Lasswade summer newsletter

Lasswade High School Summer Newsletter June 2014

DREAM, BELIEVE, ACHIEVE @ LASSWADE

Message from the Headmaster, Mr A Williamson Welcome to the final newsletter of what has been a tremendously exciting session in Lasswade High School. We are now fully settled in our wonderful new school and it has been a session of amazing achievements for our students.

As you are aware from the previous newsletters we experienced a very positive HMIe Report in January 2014 which has left us on very firm foundations to move forward next session. We have recently received very positive feedback on improved statistics for School Attendance and Reduced Exclusions and we are also the top school in Midlothian for achieving Positive Destinations which is ultimately a true test of a successful school.

During the Summer term the Senior Students experienced their first SQA Exams in the new school and the fourth year National 5 students sat their exams. The general feedback was very positive and we await with excitement the exam results due on 5 August 2014. Our committed Pastoral staff will be in school on 14 August 2014 to meet with students who would like to discuss their results in relation to courses for next year or positive destinations. After the SQA exams it was a pleasure to see off our valued S6 students at their annual Prom in the Balmoral Hotel which was a wonderful evening of dance and festivity.

We welcomed our Primary 7 students to the school earlier this month following their highly successful ASG Transition Camp and it was an exciting and colourful (with their multi-coloured uniforms) couple of days. We have received lots of positive feedback and look forward to meeting them as our new S1 with their black and white (!) uniforms on 20 August 2014. We have had the largest number of placing requests ever to Lasswade High School and again this is a really positive sign of the Midlothian community’s regard for the positive progress of our school.

Several other events have taken place which are worthy of mention. Under the Scottish Chinese Education Network we will be linking up with Heriot Watt to deliver a Mandarin program in association with our primary schools. The trip to Shanghai in October 2014 will also be an unbelievable opportunity to visit the Panda Colony in Chengdu, paid by for Jaguar Land Rover and Edinburgh Zoo. We were invited to take part in Education Scotland’s HMIe Numeracy work where our S3 learners showcased their work with iPads and we received really positive feedback from the Inspectorate in relation to our students’ work.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 1

One of the proudest achievements this session has been the ‘Vision and Values’ work around ‘DREAM, BELIEVE and ACHIEVE’ at Lasswade High School and our DREAM Values. We ran a very successful Interdisciplinary Learning Day for our S1 - S3 pupils to further deepen our students’ understanding of the values that we live by in Lasswade High School.

Another major event was the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay into Lasswade High School – the only school the Baton toured in Midlothian. We were extremely honoured to have the Baton visit our school and it was tremendous for our sporting achievers to carry the Baton and for all our school teams to be photographed with the Baton.

Possibly the biggest sporting achievement (other than the Lasswade teaching staff winning the Midlothian Football Tournament) was the success of our Under 15 Girls’ Football Team who, I am bursting with pride to tell you, are the Scottish Champions 2014. It was a really proud night for me as Headmaster to watch the girls convincingly win the final and lift the shield.

This pride continued into the cultural field with the Hairspray School Show (other than the dodgy newsreader’s accent from yours truly ….). I had heard good stories about the Lasswade Music Department and these have been met, and surpassed, by the school shows and productions that I have experienced in my first year and massive credit needs to be given to Miss Hume and her staff as well as the Music Instructors for the music in Lasswade High School. The students involved in the show were incredible.

All of this achievement culminated in a wonderful Prize Giving evening where we unashamedly celebrated academic success and wider achievement. It was a pleasure, at this event, to also welcome our new Student Head Team into their posts and we look forward to working with Jack, Alex, Eilidh, Erin, Jack and Ian next session.

Finally, the end of the session has witnessed a high number of staff changes (hopefully not related to the new Headmaster) and the end of term has been busy recruiting quality staff to take forward the school in session 2014-15.

We will miss these members of staff enormously and will also be without some of our long-serving and senior members of staff who have made a huge impact in relation to their service to the school over a number of years. Perhaps the greatest tribute I can pay to them is that they are working today with the same enthusiasm and optimism as when they started. Teaching is a great job in which we ‘reap what we sow’. The compliment is not that the school will be poorer in August without them, but that the school is enormously richer because of the unstinting and generous service which they have given to Lasswade.

I look forward to working with you in August and trust that you will enjoy the Summer Newsletter.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 2

Important Information Last day of Term The last day of term is Thursday 3rd July.

School finishes at 1.05pm. School buses will leave promptly at 1.10pm.

2014/2015 Term The new school term starts for pupils on Wednesday 20th August 2014.

Staff return to school on Monday 18th August.

Purchase of ties and collection of blazers The School Website will be updated shortly so you are aware of opening times for purchasing of ties, blazer collection and any other enquiries.

