionally diverse, from initiatives to protect whales and dolphins along our coastline, to collecting second-hand calculators for under-resourced communities in Romania.

West Sands Rugby Sevens

Our rugby team swapped the pitch for the beach, participating in the West Sands Rugby Sevens. It was a fantastic day, with the SLM Blues joined by Musselburgh Rugby, Linlithgow Rugby, Robert Gordon’s College, Dundee Rugby Club, High School of Dundee, Howe Rugby Club, and Stirling County. The exciting rugby tournament took place on the sand, set against the beautiful backdrop of St Andrews!

Acting on Climate Change

Year 12 pupils were invited to a conference at the University of St Andrews titled ‘Acting on Climate Change - Policy, Rights and Net Zero,’ organised by the St Andrews Centre for Energy Ethics. Within St Salvator’s Quad, our pupils experienced a series of lectures, discussions, and seminars, learning about the University’s actions to achieve Net Zero by 2035 and the multi-faceted approaches to Net Zero and climate rights. They also explored the impact of climate change on individuals, companies, the state, and international relations. The afternoon session included a review and discussion with Scottish Government policymakers, allowing pupils to connect the day’s insights to their personal interests and Extended Essay topics.

June

Sandcastle Competition

With buckets and spades at the ready, our Year 1 to 6 pupils headed to East Sands for the annual Sandcastle Competition. Working individually or in groups, they crafted magnificent sand sculptures, incorporating beach treasures for added decoration. The competition was incredibly difficult to judge, with so many glorious displays of imagination and skill!

North Scotland Rotary Quiz Winners

Four Year 7 pupils, Thea Jacobsen, Sasha Hetherington, Theo Kell, and Issy MacIvor, competed in the North Scotland Rotary Quiz Final for Primary Schools at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen. They faced sixteen other district winners after securing their spot by winning the North Fife District Quiz. Over ten challenging rounds covering topics like Geography, Sport, Music, Science, and Literature, the team worked brilliantly together, showcasing their collective knowledge.

To their amazement, they emerged victorious, a remarkable feat considering over three hundred schools initially entered the competition. Their victory earned St Leonards £500 for school equipment and the prestigious title of Primary School Quiz Champions of North Scotland. The team celebrated with ice cream on the beach, accompanied by their mascot, Winnie the Pooh. Congratulations to Thea, Sasha, Issy, and Theo!

Techno Challenge

This year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our annual Techno Challenge Day, welcoming local schools for a day dedicated to exploration and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Year 6 pupils, Jos Norris-Mbedzi, Marnie Watt, Sandy Steven, and Florence Lobban represented St Leonards, competing against twelve other local schools in a variety of STEM activities. Finishing in a very close second place overall, they represented the School brilliantly and, most importantly, had great fun!

St Leonards Enterprise Programme (STEP)

This year, seven companies participated in the St Leonards Enterprise Programme (STEP), a competitive after-school activity designed to develop the entrepreneurial skills of Year 12 students. The pupils created their own companies, developed products, marketed them, and sold them to customers, with a portion of profits going to charity. The products ranged from crochet figurines and handmade bookmarks to socks, blankets, phone wallets, hand warmers, and stickers. The programme concluded with an end-ofyear competition and presentation ceremony that evaluated teamwork, creativity, decision-making, and interpersonal skills, in addition to profit.

‘Give it a Go’ Boarding

Pupils in Year 7, 8, and 9 eagerly participated in ‘Give it a Go’, an initiative designed to let day pupils experience the vibrant life of boarding in St Rule. Each year group took their turn to stay for a week, immersing themselves in a wide array of evening and weekend activities. From team-building exercises and tennis to swimming, beach games, and water fights, the excitement was palpable. The fun continued with film nights, toasting marshmallows around the campfire, trips to Jannettas Gelateria and much more.

Ridgeway Adventure

Excitement buzzed in the air as our Year 6 pupils eagerly loaded their bags onto the coach, ready for their adventure to Ridgway in the far North-West of Scotland. Despite unseasonably chilly and windy weather, the students embraced every moment of their residential trip. They learned invaluable survival skills, built rafts, made campfires, caught crabs and camped in hand-built shelters on the remote Ardbeg peninsula. This unforgettable trip provided our pupils with skills and memories that will last a lifetime.

Sports Day

The end of the academic year was celebrated with action-packed Sports Days. The sun shone as our Year 1 to 6 pupils began the events. Students in Years 1 to 3 delighted in traditional Sports Day races like the sack race and egg-and-spoon race, capping off their activities with a joyful picnic. Meanwhile, older pupils in Years 4 to 6 showcased their skills in javelin, hurdles, long jump, and various track races. The following day, the excitement continued with the Year 7 to 13 Sports Day, where students fiercely competed for medals and trophies. Adding to the lively atmosphere, the Parents Association set up charming Tea Tents, offering a delightful array of refreshments and sweet treats for the enthusiastic supporters cheering from the sidelines.

The Primary Years Programme

As I reflect on the past academic year - my first as Head of Junior School - I can truly say it has been a wonderful journey, thanks to the incredible young people who fill our corridors and classrooms each day.

One of our Year 6 pupils, in their final days in the Junior School, gave me a lovely card thanking me for “making everyone feel welcome”. While this was incredibly heart-warming, my immediate thought was that I should be the one giving thanks. It has been a tremendous privilege to join St Leonards and lead such an incredible part of the School, where I have been so warmly welcomed into this outstanding community.

The joy, curiosity, and enthusiasm that every child in our School brings to each day is inspiring. They strive to deepen their knowledge, take risks, and think critically, all while showing consistent kindness and care for others.

As the school year drew to a close, I asked pupils why they enjoyed coming to School. Their responses, regardless of age, were strikingly similar: friendship, fun, learning, and lunch. The sense of belonging - whether playing with friends, enjoying lessons with teachers, or sharing lunch - was at the heart of what made them look forward to each day. These responses were filled with happiness, and for me, that is what matters most. A happy child thrives, and when happiness spreads across many children, a true community is born - a community where the children are at the centre, supported by adults who guide, nurture, and encourage them through the challenges of growing up in an ever-changing world.

The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” feels especially fitting. Our village - St Leonards - is an extraordinary one, made up of pupils, staff, governors, and families. It is a unique, diverse, and cohesive community, and I am honoured to be a part of it.

As you read through the following pages, I hope you will gain a true sense of what makes our Junior School so special. The inquiry skills, open-mindedness, and principled approach at the core of the Primary Years Programme, alongside the other Learner Profile attributes, shine through in all that we do.

Claire Robertson Head of Junior School

Year 1

Asking Year 1 for their memories of their first year in School is always a delightful experience. To summarise their year, they wrote a charming acrostic poem:

You will see we have learnt all our sounds.

Eggs to chicks, we learnt about life-cycles.

Art activities filled our room with colour.

Reading our Biff, Chip and Kipper books.

Outings to the beach, zoo and Cambo Gardens were exciting.

Number work, numicon, number lines, clocks and blocks, all helped us learn.

Egg-citing times baking with Miss Barclay.

It has been a pleasure teaching Year 1 again, seeing their eager little faces on Day 1, wondering what will happen next in their class, what lessons they will have, what playtime and lunchtime will be like - so many questions from Mrs Beebee’s busy bees. I have loved seeing them grow in confidence, challenging themselves and being risk-takers. The ‘lightbulb’ moments, when suddenly they realise that all the phonics sounds they have been learning come together to make words that they can read and write, are what make teaching so wonderful, especially in Year 1.

The children have had amazing times baking with Miss Barclay throughout the year. She is our own Mary Berry, encouraging the children to ‘have a go’ at mixing, rolling, cutting, measuring, and thinking about what goes into a recipe to make it so delicious.

The children have also had wonderful times with Mrs Stewart and Mrs Shiells in Drama and Music, their big performance being their first Nativity Play, which they all thoroughly enjoyed. They were so proud to learn their lines and songs.

Our fabulous PE department encouraged the children to really come out of their comfort zones, challenging them through sport and games, learning to be good communicators and reflective practitioners. They have loved their swimming; it is a delight to see their enthusiasm, even those who started off a little fearful in August. Within a few weeks, they are confident and happy to swim underwater, jump into the deep end, and work hard for their end-of-term ‘fun splash’.

School is not just about reading, writing, and maths. We have had lots of lovely trips, visiting Fife Zoo as part of our Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry, as well as an outdoor learning trip to Cambo Gardens. These experiences have been wonderful for the children, and we are so lucky to have such amazing places right on our doorstep.

Time on the beach is one of the highlights of our week. It is just lovely for the children, a time to play together, look out for each other, and build teamwork skills.

I am immensely proud of the children in Year 1. It has been my absolute pleasure to have been their teacher.

Ailsa Beebee

Year 1 Class Teacher

As we approach the end of another academic year, we reflect on the experiences and learning that have taken place over the last three terms, bringing many happy memories to Year 2. Our first Unit in Year 2C and Year 2P led us to learn about jobs undertaken by people in our local community. We interviewed staff working in our School, learned about the jobs in the harbour and East Sands Beach, and explored the work that our parents do. We discovered the skills and knowledge needed for roles such as a secretary, cleaner, fisherman, cafe owner, business manager, and more, and considered the interconnection between these different roles.

Hunter: “My Mama came in and told us about the army. Girls weren’t allowed to be in the army when she was little. But she drove a tank and was the leader of five tanks. And I don’t know why there were no girls allowed, because she’s a girl.”

Maggie: “We went walking round School and saw Irene the cleaner carrying cleaning stuff down from the lunch hall, and we asked her about her job. And she let us have a go at cleaning the windows and sweeping up the floor.”

Toby: “My dad came in and told us about food and about Balgove Larder. He runs Balgove Larder.”

Enzo: “We made craft stalls from things we found on the beach and we sold stuff. We ran a market and ran our own businesses.”

Tessa: “My Dad came in and talked about being a Doctor in the Army. He brought in some army kit and we could try it all on. We had bandages to wrap ourselves up. I remember doing an example bandage on my Dad’s leg!”

Andrew: “My Dad came in as a biostatistician and we measured the heights of each other.”

Hunter B: “My Mum came in and talked about being a sports presenter for Scotland. She used her big presenting voice to show how loud she had to be.”

Year 2

Our next Unit involved active inquiry into our Family Histories. The children conducted independent research into aspects of their own family histories that interested them. Each Year 2 child prepared a presentation, sharing their learning in class alongside artefacts gathered from home. This culminated in a celebration of learning shared with peers and family members at our Family Histories Museum. Each child shared unique stories about their families, where they came from, and the backgrounds that made each of us who we are.

Maggie: “I loved dressing up as an olden days ‘goldrush lady’! We had dressing up clothes from the olden days in our classroom, and I loved it.”

Bertie: “We got to bring all our old stuff in! We did a museum - I loved that! All the mums and dads came to see it.”

Dominic: “That was my favourite Unit because I loved giving the presentation. I also loved having everyone come and see us in the Hall (the museum)”

Riagan: “I liked showing everyone who came in, my golf clubs - my old ones”

Andrew: “I loved looking through the dragonfly eyes when the museum came and visited us.”

After Christmas, our classroom transformed into workshops as we explored the six Simple Machines and the forces that power them. We engaged in practical learning as we investigated the structure and function of wheels and axles, inclined planes, wedges, screws, levers, and pulleys, designing and building models from junk modelling materials and construction equipment.

Victor: “We made marble runs! It’s an inclined plane. We made a marble run out of plastic guttering, cardboard, stands, tables and chairs. They worked.”

Vania: “and we tested how fast it goes.”

Anya: “I liked building the cars…the wheel and axle..”

Dominic: “We ripped round the snowman without using the scissors.”

Olivia: “I liked when we had the playdough and we had to make it into different pieces for different people.”

Riagan: “I remember making the giant marble runs in two groups, but we ran out of materials so we joined up the groups and made one giant marble run out of the materials together…”

Year 2

Stories from around the world followed, as we analysed story structure, settings, magical events, and characters, and the lessons that can be learned when sharing traditional stories from different parts of the world. A highlight was a visit by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre, who shared tales from the Norse myths, atmospherically enacted using carved rod puppets and shadow puppetry. Inspired, we told stories of our own in playful ways using puppetry, drama, music, art, written text, and oral storytelling.

Charlotte: “We read fairy tales.”

Bertie: “and we read stories from Scotland, like School for Heroes. It tells you how the mountains on Skye got their name; The Cuillins.”

Hunter: “and The Ring of Brodgar: giants turning to stone on the Orkney Islands.”

Abigail: “The stories told us that we should be kind to people.”

Andrew: “I loved when we were at the puppet show and the man went around with the shadow puppets.”

Riagan: “I liked when we acted out the Billy Goats Gruff with the Troll underneath the bridge in Drama and the big one lifted with his horns the troll and he fell into the water!”

Una: “I really liked making up stories in the puppet show in the classroom! I really liked making the storytelling tent and writing books.”

Emerson: “My Dad came in and did a story telling of The Three Little Pigs in Cantonese.”

Dominic: “I liked when we sat around the fire and roasted marshmallows and played Chinese Whispers.”

Our final term inquired into the interrelationship between plants and minibeasts. We had opportunities to plant seeds in our school garden, hunt for minibeasts under logs and stones, make bug hotels and wormeries, experiment with plant life, germinate and care for young plants, and dissect various parts of a plant to better understand their structure. We developed a better understanding of our responsibility in caring for the planet, learning how to care for wildlife and encouraging pollinating insects into our gardens.

Abigail: “I liked going to the Botanic Gardens. We went pond dipping and we found one fish; a stickleback.”

Bertie: “I liked planting things and learning about the minibeasts and plants.”

Una: “I loved watching the caterpillars grow and turn into butterflies.”

Anya: “I liked when we went on the minibeast hunts and we did tally marks to collect information - we were data handling.”

Olivia: “I liked when we did our minibeast diaries.”

Arthur: “I liked making the plant diaries and planting our bean seeds.”

Anna Fisher & Annabel Lindsay Year 2 Class Teachers

Year 3C has had a fantastic year filled with both learning and fun. One of the highlights was the Parents in Partnership event. The children and their parents became aerospace engineers, designing and launching their own rockets. Using plastic bottles partially filled with water and pressurised with air from a hand bicycle pump or small compressor, we launched them on Lower Field under perfect weather conditions. Squeals of laughter and shouts of joy were heard every time a rocket soared into the air, with the children eagerly running to retrieve them.

Our many beach outings were another highlight, where we engaged in various activities ranging from maths to literacy. Using natural materials, we created homes, rockets, symmetrical shapes, and more. One memorable maths activity involved measuring with non-standard units. Armed with a spoon, a cup, a bucket, and a box, the children estimated and then measured how many spoons of sea water filled the cup, how many cups filled the bucket, and how many buckets filled the box. They tackled this challenge with great enthusiasm and achieved impressive results.

At the beginning of our Unit of Inquiry on Climate Change, Year 3 visited Blair Drummond Safari Park to explore how human activities impact animals that live in the zoo. It was a delightful day out and sparked many thoughtful conversations. The children investigated the conservation status of various animals, identified their original habitats, marked these locations on a world map, and learned why these animals are endangered. They also explored plastic pollution and created informative leaflets with tips on how their peers can help combat climate change.

In our final term, we collaborated with Year 4 to enhance IT skills. Year 4 students guided Year 3 students in creating folders and documents in MyDrive. They learned to change fonts, adjust sizes and colours, add pictures, and create slideshows. This experience will prepare them well for moving up to Year 4 after the summer, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running with their own devices!

Marije Sneddon

Year 3 Class Teacher

Year 3C

Year 3P

Year 3P has had an amazing year, immersing themselves in every learning opportunity. I have been so impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication. What better way to describe the year than through the words of the pupils themselves. Well done Year 3P, and all the very best for Year 4!

Nikki Arkwright Year 3 Class Teacher

“I liked Blair Drummond Park because I like being with my class and seeing all the animals.” Agnes

“My favourite bits were making lanterns, the unit on Climate Change, learning about Money in Maths, becoming Class Rep, learning how to use the devices and meeting Miley!”

Clodagh

“My favourite part was learning about the moon and symmetry on the beach, with my Dad!” Hudson

“I most enjoyed the rocket launch with Patrick.”

Owen

“My favourite lesson is PE because on Thursdays we get to do rounders and I really like rounders.” Zachary

“I enjoyed going to Blair Drummond Safari Park because I was able to see loads of different types of animals and I could be with my class.” Hector

“I really like PE, Maths and playtimes. There are lots of places to play.” Alfie

“I like lunch. My favourite is pizza. I am learning to play the chanter, it is great! I have lots of friends.” Saif

“I enjoyed the Blair Drummond trip and meeting Miley. She was very kind.” Flossy

“When you are in Year 3 you get to go to Blair Drummond. I want to go back!” Patrick

“I have three reasons I like school. I like PE, Swimming and Art.” Kendrick

“I liked the planetarium on the Solar System. I liked it because it really sparked my curiosity.” Morgan

“My favourite break time was when Hector and I saw two bunnies in the playground and we tried to look for them. My favourite class trip was the trip to Blair Drummond.”

Arya

“I really liked Art and meeting all my friends.” Sofia

“My favourite time in Year 4 was when we made ‘Frobscottle’ from BFG while learning how to write instructions. We wrote out instructions and then made it as a class.” Bertie

“One of my favourite times in Year 4 was when we did the Celebration of Learning in our Unit of Inquiry, Scottish History. I liked it because I performed as Mary Somerville with Livvy and Ellen and after we performed our Living Museum, we took the parents to our classroom to see our work from the Unit of Inquiry.” Aliya

“I loved the time when we did the Year 4 Pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk! I played the part of Simple Simon. I liked this part cause I got pied in the face! Oh, it was fun. Just thinking of it makes me feel joyful!” Alvin

“One of my favourite times in Year 4 was when my mum came in to talk to us about ‘trustworthy’ sources of information and we tried to solve a murder.” David

“One of my favourite things in Year 4 was the puppet show when we chose a story to perform. My group was performing ‘The Three Little Pigs’.” Ellen

“I enjoyed our Celebration of Learning in our Unit, Scottish History. I performed as Laura Muir.” Flora

“One of the times in Year 4 that I liked was when we made a picture book about a Learner Profile in groups of 2 or 3. We then read them to Year 1 and 2.” Hrian

“My favourite time in Year 4 was when we went to the R&A Museum because we did a treasure hunt to find information, practised some putting, and learned about golf clubs and golf balls.” Finley

“One of my favourite times in Year 4 was when we performed in our Pantomime! It allowed me to face my fears and perform as a solo act in front of an audience. I liked the part I played, Princess Violet.” Isobel

“Another time in Year 4 was when we went down to the beach and we did a clean-up because our Unit of Inquiry was Sharing the Planet. We did it because we were learning about pollution and so we wanted to help sea life. We used litter pickers to pick up litter and then we looked to see how many of each piece of litter we had.” Julia

“A favourite moment in Year 4 was when we did the Pantomime, I was Dame Trott. I got to pie Alvin in the face. The Pantomime was one of the funniest things ever. We all had fun and the song at the end was super cool. We spent 10 weeks working on it including two days where we did nonstop Drama. When we finished it, we were all so proud of ourselves.” Louis

“A favourite memory of mine from Year 4 was when we were learning how to write instructions, so we read an extract from the BFG and we followed instructions on how to make ‘Frobscottle’.” Livvy

“I loved Year 4 so much but if I had to pick my favourite it would be the Dook, it helped me face my fears as I plunged into the sea, it wasn’t actually that bad and now I have just so much confidence.” Roddy

Year 4

What a fantastic year it has been for Year 4! Our pupils have worked incredibly hard and achieved so much. A huge well done to all of Year 4 – we are immensely proud of each and every one of you.

Below are some of Year 4’s favourite memories.

Hannah Anderson Year 4 Class Teacher

“One of my favourite times in Year 4 was the January Dook because it was very cold and I like cold water swimming.” Rory

“I had a wonderful time in Year 4 and it was all perfect but one of my favourite times of Year 4 was the Pantomime. We practised for 10 weeks! It was hard work, but (all together as a class) we made it. I was one of the fairies and I got to freeze everyone!” Valentina

“One of my favourite times in Year 4 was when we walked to Craigtoun. We had a school picnic. IT WAS FUN!” Ellie

Year 5

This Year 5 cohort, encompassing Year 5C and Year 5P, have made the very most of their year. Each and every activity has been approached with enthusiasm and an open mind. Wholeheartedly embracing all aspects of the Learner Profile and showing a genuine love of learning, which has made this year one to remember. Due to the huge variety of accomplishments throughout the year, it was difficult to decide upon the favourite and so, as a year group, the pupils compiled the A-Z of Year 5.

Georgina Majcher & Claire Boissiere Year 5 Class Teachers

The A-Z of Year 5

A

Art, Airball, Athletics, Archery B Biomes, Book Fair, Beach, Byre Theatre, Boys’ Choir, Beauty Presentations C Celebration of Learning, Craigtoun Walk, Canoeing, Carol Service, Cooperation, Cross Country

H

Handwriting, High Jump, Homework, Happy Memories, Hockey Tournament I Ice Cream at Craigtoun, Inquiry, Imagination, Investigations, Imperative Verbs, Isosceles Triangles

N

Newsround, Newsletter O Open Day, Orchestra, Opportunities, Open-Minded P

T

Teamwork, Tests, Tasks, Teachers, Tennis

D

Dalguise, Discovery Trip, Drama E

Ecosystems, Egg Parachutes, Energy Unit, Experiments, Explorers, Easter Egg Hunt

J

Judo, Jelly Friday, Jokes, Jacob’s Ladder

Parachutes, PE, Paper Helicopters, Principled

K

Knowledgeable, Kindness, Kahoots

F

French, Friends, Football, Fun Run, Fun Splash, Flint & Steel, Fish & Chip Fridays, Flute

L Learning, Library, LAMDA, Laser Tag

Q

Quizzes, Questions R Rice Challenge, Rocket Launching, Running Club

U Unit of Inquiry V Verbs, Visits W Waterstones, Writing, Water Polo X eXciting, Xmas Fair, eXploration

S

G

Guided Reading, Google Docs, Games, Girls’ Choir, GOAT, Gymnastics

M

Music, Maths, MyOn, Mathletics, Monopoly, Monitors, Music Theory, Market Stalls

St Andrews Aquarium, Summer Fair, Swimming, Sports Day, Skipping, Slideshows, Spelling Tests, Shakespeare Rocks

Y

Year 4 Pantomime, Year 5 Assembly Z Zipwire

Shakespeare Rocks!

Shakespeare Rocks! explored the life and works of William Shakespeare with humour and song. All the rehearsals and hard work of the cast paid off, as the play was a huge success. The acting and singing were phenomenal, with the Year 6 cast brilliantly supported by the Year 5 Chorus.

“I had a solo in the play, I was really nervous, but after it made me feel really good. It has really brought out the better singer in me.” Bella

“I really liked my characters and playing Street was very funny.”

Florence

PYP Exhibition

The PYP Exhibition was the culmination of the Primary Years Programme, where students chose their own themes for their Unit of Inquiry based on the Central Idea: ‘We can use our passions to make a difference to others’. The themes varied from exploring ‘What is Truth?’, Diversity in Engineering, Endangered Animals, Music, Biodiversity, Sharks, and Gaming. Over the course of eight weeks, the students researched their themes in depth and created a fabulous presentation of their learning, which was shared with parents and the school community.

“I loved the Exhibition because I got to explore more about music and I got to make my own composition of music for the violin” Dylan

“The Exhibition preparation was fun to gather information and find out things I didn’t even know” Magnus

“There is no elevator to success you have to take the stairs (just like Hepburn House)”Claudia

Year 6

Year 6 had a wonderfully busy year, with the highlights undoubtedly being the Year 6 Play, Shakespeare Rocks!, the PYP Exhibition, and the trip to Ridgway Adventure.

Ridgway Adventure

The end of the year was rounded off with our Year 6 trip to Ridgway Adventure in the far north of Scotland. Despite the unseasonably cold June weather, great fun and adventures were had by all. From camping in a tent on a windy night, to having shelters blow down in the middle of the night. From swimming in the loch during a hailstorm, to walking through sunshine and showers to ‘the most beautiful beach in the UK’, Sandwood Bay. From climbing and abseiling on a rock face to creeling for lobsters, crabs, and dogfish, the children showed resilience, shared laughter, and made memories to last a lifetime.

Dianne Cormack Year 6 Class Teacher

Clubs & Activities

“The greatest lessons we learn are not taught but experienced.”

At St Leonards, we embrace this philosophy by extending our curriculum beyond the classroom. Our students benefit from trips, visits, guest speakers, beach school, and a vast array of after-school activities led by our passionate staff and specialists.

Our staff’s diverse expertise and interests enrich the students’ learning experiences, offering a wide variety of indoor and outdoor clubs throughout the year.

Here is a snapshot of our weekly offerings:

Monday

Pupils with boundless energy eagerly compete with Mrs Majcher in netball, dodgeball, or rounders, depending on the season and weather. Pupils sign up enthusiastically year-round to be put through their paces.

For those seeking restoration, the popular Mindfulness Club with Mrs Beebee provides a serene environment for perfecting colouring skills, or pupils can join Ms Mackie for Yoga Club in the Yurt.

Tuesday

The Art Club, led by Miss Neave and Miss Cormack, remains one of the most popular clubs. Pupils explore a range of materials, painting, drawing, or sculpting for pleasure or to enhance their Units of Inquiry projects. It is a cherished space for creative expression.

Nature Club with Miss Fisher allows pupils to experience the beauty of nature and learn basic wild skills. Those preferring indoor activities might join Thinker Club, enjoying games like chess, Othello, Connect Four, Dobble, cards, and dominoes. This year’s highlight was a Rubik’s Cube masterclass from one of our talented older pupils.

Wednesday

Running Club, led by Mr Gough and Mrs Hood, challenges pupils to exhilarating runs, while Mrs Steven guides our youngest pupils in Mini Movers, a precursor to gymnastics. Coding with Miss Brannen allows pupils to engage in fun and educational coding activities.

