Youth and Philanthropy Initiative

These past few weeks have been an exceptionally busy time of year. Last week, now that the exams are complete, we changed our timetable and welcomed back senior pupils who had been on exam leave.

In order to prepare our S5 and S6 pupils for the year ahead we arranged special  induction sessions for both year groups. Following feedback from pupils, particularly in relation to offering more enrichment to S5s, this year's chort will all take part in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative. 'The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is an international programme that aims to develop the community leaders of the future. Participants are given a hands-on experience of philanthropy that provides them with the skills and awareness to make a positive difference to their communities.' I'm really looking forward to seeing how this develops in the weeks ahead. The group judged to have made the best presentation in each school is granted £3,000 to award to their charity.

A focus for our S6 this session will be Leadership. It is our intention to offer opportunities to all of our S6 pupils to develop their leadership skills. Examples include working with younger pupils, raising money for charities, organising social events across the school and participating in activities leading to Sports Leadership awards.

“'The limits of my language are the limits of my world'

I had a really stimulating and interesting meeting today with Claire Soper (International Links officer with Edinburgh Council)
in regard to International education and how as a school we can further develop our links with other countries and cultures. Currently at Gillespie's we offer classes in: French, Spanish, Gaelic (Fluent and Learners), Mandarin, German and Urdu. We can also offer Latin where there is a demand.  

'As well as promoting the study of languages, the Language Department at James Gillespie’s also aims to teach the importance and benefits of having multi-lingual skills in today’s world, whether at home or abroad. We want to encourage our students to widen their horizons through language learning and overseas travel, to become global thinkers and help them understand their important role as citizens in an international, multi-lingual world. In order to achieve all of the above and more, we strive to develop and improve our courses so that they remain attractive and relevant to the needs of our learners. All staff in the department keep their own skills up to date through constant research, overseas visits and attending relevant courses. Wherever possible we try to encompass ICT into our lessons, the use of the interactive whiteboard being one of many'. (Extract from school website).

In the next few weeks I will be meeting with representatives from Edinburgh University to explore how we can work together to take our teaching of languages and international education to an even higher level. I'll return to this in a later post.

Structure of School day

Thank you to everyone who responded to the letter we sent sent out recently in regard to the timing of registration and Pupil Support Time (PST). As a result of feedback received we made some minor changes. The final period timings are as shown below. This will be effective when our new timetable begins on June 2012.

Bird brains and leadership

A few years ago, when I was in the garden with my two daughters, Jenny drew our attention to a sight that always makes me stop what I'm doing and gaze incredulously at the sky above. I am referring to the inspiring sight that is a skein of geese. Seeing the geese in their familiar 'V' formation reminded me of a lecture delivered by Dr Richard Holloway at an international conference in Edinburgh on School Leadership, in which he suggested that humans had much to learn from nature as far as good examples of leadership is concerned.

The first lesson is: work as a team. Geese migrate long distances flying in V-formation. This formation results in reduced wind resistance, which allows the whole flock to add around 70 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. Geese find out quickly that it pays handsomely to be team players. Second, wise leadership: when the leader at the apex of the V gets tired, it is relieved by another goose. Leaders rotate, empower, delegate, and even step down when it's in the best interest of the team.

How often do we see this taking place among organisational leaders? Wise leaders ensure that their followers are well trained and developed in order to achieve true empowerment and so that succession is smooth. Third, humane behaviour: if a goose drops to the ground when it gets hurt or sick, two of its colleagues go down with it to take care of it until it either gets healthier or dies. In this fast-paced and competitive age, how often do we see leaders going out of their way to help colleagues who are in trouble? I would suggest that the best leaders do. I am in no doubt that in organisations, morale, productivity, and loyalty increase when employees look after each other and are treated humanely.

Professional development for staff

One of the things that really pleased me this week was the very positive response from our newly appointed Curriculum Leaders (CLs) to a professional development 'day out' on Thursday. The facilitator for the day was George Sharpe from the Brathay trust, a company with much experience in the field of leadership development.

