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Headmaster's Newsletter
19th June, 2010.
Dear Parent,
It appears quite remarkable that Sports Day now appears a distant memory, even though it was only but a short week ago. I was much impressed by all that I saw, from some excellent battles on the running track to the exciting climax of the boys’ senior High Jump. The weather was just right and we were regally entertained by both our own pipers and the marvellous Ampleforth Pipe Band. In addition, we were able to say farewell to our departing staff in some style and, all in all, it made for a most happy occasion before the onset of half term.
Prior to the children returning, I thought I would drop you a short note with regard to a few matters.
May I remind all parents whose children return to Belhaven next September, and who would like to continue or start music lessons, that the relevant music form can be downloaded from the school web site and should be returned to the Director of Music, Mike Gale, by the end of this term.
At the same time, I just thought it beneficial to commit to paper the planned changes for the timetable next September, as explained at Sports Day. The most important innovation will be the introduction of setting for Forms 1 and 2, and hopefully – logistics and staffing permitting - Form 3. Setting will see children working at a level appropriate to their ability, allowing staff to stretch and support in equal measure. Setting will take place in English, Maths, Science and the Languages, and there will be a general set for the likes of Music, Art, P.E., Design Technology, etc. This means that a child that is a good Mathematician can work in a top set, yet if their English is less good , they can receive the support and consolidation that a second set might offer, so ensuring that we get the best from all pupils. The addition of two part time Classroom Assistants will see further in-house support for the work that the teaching staff do while consolidating and building upon the fine work of the Learning Support team.
Other developments will see the introduction of weekly Study Skill lessons for Form 1 and 2, the skills of which are invaluable as future guidelines for effective learning at both Belhaven and beyond, while we are also looking at, and hoping, that we might be able to introduce touch typing with greater regularity – another skill essential in today’s world. We are also exploring the possibility of extending and refining our current Tutorial system to incorporate Form 2 pupils, whilst looking at making the current Weeks’ Marks assessment system a little more relevant for pupil and parents alike. Further information relating to these will follow next term.
Finally, we hope to introduce an activity programme which will run Monday to Friday, with the exception of a Wednesday match day. Here a variety of activities will provide plenty of opportunities for the children and staff – be it for rehearsals for school music or drama productions, a chance to introduce the likes of a tennis or swimming squad in the Summer, or a cricket net in the Lent Term, or whether it be for more general activities, such as cooking, jewellery, photography, story telling, drama, art, ceramics, model making… or whatever else reflects the interest of both staff and children. I hope you agree that they are exciting developments which will further build on the good that already abounds at Belhaven.
Last but not least, I am delighted to announce that all our Form One children did remarkably well in passing Common Entrance to their first choice schools. There were impressive results in Geography, Biology, History and French, while several pupils turned in some remarkably strong performances, with Alny Findlay and Douglas Donaldson particularly catching the eye with their efforts. Congratulations to all our candidates and well done! I also know that it has now come to that time of the year when Form One parents are beleaguered by various invitations to their child’s next School. Whilst not wishing to stop any child attending Public School House induction days and the like, can I request that parents ensure that such days also encompass visit to uniform shops, etc, so that disruption at school is kept to the bare minimum at a very busy time of year.
I hope you have all enjoyed a very relaxing and enjoyable half term,
Regards,
Innes MacAskill
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