Thursday

In the Gardening Club, Mrs Lindsay shares her expertise with young pupils in weeding, digging, harvesting, and planting. Beach Club, run by Ms Cormack and Ms Boissiere, involves rock climbing, den building, and castle building, come rain or shine on East Sands Beach.

Friday

The week concludes with a creative evening of dance, run by Dance St Andrews, or the impressive Aquathon Club in our swimming pool.

Lunchtime Activities

Lunchtimes are vibrant with a range of activities, thanks to our dedicated staff and visiting specialists. Pupils can enjoy a variety of pursuits,

including golf, judo, yoga, dance, and more, ensuring a well-rounded experience. We extend special thanks to Ms Coyle, who is leaving us this year, for her pivotal role in establishing our successful Gymnastics Club. Mrs PembertonHislop, our Senior Deputy Head, has also developed valuable partnerships with the University of St Andrews, enabling pupils to participate in netball and tennis workshops led by university students.

Exceptional Staff Support

Our dedicated administrative and teaching staff ensure a rich variety of activities, allowing pupils to explore and find their passions. We extend our thanks to all our talented staff and visiting specialists for delivering a diverse activity programme:

Sport: Running, Swimming, Summer Games, Judo, Golf, Gymnastics, Netball, Tennis, Cricket, Rugby, Mini Movers, Multisports

Well-Being: Yoga, Mindful Colouring, Walk and Talk, Film

Creative: Story Club, Restoration Station, Art, Ballet, Dance, Sewing, Construction

Outdoors: Beach, Nature, Gardening

Cerebral: Thinker, Arabic, Globe-Trotters, Coding

As with our curriculum, we believe in delivering a healthy and diverse range of activities. Watch this space for exciting new opportunities in the coming year…

Claire Boissiere Assistant Head of Junior School

Parents Association

What does the St Leonards Parents Association (PA) mean to you?

The PA gives me a chance to get involved in our St Leonards community and enhance the school experiences of pupils in so many positive ways. It is so much fun to put on events that children, parents and grandparents really enjoy and look forward to. Providing extras though the PA Head’s Wishlist each year is thrilling, when you see how much the equipment is used and enjoyed. On a more personal note, I have met a fabulous group of people that I may not have met otherwise.

What better reasons do you need to get involved with the St Leonards Parents Association? Volunteer, participate, donate or help organise an event.

Audrey Willet Co-Chair of the PA Committee

105 pupils dressed up at the Pumpkin Party and partied the night away.

Notable Numbers

This year has been filled with exciting events and remarkable achievements:

72 Junior School pupils and parents enjoyed a Burns Supper and Ceilidh, followed by an energetic Senior School Ceilidh for 67 pupils. This new event was such a hit that we are planning to keep it for next year.

£975 raised for charity at the Christmas Fair, where Santa arrived in style in a decorated Land Rover, and amazing Gingerbread Houses were created.

22 applications were received for the PA Head’s Wishlist, 11 of which were student-led.

Over £5000 was allocated for items such as ukulele hangers, cooking equipment for the Junior School, gardening tools, a putting practice mat, a mini bassoon, climbing gear, gymnastic equipment, and new kit for the hockey and netball teams. Applications outside the PA’s remit were handed over to the School for review.

63 very excited pupils successfully completed the Great St Leonards Egg Hunt. They and their families had fun at the Spring Fair browsing stalls, decorating cookies, and lunching at the PA Café and BBQ.

Event Highlights

Our Staff Appreciation event was extremely well received. Cheese, biscuits, fruit and cakes made for a very enjoyable breaktime. The Junior School staff even enjoyed some pink nonalcoholic fizz.

Another event new to this committee was Summer Drinks at the Art Exhibition. We were so happy to provide mocktails, fizz and canapés for families visiting the Art Exhibition in the torrential rain. Next year we have ordered some sunshine!

Our newly refurbished Second Hand Uniform (SHU) Shop has opened regularly throughout the year raising money for the PA, especially the PA Head’s Wishlist. The shop is run by amazing volunteers who will be ready to help you with any uniform needs you have, including sports kit and equipment.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make the PA events and fundraising so enjoyable this year. The Parents Association (PA) Committee

Junior Art & Design

This year has been an inspiring journey for our Junior School pupils in Art and Design, as they explored a wide range of artistic techniques. Through handson projects, they have experimented with different materials, studied renowned artists, and developed their own creative voices. Whether observing nature or drawing on the work of established artists, our pupils have embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm, making the art room a vibrant space filled with imagination and discovery.

In Year 1, pupils produced delightful watercolour paintings inspired by the artist Matt Sewell, capturing the beauty and character of birds in nature. Their works featured everything from a bullfinch in the snow to an emperor penguin with its chick. Meanwhile, Year 2 explored different artistic mediums as part of their Unit of Inquiry on Plants and Minibeasts. Year 2P created large-scale chalk and paint insects, while Year 2C crafted impressive clay sculptures, each pupil choosing their favourite minibeast to bring to life.

Year 3 showcased their versatility with a variety of projects, including stunning birdscapes in watercolour and ink, imaginary 2D and 3D planets inspired by their study of Space, and creative looms made from recycled materials in their exploration of Climate Change. Year 4 embraced the bold forms and colours of Kandinsky and Rothko, producing striking interactive works that explored the contrasts of light and dark, while delving into their Unit of Inquiry on Light.

Year 5 turned their attention to motion and balance, drawing inspiration from the work of Alexander Calder. Their kinetic sculptures captured the essence of movement, encouraging pupils to

think critically about form and function. Finally, Year 6 pupils demonstrated their skills in landscape painting, creating dramatic backdrops for their production of Shakespeare Rocks, with scenes ranging from Tudor buildings to the rugged Scottish landscapes where Macbeth’s three witches may roam!

All of these creative achievements culminated in the highly anticipated Junior School Art Exhibition, held on Wednesday, 22 May. St Katharines Hall was transformed into a gallery, showcasing artwork from every pupil in Years 1 to 6. Visitors were amazed by the variety and quality of the works on display, from Year 2P’s incredible 3D papier-mâché insect installation, which crawled up the walls, to the suspended kinetic sculptures from Year 5, twirling gently and mesmerising viewers with their calming motion.

The joy on the pupils’ faces as they proudly guided their families through the Exhibition was a testament to the power of art to inspire, express, and bring communities together. It truly echoed the words of Pablo Picasso: “Every child is an artist”.

Claire Robertson Head of Junior School

Alex McNeill

Ayla Peat

James Pollitt

Elena Funcasta

Elisabeth Hagemann

Johnnie

Riagan Bon n er

Riagan Bo nner

Year 3

Agnes Pullin

Anya Mukherjee

Luna Craig-Gentles

Noah Brian

Maggie Muir

Alexander Andrew

David Hirst Smith

Sofia Young

Aliya Browning

Ellen Mackey

Isobel Montgomery

Alvin Chen

Flora Logan

Hrian Mann

Julia Montgomery

Louis Garrido

Year 5

Dallan McLaughlan

Amelia Leonard

John Cheape and Sholto McWilliam

Catherine Tynte-Irvine

Agnes Raven

Bonnie Iredale

Islay Cruickshank

Emma Petroaia

Year 6

Elin Tausch

Marnie Watt

Isabella Hawkins

Priya Myles

Michelle Chernin

Senior Art & Design

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at St Leonards. It has flown by, and our pupils have achieved so much. Working with our Year 13 students has been a real pleasure. They explored a wide variety of personal themes and did a fantastic job pulling together the various elements of the Diploma Programme. We, the staff, wish them all the very best for the future. Some are continuing into Architecture or Art and Design courses, while others will be applying their practical and lateral thinking skills from Art to other disciplines.

This year, we reintroduced life drawing classes for Senior pupils, leading to the development of rigorous new skills. We had trips to Edinburgh to visit architects, artists, designers, and many exhibitions. More locally, we took our pupils to nearby exhibitions and out to draw from the local scenery.

In Year 9, the pupils explored the local surroundings, including the Oliphant Gate, producing ambitious paintings, prints, and drawings. They also completed a project expressing opinions on the positives and negatives of having mobile phones in school. For their Design projects, they investigated various art movements and careers before creating their own designs in fashion, architecture, graphic design, and even invented their own board games.

Year 8 artists created various outcomes using shrines as a starting point, including clay relief, dry points, watercolours, and ink drawings. They then moved on to a project examining plastic in the oceans, resulting in some excellent observational drawings. Their Design projects were equally ambitious, ranging from go-karts to ballgowns and shipping container architecture to stopframe animation.

Year 7 pupils were prolific in their achievements. They created lovely experimental compositions expressing

their identities, still life work based on Morandi with monochromatic palettes, and in their Design projects, they created fast fashion graphic design and practical sewn holders. There were many other mini projects too, showcasing lots of creativity and imagination.

With such enthusiasm and talent on display, we are excited to see what the future holds for our budding artists!

David Prosser Head of Art & Design

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Fergus Fyfe, Year 9

Polina Kovdia, Year 8

Hana Ferguson, Year 9

Max Mery, Year 7

Hana Ferguson, Year 9

Eloann Bouchardy, Year 9

Edith Griffin, Year 9

Rose Montgomery, Year 7

Sophia Zhou, Year 8

Sum Yau Lau (Trinity), Year 8

GCSE

This GCSE Art and Design collection is a highlight of the 2024 Art Exhibition, showcasing the culmination of a twoyear course that begins in Year 10.

Throughout this course, students engage in skills-based workshops to develop new and exciting techniques. These techniques are then applied to individual, sustained projects in Year 11. Students express their creative intentions through diverse areas of study, including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, digital manipulation, sculpture, and mixed media, resulting in unique and varied personal responses.

Margaret Behrens and Winsome Hardie Teachers of Art

Regina Tsang, Year 11, Digital Manipulation

Islay MacAnndraigh, Year 11

Mixed Media - Chalk and Charcoal Drawing

Digital Manipulation

Mixed Media - Wire and Modroc

Ting Duncan, Year 11, Sculpture - Wire, Nylon and Modroc

Ting Duncan, Year 11, Digital Manipulation

Daisy Wekesa, Year 11, Mixed Media - Ink Drawing on Perspex

Andrew Marr, Year 11, Sculpture - Wire and Modroc

Najann Vivakanond, Year 11, Digital Manipulation (Triptych)

11,MixedMedia -ChinaandAcry

Najann Vivakanond, Year

Kayleigh Nicoll, Year 11, Digital Manipulation

Mixed Media - Botanical Prints, Petri Dishes and Lightbox

XiuRong Gong, Year 11

Henry Shulver-Brown, Year 11, Mixed Media - Drawing on Perspex

Francesca Lister, Year 11, Charcoal Drawing

Rachel Hogg, Year 11

Chalk and Charcoal Drawing and Sculpture

Drypoint Print and Chine Collé

Trip to Paris

Just after exams, sixteen Year 10 Art students and two members of staff embarked on an unforgettable trip to Paris. This vibrant city kept them engaged with a packed itinerary, offering countless opportunities to capture its essence through art. Sketchbooks were ever-present: in airports, on the plane, on the metro, in cafes, by canals, and at every venue, capturing the dynamic Parisian way of life and its incredible art.

The adventure began with a tranquil morning sketching in Père Lachaise Cemetery, resting place of luminaries such as Jim Morrison, Chopin, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde. This was followed by several hours immersed in the treasures of the Louvre. Wandering through its vast halls, we encountered masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, allowing students to engage directly with some of the world’s most renowned artworks.

We continued with a scenic hop-on hop-off boat trip along the Seine, offering a unique perspective on Paris’ landmarks. Our exploration of Montmartre, with its bohemian charm and artistic history, included visiting the vibrant Place du Tertre, where street artists captured the spirit of the area. We explored the iconic sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Sacré-Cœur, each providing rich subjects for the pupils’ sketchbooks and a deeper appreciation of Parisian architecture.

The second day was filled with art, starting with the Brancusi exhibition at the Pompidou Centre. This exhibition showcased the innovative sculptures of Constantin Brancusi, sparking conversations about modernism and abstraction. We also explored the stunning modern art in the Pompidou’s permanent collection, where students could see works by Picasso, Duchamp, and Kandinsky.

We then visited the Rodin Museum, a highlight of the trip. The museum, housed in the Hôtel Biron and its surrounding gardens, provided an inspiring setting to view

Rodin’s masterpieces. The serene gardens, dotted with sculptures, offered a perfect backdrop for sketching and reflection, allowing pupils to connect deeply with Rodin’s artistic vision.

In the evening, we sampled French cuisine in Pigalle, and enjoyed a delightful meal at a local pizza restaurant near the hotel. The pupils’ final morning was spent at a local flea market, sketching and searching for bargains. The bustling market atmosphere provided diverse subjects for sketching, from the eclectic array of goods to the lively interactions of vendors and shoppers.

The sketchbooks vividly demonstrated the creative focus and enthusiasm of our students, who were outstanding ambassadors for our School. This trip not only enriched their artistic skills but also broadened their cultural perspectives, making it a truly memorable educational experience.

Hilary Ballantine Teacher of Mathematics

Diploma Programme

Arina Young, Year 13

Samuel Carrett, Year 13

Jamie Pennycook, Year 13

Bàrbara Esteva Bes, Year 13

Madelaine Gavine, Year 13

Samuel Carrett, Year 13

Madelaine Gavine, Year 13

Jamie Pennycook, Year 13

Bàrbara Esteva Bes, Year 13

Arina Young, Year 13

Arina Young, Year 13

Arina Young, Year 13

Jamie Pennycook, Year 13, Life Drawing

Samuel Carrett, Year 13, Home from Home

Profondeurs (Depths)

Order to Live

Madelaine Gavine, Year 13, Life Drawing

Hidden Brutality Proportion

Elvire Mouchel, Year 13 In

Ski Trip

in the Austrian Alps

During the Easter holidays, 18 students from Years 7 to 10 embarked on an exhilarating trip to Huben in the Austrian Alps. They arrived to blue skies and eagerly explored the town, hoping for similar weather for their skiing adventures the next morning. However, a storm swept in overnight, presenting challenging conditions on their first day on the slopes. Despite minimal visibility and high winds, the students showed remarkable determination. Guided by expert instructors, Chris and David, some progressed from beginners to confidently navigating blue slopes within hours. Fortunately, the weather improved the following day, leaving fresh snow and ideal skiing conditions for the rest of the week.

As the week went on, the students’ confidence grew, and they explored various peaks of the Sölden Ski area. Although there were a few tumbles, their skills improved rapidly. Soon, both groups were tackling moguls, ungroomed snow, and even the Olympic downhill run. Each day, they covered many miles on the slopes, refuelling with hearty lunches at the mountain restaurant. Meals were topped off with apple strudel and hot chocolate on the terrace of the famous 007 Elements restaurant at 3,050m, offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Evenings were equally as fun, featuring bingo and quiz nights, trips to the waterpark, an all-you-can-eat pizza night, and friendly games of Uno and blackjack. The group demonstrated excellent camaraderie, forming lasting friendships both on and off the slopes. On the final evening, their resilience, determination, and skiing accomplishments were celebrated in an awards ceremony that recognised the week’s triumphs.

The students returned to St Andrews with a wealth of stories about their adventures and achievements, already looking forward to their next trip to the mountains.

Christopher Meighen GCSE Coordinator

Music

It has been another exciting and packed year of musical events. Our programme of concerts and collaborations with the Drama Department has remained busy and varied, with pupils eager to participate and regularly displaying a very high standard of performance.

This year, we said goodbye to two long-term contributors to the Music Department, Maddy Wallard and Will Jacks. Both have been invaluable to the musical life of the School since joining us in Year 8 and Year 4, respectively. While studying for their GCSE and IB Music, they have been stalwart members of the Daemon Barbers, Love’s Angels, SLUGs, Show Choir, and St Leonards Choir. They will be greatly missed, and it was a joy to be part of their final performances in the Leavers’ Concert.

During the year, we have welcomed several new members of staff: Mr Matthew Arnott, who teaches percussion; Mr Bryan Sinclair, who teaches bagpipes; and Mr Dale Birrell, who teaches piano. All of these teachers have already made a significant impact on the department, and we look forward to continued collaboration with them in the years to come.

Our various instrumental initiatives in the lower years are bearing fruit, with a healthy number of upper string players, harpists, and clarinettists emerging. Next year, we will introduce a Year 4 Brass Initiative using p-trumpets and p-trombones. With the arrival of our double reed teacher, Ms Nagle, last year, we have also seen an increase in pupils learning double reed instruments such as the oboe and bassoon, helped by the purchase of both a mini oboe and a mini bassoon, thanks to the Parents Association. This bodes well for the future of instrumental playing in the School and is exciting to hear and see.

Isla Bell and Nicola Forgues-Puccio, our dedicated Music Monitor and Head Chorister, will shed light on the year from their perspectives. For my part, I would like to thank all of the students, from Year 1 to Year 13, who have participated in a musical activity or event this year. I also extend a massive thank you to all of the Music School staff for their, at times, gargantuan hard work and commitment to the pupils and the School. I hope that all members of the school community have appreciated the music-making this year - it has certainly been a pleasure to produce.

Fiona Love Director of Music

Spring Concert

Year 1 to 3 Informal Concert

Leavers’ Concert

Strings Concert

Year 4 to 6 Informal Concert

Reflections from our Music Monitor

I have felt incredibly privileged to be the Music Monitor this year, helping students and teachers deliver various musical events and productions to the best of my ability. Since I first joined St Leonards, I have been deeply involved in the Music School and have witnessed first-hand the passion and dedication that all our students and teachers bring to the department.

This year, we held several memorable concerts, including the Leavers’, Autumn, and Spring Concerts, as well as the Christmas Mix. These events provided our talented students with opportunities to showcase their musical skills, whether performing in ensembles, as soloists, or presenting their own compositions to live audiences. In addition to these concerts, our Music School, particularly our choir, played a crucial role in two of the most important events of the school year: Prizegiving and the Carol Service. Ms Love did an incredible job organising and preparing our choir for these significant occasions, allowing us to deliver stunning performances of the iconic Hallelujah Chorus and O Holy Night. These were some of my highlights of the year, not only because they were crowd-pleasers but also because they showcased the dedication and effort that everyone in our choir has put in throughout the year.

Another personal highlight has been observing the vibrant life of the Music School and seeing students and teachers alike seize the opportunities offered by the Music Department to express their personalities through their performances. A standout example of this was this year’s Leavers’ Concert, which bid farewell to some of our long-standing pupils, featuring fully costumed and choreographed performances of I’m Just Ken and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. Performances like these infuse the Music School with energy, life, and a strong sense of community. As I enter my final year at St Leonards, I look forward to continuing to experience and contribute to this wonderful atmosphere.

Isla Bell

Reflections from our Head Chorister

This year, I have had the absolute privilege of serving as Head Chorister. Singing at St Leonards is so integral in our music community, and the joy created through our choirs and soloists is deeply cherished within our School. The diversity of vocal talent across the year groups is admirable, showcased through the incredible opportunities offered at St Leonards. I could not be prouder of everyone’s hard work and dedication.

A personal highlight for me has been singing in the Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church. This event always gives the choristers something joyous to look forward to, and I love how it demonstrates the choir’s ability to collaborate and produce beautiful music, bringing everyone together. Additionally, performing in our School Concerts is an exciting opportunity for pupils and is always enjoyed by both performers and the audience. I highly encourage everyone to participate or at least attend a concert to truly experience the passion conveyed by our singers and musicians. You will feel that joy yourself while listening.

Of course, none of these amazing opportunities would be possible without the brilliant staff in the Music Department. On behalf of all the pupils who sing, I want to express our immense gratitude for their hard work. The staff inspire and encourage so many students to sing, regardless of their ability, and always put in tremendous effort to make singing a wonderful experience for everyone at our School.

Nicola Forgues-Puccio

“I highly encourage everyone to participate or at least attend a concert to truly experience the passion conveyed by our singers and musicians.”

Carol Service

Junior Drama

Year 4 - Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk

Our first Junior production of the year was Jack and the Beanstalk, performed by Year 4. The lively script, featuring toe-tapping songs chosen by the students, perfectly aligned with the Primary Years Programme. In this entertaining tale, Jack climbs the Beanstalk, escapes from a very different Giant, and rescues Princess Violet from the very Dodgy Dodgy. This marvellous performance set the tone for the festive season. Excellent work, Year 4 - your hard work truly shone through.

Year 1 to 3 - Nativity

The Bethlehem Star

This year’s Nativity play, The Bethlehem Star, featured 72 pupils from Years 1 to 3. In the story, the Bethlehem Star Newspapyrus is desperate for a scoop, and the editor urges his reporters to find a newsworthy story. Initially, the reporters miss the real story, thinking a baby’s birth is ordinary. However, after encounters with soldiers, Kings, Angels, Shepherds, and finally Mary, Joseph, and the Donkey, they reach the stable and discover the baby who would save all mankind - a scoop indeed! Great job, Years 1 to 3 - your singing and performances truly put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

At the end of the Spring Term, Year 6 performed the musical Shakespeare Rocks! with style and flair. After extensive rehearsals, the students brought to life the story of William Shakespeare in the Music School Auditorium. This fresh, funny, and modern take on the life and times of the Bard featured a cast of hilarious historical characters and amusing glimpses into his works and how he came To Be. The seven superb songs were exciting, contemporary, and energetic, teaching the audience about the history of the world’s greatest playwright. Well done, Year 6 - you brought Shakespeare’s words to life brilliantly!

Laura Stewart Teacher of Drama

Year 6 - Play Shakespeare Rocks!

Senior Drama

Sluiced

Sluiced was an original play that explored the topic of domestic abuse. The St Leonards Players (SLP) – our most talented thespians – successfully brought to the stage the story of Ellie, who was placed in a ‘safe house’ in the deprived seaside town of Siltbury Sluice to escape her narcissistic husband. She befriended her next-door neighbour, PJ, who, along with a variety of local characters, helped her break free from all physical and emotional attachments. Ellie was completely sluiced. This challenging piece dealt with a controversial subject; however, it was embraced by SLP, who brought it to the stage with great sensitivity and delivered some extremely memorable performances.

Nichola McQuade-Powell Director of Drama

“This challenging piece dealt with a controversial subject; however, it was embraced by SLP, who brought it to the stage with great sensitivity and delivered some extremely memorable performances.”

THE CRUCIBLE

In February, Years 11 to 13 performed The Crucible at The Byre Theatre. This production was a huge success, featuring unique interpretations that made the performance even more memorable. The cast were fully committed throughout both the rehearsal and performance process, bringing real emotion to the stage. At the end of the run, we bid fond farewells to some exceptionally talented Year 13 actors who have been at the forefront of St Leonards Drama for the past four years. We also said goodbye to the amazing Mr Alfonso Iannone, Head of English, who has directed alongside me for the last seven years. We will miss his five pages of feedback notes, which were always hugely beneficial but quite terrifying at times!

Nichola McQuade-Powell Director of Drama

“The cast were fully committed throughout both the rehearsal and performance process, bringing real emotion to the stage.”

Bugsy Malone

St Leonards’ production of Bugsy Malone can only be described as, “What a cast! What a performance!”. The Year 9 and 10 students proved themselves to be utterly professional both during rehearsals and on stage. They dazzled us with their wonderful singing and dancing skills, discovering talents they did not know they had. Their commitment and enthusiasm remained strong even during challenging moments. It was wonderful to have the Music and Drama departments working together; Ms Love created a glorious band who played very loudly in times of trouble and led the singers to where they needed to be. Mrs Stewart’s direction ensured the show looked amazing. The production was joyous and a credit to everyone involved.

Nichola McQuade-Powell Director of Drama

“They dazzled us with their wonderful singing and dancing skills, discovering talents they did not know they had. Their commitment and enthusiasm remained strong even during challenging moments.”

The Rebels of Gas Street

“The students brought larger-than-life characters to the stage, highlighting the humour of the piece, while also displaying impressive depth and emotion during the more serious moments.”

In June, Years 7 and 8 closed the Drama productions for the academic year with an exuberant performance of The Rebels of Gas Street. The show featured fabulous performances that highlighted the immense talent at the lower end of the Senior School. The students brought largerthan-life characters to the stage, highlighting the humour of the piece, while also displaying impressive depth and emotion during the more serious moments. It was a fantastic production, enjoyed by both the cast and the audience alike.

Nichola McQuade-Powell Director of Drama

The Senior Years

Welcome to the Senior Years

This past year has been one of immense pride for St Leonards Senior School. Being awarded the Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance by the Sunday Times reflects the hard work and dedication of both students and staff. This recognition serves as a springboard as we continue to reflect on and enhance our exceptional academic offerings.

The world our pupils will inherit presents everevolving challenges, where adaptability and critical thinking are paramount. The International Baccalaureate programmes we offer, with their emphasis on broad-based learning and independent research, position our students perfectly for this future. In the pages that follow, you will see how we bring this broad and rigorous education to life, fostering not only academic excellence but also creativity, collaboration, and a global perspective. We invite you to explore the exciting ways in which St Leonards is preparing pupils to be leaders and innovators of the future.

Will Gaisford Deputy Head (Academic)

The Middle Years Programme (MYP) A Year in Review

This academic year has flown by, filled with achievements and memorable experiences for Years 7 to 9.

Year 7

Year 7 quickly adapted to the change from the Primary Years Programme, transitioning from one main classroom teacher to 15 different specialist subject teachers. They embraced core academic subjects like Maths, English, and Science, as well as the broader MYP Curriculum, including Core, Approaches to Learning, Service Learning, and PSHE (Ad Vitam). The year began with a focus on transitioning to Senior School, where they quickly learned the ‘3 R’s’ of organisation (Required; Recharge; Redundant), setting them up for success.

