In this edition you will find the following information:
- Welcome from the Rector
- Study Leave
- Transforming learning
- University of St Andrews Apprenticeship Event
- Fife Young Carers - Careers Fair
- Scottish Schools Indoor Athletics
- Wellbeing Captains
- Nurture Group
- Bell Baxter Netball Cluster League
- ACE-CSE Cyber Security Competition
- Carbon Literacy Achievement
- Green Flag Award
- School Contacts
Rector's Message
This month’s assemblies have centred on our school value of Respect—what it looks like in our classrooms, corridors and wider school community. A particular focus has been the importance of respectful interactions: acknowledging one another, responding when spoken to, and engaging positively with staff and peers. Increasingly, we have noticed some pupils continuing to walk on when addressed or asked a question. While this may seem small, it undermines the respectful, courteous culture we work hard to build. We are encouraging all young people to pause, listen, and respond appropriately when a member of staff engages with them, and we would appreciate your support in reinforcing this message at home. Alongside these challenges, there have been many moments of pride this month. Our pupils excelled in a workshop with the RAF Military Band yesterday. The joy on their faces when participating in the final concert, having spent the morning working with band members was a real delight. Members of staff and other pupils commented on how uplifting it was the hear professional musicians and the pleasure music brings to so many was clear to see. Bell Baxter’s Got Talent on the 10th February was another great success, well done to the Captain’s team for organising the event, ably supported by a number of staff. There were a variety of performances on the evening and the standard was high. Congratulations to everyone who took part. We were also delighted to see Bell Baxter represented at the Centenary Music Competition between Madras College, The Waid Academy and Bell Baxter with Jake Reynolds (S5) performing superbly and embodying both confidence and respect in a competitive environment. Earlier this week, we welcomed 12 Education Managers, Headteachers and Depute Headteachers from across Fife Council and beyond for a two-day visit. They observed teaching and learning across the school and met with focus groups of staff and pupils. The feedback—full details of which will follow—was extremely positive. Visitors were particularly impressed with our teachers and pupils’ creative and thoughtful use of iPads to enhance learning, especially considering the relatively short time they have had their devices. Their conduct, engagement, and willingness to share their experiences were a credit to the school. Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Respect—shown in small everyday actions as well as larger achievements—remains central to our school community, and we will continue to work together to help every young person uphold it. Dates for your Diary:
- 19th March – S1 Parent/Carer Information Evening
- 2nd April – School closes for the Easter Holidays.
Have a wonderful weekend Lynn Black
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews IT Services team are hosting information sessions at Eden Campus in Guardbridge next month (10 March) for any 16-19 year-olds from the local area interested in a career in all things technology! During the sessions, attendees will hear from managers, modern apprentices and former modern apprentices. There will also be opportunities for lots of questions. Parents are also welcome to attend. The event will also be attended by Stephen McDade from Elite Training & Consultancy, who will share details of the qualification, training and support given to our Modern Apprentices. No sign-up is required but participants are asked to arrive at the start time of each session.
Scottish Schools indoor Athletics
Congratulations to both Max Callender-Galbraith and Reuben Dumbreck who represented Bell Baxter High School at the Scottish Schools Indoor Athletics Finals at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this month. Max achieved a fantastic 5th place with a time of 9.21 in the U-18 boys 3000m final. Well done to both boys for representing the school so well at this event.
Wellbeing Captains
Bell Baxter Bake Off On the 29th of January the Wellbeing captains held the much loved Bell Baxter Bake Off. Groups of four from all year groups were challenged to bake a Swiss roll and biscuits in an hour and 30 minutes. The atmosphere during the Bake Off was energetic and chaotic as everyone worked together, shared ingredients and gave each other a helping hand. At the end of the Bake Off, each group presented their Swiss roll and biscuits to the Wellbeing Captains and all the participants stayed to watch the judging take place, creating a sense of togetherness and fun. The winners along with 2nd and 3rd place were announced the next morning with prizes and house points being given out! There was a really strong cohort of S6 pupils, many of whom have been involved in the Bake Off since we began to hold the event. It has been amazing having you along and we will certainly miss you all next year. Thank you to all of the staff and the participants who made this a truly special occasion. And a huge shout out to our wonderful Wellbeing Captains who made all of this possible.
