The School Diary
Pupils at Bell Baxter compile a diary of events, which is (supposed to be) published each week during term time in the Fife Herald. Not only is this an excellent way of keeping the local community updated on activities in the school, it serves as a useful and practical tool for those involved to develop their journalistic skills.
We shall aim in this section to publish these diaries here for you each week so that those of our members who no longer live in Fife and do not subscribe to the Fife Herald can also inform themselves on these important matters.
We shall aim in this section to publish these diaries here for you each week so that those of our members who no longer live in Fife and do not subscribe to the Fife Herald can also inform themselves on these important matters.
30 June 2017
18 December 2015
Close of term - Term draws to a close with the usual round of lively and successful dances, Christmas assemblies, and charity events. The new year will bring some changes for Bell Baxter. We say goodbye to Depute Rector Eleanor Johnston, who retires after almost 20 years at Bell Baxter. Mrs Johnston was previously PT Pupil Support and was instrumental in developing many of the practices we are very proud of here at Bell Baxter, as well as giving unstinting dedication and support to her pupils. We hear Mrs Johnston is looking forward to having more time, not slowing down, as she continues to ski, travel and cycle to name but a few hobbies. Mrs Johnston will be much missed, and we wish her every happiness in her retirement. We also wish say a temporary goodbye to Depute Rector Hugh Martin, who has been appointed in a seconded post as an Attainment Advisor with Education Scotland. Mr Martin has also been at Bell Baxter for 22 years and although he will be hugely missed, everyone wishes him well in his new post. Mrs Karen Bayton who has been a Pupil Support Assistant for many years also retires, and we send her good wishes for a relaxing and happy retirement. Happy Christmas from all at Bell Baxter and every good wish for 2016. Musical success - Congratulations to the following pupils who have achieved success in Grade exams: Catriona Egerton, Grade 4 bassoon, distinction; Michael Laughlin, Grade 3 flute, distinction; Fiona Sinclair, Grade 4 trumpet, pass; Adam Haacker, Grade 4 trombone, pass; Barbara-Ann Paterson, Grade 2 trumpet, merit; Bethan Norton, Grade 2 trumpet, distinction; Shannon Almond, Grade 4 violin, pass; Megan Baron, Grade 2 violin, merit; Adrianna Miller, Grade 4 violin, pass.
A time to think of others - Pupils remember others at Christmas. Two S2 English who are studying the novel, ‘Trash’, were visited by the Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey this week. He came to help to further their understanding of the themes of the story. Dr Jeffrey visited Peru several times between 2005 and 2012 during his time as minister of Cupar Old Parish Church. He described how his visits to this South American country left him feeling humbled, thankful, angry and determined to try to make a difference to the lives of the boys he met. Dr Jeffrey described how boys as young as three years old are abandoned by their desperate mothers and are rejected by society and treated as ‘rats’. He told of individual stories of neglect and abuse, such as boys who were given sandwiches by the police and subsequently died an agonising death in the sewers. He told of the rubbish dumps, where people scratch out a living amongst the stench and the filth. But he also described the hope that had been given by the efforts of members of the Cupar community who travelled to Peru to build a home for abandoned Street boys. Dr Jeffrey’s talk revealed that the events of ‘Trash’ are not just a story in a book, but are the events faced by real characters who live and suffer in developing countries in the world. It was a moving talk that helped to bring the novel to life. In addition to learning about ‘Trash’, junior pupils in English have also been collecting for Cupar Foodbank and their donations were picked up by Fiona, on behalf of the foodbank, who gave pupils a very real insight into the work and importance of this community Service.
Diary dates - Term begins for staff and pupils on Monday, January 4. Higher and National 5 course assessments begin on January 6. Full details on school website.
A time to think of others - Pupils remember others at Christmas. Two S2 English who are studying the novel, ‘Trash’, were visited by the Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey this week. He came to help to further their understanding of the themes of the story. Dr Jeffrey visited Peru several times between 2005 and 2012 during his time as minister of Cupar Old Parish Church. He described how his visits to this South American country left him feeling humbled, thankful, angry and determined to try to make a difference to the lives of the boys he met. Dr Jeffrey described how boys as young as three years old are abandoned by their desperate mothers and are rejected by society and treated as ‘rats’. He told of individual stories of neglect and abuse, such as boys who were given sandwiches by the police and subsequently died an agonising death in the sewers. He told of the rubbish dumps, where people scratch out a living amongst the stench and the filth. But he also described the hope that had been given by the efforts of members of the Cupar community who travelled to Peru to build a home for abandoned Street boys. Dr Jeffrey’s talk revealed that the events of ‘Trash’ are not just a story in a book, but are the events faced by real characters who live and suffer in developing countries in the world. It was a moving talk that helped to bring the novel to life. In addition to learning about ‘Trash’, junior pupils in English have also been collecting for Cupar Foodbank and their donations were picked up by Fiona, on behalf of the foodbank, who gave pupils a very real insight into the work and importance of this community Service.
Diary dates - Term begins for staff and pupils on Monday, January 4. Higher and National 5 course assessments begin on January 6. Full details on school website.
6 November 2015
Study and Clubs The new term has begun, and already activities, study support and clubs are underway. The study support programme has now been issued and on the school website and begins this week. S1 football training recommenced on Wednesday after school in preparation for upcoming fixtures and tournaments. A new S1 science club is starting soon. The club aims to allow budding scientists to take part in activities (and experiments) and learn the latest from the world of science.
Positive destinations On Thursday 8th October a most successful Destinations Evening took place for learners in S4-S6 to help support them in making choices related to future learning and skills development. Approximately 90 pupils attended this event where they heard presentations from Fife College SRUC, Dundee & Angus College, Perth College/UHI and Modern Apprenticeship providers.
Pupils and their parents listened to presentations which outlined opportunities available from each these providers. Building on the success of this event, a Modern Apprenticeship/Jobs Fayre is to be held in early 2016. Pupils were very enthusiastic about the event, which was also supported by Careers staff from Skill Development Scotland.
Congratulations DAS pupils took part in the recent East District X Country Running competition in Edinburgh. Results included:
Dean Bruce - 1st in open 1K. Shane White - 5th in open 1K and 2nd in S4 age group. Arran Howe - 9th in open 1K and 1st in S3 age group. There was also success for those DAS pupils took part in the Fife Schools ASN Swimming Gala. Medal winners were Dean Bruce and Arran Howe, Dean's performance in both his races (100m freestyle and 50m Back Crawl) won him the overall best boy award of the Championship! Good performances by our other swimmers have resulted in the following pupils being selected to represent Fife in the Disability Scottish Championships in Glasgow in November. Sophie Bunting Billy Soutar Dean Bruce Arran Howe
Well done to all these pupils.
Parent Council News Christmas Shopping Don't forget to use www.easyfundraising.org.uk for your online Christmas shopping - and the chance to raise funds for Bell Baxter. In fact, by directing your all-year-round online purchases (including your weekly grocery shop) through this website, your favourite retailers and supermarkets will donate a percentage of each sale to our Parent Council Easyfundraising account. There's no extra cost to you, and over 3,000 retailers are partners of the scheme.
Just visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/bellbaxterparentcouncil and follow the simple step by step guide.
For our third year running, Bell Baxter performed our ghost tours of Tarvit Mansion House (pictured right). This highly successful event brought pupils and staff from the school together with the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate Halloween with some ghostly encounters in an amazing and historic location. The tours took place on Thursday 29th of October, starting at seven o’clock. As well as a ghost tour guests enjoyed a concert performed by pupils from Bell Baxter. This was a unique opportunity for pupils, staff and the public to experience Tarvit in a way not normally available to the public.
Diary Date Tues 17th Nov P7 Information Evening
Positive destinations On Thursday 8th October a most successful Destinations Evening took place for learners in S4-S6 to help support them in making choices related to future learning and skills development. Approximately 90 pupils attended this event where they heard presentations from Fife College SRUC, Dundee & Angus College, Perth College/UHI and Modern Apprenticeship providers.
Pupils and their parents listened to presentations which outlined opportunities available from each these providers. Building on the success of this event, a Modern Apprenticeship/Jobs Fayre is to be held in early 2016. Pupils were very enthusiastic about the event, which was also supported by Careers staff from Skill Development Scotland.
Congratulations DAS pupils took part in the recent East District X Country Running competition in Edinburgh. Results included:
Dean Bruce - 1st in open 1K. Shane White - 5th in open 1K and 2nd in S4 age group. Arran Howe - 9th in open 1K and 1st in S3 age group. There was also success for those DAS pupils took part in the Fife Schools ASN Swimming Gala. Medal winners were Dean Bruce and Arran Howe, Dean's performance in both his races (100m freestyle and 50m Back Crawl) won him the overall best boy award of the Championship! Good performances by our other swimmers have resulted in the following pupils being selected to represent Fife in the Disability Scottish Championships in Glasgow in November. Sophie Bunting Billy Soutar Dean Bruce Arran Howe
Well done to all these pupils.
Parent Council News Christmas Shopping Don't forget to use www.easyfundraising.org.uk for your online Christmas shopping - and the chance to raise funds for Bell Baxter. In fact, by directing your all-year-round online purchases (including your weekly grocery shop) through this website, your favourite retailers and supermarkets will donate a percentage of each sale to our Parent Council Easyfundraising account. There's no extra cost to you, and over 3,000 retailers are partners of the scheme.
Just visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/bellbaxterparentcouncil and follow the simple step by step guide.
For our third year running, Bell Baxter performed our ghost tours of Tarvit Mansion House (pictured right). This highly successful event brought pupils and staff from the school together with the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate Halloween with some ghostly encounters in an amazing and historic location. The tours took place on Thursday 29th of October, starting at seven o’clock. As well as a ghost tour guests enjoyed a concert performed by pupils from Bell Baxter. This was a unique opportunity for pupils, staff and the public to experience Tarvit in a way not normally available to the public.