Dressing for Excellence CHECKLIST Uniform: Lasswade High School Blazer White school shirt with sleeves. No polo shirts LHS house tie - visible Plain black full length trousers or skirt/dress (respectable length) or knee length shorts No jeans or leggings Belt, if visible, plain black only Plain black jumper or cardigan Plain black shoes* Plain black tights No extremes of hair colour PE Kit:

Black shorts/tracksuit with white T-shirt, sports training shoes. No leggings

Others:

School Bag Homework Diary Pencil Case/Calculator LHS Water Bottle (optional)

*Shoes should offer support and protection, especially when worn in labs or

workshops.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 3

Summer holiday activities

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 4

Prize Giving 2014 S1 Awards 1MK1: 1MK2: 1MK3: 1SA1: 1SA2: 1SA3: 1SA4: 1SL1: 1SL2: 1SL3:

Sara Convie, Lauren Purcell Megan Bond, Charlotte Bowe, Emma Dickson Jemma Davis, Jack Ramage, Cameron Stables Olivia Harris, Lia McGibbon, Lucy Tod Mya Kidd, Charlotte Mulholland, Jennifer Sutherland Russell Chisholm, Lewis Hanley, Laura Naysmith Anna Blair, Holly Brown, Maia Hollins-Kirk, Amber Roe Keira Lannan, Mackenzie Stevenson, Chloe Summers Conor McCabe, Robbie Moody, Sarah Robertson Kathryn Larking, Abi Scotland

S2 Awards 2MK1: 2MK2: 2MK3: 2SA1: 2SA2: 2SA3: 2SL1: 2SL2: 2SL3: 2SL4:

Cale Clark, Zainab Hussain, Abigail Watson Declan Cummings, Rebecca McGregor, Jodi Millar, Phoebe Traquair Rebecca Fisher, Lucy Hanlon, Aiden Quinn Louise Morrison, Rhiannon Preston Kate Lawrence, Lewis Pomeroy Lewis Burns, Teigan Hunter, Lucy Jones, Gillian Morrison Lewis Houliston, Luke Kennedy, Fraser Lyall Leia Ainscough, Cameron O’Meara, Michael Sargent, Ben Shanks Niamh Archibald, Erin Bruce Ewan Gilchrist, Arran Metcalfe

S3 Awards 3MK1: 3MK2: 3MK3: 3SA1: 3SA3: 3SL1: 3SL2: 3SL4:

Samuel Crawford, Cameron Duff, Caitlin Gillis, Chloe McCallion, Eilidh Murray Paul Innes, Eilidh Morris Charlotte Bell, Ruhma Butt, Laura Paton Sarah Judge, Jerin Mathew, Chloe Neville Bethany Campbell, Megan Carlisle, Rachel Fergusson Matthew Amer, Ellie Neil Conner Armstrong, Morgan Cockburn, Euan Mackay, Jack McNeill, Thomas Rietvelt, Eilidh Selfridge, Bryony Eunson Amber Foster, Douglas Jones, Lewis Watt

Senior Awards Carl Bettosi, 5MK2 Sarah Blair, 6BUD Zsofia Blair, 4SA2 Maeve Dale, 6SA1 Rachel Dobbie, 4MK3 Molly Duffield, 5MK2 Mairi Fairbairn, 5SL1 Hannah Fergusson, 5SA2 Meghan Foley, 6SL

Design & Technology Biology Biology, English, Maths, RMPS Biology, Chemistry Art & Design RMPS & English Computing Modern Studies Art & Design, Design & Technology

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 5

Prize Giving 2014 Senior Awards Kerr Forrest, 4SL1 Euan Greig, 5MK2 Holly Heatley, 5MK1 Kate Johanson, 5SL1 Blair Jones, 4SA3 Samuel Jones, 5SL3 Amber Kelly, 5MK1 Rebecca Lamb, 4SL2 Rachael Lamb, 4SL2 Eilidh Lyall, 5SL3 Jake MacDonald, 6MK1 Cameron MacFarlane, 6SA2 Rebecca Martin, 6BUD Alexandra McGregor, 5SA2 Jayne Murdock, 4MK1 Sarah Murray, 5MK3 Andrew Pennycook, 6MK2 Seonaid Philp, 5MK1 Emma Watson, 4MK1 Jack Wood, 4SL3

Design & Technology Modern Languages Geography Art & Design Modern Studies, Physical Education Physical Education Chemistry, Physics, Music History, Home Economics Computing, Chemistry, Geography Biology Modern Studies Maths, Physics Computing Maths Modern Languages Home Economics Music History Physics Music

Special Awards Kyle Davidson, 5MK1 Findlay Spratt, 6SL Isla Maxwell, 6BUD Jamie Brownlee, 3MK2 Meghan Foley, 6SL

Jay Joshi Award Expressive Arts Award Joyce Anderson Award Aileen Ward DREAM Values Award Stuart Adam Milne Award

Citizenship (Charities):

Bailee McLennan 3MK2, Charli Evans 5SA1, Lauren Minshull 6BUD, Alice Tod 6SA1 Citizenship (Service to Lasswade High School): Lauren Thomson 5SA2, Erinn Murray 5SA1, Nicole Philip 6SA2, Graham Hogg 6MK1, Emma Reid 6MK1

Sam Tracey, 6SL Maeve Dale, 6SA1 Ruth Higginson, 4MK1 Music Award: Dance Award: Jamie McCabe, 2SL4 Scott Sinclair, 2SA3 Lauren Watters, 3SL4 Jennifer Henderson, 4SL2 Blair Jones, 4SA2

Citizenship (Scottish Youth Parliament) Service to Lasswade High School International Education Metis Denton 6MK2, Nancy Stewart 3SA3, Jillian Neil 4MK1, Zsofia Blair 4SA2 Caitlin Montieth 4MK3, Catriona Sargent 4SL2, Carys Ross 4MK3, Captain S1/S2 Boys Rugby Team Midlothian Champions Captain S1/S2 Boys Rugby Team - Midlothian 7’s Champions Captain Under 15’s Girls Football Team—Scottish Champions School Ambassador School Ambassador

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 6

Head Team The new Head Team for session 2014/2015 have been appointed.

