Winter 2020
Strathallan News
Featured Strathallan pupils secure outstanding exam results
A-Level results published by The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) show a 100% pass rate at the Perthshire school, with 100% A*-A’s in 11 subjects including Computing, Design & Technology, History, Chinese and Theatre Studies. Headmaster Mr Lauder said, “I am immensely proud of our Upper Sixth today. Their hard work has resulted in over 81% of grades awarded at A* to B, of which over 58% were A*/A and given the background to which they achieved this, this is testament to the specific investment and focus we have given to academic attainment and progression in recent years at Strathallan while maintaining the broad range of other activities our pupils excel in. “The results are better than we were anticipating, especially given recent media comments and the outcomes for our students because of this are especially pleasing to see and the vast majority of our students are into their first-choice university destinations with some others heading off to work, internships or apprenticeships. “We’ve had close to record level A-Level grades, with a 100% pass rate. With more A*s and As overall, breaking our 3-year, 5-year and 10-year grade averages has been better even than last year’s results. We are incredibly proud of all our pupils this year.” Strathallan also achieved outstanding Highers with 1 in every 3 grades awarded an A. Focusing on delivering Scotland’s most diverse curriculum, Strathallan will become the first boarding and day school to offer a full programme of SQA one year Highers and Advanced Highers alongside a full 2-year A-Level programme in September 2021. 52% of GCSE results awarded to Strathallan students were grades 7-9 , previously (A and A*). Headmaster, Mark Lauder said, “I am delighted with the excellent results and I want to congratulate last year’s Fifth Form for all their hard work. These results are, by some distance, the strongest GCSE results the school has achieved in memory and it is a good reflection of our pupils’ abilities.
Independent School of the Year Award
Strathallan School has been named top Independent School in the UK for International Student Experience according to the Independent School of the Year Awards 2020. The accolade confirms Strathallan as one of the best places in the United Kingdom to study as an international student. The judges of the award said, “Strathallan were awarded the International Student Experience Award for their care and commitment to International Students and for supporting students to integrate into the school community.” The Perthshire school was announced winner of the award on Thursday 8th October during the second award ceremony held by the Independent School Parent magazine. Strathallan Headmaster, Mark Lauder, said, “We are delighted by today’s announcement, which is testament to the hard work and determination of our staff to nurture an incredible experience for our students. We pride ourselves on offering a traditionally Scottish education with a truly global outlook.” Strathallan was also named a finalist for the Sporting Achievement Award celebrating the programme’s success beyond the classroom, narrowly missing out on this second accolade to Hurst College.
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Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Success
Two pupils at Strathallan School in Perthshire have been offered an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. The most prestigious scholarship of its type in the UK, it aims to inspire and nurture school-age pupils to be the country’s future leaders of the engineering profession. Charlotte G and Cameron G beat thousands of students nationally in a rigorous selection process to pick up the scholarships, which recognise them as being amongst the brightest young talent for the future of Engineering. Craig Wiles, Head of Design Technology at Strathallan said “Both pupils have done incredibly well to secure a scholarship this year. Competition for the award is always so fierce, and the pupils had to go through three arduous stages of testing and interviews prior to being successful. Both pupils now have the opportunity to join a small group of pupils that are recognised nationally as being at the forefront of the next generation of Engineers.” When asked how it felt to receive the award, Charlotte said, “I feel very lucky, I knew there were a lot of people going for it, so to be chosen feels great. It will help so much with university and my career. As a girl, science and similar subjects aren’t often what you think you’d be promoted into as much so it’s cool to prove that engineering is not just for boys.” “I’ve always been tinkering with outboard engines and fixing things with my dad, so I think I want to study mechanical engineering then specialise in marine engineering because I grew up around boats. My dad was in the Navy then the RNLI so I definitely share his love for all things sea-based, I can absolutely see myself working around boats by the sea and never getting bored by it.” Strathallan has a history of success with Arkwright Scholarship: last year Will Lauder won the award and he has gone on this year to study engineering at Edinburgh University. The previous year Robbie MacIsaac won the Scholarship and went onto win the National MTA Technology Design and Innovation Challenge. Robbie has gone on to study engineering at the University of Strathclyde whilst also setting up his own company, FLUX, to produce and sell his patented winning design. Charlotte will be sponsored by BAE Systems and Cameron will be sponsored by the British Dam Society throughout their sixth form studies.