Beyond academics, Year 7 fully engaged in a wide range of cocurricular activities. They dazzled us with their performances in the ‘Baby SLUGS’, our Year 7 ukulele group, at concerts and school events. Their commitment extended to charity efforts, such as the Halloween dress-up day, and social events, including their Christmas disco/ceilidh and in-house movie nights. A highlight was their trip to Willowgate Activity Centre, where they enjoyed bushcraft, archery, paddle boarding, and kayaking, embodying the Risk Taker Learner Profile. The year culminated in an exciting victory for a team of five Year 7 pupils at the North of Scotland Rotary Club Primary Schools’ final. Congratulations to Issy MacIvor, Sasha Hetherington, Thea Jacobsen, Theo Kell, and Tom Crook, who outshone 300 primary schools to be crowned champions.

Year 8

Year 8 had a busy year filled with social events and trips. Their November disco showcased excellent dancing skills, and the Roller Disco, which we hope will become a St Leonards tradition, saw even the MYP staff on wheels! In June, they enjoyed an action-packed week at the Cairngorms Adventure Centre in Newtonmore, participating in activities ranging from rock climbing to kayaking down the Spey. The final drama production of the year, In the Lap of the Gods, saw many Year 7 and 8 pupils shining on stage, displaying their talent and hard work.

Year 9

Year 9 had a fantastic year, starting with a memorable trip to Blackpool with the Geography department, where they studied aspects of the MYP Geography curriculum and had fun at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Their dramatic talents were on full display at the Byre Theatre in the captivating production of Bugsy Malone. We were also impressed with the quality and impact of their Community Projects, which ranged from cleaning up our countryside to addressing fast fashion waste. Despite a busy term, Year 9 still found energy for a beach day with Blown Away, surfing and kayaking in the sunshine, and wrapped up the term with a spectacular Model United Nations Day in the English Department.

Throughout the year, our MYP pupils have exemplified true IB learners, embracing all aspects of the Learner Profile. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their IB education journey.

Kate Gilbertson, Paul Shiells & Sharon Moan MYP Team

The GCSE Years

The GCSE years build on the solid foundations established by the Primary and Middle Years Programmes at St Leonards. This period is both exciting and often daunting as pupils face their first national examinations, marking a significant step up in their academic journey and preparing them for life in the Sixth Form. At the core of this journey is encouragement and support, a culture we are proud of within our school community. We encourage our GCSE learners to be proactive, reflect on their progress, and have a voice in improving areas of need. This phase often signals the transition into young adulthood.

Exams are viewed as a challenge - a mountain to be conquered - resulting in a sense of pride and achievement rather than fear. Equipped with successful learning skills and the attributes of an IB learner, our students can confidently reach the summit of their examinations. In Year 11, we focus on life beyond St Leonards and potential career pathways. Each student meets with a senior leader to discuss their next steps, strengths, and suitable professions. This process is a fascinating journey of discovery. Parents are encouraged to attend online and in-person Coffee Meets to connect with fellow parents and chat with the Head of Year and the GCSE Coordinator about their child’s progress and future plans.

This year, our GCSE students have not only excelled academically but also embraced a wide range of cocurricular activities. Art students visited Paris to enhance their sketching skills, and Historians explored Belgium on the Battlefields trip. Closer to home, Year 10s enjoyed cinema outings, while Year 11s had pizza and games nights in the boarding house. Many students played key roles in hosting St Leonards first Model United Nations Conference, which welcomed schools from around the world to St Andrews. Members of Year 10 and 11 also shone in theatrical productions such as Bugsy Malone and Romeo and Juliet. Their involvement in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and numerous sporting events throughout the year showcased their versatility and commitment.

As Head of Year, Assistant Head of Year, and GCSE Coordinator, we are incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements throughout their GCSE years. They have tackled every challenge with resilience and enthusiasm. GCSE students at St Leonards should be immensely proud of themselves, as we are of them. Their efforts and successes are a testament to their hard work and determination.

Susannah Adrain, Mark Baxter & Christopher Meighen Year 10, 11 & Pre-IB Team

The Sixth Form

“Each year brings new milestones, and we eagerly anticipate the remarkable futures that await the Class of 2024 and beyond.”

Taking time to reflect on the accomplishments of our Sixth Form, encompassing Year 12 and Year 13, we are humbled by the diverse achievements of our pupils. Their journey this year has been marked by academic excellence, sporting triumphs, and meaningful charitable contributions.

The year kicked off with Year 12s participating in the Sixth Form Induction. Partnering with UNpreneur, pupils were inspired to develop their own businesses. Some of these ventures were further developed throughout the year as part of our STEP Programme, culminating in presentations judged by Mr John Clark OBE.

Our connection with the Rotary Club of St Andrews enabled three pupils to attend the RYLA Leadership Camp over the summer holidays. They returned enriched with new skills and self-awareness, sharing their experiences at a Rotary Conference. We look forward to another pupil embarking on this transformative experience this summer.

Career exploration was a key focus, with Career-related Programme students visiting Skills Scotland in Aberdeen. This visit, combined with a tour of the University of Aberdeen, offered insights into various career pathways and university life, guided by some of our own St Leonards Seniors.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects were a cornerstone of this year’s activities. Year 12 pupils led initiatives such as non-uniform days, Valentine’s rose deliveries, and Easter bunnies, alongside creating Remembrance poppies and donating old school uniforms to charity. These projects not only showcased

their creativity but also their commitment to making a difference.

A standout event was the Masquerade Ball, orchestrated entirely by Year 13 Career-related Programme pupils. The evening, filled with dancing and awards, raised £1228.00 for Deaf Action, a charity chosen after three pupils integrated British Sign Language into their IBCP course.

Science enthusiasts in Year 12 thrived in the Collaborative Science Project, tackling challenges that spanned from estimating weights to cracking codes and identifying mystery substances. This annual event nurtures essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. Educational enrichment continued with lectures from esteemed guests. Professor Frank Gunn-Moore from the University of St Andrews shared his interdisciplinary approach to combating dementia, while former Head Girl Sarah Gordon discussed her experiences in the mining industry, prompting pupils to engage in thoughtful discussions about what they value on Earth.

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, a core part of the Diploma Programme, culminated in a Spring Term exhibition. Year 12 pupils explored how TOK manifests in the world, presenting their findings to the community in the Main School Hall. At the same time, Year 13 pupils

retreated to The Burn in Angus to complete their TOK essays in a serene environment.

Preparing pupils for future endeavours, we hosted a Higher Education Fair with representatives from 18 institutions, and a visit from the University Guys introduced pupils to international universities, including Hult International Business School and McGill University.

Engagement with industry leaders like MasterChef star Dean Banks and John Clark OBE provided pupils with real-world business insights. Additionally, Ms Karen Darke MBE led a Leadership session for the Pupil Leadership Team, helping them identify and develop essential leadership skills.

The Sixth Form Team are very fortunate to witness the growth and achievements of our pupils within the school community and beyond. Their involvement in CAS and Service Learning programmes, along with their academic and co-curricular successes, highlight their determination and excellence. Each year brings new milestones, and we eagerly anticipate the remarkable futures that await the Class of 2024 and beyond.

Jill White, Aileen Rees & Ben Seymour Sixth Form Team

English

This year has been a whirlwind of intellectual exploration and artistic expression in the English department. We witnessed firsthand the power of developing global citizens during our Model United Nations (MUN) Conference and subsequent day for Year 9. Our pupils’ passion and dedication shone through as they tackled complex global issues, honing their research, public speaking, and diplomacy skills.

Building bridges with our esteemed neighbours at the University of St Andrews, we hosted a lively Debating Day for Year 8 students. Witnessing the confident exchange of ideas on a range of topics was truly inspiring, laying the groundwork for future academic discourse.

The IB curriculum, with its diverse selection of texts, allows us to delve beyond the traditional syllabus. This year, we were thrilled to welcome Professor George Corbett, a renowned Dante scholar from the University of St Andrews, who led a captivating exploration of Dante’s Inferno with a group of IB students. Examining a masterpiece from a different perspective fostered a deeper understanding of literature’s enduring power.

Our ever-enthusiastic Creative Writing Club continues to thrive. Meeting regularly, it provides a supportive space for students to experiment, hone their craft, and share their unique voices. The raw talent and burgeoning imaginations evident in their work are a testament to the club’s success.

Through these diverse initiatives, we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals with a global mindset, a passion for debate and analysis, and a love for the written word. The English department is proud to play a vital role in shaping such creative and articulate young minds.

Will Gaisford Deputy Head (Academic) & Head of

English (Interim)

“Through

these diverse initiatives, we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals with a global mindset, a passion for debate and analysis, and a love for the written word.”

Mathematics

As you walk along the corridor of the Mathematics Department, a poster reads, ‘Welcome to Mathematics, where everyone counts’

Setting the pun aside, this year has truly highlighted the inclusive nature of our approach to Mathematics at St Leonards. All pupils, regardless of their enthusiasm for the subject or past experiences, receive encouragement from their teachers and fellow classmates, enabling them to achieve success. They come to recognise that positivity, purposeful practice, perseverance, and patience lead to progress. There have been too many special events and moments in Mathematics to include here. We hope the photographs that pepper this page give you a sense of the vibrant and buzzing atmosphere that fills the corridors of the Department. It goes without saying, the most special moments are often the quietest: when a pupil masters a concept they initially thought was beyond them; when they solve a troublesome problem correctly; and when they realise they have more mathematical potential than they once believed.

Russell Hall Head of Mathematics

UKMT Intermediate Challenge, Year 10 & 11 Certificate Winners

Year 8 Maths Island Christmas Competition

UKMT Intermediate Challenge, Year 10 & 11 Certificate Winners

Enterprising in Maths Competition (Fife) at Bell Baxter High School, Benjamin Lalis (Year 11), Jake Lalis (Year 11), Riya Bhaskar (Year 10) & Charlotte Rice (Year 10)

UKMT Olympiad for Girls, Grace Halden (Year 12), Charlotte Kitzmann (Year 12), Polly Morris (Year 12), Jil Reppenhagen (Year 12), Emma Vostatkova (Year 12) & Matylda Karolewska (Year 11)

Pi Day (Thursday, 14 March), Year 12 pupils attended the exhibition, ‘Women in Mathematics - Evolution of Education’ hosted by the University of St Andrews

The culmination of a pupil’s journey in Mathematics is the IB Diploma Programme, where a significant component involves completing a meaningful piece of coursework. This requires selecting a problem or area of exploration that personally resonates and utilises mathematics from the course. Each year, we are impressed by the uniqueness, creativity, and calibre of the students’ work. Here is a glimpse of the diverse paths pursued.

Russell Hall Head of Mathematics

Costanza Franzinelli Socini Guelfi, Analysis and Approaches

A keen and accomplished golfer, Costanza used her skills in mathematical modelling and calculus to explore an intriguing question: Do female and male golf champions celebrate in the same way? She modelled the outer edges of the Claret Jug, the Men’s Golf British Open trophy, and the AIG trophy, the Women’s Golf British Open trophy. By employing volumes of revolution, she approximated the internal volumes of each trophy.

Costanza’s modelling process involved various mathematical functions, including linear, quadratic, and logarithmic, creating an overall piecewise function by splitting the edge of each trophy into sections. The accompanying photographs showcase the trophies with her models, as well as her 3D model of the Claret Jug, which helped her find a solution to her question.

Youngjin (Andy) Cho, Analysis and Approaches

While repainting his old guitar to donate to Ollerenshaw Boarding House, Andy found inspiration for his Mathematics coursework. He decided to use his mathematical knowledge and skills to approximate the amount of paint needed and its cost.

To determine the surface area of the guitar’s side, Andy went beyond the course material, researching and learning about the formula to calculate the length of a curve between two points. He included this derivation in his report and used it to find the side’s surface area.

For the front and back faces, Andy explored several approaches before choosing to use technology to create a piecewise function to model the outer edges. He then applied integral calculus to find the area enclosed by the curves and the axis, as shown in the photographs. After calculating the total surface area of his guitar, he determined that three coats of paint would cost him £210.00.

Cornelia Källblad, Applications and Interpretation

Coming from a family specialising in Pharmacy, Cornelia has always had a strong interest in the workings of disease, particularly its management. Her enthusiasm for Mathematics was piqued when she was introduced to Voronoi diagrams, which are used to find the largest empty circle amid a collection of points. She realised that these mathematical diagrams could visually represent how diseases spread through a population.

Through her reading, Cornelia learned about physician John Snow, who used a variation of a Voronoi diagram during the 1854 London cholera epidemic. He created a visual representation of the locations of water pumps to account for the deaths in each area, which helped identify the source of the infection.

Inspired by Snow’s approach, Cornelia created a Voronoi diagram of the water pumps, as shown in the photograph below, and used the shoelace method to calculate the area of each cell, or polygon, around the Broad Street pump. Her work and conclusions confirmed John Snow’s assessment of the outbreak’s cause.

Physics

The start of the school year was marked by the arrival of our new Physics Technician, Mr Joel Day. With an Astrophysics degree from the University of St Andrews, a keen interest in both the technological and performing aspects of music, and a passion for technical tinkering and construction, Mr Day has been an invaluable addition to our department.

Throughout the year, Mr Day has employed innovative methods to provide illuminating classroom demonstrations, contributed to explanations, and assisted pupils with their experimental work. His expertise has been put to the test by our students’ diverse investigations for their Extended Essays and Internal Assessments in the IB Diploma Programme. These projects have included the dynamics of vacuum bazookas, the effect of club loft on golf ball spin, innovative techniques to measure rotational inertia, the impact of frequency on

electromagnetic induction, power vs efficiency in electric motors, the influence of meteor mass on impact craters, and the determination of the dynamic viscosity of water. This year also saw the introduction of the updated IB Physics course. New topics include expanded coverage of the laws of thermodynamics, with practical applications for engines and heat pumps; the wonders of rotational dynamics, relevant to spinning and toppling objects; and special relativity, which delves into the nature of space and time and the mind-bending paradoxes within.

“This

year, we achieved a record 65 awards across the Senior School, including ten Gold recognitions.”

We have also expanded our participation in the British Physics Olympiad’s suite of challenging competitions, now offering opportunities for students as young as Year 7. This year, we achieved a record 65 awards across the Senior School, including ten Gold recognitions. Heartiest congratulations to Jil Reppenhagen, Felix Schultz-Süchting, Matylda Karolewska, Ting Duncan, Fletcher Smith, Julien Hannouche, Alastair MacFadyen, Hamish Hume Smith, and Sarah McCormac.

Patrick Smith Head of Physics

Chemistry

The Chemistry department at St Leonards continues to be a hub of activity, creativity, and academic excellence. This success is driven by the unwavering commitment of our staff and the remarkable students we teach.

In August, we launched our Junior STEM Club, offering an array of fun challenges and practical experiments to promote STEM-related subjects and careers. Word quickly spread about this exciting new club, leading to its expansion to include both Junior and Senior pupils. Challenges included ‘Desert Island Survival’, an Easter egg zip wire, building a Ferris wheel, and balloon rockets.

The popularity of the STEM Club at St Leonards soon extended into the local community, giving rise to STEM Saturdays. Over four weeks in March, local primary school children, along with some of our own students, were introduced to the magical world of ‘Witchcraft and Wizardry,’ potions, magical creatures, levitation, and invisibility cloaks. This initiative was such a resounding success that we plan to continue this outreach work next year and further develop our links with the local community.

In December, Year 8 students visited the University of Dundee to attend the Royal Society of Chemistry’s

Christmas Lectures. These lectures were truly inspirational, featuring interactive demonstrations in medicinal chemistry and drug design. Also in December, we competed in the first round of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Top of the Bench competition at the University of St Andrews. A team of four students - Matylda Karolewska (Year 11), Hung Nguyen (Year 10), Eileen Page (Year 10), and George Crook (Year 9)represented St Leonards. The students were outstanding, completing all the challenges with flair and skill, and successfully qualified for the Tayside Regional Finals. The finals took place in January, where the team excelled, finishing as runners-up for 2024.

“It was

inspiring to see the students rise to these challenges, developing their teamwork skills and enhancing their scientific knowledge.”

January also saw our Year 12 Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme students complete their Collaborative Project. This full day of 13 academic challenges across all the sciences required students to work as a team and make a formal presentation at the end of the day. The day was intense, highly pressured, but immensely rewarding. It was inspiring to see the students rise to these challenges, developing their teamwork skills and enhancing their scientific knowledge. Finally, I would like to welcome two new members of staff. We are delighted to have Dr Sara Tedesco return to us this year, bringing her enthusiasm and experience. We are also honoured to welcome Mr Harry Burrows, our new laboratory technician, into the St Leonards community. Here’s to continued success in the forthcoming academic year.

Beverley Hood Head of Chemistry

Biology

The 2023-24 academic year has been an exciting and enriching journey for all Biology students at St Leonards. From classroom learning to immersive fieldwork and inspiring lectures, our students have delved deeply into the wonders of biological sciences.

Blencathra Field Trip

In May, students embarked on a pivotal field trip to the Blencathra Field Station in the Lake District. This trip was essential for completing their Ecology Practicals. They sampled river and hillside ecosystems and used the markrelease-recapture method to estimate snail populations, bringing textbook concepts to life. A highlight was the early morning ascent of Blencathra, one of the Cumbrian Mountains, by a group of dedicated students, showcasing their enthusiasm and commitment to the subject.

These experiences in the field and through academic lectures have significantly enriched our students’ understanding of biology. They have fostered a deeper appreciation for the complexities of natural ecosystems and global health issues.

As we reflect on this year, we celebrate the curiosity, dedication, and hard work of our Biology students. Their achievements are a testament to their passion for science and the supportive learning environment at St Leonards. We look forward to their future accomplishments and the continued pursuit of knowledge and discovery.

Emma Coyle Acting Head of Biology

International Women’s Day Lecture

Students attended several enlightening lectures throughout the year. For International Women’s Day, our pupils visited the University of St Andrews for a fascinating lecture on the evolution of spiders on the Hawaiian Islands.

University of Edinburgh Christmas Lecture

A number of enthusiastic students attended a trip to the University of Edinburgh for the Christmas Lecture. The lecture focused on the importance of operating theatres in developing countries, emphasising global health challenges and the critical role of medical infrastructure.

Blencathra Field Trip

Early in the first term, we embarked on our annual ESS fieldwork trip to a new venue: Blencathra Field Centre in the Lake District. Nestled in a beautiful valley, pupils were able to investigate a variety of environments, including a local stream. They engaged in hands-on activities, catching, measuring, and analysing their findings.

As another busy year in the Geography and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) department draws to a close, we reflect on a year filled with exciting opportunities and memorable trips.

Geography

Trip to Iceland

At the start of the Easter holidays, a group of pupils headed to Iceland, where they were treated to stunning scenery and experiences from Mother Nature. The weather was glorious, and as a result, every waterfall came with rainbows, and the night sky revealed the Northern Lights. Pupils walked through Thingvellir National Park to observe the drifting continental plates, took a dip in a naturally heated lagoon, hiked a glacier, visited Reykjavik city centre, and toured a dairy farm. It was a truly memorable trip!

Trip to Blackpool & Malham

At the end of April, Year 9 pupils headed to Blackpool and Malham for a fantastic trip to enhance their fieldwork skills. They experienced a different type of coastal town and the stunning limestone scenery of the Yorkshire Dales Country Park. The trip included a visit to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, where they enjoyed the thrills of a theme park, followed by the tranquillity of waterfalls in the evening.

Climate Change Conference

In May, Year 12 pupils were invited to a conference titled ‘Acting on Climate Change: Policy, Rights and Net Zero’. They spent the day learning about the changes being made at the University of St Andrews to achieve carbon neutrality. They discovered how climate change and climate rights impact various industries and heard how Scotland’s parliament created the 2009 Climate Change Bill. The day was fascinating and thoughtprovoking, providing pupils with real-life applications of the topics they were studying.

Jill White Head of Geography & ESS

History

The History department began the year on a high note, celebrating outstanding student achievements in both IGCSE and IBDP History, with our cohort achieving St Leonards’ highest-ever results. Special congratulations go to Samuel Gosmore for securing a place at the University of Oxford to read History. As new chapters begin, we welcomed a bustling new Year 12 intake and an enthusiastic Year 13 group, setting the stage for a dynamic year filled with enriching experiences both in and out of the classroom.

Trip to Berlin

In December, our IBDP students embarked on a trip to Berlin, a city rich in historical significance, particularly for our Cold War studies. The students’ reflections best capture the essence of this trip: “I consider the Berlin Trip to have been one of my favourite experiences throughout my time in the IB. The Berlin trip itself was incredibly busy, in the best way. We arrived and immediately began making the most of our time there, visiting monuments, locations, museums and memorials and (unsurprisingly) getting excited when we came across places and names we were already familiar with. Of course, there were things we had not previously come across in our teaching (or at least not in depth) due to the limited time we have in the classroom, but which ended up being some of my favourite parts of the trip. For those less in love with learning about the past, some of these may sound very heavy but I loved every minute. We got to explore the Cold War bunkers underneath Berlin (with an amazingly talented guide who transported us back to the Cold War and gave us his own critical opinion on the true purpose of these bunkers), got toured around the Stasi Prison Museum where the Nazis perfected psychological torture, visited Sachsenhausen memorial - a truly humbling and grounding experience, and had a Virtual Reality tour of East Berlin in the 1980s from Checkpoint Charlie. Mr Kell, worked incredibly hard to make this trip as unforgettable as it was and I do not see any way he could have made it better. It was incredibly well-rounded and incorporated aspects of all of Berlin into it, along with the generous free time we were given to explore on our own. This was a hugely impactful trip for me and made coming back to School to learn about the things we experienced all the more interesting and important.”

Ailsa

White (Year 13)

Scotland’s Secret Bunker

While the Berlin trip was a Christmas highlight, the Year 12 students also enjoyed a summer visit to one of our local gems, Scotland’s Secret Bunker. Built in 1953 in response to the threat of nuclear war, this underground facility provided a fascinating private tour of the Nuclear Command Centre, located 100 feet beneath an unsuspecting farmhouse in Fife.

IB History is known for its rigour, and incorporating experiential learning into this course significantly enriches the student experience. Our IB curriculum spans multiple continents and social groups, covering a diverse range of historical events and perspectives. The IGCSE course has expanded to include studies across three continents, including the Russian Revolution.

In the MYP, we encourage diverse assessment formats to develop critical skills. Year 7 students have become WW1 newspaper editors and filmmakers, highlighting significant female historical figures. Year 8 visited St Andrews Museum to learn source evaluation fundamentals, explored our 500-yearold library, and studied artefacts from Ancient Rome and Carthage. Year 9 examined the impact of technological innovation

on societies and studied Black History, focusing on the role of popular music in driving social change. The History department aims to cultivate international mindedness and cultural diversity, encouraging students to learn about their own roots and those of other cultures. We emphasise critical thinking and scepticism about presented evidence, essential skills for young minds. I extend my gratitude to my department colleagues for their dedication to our dynamic curriculum: Mrs Greenwood, Mrs Adrain, Dr Sutton, Mr McLeish, and Mrs Ferguson. Special thanks to Mr David McLeish and Mrs Lynsey Ferguson, who are sadly leaving us. We wish them every success in their future endeavours.

Damian Kell Head of History

Modern Languages

As the academic year 2023-2024 draws to a close, we are delighted to highlight the remarkable achievements of our students and staff in the field of languages. This year has demonstrated our community’s dedication to linguistic excellence and cultural exploration, embodying the IB Learner Profile attributes of being Inquirers, Communicators, and Open-minded Thinkers.

Year 7 Triumph at the French Institute Concours de la Francophonie

Our Year 7 students made us proud by winning the prestigious French Institute Concours de la Francophonie. They created an impressive video on the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, showcasing their linguistic skills, creativity, and collaborative spirit. This achievement highlights their effective communication and innovative thinking, embodying the IB attributes of being Risk-takers and Thinkers

Year 13 Immersion Ciné-scolaire Day at the French Institute

Year 13 French Language pupils enjoyed a deeply enriching experience at the French Institute in Edinburgh. In a comprehensive workshop, they engaged in discussions on media conflicts, political landscapes, and the dynamics of the French banlieues. The highlight was an inspiring screening of ‘Les Promesses’, a film by Thomas Kruithof. Tied to the IB themes of Organisation Sociale and Ingéniosité Humaine, the film explored political intricacies, life in the French suburbs, and the transformative influence of modern media. This experience, along with the evolving French political landscape, provides ongoing opportunities for our pupils to develop critical thinking and deepen their understanding of the French organisation sociale.

Languages Day at the University of St Andrews

Our Year 11, Pre-IB, and Year 12 students participated in Languages Day at the University of St Andrews. They sampled various languages, including French, Spanish, German, and Arabic, in an immersive environment that fostered their curiosity and love for learning. Engaging beyond the classroom encouraged them to become openminded and reflective, appreciating diverse perspectives and cultural nuances. They attended academic lectures such as ‘Russia’s Lost Detectives’ by Dr Claire Whitehead and ‘Dante’s Afterlives’ by Dr Robert Wilson, fully participating and asking pertinent questions.

Teacher Training for DELF Examiner Certification

Our commitment to excellence in language education extends to our dedicated staff. This year, several staff members became certified DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) examiners. This certification allows them to assess and certify students’ French proficiency according to internationally recognised standards. The training enhances our teachers’ professional development and ensures our students receive the highest quality of language instruction, aligning with the IB attributes of being Knowledgeable and Principled.

The achievements this year underscore the vibrant language learning culture at our School. Our students’ and staff’s accomplishments reflect their dedication, curiosity, and passion for languages. These milestones are not just individual successes but a collective celebration of our community’s commitment to fostering global citizens who are inquirers, communicators, and open-minded thinkers. As we look forward to another year, we remain committed to nurturing these attributes and continuing our journey of linguistic and cultural exploration.

Nora Gannon Head of

Languages B Years 10-13

As the academic year 2023-2024 draws to a close, students at St Leonards have explored significant global events through the lens of economics, particularly noting the eventfulness of the past five years.

Economics

The Coronavirus Pandemic was a massive shock to the global economy, causing UK GDP to fall by 9.1% in 2020. In a November exam, students explained how the pandemic led to a microchip shortage. As sales of computers surged and demand for data-streaming spiked due to increased video conferencing, the production of microchips was diverted towards these high-demand areas. This left car manufacturers with a critical shortage of microchips, essential components in modern vehicles. Consequently, many car factories had to temporarily shut down, creating a scarcity in the car market and leading to a significant increase in car prices.

The war in Ukraine had profound economic repercussions, contributing to a cost of living crisis. Energy and food prices surged as Europe’s reliance on Russian gas and Ukraine’s role as a key agricultural

The GCSE Computer Science course has seen strong and enthusiastic participation over the past year, with student numbers continuing to grow. Notably, we now have an equal number of girls and boys, a rare achievement in this subject.

Despite the recent hype surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models for coding, it remains essential for students to understand the fundamentals of computing and learn how to design and structure code. The GCSE course continues to provide this critical foundation.

The Year 9 ICT Design

producer became evident. UK inflation peaked at 11% in 2022. In an April exam, students analysed government responses to the crisis: Was reducing taxes on petrol sensible? Should the government have heavily subsidised household energy bills?

Global trade issues have also been prominent over the last five years. The UK left the EU customs union and single market on 31 December 2020. Year 13 Economics students focused extensively on trade, understanding the implications of customs unions, and weighing the positives and negatives of being part of such unions. They debated whether frictionless trade with the EU outweighs the ability to form trade deals with other nations.

The UK has long struggled with infrastructure investment, exemplified by the ongoing issues with the High Speed 2 (HS2) Railway Line, now only extending from London to Birmingham instead of Manchester. Rising house prices over the last decade also reflect a lack of investment.

In contrast, the University of Glasgow has made significant strides in infrastructure, recently opening the new Adam Smith Business School Building at a cost of £85 million.

On Monday, 10 June, a group of Year 12 Economics students visited this new facility. They learned about the roles of economists in the Scottish government and other professions. They also attended the Royal Economic Society Annual Public Lecture by Professor Jane Humphries, who discussed the neglect of unpaid caring and household labour in national output calculations. The exploration of these significant events has provided our students with a deeper understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications. As we look forward to the next academic year, we remain committed to equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to analyse and navigate the complexities of the global economy.

Pablo Funcasta Head of Economics

module plays a pivotal role in introducing most students to coding for the first time, offering a valuable experience in the creative aspects of technology. The students have produced excellent websites with strong technical foundations. Additionally, the Coding Club boasts a group of enthusiastic and competent programmers from Year 7. They have made significant progress with various technologies, including block-based coding to explore AI principles and create games, and utilising BBC micro:bits to control robot vehicles.

Computer Science

Gus Ferguson Teacher of Computer Science

Business Management

This past year, Business Management students benefited from a range of engaging activities, including guest lectures, class activities, and presentations. Here are some highlights:

Future Assets Investment Competition

Six girls from Year 12 and Year 13 were selected to participate in the Future Asset’s Investment Competition. They worked with an investment professional ‘Competition Coach’ to pitch a company with great investment potential, choosing Hotel Chocolat as their company. They worked extremely hard on developing their report, which included a presentation and an elevator pitch.

Entrepreneur Talk

Enterprise Challenge

Four Business Management pupils participated in the Inter-School Enterprise Challenge hosted at Glenalmond College. The students had to present a viable plan for the acquisition of a church in Glasgow. They formulated an outstanding presentation and were highly praised by the panel of judges, winning second prize and best presentation. It was a proud moment for these future entrepreneurs!

Mr John Clarke, OBE, delivered an insightful lecture to the Business Management students, sharing the ups and downs of starting one’s own business. He recounted his personal journey to success, highlighting the challenges he faced and the perseverance required to overcome them. Mr Clarke offered valuable advice for the students’ future endeavours, emphasising the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning in the everevolving business landscape.

Paula Prudencio-Aponte Teacher of Business Management

St Leonards Enterprise Programme

This year, seven companies participated in the St Leonards Enterprise Programme (STEP), a popular after-school activity for Year 12 students designed to develop entrepreneurial skills. Throughout the

Sonder

Best Presentation (Fluffy Blankets and MUN Hoodies)

programme, students diligently worked to create their own companies, develop products, market them, and ultimately sell them, with a percentage of their profits going to charity. The companies produced a diverse range

Best Product Idea or Concept (Handmade Bookmarks)

of items, including crochet figurines, handmade bookmarks, socks, blankets, phone wallets, hand warmers, and stickers.

The programme culminated in an end-

of-year competition, which focused on the overall experience of the companies. It assessed not only profit but also teamwork, creativity, decision-making, approach to challenges, and interpersonal skills.

Best Marketing and Social Media Presence (Fluffy Socks) Hooked

Company of the Year (Handmade Crochet Items)

Guzel

Cozys

Skills Scotland

Our IBCP students attended Skills Scotland, a large-scale skills, career, and apprenticeship event at P&J Live in Aberdeen. The employment showcase is designed to give pupils exposure to the type of opportunities available to them beyond school. Following the event, our pupils enjoyed a guided tour of the University of Aberdeen, led by St Leonards Seniors, Millie and Andrew.

IB Career-related Programme

Our IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) students have had an outstanding year filled with enriching experiences - take a look at some of the highlights below!

Masquerade Ball

A standout highlight for our Year 13 IBCP students was their Masquerade Ball, a key project for their BTEC National Diploma in Business (Level 3). They spent nearly a year planning this enchanting evening for the entire Sixth Form, featuring dancing, exquisite food, and a sash ceremony. The Ball aimed to raise funds for Deaf Action, a charity especially meaningful to the Year 13 students, who had learned British Sign Language in their Language Development course. The event was a tremendous success, raising £1,228, which they proudly presented to Richard MacQueen from Deaf Action.

Career-related Programme Dinner

Our Year 12 IBCP students hosted their annual IBCP dinner, meticulously planning every detail. The Yurt was beautifully transformed with a festive Christmas theme, and Restaurant 1877 provided a delightful meal. Guests included Year 13 IBCP pupils, their teachers, Heads of Years, and Headmaster Mr Brian. Entertainment was provided by Violet Harus, who performed Christmas songs on her saxophone. The evening concluded with speeches from two students, reflecting on their IBCP experience. The event showcased the students’ exceptional leadership, organisational, and teamwork skills, ensuring a memorable evening for all attendees.

Inspirational Talk

Our IBCP students were privileged to hear from renowned chef and CEO, Dean Banks. He shared his inspiring journey from leaving school at 15 to working in Michelinstarred restaurants, reaching the finals of MasterChef, and ultimately owning six restaurants and two other businesses. The students were deeply engaged, asking numerous questions and leaving inspired by his story.

Events Management Workshop

Year 12 and 13 IBCP students participated in an Events Management workshop hosted by Claire Reid-Warrilow from Glion and Les Roches Universities in Switzerland. The students rose to the challenge, creating and presenting a comprehensive event plan in less than 45 minutes. The winning team, Isabella Stamper and Carlota Trueba, presented a clear, structured, and viable plan. All teams delivered excellent presentations and thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.

Paula Prudencio-Aponte

BTEC Coordinator & Teacher of Business Management

Psychology

As another busy school year draws to a close, it is a perfect moment to reflect on the past 12 months in the Psychology Department.

This year brought significant changes. We bid farewell to Ms Rachael Cave, our previous Psychology teacher, midway through the academic year. Ms Cave’s efforts over the years have significantly increased interest in Psychology at our School, leading to 40 Sixth Form students enrolling in the subject this year. Ms Cave will be missed, and we wish her all the best at her new school. I am delighted to have started teaching Psychology at St Leonards this January, and I am already greatly impressed by our students’ passion for psychology and their dedication to

learning. Special academic recognition this year must go to Charlotte Kizmann for achieving the highest grade in the Year 12 Psychology exams with an outstanding 93%! Additionally, congratulations to Kathryn Walmsley, this year’s recipient of the Year 13 Psychology Prize for her exceptional achievement and commitment to the subject. It has been a pleasure teaching Year 13, even for only a few months, and I wish them all the best for their exam results and future endeavours.

One of the most significant benefits of understanding psychology is its potential to positively impact the

global community. Many students pursue psychology out of a desire to better understand and help others. By delving into this field, we become more reflective, empathetic, and inclusive individuals - traits that are crucial for personal and societal growth. I am excited about the upcoming academic year and the opportunity to further develop the study of Psychology at St Leonards, growing a student body with an understanding of the diversity of human minds and behaviour.

Dr Catherine Grainger Teacher of Psychology

“One of the most significant benefits of understanding psychology is its potential to positively impact the global community. ”

Exploring the Brain

In the Spring and Summer Term, we studied some introductory neuroscience as part of our Psychology course. Among the highlights were creating 3D brain models using ping pong balls and mapping our neural connections with strawberry laces. We gained insights into how the brain functions and its remarkable ability to rewire itself based on new experiences.

Student Reflection

Psychology is a new subject for most students in the Sixth Form. Below, Year 12 student Jamie Barker reflects on his first year studying the subject:

“Although I had never considered studying the subject of Psychology, here we are… I now love the subject. Although it was not my original intention to take Psychology, it has now become one of my favourite subjects. I take it at Standard Level and it broadens your mind about how our brain works. So far we have learnt about psychology from a cognitive, biological, and socio-cultural approach. I have enjoyed learning about all the psychological studies that have been conducted as well as creating an investigation into cognitive biases as part of my Internal Assessment (IA) for Psychology. It is a subject that I would recommend to anybody, whether you are more interested in science or in arts, and it has certainly benefited my understanding of other subjects.”

Jamie Barker, Year 12

Philosophy

This year has seen the development of new Philosophy and Pre-TOK courses for Year 10 and 11, along with a new interdisciplinary critical thinking course for Year 7. The idea behind these courses is to introduce critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills by having students explore questions that go beyond the curriculum.

These questions are not about preparing for practical exams or summative assessments, but about learning for the sake of learning, to develop the students’ ability to think flexibly and beyond subject and textbook boundaries. There is a practical application as well, with these underlying skills being useful across all other subjects, as well as preparing students cognitively for Theory of Knowledge (TOK) in the IBDP and Ethics in the IBCP.

In this context, the Year 7 ‘Knowledge Quest’ course began this year. The intention was to impact how young people think right from the beginning of their Senior School experience and expose them to challenging thoughts and scenarios that they would not otherwise cover. The course encourages looking at things through different lenses and learning how to imagine different possibilities. Year 7, our early adopters, embarked on two key units, both based on MYP Global Contexts. The first was ‘Orientation in Space and Time’, which unlocked

reflections on maps through the ages and what they represent in terms of space and knowledge. Students explored how we measure time, created their own time-measuring machines, pondered how space and time have been conceptualised, and reflected on what objects best represent them at this point in time. Our second unit was based on the MYP Global Context ‘Scientific and Technical Innovation’. This unit took us in the direction of AI and Robots, considering the Ethics of AI, such as whether AI robots have rights or whether we should use them like slaves. Students also considered the boundaries of ethical AI use and the role AI already plays in our lives.

Year 10 began by looking at the big questions that philosophers have asked through the ages, including what it means to be human by examining the philosophy of identity through the lens of the book ‘Sophie’s World’. Another unit involved reflecting on ‘Free Will and Determinism’, with students realising that our perception of free will can be perhaps

exaggerated in our current society. Year 11 students, having opportunities to exercise their political vote at 16 years old, began with a study of political philosophy. They considered different ways to govern a country, debated the positives and negatives of capitalism and democracy, and pondered our responsibilities as citizens within a democratic society. This was followed by a more tailored introduction to Theory of Knowledge, considering how we produce knowledge as well as the ethical dimensions of knowledge production, which feeds into the IBCP as well as the IBDP. As well as these courses addressing the dictum ‘The unexamined life is not worth living,’ the development of critical and flexible thinking skills is something

that students will need in all future studies, as well as in life beyond their education. I am delighted to have introduced these new courses, which will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our fast-changing world and the future, where current professions are likely to become extinct. In a world that is becoming more intertwined with AI, young people not only need to reflect on how best to use technology but also need to lean into and reflect on their humanity in order to shine at their brightest. It was interesting to see that ‘Artificial Intelligence Ethicist’ was recently named by the BBC as a top ‘job of the future’ for current school children, and it is very exciting to know that, here at St Leonards, we are already studying it!

Damian Kell Theory of Knowledge & Academic Enrichment Coordinator

KQ: Do artificial intelligence robots have rights?

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

This year, the EAL & English B Department has been enhanced with new staff members. The team, led by Mrs Nicola Greener, includes Mrs Rose Finley and Miss Catherine Gratwick. As an International Baccalaureate School with 32 nationalities represented, it is vital that both English and mother-tongue languages are recognised, respected, celebrated, and integrated within the teaching of every subject across the School.

The dynamic EAL & English B Department has introduced several new initiatives to support our bilingual and multilingual students in their language learning journey. One significant addition is the Oxford Placement Testing, which provides students with an internationally recognised qualification. This helps with curriculum accessibility and offers evidence of English language proficiency for future educational steps. We have also implemented clear and precise programmes of study, allowing students to know what to expect each term and to review class materials and resources. Vocabulary-building booklets and teaching strategies have also been developed to enhance the academic language our students use and understand. Additionally, staff training has focused on creating a multilingual classroom that is inclusive and values cultural diversity.

Team-building skills are essential in a positive learning environment, and the EAL & English B Department ensures that students work together to form effective and lasting relationships.

Confidence in presenting in English is part of the IB philosophy, with the Learner Profile Attribute of Communication at its core. EAL provides these foundations from which students can grow in every subject area.

The EAL & English B team is dedicated to supporting the bilingual and multilingual community at St Leonards. With an open-minded approach, we encourage the individual talents of our students to help them succeed. We look forward to the next academic year, when we will once again warmly welcome and nurture all bilingual and multilingual students and their families.

Nicola Greener Head of English B and EAL

Queen Mary’s Library

Queen Mary’s Library (QML) is a 21st-century library housed in a magnificent 16th-century building. Its interconnecting rooms accommodate class and group work, in addition to independent study.

On the ground floor is The Vaults, an inviting, informal space full of sofas and comfortable chairs to relax, read, and study. Always a popular spot, this area houses our fiction collections in all languages. Pupils and staff can browse the shelves by genre or take inspiration from our Reading Lists

or Bookflix noticeboard.

Grab a book, find a sofa, blanket, and cushion, and spend a relaxing period letting your mind wander through the pages. If an eBook or eAudio book is more to your liking, these can be accessed via our QML website or the app. Our eBook collection can be translated into

over 150 languages with grammatical workup and text-to-audio features.

Upstairs is our beautifully designed library by Sir Robert Lorimer, providing plenty of study space. Pupils are supported by a collection of print resources, and online collections are accessed

This year, QML has been a hub of activity, hosting numerous events and initiatives that have enriched the learning experience for our students.

Year 8 History Summative Assessment

Year 8 historians honed their detective skills for their Summative Assessment by studying artefacts like the Crookston Dollar from our heritage collection, learning what these objects can tell us about the past.

World Book Day

World Book Day uncovered the secret reading habits of both pupils and staff as we created our own ‘I’m Reading’ posters. We also all wore our World Book Day badges proudly!

Ms. Tawse is reading... Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

via the QML website. The library is open in the evening and also on weekends during exam time for study. From History IAs to TOK essays, QML is the place to gain inspiration!

Angela Tawse Librarian

Reading Champions

Our Year 8 and Year 9 pupils read voraciously this year, and some managed to earn a coveted QML Reading badge for completing various Reading Challenges such as Genre, Series, and Classic.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Referencing & Research

Year 12 students prepared for their Extended Essays and Reflective Projects by mastering the art of citing and referencing, realising there is more to life than Google! The QML website offered tips and tricks for research and referencing.

CrookstonDollar

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We also offer premium long-term rental options, providing comfortable, stylish accommodations that feel like home during your stay in St Andrews. Our trusted team understands the unique needs of our clients, delivering personalised service and flexible solutions to help you find the perfect home away from home.

Academic Enrichment Lecture Series

The Autumn Term kicked off with a lecture by our Head, Simon Brian, on the Explosion of Languages. This engaging start was followed by Deputy Head (Academic), Will Gaisford, who explored the intersection between literature and science. Dr Gerald Prescott from the University of St Andrews then provided an insightful introduction to university life.

As the academic year progressed, Professor Frank Gunn-Moore from the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, delivered a captivating lecture on using the sciences to tackle dementia. He drew on his groundbreaking research and advocated for the interdisciplinary study promoted by our IB programmes. John Davie, a published author and former Head of Classics at St Paul’s, introduced pupils to the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Professor Tom Harrison from the British Museum offered a thought-

“How do you use all the sciences to tackle dementia?”

- Frank Gunn-Moore

St Leonards is fortunate to have a pupil body full of intellectual curiosity and to be located near a world-class university. This proximity and thirst for knowledge inspired us to launch a series of Academic Enrichment lectures, open to all year groups, parents, and the wider St Leonards community. These lectures were designed to extend thinking beyond the curriculum and to give pupils a taste of the intellectual world of university.

provoking discussion on the politics of returning artefacts. Appropriately, in an election year, Dr Vicki Sutton, our Head of Bishopshall, concluded the series with an exploration of global politics.

Our speakers praised the intelligent questions posed by our pupils. We are deeply grateful for the time and insights they shared, which left a lasting impact on our pupils, broadening their horizons and deepening their understanding.

Will Gaisford Deputy Head (Academic)

Model United Nations Conference

St Leonards was delighted to host its very first Model United Nations (MUN) Conference from Friday, 1 March to Sunday, 3 March 2024. We welcomed pupils from across the UK and beyond for a weekend of debate on our historic campus.

The theme of our inaugural conference was ‘Combating Social and Political Polarisation to Advance International Cooperation’. We were honoured to have Helen Walker-Fleming, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Croatia, and John Edward, Head of Operations at the Scottish Council of Global Affairs, deliver inspiring talks during the Opening Ceremony.

The event featured debates on global issues across seven different committees, fostering pupil friendships and honing students’ communication and teamwork skills. The weekend also included sunrise walks, a lively ceilidh,

and a disco, giving all attendees a genuine sense of St Leonards in action.

Inspired by our memorable trip to the Model United Nations Conference in Greece in 2023, we aimed to bring that magic home to Scotland. Our students were well-prepared to take on leadership roles, with Thomas Rowlands in Year 12 as Secretary General and Madeleine Metz in Year 13 as President of the General Assembly. The other committee chairs, who had diligently written the study guides, led their committees with great skill. Our website developer, Thomas Mifsud in Year 12, played an unforgettable role, and past pupils who returned to chair

Inspired by our memorable trip to the Model United Nations Conference in Greece in 2023, we aimed to bring that magic home to Scotland.

added significantly to the occasion. Bernat Tortajada, who previously chaired our society and led MUN at the University of Aberdeen, praised our event as superior to a recent one he attended with 1,200 delegates in London.

We welcomed visiting schools from Scotland and beyond, including our furthest visitors from Prague. Schools including Madras, Albyn, Loretto, Glenalmond, Strathallan, Robert Gordon’s College, and Sunny Canadian (Prague) participated, with Strathallan awarded Best Country for their representation of Sierra Leone.

Delegates honed MUN skills such as critical thinking, analysis, open-mindedness, and communication, all while making brilliant memories. Each committee had its fair share of fun and memorable moments, from GA1 introducing a social credit system and robot police to GA3’s co-chair passionately reading out gossip for a minifilm. The bromance of Brazil and Sierra Leone delegates was a highlight, and the debates, amendments, and negotiations were vigorous and insightful. One delegate remarked that he enjoyed the experience much more than he had expected!

The success of the conference was a collective effort, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Estates Department, the School Office, the Marketing Department, the Boarding House Team, the IT Department, our Parents Association, and our St Leonards Enterprise Programme (STEP) pupils for their invaluable support.

The MUN Society continues to meet every Monday and Tuesday, with a planned trip for 10 students to visit George Watson’s College on Saturday, 14 September. Our MUN chairs will also have the opportunity to become Debating Judges for the St Andrews Debating Competition, hosted at our School next term. We are also excited about a potential trip to Rome in February 2025 for another MUN Conference in a classical city.

Mark your calendars for our next home conference as part of our 150th anniversary in 2027. If you are interested in joining/sponsoring our winning team, please get in touch.

Vanessa Samuel Teacher of English

At St Leonards, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. This belief was powerfully demonstrated when a group of pupils in Year 12, along with staff, embarked on an extraordinary challenge: running 680 miles from Paris to St Andrews in just six days. This was no ordinary run - it was a journey of endurance, friendship, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Eric Liddell 100: A Journey from Paris to St Andrews

The adventure began with a flight to Paris, filled with excitement and anticipation. The goal was to run in relay teams from the heart of Paris all the way to St Andrews, commemorating the centenary of Eric Liddell’s gold medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Each day, we covered substantial distances, spending our nights in campervans that quickly became our mobile homes. Despite the physical demands, the shared sense of purpose and camaraderie kept our spirits high. Our support team played a crucial role, ensuring we were well-nourished and motivated, allowing us to focus on the journey ahead.

But this challenge was not just about running - it was about raising funds for three remarkable charities: Mary’s Meals, Personal Best Foundation, and The Eric Liddell Community. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have raised over £24,000 (and counting!), which will provide meals for school children, support sports development programmes, and assist those living with dementia.

One of the most poignant moments of the trip was the service held at St Mary’s Church in Cambridge. As the organ played the iconic music from Chariots of Fire, there was not a dry

“The Eric Liddell run was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The perseverance that I gained will stay with me probably for the rest of my life. I will never forget the relationships I formed with those around me and the feeling of being part of a cause that was so much bigger than myself. Just knowing that my efforts were going towards improving the lives of others was so rewarding and inspired me to think more empathetically. I will take forward the skills I learnt over those 680 miles to university and beyond.” - Maya Turton-Pheby

“The Eric Liddell 100 run was an opportunity like no other. I was incredibly lucky to be part of such an inspiring project where many great memories were made and lasting friendships were formed. Looking back on the run, it was challenging at times and tested me both mentally and physically, especially the 2.00am starts! It was extremely rewarding to do this, and I feel the run has made a lasting impact on many. I hope it has inspired people to try something new and try something scary like we all did when setting off on the 680-mile run from Paris back to St Andrews.” - Paddy Pennycook

“To have been a part of this hugely successful CAS project was both an honour and a challenge. The event was a year in the making: countless teams and students from both schools taking the initiative to plan events, send emails, reach out to sponsors and get everyone involved. I often struggled with time management and the pressure of the scale of the event but this gave me ample opportunity to grow my communication, leadership and organisational skills. The EL100 project definitely embodies the IB Learner Profile and I hope that future year groups can be a part of something like this too. It was truly lifechanging.” -

Madeleine Fleetham

eye in the church. This moment of reflection reminded us of the historical significance of our run and fueled our determination to reach the finish line. Throughout the 680-mile journey, we were deeply moved by the kindness and support we received from strangers, friends, and colleagues, which motivated us to keep going.

The culmination of our journey was nothing short of fantastic. We arrived in St Andrews at 6.00am, our spirits lifted by the sense of accomplishment and the warm welcome we received, including a hearty breakfast provided by our Head, Mr Simon Brian. The final leg of our run took place at the local parkrun where we were greeted with applause from the local community, teachers, parents, and students. The following day, we participated in the annual 5k Chariots of Fire run on the beautiful West Sands beach in St Andrews.

Running along the sand to the sound of bagpipes, where the famous scene from Chariots of Fire was filmed, was a fitting tribute to Eric Liddell and his devotion to service.

This journey was more than just a physical challenge; it was an event that highlighted the resilience and dedication of our students. It showed the power of sport to bring people together, to challenge and inspire, and to make a positive impact. Our pupils learned firsthand what can be achieved when passion, community, and purpose come together.

Imogen Mowbray Teacher of English

PARIS

ST ANDREWS

In May 2024, we were delighted to learn that St Leonards had won the prestigious Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) Best Community Award in the ‘On Board’ Initiative category.

Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) Award Winner

This accolade recognised our pupils’ exceptional initiative in community engagement and service, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Eric Liddell’s Olympic victory. Their efforts extended beyond mere remembrance, actively inspiring and strengthening community connections.

In the lead-up to the challenging 680mile relay from Paris to St Andrews, our pupils engaged in a variety of community initiatives designed to immerse themselves and others in meaningful service. On Wednesday, 21 February, three of our Year 12 pupils, accompanied by our Senior Deputy Head, Mrs Dawn Pemberton-Hislop, travelled to London to meet with several interested parties, seeking sponsorship and support for their ambitious project.

On Saturday, 2 March, we had the honour of hosting Reverend Colin Chambers, who delivered a profoundly inspirational talk about his experiences working with Nelson Mandela and the unification of South Africa. This fundraising event was well-attended and sparked deep discussions on significant historical and social issues.

During the relay, several events were organised to bring the community together. These included a film screening and narration at Scots Kirk Church in Paris, a celebration of Eric Liddell’s life at Great St Mary’s, the University Church in Cambridge, and a closing ceremony at St Leonards to reflect on and celebrate the pupils’ achievements.

The 680-mile relay attracted significant media attention, with coverage from The Courier, The Times, South London News, Scottish Field, Fife Today, and Edinburgh and the Lothian’s School Guides. This initiative stood as a testament to how historical inspiration and modern-day action can unite to create meaningful community engagement. Our pupils were not simply recounting history; they were actively shaping it, embodying the principles that Eric Liddell championed. St Leonards is immensely proud to have received the BSA Award, recognising our pupils’ dedication to creating positive change and continuing a legacy of service.

Another memorable event took place on Saturday, 23 March, when the local community gathered in the Music School Auditorium. Our pupils shared their plans for the relay, followed by a short musical performance. The event aimed to raise awareness and encourage attendees to spread the word and donate where possible.

