Listening to children

A friend recently posted this 'picture' on her wall on facebook.

At times it's hard as either a parent or teacher to take the time to listen to all that the children want to tell us but maybe we need to make the time so that when the big stuff is happening we get to know quickly so we can help.

The Chinese Dream

I attended the ‘China Debate 2013’ this afternoon at Heriot Watt University. Stephen Perry’s opening address was wonderful – informative, wise and beautifully crafted, it was a privilege to hear someone speak with such authority and clarity.

Also speaking today was Mr Li Ruiyou, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China. Impressively, he spoke without notes for around 15 minutes. He drew on much of what was covered in Xi Jinping’s inaugural address as president. Specific mention was made of ‘The Chinese Dream’. It is clear that China is on the rise as an economy and of course comparisons with the American dream are as valid as they were mischievous.

China’s strategy for growth over the next few years will be based on 4 key words:

•     Slower
•    Faster 
•      Lower and
•      Higher

‘Slower’ refers to a slower economic growth but with a greater emphasis on quality.

‘Faster’ is an intention to speed up the improvements in the quality of life for all Chinese.

‘Lower’ refers to what will be concerted efforts to reduce pollution.

‘Higher’ is concerned with a desire to increase the utilisation of technology and for the country to be more innovative.

Well done to SCEN (Scotland China Education Network) for organising such an enjoyable event.

More successes ...

Earlier today both of our boys' basketball teams became Scottish Champions for their age groups and tonight Rachel Gray (S6) won the Merchants award (£500) for initiative by a school pupil. We entered Rachel as a means of recognising her superhuman efforts in setting up our School pipe band.

What a day for Gillespie's!

Gymnastics success

Three girls from Gillespie's did extremely well at the Scottish Schools' Gymnastics finals on Sunday 17 March. 

Amy Heron, Caitlin Hayes and Amy Chambers won the team bronze. To cap a great day Amy Heron also won GOLD in the individual event, beating over 50 gymnasts from around Scotland to become the 2013 champion!

It's always lovely to hear of our pupils' successes!

Diverscity - celebrating Gillespie's diversity

I'm just home after attending another wonderful 'Diverscity' show at Gillespies. Around 200 pupils have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to produce one of our main events of the year. Over the past two evenings our pupils sang, played and danced their hearts out to packed houses.

Diversecity is a student–led production which has been performed in its current format at James Gillespie’s High School every year for fourteen years. Originally a whole day event of ethnic and regional art workshops under the banner of

DIVERSE CITY

The event seamlessly developed into an exciting performing arts production. It is now a vibrant mix of song, dance, drama and media performances with a few surprises thrown in!

All the money raised goes towards supporting learners at Zwelibanzi and Dloko High Schools.

Voting rights for 16 and 17 year olds

It was great to welcome Nicola Sturgeon (Deputy First Minister) this morning to Gillespie's to talk to our pupils about extending voting rights to 16/17 year olds for next year's referendum on Scottish independence. This event gave the minister opportunity to engage directly with a range of pupils who are considering what the future of Scotland should be. Our pupils were magnificent and raised some really important and thought provoking issues with the minister. In the next few months schools will have an important role in supporting pupils in becoming engaged and informed citizens so that they are well placed in making their minds up about what to vote for.

Basketball success

Well done to two of our Basketball Teams who have progressed through to the Scottish finals on 20 March.

Under 14 Boys Scottish Cup Final
James Gillespie's High School v Stewarton Academy Tip off; 12.15pm Grangemouth Sports Complex Wednesday 20 March

Open Boys Scottish Cup Final
James Gillespie's High School v Arbroath Academy Tip off; 4pm Grangemouth Sports Complex Wednesday 20 March

To have one team in a final is great but to have two is just fantastic. Well done to everyone associated with our Basketball. A number of pupil supporters will have the opportunity to travel with the teams on the day of the finals to cheer them on!

Pipe Band Success

Warmest congratulation to the JGHS Pipe Band for their magnificent efforts at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships on Sunday 10 March. JGHS deservedly won the prize for the band that best encapsulated the spirit of piping. Particular thanks to Rachel Gray (S6) for her efforts who, as our Pipe Major, has  contributed hugely in taking the band to this level of performance in such a short time. Rachel's speech at the prizegiving ceremony, on behalf of all the 49 schools taking part, was an inspiration to all the performers taking part.