Young Scottish EDGE Award
Congratulations to former Captain of School and FLUX Blowpipe inventor Robbie MacIsaac who has won this year’s Young Scottish EDGE award.
Strathallian on Strictly
Former pupil and war veteran JJ Chalmers appeared on the 18th series of Strictly Come Dancing. Dancing with partner Amy Dowden, he received a high score of 25 and made it to the quarter finals. Well done JJ. 3
Pitch Perfect
Strathallan pupil Iona F has sung her way into school history after passing a classical singing exam equivalent to a secondyear undergraduate degree recital. 16-year-old Iona F, from Perth, has been awarded an Associate of the London College Diploma after performing songs from the show ‘Fame’ and a libretto which challenged her acting and vocal skills. Over the moon to receive the diploma, she said, “I am thrilled to say I have sung at such a high level. It took a lot of hard work but in doing so I have also been able to build up my vocal stamina and gain valuable UCAS points. “I want to say a massive thank you to my singing teacher Ms Anderson, she has supported me since I came to Strathallan and continues to help push me vocally, so far with very good results.” Lynn Anderson, Strathallan vocal coach, said, “Iona received a DipLCM in 2019, the musical equivalent to a first-year undergraduate module. “Given that Iona is only 16 years old, this is an outstanding achievement and her hard work and dedication should, I feel, be recognised.”
Charity Cycle
Owen C, who was selected for the Scottish Swimming Senior Bronze Squad over the summer, took on a mammoth landbased challenge in August as he ran and cycled 1940km in aid of ManKind Initiative, which helps support male victims of domestic abuse. Owen said he was inspired to raise funds for the charity during lockdown, “I chose ManKind Initiative because I saw lots of news and support for the female victims of domestic abuse as it became worse through lockdown but I really didn’t hear any talk about men suffering from domestic abuse, so I wanted to raise awareness of this important charity.” Through a mixture of evening runs and early morning bicycle rides, Owen raised more than £275 for the charity. When asked about how he felt to finish the challenge, he said, “It felt great to complete it as I worked really hard and put a lot of time into it while doing it gave me a really good fitness focus while I couldn’t swim but in all honesty, didn’t feel like exercise cause I was doing it for a really good cause. I would definitely do it again and would likely choose a different charity to support that doesn’t get much attention.”
Remembering AJ
Strathallan students have raised over £1500 for charity during this year’s Christmas Jumper Day, in memory of their friend and former pupil, AJ. Pupils in festive woolly pullies sold candy canes and hot chocolate at the school’s Winter Wonderland in order to raise funds for the ‘The AJ Bursary’, which has been set up in memory of a Strathallan pupil who sadly passed away last year. The six-week bursary, managed by the Alpine Training Centre, will support 14 and 15-year-olds who have a demonstrated passion and skill for ski racing, providing race training and coaching through the winter months. Rev Jonny Wylie, who leads the Charity Committee at Strathallan, said, “It’s lovely that only a year on from AJ’s tragic and sudden death so many of his friends have wanted to help fundraise for such a good cause and celebrate his passion. “This is just the beginning of the bursary through which we hope to encourage others to donate. Although AJ was taken away too soon his passion for ski racing and his values of care, generosity and curiosity will live on through this bursary.” Those interested in donating can do so here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ajbursary 4
Kenya’s national football squad signs Strathallan student
Perthshire pupil Andre K will take a break from his studies this month as he prepares to play in the African Cup of Nations qualifier for Kenya. The 17-year-old originally from Nairobi, said he was honoured to be selected for his national under-20 team. He said “It really means a lot, you are playing not just for yourself but for your parents, your ancestors, for everyone. I am delighted to say I get to play for Kenya in the biggest football tournament in Africa.” Andre, who has been studying at Strathallan School for two years, was selected to train with Rangers FC Academy last year, gaining an insight into top-level performance on the pitch.