Updates
International Women's Day The Wellbeing Captains would like to celebrate International Women's Day by giving some of our female staff a treat. Nominations are now open so pop the name of your favourite female into The Neuk and they might be in for a surprise. Merry March Day We would also like to celebrate our amazing S6 cohort (and the arrival of Spring) by inviting them to our Merry March Day on Friday 13th March. Drinks and treats will be available for all S6 pupils courtesy of the Wellbeing Captains. We look forward to seeing you there!! P7 Transitions Bella has enjoyed welcoming our p7 cohort in the Enhanced Transition visits. She will see more of you in the weeks and months to come!! Remember to follow along:
- Instagram: BBHS Wellbeing Captains Bellbaxterbella
- Facebook Bellbaxterbella
Bell Baxter Netball Cluster League
A fantastic team of 21 Bell Baxter Young Leaders (YLs) and Young Ambassadors (YAs) turned out in force to support the Netball Cluster League tournament held at Bell Baxter High School on Monday 9 February 2026. More than 70 pupils from P5–P7, representing nine cluster primary schools, competed for the opportunity to progress to the Fife Finals. Our YAs and YLs played a vital role in delivering the event. They led the set-up and took responsibility for umpiring, scorekeeping, timekeeping, announcing, sign-in, team marshalling, and hosting the awards presentations, including Player of the Tournament, Sporting Integrity and the Team Spirit awards. Pupils from S2 to S6 worked superbly together to ensure the event ran smoothly. The primary schools have shared very positive feedback on the event, particularly praising the outstanding support, professionalism and presence of our Young Leaders and Young Ambassadors. This is a real testament to the commitment and effort these young people consistently show. The success of the tournament was down to this incredible group of pupils. Well done to everyone involved and thank you for all that you continue to do for the Bell Baxter school community.
ACE-CSE Cyber Security Competition
December, four teams of learners from the Computing Science department were selected to represent Bell Baxter High School in the qualifying rounds of the ACE-CSE Cyber Security Competition 2025, supported by CyberFirst. This exciting nationwide competition is designed to inspire young people to explore the fascinating world of cyber security, giving students the opportunity to tackle real-world cyber challenges, develop critical thinking skills, and work collaboratively as part of a team. We are delighted to announce that two of our teams were successful in receiving invitations to the national final. A huge congratulations goes to:
- Team 1: Lochlan Gordon, Elliot George, Elliot Berghuis, Harry McPherson
- Team 3: Danny Cuthbertson, Mackenzie Walker, Joe Duncan, Evan Roman
These teams will go on to represent Bell Baxter High School at a national level. We are incredibly proud of our students’ enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment, and we’re excited to see how they fare in the final stage of the competition.
Carbon Literacy Achievement
We are delighted to share with you that 17 of our learners have successfully completed their Carbon Literacy Training and have been certified as Carbon Literate! Further details of the achievement are in the link below: https://carbonliteracy.com/certified-carbon-literate/
Green Flag Award
We are delighted to announce that we have just achieved and renewed our Eco -Schools Green Flag Award for Learning For Sustainability(LfS). This achievement is the result of nurturing and empowering leadership in our young people as well as the commitment from a dedicated team of young people, parents/ carers, partners, and our community ! Lets get the bunting out and celebrate the success with our young people, parents/carers and community. Time to share our action plans and achievements! Many thanks for your ongoing support and commitment towards making Bell Baxter a more sustainable learning setting by 2030.
World Book Day
World Book Day takes place on Thursday 5th March this year and we will mark the occasion in school with a free book shop. Thank you for all of the book donations that have already been handed in. There is still time to make room on your bookshelf - if you have any books to donate, please hand them in to the office, or to Mrs Beattie directly in room 310. Next week all students will be given their £1 book token for World Book day that they can use to purchase the special edition £1 WBD books or use it to take £1 of any other text of their choice. Most supermarkets and book shops participate.
School Contacts
General Enquiries and Quick Links
School Address: Bell Baxter High School, Carslogie Road, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4HY
School Telephone Number: 01334 659459
Pupil Absence Text Line: 07860 004290
School E-mail Address: Bellbaxterhs.enquiries@fife.gov.uk
School Website: https://bellbaxterhighschool.org.uk/
School Facebook: https://b-m.facebook.com/BellBaxterHS/
Parent Council Website: https://bellbaxterhighschool.org.uk/Parent-Council/
Parent Council Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellBaxterParentCouncil