Winter 2021
Strathallan News
Featured Strathallan students celebrate GCSE success
Results published by The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) show Strathallan students have secured outstanding GCSE results with a pass rate of 97%, continuing the upward trend seen over the last four years. In addition to several students achieving straight 9 grades, over a fifth of Strathallan students scored straight 8/9s and threefifths achieved five or more 7-9 grades, with 95% achieving at least one top grade. Among those waiting for their results were Perthshire pupils Rosalind Q, Madeleine S and Sophie W Rosalind Q received nine GCSEs at Grade 9 in subjects ranging from English Literature to Physics. She said, “These results are everything I could have wished for. I’m so pleased to see all my hard work pay off and I’m really proud of my French result. I want to go into Engineering so it’s comforting knowing that I’ll be able to move forward with all the doors open because of these results.” Madeleine S said her nine GCSEs, which included six Grade 9s, have rewarded all her effort over the last two years. “My results validate everything I’ve done up to this point. It makes it all worth it. I want to go on to study Business-orientated subjects, so just knowing I’ve achieved these results means I know I can push myself to achieve what I want.” Sophie W who obtained eight Grade 9s and one Grade 7 today, said it’s now time to look ahead. She said, “I’m really pleased with my results because of how hard the year has been. It has been difficult to keep focused but now we can start to plan ahead.” Another student celebrating success today was Finn G-R, who received his nine GCSEs 4572 miles away in Kenya. Finn said he was over the moon to be awarded nine GCSEs at Grades 9-7 in a range of subjects including Biology, Music, Geography and Art. He said, “Great to see the hard work pay off. I will definitely be celebrating with family and friends tonight.” Headmaster Mark Lauder said, “These excellent results speak volumes about the determination and hard work of our Fifth Form and their teachers. I am very proud of their results and I warmly congratulate all the students and their families as well as our dedicated staff on their achievements”
That moment when you win an Emmy
Huge congratulations to former pupil Ciara Grace Elwis on her Creative Arts Emmy in Outstanding Music Supervision for ‘I May Destroy You’. What an incredible achievement.
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Strathallan students selected to swim for Scotland
Three Perthshire pupils will start making a splash for Scotland this year after they were selected for national training squads. Students Elise C, Owen C and Evan D will join Scottish Swimming squads after they posted great results at the Festival of Swimming in July. Evan D, who joined Strathallan in 2020, has been selected for the Junior Squad after he finished top in Scotland (Age 14) in all 6 disciplines including 100M Freestyle. Swimming for Dundee Aquatics SC, Evan is one of the youngest swimmers selected for the national team. He said, “It’s unbelievable. I’m quite young so it feels great to get some new training experiences and hopefully go to some international competitions this year. I’m really happy with my times this summer, it was my first competition in Scotland so it feels great to compete at this level.” Elise C and Owen C who swim for Perth City SC, have been selected for the National Youth Academy. Elise, who placed fourth in Scotland (Age 16) for 100M and 400M Freestyle, hopes her recent open water swimming will translate to more power in the pool. She said, “I’m delighted to be selected for the Academy after mostly training by myself over the summer. With the first competition under our belts, I just hope to have a good time and continue to do what I love which is to swim every day. I feel a lot stronger now in the water after starting to wild swim during lockdown. I feel like I have greater control so I hope this shows. My aim is to keep progressing in the squads.” Owen C, who came second in Scotland (Age 16) for the 100M Backstroke will be joining Elise in the National Youth Academy. “It feels great to be part of the squad,” he said. “The whole team did well in the first competition, so I’m excited to see what we can do next.” Head of Swimming at Strathallan, Elaine Johnston, said, “To start the year with three swimmers selected for the national team is fantastic. All our swimmers recorded significant personal bests across the board this summer which is tremendous given the tough year they had returning to the pool and short time of full training following lockdowns. I can’t wait to see what they achieve this year.”