He said, “My training in Scotland so far has been wonderful, especially playing with Rangers which really taught me to focus on my skills. Jim Thompson, Director of Sport at Strathallan, said, “We pride ourselves on being a school with great sporting success but Andre’s dedication and passion makes him stand out as one of our most focused students and it is great to see his hard work being recognised.” It is thanks to the 11-year-old Strath-Kenya Project and friends of the school that Andre has been able to study at Strathallan. The pupil-led project has raised over £100,000 since 2009 for a series of projects in and around the east African capital of Nairobi, including supporting over 40 Maasai and Kibera slum children through education in Kenya. Strathallan’s Deputy Head Pastoral David Barnes, the brainchild behind the project, said, “I am so proud of everything Andre has achieved and will likely go on to achieve. He is an incredibly bright young man who has developed a genuine love of learning and is an inspiration to all of us at school. Ndoto kubwa Rafiki.” Andre’s story appeared in the Sunday Times, The Courier, and The Scottish Herald.
The Nicht Afore Christmas
Strathallan’s LAMDA Teacher is celebrating the publication of her first book - ‘The Nicht Afore Christmas’ Irene McFarlane has translated Clement Clarke Moore’s poem ‘The Night Before Christmas’ into Scots. Published by Tippermuir Books Ltd, the Scots version – The Nicht Afore Christmas – was translated by Mrs McFarlane and illustrated by Rosemary Cunningham. It begins with the well-known lines “Twis the nicht afore Christmas, whan aa through the hoose, nae a craitur wis steerin, no een a moose” and is set in the Scottish context of a family living at the National Trust for Scotland tenement house in Garnethill, Glasgow. You can order a copy at www.tippermuirbooks.co.uk. 5
Winter Wonderland
Celebrating... Ice Rink... Marshmallows...
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Laughter... Snow Machine...
Pizza...
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Photo Booth... Christmas Movie...
Fire Pits...
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Fun... Friendship... Memories made...
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Academic Microbiology Lecture This year’s Microbiology Annual Schools Lecture was on Friday 4th December at 2.00 pm and given by Prof Robin May, the Chief Scientific Advisor for the Food Standards Agency and Professor of Infectious Diseases at University of Birmingham. He delivered a lecture entitled ‘Life as a Microbial Habitat: a Whistlestop Tour of Humanity’s Invisible Microbial Companions’. Students said “We thoroughly enjoyed the Annual Microbiology lecture. Professor Robin May gave a very interesting and informative lecture. The section covering Neanderthal and Denisovan genes which were present in modern day Homo sapiens was extremely thought provoking.”
Debating
The Strathallan Prep School Debating Society meets weekly and, under the most capable leadership of Rosie E and Francesca W, over a dozen pupils are learning how to debate and speak in public. Debating is a major skill for life, and the pupils’ confidence in expressing themselves. In November, Rosie and Francesca, took part in the prestigious Edinburgh University Juniors Competition by remote means. From the cosy IT suite in the Main School Library, they were able to compete against schools from all over Scotland and, indeed, even South Hampstead! While, sadly, the girls did not progress to the later rounds, they did take part in three closely-fought debates and gained a great amount from the feedback. Well done girls!
Taking biology to the next level
Well done to budding biologist Cameron M who took his biodome experiment to a whole other level by producing a crop of chitted potatoes for his family. The experiment encouraged our students to produce vegetables in self-sufficient bio-domes to inspire new ways of agriculture in the world.
English Speaking Union (ESU)
The St Andrews Day Event combined debating and public speaking and furthermore allowed pupils the opportunity not only to speak, but also to chair and judge (Ethan W did all three). We have never entered The ESU before. ESU St Andrews Day – Max M ( Judge), Ethan W (Chair), Jayden M and Magnus M (Speakers).
Cambridge University Union
The Scottish heat was an aggressively-fought contest over four rounds: the highlight here was Team 1 coming first in two of the debates. Cambridge University- Team 1 – Dan de L & Ethan W, Team 2 – Jayden M & Magnus M, Team 3 - Caitlin M & Tessa H. The fact that we have been able to enter so many competitions has meant that Debating really is on the up.