Following management restructuring in Edinburgh's schools, Gillespie's now has a team of  3 Depute Heads and 10 CLs. They will lead on developing the school's curriculum. Rather than being divided into Subject departments led by Principal Teachers (PTs), of which there were up to 18 in secondary schools, we now have a faculty system. Each Faculty will have a CL at the helm. At Gillespie's we will,  in order to ensure that we have the subject expertise to support teachers  at classroom level, also have Subject Leaders in each discrete subject area.

The school's pastoral support for pupils team will also be restructured in the coming weeks. Details of how this is to be done will emerge in the next few days. 

At a time of such enormous and significant change, our school needs strong leadership throughout the school to ensure that our evolving version of 'Curriculum for Excellence' meets the needs of all of our pupils and takes advantage of the wealth of opportunities we can tap into as a school. I am delighted at the 'leaders' we have in post, both in the senior team and also among the CLs. I am excited at further developing leadership throughout the school in the coming weeks and months.

Collaborative Planning

Yesterday, I met with my Headteacher colleagues from all of our associated primary schools. They are: James Gillespie's Primary, Tollcross Primary, Sciennes Primary, East Preston Street Primary and Royal Mile Primary. This morning together gave us the opportunity to review our progress over the past session and to plan our collaborative working for next session. A continuing challenge for all of us is to ensure that the transitions at the various stages are seamless and smooth. At the High School, we will soon be welcoming all of our P7s for a 3 day visit on 19,20 and 21 June as preparation for them joining us as our new S1 in August. Over the past few months staff from both primary and secondary have been meeting to ensure that attainment levels and key information for all pupils is shared.

In addition, we also intend to support and encourage staff from primary and secondary to shadow each other.

S6 last day

As today was the last day of classes for our S6 they got dressed up to mark the occasion. To add a bit of fun to the day a barbecue, a large inflatable bouncy castle and an assault course were set up at Thirlestane - an area of land used by the PE department adjacent to the Gillies centre. Several staff also joined the pupils to wish them farewell. Best wishes to all of our S6 as they prepare to take their final exams over the next few weeks.

You may wish to use the link below to view other photos taken this morning.

http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d2618821k1556975o1/s6-last-day-2012

Anne Inglis retirement

Last night, I joined around 50 staff at  a retirement dinner for Anne Inglis. As many will know Anne has been our librarian at Gillespie's for the past 25 years. Today at break time gave all staff further opportunity to share happy memories over the years and to wish Anne all the best for a long and happy retirement. Reminiscences from colleagues, in various forms, followed by a witty and heartfelt reply by Anne, concluded a most enjoyable morning.

In the time that I have been at Gillespie's I have been hugely impressed at how many of the pupils she knew by name.  We often say about colleagues who leave that they will be a hard act to follow, but in Anne's case this is especially true. Whilst we seek a permanent replacement I am delighted that Margaret Alton will be looking after our library.

Alexander Pushkin

On Monday of this week I had the pleasure of accompanying my colleague Emily Connell from our English department to the award ceremony for the Pushkin prizes for 2012. The ceremony took place in the imposing surroundings of Archers' hall in Edinburgh. Our hostess for the day was Lady Butter, the founder and Chairman of The Pushkin Prizes in Scotland. A highlight of the day was listening to some of the work that these really talented pupils produced.

We attended to support and celebrate the achievement of William Goodrich (S2 in Gillespie's) who won one of the prizes. Very well done to William! Shortly after the prizegiving ceremony concluded all the prizewinners were whisked off to sunnier climes to attend a week's residential creative writing course at the Arvon Foundation Writers' Centre at Moniack Mhor, near Inverness.

I am delighted to learn that Gillespie's has enjoyed similar successes in this competition over the years. Well done to our English department, superbly led by Allan Crosbie, for encouraging our pupils so enthusiastically.

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.

Parents' night

This evening was my opportunity to wear my parent's hat and meet with my daughters' teachers in order to find out how they are getting on and to discuss what, as parents, we can do to further support the work of the school. Pleasingly, both girls are progressing well. Importantly, they enjoy learning and have good relationships with others across the school. The teachers we met tonight were superb. They clearly knew our daughters' strengths and weaknesses, and, through Personal Learning Plans, next steps in learning were being planned in consultation with the girls and ourselves. What was particularly impressive and reassuring was how aware and alert the staff were of the girls' personalities and idiosyncrasies and how their teaching methods were adapted to take account of these.

All the teachers we met spoke enthusiastically of Curriculum for Excellence and it was clear that 'richer', 'deeper' and 'connected' learning and a concerted effort among staff to develop the four capacities is at the heart of what is practised at Tollcross.

When we got home, the girls were eager to find out what we had learned about them. It was lovely to share with them how pleased we were with their efforts and the progress they were making.

Reflecting on what I learned this evening I feel that Secondary teachers have much to learn from our Primary colleagues. Perhaps, in the secondary context in recent months, too much time and energy has been spent on discussing examinations and when schools should start teaching content that is at National Level 5. These are distractions. What we must continue to focus on is ensuring that we have the best teachers in our classrooms with the best resources that can be found. Our children will need to have the best possible education in order to compete in an increasingly competitive world. 'An t-ionnsachadh òg an t-ionnsachadh boidheach'.

School successes

Our U15 boys basketball team have been crowned Scottish champions after defeating North Berwick High School in the final 50 – 44. This is the 3rd year in a row that this group of players have won the Scottish Cup!!

This follows closely on the heels of school successes in Chess (Scottish champions and now into the last 8 schools in the UK),Under 18 Rugby (Scottish champions) and Gaelic Film Awards. Well done to all of our pupils and thanks to the parents who continue to do a sterling job in encouraging and supporting those involved.

Learning Languages

''If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.''(Nelson Mandela)


James Gillespie's rightly prides itself on the diversity of cultures that we have in our ranks. By way of example, at an S1 assembly two weeks ago, there were claims to at least fifteen languages being spoken by at least one of the pupils. We are so fortunate to have this rich cultural base to build on.

Building on the language experience in the home, I am really keen to ensure that we offer as many opportunities to learn and deepen language skills as possible. To that end I met with languages staff today to explore how we can continue to offer Urdu as a certificated subject. In recent years the numbers taking Urdu has dropped, thus, in these difficult times, the case to continue Urdu has weakened. I am delighted that given an increased interest this year, we will be able to offer Urdu to those S2 who have selected it as a course of study at Nationals 4 and 5 in S3 from June. Results in Urdu have been strong over the years and I have every confidence that it will go from strength to strength.

In addition to Urdu, other languages currently taught at Gillespie's include: French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and Gaelic. In the coming years I consider it essential that every pupil is given the opportunity to develop skills in at least one other language other than what is spoken at home. Scotland is a relatively small country that relies heavily on developing markets with other countries. I have no doubt that graduates with an ability in languages will be advantaged in the highly competitive jobs market that prevails.

Basketball final

Good luck to our Boys' under 15 basketball team who have progressed to the Scottish Schools' final. Having comfortably defeated Lourdes Academy last week, the final will be contested on Tuesday 27 March with a 1.30 Pm tip off.
Max Allison 3M3
Tony Low Macrae 3M2
Thomas Skinner 3M2
Sam Stott 3M2
Hector Will 3M2
Lars Fisher 3M4
Joe Highet 3M4
Samuel Leishman 3R1
David Bharrat 3K2
Calum Peterson 4K1
Dylan McDonald 4K1

Spring sunshine

Sunshine stimulates the production of serotonin which promotes a good mental outlook and fights Seasonal Affective Disorder. It also stimulates the pineal gland which produces melatonin. Melatonin is one of the chemicals that operates our bodies clocks and helps with sleep function. Ninety percent of our vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun.

At break and lunchtime today it was lovely to see pupils sitting outside in various nooks and crannies around the campus enjoying time with friends in the Spring sunshine. I was also really pleased to see that teachers took advantage of the weather by taking classes outside and using various parts of the school grounds rather than staying in classrooms. Those pupils I spoke to were enthusiastic and thought it was great to get out and work in the sunshine. Here's hoping that this fine weather continues throughout the Easter period.