Diary Date Tues 17th Nov P7 Information Evening
2 October 2015
Coffee Morning - Like many other establishments Bell Baxter took part in the Macmillan coffee morning on Friday, September 25. The S6 charities and Fairtrade groups led by English teacher Mrs Kerr and house head Mr Lamb, organised and ran the event in the staffroom. An incredible array of baking clearly enticed staff to spend money, and over £450 was raised. The event was very well attended and clearly a big success.
Football - Congratulations to Louis Appere (S5) and Scott Wilson (S6) who have been selected to represent Fife schools football at senior level (under 18s). This is a significant achievement as the standard at the trials was very high. They are part of a 16-man squad which will now compete against regions from across Scotland, a very good standard of youth football. In addition to this, Ross Falconer (S5) has been selected as part of a five-man reserve list who can be called in to the main squad at any time. Owen Andrews (S3) has been selected for the 16-man Fife football squad at under 15 level. Well done to all.
The Cheviot, The Stag... - Dundee Rep’s production of 7:84 theatre's The Cheviot, The Stag, and the Black, Black Oil, proved a great success for a Higher English class studying the text, when they attended a performance last Thursday. Pupils had seats on stage as part of the ceilidh and they all admitted that they have a much better understanding of the issues raised in the play and our Scottish heritage, and found the production really clever and entertaining.
Personal Statements- Enhancing learning and future success: All S6 pupils attended a workshop.... on ‘Writing Personal Statements’, delivered by Dundee University on Monday, September 28. With places at university and college becoming more and more competitive, this first-hand expert help is so valuable to S6 as they embark on the UCAS process. All S5 pupils were involved in workshops by “Tree of Knowledge” on September 29 and 30 to help them work on study skills and setting personal goals.
Parent Council - Karen Brown has been appointed the new chairperson of Bell Baxter Parent Council, following its recent annual general meeting. Mandy Bateman continues as treasurer. Any enquiries concerning the parent council can be directed to Karen via [email protected]. The council is again running its Christmas hamper raffle at the school’s forthcoming parents’ evenings. Food/drink donations for the hamper would be most welcome (can be handed into clerk Carol Currie at school reception).
All funds raised will be used for school equipment.
Football - Congratulations to Louis Appere (S5) and Scott Wilson (S6) who have been selected to represent Fife schools football at senior level (under 18s). This is a significant achievement as the standard at the trials was very high. They are part of a 16-man squad which will now compete against regions from across Scotland, a very good standard of youth football. In addition to this, Ross Falconer (S5) has been selected as part of a five-man reserve list who can be called in to the main squad at any time. Owen Andrews (S3) has been selected for the 16-man Fife football squad at under 15 level. Well done to all.
The Cheviot, The Stag... - Dundee Rep’s production of 7:84 theatre's The Cheviot, The Stag, and the Black, Black Oil, proved a great success for a Higher English class studying the text, when they attended a performance last Thursday. Pupils had seats on stage as part of the ceilidh and they all admitted that they have a much better understanding of the issues raised in the play and our Scottish heritage, and found the production really clever and entertaining.
Personal Statements- Enhancing learning and future success: All S6 pupils attended a workshop.... on ‘Writing Personal Statements’, delivered by Dundee University on Monday, September 28. With places at university and college becoming more and more competitive, this first-hand expert help is so valuable to S6 as they embark on the UCAS process. All S5 pupils were involved in workshops by “Tree of Knowledge” on September 29 and 30 to help them work on study skills and setting personal goals.
Parent Council - Karen Brown has been appointed the new chairperson of Bell Baxter Parent Council, following its recent annual general meeting. Mandy Bateman continues as treasurer. Any enquiries concerning the parent council can be directed to Karen via [email protected]. The council is again running its Christmas hamper raffle at the school’s forthcoming parents’ evenings. Food/drink donations for the hamper would be most welcome (can be handed into clerk Carol Currie at school reception).
All funds raised will be used for school equipment.
15 May 2015
Hitting high notes
Congratulations to all pupils who took part in the National School Burns Competition and contributed to individual, school and regional success.
We are particularly proud of S5 pupil Isla Stout, who won first place representing in the S5/6 Piping section.
Congratulations too to the following pupils for recent success in music exams, and instrumental instructors at Bell Baxter also extend their praise: Emma Webster passed her grade 3 flute exam with merit; Michael Laughlin passed his grade 1 flute exam with distinction; Beth Lindsay passed grade 2 violin with merit; Pheobe Harper gained a pass in grade 2 violin; and Chloe Randall passed her grade 8 cello exam with distinction.
Chloe also gained places in the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Senior Orchestra and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Junior Department.
Cross Country
Congratulations to our medal winners at the Scottish Disability Cross Country Championships in Glasgow in March, including Shane White, Sam Fernando, Dean Bruce, Kerry Kotlewski and Lewis Moyes.
Poet Laureate
Higher English pupils had the immense privilege of attending an evening of poetry and music with Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
The event was hosted at Lochgelly Centre, and in a rare appearance in Fife, Carol Ann read from her work and explained the inspiration behind some of her best known and loved poems, and other newer works.
Since the poetry of Carol Ann is a set part of National 5 and Higher English, the opportunity to hear the poet herself and to ask questions was not only memorable but really enhanced pupils’ understanding. Pupils all agreed that it was a most inspiring evening and hopefully will help with exams too.
Enrichment Course
Early in the year, pupils from the S3 Possible Worlds English Enrichment class attended a presentation by guest speaker, Dr Robin Sloan, from the Institute of Arts, Media and Computer Games at the University of Abertay.
Here Dr Sloan challenged the pupils to enter a competition and make ‘A Game for Change’ which when played would change or inform the players’ attitude or knowledge about a chosen topic.
On Monday, April 27, Dr Sloan returned to Bell Baxter to judge the presentations. He was extremely impressed with quality of the work entered into the competition, and the serious and determined attitude of those who completed the task. This enrichment gives pupils the opportunity to explore how various aspects of narrative and storytelling are used in computer games, providing them with the skills to ‘read’ a game.
In addition to investigating the narratives in their favourite games, pupils have also been working on developing game ideas from books they have been reading as well as creating their own original narratives for new games.
Exams under way
Good luck to all our senior pupils now in the midst of exams. A reminder that all text books should be returned to school as soon as possible. English texts must be returned to pupils’ English teachers on the day of their exam.
Congratulations to all pupils who took part in the National School Burns Competition and contributed to individual, school and regional success.
We are particularly proud of S5 pupil Isla Stout, who won first place representing in the S5/6 Piping section.
Congratulations too to the following pupils for recent success in music exams, and instrumental instructors at Bell Baxter also extend their praise: Emma Webster passed her grade 3 flute exam with merit; Michael Laughlin passed his grade 1 flute exam with distinction; Beth Lindsay passed grade 2 violin with merit; Pheobe Harper gained a pass in grade 2 violin; and Chloe Randall passed her grade 8 cello exam with distinction.
Chloe also gained places in the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Senior Orchestra and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Junior Department.
Cross Country
Congratulations to our medal winners at the Scottish Disability Cross Country Championships in Glasgow in March, including Shane White, Sam Fernando, Dean Bruce, Kerry Kotlewski and Lewis Moyes.
Poet Laureate
Higher English pupils had the immense privilege of attending an evening of poetry and music with Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
The event was hosted at Lochgelly Centre, and in a rare appearance in Fife, Carol Ann read from her work and explained the inspiration behind some of her best known and loved poems, and other newer works.
Since the poetry of Carol Ann is a set part of National 5 and Higher English, the opportunity to hear the poet herself and to ask questions was not only memorable but really enhanced pupils’ understanding. Pupils all agreed that it was a most inspiring evening and hopefully will help with exams too.
Enrichment Course
Early in the year, pupils from the S3 Possible Worlds English Enrichment class attended a presentation by guest speaker, Dr Robin Sloan, from the Institute of Arts, Media and Computer Games at the University of Abertay.
Here Dr Sloan challenged the pupils to enter a competition and make ‘A Game for Change’ which when played would change or inform the players’ attitude or knowledge about a chosen topic.
On Monday, April 27, Dr Sloan returned to Bell Baxter to judge the presentations. He was extremely impressed with quality of the work entered into the competition, and the serious and determined attitude of those who completed the task. This enrichment gives pupils the opportunity to explore how various aspects of narrative and storytelling are used in computer games, providing them with the skills to ‘read’ a game.
In addition to investigating the narratives in their favourite games, pupils have also been working on developing game ideas from books they have been reading as well as creating their own original narratives for new games.
Exams under way
Good luck to all our senior pupils now in the midst of exams. A reminder that all text books should be returned to school as soon as possible. English texts must be returned to pupils’ English teachers on the day of their exam.
10 April 2015
27 March 2015
27 February 2015
5 December 2014
Battlefields tour
This year is a particularly important year for students of the First World War; the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the war. In October, 31 pupils took part in the annual five-day trip to the battlefields and trenches of World War I. Accompanied by Mrs Burgoyne, Mrs Barbour, Mr MacDonald and Mr Graham, and a tour guide from Mercat International Tours, a mixture of year groups from S3-S5 followed in the footsteps of the young soldiers and formed a ‘Pal’s Battalion’, travelling to Dover by coach, crossing the Channel and making their way to Belgium. Based in the small town of Diksmuide near Ypres, our pupils were taken to some of the most important strategic sites of the Western Front. This included visits to Messines, the ‘Pool of Peace’, Sanctuary Wood with its original trenches, Hooge Crater, Menin Road and Hill 60. The group spent a day in France, taking in Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval, Ulster Tower, La Boisselle crater, Pozieres Ridge and the spectacular Vimy Ridge. This was followed by a trip to the northern lip of the Ypres Salient, which included visits to Essex Farm cemetery, Poelkapelle, Passchaendale, Tyne Cot, Langemark’s German cemetery, and then finally witnessing the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, and taking part in their own private ceremony. Staff and pupils agree that this trip was a huge success - emotional, moving, educational and interesting. The standards of behaviour and respect shown by our young people was, of course, exemplary, and was commented upon by several impressed tourists in the area!