These pupils have been selected after nominations and interviews.

Well done and good luck for 2014/2015 Head Boy: Jack Allan Head Girl: Alex McGregor Deputy Head Girls: Eilidh Lyall and Erinn Murray Depute Head Boy: Jack Sutherland & Ian Levett

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 7

S1—S3: DREAM Values IDL Event Article by Rachel Fergusson On Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd of June the S1, S2 and S3 pupils took part in an interdisciplinary learning (IDL) challenge.

The aim of the day was to research the lives of successful individuals and to investigate in which ways they have demonstrated Lasswade’s DREAM values (Determination, Respect, Effort, Ambition, Motivation) in order to achieve their success.

Each register class was divided into small groups and pupils were able to choose from a list of important people, to research throughout the day. For example the choices in S3 were: Malala Yousafzai, Andrew Carnegie, Stephen Hawking, Lauren Brash, Robert Louis Stevenson and Tim Burton.

Each group had to present their information in an interesting and creative way.

The outcomes ranged from films, mock interviews, puppet shows, a series of posters, speeches and group presentations. The pupils used iPads, computers and a variety of apps to help them complete the task. The following morning each team showcased their work in front of their year group. The pieces of work were judged by a panel of special guests from the world of education.

Overall the day helped to develop a greater understanding of Lasswade’s DREAM values as pupils were able to link them to real life examples and realise their importance in relation to success. It gave the pupils an opportunity to be creative and work in a relaxed environment with teachers and classmates.

Working in a group encouraged interaction and improved team cooperation and confidence. In conclusion, the day was a great success and received positive feedback from the pupils.

Determination Respect Effort Ambition Motivation Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 8

The Queen’s Baton Relay The Queen’s Baton passed through Lasswade High School on Monday 16th June as part of its domestic route around Scotland in preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Lasswade High School is the only Midlothian School that the Baton travelled through. As the Baton travelled through the school staff and pupils lined the corridors. There was also music from the school band.

School sports teams were able to have their photograph taken with the Baton.

Local nursery and primary groups also attended the school to soak up the atmosphere.

The Baton was carried by members of the community and four current Lasswade pupils, Vaila Chapman, Charli Evans, Jennifer Henderson and Sophie Miller. Two recent former pupils, Erin Feeley and Ryan Sturrock, also carried the Baton.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 9

Hairspray, June 2014 ‘Hairspray’ was this summer’s sell out show. The talented cast and crew wowed audiences with 3 evening performances and a pupil matinee. The evening performances were held on 23rd, 24th and 25th of June.

Cast List (in order of appearance) Tracey Turnblad: Eilidh Murray Corny Collings: Max Marshall Edna Turnblad: Emily McNeil Penny Pingleton: Rebekah Lansley Prudy Pingleton: Susan Hirst Velma Von Tussle: Nicola Wood Amber Von Tussle: Melissa Watt Link Larkin: Findlay Spratt Seaweed J Stubbs: T J Connell Lil’Inez: Amy Wright Motormouth Maybelle: Rebecca Thomson Wilbur Turnblad: Callum McCabe Brad: Josh Shanks Fender: Andrew Pennycook Brenda: Shona Chalmbers Sketch: Andrew Beck Shelley: Abigail Heatley IQ: Lewis Wight Lou Ann: Maia Hollins-Kirk The Dynamites: Jess Addy, Erin Bowden, Ara Grigor Chorus: Heather Hamilton, Maia Hollins-Kirk, Abigail Heatley, Emma Lynch, Erin McKeesick, Gillian Morrison, Louise Morrison, Megan Nicol, Abi Scotland, Amber Scotland, Ben Shanks, Thomas Shanks, Sophie Swan, Lewis Wright, Nicole Young With special thanks to: Jonny Grant, Colin Pow, Fraser Spratt, Jonsen Green, Joan Fawns, Anne Gatherer, Christine Murray, Amber Nicol from Paterson SA Hairdressing Dalkieth ...and surprise 1960’s guest dance appearances!!!

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 10

Hairspray Photos from Matinee Performance

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 11

Young Musician of the Year The Young Musician of the Year Awards were presented over the course of a musical night at Lasswade in April.

The wealth of talented musicians and vocalists at Lasswade is amazing. Well done to everyone who took part in this event.

Junior Young Musician of the Year: Nancy Stewart (Harp)

Senior Young Musician of the Year: Metis Denton (Horn)

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

Vocalist of the Year: Findlay Spratt

pg 12

Suspended Timetable Trips and Activities During the last week of term normal timetable will be suspended to allow all pupils the opportunity to take part in trips and activities.