Attendance

Monday's Evening News reports that Edinburgh Council, is, for the first time, planning to prosecute parents for failing to send their children to school. I think that this sends a very clear and decisive message to parents and children that attendance at school is very important and does matter. Excellent attendance at school is essential if pupils are going to realise their potential. Additionally, developing a good work ethic in the formative years sets pupils up for life.

In the coming months, I will be looking very carefully at the attendance record of a small minority of Gillespie's pupils who are causing concern. As a rule of thumb, any pupil who is off school on more than three occasions in a session or misses more than 5 days over the course of a session should be challenged to improve. Pupils who have known medical issues, will, as is currently the case, receive the support they need to ensure that they do not fall behind in their studies. In an increasingly competitive employment market, I consider that schools have a duty to expect the highest of standards from all pupils.

Skill force

Earlier today, along with some colleagues, I met with representatives from Skill Force. Skill Force is an Educational charity working with 13-19 year old young people. The staff they employ are mainly ex-service personnel who draw on a range of personal experiences. It is our intention at Gillespies to work with organisations such as Skill Force in order to augment our current provision thus aiming to ensure that all of our pupils develop the skills they need to compete in an increasingly competitive jobs market.

Working with an increasing number of schools across the UK, Skill Force deliver a curriculum and related activities that provide young people with the knowledge, skills, experience and long term personal support and most importantly, the self belief to aspire and achieve. Throughout my years in teaching I have learned that some young people realise their potential more effectively when opportunites are offered outside the (traditional) classroom. By way of example, many schools are rediscovering that outdoor learning is hugely enriching and advantageous for pupils. Curriculum for Excellence encourages schools to be creative and imaginative in finding the ways that best allow young people to learn and to grow. I am delighted to be leading Gillespies at a time when so many opportunities are being made available to make learning more relevant and fun for everyone.

In the coming weeks we will firm up plans for an enriched curriculum for a number of pupils in our current S2 and S3.

Visit from former pupil

We were delighted to welcome Rupert Breheny back to Gillespie's today. Rupert left Jghs in 1988 to pursue a Biology degree at St Andrews and, after graduating, gained experience in a variety of areas including being a marine biologist in sunnier climes and teaching in London. In 1996 Rupert developed his first website and in 2006 gained employment with a new and growing company by the name of Google. He went on to become the first British webmaster with Google and is now one of a worldwide team of 70 tasked with maintaining and developing the Google that is now a household name. Rupert spent time this afternoon working with classes in our computing department and shared his enthusiasm for computing and the world of technology with pupils. In Rupert's own words: 'It was a real treat to tread the old corridors again and a genuine honour to speak to the classes whom I found to be genuinely attentive and very switched on indeed. You have some very smart cookies there.'

Sincere thanks to Rupert for getting in touch and taking the time to share his enthusiasm and experiences with us. Thanks in particular to Mrs Barrass and also Mrs Brown for facilitating the visit.

Youth Forum

At the end of today I met with Mairi, Antonia and Mia (all in S5) in order that they could tell me about their involvement with the Edinburgh Youth Forum. The Edinburgh Youth Issues Forum is a partnership with young people and the City of Edinburgh Council and its partners to discuss and influence citywide youth issues and services. The Forum is open to all young people in the city aged 11-21.

They shared with me that the Youth Forum meets once a month to discuss community issues. Supporting them in their efforts are various partner agencies and local councillors. I was really impressed at how impassioned the girls were about wanting to make a difference to their local community. Areas we spoke about included litter and youth unemployment. The girls suggested that they might contact local employers to try and persuade them to offer opportunities to school leavers in the summer. I think this would be a novel approach and is one we agreed to return to in more detail.

Four universities join elite Russell Group

Recently, following an information evening for parents of our S2 pupils, a parent contacted me in regard to a query on entrance qualifications for undergraduate sciences' courses. She made mention of what the 'Russell Group' universities were seeking.

Subsequently I learned that the Russell Group represents some of the most prestigious universities in the UK - and will now have 24 members. The most recent to join this group are: Durham, Exeter, Queen Mary, University of London, and York.

The other Russell Group universities are Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Imperial College London, King's College London, University College London, Leeds, Liverpool, London School of Economics, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Queen's University Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton and Warwick.