Junior Inter-House Debating
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Winners
Nicol - Jayden M & Gleb Y
Best Speaker
Lucy T (Woodlands)
Kenya Project Strathallan School’s Kenya Project celebrates 12 years and £110,000
The Project resonates as much in the local community in Scotland as it does in East Africa and brings reality to the concept of Global Citizenship. Helping transform the life opportunities of children and young people in Nairobi’s Kibera Slum and Kenya Children’s Home Orphanage and at the Soila Maasai Girls Centre in the Rift Valley, the powerful force of the human condition is the common currency between youngsters in rural Perthshire with those in Kenya. Here exists the opportunity for learners and their families at Strathallan and in local the community beyond to have a direct link with young people living such different lives. The fact that we experience the same essentials of existence - birth, growth, emotionality, aspiration, conflict and mortality is oxygen to the project. It is not about charity but empowerment, providing the possibility of a pathway for our Kenyan friends to journey towards their aspirations and dreams. This is achieved by pupils from Strathallan working directly with the Maasai Girls on STEM Projects out in the Rift Valley, an alternative path to the traditional FGM and early marriage. By funding schooling for destitute children in the Kibera Slum, youngsters identified by their community leaders as being most in need of support. By providing the opportunity for abandoned, orphaned children to attend Strathallan and become part of the family in Scotland. By providing a Micro-business Loan to set up a business having been supported to create a plan and be transformed from an unemployed slum youth into an independent, self-sustained potential employer. Irene, a 14 year old Maasai girl tells us she is so committed to achieving her goal of becoming a Doctor that she tells everyone her name is ‘Doctor Irene’. Dalmas (right), who lives in a one room mud and stick shack in the heart of the Kibera slum with his family of six, and whom the Project has sponsored for 10 years, emerges in the top 2.4% of over a million peers taking the National KCPE Exams in 2019 and is now thriving in High School. Peter who set up a business selling sweets from a container on a busy roadside and is now paying his own rent and funding himself through an accounting degree at University. Our most recent beneficiaries include a class of girls in Kilifi (below), to whom we are supplying sanitary products in order that they can avoid missing school and becoming marginalised in their community and a young man called Javis (below right), who walks on his knees and who has been unable to attend school. 2021 will now see him in full time education.
The benefits to the Strathallan School Community and the wider network of linked local primary schools and community organisations are tangible. The joy of seeing fundraising efforts in Scotland transforming life opportunities for youngsters in Kenya is very real, is a wonderful shared, human currency and a frequent and recurring topic of conversation, motivation, enjoyment and fulfilment. Ultimately, the shared value is Love. It is the value associated with each individual linked to the Strathallan Kenya Project, whether at the school itself, in the local community in Scotland or in Kenya, which is so evidently the key to success and to the sustainability of what can be achieved. This is why it makes such a meaningful difference. If you feel so inclined, you can make a donation to the Strath Kenya Projects via our Just Giving. Search ‘Strath Kenya 2021 Maintaining the Legacy’ at www.justgiving.com. 11
Beyond the classroom CCF Field Day
A fantastic Field Day for our Royal Marines, Royal Navy and British Army Cadets. Activities included: Drumhead Chapel Service, Royal Marine cadet promotion, Field-craft and patrol skills, Submarine simulator and STEM workshops.
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3rd Form Team Building Day
Safe to say lots of new friends and memories were made at our team building activity for 3rd Form.
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2rd Form Team Building Day
2nd Form worked together to overcome obstacles and activities across campus during their team building day.
The 2nd form team building day was quite an experience. All of the activities were planned to perfection, and I know for a fact that everyone loved it. It was incredibly well organised and the whole Ardroy team were very enthusiastic, engaging, and it was a genuinely wonderful day. - Francesca W
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Music Drumsticks for pupils
Strathallan music pupils will march to the beat of their own drumsticks this term thanks to the initiative of their teachers.
Music Scholars workshops
Our Music Scholars spent the afternoon working on rhythm with Drumming and Percussion tutor, Pete Murch.
Pupils taking music at Strathallan this year will all receive a pair of personal drumsticks, crafted by the Director of Music and Head of Design Technology. Director of Music Matt Gooch, who came up with the idea, said, “At the moment making music has been rather tricky due to regulations put in place by Scottish Government, so rather than thinking about what we can’t do, we have been prioritising on what we are able to do. “Whilst we cannot share instruments and even play some, we’ve focused this term on skills around rhythm which every pupil can take part in. “This has involved us making a pair of drumsticks for every single pupil from Year 4 in Prep School up to Third Form in our Senior School, so that they can continue to learn to read, compose and perform music individually and in small safe groups.”