These opportunities include foreign and residential trips, in–school activities and day excursions.

Pupils signed up for these trips before the Christmas holidays. All of these trips rely on staff time, effort and organisation and we hope everyone involved has an excellent time.

Residential Trips Battlefields: Belgium and France 5 day trip to WWI battlefields in Belgium and France as well visit to the beautiful city of Bruges French Language Trip Language lessons and cultural visits, staying in the 19th c. Chateau d’Ebblingham, Pas de Calais London: Fashion and Textiles As well as the usual London sights this trip will include the Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern and attend the musical Wicked in London’s West End Manchester/Blackpool Three day adventure to Blackpool, Alton Towers and Manchester including a tour of Old Trafford and shopping in the Trafford Centre Munich and Salzburg 4 days in Munich, Germany and a day in Salzburg, Austria. This trip includes a visit to many sights including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle Paris/EuroDisney Two days sightseeing in Paris and one day at Disneyland Paris Skye Learn Scottish Gaelic, Ceilidh dancing and Gaelic Song & see the sights of Skye York Cultural visit to the city of York including museums and galleries, the York Eye, a river boat trip, York dungeons and a ghost tour.

Valkenberg: Band Trip Trip for members of the Concert Band and Jazz Band. A working holiday for band members, who will be giving concerts in various venues throughout the trip. There will also be time for pupils to go sightseeing, tobogganing, bowling and to Phantasialand Theme Park.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 13 3

Suspended Timetable Cont...

Day Trips

Activities in School

Alton Towers A very popular trip; 173 pupils are off to Britain’s best theme park!

Bowling & Cinema A day out to Fountain Park Complex Cycling Bike maintenance & cycling round Midlothian Football Experience A training session with official coaches & a stadium tour Forth Bridges Cruise Boat trip on the Forth, including a visit to Inchcolm Island Glasgow Science Centre Space Station & IMAX Cinema Go Karting Indoor Racing at Xtreme Karting Hillwalking 6 mile hike in the Pentland Hills Horse Riding Horse riding and stable management Mountain Biking 3 days biking in Glentress Outdoor Adventure Target shooting & archery Out on Safari Visit to Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park Rock Climbing Indoor Rock Climbing at Ratho Xscape—Snow Factor Ski, sledge & snowboard at Xscape, Glasgow Zoo Day Trip Day out to Edinburgh Zoo

Classic Computer Console Games Vintage retro gaming on classic consoles and PCs Film Day Watching the latest DVDs on the big screen. Popcorn included!

Jewellery Making Make colourful and inexpensive jewellery in the Art Department Pottery Learn and practise ceramic techniques including use of the potter’s wheel Sports Package Football and basketball tournaments Keep checking the school website and Facebook page for the latest pictures from this year’s suspended timetable trips and activities

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 14 3

Lasswade Design Team Success A team of young designers from Lasswade High School Design and Technology Department has achieved three first prizes and two second prizes in the annual IKEA Design competition.

The presentations took place in the historic Midlothian Mining Museum. The competition is sponsored by the Ikea Store in Straiton, Midlothian. Prizes and certificates were presented by Provost Joe Wallace.

The design team members were: Andrew Beck, Metalworker

Owen Clark, Designer

Liam Lothian, Designer

Catriona Sargent, Graphics

Carl Betossi, Graphics

For images of the work of this team of talented designers and their colleagues see: designandtechnologyatlasswade.weebly.com/

Salter’s Festival of Chemistry Article by Russell Chisholm On the 4th of June numerous schools took part in the Salter’s Festival of Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University. The day included two challenges and a lecture. The first challenge involved our team of four solving a mystery by testing inkblots and other crime scene evidence. At the second challenge we were asked to make water colder using two chemicals. Our team got second place in the second challenge.

Shortly after the second challenge we got a lecture from Dr Ellis which involved a quiz. We all enjoyed taking part in this amazing competition.

The team was made up of Russell Chisholm, Jondrick Barrozo, Holly Brown and Joshua Reid.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 15

Fringe Festival Poster Competition Congratulations to the pupils in S2 Art and Design who entered the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Poster Competition.

The brief was to design a poster which was lively and fun to advertise this year’s Fringe Festival.

This poster was to be images only, as text would be added at a later date.

Each pupil received a certificate for their work and should be commended on the quality of their entries.

Aaron Thacker, from 2P3, gets a special mention as his poster was chosen to be exhibited along with the winning poster and other shortlisted entries at the Museum of Childhood on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from 23rd May until 25th August.

Aaron Thacker

Phoebe Traquair

Danielle Crabbe

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

Rebecca McGregor

pg 16

Lasswade Nursery From August 2014 Lasswade High School Crèche will be operating as a childcare service, for children aged 3 months to primary school age.

Children can learn and develop in a caring and stimulating environment that caters for each child’s individual needs.

During our most recent inspection the crèche received top grading from the Care Inspectorate. We received two 6’s (Excellent) and three 5’s (Very Good).

Due to the quality of service, from August, the crèche will be operating as a nursery which will be registered with the Care Inspectorate to ensure a high quality service. All staff are registered with the Scottish Social Services Council.