As the relay commenced, our pupils embarked on a rigorous and carefully planned schedule:

Saturday, 25 May 8.00am departure for flight from Edinburgh to Paris for events at the United Kingdom Embassy and Scots Kirk.

Sunday, 26 May 7.00am departure from Champs-Elysees. Midnight ferry crossing, Dieppe to Newhaven.

Monday, 27 May 5.00am departure from Newhaven. Arriving at Eltham College at 5.00pm. Depart for Cambridge at 8.00pm.

Tuesday, 28 May 9.00am arrival in Cambridge. 7.00pm event at Great St Mary’s, the University Church. Depart for Hull at 8.00pm.

Wednesday, 29 May 8.00pm arrival in Hull. Depart for Newcastle at 9.00pm.

Thursday, 30 May 6.00pm arrival in Newcastle. Depart for Edinburgh at 7.00pm.

Friday, 31 May 9.00am arrival in Edinburgh. Events at Eric Liddell Community Centre and French Embassy. Depart for St Andrews at 9.00pm.

Saturday, 1 June 9.00am arrival at Craigtoun Parkrun. Depart for St Andrews West Sands Beach. 7.00pm finishing event at St Leonards School.

Sunday, 2 June 12 noon ‘Chariots of Fire’ Beach Race.

“I am so pleased that our efforts were recognised by the BSA. It was amazing to play a part in this project. I am so grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community.” - Madeleine Fleetham, Year 12

“This award belongs entirely to the pupils of St Leonards, who generously and collaboratively share a passion for service in the wider community. I felt incredibly privileged as Head of St Leonards to accept this award on behalf of such caring and outward-looking young people.” - Simon Brian, Head of St Leonards

Boarding

Boarding at St Leonards is more than just a place to stay; it offers a vibrant environment where students from across the globe immerse themselves in new experiences, pursue their passions, and form deep connections. Each of our boarding houses - St Rule, Bishopshall, and Ollerenshaw - provides a unique experience, yet all share a common goal: to support pupils in their academic, social, and personal development.

In the reflections that follow, you will find insights into the dynamic life of boarding, offering a glimpse into the past year and showcasing the spirit of community and the nurturing environment that make boarding at St Leonards truly special.

St Rule

Serving as Housemistress of St Rule Boarding House for the past five years has been an incredibly rewarding experience. St Rule is a vibrant tapestry of nationalities and cultures, creating a distinctive environment where students from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and form lasting friendships.

Each academic year brings its own blend of new faces and farewells, with students embarking on new adventures as others join our community. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is witnessing the remarkable transformation in these young people.

They arrive with a mix of excitement and apprehension, and it is my privilege to guide them through this crucial stage of their lives.

As Housemistress, I am committed not only to their academic success but also to their emotional wellbeing, ensuring that each pupil feels at home and valued within our community.

“As Housemistress, I am committed not only to their academic success but also to their emotional wellbeing, ensuring that each pupil feels at home and valued within our community.”

The diversity within St Rule Boarding House greatly enriches our daily interactions. Each pupil contributes their unique perspectives, traditions, and experiences, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment. This cultural exchange broadens their horizons and deepens their understanding and appreciation of different worldviews. One of the highlights of our year is celebrating a variety of cultural festivals and traditions together, which strengthens our bonds and enhances our communal life. What brings me the greatest satisfaction is witnessing the growth and progress of our pupils. Over the years, I have seen many evolve from shy, reserved individuals into confident, self-assured young adults. Their academic achievements, personal milestones, and growing confidence are a testament to their hard work and to the supportive environment we nurture at St Rule Boarding House. I take immense pride in being part of their journey, knowing that I have played a role in their development and success.

Being a Housemistress is not without its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh any difficulties. The relationships I have built, the lessons I have learned, and the joy of watching our pupils flourish make this role truly fulfilling. St Rule Boarding House is far more than just a residence; it is a nurturing community where pupils thrive, and I am truly honoured to be a part of it.

Julianne Pennycook Head of Boarding & Housemistress of St Rule

At Bishopshall, and within the wider boarding community at St Leonards, our primary goal is to support the development of the whole child, helping each student to become the very best version of themselves.

Bishopshall

From a pastoral perspective, we nurture our pupils and guide them towards increasing independence, preparing them for life beyond St Leonards. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to get to know each individual pupil, taking the time to understand their families, hobbies, interests, hopes, and dreams.

Academically, our boarding programme works closely with the School to support our pupils in reaching their full potential. This might involve one-to-one sessions to develop detailed and specific study plans or provide a variety of academic support sessions in the library during evenings and weekends. Our goal is to ensure that each pupil has the resources and guidance they need to excel.

Socially, Bishopshall is always buzzing with activity. The Saturday trips organised by Miss Johanna Banks have been extremely popular, with the Edinburgh excursion and

sports outings like Go Ape, Blown Away, and horse riding on the beach as particular favourites. Each weekend offers a social event, whether it is a relaxed evening in the Yurt or a more formal affair like Casino Night. During the week, we keep the energy alive with events like cheese nights, jewellery making, bingo, or karaoke, to name just a few.

Bishopshall truly feels like a family, and as the Housemistress, I consider it a great honour to be welcomed into this closeknit community. I am filled with excitement for the years ahead and look forward to watching generation after generation flourish under our care.

Vicki Sutton Housemistress

of Bishopshall

“One of the things that makes Bishopshall so special is the collaborative and dynamic nature of the house, with girls and staff who support each other like family.”

- Sara Fernandez, Year 12, Head of House

The 2023-2024 academic year at Ollerenshaw Boarding House has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the boys returned in August, we set out with clear goals: to encourage hard work balanced with personal interests, to prioritise wellbeing through proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise, and to foster an environment where communication and kindness are paramount.

Ollerenshaw

The kitchen at Ollerenshaw quickly became the heart of our home, a place where the boys naturally gravitate in the evenings and on weekends. Whether they are teaming up to prepare a meal or simply enjoying a snack together, the kitchen is always filled with laughter, conversation, and the sounds of music playing in the background. It is these moments - seeing the boys bond over shared experiences - that truly capture the spirit of our house.

Outside the kitchen, the boys have embraced a variety of activities to unwind and recharge. Golf, football, tennis, and jogging through the picturesque streets of St Andrews have been favourites. One tradition that has particularly taken hold is the Saturday morning cold water ‘dook’ in the sea. This invigorating dip has become a cherished ritual, with many pupils remarking on how it sets a positive tone for their weekend and boosts their productivity.

On days when the weather kept us indoors, the boys found plenty of ways to stay entertained. From competitive card games and FIFA tournaments to table tennis, pool, and cosy movie nights, there was never a dull moment.

“Ollerenshaw is more than just a boarding house; it is a community where students from all corners of the globe come together and support one another.”

Special mention must go to Mr Sean Pennycook and Miss Johanna Banks, who organised themed socials on the weekends that added a special touch to our communal life, offering everyone a chance to relax and enjoy themselves.

Academically, the boys have shown remarkable dedication, consistently working hard to achieve their goals. The library, with its serene atmosphere, has been a haven during prep time, where many of the boys learned the importance of effective time management and stress reduction through careful planning and organisation.

Ollerenshaw is more than just a boarding house; it is a community where students from all corners of the globe come together and support one another. The seamless integration of new students into our community has been heartening to witness. The boys have not only been supportive of one another but have also grown in their ability to reach out when they need help, creating a network of trust and camaraderie that defines our house.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our exceptional Pupil Leadership Team. Led by the outstanding Head of House, Julian Langer, along with Deputies, Alex Nimmo, Emil Hoffman, and Konstantin Schupp, their leadership has been instrumental in fostering the inclusive and supportive environment that Ollerenshaw is known for.

Being the Housemaster of Ollerenshaw has been both an honour and a privilege. Watching these young men grow, learn, and thrive in such a warm and dynamic community is a reward like no other.

David Blair Housemaster of

Ollerenshaw

Sport

It is my pleasure to introduce the sports section of the 2023-2024 edition of the Gazette. At St Leonards, sport is an integral part of school life, and this year has been particularly busy and rewarding, filled with numerous fixtures and sporting achievements.

Our Sports Department continues to focus on nurturing our core sports by supporting pupils who show an interest in these areas. We are equally committed to offering a wide range of activities, ensuring all pupils can engage with and benefit from physical activity, fostering a lifelong passion for sport.

This year, we are proud to highlight the ongoing success and growth of our Golf Programme. With 148 pupils now participating across an eight-tier structured programme from Year 1 upwards, it has become the largest school-based golf programme in the UK. Most notably, our pupils’ outstanding performances in national competitions this year have ranked St Leonards as number one for golf - an achievement that underscores our commitment to excellence.

In March, we hosted our prestigious national tournaments, the Tom Morris and Sir Michael Bonallack Golf Championships, which drew over 200 golfers from across Scotland to compete on the Balgove, Strathtyrum, Eden, and Jubilee courses. This success is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Director of Golf, Fintan Bonner, and his exceptional team at the Golf Academy. Their tireless work has been instrumental in making our programme a beacon of excellence.

The SLM Blues rugby programme continues to grow, with around 140 pupils playing regular weekend matches across five age groups. The Under-15s had a standout season, finishing strong in the Conference and securing two Rugby Sevens trophies. Following these successes, 11 boys were nominated to the Dundee Player Development Hub, with three progressing to the Caledonia squad. Off the pitch, we introduced the West Sands Beach Rugby 7s, a new event that we hope will become a regular fixture in the 7s calendar. We are also planning an Under-14s trip to Manchester, which will include a tour of the Sale Sharks training ground and a local fixture. Excitingly, for the first time in the Blues programme, we will have two teams represented at Under-18 level next year with the establishment of ‘The Reds’, who will compete in friendlies and against local Fife schools.

Our hockey teams have also enjoyed a successful year. The addition of preseason training and extra skills development sessions has strengthened our programme, offering more opportunities for our players. The Spring Term brought additional hockey fixtures, and the launch of the St Leonards Summer Slam has allowed our pupils to play hockey year-

round. Our inaugural End of Season Awards event was a wonderful way to conclude the official season, providing an opportunity to recognise the pupils’ hard work and commitment.

This year, we sought feedback from the school community on sport at St Leonards, leading to the introduction of netball training and matches within the Senior School. We also expanded our focus on tennis during the Summer Term, providing co-curricular opportunities for all ages and abilities, along with local fixtures, internal competitions, and participation in ‘Play Your Way to Wimbledon’ and National Schools Competitions.

We have continued to strengthen our links with local primary schools, hosting three Under-12 football tournaments, swimming galas, blocks of swimming lessons, and a Cluster Primary Sports Day. These events have been hugely successful, and we are committed to further developing these relationships next year. We believe it is vital to maintain strong connections with local primaries and to be an active part of the Madras and East Neuk Primary community.

As I transitioned to a pastoral role in October, I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past four and a half years as Director of Sport. We are excited to welcome our new Director of Sport, Daniel Main, in August.

Finally, I want to recognise our departing staff members. Mr Andrew Broadhurst and Mr Callum Parsons have been invaluable to the department and school, particularly in their work with the SLM Blues. Their contributions have been instrumental in building the SLM partnership, and they will be greatly missed by the rugby boys and the department alike. Mrs Charlotte Morris, who concludes her one-year contract this summer, has been a fantastic addition to the PE team, driving the development of netball and tennis this year. Miss Hilary Myles, a former pupil who joined us in October, has seamlessly integrated into the department and been a great support since stepping in. We thank them all for their contributions and wish them the very best in their future endeavours.

I hope you enjoy reading in more detail about the past year of sport at St Leonards.

Mark Baxter

Director of Sport / Teacher of PE and Assistant Head of Years 10, 11, and Pre-IB

Senior Boys

SLM Blues Rugby

This year, the SLM Blues have continued to build on their success, with increased participation across all age groups. The Under-13s showed great determination and growth throughout the season, competing against wellestablished schools such as Edinburgh Academy, George Watson’s College, and the High School of Dundee. The boys’ commitment and resilience were commendable, with standout performances from Charlie Steven in Year 8, contributing to a strong finish in the second half of the season.

The Under-14s enjoyed a competitive and rewarding season, with a strong squad delivering impressive performances against top-tier opponents. The team’s efforts were highlighted by a commendable run at the Lathallan 7s, where they reached the semi-finals of the Bowl competition. Notable contributions from Year 9 pupils, John Fairweather and Michael Denton, were key to the team’s success.

The Under-15s had an outstanding season, marked by victories in both the Plate at the Robert Gordon’s 7s and their age category at the inaugural West Sands 7s. Under the expert guidance of coaches Hamish Sneddon and Sam Wright, the team delivered consistently strong performances in the Schools Conference. Year 10 pupils Daniel Grant, Edward Mifsud, Xander Sneddon, Archie Donaldson, and Manuel Barbosa were particularly influential, with Sneddon, Mifsud, and Barbosa advancing through Scotland Rugby’s Player Development Hub to earn places in the initial Caledonia Squad.

The Under-16s maintained high levels of participation, with around 30 boys regularly involved in fixtures. The team demonstrated strong performances throughout the season, with memorable victories against Stewart’s Melville College and the High School of Dundee. Consistent contributions from Logan Graham, Jake Lalis, and Harry Purvis were key to the team’s success. The season concluded with a strong showing at the Robert Gordon’s 7s, where the team showcased their skills in a closely contested Bowl final.

The Blues Under-18s had a dynamic season, participating in a variety of Conference, Cup, and friendly fixtures, as well as matches against touring sides. With approximately 40 boys representing the team, the squad demonstrated great potential. The team’s perseverance paid off with a memorable victory against Canadian visitors, Thomas A Stewart Secondary School. Key players, including Alec Graham, Cody Ross, Glen Treadwell, and Harry Purvis, made significant contributions throughout the season. With participation numbers strong, the squad is wellpositioned for the future, and the introduction of the second XV, ‘The Reds’, next season promises to add further depth and competitiveness to the programme.

“With participation numbers strong, the squad is wellpositioned for the future”

Under-18s

Under-14s

Under-15s

Under-16s

Off the pitch, the 2023/24 season saw several exciting developments. A group of around 120 enthusiastic supporters travelled to The Hive Stadium in Edinburgh to watch Edinburgh Rugby face Benetton in the United Rugby Championship, providing the boys with valuable exposure to live professional rugby. The season also marked the launch of the inaugural West Sands Rugby 7s, which will return in 2024/25, with plans to invite more schools and clubs from across the UK. Additionally, rugby tours are set to resume in 2024/25, with an Under-14s tour to Manchester in the works. This tour will offer the opportunity to compete against new teams, visit the Sale Sharks training centre, watch a professional match, and explore the city. Senior rugby players from the Under-16s and Under-18s have also benefited from training with the University of St Andrews Men’s team, gaining valuable experience by training alongside university-level players. As the season comes to a close, the SLM Blues would like to extend their gratitude to all players and coaches who are moving on to new opportunities, including the Under-18 players who are transitioning into adult rugby. We express our sincere thanks to coaches Struan Lugton (Under-14s) and Sam Wright (Under-16s) for their dedicated efforts with their respective squads. We also bid farewell to Mr Andrew Broadhurst and Mr Callum Parsons, who leave St Leonards after two and six years of service, respectively. Mr Parsons, in particular, has made a lasting impact during his tenure, with his commitment evident in the growth of the Under-18s and the establishment of a second XV. We wish both Mr Broadhurst and Mr Parsons all the best in their future endeavours.

Senior Boys Football

Cricket

Cricket has continued to thrive during the Summer Term, with increasing attendance at lunchtime practices. The season culminated in a final fixture against Morrison’s Academy in Crieff. Led by the inspirational captain and Year 12 pupil Alistair Calvert, the team delivered a solid performance, with a particularly effective bowling attack led by Year 10 pupils Xander Sneddon and Fletcher Smith, alongside Year 9 pupil Rory Konig.

Football

The Senior Boys once again competed in the Independent Schools League, facing a restructured schedule that included matches against Albyn School, Robert Gordon’s College, the High School of Dundee, Gordonstoun School, and the International School of Aberdeen. This year’s team was captained by Konstantin Schupp. The season concluded on a high note with a convincing victory over the International School of Aberdeen in the final match before the Easter break.

Andrew Broadhurst Teacher of Games and PE (Rugby Specialist)

West Sands Rugby 7s

Senior Girls

Hockey

On the first day of the 2023-24 academic year, over 50 pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 participated in a highly successful pre-season training session. This provided an excellent opportunity for both returning and new players to prepare for the season ahead, focusing on fitness and skill development. After the session, everyone enjoyed a well-earned supper in Restaurant 1877.

We also introduced additional training sessions throughout the year dedicated to skill development, enabling pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 to refine their techniques and acquire new skills in a focused environment, further enhancing their performance on the field.

The season began with an exciting fixture against Florida Day School, a touring side from Argentina. It was an endto-end match, and although the Argentinian team edged out a win, Julie Sternberg in Year 11, was voted Player of the Match in her debut for the School. Sophie Clarke in Year 13, also delivered a standout performance as captain in the subsequent match against St Margaret’s School.

The fixtures against Albyn School were particularly memorable, with the Senior team producing outstanding moments. Katie Adrain in Year 13 scored two exceptional goals, one of which earned her the Goal of the Season award at our End of Season Awards night, with Molly Williams in Year 11 adding a third to cap off a strong team performance. The Year 10 team also excelled, with Lois Wood scoring an impressive six goals.

The Seniors continued their positive trajectory, securing a well-deserved victory against Kilgraston School, where Julie Sternberg once again shone with a brilliant goal. The Under-16 team also secured a win, with goals from Lana, Harriet, and Sophie. We ended the successful first half of the season with our annual Festive Hockey celebrations.

As the Spring Term began, our players eagerly returned to action, with the Seniors putting in strong performances against the High School of Dundee and Queen Victoria School (QVS). The Under-16s continued their winning streak, demonstrating their growing confidence on the field. The Year 8s enjoyed a fun fixture against Dunfermline High School, with goals from Willow Williams and Chloe Burns.

The Kilgraston Tournament, a highlight of the year for the Senior girls, lived up to expectations. The team performed admirably, with Sarah Lawrence scoring the decisive goal in their final game against Kilgraston School. Islay MacAnndraigh and Julie Sternberg were recognised with awards for Goalkeeper of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament, respectively - both well-deserved honours.

Our Year 9 team had the opportunity to compete against Grove Menzieshill Hockey Club, providing valuable experience and an enjoyable match for both teams. The Seniors then travelled north for their final away fixture against Albyn School, playing two closely contested matches in

freezing conditions. The season concluded with a thrilling win for the Year 8 team against the High School of Dundee, and the Seniors wrapped up their season with a hard-fought victory over St Margaret’s School, where captain Sophie Clarke led by example.

The season culminated in our first-ever End of Season Awards night, where players voted for their Player’s Player of the Year, and coaches selected their Coaches’ Player of the Year. Special recognition was given to Sophie Clarke for her exceptional leadership as captain, both on and off the field. We also extended our thanks to the catering team for keeping us refuelled after matches and to the parents for their unwavering support, with a special mention to Douglas Love for his consistent presence at nearly every match.

Away from school, Harriet Fleetham in Year 10 continues to impress as part of Scottish Hockey’s Brave Pathway programme, training with the Devil’s Emerging squad. We wish Harriet the best of luck as she aims to make the squad for the Brave Cup later this summer.

Tennis

The tennis season began with matches against the High School of Dundee, where our players displayed great resilience despite the chilly conditions. The sun eventually shone for our fixture against Kilgraston School, where all teams performed well.

The season continued with a standout performance at Kilgraston School’s annual Tennis Tournament, where Anna Girnghuber and Hannah Leffer won the Under-16A competition, taking home the trophy. Our players also participated in various LTA events and took part in the Play Your Way to Wimbledon competition.

Athletics

Throughout the Spring and Summer Term, our students excelled in various athletic events. A large group participated in the Scottish Schools Cross Country at Hopetoun House, tackling a beautiful but challenging course. Alastair MacFadyen made his debut in the 1500m Steeplechase at the Scottish Schools Athletics Championships in Grangemouth, while Sarah Lawrence reached the final of the 400m race. Alastair also achieved a significant victory in the annual Chariots of Fire race held on West Sand Beach.

In mid-June, our athletes competed at the Fife Schools Championships at Pitreavie Stadium, earning numerous medals. Rebecca Sneddon won silver in the shot put and bronze in the discus, William Wilson and Oliver Pennycook both secured gold in the 1500m and shot put, respectively, and Sarah Lawrence dominated the 200m and 400m, winning gold in both. Additional medallists included Reiss Marshall and Xander Sneddon.

The internal St Leonards Singles Championships saw Cara Lang and Kuzma Medvedev win the Junior Cups, while Marie Weishaeupl and Timofey Medvedev claimed the Senior Cups. The Doubles Championships concluded the season, with Theo Brian and Xander Sneddon winning the Boys competition, and sisters Cara and Eadha Lang, along with Rebecca Sneddon and Hana Ferguson, winning the Senior and Junior girls competitions.

Netball

This year, we introduced netball as part of our sports offerings. Coaches from the University of St Andrews led a five-week training block, and our girls participated in friendly fixtures against Madras College and Strathallan School. They also competed in an event linked to the Eric Liddell 100, playing against George Watson’s College and Eltham College.

Louise Carroll PE Teacher/Senior Girls’ Games Coordinator

Junior Sport

Swimming

Our Under-11 and Under-12 swimming squads participated in several galas against Clifton Hall School, Kilgraston School, Lawhead Primary School, and Canongate Primary School. Club swimmers such as William Mifsud, Dallan McLaughlan, Josiel Norris-Mbedzi, Katie McLaughlan, Holly Anderson, Florence Robson Lobban, and Isabella Hawkins delivered impressive individual and team performances. Emerging talents, including Phoebe Fleetham, Alicia Leonard, Martha Kavanagh, Jessica Duff, Dylan Pyne-Carter, Sandy Steven, and Magnus Dalton Dowey, also showed great promise, making significant strides in their respective strokes.

Hockey

The Under-12 girls’ hockey team enjoyed a highly successful season, competing in challenging fixtures against Kilgraston School, Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS), Clifton Hall School, Fettes College, Strathallan Prep School, Lathallan School, Craigclowan School, and Ardvreck School during the Autumn Term. Despite some disruptions due to weather, including the cancellation of our annual Under-12 Tournament, the team demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience.

Phoebe Fleetham in Year 7 served as the Under-12 Hockey Captain and was a key player throughout the season, leading the team with her top goal-scoring ability and excellent playmaking skills. Isobel Blair, also in Year 7, excelled in goal, showcasing her talent and embracing the challenges of her position.

Rugby

The 2023/24 rugby season for Years 6 and 7 focused on core skill development, including catching, passing, tackling, and decision-making. St Leonards fielded two teams in fixtures against High School of Dundee, Craigclowan School, and Ardvreck School, participating in both contact and touch formats. Notable performances came from William Mifsud, Roderick Pickles, George Cheape, and Padraig Kavanagh, who consistently displayed strong skills throughout the season.

In the Spring Term, the boys’ hockey teams faced competitive fixtures against ESMS, Strathallan Prep School, and Fettes College. The team’s cohesion was particularly evident, as many players were also members of the football team. Standout performances came from Year 7 pupils Theo Kell, who controlled the midfield, and Max Mery, who impressed with his goalkeeping skills.

A new initiative in the Spring Term saw the introduction of mixed squads for Under-12 hockey fixtures against Strathallan Prep School, ESMS, and Fettes College. This provided a valuable opportunity for our stronger players to challenge themselves further. Once again, Phoebe Fleetham demonstrated her scoring prowess, earning high praise from visiting staff for her outstanding contributions.

Cross Country

The Under-10, Under-11, and Under-12 cross country teams embraced the challenge of muddy courses at Strathallan School and Lathallan School. Our experienced runners, including Phoebe Fleetham and William Mifsud, led the way, while newcomers like Michelle Chernin, Jessica Duff, Martha Kavanagh, Serena Koenig, Grace Prescott, and Dallan McLaughlan showed great potential as they navigated new courses and competition.

Athletics

The summer season began with a mixed athletics fixture against Strathallan Prep School. Standout performances included Ewan Wilson and Katie McLaughlan in the long jump, and Phoebe Fleetham in the 600m.

Football

St Leonards hosted its first Under-12 Girls’ Cluster Primary Football Tournament, which was a tremendous success. Teams from Canongate Primary School, Greyfriars RC Primary School, Wormit Primary School, Tayport Primary School, and Newport Primary School participated. St Leonards emerged victorious, with Phoebe Fleetham captaining the team and finishing as the top goal scorer.

The Under-12 mixed football squad also had a busy season, participating in the Rotary Football Tournament and the Fife Cluster Primary Schools Festival at Madras College. Additionally, the team played competitive home and away fixtures against Clifton Hall School.

Golf

Rose Montgomery in Year 7 achieved success on The Eden Golf Course, winning the Junior/Adult Golf Competition alongside her father, triumphing over 19 other pairings to claim victory.

Cricket

Within Games lessons, Years 6 and 7 focused on developing their cricket skills in fielding, batting, and bowling. These lessons culminated in a closely contested fixture against Robert Gordon’s College, where St Leonards secured a win by a narrow margin. Harris Birnie delivered a solid performance with both bat and ball, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Rosie Dawson PE Teacher & Junior School Games Coordinator

The Golf Academy

The Golf Academy at St Leonards is recognised as one of the best school-based golf programmes in the UK. Catering to 148 students across eight tiers, the Academy provides an unparalleled pathway for young golfers, from Year 1 through to Year 13.

Whether students are new to the game or aspiring to become professionals, the Academy offers the environment, expertise, and resources necessary to achieve their goals. Our partnership with St Andrews Links Trust allows students to benefit from world-class practice facilities, including indoor and outdoor bays, a short game practice area, and cutting-edge technology such as Toptracer, Digital V1 Pro Coaching, Trackman, SAMPuttLab, and BodiTrak BalanceLab systems.