Strathallan students destined for dream degrees after outstanding results
Data published by UCAS shows 88% of Strathallan School leavers have been accepted into their first-choice of university today following exceptional A Level and Higher results. Headmaster Mark Lauder said the Class of 2021 could hold their heads high as they leave school having achieved such impressive results during two years of adversity. “I am thrilled to see the hard work, perseverance and determination of our students shine through in their results today. “Their outstanding A Level results combined alongside exceptional Higher results, show the ongoing commitment and drive of our pupils and staff for academic excellence at Strathallan. I am extremely grateful to the staff for their hard work and dedication, even more so during the challenges of the pandemic. As well as those embarking on gap years, I am delighted to see so many of our leavers head off to their first-choice university destinations at 88% – that’s an impressive figure by any standards. I am thrilled that so many pupils have gained access to their desired courses to begin the next exciting chapter in their lives.” Results published by The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) show 67% A*-A grades and 84% A*-B grades at A Level achieved by Strathallan students. 3
Strathallan student named Road to Wimbledon champion
Strathallan student Jed M was named the U14 Road to Wimbledon Champion following fierce competition in London. He said he was thrilled to have placed top in the tough competition. “I’ve had an amazing week on the grass. We’ve all been treated like professionals on and off-court. I have dreamt of playing at Wimbledon and to achieve this win feels amazing. It’s something I will never forget.” The Road to Wimbledon’s U14 tournament is the UK’s largest junior grass-court competition, with almost 9,000 girls and boys from 650 clubs, parks and schools competing to qualify for the National Finals held at Wimbledon. Jed was joined in Wimbledon by fellow Strathallan pupil Freya C. Together the pair won a series of events to make it to London, including the local event held at Strathallan School, County Finals in Aberdeen and then the National Finals at the All-England Club. She said, “I had a wonderful experience at Wimbledon. We were treated like the professional players, eating in the same restaurant here at Wimbledon and playing on the same courts as the greatest in the game. I’ve met and played against many players from all areas of the country. The Road to Wimbledon competition has given me a greater passion for the game.” Proud of his players’ achievements, Head of Tennis at Strathallan Tommy Oglivie, said, “Freya and Jed have had a once-in-alifetime experience in Wimbledon. Freya did incredibly well and only missed out on a place in the quarter-finals by a couple of points. More importantly, she has came away feeling positive and looking forward to what’s next. “It almost goes without saying that Jed has had an amazing week. He has a very mature game style and he feels comfortable on a grass court but to win this competition is a fantastic achievement. As a school we are all very proud of our players and look forward to seeing them back on campus soon.”
Mr Craig Muirhead ‘Music Tutor of the Year’
Director of Traditional Music and Scottish Culture at Strathallan School, Mr Craig Muirhead has won ‘Music Tutor of the Year’ in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Craig, who has performed across the world with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers before turning his hand to teaching, has been building up the Piping and Drumming programme at the Strathallan school for over eight years. During this time Craig’s programme has turned out awardwinning pipers including former pupil John Dew, who was also nominated for the ‘Up and Coming Artist of the Year’ award. Despite dedicating the majority of his time to teaching young pipers and drummers, Craig made time to set up the Lockdown Piping Club in January 2021 to help beginners of all ages pick up a new instrument during lockdown. Since then he has introduced over 5,000 participants to the chanter, with many going on to learn the bagpipes. Most recently, Craig has launched the Department of Traditional Music and Scottish Culture at Strathallan, offering even more opportunities for students to learn and participate in Scottish culture and traditional folk music. Craig said, “I’m incredibly grateful to be nominated for a Scots Trad Music Award and I’m clearly in good company for this award. I’m thrilled to see John Dew also nominated for the Up and Coming Artist of the Year award. It’s a credit to his hard work and vision. “I’ve been focused on teaching for over eight years now and it’s amazing to see the smiles on folks’ faces when they start to pick up the pipes. I’m hoping to continue the Piping Club and offer free lessons to as many young people as possible.”
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Reuben picks up Perthshire Young Artist of the Year Award
Strathallan student Reuben L has been named the ‘Junior Young Artist of the Year’ in this year’s Perthshire Art Association Annual Exhibition. Strathallan student Reuben L has been named the ‘Junior Young Artist of the Year’ in this year’s Perthshire Art Association Annual Exhibition. Reuben’s winning entry ‘Different Slopes’ was a scratchboard piece depicting the things that he missed during lockdown and how he adapted to the pandemic. Reuben said, “I was delighted to receive the award for my piece and I’m proud to be part of the schools entry to the competition. A lot of help and feedback was supplied by Mr Glancy through the techniques he taught us over the year. I tried to incorporate as many of those techniques as possible into my work and it definitely helped make the final scratchboard better.” Reuben shares his success with the School’s Art Department which has retained the title of ‘Best Overall School’, recognising the high quality of Strathallan students’ work. Head of Art, Frank Glancy, said, “We are thrilled to have won two major titles in the Perthshire Art Association Annual Exhibition this year. To see Reuben win the Junior category, amongst such a strong field of artwork. It is testament to his hardwork and vision. “We are also delighted to have retained the title of best overall school for another year. There were over 103 entries from state and independent schools in Perth & Kinross and we feel honoured to have placed so highly amongst them.”
