'If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together'

I had the opportunity to attend the Edinburgh Learning Festival this morning at Hibs football stadium. This is an annual event that serves to celebrate the fantastic work that takes place across all of Edinburgh Council's schools.

The morning began with a warm welcome from Gillian Tee our director. Gillian set the tone for a positive and uplifting morning by sharing with us the very encouraging feedback from the soon to be published report on our Children and Families work in Edinburgh. I was delighted to hear that Edinburgh has made enormous progress in supporting our most vulnerable young people.

I was reminded of a quote from the late Princess Diana who focussed may peoples' thinking on those who are disadvantaged. 

'Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life - a kind of destiny. Whoever is in distress can call on me. I will come running wherever they are'. (Princess Diana)

The main speaker of the day was Steve Munby, recently elected as CEO of CfBT Education Trust.

CfBT Inspection Services - delivering high quality inspections on behalf of Ofsted

CfBT Inspection Services - delivering high quality inspections on behalf of Ofsted

CfBT Inspection Services - delivering high quality inspections on behalf of Ofsted

CfBT Inspection Services - delivering high quality inspections on behalf of Ofsted

Steve's speech was outstanding!  There  were many highlights in what he said but the following quotations stood out for me.

'Everyone likes to be understood and valued; no one has a simple and uncomplicated life'.

'In schools that are making progress there is an emphasis on consistency and shared best practices'.

'Power without love is reckless and abusive and love without power is sentimental and anaemic'

In his presentation he considered what the characteristics of successful leaders are and what schools should do to improve.

His presentation concluded with him sharing this poen by Willam Ayton.

And in the end we follow them-
not because we are paid, not because we might see some advantage,
not because of the things they have accomplished,
not even because of the dreams they dream
but simply because of who they are:
the man, the woman, the leader, the boss
standing up there when the wave hits the rock,
passing out faith and confidence like life jackets,
knowing the currents, holding the doubts,
imagining the delights and terrors of every landfall;
captain, pirate, and parent by turns,
the bearer of our countless hopes and expectations.
We give them our trust. We give them our effort.
What we ask in return is that they stay true.

Decant information evening

Thank you to the very large number of parents who attended our decant information evening tonight. This meeting gave us the opportunity to share our planning and how learning and teaching will be delivered over the next three years from August. From August our school will split into two with most senior classes taking place at Darroch - approximately 12 minutes from our main campus.

We will follow up on the points raised this evening in order to ensure that risks to the smooth running of the school are minimsed.

Areas of concern raised by parents tonight included:

• The impact of noise during this year's SQA exams
• Teaching time lost whilst pupils are in transit between the school and Meadowbank
• The potential diminished positive impact of seniors around the school
• Support for staff
• Risk of injury to pupils crossing roads whilst in transit between Darroch and the main campus
• The importance of ensuring that S6 have access to a comon room
• Travel arrangements to and from Meadowbank 

I hope that we managed to allay the concerns raised this evening. The issues raised and our responses will be placed on the school website early next week.

Mod successes

Well done to everyone who participated at the Edinburgh local mod which was held at Liberton High School on Saturday 13 April. The lovely sunshine contributed to a very enjoyable and successful day.

Not only was I hugely impressed with the quality of the performances but also with the numbers that continue to grow. Pleasingly a growing contingent from Jghs took part and featured strongly among the prizes. Nach nath a rinn sibh uile!  2013 Results

Welcome back

I'd like to welcome everyone back from what I hope was a thoroughly enjoyable Easter break. Pupils and staff have quickly re-established their routines in what will be another busy and stimulating summer term.

I'm sure that all of the work will pay dividends when the results are known in early August. I know that parents and teachers will continue to cajole, encourage and generally do whatever is needed to ensure that all do their best. 

For pupils in S4,5 and 6 this time of year will be extremely busy as they are all in the throes of preparing for the Sqa exams which are due to start imminently.

Nicola Sturgeon visit - by Emma Hamilton (S2)

A few weeks ago Emma came to see me to discuss an idea she'd had. Emma very articulately and confidently explained that Gillespie's needed a more pupil friendly means of capturing and sharing news with pupils. She went on to suggest that what was needed was a newspaper produced specifically for pupils by pupils. She further added that she was the person to lead on this initiative.  I suggested to Emma that she should, over the February break, create a draft of what she was envisaging. A few days after the break Emma delivered to me a very impressive draft of what the proposed paper would look like. To assist Emma in setting up her team and with some the logistics. Am delighted that Mrs Kirkwood has agreed to mentor this budding team of journalists.  Ths is Emma's first article.  