Apprenticeships
Having recently appointed Mr Niall Duncan of the technologies faculty as employability and work experience co-ordinator, Bell Baxter hosted a Modern Apprenticeship event for 40 pupils last month. The aim of the event was to promote the profile of MAs as a pathway and to inform pupils about how to find opportunities and build skills to apply for MAs. There was a presentation by Shannen Scott, chief executive of Apprenticeship in Scotland (who started her career as an apprentice and is still in her early 20s), and ex-pupils Joe Middleton and Adam Cowan, who both work as MAs in the engineering sector. Feedback from pupils has been positive, and it is hoped the event will become a fixture in the school calendar.
Charities news
At the end of October, Bell Baxter transformed into a ‘Spooktacular’ Fright Night for the school’s senior pupils. The effort from attendees was evident with an incredible array of costumes and special effect make-up. From ghastly ghouls to zoetic zombies, everyone and everything was invited. The huge event was organised and successfully carried out by the school’s charity group and all the money raised at the Halloween Bash will be given to the charity ‘Fife Young Carers’ - one of the charities to which the group donates. ‘Fife Young Carers’ aims to support children and young people aged 8-18 years who have the burden of solely caring for a member of their family. This charity appreciates all donations and with close to £700 accumulated at the recent event, the school is pleased to be able to contribute to the fantastic work of‘Fife Young Carers’.
Rugby success
Brewin Dolphin Rugby Bowl semi-final: Bell Baxter 10 Kinross o - Bell Baxter immediately put Kinross under intense pressure with quick defence and powerful rucking which left Kinross stuck inside their own half with the only option to clear their lines with a successful kick from the stand-off. From here Kinross began to show stronger defence which prevented Bell Baxter from advancing so easily. Soon after Brad O’Hanlon for Bell Baxter managed to dive on the ball once it had crossed the Kinross try line, securing a five-point lead, followed by an unsuccessful conversion. Into the second half Kinross gained more possession and showed more confidence. Bell Baxter soon found themselves defending their own try line for the first time but with great defensive effort from the forwards they managed to hold out. With an incredible scrummaging effort, Bell Baxter were clearly the more powerful side which set up the backs to run through some different moves. This led to a three-man overlap, allowing Cameron Patrick to run it in to score Bell Baxter’s second try. A very satisfactory result for both players and spectators. Bell Baxter’s under 18s have advanced into the regional finals.
This year is a particularly important year for students of the First World War; the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the war. In October, 31 pupils took part in the annual five-day trip to the battlefields and trenches of World War I. Accompanied by Mrs Burgoyne, Mrs Barbour, Mr MacDonald and Mr Graham, and a tour guide from Mercat International Tours, a mixture of year groups from S3-S5 followed in the footsteps of the young soldiers and formed a ‘Pal’s Battalion’, travelling to Dover by coach, crossing the Channel and making their way to Belgium. Based in the small town of Diksmuide near Ypres, our pupils were taken to some of the most important strategic sites of the Western Front. This included visits to Messines, the ‘Pool of Peace’, Sanctuary Wood with its original trenches, Hooge Crater, Menin Road and Hill 60. The group spent a day in France, taking in Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval, Ulster Tower, La Boisselle crater, Pozieres Ridge and the spectacular Vimy Ridge. This was followed by a trip to the northern lip of the Ypres Salient, which included visits to Essex Farm cemetery, Poelkapelle, Passchaendale, Tyne Cot, Langemark’s German cemetery, and then finally witnessing the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, and taking part in their own private ceremony. Staff and pupils agree that this trip was a huge success - emotional, moving, educational and interesting. The standards of behaviour and respect shown by our young people was, of course, exemplary, and was commented upon by several impressed tourists in the area!
Apprenticeships
Having recently appointed Mr Niall Duncan of the technologies faculty as employability and work experience co-ordinator, Bell Baxter hosted a Modern Apprenticeship event for 40 pupils last month. The aim of the event was to promote the profile of MAs as a pathway and to inform pupils about how to find opportunities and build skills to apply for MAs. There was a presentation by Shannen Scott, chief executive of Apprenticeship in Scotland (who started her career as an apprentice and is still in her early 20s), and ex-pupils Joe Middleton and Adam Cowan, who both work as MAs in the engineering sector. Feedback from pupils has been positive, and it is hoped the event will become a fixture in the school calendar.
Charities news
At the end of October, Bell Baxter transformed into a ‘Spooktacular’ Fright Night for the school’s senior pupils. The effort from attendees was evident with an incredible array of costumes and special effect make-up. From ghastly ghouls to zoetic zombies, everyone and everything was invited. The huge event was organised and successfully carried out by the school’s charity group and all the money raised at the Halloween Bash will be given to the charity ‘Fife Young Carers’ - one of the charities to which the group donates. ‘Fife Young Carers’ aims to support children and young people aged 8-18 years who have the burden of solely caring for a member of their family. This charity appreciates all donations and with close to £700 accumulated at the recent event, the school is pleased to be able to contribute to the fantastic work of‘Fife Young Carers’.
Rugby success
Brewin Dolphin Rugby Bowl semi-final: Bell Baxter 10 Kinross o - Bell Baxter immediately put Kinross under intense pressure with quick defence and powerful rucking which left Kinross stuck inside their own half with the only option to clear their lines with a successful kick from the stand-off. From here Kinross began to show stronger defence which prevented Bell Baxter from advancing so easily. Soon after Brad O’Hanlon for Bell Baxter managed to dive on the ball once it had crossed the Kinross try line, securing a five-point lead, followed by an unsuccessful conversion. Into the second half Kinross gained more possession and showed more confidence. Bell Baxter soon found themselves defending their own try line for the first time but with great defensive effort from the forwards they managed to hold out. With an incredible scrummaging effort, Bell Baxter were clearly the more powerful side which set up the backs to run through some different moves. This led to a three-man overlap, allowing Cameron Patrick to run it in to score Bell Baxter’s second try. A very satisfactory result for both players and spectators. Bell Baxter’s under 18s have advanced into the regional finals.
14 November 2014
Trip to France
During the first week of the October holidays, 35 pupils, from S3-5, accompanied by Mr Ritchie, Ms McArthur, Ms Cowan and Miss Common, enjoyed Bell Baxter’s annual trip to France. The first stage of the trip saw the group spend time in Normandy, where they learned about the D-Day landings. Next stop was the town of Bayeux and a chance to see its famous tapestry. In Paris, there were visits to most of the main tourist attractions, including Notre Dame, the Sacre Coeur, Montparnasse Tower and the Louvre. Of course, a main feature of the Paris adventure was the time spent at the Eiffel Tower, after a boat-ride on the Seine. Another highlight was the opportunity to do some shopping in Les Halles and in various souvenir shops. All in all, it was another successful trip, thoroughly enjoyed by pupils and staff alike. Plans for the 2015 version are already well underway. If any current S2-5 pupils would like to take part, they should speak to Mr Ritchie.
Mountains of success
Bell Baxter is very proud of S4 pupil and mountain biker Conner Johnstone. Conner has won seven major races this year including the Scottish MTB series and the MTB Scottish title. He was recently in Essex representing Scotland and has just added his first cyclocross win to his achievements. Well done Conner.
Remembrance
Falkland’s new war memorial was unveiled on Sunday, November 2. It was two years in the development and was a grand occasion attended by local dignitaries, armed forces representatives and veterans. The whole event was filmed by two Bell Baxter pupils, Jamie Leigh Line and Alanna Barrie. Jamie was the lead in this event and met Councillor David McDiarmid to design the film under the guidance of Mr Gaines of the Expressive Arts faculty. Jamie and Alanna executed the filming in a professional manner and both were a credit to the school. On Sunday Bell Baxter’s poppy wreaths were laid at Cupar’s Remembrance service by Mr Black and the school captains.
Parent Council news
SafetyNet event - thanks to every Bell Baxter parent and members of the local community who attended this event, arranged by the school and Parent Council to outline the benefits and potential pitfalls when using the internet. This was led by Police Scotland local Community Saferty Officer PC Kerry Anderson who informed and entertained in equal measure!
Christmas Hamper Raffle - It’s parents’ evening season at Bell Baxter, and the Parent Council will again be raising funds through the sale of raffle tickets to win a hamper full of festive goodies. So don’t forget to bring £1 - it could be your lucky night!
Parents’ Engagement Session - All parents/carers are invited to an engagement session with Fife Council’s education and children’s services, at Bell Baxter High, on Tuesday, November 25, between 6.30pm and 8.00pm. This event will look at Fife’s vision for education provision and how it will be further developed in the North East Fife area.
Heading for the future
Having recently appointed Mr Niall Duncan, of the technologies faculty, as employability and work experience co-ordinator in school, Bell Baxter hosted a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) event for 40 pupils on November 5. The aim of the event was to promote MAs and to inform pupils about how to find opportunities and build skills to apply for MAs. There was a presentation by Shannen Scott, chief executive of Apprenticeship in Scotland, and ex-pupils Joe Middleton and Adam Cowan, who both work as MAs in the engineering sector. Feedback from pupils has been positive. The event was very successful and will hopefully become a fixture in the school calendar.
During the first week of the October holidays, 35 pupils, from S3-5, accompanied by Mr Ritchie, Ms McArthur, Ms Cowan and Miss Common, enjoyed Bell Baxter’s annual trip to France. The first stage of the trip saw the group spend time in Normandy, where they learned about the D-Day landings. Next stop was the town of Bayeux and a chance to see its famous tapestry. In Paris, there were visits to most of the main tourist attractions, including Notre Dame, the Sacre Coeur, Montparnasse Tower and the Louvre. Of course, a main feature of the Paris adventure was the time spent at the Eiffel Tower, after a boat-ride on the Seine. Another highlight was the opportunity to do some shopping in Les Halles and in various souvenir shops. All in all, it was another successful trip, thoroughly enjoyed by pupils and staff alike. Plans for the 2015 version are already well underway. If any current S2-5 pupils would like to take part, they should speak to Mr Ritchie.
