Head Teacher's Introduction
At the end of another busy yet productive school session if gives me great joy to introduce our final newsletter of Session 2023/24.
You will get a sense from the pages that follow of all the many varied experiences our young people have had access to in Bannockburn High School this term.
I have had the absolute pleasure of working with each year group to refresh our school community values which are included below:
I am sure that you will agree that these values genuinely reflect what we as a school community stand for and that they permeate everything that we do. Thank you to everyone who contributed - parents, staff and pupils!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support this session and I hope that you have an enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming all of our young people back to school on Wednesday 14 August at 9am.
Mrs Hook, Head Teacher
Languages and Literacy Faculty
In September the Faculty contributed to ‘Belonging to Bannockburn’: an evening of showcasing to prospective parents and pupils all the opportunities for young people within the Faculty. We had a whole range of games on offer, as well as dress-up activities, and creative writing tasks. This was an excellent opportunity to share all that the Faculty offers within the school day and as extracurricular activities!
Creative Writing Workshop. Also in September, our Advanced Higher English pupils headed to Stirling University where they attended a creative writing workshop run by Dr Liam Bell. This was an inspiring start to the year and a great way to continue building connections with outside agencies.
Creative Writing Club. Miss MacDonald, a new member of staff within the English department, introduced a weekly Creative Writing Club to provide an opportunity for S1 and S2 pupils to explore their creativity at lunchtime. This was kicked off in November with a party- complete with snacks!
Cinema Trip. In November, provided with tickets from the ‘Into Film Festival’, S2s were taken on a fantastic trip to the cinema to watch Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. This went down as an absolute treat for a cold Winter morning!
The Lyceum. Advanced Higher English pupils attended The Lyceum in Edinburgh to watch the play ‘Through the Mud’. The story followed two women activists in their struggle for black liberation in America and was a great way to explore the theme of discrimination. The English department is always keen for pupils to access live performances and this one came very highly recommended!
Winter Fayre. In the run-up to the Christmas holidays, the Faculty contributed to the Winter Fayre. There was a book sale and the Literacy ambassadors sold candy cane messages – delivered by our very own Christmas elves! This was a fab Friday evening raising money for the school!
Christmas Panto. The Panto is always a highlight of the Christmas season! This year the Faculty took S1s to see Aladdin at the MacRobert Theatre in Stirling. There was a lot of laughter, audience participation and ice-cream enjoyed!
S3 Orchestra Trip. History? Music? Poetry? The S3s experienced all three in a trip to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at Usher Hall in Edinburgh. ‘Still I Rise’ was a fantastic exploration of three important but marginalised 20th-century composers- Ethel Smyth, Julius Eastman and Viktor Ullmann. This was a great way to explore the Civil Rights movement through the lens of poetry and music. It was an excellent cross-curricular afternoon out!
World Book Week. A range of activities was organised for our young people, including a whole staff dress-up and a comic strip competition judged by ex-pupil and now author, Ross Sayers. We were also delighted to welcome the local author Andy Manders into the school to run a poetry workshop for the S2 year group. The BGE classes watched and analysed films, took part in the comic strip competition, and completed some creative writing tasks. This was all a great way to celebrate the joy of books! The Creative Writing Club also managed to raise over £100 through a very successful bake sale.
RZSS Conservation Project. The Languages Department welcomed Sandie Robb into the school to lead a wonderful day for the S3 pupils on behalf of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. This was an opportunity to show how languages are used in the world of work, particularly focused on conservation projects.
YPI. The new 4th years boldly took part in the Youth Philanthropist Initiative in the final lead up to the Summer holidays. YPI is an excellent chance for pupils to build teamwork skills, confidence, and empathy, as they research a local charity, complete a presentation, and aim to win £3000 for the charity that they are representing. In the final showcase, Plus Forth Valley was the chosen winner after the team clearly demonstrated the amazing work that the charity does to help children and young people with disabilities across Stirling. Well done again to everyone who took part!