Scottish Composer Stuart MacRae visited the campus to help our scholars develop school values into an origianl composition. The completed piece will be performed by the scholars in the Summer term.
Continuation of informal concerts
On the back of the Music department’s incredibly successful lockdown concert series we have been able to continue to offer our musicians performance opportunities in our blended concerts on a Friday evening. This has seen nearly 30 pupils perform solo pieces either live from the David Pighills Room or as pre-records to a virtual audience on Zoom.
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Ukuleles at Strathallan
Director of Music, Matt Gooch, explains ‘Following our successful drumming and rhythm project, we have gone on to develop the skills of the pupils by purchasing multiple ukuleles. These are a smaller, simplified version of the guitar, and have 4 strings instead of six’. ‘Their size makes them more suitable for our younger musicians and they will be used by pupils from year 4 up to 3rd form’. ‘The pupils will be learning to play the ukulele for half a term and finishing the term with some class performances’. He continues, ‘As I mentioned before, at the moment, music is difficult, but rather than thinking of the adversity, we’re thinking of innovation at Strathallan School and this is another exciting project. Every single person can be involved with practical music making every week’.
Pipes and Drums Piping competition
Headmaster’s Piper
The first round was held both online and in school, ensuring the competition was compliant with all Covid regulations. Our judge was local Red Hot Chilli Piper, Mr Kyle Howie.
Xander has been piping for 9 years, 5 of those years at Strathallan, and he has had the experience of piping in Barbados with our current Piping and Drumming teacher Mr Craig Muirhead.
Due to disruption in the Piping and Drumming calendar, we have spread our end of year solo piping and drumming contest over the three terms, giving pupils more opportunities to score points towards the Cruickshank Trophy for Inter-House Piping and Drumming.
The overall senior piping winner for the first round was Oliver S, with Stan B taking the intermediate events and Patrick McI winning the novice piping. For drumming, Max M was the victor in the senior event, Lucy W wins the intermediate and Stuart H took the novice. The House tallies are so tight with Simpson slightly ahead as we look forward to more of the same at the end of the Spring Term. Thanks to all who assisted and took part.
Chanters
Pupils have been mastering the basics of the bagpipes by using electronic chanters. Giving pupils the freedom to still practice whilst restrictions for using the bagpipes are still being followed.
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Xander G is the Headmaster’s piper for the Winter term. The sixth form pupil said ‘Throughout the school there’s always been a Headmaster’s piper and to get that role in the school is just a nice bit of authority to have’.
Strathallan Prep School The inaugural term of Strathallan Prep School has been a huge success, with the seamless integration of our new Year 4 class bringing us to record numbers on roll. The appointment of specialist staff into new roles, such as Head of Junior Science and our new Houseparent team, strengthened our abilities to deliver a high-class education. This term has seen pupils achieving both in and out of the classroom, from the awarding of over one hundred distinctions for continued academic excellence, to the well spirited divisional competitions in various sports. In line with our motto of ‘opportunities for all to excel’ we are delighted to see continued success in Drama, Art and Music, in addition to a range of new extension activities for all Prep School pupils. Strathallan’s strong community and sense of belonging has been exemplified though the involvement of our young people in a range of weekend activities, teambuilding exercises and charitable events. I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings.
- Emma Lalani
SPS Clubs
SPS pupils have been having lots of fun during STEM and Lego club.
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Stone Age
Year 4/5 took their history lesson to Prehistoric levels this week by crafting tools the Stone Age way with Miss Thompson.
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Early History
Former pupil and historian Will Kent sharing Early History artefacts and stories with Year 4/5.
Ramble for charity
More than 100 ramblers got muddy to raise money and awareness for BBC’s Children in Need.