Mountains of success
Bell Baxter is very proud of S4 pupil and mountain biker Conner Johnstone. Conner has won seven major races this year including the Scottish MTB series and the MTB Scottish title. He was recently in Essex representing Scotland and has just added his first cyclocross win to his achievements. Well done Conner.
Remembrance
Falkland’s new war memorial was unveiled on Sunday, November 2. It was two years in the development and was a grand occasion attended by local dignitaries, armed forces representatives and veterans. The whole event was filmed by two Bell Baxter pupils, Jamie Leigh Line and Alanna Barrie. Jamie was the lead in this event and met Councillor David McDiarmid to design the film under the guidance of Mr Gaines of the Expressive Arts faculty. Jamie and Alanna executed the filming in a professional manner and both were a credit to the school. On Sunday Bell Baxter’s poppy wreaths were laid at Cupar’s Remembrance service by Mr Black and the school captains.
Parent Council news
SafetyNet event - thanks to every Bell Baxter parent and members of the local community who attended this event, arranged by the school and Parent Council to outline the benefits and potential pitfalls when using the internet. This was led by Police Scotland local Community Saferty Officer PC Kerry Anderson who informed and entertained in equal measure!
Christmas Hamper Raffle - It’s parents’ evening season at Bell Baxter, and the Parent Council will again be raising funds through the sale of raffle tickets to win a hamper full of festive goodies. So don’t forget to bring £1 - it could be your lucky night!
Parents’ Engagement Session - All parents/carers are invited to an engagement session with Fife Council’s education and children’s services, at Bell Baxter High, on Tuesday, November 25, between 6.30pm and 8.00pm. This event will look at Fife’s vision for education provision and how it will be further developed in the North East Fife area.
Heading for the future
Having recently appointed Mr Niall Duncan, of the technologies faculty, as employability and work experience co-ordinator in school, Bell Baxter hosted a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) event for 40 pupils on November 5. The aim of the event was to promote MAs and to inform pupils about how to find opportunities and build skills to apply for MAs. There was a presentation by Shannen Scott, chief executive of Apprenticeship in Scotland, and ex-pupils Joe Middleton and Adam Cowan, who both work as MAs in the engineering sector. Feedback from pupils has been positive. The event was very successful and will hopefully become a fixture in the school calendar.
10 October 2014
Novel reflects real life
Two S2 English classes, who are studying the novel ‘Trash’, were visited by the Rev. Dr Ken Jeffrey this week. He came to help to further their understanding of the themes of the story. Dr Jeffrey visited Peru several times between 2005 and 2012 during his time as minister of Cupar Old Parish Church. He described how his r visits to this South American country left him feeling humbled, thankful, angry and determined to try to make a difference to the lives of the boys he met.
Dr Jeffrey described how boys as young as three years old are abandoned by their desperate mothers and are rejected by society who treat them as ‘rats’. He told of individual stories of neglect and abuse, such as boys who were given sandwiches by the police and subsequently died an agonising death in the sewers.
He told of the rubbish dumps, where people scratch out a living amongst the stench and the filth. But he also described the hope that had been given by the efforts of members of the Cupar community who travelled to Peru to build a home for abandoned street boys.
Dr Jeffrey’s talk revealed that the events of ‘Trash’ are not just a story in a book, but are the events faced by real characters who live and suffer in developing countries in the world. It was a moving talk that helped to bring the novel to life.
The Glass Menagerie
Pupils studying drama travelled to Dundee to watch The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams at Dundee Rep Theatre. The play tells the story of Amanda Wingfield, a single mother, and her two children Tom and Laura. The family live in Southern USA.
Tom is an aspiring poet looking to break free from his job at a warehouse and his mother’s wishes to help her find Laura a husband. Laura finds peace away from the conflict between her brother and mother in the form of her collection of glass animals.
The pupils really appreciated the chance to see one of Williams’ greatest works, and performed by an exquisite cast. The themes of the play resonate with our society still and seeing live interpretations is one of the most valuable learning experiences for pupils.
Making a statement
As S6 pupil begin the process of applying to university and college, two workshops were delivered this week by staff from Dundee University to help pupils understand what is required in that all important ‘Personal Statement’.
Along with academic qualifications and the school reference, the Personal Statement is equally important in strengthening the application so pupils should appreciate the opportunity to help begin the process.
Gaining study skills
Last week all S4 and S5 pupils took part in the annual Tree of Knowledge workshops. These workshops are aimed at helping pupils to manage their independent study skills, as they prepare to manage their workload and work towards success in their exams. Pupils find these workshops really beneficial, as they give them practical advice and realistic strategies to manage study.
Au revoir
To teacher Mrs Diana Bain who retires today from the Technologies faculty. We wish her well in her retirement and hope she leaves Bell Baxter with many happy memories.
School Trips
Despite the holidays approaching, Bell Baxter pupils are again off on learning experiences to France and Belgium.
A group will head to Normandy and Belgium to take part in the hugely rewarding Battlefields tour organised by the Social Studies Faculty. Another group of French students will also head to France - spending time in Paris, to experience French culture and practise their language skills. Both trips are wished bon voyage.
Parent Council news
The AGM of the school’s Parent Council took place on September 17.
Julie Struthers stepped down as the chair after a three year term (the position now vacant), with vice-chair Kelly Beattie and treasurer Mandy Bateman continuing for another year.
The group’s clerk Sylvia Docherty also resigned, with this post now being filled by school administration assistant Carol Currie.
Outgoing chair Julie Struthers thanked the group for its support over the year.
Diary dates
Holidays begin on October 10. The new term begins for staff and pupils on Monday, October 27.
Two S2 English classes, who are studying the novel ‘Trash’, were visited by the Rev. Dr Ken Jeffrey this week. He came to help to further their understanding of the themes of the story. Dr Jeffrey visited Peru several times between 2005 and 2012 during his time as minister of Cupar Old Parish Church. He described how his r visits to this South American country left him feeling humbled, thankful, angry and determined to try to make a difference to the lives of the boys he met.
Dr Jeffrey described how boys as young as three years old are abandoned by their desperate mothers and are rejected by society who treat them as ‘rats’. He told of individual stories of neglect and abuse, such as boys who were given sandwiches by the police and subsequently died an agonising death in the sewers.
He told of the rubbish dumps, where people scratch out a living amongst the stench and the filth. But he also described the hope that had been given by the efforts of members of the Cupar community who travelled to Peru to build a home for abandoned street boys.
Dr Jeffrey’s talk revealed that the events of ‘Trash’ are not just a story in a book, but are the events faced by real characters who live and suffer in developing countries in the world. It was a moving talk that helped to bring the novel to life.
The Glass Menagerie
Pupils studying drama travelled to Dundee to watch The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams at Dundee Rep Theatre. The play tells the story of Amanda Wingfield, a single mother, and her two children Tom and Laura. The family live in Southern USA.
Tom is an aspiring poet looking to break free from his job at a warehouse and his mother’s wishes to help her find Laura a husband. Laura finds peace away from the conflict between her brother and mother in the form of her collection of glass animals.
The pupils really appreciated the chance to see one of Williams’ greatest works, and performed by an exquisite cast. The themes of the play resonate with our society still and seeing live interpretations is one of the most valuable learning experiences for pupils.
Making a statement
As S6 pupil begin the process of applying to university and college, two workshops were delivered this week by staff from Dundee University to help pupils understand what is required in that all important ‘Personal Statement’.
Along with academic qualifications and the school reference, the Personal Statement is equally important in strengthening the application so pupils should appreciate the opportunity to help begin the process.
Gaining study skills
Last week all S4 and S5 pupils took part in the annual Tree of Knowledge workshops. These workshops are aimed at helping pupils to manage their independent study skills, as they prepare to manage their workload and work towards success in their exams. Pupils find these workshops really beneficial, as they give them practical advice and realistic strategies to manage study.
Au revoir
To teacher Mrs Diana Bain who retires today from the Technologies faculty. We wish her well in her retirement and hope she leaves Bell Baxter with many happy memories.
School Trips
Despite the holidays approaching, Bell Baxter pupils are again off on learning experiences to France and Belgium.
A group will head to Normandy and Belgium to take part in the hugely rewarding Battlefields tour organised by the Social Studies Faculty. Another group of French students will also head to France - spending time in Paris, to experience French culture and practise their language skills. Both trips are wished bon voyage.
Parent Council news
The AGM of the school’s Parent Council took place on September 17.
Julie Struthers stepped down as the chair after a three year term (the position now vacant), with vice-chair Kelly Beattie and treasurer Mandy Bateman continuing for another year.
The group’s clerk Sylvia Docherty also resigned, with this post now being filled by school administration assistant Carol Currie.
Outgoing chair Julie Struthers thanked the group for its support over the year.
Diary dates
Holidays begin on October 10. The new term begins for staff and pupils on Monday, October 27.
26 September 2014
Welcome back
This is the first Bell Baxter Diary of the session. The publicity team will be bringing news about life here at Bell Baxter over the coming months. The school year is well under way; the new first years seemed to have settled in well with the help of S6 peer counsellors and the opportunity to attend lunch time activities. Exam results were good and many of our leavers moved on successfully to university, college, training or employment. The school’s 125th anniversary celebrations were a great success, not least of which was the whole school photo - our new flag flies proudly.
House Captains
The start of the autumn term has seen the re-election of 12 new house captains - two for each of the six houses. House captains, elected by their peers, hold huge responsibility for generating pupil enthusiasm towards the evolving points system and have the chance to organise games, competitions and much more to accumulate points for their individual houses. At the end of the year, there will be a House Cup allocated to the winning house. Good luck to all six houses and their captains throughout the year. The newly-elected house captains are: Baxter - Mellidy Campbell-Lochrie and Abigail Cumming; Bell - Calum Watson and Nina Revell; Dawson - Lucy Drummond and Kirsty MacNiven; Douglas - Naomi Pereira and Caitlyn Simpson; Howe - Euan Robertson and Katie Steven; Westport - Louis Peters and Megan Pass.