Maths & IT
Maths Department. We loved celebrating Maths Week Scotland in the department and across the school. We had a door decorating competition, we had a whole school quiz with prizes and took the S2 year group to Blackpool as part of our Theme Park project.
January saw us have our first return to Disney with the department since COVID. An amazing time was had by all and the S3 & S6 pupils were a huge credit to Mrs Pickavance, Mrs Hamilton, Mr Johnstone and Mr Power.
Mrs Pickavance & Mr Borland took the S6 to Alton Towers for their final school trip. I can see a theme here…
Computing Department. Mr Johnstone has introduced Web Design to his S3 skills class this year. It has been extremely successful and we have already got all the plans in place for the new S3 group to get involved.
Mr Johnstone was part of the team that hosted a Captivating Technology Showcase in the Thistle Centre. This STEM initiative engaged primary pupils in interactive mini projects using robotics, Micro:bits and LED technology.
We are excited to take part in this again: Mr Johnstone loves his Micro:bit traffic lights and any opportunity to show them off!
Business Department. This year’s Young Enterprise group were through to the regional finals after selling personalised sustainable tote bags – Biostyle Bags.
The boys made an excellent pitch and won the award for the best interview.
After our visit to St Modan’s café we have been practising with our own Barista coffee machine and staff and pupils are now enjoying their freshly made coffee with this year’s new Baristas in training.
Expressive Arts Faculty
Faculty Showcase. In December we hosted our first Faculty Showcase evening. The event included an Art Exhibition, Dance displays, Musical Theatre and Music performances. This was a great success and will be returning next session.
Everybody’s Talking about Jamie. In May, in between all of their studying, our Senior Music pupils took a well deserved break to go to King's Theatre in Glasgow to see Everybody’s Talking about Jamie. This was a lovely treat for our hard working pupils.
Legally Blonde. In March, the School of Musical Theatre pupils had the opportunity to see Legally Blonde. The pupils had loved the experience of a live theatre performance.
Sky Up Academy. As part of the V&A Streets Ahead Design Competition, a group of S3 Art and Design students visited the Sky Up Academy and had the opportunity to take on roles such as Camera Operators, Directors, Editors and Presenters.
V&A Streets Ahead Design Competition. A group of our S3 Art and Design students had the opportunity to participate in the V&A Streets Ahead Design Competition. They had a day out at the V&A in Dundee to participate in workshops and have had their work displayed in a V&A exhibition.
School Football Teams. This session we had four football teams representing the school- Senior Boys, Senior Girls, U14 and U15. All teams were excellent ambassadors for the school and played well in the league fixtures.
Active Stirling Secondary Dance Competition. Miss Barrett took her dance club to this annual competition and we got two third place finishes. We were extremely proud of all the girls who participated.
Staff vs Pupil Football Matches. There have been two exciting matches this session, with the staff taking the first victory and the pupils taking the second. It’s all to play for next session…
Sports Leaders. Our excellent group of Sports Leaders organised and led a range of activities both within the school and the learning community throughout the session including sessions with our local nursery.
Active Schools Stirling Athletics Event. A group of S1-3 pupils participated in a variety of track and field events throughout the day. All pupils were great ambassadors for the school and we came home with a number of medals.
Active Stirling Leadership Event. To develop pupil leadership roles within the PE department, a group of S3 pupils had the opportunity to attend a leadership day hosted by Active Stirling. The pupils involved had a great day learning new leadership skills and will be putting these to use in the near future.
Active Girls Day. This year our Active Girls Day had a Barbie theme and we combined it with Wear it Pink to raise awareness of breast cancer. Our girls had a fantastic time participating in a range of activities and we raised £334.36 for charity.
Science & Technologies
STEM Skills Academy. This session saw our Young STEM Leaders (YSLs) in our S4 Science class participate in a joint project with Primary 5 pupils from Braehead Primary School. Learners were led by our YSLs through STEM games and a Scavenger Hunt before spending time in the technologies department building a planter which they then painted. Our YSLs were also able to visit Braehead to help support primary 5 with their presentation preparation for the Celebration Event. Held in November, the Celebration Event was an opportunity for parents and carers to come and share the learning and hear from the pupils directly about what they had been getting up to. The YSLs helped to host and direct the event and, as always, did a fantastic job! A huge well done to all involved and we can’t wait to welcome Braehead Primary back again next session.