The Prep ramble was great. We walked around the perimeter of the school and although the weather was not good, everyone loved it and returned to the Prep school covered in mud and with smiles over their faces. Once back we all had something to eat and drink which had been prepared by the senior school pupils. We raised an astonishing ÂŁ1500 for Children in Need with more money still coming in. We hope to do this again next year and raise even more money. - Logan T
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Sports Perthshire pupil selected to paddle for Scotland
Strathallan student Findlay M has been selected to Scotland’s K1 Men’s Slalom team The Canoeing Scholar, from Crieff, will join three former Strathallan pupils as they slalom for Scotland. Findlay said he was shocked by the announcement but says it will give him a brilliant chance for future success. “It’s quite surreal and it was a huge surprise. I’ve been canoeing for almost 8 years now and so to get onto the SCA Performance Squad is a huge moment. “With current restrictions it looks like we will be competing next year, so I hope to get lots of training in this year which will allow me to go on to bigger and better things in the sport I love.” Findlay, who trains with Breadalbane CC and Strathallan CC, will join former Strathallan pupils; Fraser Glasgow, Natasha Pottinger and William Fotheringham, as they train to race for Scotland. Director of Sport at Strathallan, Mr Jim Thompson, said, “We are immensely proud of Findlay on his selection to the full slalom squad. It’s testament to his hard work that he has demonstrated a clear focus on canoeing despite the upheaval 2020 has brought with it.
World Schools Ski Championships
Scottish Ski Team racers Iona R and Maisie M have been selected to represent their country at the World Schools Ski Championships in February. This prestigious event is attended by racers from throughout the world and has a strong tradition of hosting Strathallan pupils for many years now. Iona R, who has been skiing since she was two years old, was selected to join the Ladies U18 FIS Team, she said, “It’s an honour to represent Scotland and Strathallan at such a prestigious level and it’s even better to know I’ll be out there with Maisie.” Most recently, Iona was part of the Scottish Schools team racing in 2018 at the Championships, held in Grenoble to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that city’s Olympic Games. Maisie M, who like Iona was first selected to represent Team Scotland when she was 13 years-old, will ski in the Ladies U16 Team. She said, “I’m really proud to represent Scotland and I can’t wait to get back out. I’m especially excited to take on the Super-G as it is very fast.”
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Meet the snowboarding scholar who shreds while he studies
Strathallan student Mackenzie P has been studying online for the last 3 months whilst he takes to the slopes with Europe’s No 1 Snowboard academy – Inspire Snowsports. Known as ‘Macka’ by his friends, Mackenzie has flourished on the programme, studying virtually for school between his snowboard and skateboard sessions. He said, “Since leaving Scotland, I have been training 7 days a week on snow, trampolines, in the skatepark or the gym. I’ve been working on all aspects of my snowboarding whether that’s technique, carving or jumping. Alongside all of this I’m fitting in my schoolwork which I find pretty manageable whatever the day brings!” Set up by 4x Team GB Olympian, Zoë Gillings-Brier, Inspire Snowsports offers 1 to 6 months programmes, giving aspiring athletes expert coaching and the chance to train in the Alps. Zoë, owner of Inspire Snowsports, said, “Since Macka joined the program on the 1st October his snowboarding has excelled tremendously. He arrived with natural snowboarding talent and has dedicated himself to the training fully where we have seen huge progress on and off the snow. Macka has a great attitude to both training and his schoolwork and we are extremely happy with his progress to date. He has real potential.” Jim Thompson, Director of Sport, said, “We are delighted to see Macka out in the Alps. 2020 has been a tough year for most sports, so for him to have the opportunity to train at the highest level, while still receiving a first class education, is vitally important.”
Hockey 1st XI
Congratulations to our fantastic 2019/20 Girls Hockey 1st XI team. Team presentations: Outdoor Player of Year, Flora H Outdoor Most Improved Player of Year, Ruth W Indoor Player of Year & Top Goalscorer, Lisa B Indoor Most Improved Player of Year, Charlotte G Most Promising Junior, Orla F
Hockey
Well done to Rachel F, Melissa F S and Zoe W for being selected for U16 Scottish Hockey academy training this term. Joe T and Ross T have also been selected for the U16 boys Academy training. 21
Captain of Clays
Lilyan, who started shooting four years ago, is the youngest female Captain of Clays in school history – a fact she is very aware of as she leads an ambitious team of girls looking to get into and develop the sport.
Clay Pigeon
A huge well done to brothers Angus and Ali who finished 2nd and 3rd in the Junior Competition High Tower Challenge at County Clay in Dunkeld on Sunday - surpassing many adult clay target shooters.