UCAS Convention
A group of around 100 S6 pupils interested in pursuing higher education upon leaving Bell Baxter attended a UCAS convention - along with many other Fife Schools - in the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes. This exhibition was also open to members of the public in the evening and highlighted the vast array of higher education opportunities available, from studying at several universities in Scotland and England, to signing up for the Navy or RAF. This opportunity allowed for many pupils to further explore their higher education options and was highly beneficial.
Trip to Shell Bay
A total of 50 students from Mrs Barbour, Mrs Brown and Ms Nicol’s Nat 4/ 5 Geography classes (pictures below) developed their skills in geographical techniques, an essential and valuable component of the new course, at Shell Bay, Elie. Students met with St Andrews University-based Geobus who helped facilitate the day. Field maps and sketch books were given and field sketches of river features were drawn and annotated. The raised beaches were highlighted and pupils learned about isostatic uplift and the effect on the Scottish coastline. River field work techniques included depth, width, wetted perimeter to enable pupils to create cross sectional areas and make comparisons between a meander and straight section of the river. Field work experiences like these illustrate it’s not only what we learn, but how and where we learn it, even if it did involve falling in the river and getting soaked!
Staff v pupils golf
Eight staff played eight pupils in our annual golf match at Elmwood Golf Course. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all, despite teeing off during a heavy rain shower. The staff narrowly won 2.5 -1.5 and retained the trophy. Thanks to both the pupils and the staff who were involved and we look forward to the match next year. Pictured with the trophy are, from left, Miss Marshall, Christian Barbour, Charlene Wilson, Callum MacNiven and Mr Ajeda.
Diary date
Wednesday, October 1 - S4 Parents Evening, from 5 - 8 pm.
This is the first Bell Baxter Diary of the session. The publicity team will be bringing news about life here at Bell Baxter over the coming months. The school year is well under way; the new first years seemed to have settled in well with the help of S6 peer counsellors and the opportunity to attend lunch time activities. Exam results were good and many of our leavers moved on successfully to university, college, training or employment. The school’s 125th anniversary celebrations were a great success, not least of which was the whole school photo - our new flag flies proudly.
House Captains
The start of the autumn term has seen the re-election of 12 new house captains - two for each of the six houses. House captains, elected by their peers, hold huge responsibility for generating pupil enthusiasm towards the evolving points system and have the chance to organise games, competitions and much more to accumulate points for their individual houses. At the end of the year, there will be a House Cup allocated to the winning house. Good luck to all six houses and their captains throughout the year. The newly-elected house captains are: Baxter - Mellidy Campbell-Lochrie and Abigail Cumming; Bell - Calum Watson and Nina Revell; Dawson - Lucy Drummond and Kirsty MacNiven; Douglas - Naomi Pereira and Caitlyn Simpson; Howe - Euan Robertson and Katie Steven; Westport - Louis Peters and Megan Pass.
UCAS Convention
A group of around 100 S6 pupils interested in pursuing higher education upon leaving Bell Baxter attended a UCAS convention - along with many other Fife Schools - in the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes. This exhibition was also open to members of the public in the evening and highlighted the vast array of higher education opportunities available, from studying at several universities in Scotland and England, to signing up for the Navy or RAF. This opportunity allowed for many pupils to further explore their higher education options and was highly beneficial.
Trip to Shell Bay
A total of 50 students from Mrs Barbour, Mrs Brown and Ms Nicol’s Nat 4/ 5 Geography classes (pictures below) developed their skills in geographical techniques, an essential and valuable component of the new course, at Shell Bay, Elie. Students met with St Andrews University-based Geobus who helped facilitate the day. Field maps and sketch books were given and field sketches of river features were drawn and annotated. The raised beaches were highlighted and pupils learned about isostatic uplift and the effect on the Scottish coastline. River field work techniques included depth, width, wetted perimeter to enable pupils to create cross sectional areas and make comparisons between a meander and straight section of the river. Field work experiences like these illustrate it’s not only what we learn, but how and where we learn it, even if it did involve falling in the river and getting soaked!
Staff v pupils golf
Eight staff played eight pupils in our annual golf match at Elmwood Golf Course. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all, despite teeing off during a heavy rain shower. The staff narrowly won 2.5 -1.5 and retained the trophy. Thanks to both the pupils and the staff who were involved and we look forward to the match next year. Pictured with the trophy are, from left, Miss Marshall, Christian Barbour, Charlene Wilson, Callum MacNiven and Mr Ajeda.
Diary date
Wednesday, October 1 - S4 Parents Evening, from 5 - 8 pm.
27 June 2014
Bon Voyage
On June 28, after months of fundraising, a group of senior pupils will embark on an once-in-a-lifetime World Challenge adventure to spend a month trekking around Thailand and Laos. World Challenge offers young people the chance to experience different cultures and develop valuable life skills through the array of challenges and tasks they will be faced with throughout the trip. We hope the challengers enjoy their month abroad.
Poetry competition
The winners of the FP Poetry, Prose and Art Competition received book tokens and a copy of the beautiful special 125th anniversary edition of Bell Baxter Essays donated by the FP Association and presented by Mr Black. Prose winner - Holly Clark S5; Poetry winner - Yuliya Lazareva S5; Art winner - Kamila Morawa S3. Well done.
Prom
This year’s prom was at Kilconquhar Castle near Elie. . Over 150 pupils in S6 attended the event and they enjoyed celebrating the end of their time at Bell Baxter and having
the chance to reminisce on their high school years. The evening commenced with a three course meal, followed by some dancing to the Bert Pozzi Ceilidh Band (who also play at our Christmas dances) and then a disco for the final hour-and-a-half.
There was also a photographer for the first part of the evening. Overall, the evening went well and it was a great grand finale for the pupils’ time at the school. Already preparations for the 2015 prom are well underway!
Sports Day
Sports finals took place last Wednesday on a hot sunny afternoon. Congratulations to all who took part. Results are as follows: Champions:
Si Boys - Sebastian Navarro BELL 5; Si Girls - Louise White BELL 6; S2 Boys - Harry Poolman DOU 6; S2 Girls -Sophie Siriwardena WEST 14; S3 Boys - Fraser Allan WEST 5; S3 Girls - Tiree Taylor BAX 2; Senior Boys - Kieran Bremner WEST 11; Senior Girls - Louise Howat DAW8.
The House points from the House Games are as follows -1st Westport 61, 2nd Douglas 52; 3rd Dawson 47; 4th Howe 42; 5th Bell 41, 6th Baxter 39.
Plea for books
If there are Bell Baxter text books lurking in your attics, or languishing on book shelves, please send them back to faculties as we need them for next year’s pupils.
Staff Goodbyes
Unfortunately, we have to say ‘farewell’ to some teachers who are either retiring or moving on to other schools. Mrs Muir (Geography) and Mrs Paterson (Modern Studies) are retiring this year after long, hard-working careers, whilst Mr McDougall (Mathematics) and Mr McDonald (Technologies) have decided to further their teaching career elsewhere.
Mrs Muir came to Bell Baxter in August 1996 as a supply teacher for a week but ended up teaching many pupils over the next 18 years. She has enjoyed almost all her time and has fond memories with staff and pupils alike, such as her time on the annual French trip with Mr Ritchie and partaking in athletics alongside Ms Rollo. Although she says the stairs to the geography department have kept her fit, Mrs Muir is hoping to maintain her fitness through avid gardening and hill walking!
Arriving at Bell Baxter in 2005 to accommodate a temporary post, Mrs Paterson remained at Bell Baxter for nine years, leaving this year for retirement. Her memories of Bell Baxter are varied and vivid from working alongside wonderful pupils and colleagues, partaking in the “fabulous school trips” and even transforming into a sumo wrestler for a charity match and refereeing a teachers vs pupils football match! Mrs Paterson wants to thank the school for all the support and friendship, challenges and laughs, and inspiration and success.
Mrs Fiona Saulite, who has given many years’ service teaching pupils in DAS, also retires. Reflecting on her time here, she said: “I have loved the whole Bell Baxter experience.” She will be much missed. We wish them all a very happy retirement.
Here comes summer
It has been a busy end of term especially with the 125th anniversary celebrations. Much has been achieved and celebrated by staff, pupils and our community. The diary team wishes all our readers a wonderful summer break.
Last Saturday morning saw Bell Baxter stage an event which saw old friends reunited. Hundreds joined to witness the evolution of Bell Baxter High School and all truly ei\joyed the chance to reminisce on days-gone-by at Bell Baxter’s 125th Anniversary Ceremony. Former pupils were granted the opportunity to see the modern school through the eyes of those who know it best, its current staff and pupils. Many were impressed and bewildered by the sheer size and vast array of facilities Bell Baxter has to offer. The archive display of old photos and other fascinating memorabilia was fantastic, and former depute rector Isobel MacGregor was thanked for putting it together and allowing so many to relive their past.
The art exhibition too was truly impressive - particular thanks to art teacher Joan Toall for this. We are very grateful to have had the chance to celebrate Bell Baxter’s 125th anniversary with some of its former pupils and staff. Pictured are some prefects who acted as guides, from left, Demi Wallace, Althea Draper, Charlotte Collins and Nicola Howat.
On June 28, after months of fundraising, a group of senior pupils will embark on an once-in-a-lifetime World Challenge adventure to spend a month trekking around Thailand and Laos. World Challenge offers young people the chance to experience different cultures and develop valuable life skills through the array of challenges and tasks they will be faced with throughout the trip. We hope the challengers enjoy their month abroad.
Poetry competition
The winners of the FP Poetry, Prose and Art Competition received book tokens and a copy of the beautiful special 125th anniversary edition of Bell Baxter Essays donated by the FP Association and presented by Mr Black. Prose winner - Holly Clark S5; Poetry winner - Yuliya Lazareva S5; Art winner - Kamila Morawa S3. Well done.