Angus set to shoot for Scotland
Strathallan student Angus T represented Scotland at the Sporting Home International in Dundee. Angus, who was recently named High Gun at the Holland and Holland Independent Schools Clay Pigeon Championships after scoring an impressive 75/80. And he felt amazing to represent his country again. Angus said: ‘The atmosphere was great all weekend. I really enjoy the national team competitions, I’m more driven when we work together and execute a plan.’ Helping the Scottish junior team secure third-place in the tough competition, the 17-year-old also took aim at the Amultree and Trochry Clay Shoot, winning the Individual under-18 category and the Continuation Shoot. Angus added: ‘I took the wee mistakes I made in Dundee and focused on breaking as many targets as possible at Amultree, competing against the best shots in Scotland. ‘My last shoot of the season will be the Scottish Gamefair at Scone, so I’m looking forward to ending the season on a high. I have big plans I’m aiming for next year.’ Strathallan is the only school in Scotland with a purpose-built shooting academy. Boasting a fully automatic compact sporting layout and expert tuition from top coaches, Strathallan pupils have gained international recognition in the sport. Earlier this year Angus and his brother Ali T both represented Scotland and the school at the World Championship Junior (U21) competition. Ali, who was named Colts World Champion, also won Bronze in the Colts World Sports Trap and he came top in the ‘C Class’ Overall World Title against guns of all ages. Which is a phenomenal achievement for a 14-year-old shooting against adults in the same class. 5
Winter Wonderland 2021
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Academic Bee Keeping Club
The swarm that the Bee Keeping Club (Oil S, Blake H and Carlos K) help catch during the summer term was housed in a Smith Hive on the roof of the main school building. This site is perfect, as the residual heat from the school will keep the hive warm over winter and also provide a safe place for both bees and pupils. Over the summer Mr Paul Vallot kept an eye on them and fed them as needed. At the start of term the hive (which can be seen from the all weather nets by Freeland) was seen to be thriving, with lots of bees foraging and coming and going. Honeybees can travel up to 3 miles from the hive and they will have found the re-wilded campus a wonderful place to roam. Now that winter is upon us, the club will go up and see the hive and it is hoped that they will be able to extract the first of the “Strath Honey Harvest”. As we would be taking their winter feed, the club will leave the hive a good supply of fondant to keep them going over winter.
Sixth Form Lecture Series
We were delighted to welcome Peter Cairns to campus for our first Sixth Form Lecture of term. Great to hear about everything SCOTLAND: The Big Picture is doing to help rewild Scotland. We are currently rewilding parts of our 153-acre campus to encourage greater biodiversity.
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Young People’s Policy
Congratulations to Sophie W, Eilidh S and Chloe F who took part in the 2021 Young People’s Policy Competition run by Murdo Fraser MSP. The trio, who were inspired by their Modern Studies class to enter the competition, wrote about Job ID Schemes, Girls in Sport and the Criminal Justice System respectively Sophie W placed 2nd in the competition and Chloe F placed 3rd in what MSP Murdo Fraser has described as a tightly contested policy competition
Screening of ‘Guy’
Mr Miles, Madame Crane and Mr Dunn took the VI form French linguists to Perth theatre to join Perth Film Society for their screening of ‘Guy’ directed by Alex Lutz and staring Alex Lutz, Tom Dingler and Pascale Arbillot. The pupils had a fantastic evening and thoroughly enjoyed the film. Our November film outing is starting to become bit of a traditional and we are looking forward to the next MFL Department cinema outing.
