Consultation planned on school day
AMONG the latest news at Brechin High is word that the school is set to look into the possibility of changing its timetabled day to bring it in line with a number of other Angus schools. For more on this and other items, read on.
Consultation on changing the school day for 2007-2008
The school is considering altering the number of periods in the school day from eight to six. The reason for seeking to make this change is to support more effective learning and teaching and raise attainment.
With the current arrangements, pupils have a mixture of single 40 minute periods and double periods of 80 minutes.
Research has shown that many pupils have difficulty maintaining their concentration over 80 minutes, whilst for many classes, 40 minutes is too short to allow teachers to manage group work effectively.
The school is therefore looking to move to a 53 minute period, which addresses both these issues. If they move to a six period day, they will be very much in line with other Angus secondary schools and the vast majority of schools in Scotland.
Mobile Phones
Many of our pupils have returned to school after the Christmas break having received a new phone as a present. The school recognise that when used properly phones provide very effective communication and are now part of everyday life for adults and young people.
However, if they are misused, they can lead to disruption to learning and teaching. In the local and national press, there have been requests for schools and local authorities to revise their policies on mobile phones.
Angus Council issued guidance to schools in 2004. Since then the technology has developed and the ownership of phones has grown significantly.
As a school, Brechin High has said it aims to create and nurture an environment where all members of the school community feel safe and there is mutual respect. They wish to avoid situations where mobile phones are misused that could lead to exclusion or charges being raised.
Current Policy
The current policy is very straightforward. For teachers to teach and pupils to learn they need to have their full attention on the teacher. Using a mobile phone and music players will prevent this from happening.
When pupils go into class, they switch off phones and music players, wind up the earpieces and put them away
Teachers are asked to remind pupils of this rule at the start of their lesson. If this clear instruction is given and regularly enforced across the school it will leave pupils in no doubt as to the standard which has been set.
This has been discussed by staff and regularly shared with pupils at assemblies, the latest occasion being in January.
School Athletics Club
A group of parents are planning to start up an athletics club to nurture the talent that exists locally. This will give pupils an opportunity to receive training and support from locally trained coaches.
Following the success of the 'Come and Try' session on Saturday, February 17, when nearly 30 youngsters attended, a further session has been arranged for Saturday, March 10 from 10am until 1pm.
The school is delighted with this response and would like to thank the parents and coaches for their support.
S2 Technology Competition
Congratulations to Miss Robertson's class, 2D, on winning the Scotland North S2 Technology Design Competition. The class worked cooperatively to design a can-sorting machine for a recycling project. The whole class will go on a day-trip to visit the Falkirk Wheel and attend the Faraday Lecture in Glasgow.
World Book Day
World Book Day is on Thursday, March 1. To celebrate World Book Day, the Library Resource Centre will be holding a storytelling session at lunchtime.
Several teachers have volunteered to read from their favourite book or to read a short story. Pupils from first and second years are invited to join the party - they should give their name to Library Resource Centre staff.
Cricket
The school is looking for any budding Shane Warnes, Ricky Pontings or Andrew Flintoffs!
Mr Kelly is considering setting up a cricket team. Any boys (or girls) who wish to be considered should report to Mr Kelly in the games hall during interval on Friday, March 2. Initially, this is for S1s, S2s and S3s only. However, depending on numbers and interest, this may be extended to S4s and senior pupils.
U14s Football Team
Any boys, who wish to be considered for the U14's football team, please report to Mr. Kelly during interval on Thursday, March 1 in the games hall. There may be a possibility of entering a team into a forthcoming tournament.
March
Tuesday 6 S4/5 16+ Choices Evening; Thursday 29 - Easter Service in the Cathedral; Friday 30 - Last day of term.
April
Monday 2 to Friday 13 - Holiday (includes Good Friday, April 6); Monday 16 - school restarts; Wednesday 18 - S3 exams start.
May
Monday 7 - May Day holiday; Tuesday 15 - Angus Book award (Arbroath High School); Friday 18 - Activities Day; Tuesday 22 - S1 parents' evening; Friday 25 - In-service Day 5.
June
Tuesday 12 - P7 parents' evening; Wednesday 13 - P7 Induction; Thursday 14 - P7 Induction; Wednesday 27 - Prize Giving; Thursday 28 - Last day of term.
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Weather for Brechin
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: South