Prom
This year’s prom was at Kilconquhar Castle near Elie. . Over 150 pupils in S6 attended the event and they enjoyed celebrating the end of their time at Bell Baxter and having
the chance to reminisce on their high school years. The evening commenced with a three course meal, followed by some dancing to the Bert Pozzi Ceilidh Band (who also play at our Christmas dances) and then a disco for the final hour-and-a-half.
There was also a photographer for the first part of the evening. Overall, the evening went well and it was a great grand finale for the pupils’ time at the school. Already preparations for the 2015 prom are well underway!
Sports Day
Sports finals took place last Wednesday on a hot sunny afternoon. Congratulations to all who took part. Results are as follows: Champions:
Si Boys - Sebastian Navarro BELL 5; Si Girls - Louise White BELL 6; S2 Boys - Harry Poolman DOU 6; S2 Girls -Sophie Siriwardena WEST 14; S3 Boys - Fraser Allan WEST 5; S3 Girls - Tiree Taylor BAX 2; Senior Boys - Kieran Bremner WEST 11; Senior Girls - Louise Howat DAW8.
The House points from the House Games are as follows -1st Westport 61, 2nd Douglas 52; 3rd Dawson 47; 4th Howe 42; 5th Bell 41, 6th Baxter 39.
Plea for books
If there are Bell Baxter text books lurking in your attics, or languishing on book shelves, please send them back to faculties as we need them for next year’s pupils.
Staff Goodbyes
Unfortunately, we have to say ‘farewell’ to some teachers who are either retiring or moving on to other schools. Mrs Muir (Geography) and Mrs Paterson (Modern Studies) are retiring this year after long, hard-working careers, whilst Mr McDougall (Mathematics) and Mr McDonald (Technologies) have decided to further their teaching career elsewhere.
Mrs Muir came to Bell Baxter in August 1996 as a supply teacher for a week but ended up teaching many pupils over the next 18 years. She has enjoyed almost all her time and has fond memories with staff and pupils alike, such as her time on the annual French trip with Mr Ritchie and partaking in athletics alongside Ms Rollo. Although she says the stairs to the geography department have kept her fit, Mrs Muir is hoping to maintain her fitness through avid gardening and hill walking!
Arriving at Bell Baxter in 2005 to accommodate a temporary post, Mrs Paterson remained at Bell Baxter for nine years, leaving this year for retirement. Her memories of Bell Baxter are varied and vivid from working alongside wonderful pupils and colleagues, partaking in the “fabulous school trips” and even transforming into a sumo wrestler for a charity match and refereeing a teachers vs pupils football match! Mrs Paterson wants to thank the school for all the support and friendship, challenges and laughs, and inspiration and success.
Mrs Fiona Saulite, who has given many years’ service teaching pupils in DAS, also retires. Reflecting on her time here, she said: “I have loved the whole Bell Baxter experience.” She will be much missed. We wish them all a very happy retirement.
Here comes summer
It has been a busy end of term especially with the 125th anniversary celebrations. Much has been achieved and celebrated by staff, pupils and our community. The diary team wishes all our readers a wonderful summer break.
Last Saturday morning saw Bell Baxter stage an event which saw old friends reunited. Hundreds joined to witness the evolution of Bell Baxter High School and all truly ei\joyed the chance to reminisce on days-gone-by at Bell Baxter’s 125th Anniversary Ceremony. Former pupils were granted the opportunity to see the modern school through the eyes of those who know it best, its current staff and pupils. Many were impressed and bewildered by the sheer size and vast array of facilities Bell Baxter has to offer. The archive display of old photos and other fascinating memorabilia was fantastic, and former depute rector Isobel MacGregor was thanked for putting it together and allowing so many to relive their past.
The art exhibition too was truly impressive - particular thanks to art teacher Joan Toall for this. We are very grateful to have had the chance to celebrate Bell Baxter’s 125th anniversary with some of its former pupils and staff. Pictured are some prefects who acted as guides, from left, Demi Wallace, Althea Draper, Charlotte Collins and Nicola Howat.
2 May 2014
SPORTS RELIEF
Bell Baxter milers
Bell Baxter pupils and staff made sure their efforts for Sports Relief counted, by doing the Sports Relief Mile round the school. Under rather grey skies, 292 pupils and staff took part, raising £476.58 for Sport Relief. Well done!
COLOURS CEREMONY
Recognition for pupils
On Monday (28 April) around 100 S4-S6 pupils received School Colours at an evening ceremony in the school attended by staff and parents. Recognition is given for academic, sporting, creative achievement, as well as service to the school and community. Pupils can be awarded half colours, full colours, and a colours tie for exceptional achievement. It was a great privilege to have Scotland rugby internationalists and former pupils Peter Horne and Chris Fusaro as guests of honour. Their words of
encouragement based on their own experiences at school and in pursuing their professional sporting careers to reach their goals were a real inspiration to our pupils. After the ceremony there was the opportunity for photographs - and quite a lot of autographs for Peter and Chris. Well done to all pupils awarded colours, and to parents for their support.
STORY COMPETITION Praise from Radio 2
Congratulations to the following pupils whose stories are through to the final stages of the Chris Evans’ 500 word story competition: Lucy Campbell, Holly Painter, Rebecca Hutcheon and Ellen McQuilton. Here is the official email received from Radio 2: “We received over 118,000 entries and this story has been picked - with just 3500 others - to go to the Scottish Book Trust for the second round of judging. Well done and good luck! We will be back in touch, in early May, to let you know if your story has been shortlisted for our final 50. Best wishes, The 500 Words Team, Chris Evans Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2.” Let’s hope these stories make it to the final 50 - well done!
CUP FINAL
It’s Stevie May!
Bell Baxter is immensely proud of former pupil and football star Stevie May. The St Johnstone striker’s two goals have taken his team to the Scottish Cup final against Dundee United on May 17 at Celtic Park. Stevie May has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season - an incredible record. We wish him every success in the cup final and in his future career.
EXAMTIME Good luck to all
Senior pupils are now on study leave with the exam diet beginning this week with the first of the new National exams.
All pupils are wished well for success in all their exams.
Bell Baxter milers
Bell Baxter pupils and staff made sure their efforts for Sports Relief counted, by doing the Sports Relief Mile round the school. Under rather grey skies, 292 pupils and staff took part, raising £476.58 for Sport Relief. Well done!
COLOURS CEREMONY
Recognition for pupils
On Monday (28 April) around 100 S4-S6 pupils received School Colours at an evening ceremony in the school attended by staff and parents. Recognition is given for academic, sporting, creative achievement, as well as service to the school and community. Pupils can be awarded half colours, full colours, and a colours tie for exceptional achievement. It was a great privilege to have Scotland rugby internationalists and former pupils Peter Horne and Chris Fusaro as guests of honour. Their words of
encouragement based on their own experiences at school and in pursuing their professional sporting careers to reach their goals were a real inspiration to our pupils. After the ceremony there was the opportunity for photographs - and quite a lot of autographs for Peter and Chris. Well done to all pupils awarded colours, and to parents for their support.
STORY COMPETITION Praise from Radio 2
Congratulations to the following pupils whose stories are through to the final stages of the Chris Evans’ 500 word story competition: Lucy Campbell, Holly Painter, Rebecca Hutcheon and Ellen McQuilton. Here is the official email received from Radio 2: “We received over 118,000 entries and this story has been picked - with just 3500 others - to go to the Scottish Book Trust for the second round of judging. Well done and good luck! We will be back in touch, in early May, to let you know if your story has been shortlisted for our final 50. Best wishes, The 500 Words Team, Chris Evans Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2.” Let’s hope these stories make it to the final 50 - well done!
CUP FINAL
It’s Stevie May!
Bell Baxter is immensely proud of former pupil and football star Stevie May. The St Johnstone striker’s two goals have taken his team to the Scottish Cup final against Dundee United on May 17 at Celtic Park. Stevie May has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season - an incredible record. We wish him every success in the cup final and in his future career.
EXAMTIME Good luck to all
Senior pupils are now on study leave with the exam diet beginning this week with the first of the new National exams.
All pupils are wished well for success in all their exams.
14 March 2014
Fairtrade talk
Two members of Get Paper Industries (GPI), a Nepalese Fairtrade Co-operative which aids marginalised women, gave an interesting presentation about their company to S1 pupils. In their English classes, pupils have been finding out about Fairtrade products, so it was a privilege to hear from our visitors about their involvement in Fairtrade. They explained the process of creating their paper products, all hand-made using cotton rags, banana fibres and other ecological materials. GPI’s main customers are ethical cosmetic manufacturers such as the Body Shop and LUSH. The naner company also fronts many community projects, helping women who would otherwise not be employed. One example was the story of Brina Sunwar, a widow who had no skills and struggled to support her children. Now, she can send her children to school, pay the rent, and earn enough money. To begin with, GPI employed 14 women. Now there are 100 full time employees and 600 seasonal workers. Another important project headed by GPI is a campaign to send girls to school. No free schooling exists in Nepal and most families only send boys to school. GPI has changed this by giving are less fortunate than their British counterparts. In 2013 over 200 girls managed to get a primary education thanks to GPI. The presentation really enlightened everyone as to how lucky we are to have free education, and to live in a society where there are fewer sexist attitudes in schools and the workplace.
Referendum debate
Thirty five S5/6 pupils took part in a referendum debate hosted by Forth FM at St Bryce Kirk, Kirkcaldy. Fiona Hyslop MSP (SNP), Ruth Davidson MSP (Conservative), Anas Sarwar MP (Labour) and Patrick Harvie MSP (Greens) answered questions from the audience. It was a lively debate enjoyed by the pupils.
Sporting success
Congratulation to DAS pupils Sam Fernando and Dean Bruce who played vital parts in Fife ASN team’s Scottish sportshall athletics championship victory in Stirling. The boys (part of a team of 12) took part in running, jumping and throwing events. Our combined Bell Baxter/Madras football team took part in the first part of a Fife tournament in Kirkcaldy. Results: BB/Madras 6 Lochgelly 0, BB/Madras 4 Buckhaven 0, BB/Madras 2 Lochgelly 3. The final part will be on March 26 when the league will be decided. BB players were Kerry Kotlewski, Arran Howe, Dean Bruce, Shane White and Jack Linton. Our top scorer was Kerry.