History Lecture Series Professor Richard Whatmore from the University of St Andrews delivered a talk on War and Democracy. He explored how the idea of mass democracy was linked to warfare in the 19th and 20th centuries. Furthermore, this lecture explored how democracy failed to achieve what revolutionaries in 1789 France hoped. As explained by Professor Whatmore, the democracy initiated by the French revolution gave rise to successive crisis allowing Ceasar figures like Napoleon Bonaparte to arise. The second lecture this term was held by Brent libraries and presented by Stephen Bourne who specialises in black heritage. This talk was titled Black Poppies and focussed on Britain’s black servicemen in WWI and the cultural contributions of black communities to the Homefront. This talk surprised me by revealing the integration of English black servicemen within white regiments and their award equally of combat medals. I was also interested to learn that after the war discrimination flared as highlighted through the race riots in Liverpool where Charles Whotten, a Great War naval veteran, was dragged into the docks with chains tied to his feet. This showing that when under pressure Britain Great War inclusion broke down. Edward L, LVI, Nicol
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CCF CCF Field Day
Our Royal Navy cadets sailed on the Clyde Fleet Tender, learning knot tying and all about the history of the Clyde. Our Royal Marines cadets made a splash at MOD Caledonia taking part in Commando exercises including swimming in overalls, casualty evacuation, and an endurance race. Our British Army cadets developed their fieldcraft and performed blank firing drills on campus.
Heads of Combined Cadet Force
Colour Sergeant Seb P (Head of Royal Marines Section), Company Sergeant Major Anna C (Head of British Army Section), Regimental Sergeant Major Carlos KJ (Head of CCF) and Cadet Warrant Officer Class 1 Charlotte G (Head of Royal Navy Section).
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Music & Piping Strathallan launches new Traditional Music & Scottish Culture We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Traditional Music and Scottish Culture Department
Traditional Scottish music lessons and Highland Dancing are just some of the new subjects on offer at Strathallan School this year as the school launch a new department. The brand-new programme, which will include workshops led by the UK’s top folk musicians, was kicked off this week with a fiddle workshop led by Glaswegian musician Jack Smedley of Rura. Craig Muirhead, who will lead the newly-established department, said, “This is an exciting moment for Strathallan, we’ve had a Folk Band for some years now and a very successful Pipe Band for the best part of a hundred years, so it makes sense that we offer even more opportunities for our students to learn about and participate in Scottish culture.” A former Red Hot Chilli Piper, Craig is one of Scotland’s most experienced performing bagpipers, having performed for millions at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in 2010. “Personally, traditional music has allowed me to travel widely, from Bannockburn to Barbados,” added Craig. “It’s given me the opportunity to perform with the likes of Rod Stewart, Lulu and Amy MacDonald, so I’m excited to see where our new department could lead our pupils.” Strathallan Headmaster Mark Lauder, said, “Based in the heart of Perthshire, we are a Scottish school through and through. This is evident from our alumni World Champion Pipers to our current pupils who represent Scotland every year. We are delighted to formally offer even more opportunities for our pupils to get even closer to the culture they love and are surrounded by.”
The Big Sing
From Prep pupils to Prefects, Strathallan School came together to record an epic cover of ‘The Living Years’ by Mike and the Mechanics. Featuring solos, a full orchestra and pipes and drums, as well as the voices of over 550 pupils, it was a momentous achievement for the school, especially for the new Director of Music, Jason McAuley who directed the performance.
Music Workshop
In October we were delighted that our House Music adjudicator could give our Scholars and Senior Pupils a Commercial Music Workshop. Ciara was Music Supervisor on programmes such as Afterlife and Derry Girls and won an Emmy for her work on the 2020 series, ‘I May Destroy You’. Ciara is currently working on a new Netflix documentary.
The Big Sing features Senior Rocks, Senior Orchestra, Pipes & Drums, Chamber Choir, Prep School and the Senior School. Special mention goes to our soloists, Ava K, Sophie C and Sebastian P.
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Instrumental Lessons
Instrumental lesson numbers have increased dramatically since the start of term. Over 70 pupils have started a new instrument and every week we have 221 music lessons delivered up in the music department. We have started to share videos introducing our talented staff and you can keep up to date with the Music Department on our newly revamped Instagram page!
Informal Concerts
Our regular Prep and Senior Showcases continue throughout the term giving our young musicians opportunities to perform. We also introduced our first ever Piano Platform. The Piano Platforms are an opportunity for the piano pupils in school to get together and share what they are working on to each other and the piano teachers. There is no outside audience as the purpose is to build confidence, practice performing for concerts and to have some cake!
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House Music
The music department in October is extremely busy as everyone scrambles for space to prepare for House Music. It has not been easy for our pupils to return to music making and get everyone involved. Half the school has never experienced House Music before, however, the House Music Representatives and their teams rose to the occasion and delivered an exceptional event that Strathallan School should be proud of.