Within this new facility we will be running a Tots to Teens course where pupils from Lasswade High School will gain underpinning knowledge and practical experience of what it is like to work in a childcare service.

The service will be open to Midlothian staff and the community.

The operating hours for the new facility will be 7.45am - 4.30pm Monday - Thursday 7.45am - 4pm on Fridays.

The nursery will operate term time only and on in-service days Lasswade Nursery will be registered to take 15 children per session. If you are interested in a childcare place within the nursery or would like any information, please contact Angela Sinnet on 271-4530 or email a.sinnet@mgfl.net

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 17

Cake Decorating Here are just some of the amazing cakes made by the Intermediate 2 Creative Cakes class.

Huge congratulations to all pupils; everyone in the class was awarded grade A or B.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 18

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award June saw the culmination of many months of hard work for pupils following the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award programme. The qualifying expeditions took place over two weekends in the Pentlands in the early part of June and saw pupils putting into practice all of the skills they have learned in the last year or so: route planning, navigation and camp craft, not to mention all of the teamwork and determination required to complete these gruelling two-day expeditions.

Whilst pupils had some experience of two-day expeditions earlier this year, the qualifiers required them to be completely self-sufficient and were only remotely supervised by school staff and leaders. In addition, their entire expeditions were assessed by DofE assessors to ensure they met the required standards (20 required standards in all). Despite some challenges on both weekends, most notably rain and heavy mist on the second weekend which made navigation particularly difficult, all of the participants successfully completed their expedition requirements and early indications from the assessors are that they have met the requirements to pass.

The many months of commitment, hard work and determination shown by pupils in working towards their Bronze award were showcased at a presentation evening at the school on the 19th June. Pupils are required to give a presentation of their DofE activities as part of their award. We took this opportunity to invite participants’ parents along to give their support and to see first hand all of the effort that had gone into the participants’ work on their awards. Also in attendance were some of the volunteers who assisted with the outdoor work, including a representative from the DofE Scottish Headquarters and members of the school leadership team.

The pupils’ presentations were all of a really high standard and very well delivered. It was clear to see from the presentations how much work has gone into each and every participant’s progression towards their Bronze award, from their volunteering work, development of their skills component of the award, physical activities and the expeditions themselves.

What shone through most from the presentations though was the fun and enjoyment that all of the pupils had whilst working towards their awards and for many of the pupils thoughts have already turned towards aiming for Silver Award this coming session!

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 19

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition

Vogrie Outdoor Education Day Saturday 28th June saw the new 2015 Bronze group start their work towards outdoor expeditions with an outdoor induction day at Vogrie Country Park.

Throughout the day participants started to learn some of the skills they'll need for their expeditions in the new session including navigation, pitching tents, using stoves and general campcraft. Pupils also carried weighted rucksacks during the walking component of the day's activities which will hopefully help them consider carefully how much kit they carry when it comes to their expeditions!

Further preparations for the expeditions will begin again in the new session.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 20

Scottish Youth Parliament If you are in S3—S6 and would like to act as an ambassador for the Scottish Youth Parliament, get involved in decisions that affect young people living in Scotland, meet new people and get lots of training opportunities then there is an exciting opportunity to become a SYPeer for Lasswade High School.

Speak to Catherine Duns in Community Learning and Development for more information or get in touch on email catherine.duns@midlothian.gov.uk

Ruth Higginson

Charli Evans

Ruth Higginson, who is a Scotland China Education Network Young Ambassador, represented Lasswade High School at a major SCEN Conference at the University of Aberdeen

Charli Evans is to receive the Diana Champion Fundraiser Award for her fund raising for the Sick Kids Hospital.

Charli has raised over £6,000.

The Charitable 2MK1 Towards the end of S2, 2M1 were working on presentations to persuade the audiences to contribute to a chosen charity. Voluntarily, the class decided to make a donation to one charity. They chose Lupus UK and donated £45.15. Not bad for one class in English.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 21

S2 interview Mr Dinwoodie Modern Studies teacher Mr Dinwoodie was interviewed by his S2 Social Subjects class.

Pupils came up with their own questions on the theme of ‘books and reading’. School Librarian, Kat Brack, was also there to help Mr Dinwoodie in case he got stuck on any tricky book questions.

NOTE: Mr Dinwoodie had a LOT to say about books, so these are just some of the questions and answers from the interview.

What is your favourite book you’ve ever read?

“My favourite book is Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck. Basically anything my John Steinbeck. I also quite like Roddy Doyle, I’ve read a lot his books.”

What’s the book you’ve read most often?

“Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. When I was a kid I must have read that book about 100 times. They ruined it with the film...but we won’t get into that as it gets me upset!”

What genre of books do you like?

“That is a difficult question. (After consulting with Kat to find out if ‘Americana’ is a genre). Yeah, Americana, then. That means America in about 1900s – 1950s. Stories around that time. I also like action. I read a lot of stories by Lee Child about a man called Jack Reacher. They are dead easy to read. Jack Reacher is a bit like James Bond. I like those sorts of books as well.”

What will be the next book you read?