“A Taste of Golf at the Home of Golf”

Our structured Golf Programme includes the Cadets, Minis, Introduction, Q School (Development and Advanced), Development, Performance, High Performance, and Performance Elite tiers. This comprehensive framework ensures that students of all abilities can progress within the sport, from earning their first handicaps to competing on the world stage.

The 2023/24 season was particularly triumphant for St Leonards, as the School was crowned the number one golf school in the UK after winning the prestigious Swifts Schools Golf Tour (SSGT) Championship. Competing against 23 other schools, St Leonards topped the Order of Merit, securing victory with an outstanding performance at the Championship Final held at the JCB Golf & Country Club. The team, consisting of Ewen Farquhar, Julian Geerebaert, Martin Shone, and Taiyo Ezaki, finished three shots ahead of their nearest competitor to claim the top spot.

“For a small school of only 570 pupils, it is a great accomplishment to have topped the UK Order of Merit for the 23/24 season. We plan to continue growing the Golf Programme at St Leonards and maintaining our position as the UK’s leading Golf Academy.” - Fintan Bonner, Director of Golf

The SSGT provides a platform for emerging junior golf talent across the UK, with schools competing in a series of 18-hole and 54-hole tournaments.

By securing the Order of Merit, St Leonards has earned an invitation to the International Independent Invitational in Boston in May 2025, where the team will showcase their skills on an international stage, with the potential to catch the eye of top US university coaches.

In addition to the team’s success, two senior members of the High Performance squad, Julian Geerebaert (Belgium) and

Ewen Farquhar (Scotland), were selected to represent their countries at this year’s European Team Championships in Poland. Both played pivotal roles, with Belgium finishing first and Scotland second in a thrilling final that came down to the last match and extra holes.

Congratulations to all our St Leonards Order of Merit winners for this year:

Martin Shone - High Performance Squad

Harry Jacks - Performance Squad

Annie Pennycook - Development Squad

Ewen Farquhar became the St Leonards Tom Morris Golf Scholar 2024-25. The scholarship, supported by Sheila Walker, Old Tom Morris’ great, great granddaughter and St Leonards Senior (DG 1958-63), recognises talent, achievement, and dedication to the game of golf.

Sheila is pictured presenting Ewen an inscribed copy of the book Tom Morris of St Andrews: the Colossus of Golf 1821-1908 in recognition of his achievement, alongside Fintan Bonner, Director of Golf, and Simon Brian, Head.

Partnership with Rotary St Andrews

St Leonards is proud to maintain a strong partnership with Rotary St Andrews. This collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to providing young people with opportunities that inspire leadership, foster personal growth, and encourage community engagement. Through a variety of events and programmes, our pupils are actively encouraged to participate, helping them to develop into well-rounded, confident, and community-minded individuals.

Rotary Young Leadership Award (RYLA)

One of the most impactful initiatives supported by Rotary St Andrews is the Rotary Young Leadership Award (RYLA). This flagship event offers students the chance to attend an intensive leadership development course at an outward-bound centre in Aberdeenshire. This year, two of our Sixth Form students, Helena Flynn and Samuel Carrett, were selected through a rigorous application and interview process to represent St Leonards at RYLA. Helena and Samuel shared their experiences during a presentation at a Rotary St Andrews conference, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of the programme. The week-long course, designed

to push participants out of their comfort zones, included activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, raft construction, and mountain biking in demanding conditions. Samuel spoke candidly about his initial apprehension but also about how the strong sense of camaraderie within his group helped him overcome his fears and develop invaluable communication and collaboration skills. Helena emphasised the importance of understanding when to lead and when to follow, noting how these life lessons will guide her in the future. Both students expressed deep gratitude to Rotary St Andrews for this life-changing opportunity.

Rotary Primary Schools Quiz

The Rotary Primary Schools Quiz is another much-anticipated event that showcases the intellectual talents of our younger students. This year, four of our Year 7 pupils - Thea Jacobsen, Sasha Hetherington, Theo Kell and Issy MacIvor - made an impressive journey to the North Scotland Rotary Quiz Final in Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom. After triumphing in both the North Fife Rotary District Quiz and the Fife Rotary District Quiz, the St Leonards team joined the final 16 schools from across North Scotland. Competing in ten rounds of challenging questions spanning topics such as Geography, Sport, Music, Science, and Literature, the team’s hard work paid off as they were crowned the North Scotland champions. This remarkable achievement not only earned them the title but also secured £500 for the School, which will be invested in new equipment.

“I have really learned not to hesitate when you are unsure - push yourself to try new experiences and embrace every opportunity to develop yourself to be your very best.” - Samuel Carrett, Year 13

Rotary Primary Schools’ Football Tournament

St Leonards was proud to host the Rotary Primary Schools’ Football Tournament on Big Field, welcoming local primary schools to our campus for an afternoon of exciting competition. The tournament provided a fantastic opportunity for young footballers to showcase their skills in a friendly yet competitive environment. Our Under-12 team performed admirably, reaching the semi-finals.

“Rotary St Andrews values its link with the School and looks forward to maintaining and developing this association in the future.”

- Gordon M Wowk, Secretary of Rotary St Andrews

Rotary Forum on Artificial Intelligence

In June, a group of Sixth Form students participated in an AI-focused forum organised by Rotary St Andrews at Madras College. The keynote speaker, Dr Eve Poole OBE, shared her extensive knowledge on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, particularly in education. Her talk, based on her book Robot Souls, explored the rapid advancement of AI and its impact on society.

Following her keynote, students engaged in interactive discussions, posing thought-provoking questions on topics such as the rights of AI robots and their potential role in politics. Dr Poole provided insightful responses, emphasising the importance of ethical considerations in the development and use of AI. The event offered students a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, leaving them with much to consider as they continue their academic journeys.

Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance 2024

St Leonards was honoured to be named the Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance 2024 by The Sunday Times in their prestigious Parent Power Guide, released on Friday, 1 December 2023.

This accolade recognised St Leonards for achieving the highest rank in Scotland for A*-B grades, which are the A Level equivalents derived from our International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results. This ranking placed us above every other Scottish independent secondary school. This recognition was a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of our entire school community. St Leonards has a proud history of academic excellence, having previously claimed the top spot in Scotland for IB/A Level results in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Our consistent performance underscores our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience that inspires our pupils to achieve their full potential.

The Good Schools Guide, which analyses academic results data from schools across the UK, converted our IB Diploma results to their A Level equivalents and generated the league tables that informed the 2024 rankings. The guide serves as an invaluable resource for parents seeking the best educational opportunities for their children, and we were honoured to be recognised in this way.

Receiving this prestigious award highlights the strength of our academic programme and encourages us to continue striving for excellence, ensuring that our pupils are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

“ We are thrilled to receive The Sunday Times Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance 2024 award. This recognition reflects the dedication and collective efforts of our entire School community.

At St Leonards, ambition is the driving force behind our academic success; we cultivate an environment that encourages all our young people to set high goals and work tirelessly towards achieving them. Our commitment to hard work is evident in the rigorous academic programmes we offer, challenging all pupils to reach their full potential.

Our School is more than just a place of learning; it is a wonderfully warm community that nurtures strong values and relationships. We believe that a supportive and inclusive environment is essential for academic growth, and so our young people not only excel academically, but also develop as individuals within a caring community that values respect, empathy, and integrity.

Central to our success is the emphasis on high-quality teaching and learning, and our dedicated teaching staff go above and beyond to inspire and guide our pupils. Through innovative teaching methods and a focus on individualised learning, we ensure that every pupil receives the attention they need to thrive academically.

Our vision and ethos revolve around shaping well-rounded individuals: we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence, but also personal development, and so, by instilling a strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and a passion for lifelong learning, we aim to prepare our young people for success beyond the classroom.

This prestigious recognition from The Sunday Times will only motivate us to continue providing an exceptional educational experience that shapes the future leaders and citizens in our society.” - Simon Brian, Head

Academic Achievements

IBDP Results

IBCP Results

GCSE Results

34

Average IB Point Score

1 Perfect 45 Points Scored 98.5% Awarded the IB Diploma 80% Scored 7/6/5 at Higher Level

Top University Destinations: University of St Andrews, University of Aberdeen, University of Glasgow, King’s College London

Merits & Distinctions

165 Average UCAS Tariff Points

212 Highest Ever Score (Katie Adrain)

Top University Destinations: Abertay University, Heriot-Watt University, University of Aberdeen, Hult International Business School

Achieved Grades 9-4 53% Achieved Grades 9, 8, 7

100%

12 Students Achieved 9/8 in 6+ Subjects

Pass Rate in English Literature, German, Latin, and Art & Design

A Journey of Resilience

Following IB Results Day, we caught up with Year 13 pupil Maryna Bielinska, a Ukrainian refugee who joined St Leonards in 2022. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new language and education system, Maryna’s determination and resilience led her to achieve outstanding academic success in just two years. Here is her remarkable story.

1Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to St Leonards?

To begin with, I would like to express my gratitude to St Leonards for this opportunity to share my experience. I arrived in Scotland almost two years ago, on 8 August 2022. Less than two weeks after that, I started studying at St Leonards and found myself in a completely English-speaking environment. I never imagined myself at an institution where English is the first language. I spent the last years of my education in Ukraine learning German because I had decided to study in Germany. However, the outbreak of war in Ukraine ruined my plans. The option of coming to St Leonards School was suggested to me by my family, and after I saw the photos of the School and the town in general, I did not want to consider other options. The School looked so lovely, and I could not resist the thought of living right by the sea.

From Ukraine to Academic Success at St Leonards

2What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first arrived here as a Ukrainian refugee?

The main challenge for me was the language. As I already mentioned, I studied mainly German. So, basically, I faced a situation where I could not understand anyone. The first few months were a nightmare. Everywhere, in classes, in the boarding house, and with peers around me, I was always focused on understanding what was being asked of me, and most of the time, I failed. Often, I had to ask my friends

3

How did you adapt to the new environment and IB education system?

outsider, knowing that I was the only one who could not understand English at all. Those first months were extremely difficult, both for studying and for making friends beyond people who spoke Ukrainian or Russian. And now, looking back on that time, it is hard to believe that I made it through. Another difficult aspect for me was having to study while constantly thinking about what was happening in Ukraine. I had to schoolwork, but the my mind. The worst was one of those who were very lucky to have a place to live and study, while praying to make it to the next day.

I was able to adapt to the IB system and new environment within about six months. Year 13, even though it included much more work and assignments, felt like a relief. To feel more comfortable at School, I worked intensively on my language skills. I made a personal challenge to master it in a relatively short time, and as soon as my language barrier started to disappear, I felt much more at ease at School. My friends and boarding house staff were also a huge boost to my adaptation. The Ukrainians who understood my situation and shared my feelings always tried to be helpful, and the people watching over us in the boarding house were very kind and supportive.

4

What subjects did you study in Sixth Form?

My IB subjects included Psychology, History, ESS, English B, Russian A, and Maths AI.

5Which subject did you find most challenging and how did you overcome this challenge?

The most difficult of all were History and Psychology. They both consumed a considerable amount of time due to the large amount of information and required an expanded English vocabulary to express ideas correctly. To cope with these subjects, I had to spend almost all my holidays studying. I would schedule the amount of information I had to cover in a day and stick to it throughout my free time. I attended all the support sessions for Psychology that the teacher arranged to catch up with the material I missed before I could understand the language. I do not regret spending my free time during the holidays and attending additional sessions, as the joy I felt after receiving the results was worth it.

6

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your time at St Leonards?

Most of my memorable moments happened in the boarding house. It was a place with a special, friendly atmosphere for me. I will always remember movie nights in the common areas, baking with the other girls, and just having heart-toheart conversations with friends until late at night. I also enjoyed evening walks around the campus. The calm and quiet ambience often helped me to forget about the problems I was having at the time. In addition, a special place in my memory will be occupied by some very special lessons held in a friendly atmosphere with jokes, tea, and biscuits.

7

How did your teachers and classmates support you during your time here?

Teachers offered help in the form of extra sessions. For example, my former Psychology teacher held extra sessions once a week for students who felt they needed it. These sessions helped me to catch up with the material when I decided to elevate Psychology to a Higher Level at the end of Year 12. The English B department also kindly offered to help me with my English learning. Some of my classmates showed great compassion. They would try to calm me down when I was worried about my performance in front of an audience and cheer me up when I thought I had not done well. I am very grateful to everyone who tried to support me emotionally, especially at the beginning of the IB Diploma Programme.

8

Besides academics, were you involved in any extracurricular activities?

During the IB Programme, I was extremely focused on my subjects, so I put all other activities on hold. I needed to work twice as hard as the students who were fluent in English, so it was almost impossible to find spare time.

9

What are your plans for the future now that you have completed your IB exams?

My plan for the next four years includes completing an International Business with Marketing degree at the University of Dundee. After that, I would like to continue my academic journey at one of the UK universities.

10

Lastly, what advice would you give to other students joining St Leonards?

One of the things I would have liked to hear at the beginning of IB is that you do not need to worry too much about grades in Year 12. The first year helps you to adapt to a new environment, and not achieving perfect performance at this time does not mean failure of the IB Diploma. Also, it may sound very cliché, but you need to believe that you will get the desired results and that everything will work out. Your belief is the most important element, and teachers will help you with everything else.

These two years at St Leonards School were a wonderful experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Prizegiving Celebrations

On Friday, 24 May, our annual Year 7 to 13 Prizegiving took place at Younger Hall in St Andrews, marking a significant milestone for our students. Prizewinners and the graduating Class of 2024 welcomed families and friends from around the world to join in celebrating their achievements.

The ceremony began with an opening address from Philip Petersen, Deputy Chair of Governors, who welcomed St Leonards Senior and author Maud Woolf. We were also honoured to have Karen Darke MBE, British Paralympian, adventurer, and author, as our Guest Speaker.

Karen Darke shared her inspirational motto, ‘WIBA’ - ‘Wouldn’t It Be Amazing’. She encouraged the graduating class to recognise their unique contributions to the world and to remain undeterred by obstacles, even if it means altering their plans.

Heads of School, Jamie Pennycook and Madeleine Wallard, drew inspiration from the new school website for their speech. They highlighted various aspects of school life, including the Junior and Senior Years, Boarding, Golf, Activities Beyond the Classroom, Alumni, and Our Community. They also gave a special mention to Mr Durward, who was ‘graduating’ alongside the students.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of students from Years 7 to 13, culminating in a special tribute to the graduating Class of 2024. The Year 13 graduates were then piped back to School to enjoy delicious strawberry tarts before heading off to the Leavers’ Ball at the Fairmont St Andrews.

It was a memorable day, filled with pride and joy, as we celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of our remarkable students.

Head’s Speech

Esteemed Members of our Board of Governors, Guest Speaker, Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, Parents, Pupils, and our Year 13 Class of 2024; I extend a warm welcome to all of you as we gather today to celebrate our achievements in this magnificent Younger Hall. I am immensely grateful to the University of St Andrews for their continued support of our School.

It is a great honour to welcome our guest speaker today, Karen Darke MBE. Karen describes herself as a modernday alchemist, dedicated to transforming challenges into opportunities and turning life’s difficulties into ‘gold’. At 21, a climbing accident left Karen paralysed from the chest down. Despite this life-altering event, she harnessed her adventurous spirit, creativity, and perseverance to build an extraordinary life. Karen spent over a decade as a full-time athlete, winning a silver medal at the London 2012 Paralympics and becoming a Paralympic Champion at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

Karen’s journey is truly inspiring, and we look forward to hearing how her determination and creativity have made so much possible.

I’d also like to welcome Maud Woolf, a Senior who graduated from St Leonards in 2014, as she welcomes our leavers as Seniors.

Before focusing on our Year 13 leavers, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our pupils for their exceptional efforts throughout this academic year. Your achievements across every area of school life

- academics, sport, music, art, drama, debating, Model United Nations - are a true testament to the excellence of St Leonards and are truly commendable.

I also want to convey my sincere gratitude to your parents, who have supported you steadfastly through every challenge and success. Moreover, I wish to acknowledge the relentless dedication of our outstanding St Leonards teachers. Their tireless efforts have been crucial in fostering your development and success.

As we do each year, we also say goodbye to some of our valued teaching staff. I wish them all the best and thank them sincerely on your behalf for their hard work and unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of education at St Leonards.

We say farewell to four teachers who joined us just for this academic year: Ms Myles, Ms Moniz, Ms Morris, and Ms Ferguson. Thank you all for your contributions.

We wish Ms Coyle all the best as she relocates to teach overseas, and we thank Ms Bradley for her service to the Languages department over the last four years.

“Whether you pursue careers in science, technology, the arts, or any other field, I hope that your memories of walking through the Quad surrounded by Sir David Brewster’s legacy encourage you to harness your talents and passions, and to fully engage with the things you really love, the things that really bring you joy, to drive positive change in the world.”

Miss Mowbray has enriched our English department and Boarding team over the last two years and will be greatly missed as she takes up a new teaching role down south.

Mr McLeish is leaving at the end of this year, and we thank him for his great efforts and energy, especially with our pupils in Years 7 to 9.

In the Art department, we thank Mrs Fyfe and Mrs Hardie for their creative work with our pupils over the last five years.

Dr Ferguson leaves the Computer Science department in a thriving state after seven years of service, and Miss Neave will be moving on from her work in our Junior School after ten years of dedicated service.

We wish Mrs Behrens all the very best. Mrs Behrens began teaching at St Leonards in 1985, and after a 20-year break, returned in 2012 for another 12 years.

And finally, we wish Mr Durward all the very best as he prepares for his second deputy headship in Dundee. Mr Durward’s formidable presence, hearty laughter, and deep care for our whole community will be greatly missed.

We will be holding a full farewell event for all our departing staff from across the whole school in late June, where we will be able to say our goodbyes to all our staff leavers.

Now to our Year 13 leavers. Year 13, in true IB style, let’s take a brief moment for reflection. I’d like you to imagine your daily journeys through the Quad - your quick-paced walk first thing in the morning on the way to tutor time, or your leisurely amble out of school at the end of the day.

In the busyness of your daily routine, I wonder if you have had the time to notice the two blue plaques on the wall immediately outside the entrance to my house? If you haven’t read them yet, I’m sure you’ll look out for them now. The top plaque captures the enduring legacy of Sir David Brewster, who lived in the house where my family and I live, for over 20 years from 1838 to 1859. Sir David Brewster invented the kaleidoscope.

In the annals of scientific discovery, I wonder which other inventions have captured the imagination quite like the kaleidoscope. Conceived by Brewster, this simple yet ingenious device revolutionised the way we perceive light and colour, transforming ordinary pieces of glass into intricate and mesmerising patterns of beauty.

Think of the kaleidoscope, with its mirrored chamber and rotating tube, offering a captivating glimpse into the wonders of symmetry and reflection. With each twist and turn, it reveals transformations of colours and shapes, creating visual delights to captivate the senses and spark the imagination. It’s a wonderfully fun invention and one that many of us will have played with at some point in our lives.

But the kaleidoscope is more than just a toy or a trinketit is a symbol of creativity, innovation, and the power of human imagination. Brewster’s invention not only brought joy and wonder to countless individuals but also inspired generations of artists, designers, and inventors to explore new realms of possibility and push the boundaries of artistic expression.

Just like you, Brewster wandered through the Quad several times a day, albeit not under the watchful gaze of Mr Durward first thing in the morning. Brewster’s legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of innovation and perseverance.

Sir David Brewster’s pioneering work in the scientific field of optics, including groundbreaking studies on light and

the polarisation of light, has found practical applications in technologies that we use today, ranging from LCD screens to the lovely polarised designer sunglasses that many of you like to sport. In the days when he was playfully walking through the Quad, there would have been little sense of the full impact of his studies, of his work; but be in no doubt: like Brewster, your playfulness and your seriousness with study, your ideas and your innovations have the power to shape the future in ways we cannot yet imagine.

So, whether you pursue careers in science, technology, the arts, or any other field, I hope that your memories of walking through the Quad surrounded by Sir David Brewster’s legacy encourage you to harness your talents and passions, and to fully engage with the things you really love, the things that really bring you joy, to drive positive change in the world.

Before we begin the main Prizegiving, I would like to present a special award to one of our Year 13 leavers. In its pioneering spirit, St Leonards introduced the innovative Careers-related Programme to our Sixth Form curriculum four years ago. This programme develops business skills alongside traditional academic courses and crucially prepares young people not just for university, but for a wide variety of future professions. This award is made in memory of the late Robert Durward, a highly accomplished entrepreneur who would have wholeheartedly supported the ethos of the IBCP.

This special award is presented in his honour to an individual who has excelled in the Careers-related Programme over the last two years, and I have great pleasure in presenting it to Helena Flynn.

Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to recognise two of our leavers who joined our School in Year 1, thirteen years ago, and have remained with us throughout their educational journey from the young age of 5 all the way to 18. I invite Helena Flynn and Amelia Love to come forward and receive a memento of our School.

And finally from me, before we move onto the main Prizegiving ceremony, I’d like to announce the 2023/2024 Island winners of the Inter-Island Challenge Shield:

In fourth place with 257 points - Skye

In third place with 405 points - Harris

In second place with 433 points - Mull

In first place, with 482 points - Lewis

I’d like to invite Island Leaders Martim Barbosa and Madelaine Gavine to collect the Shield for Lewis.

Simon Brian Head

Heads of School Speech

Before we begin our speech, we would like to thank the guest speaker, Karen Darke MBE, for her amazing and inspiring speech. It was so interesting to hear about all of your experiences, and we are so grateful to you for coming to speak to us today. For those that don’t already know us, my name is Jamie, and my name is Maddy, and we are the outgoing Heads of School. It’s been such a privilege to take on this role in our final years, and we are delighted to be able to stand here today and congratulate the 2024 graduating class on their huge achievement in completing the IBDP and IBCP, and I emphasise the word ‘huge’. So, as you may notice, in true copycat style of last year’s Heads of School, we have decided to deliver this speech together, as let’s be honest, we have lived the same life for the past two years.

We have all seen the brand-new St Leonards website, which was recently bedazzled to capture the effervescent and innovative St Leonards experience. When trying to write this speech, for the first time in our lives we found ourselves at a loss for words, because although we have so many fond memories that we want to share with you all, we couldn’t find a way to summarise it all into one speech. Therefore, we began our endeavour by scouring the brandnew St Leonards website and that is where we found the perfect way to encapsulate the St Leonards experience. The website splits up the various aspects of the School into seven sections: Junior, Senior, Boarding, Golf Academy, Beyond the Classroom, St Leonards Alumni, and For Our Community, so we will give you an insight as to what these sections have meant to our year.

Starting strong with the Senior section, this would not be a proper graduation speech without a mention of the word ‘procrastination’. I am confident in standing here and saying that if there’s one thing the Class of 2024 has mastered, it is the art of procrastination. It would be selfish of us not to share with future IB graduates our tips for optimal delay tactics. Tip 1: procrastination comes in the form of a Pret subscription, as I’m sure every teacher can vouch that in all classrooms there is a minimum of three people sitting with a Pret cup. Pret provides the perfect combination of caffeine and the scenic walk past some of our favourite pastime shops. I think it’s fair to

say that Sainsbury’s will take a huge hit in our absence. Tip 2: do not give up the endless battle between the pupils and the IT Department. I know that the recent hit on the banning of online Tetris is a heavy one, but I have confidence that the younger generations have what it takes and will prevail. Last but not least, Tip 3: although you may think that you should give up spending your time watching your favourite TV shows, I have a very innovative solution for you. Instead of stopping watching shows and movies, switch the language to Spanish and tell yourself it’s revision. I can’t yet vouch as to whether this is successful, but the delusion has helped.

With the all-important subject choices coming up, we thought we would set the record straight for any interested Juniors in the School about what you’re getting yourself into with each subject area. To start off, if you like a chat, Business is the place for you, preparing you well for your future boardroom meetings, of course. For our ecowarriors in the room, any class that Mr Seymour teaches is your safe haven - Mr Seymour’s unwavering efforts to combat climate change rival those of David Attenborough. If you enjoy exercise, Geography and History are the subjects for you, as the four-floor climb will have you gasping for breath before you even reach the class. Lastly, do not be fooled by The Arts - picking up a subject that is also your hobby may seem like the perfect idea, that is until it occupies every last waking minute of your time. Despite this slight slander, we are obviously extremely lucky to have such committed teachers who, against all odds, manage to get their entire cohort of sometimes resistant students to this point, and for that we are all eternally grateful.

Being a boarder at St Leonards is a very unique experience. Not only do you get to live in such close proximity to all of your friends, but you also eat, sleep, and go to School all in the same place. You would think that the main benefit of living where you go to School is how short your commute is, but I have recently found out that living closer to School does not necessarily mean that you will get in on time. There is a massive range of activities offered to boarders on weekends, such as the weekly dooks with Mr Brian. This is an area where

“It’s

ironic really, because I have attended five of these graduation ceremonies, and each year I have found myself envious of the outgoing cohort, yet while standing here, I can’t help but feel envious of those who are staying”

I have massive respect for the boarding community, as I will never understand how you can go from living in constantly sunny Spain to throwing yourself headfirst into the freezing North Sea. Another aspect of boarding life is the close relationships that you develop with both your fellow pupils and the staff. Living 24/7 with each other means that you get to see a different side to your teachers, and this is epitomised by the fact that there are probably more photographs of Mr Pennycook in our yearbook than anyone else.

It has always been my belief that you can’t live in St Andrews without picking up a golf club… or at least I thought you couldn’t until I met Maddy, who seems to have tried her hand at every sport except for golf. In my defence, it’s a real struggle to persevere in beginner golf in such an elite field of students. Although it’s no secret the real reason the Golf Programme attracts so many golfers is for missing the occasional school day and, of course, the annual La Manga trip.