Strathallan Prep School Introducing our Captains of Strathallan Prep School
Anna P & Sami L are this year’s Captains of Prep School, Buzby W & Jess B are our Captains of Sport and Freyja D is our Captain of Music.
Helping history come to life
Yr4/5 had lots of fun reenacting the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297).
Viking Longships
Year 3 & 4 set sail to their Viking Longships in the school pond last week. All three ships, designed and crafted by the pupils, floated perfectly over the water.
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Sports Scottish Hockey Academy Squads Midland District Swimming The following pupils were selected for the Scottish Hockey Academy:
Nine Strathallan swimmers competed in the Midland District Championships in Glenrothes with great results.
Aspiring Squads Hamish N, Ross T and Joe T Orla F, Erin MacG, Charlotte G and Zoe W.
Ollie S, Katelyn T, Jess S, Owen C, John M, Elise C, Evan D, Harriett W and Euan W all had exceptional swims, dropping a huge number of seconds for PBs over a wide variety of events.
Emerging Squad Rachel F, Emma F, Lucy T, Lucy W and Naomi H This is great representation for Strathallan and we wish them all the best with the training.
SSAA Secondary Road Race Championships Senior Boys Team; Blakey H, Duncan F, Kyle F, and Alex D, finished in a fantastic 2nd place, 100 schools took part.
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Evan D broke 2 District Age-Group records previously held by former Strathallan pupils. In the 400 IM Evan recorded a time of 4.42 breaking the old record of 4.44 set by Joe Lipworth in 2008 and in 200 IM Evan recorded a time of 2.10 breaking the record of 2.12 set my Scott McLay in 2013.
Back on the slopes
Strathallan student Murdo H has been representing the school at the National Schools Indoor Open Championships. Murdo, who won silver in the U16s Boys slalom event today, was the third-fastest racer out of all the senior school male and female racers across all age categories.
Canoe Slalom
Tally M won the K1W and C1W Junior ( J14) Scottish Slalom Championships, held at Persley in Aberdeenshire. The win also secured her promotion to Division One K1W.
Horse of the Year Show
Strathallan student Eliza E and her horse Rosshill Paddy were selected to compete on one of the largest equestrian stages in the world. The pair did incredibly well coming 4th in the 143cm Working Hunter Ponies class - an incredible achievement for any rider. Eliza said, “I was absolutely thrilled and Paddy was amazing. It was very exciting to ride in such an electric atmosphere. Can’t wait to try and qualify for next year!”
Pony International
Student Pebbles W and her horse Peanut won the 90cm Grand Prix class at the Scottish Home Pony International.
Wildwater Racing
Findlay M & his C2 partner Ryan have become Wildwater Racing Senior British Sprint Championships after winning the British open at Holme Pierrepont.
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Tennis
Thomas D, won the U14 County Tour event at St Andrews University. Defeating 2nd seed B Currie in the semi final, before overcoming top seed C Dong in the final - well done Thomas, a great result!
Freya C was selected to represent Scotland in the U14 Four Nations Championships.
Pupil Ben C won the U16 County Tour Event at Scotstoun Leisure Centre.
Pupil Marcus M won the TS Open Tour 500 at Stirling University. Marcus battled through an almost 3 hour semifinal this morning before winning the final 6-3, 7-5 against L Nisbet. Well done, Marcus.
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Lucas B was selected to represent the North of Scotland U11 County Team, who competed down in Lytham St Anne’s. Katie B was selected to represent the Ladies North of Scotland at the Summer County Cup.
Marcus M and Cammy F
• Runner-up in the U18 Scottish Indoor Doubles Championships.
Freya C • •
Winner of the Scottish U14 Closed Singles Championships held in Glasgow. Winner of the U14 singles and doubles at the Bridge of Allan Open.
Jed M • • •
Winner of the Road to Wimbledon National Championships held at the All England Club in London. Wunner of the G3 U14 singles and doubles at the Newlands October Tournament. Winner of the U14 singles and doubles at the Bridge of Allan Open.
Thomas D • • •
With partner won the U14 North of Scotland Doubles Championships. Runner-up in the U14 singles at The BellField Open. Winner of the U14 County Tour event at St Andrews University.
Freya C and partner Anna McK •
Winners of the Scottish U14 Indoor Doubles Championships held in Glasgow.
Katie B •
Winner of the City of Aberdeen Ladies Singles Championships.