“I’ve got a pile this high (holds up his hands to indicate a very large pile) that I want to read but when I’m teaching I don’t ever get time. The next book that I promised I was going to read is one that Mr Murray gave me. It’s called The Secret Footballer. He gave me it as a Christmas present and I haven’t read it yet. It’s quite embarrassing because he keeps asking me if I have read it!”

What do you think is the best way to encourage teenagers to read?

“When I was a teenager I remember we were forced to in English at school and at first it was a real pain but by the end you figured out that it was not that difficult to read a book and it broke it down for you and I loved discussing it. So if there is a book club in school, it is a really good idea to join it because discussing the book after you’ve read it, for me, is the most enjoyable thing about reading. As soon as I have finished a book I am always desperate to find someone else who has read it so that we can talk about it. I usually force my friends to read things so we can talk about it.

So even if you could find just one other person and you both agree to read the book at the same time and encourage each other to read it... Then you can talk about it. I think that would be the best way!

Do I enjoy children’s books?

“I did when I was younger but I haven’t read much recently. But I really liked Roald Dahl. Maybe I should go back and read them again.” (Kat asks the class – What are some of the books for teenagers that you think Mr Dinwoodie should read?)

Class suggests…”The Fault in Our Stars”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “The Hunger Games”, “Divergent” and “Gangsta Granny” – and tell Mr Dinwoodie why he should read these books over the summer holidays. How many will he manage to read? Ask him in August!

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 22

Ghana 2014 24 Senior pupils from Lasswade High School are going to Ghana this summer to work with the community in Essiam to help make some improvements in their school. The pupils have been fundraising for the last two years to raise money for the project.

The project is located in the KEEA district, approximately 3 hours west of the capital of Ghana Accra. The community we will be staying in, Essiam, is 25 minutes from Elmina and 15 minutes from the Cape Coast. Essiam is an agricultural farming community, surrounded by plantain, maize, cassava, bamboo and palm tree plantations.

Essiam is a public basic school in the KEEA municipality. The school has 2 sites; the original school which is a nursery, kindergarten and lower primary school combined, and the annexe school further down the road, which currently functions as an upperprimary and junior high school. The original school has 6 teachers and 120 students, whereas the annexe has 11 teachers, 78 students and 6 classrooms. The school would like to alleviate the overcrowded conditions at the original school and bring the lower primary tier to the annexe school.

In order to do so the school requires 2 more pavilion-style classrooms and a staff room at the annexe site. The money raised by the pupils will help fund some of this project and the pupils will be involved in the work. In addition the pupils will make new friends at Essiam School and will be working with them on other educational and sporting activities.

If you would like to donate something to help this project please contact Mr Rhodes at Lasswade High School Design and Technology Department.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg

23

John Napier Exhibition Trip (Maths) Article by Emma Dickson On Monday 2nd June 2014, the first year top maths sets went on a trip to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh to see an exhibition on the famous mathematician, John Napier.

After they arrived at the museum, the first years split into groups of no less than four. We visited the John Napier exhibition first and completed a question sheet. The questions asked included ’What was Napier’s nickname?’, ’What were Napier’s bones, and how were they used?’. We discovered that many of the students’ parents used a slide rule, which was based on Napier’s work on logarithms.

John Napier was obviously a very clever man he could speak Latin and Greek fluently. His intelligence was so unusual that he was actually accused of magic.

After the John Napier exhibition the groups were free to go around the museum.

Some other sections of the museum that the groups visited were the Egyptians, Restless Earth, World Culture, Communications, Technology & Energy, Space, Nature and many more. Restless Earth, where you can see the rocks and minerals blasted out by volcanoes and Communications, where you can see how fast you can send a message in a virtual reality were both very popular. The most popular section was most definitely the Technology & Energy area which features an energy generator and a racing car simulation. This was also popular among members of the public also visiting the museum.

One student said ‘It was really fun, and I liked being able to just go around the museum with my friends.’ while another was heard to say ‘It was actually really interesting.’

Overall it was a great educational day out, and all the pupils were very pleased that they had the chance to go.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 24

Maths Conversation Days Article by Eilidh Lyall On Saturday 14th June a group of 5th and 6th years, including myself, spent the day at the SQA Headquarters in Glasgow. After a very early rise in the morning, we travelled by train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street Station. Upon arriving at the SQA building we were split in half in order to participate in various activities throughout the day. These activities included discussing and reviewing the new SQA website, a discussion on exams and social media, an individual filming session where we discussed our exam revision and tips and a group discussion about the experience of exams. The day was a great experience, even though it was heavily focused on exams! I found the filming sessions and group discussions very enjoyable!

Our lunch of pizza from Pizza Hut was a highlight and for participating we were each given a ÂŁ20 Amazon voucher.

Getting to visit the SQA Headquarters was amazing and it was great to see behind the scenes at the SQA. I would highly recommend participating if you are given the chance.

Enterprising Maths Challenges Congratulations to the team from Lasswade High School comprising Amy Halliday and Bethany Simpson (S3) with Ross Paterson and Luke Kennedy (S2) who took part in the recent Enterprising Maths Challenge at Meadowbank Stadium on 12th June. We competed against other schools from Mid and East Lothian as well as across Edinburgh.