S3 Enrichment Going
The S3 Enrichment ‘Going Places’ class has been working hard to raise as much money as possible in a month. As part of the Micro-tyco project they received £1 and were been challenged to see how much they could make. The class has done an amazing job, generating ideas and discussing them with lots of people from the world of business. This culminated in the class organising and holding a Spring Fayre with lots of money-making stands. The pupils have turned the £1 micro loan into a staggering £250! They have learned many important lessons about entrepreneurship, teamwork and negotiating skills in the process! All the money raised will go to the Wildhearts Foundation and every penny will be used to help enterprising people build sustainable businesses.
The final countdown has started for the 27 pupils and four staff who are due to participate in a month long overseas expedition to Thailand and Laos during the summer holidays. Pupils have been raising funds for their trip by running bingo teas, holding coffee mornings, selling cakes, providing refreshments at school events and undertaking sponsored events. February saw one of the groups raise almost £300 by holding a prize bingo tea in the school. The bingo tea provided the pupils with the opportunity to organise a community event. Staff and pupils would like to thank everyone who supported this event. On March 9, the teams took part in a sponsored walk up both the West and East Lomond. The group made good time - just over three hours - in completing the 12km walk. The low cloud meant West Lomond was shrouded in mist and the view at the top was limited. However, after some hot drinks in Craigmead car park, the walk up the East Lomond was rewarded with a sunny view over Falkland and the surrounding area. Upcoming events include a concert at Freuchie Cricket Club (March 21 at 7.30 p.m.), with details of a pub quiz to be announced shortly. The pupils and staff would be delighted if the local community came along and supported either of these events.
Two members of Get Paper Industries (GPI), a Nepalese Fairtrade Co-operative which aids marginalised women, gave an interesting presentation about their company to S1 pupils. In their English classes, pupils have been finding out about Fairtrade products, so it was a privilege to hear from our visitors about their involvement in Fairtrade. They explained the process of creating their paper products, all hand-made using cotton rags, banana fibres and other ecological materials. GPI’s main customers are ethical cosmetic manufacturers such as the Body Shop and LUSH. The naner company also fronts many community projects, helping women who would otherwise not be employed. One example was the story of Brina Sunwar, a widow who had no skills and struggled to support her children. Now, she can send her children to school, pay the rent, and earn enough money. To begin with, GPI employed 14 women. Now there are 100 full time employees and 600 seasonal workers. Another important project headed by GPI is a campaign to send girls to school. No free schooling exists in Nepal and most families only send boys to school. GPI has changed this by giving are less fortunate than their British counterparts. In 2013 over 200 girls managed to get a primary education thanks to GPI. The presentation really enlightened everyone as to how lucky we are to have free education, and to live in a society where there are fewer sexist attitudes in schools and the workplace.
Referendum debate
Thirty five S5/6 pupils took part in a referendum debate hosted by Forth FM at St Bryce Kirk, Kirkcaldy. Fiona Hyslop MSP (SNP), Ruth Davidson MSP (Conservative), Anas Sarwar MP (Labour) and Patrick Harvie MSP (Greens) answered questions from the audience. It was a lively debate enjoyed by the pupils.
Sporting success
Congratulation to DAS pupils Sam Fernando and Dean Bruce who played vital parts in Fife ASN team’s Scottish sportshall athletics championship victory in Stirling. The boys (part of a team of 12) took part in running, jumping and throwing events. Our combined Bell Baxter/Madras football team took part in the first part of a Fife tournament in Kirkcaldy. Results: BB/Madras 6 Lochgelly 0, BB/Madras 4 Buckhaven 0, BB/Madras 2 Lochgelly 3. The final part will be on March 26 when the league will be decided. BB players were Kerry Kotlewski, Arran Howe, Dean Bruce, Shane White and Jack Linton. Our top scorer was Kerry.
S3 Enrichment Going
The S3 Enrichment ‘Going Places’ class has been working hard to raise as much money as possible in a month. As part of the Micro-tyco project they received £1 and were been challenged to see how much they could make. The class has done an amazing job, generating ideas and discussing them with lots of people from the world of business. This culminated in the class organising and holding a Spring Fayre with lots of money-making stands. The pupils have turned the £1 micro loan into a staggering £250! They have learned many important lessons about entrepreneurship, teamwork and negotiating skills in the process! All the money raised will go to the Wildhearts Foundation and every penny will be used to help enterprising people build sustainable businesses.
The final countdown has started for the 27 pupils and four staff who are due to participate in a month long overseas expedition to Thailand and Laos during the summer holidays. Pupils have been raising funds for their trip by running bingo teas, holding coffee mornings, selling cakes, providing refreshments at school events and undertaking sponsored events. February saw one of the groups raise almost £300 by holding a prize bingo tea in the school. The bingo tea provided the pupils with the opportunity to organise a community event. Staff and pupils would like to thank everyone who supported this event. On March 9, the teams took part in a sponsored walk up both the West and East Lomond. The group made good time - just over three hours - in completing the 12km walk. The low cloud meant West Lomond was shrouded in mist and the view at the top was limited. However, after some hot drinks in Craigmead car park, the walk up the East Lomond was rewarded with a sunny view over Falkland and the surrounding area. Upcoming events include a concert at Freuchie Cricket Club (March 21 at 7.30 p.m.), with details of a pub quiz to be announced shortly. The pupils and staff would be delighted if the local community came along and supported either of these events.
14 February 2014
The FP Association congratulates the Bell Baxter Media Team - and perhaps also the Fife Herald staff - on the improved presentation of the Diary in the newspaper.
War Horse
A group of sixty pupils and six Drama and English staff were incredibly lucky to see the National Theatre’s production of Michael Morpurgo’s “War Horse” at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh. The much acclaimed production was truly spectacular and moving, yet not sentimental. The sets and staging allowed the audience to be transported to rural Devon of 1914, with lively folk songs, dialogue and of course the amazing puppetry of the horses. As the performance progressed it was quite a task to remember that the sensitive, moving, breathing animals were indeed humanly controlled life‐ sized puppets.
As the story moves to the Somme and the trenches, the full horror of the war was conveyed by powerful lighting representing flares which silhouetted the cavalry charges into barbed wire; an epic advancing tank; and a back drop which became bloodstained before turning into poppies. It is not an exaggeration to say that the production and the experience were awesome.
More success
Congratulations to DAS pupils who recently took part in the Fife ASN Cross Country Running Championships at Lochgelly High school. Sam Fernando was 1st in the 3K event, Dean Bruce 4th in the 1K event, Shane White, Jack Linton and Luke Blyth all ran well in the 1K event finishing in the top third of a large entry.
P7 pupils see their future
On Tuesday 4th Feb, our incoming S1 pupils had their first visit to Bell Baxter attending an information evening for P7 pupils and their parents. While parents attended a presentation led by Rector Mr Black, pupils were given the chance to watch a short film made by S6 pupils which featured current S1pupils giving their impressions of Bell Baxter and some good advice about what to expect in August. The film also gave an overview of all the activities in and outside the classroom that new pupils will experience. Prefects acted as guides taking pupils and parents to all faculties to see displays of work, take part in some science experiments, get a taste of Health and Wellbeing in Hospitality and much more. One P7 pupil commenting on the evening said “I was a wee bit nervous about coming to Bell Baxter in August, but now I’m really excited.”
Bell Baxter’s 125th anniversary
This year Bell Baxter celebrates its 125th birthday. Many events are being organised in collaboration with the local community, former pupils and the Parent Council. A commemorative book has been commissioned to record in words and photographs a year in the life of Bell Baxter. St Andrews photographer, Peter Adamson, has already been around the school recording all aspects of life here at Bell Baxter. More details about events will be in school newsletters and the website.
L.ab in a Lorry visited Bell Baxter High School between January 28 and 30. Local volunteers along with staff from the company worked with a range of Junior Phase classes on various experiments. Pupils had a chance to investigate a wide range of issues including how sound waves vibrate objects and why engineers must consider this when building large structures e.g. bridges.
Various uses for oil and gas and some of the issues faced when drilling for oil were also examined.
And a topic which really caught our pupils’ eyes was how lenses are used in optoelectronics to create high resolution digital cameras.
Another successful scientific experience.
Diary dates
12th February Closure Day
13th & 14th February Mid‐term
War Horse
A group of sixty pupils and six Drama and English staff were incredibly lucky to see the National Theatre’s production of Michael Morpurgo’s “War Horse” at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh. The much acclaimed production was truly spectacular and moving, yet not sentimental. The sets and staging allowed the audience to be transported to rural Devon of 1914, with lively folk songs, dialogue and of course the amazing puppetry of the horses. As the performance progressed it was quite a task to remember that the sensitive, moving, breathing animals were indeed humanly controlled life‐ sized puppets.
As the story moves to the Somme and the trenches, the full horror of the war was conveyed by powerful lighting representing flares which silhouetted the cavalry charges into barbed wire; an epic advancing tank; and a back drop which became bloodstained before turning into poppies. It is not an exaggeration to say that the production and the experience were awesome.
More success
Congratulations to DAS pupils who recently took part in the Fife ASN Cross Country Running Championships at Lochgelly High school. Sam Fernando was 1st in the 3K event, Dean Bruce 4th in the 1K event, Shane White, Jack Linton and Luke Blyth all ran well in the 1K event finishing in the top third of a large entry.
P7 pupils see their future
On Tuesday 4th Feb, our incoming S1 pupils had their first visit to Bell Baxter attending an information evening for P7 pupils and their parents. While parents attended a presentation led by Rector Mr Black, pupils were given the chance to watch a short film made by S6 pupils which featured current S1pupils giving their impressions of Bell Baxter and some good advice about what to expect in August. The film also gave an overview of all the activities in and outside the classroom that new pupils will experience. Prefects acted as guides taking pupils and parents to all faculties to see displays of work, take part in some science experiments, get a taste of Health and Wellbeing in Hospitality and much more. One P7 pupil commenting on the evening said “I was a wee bit nervous about coming to Bell Baxter in August, but now I’m really excited.”