In the coming months the band will continue to practise hard and we will intensify efforts to raise the money needed to kit the members out in full Highland Dress.

Friday Update

On Friday mornings I meet with leaders across the school to share updates on various current issues. This is then emailed to all staff. Here are the highlights from today's meeting.

1. Thanks to everyone for their efforts at this week’s S2 parents’ nights. The feedback from parents was outstandingly positive and complimentary of the continuing professionalism and dedication of staff.
2. Senior recoursing – thanks to all who met the return deadline for re-coursing recommendations to be made. Community teams will consider these and communicate further with staff.
3. S4 attainment – please refer to strategies in paper issued last week. We need a final push to ensure that all pupils are as prepared as they can be for their exams in May/June.
4. Computer audit – returns to Janis Croll by Wednesday of next week.
5. Ministerial visit - Nicola Sturgeon and (possibly) Alex Salmond will be visiting on Tuesday morning to meet with a selection of pupils to discuss the extension of voting rights to 16 and 17 year olds.
6. We need a few more staff helpers for Diversity next Thursday and Friday. Please Contact Mrs O’Brien as soon as possible.
7. Our African guests arrive on Monday and will be with us for one week. (4 pupils and 2 teachers)
8. Congratulations to both the U14 and senior basketball teams who are now through to their respective Scottish cup finals.
9. Congratulations to Ariane Branigan (S2) who is among the winners this year in the annual Pushkin creative writing competition. This is the 5^th year running that a JGHS pupil has won this prestigious award. Ariane’s prize is a week’s residential writing course in Moineag Mhor - a beautiful country retreat in the majestic Highlands of Scotland.
10. All newsletter items to Sara Brown by Monday please.
11. Please avoid sending emails on Fridays; speak to colleagues instead. (This will be my only email today!)

Another busy day

After a break from writing my blog I thought I would begin by sharing the main activities I was involved in today. Unusually, most of the day was taken up with meetings.

My school day began with a quick scan through the email inbox and having responded to a number of the 84 emails that awaited me I then prepared for our customary 845 senior team briefing. This meeting gives us an opportunity to share what our priorities are for the day and for us to ensure that each of us is aware of what others are planning on achieving.

At 930 I met with Grace Vickers our (new) Quality improvement officer to discuss some of the information that Edinburgh Council asks us to provide each session at this time of year. The least enjoyable part of my job involves completing forms and various statistical returns for others. A brief visit to our school assembly to see some of our pupils engaging with potential employers, colleges and universities was great. So gratifying so see our youngsters taking advantage of the opportunity to make contact with prospective employers etc. 

At 1100 I met with Messrs McCallum (DHT)  and Anderson (Business Manager) to discuss staffing requirements for next session. Our planning is a bit more complex this year as we need to employ around 5 extra teaching staff during the next three years whilst the school is being rebuilt.

My next meeting at midday was with Ms Halliday and two Government representatives. This meeting gave us the opportunity to plan for a ministerial visit scheduled for the morning of Tuesday 12 March. I am delighted that pupils at Gillespie's have been given the opportunity to discuss the right to vote for 16/17 year olds with a senior politician. I think its great that younger pupils will soon have the right to vote. Whilst I was showing our visitors around the school I was pleased to hear how impressed they were with the exemplary behaviour and conduct of our pupils.

After a few discussions with pupils and colleagues around the school I travelled to our Council HQ to meet with a team of Investors in People reviewers. Having achieved Gold standard in 'Investors in People' some years ago the council is obliged to undertake reassessment every two years. I enjoyed my detailed discussion with the panel and took the opportunity to highlight the many benefits of working in the City of Edinburgh.

A brisk walk back to school through the meadows got me there at 530 in time to meet with a small group of parents and Rachel Gray (S6 pupil and our Pipe Major) to discuss progress on our fundraising efforts for the JGHS pipe band. Pleasingly we have made progress but we still have a further £10,000 to raise. We are hoping to attract further sponsorship in the coming months.

Prior to setting off for home I managed to speak with a few of our S2 parents who were at the school to meet with teachers. S2 pupils are currently selecting the 8 subjects which they will study in S3 and S4. Those I spoke with were very pleased with the progress reports they had received.