The activities included a poster challenge, as well as speed, Swiss and relay races.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 25

Junior Maths Challenge Congratulations to the following pupils who all received Gold Certificates in the Junior Maths Challenge: 

Jack Ramage and Sarah Convie (S1)



Lewis Burns, Leia Ainscough and Declan Cummings (S2)

The challenge is a problem solving exercise organised by the United Kingdom Mathematical Trust which has pupils from all over the country participating in it.

The level of competition involved highlights the performance of the above pupils, especially Jack Ramage who achieved best in School and Lewis Burns who was best in year.

Advanced Higher Biology University Trip The Advanced Higher Biology class went to Edinburgh University to see the Anatomage; an interactive table which displays medical insights of human and animal bodies.

The table allowed pupils to dissect and see every part of the body at different angles. It also had pre-programmed images of diseased or damaged organs, for example, a bullet through the head. It also had bizarre situations such as a two headed calf and conjoined twins.

Also in the university there was a holographic mirror image. When you walked past you could see the body’s composition of bone, muscle and blood vessels. As a treat we got to go to the anatomy museum upstairs which contains things like William Burke’s (the serial killer) skeleton and real body parts and skeletons. There was also a preserved man in a glass case.

Overall the trip was very enjoyable and interesting as it allowed you to see the body in different aspects .

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 26

Clean Energy Group A group of 19 S3 (now S4) students have been working with the Crown Estates on a project "Clean Energy from the Sea". The students have worked on research and writing projects looking at the science and environmental impact of various types of offshore power generators. The group have visited Artemis Intelligent Power in Loanhead, who have developed an intelligent gearbox for Mitsubishi's Sea Angel.

They have had visiting speakers from Wick (Subsea 7) and showcased their work to the Scottish Government, Crown Estates, Lasswade High School PTA and First Minister Alex Salmond.

For the work they have done, the British Science Association has awarded the group a Sliver Crest Award. Pictured are the first group of 10 being presented with their awards by Mr Williamson.

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 27

Mrs Lyon’s Marathon Fund Raising In 2013 Lasswade teacher, Mrs Vicky Lyon, slipped a disc in her back leaving her unable to walk.

In February 2013 she underwent successful surgery and is now back on her feet and into her running shoes. Throughout 2014 and 2015 Mrs Lyon (dressed as Wonderwoman) will be running the following races to raise money for Spinal Research UK. April 2014: Paris Marathon May 2014: Edinburgh Marathon June 2014: Seven Hills of Edinburgh September 2014: Great North Run September 2014: Loch Ness Marathon April 2015: London Marathon Donations can be made at: http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/VickyLyon

Race for Life A group of girls from Lasswade High School, accompanied by many members of staff, ran the Race for Life 5K in Edinburgh on June 15th.

The ‘Lasswade Lassies’ were able to raise an amazing £1108. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to everyone who supported.

Running in memory of Kieran Friends of former Lasswade pupil Kieran Morrison, who tragically took his own life in May 2013 at the age of 19, ran the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for the (SAMH) Scottish Association of Mental Health.

The group also ran special assemblies for senior pupils, focusing on mental health awareness.

So far their total has reached an amazing £7510

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 28

‘School of Rugby’ Tournament To celebrate the opening of Lasswade High's School of Rugby Lasswade High School organised and hosted a rugby festival for future S1 pupils on Friday 27th June to The festival proved to be a great experience for all those involved with Jamie McKinney (Hawthornden Primary School) winning the Player of the Festival Award, which included a signed rugby ball by the Scotland First 15. Ethan King (Bonnyrigg Primary School) also won a signed rugby ball, signed by the Scotland Sevens team, as part of the runner-up prize.

Lasswade Rugby School Team News Congratulations to the S1/S2 Rugby Team who retained the Midlothian S1/S2 league, with 9 wins from 9 this season.

On 29th May they secured the league win with a convincing 26-7 win over a Newbattle/Beeslack team.

Earlier in the month the teams from Lasswade High School were first and third in the S1/S2 Midlothian 7’s.

A big thank you to Jack Forrester and coaches Carruthers and Clelland who have continued to support the boys this year.

Melrose Seven’s Well done to the Lasswade S1/S2 sevens team who competed at The Greenyards in Melrose - the home of sevens rugby!

The boys finished third in their group and enjoyed watching the Queen's Baton make its way into the stadium in addition to having a question and answer session with players from the Scotland and England sevens team

Molly Short, Trampolining Lasswade High School pupil Molly Short is currently Scotland’s top ranked gymnast in Trampolining NDP Level 6 aged 13—14 years and was recently selected to represent Scotland at the British Gymnastics Trampoline regional finals in Exeter where she won silver and ranked 2nd in Britain. An amazing achievement . Well done!

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 29

2014 Dance Show Article by Lindsay Young, Catriona Sargent and Carys Ross The 2014 Dance Show showcased talents from all year groups. There was a variety of dance styles such as a breakdance duo, contemporary routines, an upbeat jazz routine and pupil coursework from the 3rd year NPA class.

