Testing times

It’s that time of year again when pupils up and down the country will be agonising over their preparations for exams.  Parents too will be anxious and doing their best to support pupils do their best on the day of the exam.

Here are a few thoughts oh how to do your best.

Before

• ·         Have a revision plan and keep to it.
•       Find a quiet place to work in that is free from distractions.
• ·         Before each exam try and get a good night’s sleep.
• ·         Throughout the exam period eat healthily and take regular exercise.
• ·         Practise past exam papers, either on your own or with friends.
• ·         Don’t waste time on facebook etc when you should be working.
• ·         Don’t try and revise with a television on. Listening to music can be ok and may help you concentrate.
• ·         Where appropriate, make a time plan for each exam. Take account of the marks available for each question.
• ·         If you are concerned about something you don’t understand come into school and get help from a teacher.
• ·         Classmates can be a good source of support and advice.
• ·         Make sure you have the equipment you need for each exam.
• ·         Know exactly the date, time and location for each exam and build this into your revision plan.

During

• ·         If you are feeling nervous or a bit tense, take a few deep breaths.
• ·         Once in the exam hall, make sure you read the questions carefully.
• ·         During very long exams you may need to drink water. (Check in advance that you are allowed)
• ·         Answer the question in the paper in front of you – stay focussed.
• ·         With essay questions, plan out a structured answer in bullet-point.
• ·         If a particular question is very difficult, it may be better to leave it and return to it later. (It is likely that others will also find it difficult).
• ·         When working must be shown, make sure you do this. In numerical exams most of the marks are allocated to working rather than a final answer.

After

• ·         After each exam try to get some exercise and fresh air.
• ·         Don’t spend precious time analysing what you wrote and what you forgot to write.
• ·         Do your best - no one can ask for more than that.
• ·         If you get the exam results you need for your chosen career then celebrate.
• ·         If you don’t get the exam results you need for your chosen career then get advice and make a plan to get back on track. You can celebrate when you’ve done this.

Best wishes and Good luck!

Links with Napier

Earlier today, Ms Pringle (Sciences), Mr Corson (CDT) and I enjoyed a working lunch with Professor Muneer at Napier University. Professor Muneer has a particular interest in research on Solar Energy and maximising our usage of renewable energies.  We also spoke about current research on wind energy. At our meeting we discussed how Gillespies can work with the university to enhance what and how we teach . We also had an opportunity to view some of the exciting research work currently being undertaken as well as meeting with students in the latter stages of their degree courses. I was particularly impressed by a project being undertaken by a 3rd year student on maintaining a steady temperature in a greenhouse by storing solar energy underground  and releasing it during hours of darkness.

In the coming months I am enthusiastic about organising presentations to pupils from researchers (e.g. Professors and PHD students) and to tap into the wealth of knowledge and expertise at the university. Additionally, we will explore how a number of our school based departments can work collaboratively on projects relating to renewable energies. I have no doubt that Scotland will continue to lead the way on developing renewable energies in the years to come and I am keen that Gillespie's pupils are able to pursue this as an option to study if they wish.

JGHS trust

'The James Gillespie's Trust was established to provide support and funding for educational and extra-mural activities within James Gillespie's High School and its community. In addition, the Trust fosters strong links with past pupils '

On Tuesday evening I attended my first James Gillespie's trust meeting.  It was great to meet so many enthusiastic parents and to have an opportunity to contribute to planning future events. In the coming months the Trust will share ideas with the wider community and we will seek to develop our numbers. To that end, friends of James Gillespie's HS are invited to help us. This could simply be a donation to funds (follow this link for details) or help with the various events that we are involved in. If you are interested and have some time  to spare please get in touch by email: mail.jgtrust@googlemail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

I would like to offer sincere thanks to Jeremy Hughes for chairing this group over the past few years.

Edinburgh Local Mod

On Saturday 21 April I attended the Edinburgh Local Mod which, once again,  took place at Liberton High School. It was wonderful to see the entries in the competitions going from strength to strength, especially in the upper Primary stages and in the Secondary competitions. It was particularly pleasing to see the JGHS pupils performing to such a high standard. I thought the JGHS clarsach ensemble was outstanding. Many, many thanks to all the teachers and parents who work so hard together to ensure that the children are well prepared. Well done to our hard working pupils too!

The Royal National Mòd 2012 takes place in Dunoon from 12–19 October. As last October in Stornoway, I hope to see many of our pupils taking part in the various competitions.

Christmas Concert

It may seem rather odd (and perhaps irritating!) to be mentioning Christmas in April but, in response to popular demand, I am pleased that JGHS and our associated Primary schools are planning a return to the Usher Hall in 2012 for our Christmas concert. On the assumption that we can find a suitable evening in December I am really excited at the prospect of our school returning to this wonderful venue.

Last year's concert at St Cuthbert's was my first experience of a Gillespie's Christmas concert and it was a truly memorable occasion. By returning to the hall that was our venue for many years I would hope that we will increase on the 400 pupils we had at last year's event. More details will emerge over the coming months!

Back to School

It was back to school today after our Easter Holiday. Staff looked refreshed and pupils I spoke with were pleased to be back. On a personal note I really enjoyed spending quality time with my own kids. They are growing up so quickly; it's hard to believe that my elder daughter is due to start High School this summer. Highlights for us included a day at the Science festival, a visit to the Clarsach festival and a day's fishing on Loch Fyne.

Disappointingly the weather in Scotland over the past two weeks was not as good as we experienced in March but, on the plus side, this made it easier for S4,5 and 6 pupils to study for the exams that are due to start next week. Parents, staff and pupils will all feel some anxiety in the lead up to exams but hopefully, pupils have put in the necessary effort to ensure that they do their best on the day of the exam. We ask that everyone does their best and use the time that remains to put the finishing touches to preparations. Throughout study leave pupils are encouraged to come to school to seek further support and guidance from their teachers.

In the coming weeks, I will be contacting parents, pupils and staff with the intention of establishing what JGHS can and should do to become an even better school. The areas that we choose to target will be included in next session's improvement plan.