Ben C • •
Winner of the U16 boys singles at the County Tour Event in Glasgow. Winner of the U16 singles and doubles at the Bridge of Allan Open.
Annie W and Riley T • •
Winners of the ladies doubles at the North Angus Open Tournament. Winners of the U16 Tayside Open Doubles Championships.
Marcus M • • •
Jed M and Isaac K •
Winners of the Scottish U14 Indoor Doubles Championships.
Winner of the TS Open Tour 500 at Stirling University. Winner of the U16 singles and U18 mixed doubles at the East Lothian Open. Qualified for the Grade 1 National Finals in London and reached the quarter finals.
Nicholas B and Alexander G •
Winner of the Tayside Open U16 Doubles Championships
Marcus M and Nicholas B •
Finished in 3rd Place inthe U16 Scottish Indoor Doubles Championships
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ESMS Hockey
Midlands Champions
Athletics
Strath Golf
Our U12 hockey squad were named ESMS Hockey Tournament champions. A huge thanks to Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools for hosting such a great tournament.
Fionn T who ran a new PB of 39.96s in the U15 300m final at the Scottish age group athletics championships. Fionn is now ranked in the top 5 in Scotland for his age group.
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Congratulations to our 1st XI who came out on top in the Midlands Tournament held at Strathallan. A huge thank you to all the players, coaches, umpires and spectators who attended our 1st XI Hockey tournament, some brilliant hockey on show from all teams.
Congratulations to pupil Nicholas B on winning the Auchterarder Junior Scratch Event Club Championships and also the Fire Brigade Cup. A great achievement.
Strathallan Show Jumping Championships
Huge congratulations to all our pupils who competed, it was a brilliant event for our growing Equestrian team.
Results Class 1 (55cm) Team – 3rd Place Ruby A, Scoot 3rd individual Eva S, Bubbles Anna M, Lenny Jess B, Tylo Stormcat
Class 2 (70cm) Blue Team – 1st Place Francesca W, Hazel 1st individual Elspeth W, Milo Klara T, Eastertown Irish Gold Pebbles W, Boo
Class 3 (85cm) Gold Team – 1st Place Pebbles W, Tino 2nd individual
Class 4 (1m) – 1st Place Blue Team Pebbles W, Maily 1st individual Topaz W, Flight 3rd individual Amelia E, Carnsdale Newmarket Dancer Millie W, Curaheen Playgirl Gold Team – 2nd Place Alice E, Lady Chatterbox 6th individual Kyle F, Good Life Sophie B, Coming Star Pebbles W, Tino
Francesca W, Hazel 3rd individual Elspeth W, Milo 6th individual Pebbles W, Maily Blue Team – 2nd Place Pebbles W, Peanut 1st individual Kyle F, Good Life Sophie B, Coming Star Topaz W, Flight Purple Team – 6th Place Erin MacG, Applejack 4th individual Emily S, Wild Jack Duggan Klara T, Eastertown Irish Gold Annabel B, Warrior B 19
Inter-House
Inter-house rugby
Inter-house hockey round 1
3rd Form Winners - Ruthven 4th Form winners - Simpson 5th Form winners - Ruthven 6th Senior winners - Simpson or Freeland
Junior Girls – 1st Glenbrae, 2nd Woodlands, 3rd Thornbank Senior Girls – 1st Woodlands, 2nd Thornbank, 3rd Glenbrae
Overall Junior winners – Nicol Overall Senior winners – Simpson
Swim Standards Results Girls 1st 2nd 3rd
Glenbrae Woodlands Thornbank
Boys 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Freeland Ruthven Simpson Nicol
Inter-Div Hockey 1st Dupplin 2nd Glenearn 3rd Balmanno 4th Dron
Girls Rugby v Howe of Fife
History was made in September when our 1st XV girls rugby team played in our first ever girls rugby fixture when our girls traveled to Cupar to take on Howe of Fife RFC. The girls played superbly well, producing a brilliant performance to win the game by 30-20! A proud night for all the girls who played and hopefully the first of many girls’ rugby fixtures at the school.
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Gymnastics
A huge well done to pupil Sophie D, the team she was part of finished 4th in the Scottish gymnastics floor & vault competition held in Perth. The competition had nearly 70 competitors and was the first floor & vault competition for 2 years.