The 4th year NPA class showed their Higher Dance Group Performance pieces which were choreographed by the students themselves. The Higher dance students performed their exam dances to a very high standard.

Overall the night was an outstanding success, thanks to Miss Murray, Joanne Thompson, Sharon Jones, Mr Alexander and all of the other teachers who helped with the organisation.

Dance @ Lasswade The Lasswade Dancers have been very busy recently…

On Monday 16th June they got their picture taken with the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton.

On the night of Wednesday 18th June they were invited to perform at the ‘Midlothian Moscars’ - an event celebrating some of the best young filmmakers in the region. The girls performed brilliantly in their final performance as a group before the holidays—see you in August girls!

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 30

Lasswade Football News S1 Boys It was a positive year for the S1 team. In the league they finished third and only two narrow 1-0 losses to Musselburgh and Preston Lodge who finished above them prevented them from winning the league. In the Scottish Cup there were wins over St Margaret's and Musselburgh in the early rounds. A great comeback 2-1 win away to St Andrews (Coatbridge) saw the lads through to the last 16 and another trip to Toryglen to face Holyrood. With the match goalless and heading for penalty kicks Holyrood snatched a dramatic injury time win to break Lasswade hearts. The challenge next year is for the boys to prove their undoubted potential by improving consistency and winning some silverware.

Player of the season - JJ Neill S2 Boys The S2 football team had a good season this year finishing 3rd in the Lothian league and making it to the Scottish Cup round of 16. The team is now looking forward to competing in the Edinburgh league and playing against the top teams next season.

Player of the season - Luke Kennedy S3 Boys Well done to the S3 boys football team who participated in the league and Scottish cup this season. They have performed well and been a real credit to the school and themselves. The team played all 12 of their league fixtures but finished a disappointing 6th. Hopefully, the new management team of Mr Murray and Mr Dinwoodie can take the team onto the next level and we can compete from some silverware next season. Mr Dewar would like to thank all the players for their commitment and hard work throughout the season.

Player of the Season - Matthew Amer S4 Boys The season ended strongly for the Lasswade 4th years with a series of good wins and an emphatic win over Craigmount bringing the curtain down on a fantastic season.

Both coaches would like to thank all the boys for their efforts this year and wish them all the best as they make the step up to the senior team. Player of the year goes to perhaps our most constant performer and captain Blair Jones. The Golden Boot this year goes to the enigma that is Johnny Crutcher; he might not have scored often but when he did it was always worth waiting for. Finally the SFA Fair Play award goes to Jack Shaw...... never take the ball when the man is available, kids!

Player of the Season - Blair Jones

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 31

Lasswade Football News Cont…

Senior Boys The boys have had a good year, getting to the final of the Lothians Cup where they played a very strong Penicuik team at Anslie Park. The boys lost 4-2 but played well with some very attractive football at times both in the final and on route to the final. The entire squad conducted themselves in an appropriate manner in every game they played and were a credit to the school. A special mention must go to team captain Sam Jones who was ever present in the school team. Sam has been selected for the Lothians Senior select team that won the Senior Scottish Cup against Glasgow Schools at Ferguson Park Rosewell. Well done boys—it was a pleasure working with the squad.

U15 Girls Football Team: Scottish Champions 2014!

The girls’ football team has been very successful this year becoming the Scottish Champions. In this year’s Scottish Cup the girls never lost a game, with some very impressive scores:  4-1 against Taylor High School,  14-0 against James Gillespie’s High School,  4-2 against Mintlaw Academy,  10-1 in the Quarter Finals against Stranraer Academy,  2-0 against Linlithgow Academy in the semi-final,  7-0 in the Scottish Cup final against Bannerman High School.

The girls worked very hard all season with the top goal scorer, and player of the year, being Eilidh Morris. The semi-final game was a difficult one but the girls played well as a team and made it into the final. Before the final the girls were nervous but dominated the games from the beginning and quickly scored some good goals.

Well done girls!

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 32

Term dates for next session TERM 1

Staff Resume (in-Service)

Monday 18th August 2014

Pupils Resume

Wednesday 20th August 14

Autumn Holiday

Friday 12th September 14 Monday 15th September 14

All Return

Tuesday 16th September 14

All Break

Friday 10th October 14

Staff Resume (in-Service)

Monday 20th October 14

Pupils Resume

Tuesday 21st October 14

Term Ends

Friday 19th December 14

TERM 2

All Resume

Tuesday 6th January 2015

Mid Term

All Break

Friday 13th February 15

All Resume

Monday 23rd February 15

Pupils Break

Wednesday 1st April 15

Staff Break

Thursday 2nd April 15

All Resume

Monday 20th April 15

May Day

Monday 4th May 15

All Resume

Tuesday 5th May 15

Victoria Day (In-Service)

Monday 18th May 15

Pupils Resume

Tuesday 19th May 15

Term Ends

Friday 3rd July

Mid Term

TERM 3

Parents’ Evenings for Next Session     

S1: S2: S3: S4: S5:

Tuesday 12th May 2015 Thursday 5th March 2015 Thursday 19th March 2015 Thursday 6th November 2014 Wednesday 19th November 2014

Lasswade High School Newsletter, June 2014

pg 33