She said, “Strathallan is a really tight-knit community, everyone makes you feel welcome and it’s easy to make friends here. The girls clay target team are like family to me even though some of us have only just met this term. “There’s a good number of us girls who are now shooting more than three times a week and it’s going exceptionally well – they are really talented. I can’t wait to see how they perform when we get them competing for the school.” Lilyan, who also plays in the 1st Netball team, says it’s an honour to help lead the teams alongside coach Eddy Buchan and biology teacher Paul Vallot. She added, “Being a Captain of a sport, especially one like Clay Target shooting helps develop team-building and your organisational skills. Being aware of how everyone is progressing and how they might need help is crucial to supporting the team.” Strathallan is the only school in Scotland with a purposebuilt Clay Pigeon Shooting Facility. Boasting a fully automatic compact sporting layout and standard clay range, the school provides tuition from top coaches. Our pupils have consistently placed high at the British Schools’ Championships over the past ten years and have won the Scottish Schools’ Clay Pigeon Championships twelve times over the past fifteen years with three former pupils gaining international recognition in this field.
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Football
Our girls Houses took on our boys at football today. Neither side could capitalise at goal but that didn’t stop our students (playing in bubbles) from having lots of fun.
Tennis
Pupils Nicholas B and Ben C (pictured below) finished runners-up in the Newlands U14s and East County Tour U14 doubles. Ben also finished as runner-up in the Newlands U14 boys singles. Marcus M and partner Jamie C also finished 2nd in the U18s event.
Rugby
Congratulations to these boys who were awarded places in the National rugby Academy 2020-2021. Andy S Duncan W Callum B Harris McL Jonny M Eric D Callum N
Girls Rugby Congratulations to Thomas D (pictured below) in 2nd form who won the Gleneagles U14s doubles event and the U14s event at Dalgety Bay.
Our Girls rugby training is off to a fantastic start. Director of Sport Jim Thompson, who is coaching the squad, said, “Getting all our pupils back to sport safely has been a real privilege this last week and a half. Watching our girls start to pick up the fundamentals of the game and play together has been amazing. I can’t wait to see what they achieve this year.”
Battle of the Scots
During the October half-term break, some of our junior tennis players were able to represent their County at the Battle of the Scots held in Edinburgh. Selected for the events were 1st Form pupil Thomas D, 2nd Form pupil Freya C, 3rd Form pupils Jed McM and Nicholas B, with North Scotland winning the U14 event, beating the West of Scotland in the final. Unfortunately for 5th Form pupil Marcus McL and L6th pupil Katie B, after gaining selection, were unable to play as, due to guidelines, the older event was cancelled.
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Equestrian Warwick Hall
Well done to Kyle F, Sophie B, Mischa S and Millie W who all competed at Warwick Hall, Carlisle in the BE90 U18 class. Millie finished in 2nd place, Kyle in 5th place within a very competitive field of older junior riders. Sophie and Mischa finished in 7th place in different groups. Very impressive to have them all finish comfortably in the top 10.
Team GB Selection for Millie
We are incredibly proud to announce that Millie W, moving into L6th Form, has been chosen as the only Scottish representative in the GB Team 2020 for the International Mounted Games. Every year Pony Club Branches and Centres in the UK and internationally nominate members to be put forward for the Mounted Games International Teams. Making the team is an outstanding achievement for Millie and recognises her suitability to act as an ambassador for her country as well as her participation in Mounted Games and also her exceptional all-round Pony Club CV. The path to the GB Team has involved huge efforts and sacrifices on Millie’s part, with selection not only being down to her riding ability alone. She has had to pass the Pony Club C+ test, attend preparation sessions over the winter, before training, on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons and had to miss out on taking part in DofE due to clashes with expeditions and training. Unfortunately, sport worldwide is being affected by the spread of the Covid-19 virus, with many events having to be cancelled and the International Mounted Games is no exception meaning this year’s successful members are unable to travel to the competition in Australia.
Howe
Well done to Strathallan Prep pupil Francesca W and her pony Hazel who dressed in a ‘Day of the Dead’ outfit won both the 70cm and the 80cm at the Special Spooky Halloween Showcross at Howe.