Duke of Edinburgh DofE Autumn 2021 Update Pupils who have completed their awards since the last update: Bronze Stan B Zoe W Hailey H Jamie L Chloe T Thomas P
Forgandenny Village Pétanque Court
Progress on the Forgandenny village pétanque court. The DofE group as well as the JMA have been working on completing the village pétanque court project, which was delayed due to COVID. Progress has been excellent and we are now awaiting the delivery of the gravel and sand. We are aiming to have the project completed for the new year. Many thanks to Mr Vallot who has helped to organise the delivery of the materials and who has liaised with the village council on our behalf.
Silver Ava K Amelia E Oliver S Dan de L Charlotte G Melissa F-S Valeria K Gold Kiera M Jemima F-S
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Strathallians Duncan Scott
Huge congratulations to Team GB swimmer and Strathallian Duncan Scott for winning 4 medals at the Tokyo Olympics and making history as the most decorated British athlete at an Olympic Games. Silvers in the Men’s 4x100m medley relay, Men’s 200m freestyle and Men’s 200m individual medle. Gold in Men’s 4x200m freestyle relay. It has been incredible to watch and we are so proud of Duncan’s achievements - a true inspiration to the Strathallan community.
Lyle Ross
We are delighted to share that former pupil Lyle Ross has been awarded the COVID-19 Engineering Medal for his work in creating a model to predict mechanical properties of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Class of 2017, Ross said, “I’m just happy to have played a small role in helping to better understand the virus and its properties which allow it to be so transmissible.”
Army Girls
Former pupil Tessa Dunlop has released a wonderful book looking at WWII from the often overlooked women’s viewpoint.
Rowan Laird
Congratulations to former pupil Rowan Laird and his horse Rhum who have been selected for the GBR Development Squad. Since leaving Strath in 2020, Rowan has gone from strength to strength, working with Eventing stars such as Fox-Pitt Eventing and Angela Tucker.
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J J Chalmers
Next Steps Breakfast
J J Chalmers We were thrilled to welcome back former pupil and BBC Strictly Star JJ Chalmers to Strathallan this term. J J (Class of 2005), shared insights from his life at a lecture he gave to our Sixth Form pupils. J J served in the Royal Marines with 42 Commando in Helmand Province in 2011 when he sustained severe injuries due to an IED explossion, this has not held him back in life. In 2014 he became a medal-winning cyclist in The Invictus Games and has gone on to become one of the nation’s most loved television presenters, covring huge events from the Tokyo Olympic Games to the funeral of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He recently put on his dancing shoes to take part in Strictly Come Dancing with Amy Dowden. Speaking of being back at Strathallan, he said “ It feels a little strange to be back at school of course, but it’s a massive privilege. I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences. “I can remember very vividly what it was like to sit in these lectures and what an impact they had on my life, so it’s a real honoour to come back and speak to the students” J J Quotes: “ It didn’t matter what they asked me to do, I was going to say Yes!” “I wanted to serve, to give back, that’s what life is about! “I decided I wasn’t going to let the cool kid decide what I was going to do “
As part of our Sixth Form Programme, preparing pupils for life after Strath, we are starting regular NEXT STEPS Breakfast meetings where we would like to invite parents and alumni (or their friends/colleagues) to join us for coffee and a pastry to chat about the routes available into their particular field of work. These will be relaxed gatherings with no formal presentations, a chance for our pupils to meet people with experience in their area of interest and discover the different paths to a career in that particular field.
The first of these was held for pupils on Thursday 2nd December which was very well attended. Pupils interested in creative career paths were able to talk with alumni who had experiences in Journalism, Marketing and Design. The pupils gained a wealth of first hand knowledge of experiences these personnel have had on their journey to where they are today. The following Business Meetings have been planned for the New Year: Monday 7th February 4:45pm - Law Thursday 10th March - 8:00am - Engineering, Construction, Property. Wednesday 16th March - 3:00pm - CCF Afternoon - Regular Army, TA etc We would love to hear from Alumni/Parents/friends etc who are in the above fields or are involved in other fields that they think would be ideal to be speaking to pupils about. If this is of interest to you please contact: Mrs LairdPortch - staffcalp@strathallan.co.uk for more information and to confirm your attendance.
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Strathallan School Forgandenny Perth PH2 9EG Scotland UK +44 (0)1738 812546 info@strathallan.co.uk www.strathallan.co.uk
StrathallanSchl strathallanschool @StrathallanSchoolOfficial
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