Forth Valley College Health & Social Care Afternoon. In October 2023, a group of 20 learners were able to attend Forth Valley College to find out more about the range of careers available in Health and Social Care within our region. We were also able to experience how VR is used within healthcare as well as engage in learning through simulation with staff from the National Simulation Centre, based at Forth Valley Hospital. Lots of inspiration and ideas for future careers!
Welcome to Health Sector@BBHS. Throughout the year, our learners have had the opportunity to engage with a range of visitors from across health and social care providers. We have had visits from Angela & Stef at Carr Gomm, Paramedic Science Student - Catriona Small, NHS Physiotherapist - Donna Ainslie, the Breast Feeding Network and so much more!
Not only are the learners finding out about working with in the NHS but also thinking about the roles and responsibilities of working in health and social care and the importance of professionalism and presentation. To this end, we have uniforms and are working on our communication skills as well as being role models for younger pupils in the school.
Thanks also to Hannah at Fairview Care Home in Bannockburn, our learners are going to be embarking on some work experience with the residents and staff in session 24/25. We’ve already had our induction and are raring to go and put our learning into action.
A huge well done to our first ever group of Health Sector pupils who have now moved into S4 - you are fantastic Health Ambassadors for our school and wonderful role models for other young people at BBHS. As we move into session 24/25, we are excited to be working with our learning community primaries on a health and hygiene project…more details to follow!
Top of the Bench. This session, Bannockburn High was represented at the regional Top of the Bench competition held at Forth Valley College. Morgan Martin (S4), Aimee Cowie (S3), Emma Young (S3) and Ellis Carson (S2), performed a variety of experiment at the college labs and competed against learners from across Forth Valley - although no prizes were won this year, they displayed exemplary teamwork and were fantastic ambassadors for our school. Well done to all involved!
Health Sector Take Over Day. On Wednesday 5th June, 2024 over 20 partners from a range of health and social care providers, as well as representatives from Stirling University and Forth Valley College, came to Bannockburn High to “take over” the learning of all of our S2 pupils! Ably led by our S4 Health Sector Ambassadors, learners were able to engage with an extensive range of activities from CPR and defibrillation to changing nappies and dispensing medicines. We are hugely proud of all of the new S2 year group, the feedback we have received from our partners was overwhelmingly positive - particularly about how respectful and polite they were. Well done everyone and thank you for making this day such a success!
Social Subjects
Social Subjects Ambassadors. The Social Subjects Ambassadors have been working hard to design a new informative display board in the faculty. Under the leadership of our school Captain, Ramsay, our learners Robert, Orla, Fraser, and Ellis have decided on current affairs that they are going to raise awareness about and display on the new board. Each affair links to a curricular area in the faculty, showing the real-life context and relevance of the subject areas. The ambassadors have been forward-planning and already have events and activities identified for when we return to school in August. Watch this space for further updates!
In the new session, we will also be opening applications once again for any young person interested in becoming involved with the role. Please come and see Miss Carlin or any of our ambassadors for more information.
S4 Geography and Modern Studies Excursion - Dynamic Earth and Scottish Parliament
S4 Geography and Modern Studies pupils teamed up at a change of timetable to visit Dynamic Earth and the Scottish Parliament to aid their learning in both national courses. The pupils got the opportunity to see both subjects through the lens of each other and identify any areas of similarities or differences. The young people got to speak with two of our local MSPs, Mark Ruskell and Claire Baker, and ask questions about what they do for us in our local area. Overall, pupils thoroughly enjoyed this trip and have learned a lot about their subjects to apply to their national course.