When looking Beyond the Classroom, it’s fair to say that our year has really scattered ourselves across the many extracurricular activities the School has to offer. It is fair to say the talent range within sport in our year is notable. This lack of fitness from some was epitomised recently when there was audible breathing from all Year 13 members following a one-minute ceilidh dance. Although our year may not present the most competitive fixtures, any occasion where the Ollerenshaw boombox can be used for music is one we will be in attendance. This was highlighted during the recent boys vs girls hockey, in which 90% had never picked up a hockey stick. Despite Ms Carroll banging her head against a wall whilst trying to explain to the boys why field hockey is not ice hockey and so you can’t use both sides of the stick and why kicking the ball is not allowed, I think she found herself questioning where all the athletes were hiding for the past two years. It will never fail to astound me the amount of time and effort that is put into every single concert in the Music School. The faith that they have in the pupils of the School is what makes it such a vibrant and welcoming community to be a part of. Despite Music IB making me never want to

touch another instrument at points, the department is also what has kept me and many other Year 13s sane during the past two years. There hasn’t been a time that I’ve walked in and not seen Ms Love running from one end of the corridor to the other, probably to send an email to a parent about their child’s lack of attendance to one of our many ensembles. As Jamie knows himself, this is not an email you want to be on the receiving end of. However, it’s not all professional and serious - just ask Mr Shiells. His inability to keep a straight face during a performance is astounding and has been passed on to many of us.

Becoming a St Leonards Senior is both an exciting and a terrifying experience because you suddenly realise that you are leaving behind the safe and comfortable environment that we have all spent so much of our lives in, but also having to make the terrifying transition from Instagram to LinkedIn. It’s ironic really, because I have attended five of these graduation ceremonies, and each year I have found myself envious of the outgoing cohort, yet while standing here, I can’t help but feel envious of those who are staying (except for the Year 12s - brace yourselves). Es una arma de doble filo, and for all those who weren’t in our Spanish B class, that means a double-edged sword. No matter how prepared you feel to move on in life, there is still an overwhelming feeling of nervousness, emphasised by the fact that you will never again walk into a double free - sorry, study period - greeted by Ms Tawse and her endless supply of chocolate biscuits.

We are not the only ones moving on this year, and we have the privilege of being in the same graduating class as Mr Durward. So glad you finally made it, Andy. It’s been a tough time - a tumultuous relationship, if you will - we’ve had our fair share of positive and slightly less positive moments, but I think we can all agree that the values he has instilled in us and the lessons that we have, and he has, learned along the way will prove invaluable in our future endeavours. I, for one, know that I will never again walk around with my shirt untucked, nor will any of the kilts I plan to wear be rolled up.

We’re so lucky at St Leonards with our incredible locationvery few people can say they’ve sat in a Biology classroom

that overlooks the sea. Our beach location has enabled us to diversify our learning and sports. My favourite memory was when the ‘all-weather multi-purpose astro’ froze on the morning of festive hockey. In true St Leonards style, the PE staff came up with an alternative location of hockey on the beach. I must say minimal hockey was played, but we did all run into the sea after, which was surprisingly warm for mid-December. We could go on and on listing how we play a part in our local community, although this is not necessary as St Leonards was recently recognised in their BSA Boarding Award for Community Engagement. There are so many reasons that this is true for our School, but I would say the top two have to be the Year 12 students’ go-to CAS project of a beach clean and the very eco-friendly use of litter picking instead of your classic detention.

There is so much thanks to give to so many people, and if we were to try to stand here and list off everyone, we would be here for ages, so we have attempted to condense it. None of us would be standing here today without the dedication of our parents, first and foremost for their slightly depleted bank accounts throughout our time at School, but also for the support that they have given us during our studies. A special thanks has to go to my parents, and my parents, for organising tonight’s ball - it has been no easy task, especially for parents who avoid event organising at ALL costs. To the teachers, the people who have given us the confidence and ability to stand up here today, on behalf of Year 13, we are eternally grateful

to you for all of the hard work you put into ensuring that we reach the next stages of our lives and achieve our goals.

At this point, we would like to thank our Deputy Heads of School: James, Samuel, Costanza, and Sophie, as without all of you we would have failed ages ago. Although our meetings were at times prickly, we ended up as a very cohesive and strong-willed team, as I’m sure Mrs Pemberton can attest, recalling when she tried to make us sing carols on the Quad in the Christmas Term. We would also like to wish the current Heads of School, Paddy and Maddie, as well as their Deputies, good luck in the upcoming year, especially when it comes to Christmas time. As you can probably tell from the tone of our speech, we have really enjoyed our time here at St Leonards, and it is hard to believe that we are actually moving on after so long. All that we have to say now to everyone in our graduating class is thank you all so much for being here with us today, good luck wherever you end up, and have an amazing night - and of course, see you later for some horrific dad-dancing - no offence, Mr Brian.

Thank you.

Madeleine Wallard & Jamie Pennycook Heads of School 2023-24

10 with the Heads of School Take

What

are your plans for

the future?

What subjects did you study?

Madeleine Wallard (MW): My Higher Level (HL) subjects were English Literature, Music, and Geography. My Standard Level (SL) subjects were Environmental Systems and Societies, Spanish B, and Maths Applications and Interpretations.

Jamie Pennycook (JP): I studied Geography (HL), Spanish (SL), English Language and Literature (SL), Maths Applications and Interpretations (SL), Art (HL), and Biology (HL).

MW: My plans for the future are to go to university in September to study Geography. During my time at university, I would love to travel as much as I can and possibly do a year abroad to study Geography in a different place. Following university, I would be interested in going into humanitarian aid and relief through a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

JP: Grades permitting, I am going on to study Geography at the University of St Andrews, although that is pretty much as far in the future as I have planned, as I have no clue what I want to do after university.

What is your favourite memory from your time at St Leonards?

MW: To pick just one memory is very challenging as I have too many, but one of the top memories would have to be the Saturday morning buses to hockey. It was such a lovely time to bond with everyone in the team, whether they were in Year 11 or Year 13, and we would all sit and talk the whole way to the fixture. Our team speaker that was brought on every trip never failed us, and we always made sure we played our pre-match Celine Dion, which Ms Carroll loves.

JP: My favourite memory at St Leonards has to be the boys vs girls hockey match (in which the boys were robbed of their win).

What is your favourite Learner Profile attribute and why?

MW: My favourite Learner Profile attribute is OpenMinded. This is because I believe that keeping an open mind when approaching new situations is vital and will help you get the most out of life.

JP: My favourite Learner Profile attribute is Balanced, as I feel that it perfectly summarises the IB at St Leonards and the way that we are encouraged to get involved with so many aspects of school life.

How has your time at St Leonards shaped you as a person?

MW: My time at St Leonards has been pivotal. The opportunities the School has given me, such as taking up leadership roles, accelerating my academic endeavours, offering help sessions to make sure I am able to access top universities, having regular concerts to practise performing, and organising sports fixtures to divert from academics, have meant that I will be entering the world with a wide range of skill sets and the ability to throw myself into everything.

JP: I joined St Leonards at a young age in Year 6, and since that point, my confidence in all areas of life has been boosted because of the nurturing environment at the School.

Sum up your time at St Leonards in three words.

MW: Hilarious, shaping, nurturing.

JP: Rewarding, community, innovative.

What advice would you give to a new pupil starting at St Leonards?

MW: Although it is very daunting to enter a new school, my top piece of advice would be to throw yourself into as many of the extracurricular activities that the School has to offer. The more you give, the more you get. Whether you join sports, music, or MUN, you will create cross-year friendships and become intrinsic in the St Leonards community.

JP: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try new things; everyone at St Leonards is proud of their School and wants to show off every area to new pupils.

What is your favourite event in the St Leonards calendar?

MW: My favourite event is always the Carol Service at Christmas. As a member of the choir, it is something we spend months preparing for, and throughout my six years at the School, I always knew that no matter what, come Christmas, I would be singing my favourite carols in a beautiful church surrounded by the whole school. There is no better feeling.

JP: My favourite event on the St Leonards calendar is the Leavers’ Concert, as it is always an amazing event that brings together both the outgoing year and all of the younger pupils, where everyone showcases their amazing talent.

What will you miss most about St Leonards?

MW: I will miss the community feeling the most. There is no feeling like walking around the campus at any given time and seeing everyone together. I will also miss the staff - the bond St Leonards pupils and their teachers have is unmatched. They have helped to support me every step of the way, and saying goodbye to them was very hard.

JP: I am really going to miss all of the support given to us by the teachers. There has never been a problem that they couldn’t solve, and I wouldn’t have succeeded without them.

What is your favourite view on the St Leonards campus?

MW: My favourite view at the School is when walking down to the hockey pitches. Whether it be stormy or sunny, there is no better feeling than seeing the hockey pitch in the foreground of smashing waves and spotting the occasional surfer.

JP: My favourite view on the campus is the view of Big Field, which, no matter the weather or season, is always pristine.

Prizewinners 2023-24

Years 7-12

Thea Jacobsen

Prize for Achievement in Year 7

Alicia Leonard

Prize for Attitude to Learning in MYP in Year 7

Mia Petroaia

Prize for Achievement in Year 8

James (Jamie) Blair

Prize for Attitude to Learning in MYP in Year 8

Mia Gong

The Galloway Award for Junior Instrumental Music

George Crook

Prize for Achievement in Year 9

Anna Schumann

Prize for Attitude to Learning in Year 9

Eileen Page

Prize for Work in Year 10

Xiaoxuan (Olivia) Cheng Prize for Attitude to Learning in Year 10

Lewis Hanton

The Gordon Cup for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Lana McGuire

The Kitching Memorial Prize for AllRound Contribution to Music in Years 7 to 10

Shelagh Reid

Monika Jolly Trinity Guildhall Acting Award

Rebecca Komischke

Prize for Work in Pre-IB

Hannah Leffer Prize for Attitude to Learning in Pre-IB

Johann Barth Pre-IB Science Prize

Jean-Lou Schneider

Lucy Watson Cup for Improvement in Golf for Boys

Martin Shone

Prize for English as a Second Language in Pre-IB

Archie Barton

Senior School Quaich for Drama

Shreyas Dhasmana

Jack Prize for Latin in Year 11

The Iona Jack Award for Composition

Viola Ferrari

Aitken Prize for French in Year 11

XiuRong Gong

The Duncan Award for Senior Instrumental Music

Matylda Karolewska

Prize for Computer Science in Year 11

Prize for Mathematics in Year 11

Lyons Prize for English in Year 11

Gilliland Prize for Physics in Year 11 Prize for Chemistry in Year 11

Cara Koch

Lucy Watson Cup for Improvement in Golf for Girls

Eliza Konig

Morag Ramsay Prize for German in Year 11

Clerk Rattray Prize for Biology in Year 11

Eabha Lang

Rosemount Quaich for the best all-round Sportsperson in Year 11

Islay MacAnndraigh

Prize for Art & Design in Year 11

Findlay Miller

Prize for History in Year 11

Harrower Prize for Spanish in Year 11

Harry Purvis

Biology Prize

Kyle Cup for Commitment to Rugby

Henry Shulver-Brown

Brewis Prize for Geography in Year 11

Emily (Emmy) Wallard

Rutherford Trophy for Endeavour in Sport

Zirun (Max) Wang

The Chess Prize

Anastazie McCormick

Miss Leveson Bowl for Prose

Emma Vostatkova

Prize for St Leonards Enterprise Programme (STEP)

Marie Weishaeupl

Malloch Cup for the Most Outstanding Musician

Bettina Yeung

The Dove Prize for Good Citizenship

Year 13

Katie Adrain

Helen Story Sixth Form Prize for Contribution in the Sixth Form

Martim Barbosa

Sixth Form Drama Quaich

Maryna Bielinska Prize for Language A

Samuel Carrett Prize for Language Ab Initio

Young Jin (Andy) Cho Prize for Mathematics

Sophie Clarke

Jane MacMillan Prize for English - Lit

Jill Green Prize for Geography

The Caithness Quaich for Commitment in Sport

Yate Lee Memorial Prize for The Leading Academic Scholar

Mark Doherty

Pearson Latin Prize for Classics

Helena Flynn

Robert Durward Memorial Prize for IBCP

The Miss Leveson Bowl for Poetry

Honor Fraser

Juliet Smith Quaich for Outstanding Contribution to Drama

William Jacks

Macdonald Haig Cup for Music

Cornelia Kallblad Prize for Environmental Systems and Societies Prize for Debating

Julian Langer

The Carslaw Cup - IB Learner Profile

Hector Lindsay

Mary Henderson Quaich in Recognition of Good Citizenship

Amelia (Millie) Love

Claydon Sixth Form Prize for Contribution to Sport

MacRobert Thistle Cup for the Best allround Sportsperson

Thya Maraye

The Katherine Fleming Memorial Prize for Biology

Reiss Marshall

Prize for Excellence in Sport

Robson Prize for the most outstanding Athletic Achievement of the Year

Ismini McLeod Dorizas

Wendy Dagg Memorial Award Silver Salver for Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) & Service Learning (SVL)

Timofey Medvedev Prize for Economics Prize for Physics

Madeleine Metz

Prize for Language B

The Macdonald Prize for History

Elvire Mouchel

Helen Mitchell Award for Art & Design

Jamie Pennycook

The Head’s Prize for Head of School

Michael Schmaeh Prize for Business Management

The Cornwell Cup for Achievement

Julie van Beuningen Prize for English B

Madeleine (Maddy) Wallard

The Head’s Prize for Head of School

The Helen Cox Bowl for Singing

Kathryn Walmsley

Jane MacMillan Prize for English - Lang Lit

Prize for Endeavour in Languages Prize for Psychology

Ruihan (Amanda) Yu Prize for Chemistry

Xiamu (Samuel) Zhai

The University of Dundee Prize for Leadership

Office Bearers

Heads of School

Jamie Pennycook & Madeleine Wallard

Deputy Heads of School

James Bruins, Sophie

Clarke, Costanza

Franzinelli Socini Guelfi & Samuel Zhai

Junior School Liaison

Hudson Howarth & Julie van Beuningen

School Events and Socials

Costanza Franzinelli Socini

Guelfi, Louisa Sherret & Ailsa White

Community Outreach

Andrew Boateng, Natalja

Boulting & William

Campbell

PUPIL COUNCIL LEADERS

Catering

Grace Brooks & Timofey

Medvedev

Health and Safety

Michael Schmaeh

School Rules and Policies

Mark Doherty, Moksh

Thya Maraye & Alexander

Nimmo

Wellbeing

Jaroslav Kalat & Madeleine

Metz

Co-Curriculum

Andrew Boateng & William Campbell

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Ismini McLeod Dorizas, Cornelia Kallblad & Maddalena Vavassori

Teaching and Learning

Samuel Carrett, Lara

Klasen & Esme McMillanDoran

MONITORS

Art Monitor

Jamie Pennycook

Drama Monitors

Martim Barbosa & Honor

Fraser

Stage Managers

Hector Lindsay & Louisa

Sherret

Dance Monitor

Teighan Bonett

Music Monitor

Isla Bell

Head Chorister

Nicola Forgues-Puccio

Orchestra Leader

Thomas Rowlands

CAPTAINS OF SPORT

Captains of School Sport

Reiss Marshall and Millie Love

Football

Konstantin Schupp

Hockey

Sophie Clarke

Rugby

Paddy Pennycook

St Leonards Scholars

PUPIL ISLAND LEADERS

Harris

Katie Duncan & Will Jacks

Skye

Katie Adrain & Millie Love

Lewis

Martim Barbosa & Madeleine Gavine

Mull

Honor Fraser & Hector Lindsay

HEADS OF HOUSES

Bishopshall

Ines Puig Obrador

Ollerenshaw

Julian Langer

Scholarships are awarded at St Leonards in recognition of excellence and outstanding achievement in academia, music, sport, drama and art. The following pupils held scholarships in the 2023-24 academic year.

Academic

Ailsa White

James Bruins

Mark Doherty

Molly Donaldson

Eliza Konig

Polly Morris

Thomas Rowlands

Kathryn Walmsley

Anna Black

Shreyas Dhasmana

Sophie Clarke

Art

Ting Duncan

Henry Shulver-Brown

Jamie Pennycook

Drama

Sophie Clarke

Arabella Hayes

Paddy Pennycook

Rafferty Howison

Honor Fraser

Archie Barton

Martim Barbosa

Music

Arabella Hayes

Charlotte Rice

Ben Smeddle

Shreyas Dhasmana

Jennifer Niven

Isla Bell

Nicola Forgues-Puccio

Ruairidh Leggett

Thomas Rowlands

Will Jacks

Finn Moan

Sport

Ewen Farquhar

Harry Purvis

Harriet Fleetham

Lana McGuire

Reiss Marshall

Kathryn Walmsley

Cameron Parkin

Francis Maughan

LEWIS

Captain’s Speech

Hello, and thank you all for coming. My name is Florence, and for the past year, I have been the Island Captain of Lewis.

I was so happy when I found out that the other pupils from my Island had voted for me to be Captain. It has been a great honour to be your captain this past year, and I hope that you all have enjoyed it - I, for one, certainly have!

I joined St Leonards at the start of the year and have enjoyed every moment of it. Before I joined the community of St Leonards, I went to a smaller school called Elie Primary School. I have loved being at St Leonards, with the variety of lessons and opportunities. With specialist teachers taking you for PE and Games, Art, Drama, and Music, this has made learning new things even more special.

St Leonards has an exceptional Sports Department and amazing PE teachers. I have very much enjoyed playing tennis, hockey, football, and touch rugby on the astroturf. I have also enjoyed having lessons at the swimming pool and taking part in swimming galas.

I remember that at my first swimming gala at School, it was just a girls’ competition, so there were no boys competing. We won all the races, so the other school did not even need to stay for the medals! Afterwards, I was buzzing with excitement and happiness for me and the rest of the swim team.

Vice-Captain’s Speech

Hello, I am Marnie Watt, and I am the Lewis Vice-Captain. I can’t believe it’s the end of my time at the Junior School already. I only joined St Leonards this year, and it has flown past.

I have been reflecting on my year, with its joys and its challenges. Firstly, the challenges: Maths! Who knew it could be so complicated, and when will it come in handy?

Next is the pen licences - now that was something new to me! When you need to meet a specific expectation in order to write with a pen, it was an interesting challenge for me.

The joys of School for me are writing and being creative. I think writing helps everyone’s imagination.

I love Art. I love drawing things, and I love crafting things. I think everyone enjoys Art, and I see why. So thank you to the teachers who have supported our creative side, especially Miss Neave. I also loved Music lessons - I love listening to music and learning about it! The Music Department has helped us all develop our love of music, and we thank them for that. I rocked it playing a witch in the school play, all thanks to Mrs Stewart and her amazing Drama classes and productions. I know I didn’t cover all subjects, but those are some of the main ones.

Memories from Lewis Classmates

Louise Cornu-Thenard - “When I went to Dalguise, one of the activities we did was building a raft. Once we had built the raft, we paddled out a little bit, then stopped. We had to do a challenge. The challenge was to paddle to the other side of the big pond, collect a rock, and come back with it. It was a race, so we had to be fast. On the way back, I fell in head first! It was lots of fun, but I got very wet!”

Priya Myles - “When I went to Ridgway, there were two teams, Blue Badgers and Red Rebels. One of the activities was camping. The red team got there first, and Martha, Florence, and Thea already had their tent up, and the others were close behind. Once my team had put up our tents, the red team set us to work collecting dead heather for a fire they had started. We made hot chocolate and then went to our tents to try to get some sleep. I remember sharing a tent with Marnie, and it was very fun. We got more sleep than a lot of people!”

Thanks to all of Lewis for supporting our charity this year, the RSPB - they were delighted with the funds we raised for them.

Now I would like to thank the teachers for helping me grow my knowledge, and to thank you all for supporting me as the Island Captain of Lewis.

Florence Lobban Captain of Lewis

My favourite memory was the things we did in Ridgway. I asked my classmates what their best memories were over their years at St Leonards. Priya said she loved the big swing at Dalguise - she said it was the most enjoyable thing she had ever done. Louise said she loved Survival Island, especially when she found her kit!

I also have some thanks to give. First, I want to thank the PE teachers for the fixtures - football, cricket, hockey, cross country, and athletics. The bus journeys were hectic but so fun! Next, Miss Cormack - you taught me and helped me with things even when I was the loudest person in the room. Also, the teachers who had to sort us into our clubs at the end of the day, no matter how exhausting it was. Finally, the other teachers - I could never understand how hard it is to teach so many kids! I’m so excited for someone to be in my place next year, standing up here saying the same things I did today.

I hope I will be able to grow in Senior School just as I did here. I also hope you all will enjoy your years at Junior School just as I did this year. Thank you.

Marnie Watt Vice-Captain of Lewis

Junior Prizegiving from the Island Captains

MULL

Sophia: Hello. My name is Sophia Allgood, and I am this year’s Mull Captain. I joined this year, and I feel very welcome in this School.

Ella: My name is Ella Moan, and I am this year’s Mull ViceCaptain. I joined last year and have loved my whole time here.

Sophia: We are thankful for being the Island Captains this year, and we thank the people who voted for us. And thank you for working together to collect Island points for Mull.

Ella: We know you worked very hard this year - not just Mull, but all Islands. This year has been extremely productive, and none of this would have been possible without our many different teachers. We thank them for supporting us and helping us to try things we never thought we were able to do before. They taught us things we never knew. They helped us when we got stuck. And for that, we are eternally grateful.

Sophia: As some of you might know, this was my first year at St Leonards, but it feels like I’ve been here for years. However, other people we know have actually been here for years, like Michelle and Elin. This is a memory from Elin: ‘When I was in Year 1, I forgot how to spell “them”, so I spelt it “htem”’. And Michelle’s memory: ‘It was fun doing the Year 5 Fair’.

Ella: The things we learned and the memories we made will not be forgotten. Well, there will be a few exceptions. But, as Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Don’t judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fall down and get back up.’ The fun times, the sad times, the confusing times, the quiet times, and the happy times. Even though this is our last year in Junior School, our learning journey will never end. Thank you, teachers, family, friends, and fellow classmates, for your support in everything we have done. Supporting the Cupar Food Bank this year - they were so delighted with the funds we raised for them. Although the days are sometimes long, we will always remember what happened during our time here, and it will always be cherished.

Sophia: St Leonards is not just a school - it is a family, a family that wants you to succeed in life. And even if things don’t go as planned in a certain class, remember: as Winston Churchill said, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts’. Thank you for listening.

Ella: Good luck next year.

Sophia: But most importantly, Ella & Sophia: Have a wonderful summer!

Sophia Allgood & Ella Moan Captain & Vice-Captain of Mull

SKYE

Bella: Hello, I am Isabella Hawkins (or Bella), and I am the Island Captain of Skye. I joined St Leonards in Year 4, and honestly, since then, I have cherished every second of it, including playing various sports, going on field trips, and developing my art and drama.

Jess: Hi, my name is Jessica Duff (Jess), I am the ViceCaptain of Skye, and I joined in Year 6. Everything about Year 6 has been enjoyable to me, including the lessons, the students, and the activities.

Bella: We owe everything to our wonderful teachers for teaching us the various subjects and for being there for us when we needed them. I want to express my sincere gratitude on Skye’s behalf. Teachers, you have never let us down. We also wish to show our appreciation to students in Years 1 to 6 for their kindness and support. I believe you have all gained a great deal of knowledge and are prepared for next year.

Bella: We want to thank the members of Skye for helping us to raise funds this year for the St Andrews Aquarium. We know they were so grateful for the money they received, and they will put it to good use, helping to rebuild the storm-damaged pool.

Jess: It is truly a blessing to have teachers in my life. Most importantly, my school is my second home because it teaches me a lot of things each day. It makes it a joy to come to school every day to see all of you smiling happily. When I start Year 7, there will be an enormous gap in my heart because you won’t be there to encourage me as I grow.

Bella: We spoke to a few members of Skye about their favourite memories, and this is what they had to say:

Jess: Thea from Year 6 explained, “Since I’m quite athletic, I loved the Year 6 sport opportunities.”

Bella: Martha from Year 6 said that Ridgway was her favourite memory; she said it was a lot of fun, but she didn’t enjoy that Year 6 students were divided into two teams since we were stronger together.

Jess: Emma in Year 5 said, “It was a joy to be at Dalguise; I enjoyed Jacob’s Ladder the most, though.”

Bella: And finally, Finley in Year 4 said one of his memories was the Craigtoun Walk - it was raining almost all the way, but he pushed through it.

Jess: Bella and I have two tips for you for next year. Number 1: Make mistakes, and make lots of them. That’s right - make mistakes. This is the only time you can afford to make mistakes and learn from them without much cost. More importantly, take ownership of the mistakes, be honest about them, apologise if you need to, and grow from them.

Bella: Number 2: Learn to unlearn and relearn. We were doing this as we dealt with the pandemic - learning new information about the virus, unlearning and relearning, changing our usual habits like wearing masks. Then someone made the COVID vaccination, and we had to adapt to normal lives again. As you continue with your lessons, you may unlearn and relearn new concepts in various instances. For example, I will be doing this as I step into Senior School. We all have to adapt and change the way we think. We have to change our habits to unlearn and relearn new things.

Jess: Both of us have had amazing experiences like the exhibition.

Bella: And Dalguise, as well as visiting the Discovery in Year 5. We are both extremely honoured to be your Skye Island Captains, so we want you to remember this:

Jess: Hate has four letters, but so does love.

Bella: Enemies has seven letters, but so do friends.

Jess: Lying has five letters, but so does truth.

Bella: Failure has seven letters, but so does success.

Jess: Cry has three letters, but so does joy.

Bella: And negativity has ten letters, but so does positivity.

Jess: You always have a choice, so choose the better side of it.

Bella: You can’t change the past, and you don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, so focus on the present. And guess what, no one has destroyed the world yet!

Jess & Bella: Thank you for listening, and have a good holiday.

Isabella Hawkins & Jessica Duff Captain & Vice-Captain of Skye

HARRIS

Joint Captain’s Speech

This year has zoomed by! It feels like just a few days ago I was standing up in St Katharines Hall, trying to persuade you all to vote for me as House Captain - you’ll be chuffed to know my Rubik’s cube speed has since improved!

