Brehcin High School Notes - January 18
AMONG the many activities the shcool has been involved in recently are moves to secure funding for building improvements, and a scheme to set up a vocational learning centre within the site.
Vocational Learning Centre for Brechin High School -
The school is delighted that the Education Committee of Angus Council has approved plans to develop a Vocational Learning Centre within Brechin High School. In the initial stage, it will provide an area which will be used for pupils to undertake Construction Skills.
This course will allow pupils in S3 to develop practical skills that will provide a useful insight into building trades and link with follow up courses offered by Angus College and other Further Education Colleges. These proposals are in line with commitments from the Scottish Executive in recent years, that all secondary and special schools will by 2007 have effective, meaningful and appropriate partnerships with at least one college for S3 pupils and above and that all pupils over the age of 14 will have an opportunity for work based vocational learning linked to accompanying relevant qualifications
At present there are excellent relationships between all Angus schools and Angus College. All schools have access to accredited work based vocational learning for S3 and S4 pupils through a well established partnership with Angus College.
There is however, considerably greater demand for places than the college can provide in Arbroath. Due to the nature of the provision, vocational courses cannot be offered through the usual option choice process and are separately delivered as a timetabled part of the pupil's week.
This approach requires special arrangements to be made which involve selective withdrawal from other classes (e.g. pupils attend a course for a single afternoon). Arrangements of this type can impact negatively on other aspects of a pupil's learning. Accordingly, it is proposed to create, initially at least, two vocational learning centres (VLCs) in Forfar Academy and Brechin High School. In addition to their use during the school day, it is planned that these facilities would be available in the evening thus adding value to local communities and supporting the transition to post-school training opportunities. It is proposed that each VLC will provide vocational opportunities in construction identified as a priority by Careers Scotland, Local Business Gateway and through student preferences. This will be complemented by further vocational opportunities that reflect local needs and employment opportunities.
In order to take forward this initiative it is proposed to set up a VLC in Brechin High offering construction and catering. The cost of undertaking necessary improvement works is estimated to be 45,000 in 2006-2007 with further expenditure in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. It should be noted that the works in Brechin High School will initially provide only a facility for construction.
It is anticipated that thereafter there will be further discussions involving a number of stakeholders, particularly Angus College, and considering Catering/Hospitality facilities at the school. Working in partnership with Angus College also offers the opportunity to jointly develop accommodation at the school for the mutual benefit of both organisations.
Building Improvements -
Before the Christmas break, the school received a total of 38,000 of the additional finance allocated by the Scottish Executive to Angus Council.
This will allow them to continue to carry out further improvements to the facilities for pupils and staff. Having completed the refurbishment of girls' toilets last session, the school will carry out similar improvements to a set of boys toilets. Pupil Council members have been involved in picking colours for the paintwork, tiles and flooring. The stairwells that lead down to the canteen will also be painted and the lighting upgraded.
This work is due to start on Monday, January 22. The Games Hall is also going to benefit from a major refurbishment, including a replacement floor, upgraded lighting and walls being repainted. Staff have been involved in the choice of colours.
The Physical Education staff will have a new work base and the fitness room will be moved upstairs to the old 'FE Lounge'. The school also hopes to replace the equipment in the fitness room with funding from the School of Ambition programme.
The Assembly Hall will also receive a much needed makeover, with new curtains and a modern fascia to the stage with all the walls receiving a fresh coat of paint. It is intended that all this work will be carried out before the end of March.
Finally, as part of the planned improvements to the Canteen, all the furniture will be replaced by the end of January. The school believes these changes will continue to enhance the quality of the facilities and accommodation for staff and pupils.
Key Dates -
January -
Tuesday 23 - S4 Parents' Evening; Friday 26 - Start of the S5/6 prelims; Wednesday 31 - S2 Choice of Course Evening;
February -
Tuesday 6 - S2 Parents' Evening; Thursday 15 - In-service day; Friday 16 - mid-term holiday; Monday 19 - mid-term holiday;
March -
Tuesday 6 - S4/5 16+ Choices Evening; Thursday 29 - Easter Service in the Cathedral; Friday 30 - Last day of term.
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Weather for Brechin
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