Powering Futures. S5/6 pupils this year got the opportunity to complete the SCQF Level 6 Powering Futures course. This course has the aim of equipping a million young people by 2030 with the skills and behaviours they need to thrive in the workplace and power their future. Over the course of the Challenge Programme, they research and collaborate on a solution and present it to a panel of industry judges. All the while, they are developing their knowledge and skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience—skills they will need in the future. Our young people gained and strengthened many meta-skills through this course and have achieved great things. This course will be offered as an S6 elective next session, so more pupils can achieve this excellent award!
UNCRC. S1 learners in Social Subjects have been becoming informed about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Learners have participated in a number of activities that have enabled them to become informed about their rights as young people, why they are important, and to recognise when their rights are not being met and who they should seek help and support from. As a learning community, we are ensuring that UNCRC is openly discussed with learners across all year groups.
S2 RME and Philosophical Questions. We have begun our S2 RME journey in a big way with philosophical questions. We have looked at questions of God, questions of our origins and the question of whether or not this world of ours was designed with purpose (religious viewpoint) or came into existence without purpose (scientific viewpoint). I have been delighted with the very mature responses from our young people as they begin to articulate their own views and ideas - and they look fabulous on the wall.
S3 RME Introduction to Morality. Meantime S3 classes have been considering what is important to them at this point in their lives and where they would find truth - a difficulty in our modern world full of fake news and images. They have created mind maps of this and also drawn their own hand as a symbol of their individual quest for answers to moral problems. It is also a sign of welcome - every pupil is invited to share their ideas and views in the shared space of the RME class.
S4 RME and Gender Issues. S4 pupils have been learning about some of the issues and moral challenges related to gender: stereotypes, discrimination, transitioning. This is a sneak peek at the more in-depth study we will offer after the summer holidays. Our pupils have been very mature in their approach to this often contentious topic and have submitted a small study of their own choice regarding gender. Great work, everyone.
Prom 2024. Our S6 pupils had a wonderful time at their Prom this year with sunshine, beautiful ball gowns, very smart suits and even a kilt. It is always hard saying goodbye to our pupils as they make their way into the adult world of work, training and higher education. Good luck everyone, it was our pleasure to teach you in Social Subjects.
Bluebell House Update
Oak class has been developing their knowledge of plants and learning what they need to germinate and grow plants whilst Rowan class have been focusing on flight, recently testing rocket designs using a kit from Forth Valley College, and robotics.
Through outdoor learning with Artlink both classes have been developing the Nature Nook into an inviting and relaxing space. Bluebell House has also been benefitting from a great relationship with Active Stirling and enjoyed sessions with Bikes Without Barriers at The Peak and also learning a range of throwing techniques out on the rugby pitches during our regular Thursday sessions. The other highlights include Home Economics in which both classes have been improving their cooking skills by preparing a number of different meals ranging from shortbread up to home made burgers and cottage pie; and also Music Therapy with Brian which has developed their confidence and communication.
Finally, over the last few weeks we have been welcoming our students for next year through a range of transition days and activities. This has allowed opportunities for the young people to get to know each other and become familiar with their class spaces for when they start in August.
Pupil Support Year Group Updates
Review of Session 2023/2024 - S1
This year has marked a new beginning for all of our S1s. The transition from primary to high school is undoubtedly one of the biggest changes that our young people have encountered so far. With hard-work, perseverance and a positive attitude, the year group have mixed perfectly into life and learning at Bannockburn High School. Their learning has been varied, enjoyable and has taken them to new heights academically.
Outside of classroom learning, S1 have been developing vital skills for life, learning and work through their participation in Schools of Musical Theatre, Rugby and Football. The SKILLS programme on a Monday afternoon has seen young people cook, play and learn in new and unfamiliar contexts. Outside of school, our young people have been challenging themselves and achieving outstanding success in dance, musical theatre, rugby, football, horse riding, martial arts, Warhammer, Cadets and a wide variety of other pursuits.
It has been a pleasure and privilege to witness the personal growth of each and every young person in S1 this year. With kindness, openness and a fantastic sense of fun, this particular year group have made an excellent start to their journey at Bannockburn High. We are incredibly proud of our young people and their achievements. They continue to be a credit to their families, their school and, most importantly, to themselves.