Thanks to all the Harris team for supporting our charity this year, the SSPCA - they were delighted with the funds we raised for them.

Since then, we’ve had so many interesting and challenging experiences. Ridgway has ensured that the whole of Year 6 can now catch and eat a range of sea life - very handy given how close we are to the ocean here at St Leonards. Although, I don’t recommend the limpets! Ridgway brought us together as a class and improved our confidence, which will be brilliant as we take the big leap up the hill to Senior School.

I’m not saying Year 5 wasn’t great as well. Going to the aquarium was fantastic, and our screeches on the giant swing at Dalguise will be something to remember.

Of course, it’s not just me who has these cracking memories. From Year 1 to Year 6, my fellow Harris members have embraced more adventures than a hobbit on a quest, from playground antics and fun at Sports Day to playing endless games of Go Fish at Ridgway.

As we move out of the Junior School, there will be lots of new children coming in. Some advice to anyone coming to St Leonards for the first time:

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how tricky. The teachers will always give you an answer.

• Always try new things, as you might discover you love something unexpected, like broccoli or algebra!

• Mistakes are okay! As long as you learn from them for the future and don’t accidentally set fire to the science lab... twice.

• If you see someone alone in the playground, always invite them to join in. Kindness goes a long way, like a boomerangit always comes back to you.

• And finally, make sure you befriend the most important people in the School: the amazing kitchen team. They’ll guarantee you a lifetime of extra chips or an extra slice of bread.

To finish, I’d like to thank all the teachers who have made my time in the Junior School so memorable, and of course, my fantastic Year 6 friends. I can’t wait for our next adventure together!

Thank you.

Josiel Norris-Mbedzi Joint Captain of Harris

Joint Captain’s Speech

Hi, my name is Claudia, and I am the Joint Captain of Harris. My years at St Leonards Junior School have been amazing. It feels like just yesterday I was back in Year 1 with the Sorting Hat on my head getting put into Harris. And now I’m talking to more than 150 people about how amazing being the Captain of Harris is! Still can’t believe that.

Here are some things I have enjoyed these past six years: The Exhibition, Dalguise, Summer Fair, the Dukes, and Ridgwayif I were to continue, you would be here for hours. None of these would have been possible without the amazing teachers. They have made everything fun, even the Maths! I am also amazed at how much I have learnt over six years. From Miss Boissiere teaching me how to count to 10, to Miss Cormack teaching me how to divide and multiply in the 1000-3000 range.

Years 2 to 3 were the COVID years. Mrs Lindsay, Miss Fisher, and Miss Boissiere managed to keep a boring and frightening time interesting in lesson times, with people putting random backgrounds on Zoom calls and pets jumping in and out of the screens.

In Year 4, we had the Cinderella play. We had so much funeveryone had a part, and everyone enjoyed it. We all came together as a class and performed brilliantly and definitely had some laughs in the audience with Mrs Arkwright. A big thank you to all the teachers who helped us in both the Year 4 play and Year 6, especially Mrs Stewart.

Year 5, the Summer Fair. I loved the Summer Fair. It was amazing to see what everyone else had come up with. If someone were to ask me what my favourite thing about the Summer Fair was, I would definitely say getting pied in the face with Martha and Michelle. Someone’s mum got a slow-mo of it and will be watching it over and over again. I would also like to say I will miss you, Mrs Majcher, so much! So let’s give her a big clap to say goodbye!

Year 6 - in the middle of Year 6, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and so many people have helped me. So I would like to say thanks to them, my class and teachers, the school nurses/ medical team, especially Jenny for coming to Ridgway with me! You’ll never forget that! Miss Dawson, I can’t forget about you. Without these people, I probably wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I did.

I would also like to thank the Wellbeing Hub for supporting us the whole way, so a huge thanks to Annie and Helen!

Favourite Memories

Amber - “I would like to express my gratitude to Mrs Swankie, Mrs Love, and Mrs Stewart for the wonderful opportunity to participate in the play Shakespeare Rocks. The decorations, music, and costumes were fabulous. The way the teachers taught us to dance and sing made us feel greatly supported. I loved everything about the performance!”

If there was a quote that sums up School, I would say it’s this: There is no elevator to success, so you have to take the stairs… which is definitely Hepburn House!

Hope you have a wonderful time in whatever you’re going into, and I can’t wait to see our new Captains and Vice-Captains.

Thank you all for listening.

Claudia Breen Joint Captain of Harris

Junior Prizewinners 2023-24

Class Prizes

Eowyn-Rose Vale Year 1 Prize for Effort

Sophia Winter Year 1 Prize for Progress

Max Hallock Year 1 Inquirers Prize

Emerson Chan Year 2 Prize for Effort

Charlotte Allgood Year 2 Prize for Progress

Riagan Bonner Year 2 Inquirers Prize

Sofia Young Year 3 Prize for Effort

Clodagh Kavanagh Year 3 Prize for Progress

Patrick Tynte-Irvine Year 3 Inquirers Prize

Aliya Browning Year 4 Prize for Effort

David Henderson Year 4 Prize for Progress

Flora Logan Year 4 Inquirers Prize

Olivia Andrew Year 5 Prize for Effort

Sholto McWilliam Year 5 Prize for Progress

Anwen Feasey Year 5 Inquirers Prize

Main Prizes

Claudia Breen Alexander Cup for Resilience

Alvin Chen New Park Cup for the Outstanding Instrumentalist

Michelle Chernin Louise Easton Cup for Languages

Magnus Dalton-Dewey Liverpool Seniors Quaich for Community Action

Marisa Gould St Leonards Gymnastics Award

Isabella Hawkins

Cathles Memorial Cup for Singing St Leonards Cup for Art

Martha Kavanagh

Joan Gibson - All Round Sporting Contribution for Girls

Florence Lobban Cardew Quaich for Enthusiasm in Music

Arya Madasamy Herring Cup for Art Years 1-3

Mairi Maitland Burns Cup for Golf

Albert Majcher

Joan Gibson Quaich for Years 1-3 Embodiment of the Learner Profile

Amber McGhee

Burnet Prize for Speech and Drama

Dallan McLaughlin

Stevenson Cup for Junior Swimming Year 4-6

James Menard Kilgour Cup for Swimming Improvement in Year 1-3

Ella Moan

Campbell Quaich for All Round Contribution to Drama

Cameron Cup for English

Jos Norris-Mbedzi Lamb Cup for Drama

Richardson Cup for Best U11 Rugby Player Cowley Trophy for Year 6 Swimming

Easter Grangemuir Cup - All Round Sporting Contribution for Boys Hunter Cup for Maths

Grace Prescott Fraser Cup for All Round Musicianship

Dylan Pyne-Carter

Anderson Quaich for Improvement in Music Chairman’s Cup for Year 6 Inquirer

Alexander Steven Cooper Cup for Best Boys Hockey Player

Joseph Morton Memorial Trophy for Effort

Thea Steven Cockburn Quaich for Best Girl Hockey Player

Thea Steven / Martha Kavanagh

Kathleen Morton Memorial Trophy for Effort

Elin Tausch Crawford Prize for Progress

Marnie Watt Mackay Award for Inquirers Year 6

Island Captains & Vice-Captains

Harris

Captains: Claudia Breen & Josiel Norris-Mbedzi

Lewis

Captain: Florence Lobban Vice-Captain: Marnie Watt

Mull

Captain: Sophia Allgood Vice-Captain: Ella Moan

Skye

Captain: Isabella Hawkins Vice-Captain: Jessica Duff

The Anderson House Cup

4th - Harris = 188

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Special Recognition

We are delighted to honour the staff who have dedicated 15 years or more to making our School truly special. Their stories and memories highlight the commitment and care that define our community. Join us as we celebrate their many years of service.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time at St Leonards?

“It is very hard to choose just one - perhaps Denise Johnston and I’s long partnership. We made the inaugural job share - the Dream Team - in an age where we wrote in the diary to each other what was happening in classes! Or Princess Alexandra’s visit to St Leonards in 2002 in the marquee! More recently, the rain and riots in Athens in 2022 - my first ever overseas school trip - and of course working with the whole school on the inaugural SLMUN Conference this year!”

What makes our school community special to you?

“Relationships with staff and pupils among the academic memories rock!”

Vanessa Samuel Teacher of English 23 Years in Service

“It’s incredibly hard to choose just one. However, at the end of every show, I go to the stage and make sure to clap my performers for doing such a great job. Being able to stand there and watch them receive positive recognition from the audience, and knowing that they have just created a moment they will remember forever, is something I feel very privileged to witness.”

What makes our school community special to you?

“Before arriving at St Leonards, I trained and worked for 19 years in the state sector, so I never take for granted the scenic beauty that surrounds me here. Alongside the aesthetics are the professional friendships I have made, ensuring that there is much laughter on a daily basis and a shoulder to cry on when needed. The care that staff and students have for one another makes St Leonards a very special place to be.”

Nichola McQuade-Powell Director of Drama 20 Years in Service

“Difficult to select just one memorable moment, but every time I conduct the choir in a performance, it is memorable and moving. They make me so proud. The school community is a family, and I have made friends for life with colleagues and past pupils alike.”

Fiona Love Director of Music

27 Years in Service

“Too many memorable moments. The last one was at Speech Day last year, 2023. The kids make it special to me; they make time to chat as they pass by.”

Ann Ball Domestic Cleaner 37 Years in Service

“I must make it clear that the very fact I am writing this article is unfathomable to me. The fresh-faced twentysomething-year-old would have laughed in your face had you suggested that over twenty years later I would be writing this. I still recall rolling my eyes at a certain longserving music teacher who was celebrating their ten-year tenure, and I was adamant that this would not be me. What once was horror is now pride. I am delighted to have had, and continue to have, the privilege of teaching at St Leonards. It is now somewhere I have been longer than anywhere else, including growing up with my family. It is, like any relationship, a complex

one, but fundamentally I live, breathe and believe in the ethos of St Leonards. I have seen many changes, had so many opportunities, and more than that, I have worked with unbelievable children and adults alike. It is a place steeped in history, it has its moments of drama, but essentially it is fun. It is a real community, a family. My children now attend, and I could not be happier to see them benefiting from a place in which I believe so passionately. I still feel like the young teacher, but then I am confronted by children who have very much caught up with me.”

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time at St Leonards?

“After school one day, a Year 1 pupil had become locked in the toilets and was panicking. Somebody came to tell me, and I waltzed in, stood on the cistern, and vaulted over the top - all in high-heeled boots and a mini skirt.”

What makes our school community special to you?

“St Leonards is a happy, friendly, family-oriented, exciting, energetic and above all fun and inspirational place to work. I have never once lost enthusiasm for this place that is so much more than a job, and I am so grateful for all the people I have met and worked with - I often wonder where all ‘my’ children are now, but one place they never leave is my heart!”

Claire Boissiere Assistant Head of Junior School

20

Years in Service

“At a St Rule Christmas party (more than 20 years ago), the final stages of a game of musical chairs became deadly serious. The last two people left were me and a Sixth Former whose name I can’t remember, but he was Head of House at the time. In my final lunge for victory, I managed to break my toe - but he very kindly helped me hop to my car at the end of the evening! That took quite a lot of living down amongst staff and pupils.”

What makes our school community special to you?

What makes our school community special to you?

“From Pythagoras to the Duke of Edinburgh, everything is possible at St Leonards.”

Kristina Struck Teacher of Mathematics

15 Years in Service

“The community is special to me because my son Daniel spent immensely happy school days here from nursery to Sixth Form. It was a joy to see him enjoying his school days so much and being nurtured by a community with a marvellously positive ethos and very high standards of teaching. He made deep friendships and developed a genuine intellectual curiosity, both of which he has retained into adulthood. Daniel and I look back upon our shared years here with enormous pleasure, and it makes me happy to see successive generations of young people benefiting from the same exciting and wonderful start in life that he enjoyed, and to continue to be a part of it all.”

Lorna Greenwood Teacher of History

23 Years in Service

As we bid farewell to Mr Andrew Durward, our Deputy Head (Pastoral), we reflect on his 15 years of dedicated service at St Leonards. He will be missed by students and staff alike. Here, Mr Durward shares one of his most unforgettable experiences from his time at St Leonards.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time at St Leonards?

“Around 13 years ago, I was teaching PE on Big Field. It was Muck Up Day, and the leavers were charging around the school looking for mischief. As my class finished, a group appeared on Big Field. They had water pistols and water balloons and clearly saw me as a target they could go to town on with little care of consequence. I was one of the younger teachers at school at this stage, wearing my shorts and T-shirt as it was sunny, with zero leadership responsibility at that point. I had taught and coached many of the now-gathering mob, so I knew them well.

I was faced with two choices: allow the mob to do their thing and soak me, or allow my competitive spirit to take over and run them around Big Field until they got tired and gave up. I (or rather, my inner chimp) chose the latter; I ran, I dodged, I heckled, and I was gleeful as I headed back into a school building dry and having outmanoeuvred the mob.

What I couldn’t have realised at that point was that my choice to run and take sport in avoiding the Muck Up Day shenanigans put in motion an annual event: to chase me and catch me in some manner during Muck Up Day. Pupils became obsessed with trying to catch me, soak me, mess with my office, mess with my car. In more recent years, where soaking me has become less of an option, they have taken to filling the school with pictures of me, some of which I have to admit are quite creative. One leaving class trapped me in the Coach House whilst waiting outside and chanting; they drew some interesting pictures on a school minibus with shaving foam to pass the time, thinking they were standing at the only way out. I managed to climb out a tiny window in the toilet, climbed a wall, and made my way through Priorsgate and out onto South Street. Moments like this probably didn’t help downplay the tradition of trying to catch me, but again my competitive spirit took over.

A few years after my first escape on Muck Up Day, I was in trouble. The pupils were excited to try and outpace me, and to make matters worse, we had an outstanding cross-country team whom I had ferried all over the country, and they knew that cardio wasn’t my strong suit. I had kept close to the buildings throughout the day and sprinted inside as wave after wave of attacks appeared. As the end of the day neared, I was feeling nervous. Groups were gathering outside, and to make matters worse, I was car sharing with Mr Turnbull, so I needed to time my lift home as he was driving. I found myself in the Coach House speaking to Mr Turnbull on the phone.

He was getting in his car and was ready to go but was down at the harbour. He suggested I run towards him. As I exited, I spotted the mob waiting nearby and knew a run to the harbour was imminent. I took off, hoping a burst of speed would put them off, but in the distance, I could see the cross-country specialists sensing a chance for glory and taking off like the lightweight energiser bunnies that they were. To this day, I am still amazed at the speed I maintained to outpace these national-level cross-country athletes. As I got to the harbour, I made my way to Mr Turnbull’s mighty VW Polo with the athletes just out of reach. But I was betrayed; Mr T gleefully locked the car door and waited until the chasing pack soaked me whilst I had a mild asthma attack. This was the pupils’ first taste of victory and my first taste of betrayal from a colleague on Muck Up Day.

Another year, having dodged them all day, the leaving class trapped me in the main school building. This group was organised and covered every main exit. Ann Ball, my legendary colleague, came to my aid. Whilst Ann found it hilarious that the pupils were trying to catch me, she too took sport in evading them, and on this occasion, led me to a plant room with a door I didn’t even know existed to the outside of the school building. I found myself facing the Byre Theatre and, more importantly, an unguarded exit.

As my role in school changed, so did the tactics of the pupils. Three years ago, my supposed ally Ann Ball let the pupils into my office before the school day began. I arrived at school to find that the group had taken all of the furniture from the locker/ Leonard and put it in the Quad. They had found pictures of me wearing a helmet at Newtonmore, printed out copies, and put them all over school. I arrived at my office to find Ann Ball’s betrayal; it was filled with balloons, glitter, and confetti.

Throughout my last days at St Leonards, one of the most common discussions I have had with Year 12s is whether I will come back next year for Muck Up Day... it’s a no from me! It’s time for someone else to view Muck Up Day with equal parts dread and sporting excitement... I just hope that person can run faster than me.”

Andrew Durward Deputy Head (Pastoral)

15 Years in Service | 2009-2024

Hello!

Time has flown since I returned to St Leonards at the start of the year to take up the role of Alumni & Development Manager. It is a joy to be here, as this place truly holds a special place in my heart. My journey with the School began as a parent in 2009. Fast forward to today: two of my children have graduated and are now at university, two have moved on after 10 and 11 years at St Leonards, and one remains, set to graduate with the Class of 2025. While I may never be a Senior myself, I could certainly qualify for the ‘Most Hardcore Parent Award’, if such a title existed! I have always been deeply involved with the School, with some of my fondest memories coming from my three years as Chair of the Parents Association, and more recently, my role as Assistant Registrar (UK) in the Admissions Team.

Seniors Events 2023-24

Class of 1964 - 60 Years

There is no such thing as a typical day in Alumni and Development – every day brings something new and interesting. One moment I might be coordinating with Seniors about their significant graduation anniversaries, and the next I am channelling my inner Miss Marple, piecing together cryptic clues to answer an inquiry or carefully unwrapping historical treasures sent in as archive donations.

It has been wonderful to connect with those of you who have reached out to the Seniors Office since I took on this role. Hearing your memories of St Leonards is one of my favourite parts of the job, and it has not escaped my notice that many of those memories are laced with the requisite mischief and high jinks!

I look forward to meeting many more of you at one of the Seniors events or within the wider St Leonards community in the coming year. In the meantime, please keep in touchwhether it is to share your adventures, achievements, or to update your contact details. Whatever the news, big or small, we love hearing from you!

Michelle Wilkinson Alumni & Development Manager

It was an absolute pleasure to join Seniors from the Class of 1964 as they celebrated their 60th anniversary at the beautiful home of their contemporary, Maureen Grant, in Edinburgh. Friends travelled from near and far, with Australia being the most distant, and a day trip from Basingstoke clocking the most miles travelled in a day. The group, who maintain a biannual catch-up tradition, enjoyed wonderful conversation and the delicious catering organised by Maureen, while reminiscing over photographs from their time at St Leonards.

Class of 1974 - 50 Years

Twenty members of the Class of 1974 gathered from across the UK and Norway in the charming Edinburgh garden of Wendy Smith (Elliot) on Saturday, 22 June, to celebrate their 50th reunion. There was much to catch up on, and the group enjoyed a day filled with delicious food and great company, from lunch through to afternoon tea and supper. Those who could not attend in person joined via video call or text throughout the day. Wendy organised and catered the event beautifully, and Barbara Hamilton, 1974 Head Girl, raised a toast to the Class of 1974, acknowledging both friends present and absent.

Class of 1994 - 30 Years

The St Leonards campus played host to the Class of 1994 as they gathered over the weekend of 25-26 May to mark their 30th anniversary, joined by some special members of staff. The weekend was packed with events, including a welcome reception, campus tour, delicious meals, and blue skies. The celebration culminated in a lively ceilidh, rounding off a weekend filled with reminiscing and rekindled friendships.

Take a Seat!

Welcome, Class of 2024!

On Friday, 24 May, our Year 13s made their transition from the top of the School to become the Class of 2024. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours and warmly welcome them into the St Leonards Seniors community, Ad Vitam - For Life.

This summer, St Leonards completed a wonderful renovation of our beloved Music School Auditorium. Along with the installation of stylish new velvet seating, the project enhanced the overall space, increasing its capacity from 95 to 116.

We are now offering you the chance to sponsor one of these beautiful new seats. Your sponsorship will not only include a personalised inscription of up to 34 characters, but it will also support our plans to extend these renovations to the wider Music School, further enhancing the facilities that inspire our pupils, staff and community.

A donation of £300 secures your sponsorship, whether as a dedication in your name, in memory of a loved one, or as a unique gift.

For further details or to arrange your sponsorship, please email sponsoraseat@stleonards-fife.org.

Be Our Guest!

We are always delighted to welcome Seniors back to St Leonards at any time of year. If you need help contacting your peers to arrange a group visit, we are here to assist. Simply get in touch with the Seniors Office ahead of your visit at seniors@ stleonards-fife.org.

Alumni News

Senior Inauguration

BAFTA Triumph

St Leonards Senior Maud Woolf (Day 2012-14), author of Thirteen Ways to Kill Lulabelle Rock - recently highlighted in The Guardian’s article on ‘The Best Recent Science Fiction and Fantasy’ - took to the stage at Senior Prizegiving to welcome the outgoing Year 13s into the Seniors community.

Congratulations to Senior Callum Underwood (OLL 2003-05) and his team for winning two BAFTAs at the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards, where they topped the categories of Best British Game and Original IP for their partly Scottish-made game Viewfinder. Callum, who has worked in the video games industry for around 12 years, sold his company Robot Teddy in 2021. He now runs his own businesses while also working as an advisor and angel investor within the sector.

Shooting Star

The past eighteen months have been remarkable for St Leonards Senior and St Andrews Rifle Club member Frankie Calder (Day 2015-22). Their recent win in the 2022-23 British Women’s Short Range Championship adds to an impressive list of achievements, including victories at the 202122 Scottish Junior Championship and the National Smallbore Rifle Association (NSRA) 2021-22 Individual Junior League, Division 1.

Frankie, who began competing at just 12 years old, represented the Scottish Schools team for four years, regularly achieving the highest scores, and winning the NSRA Junior Universal League four years in a row. Huge congratulations, Frankie - keep aiming high!

As One St Leonards Senior Archie Clarke (Day 201322) was named as one of the 35-man team for the 2024 U20 Six Nations by Scottish Rugby. Archie earned three caps during the event, held between March and May, and also reached the final of the semi-pro Scottish Super 6 Sprint Series league with Stirling Wolves. He is now looking forward to his next season with Durham.

The Warriors

St Leonards Senior Alex Samuel (Day 2006-18) was part of the starting squad in a recent Benetton vs Glasgow Warriors Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) game in Treviso. The Warriors celebrated a 19-9 victory, despite challenging weather conditions, becoming the first team in a year to beat the Italian team at home.

Mine Craft

It was a pleasure to welcome Senior and former Head Girl (1999-2000) Sarah Gordon (APS 1993-2000) back to St Leonards for the first time since graduating. Sarah spoke to current Year 12 and 13 pupils about her career journey in the mining industry and female leadership in a male-dominated environment.

Pupils found Sarah’s talk relatable, particularly when she shared that she did not know what she wanted to do after leaving school. They were captivated by her story of discovering a fallen meteor during a mining internship, which became the catalyst for her PhD in Geology.

We Need You!

The St Leonards community is fabulously rich in experience and knowledge. Whether it is speaking at a careers breakfast or graduation, in-person or online, our pupils would love to be inspired by you!

Please get in touch via seniors@stleonards-fife.org if you would like to get involved.

St Leonards Summer School

This year, St Leonards proudly launched its inaugural Summer School, welcoming students from 11 different countries. The programme was designed as an extension of the St Leonards experience, offering a two-week residential course filled with adventure and learning for students from around the globe.

Reflecting the ethos, policies, and procedures of St Leonards, the Summer School gave students a true taste of life at our School. In July, the doors of St Rule were opened to students, providing over 30 hours of English Language lessons alongside a wide array of exciting activities. Our Director of Studies carefully crafted the English Language curriculum, which included a Scottish Cultural Studies module. Here, students delved into Scotland’s rich culture and learned unique local terms like ‘dreich’ and ‘glakit’. These engaging, project-based lessons were designed to enhance students’ English speaking, listening, and writing skills.

The programme was not just for English learners; native and fluent English speakers also joined our Residential Activity Programme. These students travelled from diverse places, including Hong Kong, America, and even Fife! The mix of fluent speakers and learners created a dynamic environment where students could practise their English with peers - a method often more effective than practising with adults.

One unexpected highlight was our Island leaderboard, a key feature of the programme. Initially meant to track points for our Leadership Development Programme, it

quickly transformed into a thrilling 14-day competition, more exciting than the Olympics. Upon arrival, students were assigned to Islands, donned their Island T-shirts with pride, and competed for the coveted Island winners’ trip to Jannettas Gelateria. Points were awarded for good character, stepping out of comfort zones, keeping tidy rooms, and winning the Highland Games. This fostered positive behaviour and developed key communication skills.

Our Leadership Development Programme, inspired by the International Baccalaureate Learner Profiles, offered students the chance to develop transferable skills and reflect on their learning. Fun activities included an alphabet scavenger hunt, a Dragons’ Den competition, and an egg drop challenge. Working in Island groups allowed students to collaborate across age ranges, enhancing their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Students lived in St Rule, our magnificent co-ed boarding house, which is equipped with spacious common rooms and a well-appointed kitchen. These spaces were perfect for events like St Rule’s Got Talent, evening hot chocolate catch-ups, and cosy movie nights. With a variety of dormitory, single, twin, and triple rooms, we catered to everyone’s needs.

Despite the unpredictable Scottish weather, our students enjoyed numerous activities on our beautiful campus and in the local area. They surfed on the West Sands, built sandcastles on the East Sands, jumped into the docks at Wildshore in Dundee, played golf at St Andrews Links, and

“Meeting different people from different countries has been really fun. It’s nice that we can all speak together in English, and I now have friends from all over the world.” – Hanna from Poland

rode horses near Craigrothie. One student was so impressed by St Leonards that he successfully applied to join our Sixth Form, and he is now a valued member of our community.

Travelling from around the world, our students bravely stepped out of their comfort zones and made lifelong friends. We are thrilled that many have already booked for Summer 2024, eager to reunite with the friends they made here.

Here’s to Summer 2024!

Fiona McGregor Head of Summer Schools

“I loved surfing, the trip to Edinburgh, the university tour, and all the interactive activities involving everyone.”

– Sim from France

“My kids reported that all staff members were super friendly, warm, and caring. I believe the wonderful staff at St Leonards really make the difference.”

– Parent

“My favourite bit about the food was the diversity and variety. I loved the different cultures that they incorporated in the meals.” – Vico from Germany