Millie said: ‘I was delighted to be selected for the GB Mounted Games team as the only Scotland representative. I am really disappointed not to be travelling to Australia due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cancelling of all events, however after a successful year with Misty, then Gunner, I am so happy that our hard work has been recognised with selection. I hope once things get back to more normality the 2020 GB team will have a chance to compete.’ Although she may not be able to travel to compete this year, Millie is still heavily involved in the equestrian world. Going forward she is going to help train the junior members in Mounted Games. She is continuing with show jumping and cross-country and hopes to enter some British Eventing Competitions if any open up in Scotland this year. Well done Millie, you have worked incredibly hard to achieve this and we all look forward to seeing you compete again as soon as possible.
Francesca also competed at Foresterseat Cross Country where she and her pony Hazel won the 80cm under 17 years class.
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Inter-House Swimming Gala - Girls
Swimming Gala - Boys
Girls results:
Boys results:
Thornbank pupils Grace H who broke the Junior 50 breaststroke school record in a time of 36.19 and Katelyn T who broke two records in the Senior 50m breaststroke in a time of 34.88 then the 50m fly in a time of 28.25 seconds.
1st Place 2nd place 3rd place
Thornbank Glenbrae Woodlands
61 points 46 points 26 points
Tennis
Winners Junior Senior
Simpson Simpson
Girls winners Junior Woodlands Senior Woodlands
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Freeland Simpson Ruthven Nicol
60 points 39 points 29 points 26 points
Hockey
Rugby finals Winners Juniors Seniors
Two school records were broken by Evan D from Freeland. Evan broke the Junior boys 50m backstroke record in 27.22 seconds and the 25m fly in 11.72 seconds.
Boys winners Junior Simpson Senior Simpson
Woodlands Woodlands
Cricket
Winners Junior Senior
Nicol / Simpson Tied Simpson 25
Inter-Division Hockey
Rugby 1st 3rd
Dron Dupplin
1st Glenearn 3rd Balmanno
2nd 4th
Glenearn Balmanno
Swimming 1st 3rd
Dupplin Glenearn
2nd Dron 4th Dupplin
2nd 4th
Dron Balmanno
Special mention to Dupplin who broke two relay records in the 4x25m medley and 4x25m front crawl relays. Also, a big well done to Euan W, who broke the 50m freestyle and 100 IM records school records. An outstanding achievment.
Tennis
1st Glenearn 2nd Dron 3rd Balmanno 4th Dupplin
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Cricket 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Dron Dupplin Glenearn Balmanno
Strathallian Sport Charlie Guest
Congratulations to Charlie who finished 26th in Slalom in Levi in November. This was her first ever Slalom World Cup Top 30 finish.
Duncan Scott
Duncan set a new British and ISL record in the 200m Freestyle at the International Swimming League in
Josh Henderson
Former Scotland youth star Josh Henderson intends to switch rugby nationalities and play under the Hong Kong flag in future. The 23-year-old fly-half joined the Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers RFC ahead of the Hong Kong Premiership 2020/21 season.
Rugby Squad
Four former pupils have been selected to start for the Scottish Autumn International squad. Congratulations to Matt and Zander Fagerson, George Horne and Jamie Ritchie.
Queen Elizabeth trophy
Huge congratulations to former pupil Simon Peters who has won the Queen Elizabeth trophy after firing a winning arrow in the Royal Company of Archers archery competition. Simon, Class of 1989, had to shoot over 180 yards to hit the target.
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Virtual Reality Strathallan launches virtual reality tours
The restrictions imposed by Covid-19 have sparked innovation in many aspects of school life, but Strathallan has taken it one stage further with the introduction of virtual reality tours. Parents and children considering Strathallan School, who would have been unable to see inside the boarding houses or see the school in action, can now experience 360-degree tours around the school from the comfort of their own home. Visitors can don virtual reality goggles or even use their phone to experience immersive boarding house tours or what it’s like to play hockey, rugby and even clay pigeon shooting at the school. Headmaster, Mark Lauder said, “Nothing beats visiting Strathallan in person, to experience its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere but in these unprecedented times we have to innovate. “Developing these virtual reality tours means we can give parents and children interested in joining us a glimpse at life here whilst keeping our pupils completely safe. The feedback from families so far has been brilliant and we look forward to introducing them to the classroom for enhanced learning experiences too.”
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