Mr Renz
Review of Session 2023/2024 - S2
The S2 year group has demonstrated outstanding academic prowess throughout the year. Their commitment to learning and intellectual curiosity has been evident in their remarkable performance across the broad general education (BGE).
Beyond the classroom, the S2 students have shown incredible dedication to extracurricular activities. Participation in sports, arts, and clubs has been exceptional, with students not only engaging but also excelling. We have Dancers, Horse Riders, Footballers, Rugby players, Cadets, and Scouts. We have Boxers, Gamers, Robot builders. The list goes on. All have demonstrated excellence and when called upon, have represented the school community with passion and integrity.
One of the most notable aspects of this year has been the personal growth of the S2 students. They have shown resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of ethics. Their ability to navigate challenges, support one another, and maintain a positive attitude has been inspiring.
Overall, the S2 year group has had an exceptional year, marked by academic success, active participation in extracurricular activities, and significant personal growth. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the supportive environment fostered by the school. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their continued success in their chosen subjects and beyond. They truly are the embodiment of our ASPIRE values.
A very proud Mr Kirk.
Review of Session 2023/2024 - S3
It is a pleasure to be back working with the year group after a year off on Maternity Leave. I am delighted with how our new S4 have embraced the challenge of stepping up to become senior school since the change of timetable and am so proud of how well they have settled into their new classes (not to mention how smart they look in their new senior ties)! Looking forward, I know S4 will bring us a host of new challenges to embrace, but also lots of exciting opportunities for our year to undertake. I am so pleased to be back working with our year group again, and I wish you all a relaxing summer holiday (you really deserve it).
Enjoy your time off and I'll see you back and looking smart in August,
Mrs Weir
Review of Session 2023/2024 - S4
Congratulations! As we reach the summer holidays, I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you for your hard work this year. You have completed your first year of National Qualifications and you have persevered through coursework, assessments and exams. You have demonstrated your strengths and resilience throughout your experience and I know you will continue to display these qualities throughout next session.
I look forward to seeing what you accomplish throughout S5 and encourage you to celebrate this year’s achievements.
Mrs Saunders
Review of Session 2023/2024 - S5
Session 23/24 has been a busy and emotional one for me as I now hand them over to Mr Shepherd and Mrs Gunning for their final year here in Bannockburn High.
The academic year began with students returning to S5 on the back of an exceptional set of results from their first external SQA exams. They have worked hard across the session to access a wide variety of subjects embracing the challenge as they level up from SCQF 4 / Nat 4 to SCQF 5 / Nat 5 or SCQF 6 / Higher. Additionally, as a year group they completed their First Aid level 6 qualification.
Out with the classroom, the year group have shown tremendous personal growth with many of them starting part-time jobs and others continuing to excel in activities such as Football, Judo, Scouts, Cadets, Sports Leaders and the City Music project to name but a few.
From S4 to new S6, our numbers have reduced as students leave for the world of work, college or apprenticeships. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing about their continued successes post Bannockburn High.
Students remaining have already taken up the mantle of S6 representing our school with pride in a number of events including supporting our P7 / new S1 learners on their 3-day visit. I know that in S6 you will make a significant impact and enrich our school community whilst continuing your chosen field of study.
Thank you, S5. Your achievements and contributions have made me very proud. You have left an indelible mark on my heart and I will continue to support you (from afar) in this, your last year at Bannockburn High.
Mrs Del Valle
Review of Session 2023/2024 - S6
Session 2023/24 was a fantastic year for our S6 pupils. It was a pleasure to be their Pupil Support Teacher due to their commitment to the school that included many examples of school service which helped our younger pupils thrive throughout the academic year. Their attitude and behaviour throughout was exemplary which included a fantastic Christmas dance and culminating in a wonderful Prom evening in June. I would like to wish our S6 from session 2023/24 all the best for the future.
Mr Shepherd