''On the 12th of March, Nicola Sturgeon came to visit our school – James Gillespie’s High School. She came to discuss votes for 16 years olds with some of the students that will be able to vote in the referendum in two years time. She said that “If you can get married and have children at 16, why can you not vote?” She also disagrees with those who say the votes will be wasted if 16 year olds are allowed to vote, arguing that many 16 years olds are mature enough to make the right decision for Scotland.

One very important question was asked, “How does this work? By allowing 16 year olds to vote means registering children who are younger than 16.  What about Child Protection?”

You could hear all of the camera crew and photographers holding their breath, waiting for her reply. But she came out with a quick and confident answer – there will be a distinct register for young people, with sensitive information protected. She added that the potential risk of any leaking of such information would be discussed at Holyrood.

It was an enjoyable morning for the people who were involved and furthermore it helped our School Newspaper come up with its name: The Spark, named after Muriel Spark, the writer of ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.’

We would like to thank Ms Inglis and Miss Haliday for this opportunity and Ms Sturgeon herself for this interesting morning.

Emma Hamilton

The Spark''

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.

Reflections on 2012

As my first year at Gillespie’s draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a most enjoyable, successful and busy year. On taking up office in January I was immediately struck by the strong sense of community and unity of purpose that prevails in the school. Pupils and staff are proud of the school and enjoy working together. Parents are engaged in the life of the school and they are quick to support when their child needs that little bit of extra encouragement to do his/her best.  This united approach will ensure that our school will continue to grow and develop and overcome the challenges that lie in store.

The challenges overcome this year include the implementation of management restructuring and the continuing successful implementation of Curriculum for Excellence.  The teamwork and unity of purpose I referred to earlier contributed significantly to us successfully completing the management restructuring before the summer holiday and ensuring the change of timetable in early June went ahead as scheduled. In June of this year our new S3 were the first to embark on the new Curriculum for Excellence courses that will lead to National 4 and 5 certificates. I am delighted at the progress they are making and am confident that they will be successful in the new exams in the summer of 2014. Our new Curriculum and Pupil Support Leaders have settled in well to their new roles and are working hard to ensure that our school continues to grow and thrive.

Towards the end of the summer we learned that our examination results were, once again, among the best in Scotland.  From what I have witnessed as I visit classrooms across the school and talk to pupils, staff and parents, I am confident that next year’s results will be equally as good, if not better. We will achieve this by continuing to work hard and having the highest expectations of each other.

After the summer we bade farewell to a number of long serving staff and welcomed several new staff to our wider team. As we prepare pupils for a world that continues to change it is essential that we continuously challenge, review and adapt the service that we provide. Throughout the year we have benefitted from the new perspectives and innovative ideas brought to the school by the new staff that have joined us.

Throughout 2012 we have continued to work towards making the necessary arrangements for the building of our new school, which is scheduled to begin on 1 July 2013, with an anticipated completion date towards the end of 2015. We are excited at the prospect of a brand new building with ‘state of the art’ facilities being available to us.

As we prepare to go to press, pupils in S4 are in the midst of their prelims and pupils in S5 and S6 are getting ready for their prelims which begin in the latter half of January.  We wish them every success in these exams.

As a busy and productive term draws to a close we are all looking forward to a restful break over Christmas with our families.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, pupils and parents for your continued hard work, support and endeavours throughout 2012 and I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and successful new year. (Bliadhna mhath ùr agus Nollaig chridheil dhuibh uile).

Donald J Macdonald (Headteacher)

The Importance Of Being Earnest

On the evening of Friday 7 December the students of James Gillespie's staged this wonderful Oscar Wilde play. First performed on 14 February 1895 at St James's Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personae in order to escape burdensome social obligations.

This will be the last play performed on the school stage before it is demolished as part of the new school build. The entire production was organised and executed by students with help from Messrs Hardie and Zulleman from our Dram department.

I was hugely impressed at how professional the entire show was. The voices were clear, the costumes superb and the acting was first class. The 250+ audience enjoyed a superb evening in the company of confident assured senior students, who, should they choose to, have a wonderful future ahead of them on the stage.