Bell Baxter’s 125th anniversary
This year Bell Baxter celebrates its 125th birthday. Many events are being organised in collaboration with the local community, former pupils and the Parent Council. A commemorative book has been commissioned to record in words and photographs a year in the life of Bell Baxter. St Andrews photographer, Peter Adamson, has already been around the school recording all aspects of life here at Bell Baxter. More details about events will be in school newsletters and the website.
L.ab in a Lorry visited Bell Baxter High School between January 28 and 30. Local volunteers along with staff from the company worked with a range of Junior Phase classes on various experiments. Pupils had a chance to investigate a wide range of issues including how sound waves vibrate objects and why engineers must consider this when building large structures e.g. bridges.
Various uses for oil and gas and some of the issues faced when drilling for oil were also examined.
And a topic which really caught our pupils’ eyes was how lenses are used in optoelectronics to create high resolution digital cameras.
Another successful scientific experience.
Diary dates
12th February Closure Day
13th & 14th February Mid‐term
13 December 2013
Read Read Read - On November 20, reading enthusiasts Skye Wilson, Paul Dobie, Joe Guthrie and Kerry Johnston represented Bell Baxter in a Readathon at Dundee Rep. Accompanied by the English faculty’s Ms Stuart, these senior pupils read and performed from the Harry Potter books. The talented pupils switched costumes, hats and props to cover the full range of characters in a lively performance - apparently with not much rehearsal time! Not only was the audience entertained, but staff at the Rep and Dundee University were very impressed by the standard, enthusiasm and confidence of our pupils. Photos and comments of the event can be seen online. Well done for providing that little bit of magic.
Top of the Class - On Wednesday, December 4, the Bell Baxter Top of the Bench team visited Webster’s High in Kirriemuir to play the second round tie of the RSC Chemistry Top of the Bench competition. Congratulations to our team - Rida Ashiq in S2, Stuart Melville in S3, Emma Stevenson in S3 and Josh Sherwood in S4 - who won the tie 42-44. It was a close match and both teams answered some incredibly difficult questions very well. We are now into the semi-final to be played in January. Well done.
Parent Council - the Parent Council and school’s Eco-Committee has collaborated to establish a new textiles/ shoes recycling bin, situated to the left of the school’s main entrance. The school has been delighted with the uptake in the first few weeks, with all donations until mid-December raising funds for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal. Thereafter, it will fundraise for school resources. Thanks to all who have contributed already.
Budget Cuts: the Parent Council has met with Fife Council’s Education Directorate to discuss the Labour Administration’s Draft Revenue Budget 2014-17 and offer feedback on the potential implications for Bell Baxter pupils and staff. Visit www. fifedirect.org.uk/bigchange to make your own comments before the final deadline of January 22.
Christmas shopping: the Parent Council has set up an Easy Fundraising account, to help raise funds for the school. For every online purchase, your retailer will donate a percentage of the sale to Bell Baxter, at no extra cost to you. Simply visit http:// www.easyfundraising.org.uk/, key in Bell Baxter, and shop away.
Diary dates - S3/4 dance, Tuesday; S5/6 dance, Thursday.
Top of the Class - On Wednesday, December 4, the Bell Baxter Top of the Bench team visited Webster’s High in Kirriemuir to play the second round tie of the RSC Chemistry Top of the Bench competition. Congratulations to our team - Rida Ashiq in S2, Stuart Melville in S3, Emma Stevenson in S3 and Josh Sherwood in S4 - who won the tie 42-44. It was a close match and both teams answered some incredibly difficult questions very well. We are now into the semi-final to be played in January. Well done.
Parent Council - the Parent Council and school’s Eco-Committee has collaborated to establish a new textiles/ shoes recycling bin, situated to the left of the school’s main entrance. The school has been delighted with the uptake in the first few weeks, with all donations until mid-December raising funds for the Philippines Typhoon Appeal. Thereafter, it will fundraise for school resources. Thanks to all who have contributed already.
Budget Cuts: the Parent Council has met with Fife Council’s Education Directorate to discuss the Labour Administration’s Draft Revenue Budget 2014-17 and offer feedback on the potential implications for Bell Baxter pupils and staff. Visit www. fifedirect.org.uk/bigchange to make your own comments before the final deadline of January 22.
Christmas shopping: the Parent Council has set up an Easy Fundraising account, to help raise funds for the school. For every online purchase, your retailer will donate a percentage of the sale to Bell Baxter, at no extra cost to you. Simply visit http:// www.easyfundraising.org.uk/, key in Bell Baxter, and shop away.
Diary dates - S3/4 dance, Tuesday; S5/6 dance, Thursday.
29 November 2013
Shedding Light on Physics - Dundee Science Centre visited Bell Baxter on November 4 with its Science and Technology Facilities Council-funded Explore Your Universe event. Third and fourth year physics students were given the chance to take part in a number of workshops on the theme of the electromagnetic spectrum, how it affects our daily lives and how it’s used to search other planets that could support life. Students used lasers in the visible light workshop to create mazes and design lens systems for different applications. Favourite of the activities was the infrared camera. As well as being good fun, it has applications in fire safety, security and agriculture, where the success of crops can be determined by the amount of heat given off.Destination India - During the October holiday, the destination was India for 22 pupils and four staff for a life-changing experience for some of our pupils. As soon as the party left the air-conditioned coach for cycle rickshaws they were thrust into Indian culture at its most vibrant - squeezing through buses, lorries, cars, tuk-tuks, motor bikes, cows, pedestrians, dogs, goats and even the occasional monkey! As always, the Bell Baxter group relied on Seema, the local guide, now legendary in Bell Baxter. From Delhi they flew to Patna and drove to Bodhgaya in the poor Indian state of Bihar, as if we had travelled back in time. Poverty is more obvious there, but less desperate than in Delhi. The people are abjectly poor but apparently happy. Life is slower, quieter and less crowded. Buddhists from all over the world come to Bodhgaya, and for two days the group joined them at numerous temples and holy sites. The highlights were the Zen school for orphans and the ‘ipad monk’ who blessed the groups then took photographs! A nine-hour drive to Varanasi took us through countryside and towns, and
seeing the river Ganges at dawn and evening was especially unforgettable. Agra
was the next destination. A wet Agra meant a damp trip to the Taj Mahal, but
clouds and crowds cannot mask the marbled beauty of this wonder of the world.
An exhausting but memorable trip once again. Thanks are due to the to RME
staff.
Parent Council Meeting - The next meeting of the Parent Council is scheduled for Tuesday 3 December at 7pm in the Conference Room. This meeting will focus primarily on Fife Council’s recently announced draft budget for 2014-17. Representatives from the Education Directorate and Councillor Bryan Poole are attending to discuss the potential implications for Bell Baxter.
Rag Bag - the Parent Council and the Eco-Committee have set up a fundraising Rag Bag bin at the recycling bins at the front of the school. Until December 13, all proceeds from collections will be sent to the Philippines typhoon appeal. Here’s a chance to have a pre-Christmas clear-out whilst helping victims of Typhoon Haiyan. The school will be in touch with further details.
Parent Nights - S4, December 4; S5/6, December 12.
Parent Council Meeting - The next meeting of the Parent Council is scheduled for Tuesday 3 December at 7pm in the Conference Room. This meeting will focus primarily on Fife Council’s recently announced draft budget for 2014-17. Representatives from the Education Directorate and Councillor Bryan Poole are attending to discuss the potential implications for Bell Baxter.
Rag Bag - the Parent Council and the Eco-Committee have set up a fundraising Rag Bag bin at the recycling bins at the front of the school. Until December 13, all proceeds from collections will be sent to the Philippines typhoon appeal. Here’s a chance to have a pre-Christmas clear-out whilst helping victims of Typhoon Haiyan. The school will be in touch with further details.
Parent Nights - S4, December 4; S5/6, December 12.
22 November 2013
C’est bon! - Despite relatively small numbers compared with previous years, the annual French trip to Paris was un grand succès. From October 5 to 9, 21 pupils from S3 to S6 stayed in the Hotel Fourcy in central Paris, in very individual rooms - some with staircases leading up from the door, some leading down (it was almost like having your own small Parisian appartement for 3 days). On the first day we walked to the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral, where 850th anniversary celebrations were well under way. Other excursions included the obligatory Eiffel Tower ascent, a rather exhausting walk up to the Sacré Coeur Basilica (the highest point in all of Paris) and a less exhausting (lift-assisted) climb to the top of the Montparnasse Tower - a 210m office skyscraper that dominates the Parisian skyline and offers captivating views of the city at night, especially the on-the-hour- every-hour sparkling of the Eiffel Tower. On the last day there was a two-course lunch in a local restaurant, and an opportunity for pupils to explore Les Hailes, the main shopping centre in Paris. That evening the trip came to a happy end with a trip on the Metro to the Arc de Triomphe, where group photos were taken and the city marvelled at. Thanks to Mr Ritchie, Mrs McArthur and Mrs Muir for organising and accompanying the group.
English faculty news - With Christmas fast approaching, S1 pupils are looking forward to their trip to Dundee Rep on December 18 to see a magical stage production of Roald Dahl’s BFG. All S1 pupils are included in this annual theatre experience. Prior to the trip, pupils will be learning about Roald Dahl, how to write a good review, and the importance of being an appreciative audience. Thanks to parents and carers for supporting this valuable experience for all our S1 pupils.
Enriching possibilities - On November 13, 21 pupils from the English S3 Possible Worlds enrichment classes attended a presentation by guest speakers Dr Iain Donald and Dr Robin Sloan from the Institute of Arts, Media and Computer Games at the University of Abertay. This Enrichment gives pupils the opportunity to explore how various aspects of narrative and storytelling are used in computer games, providing them with the skills to “read” a game. In addition to investigating the narratives in their favourite games, pupils have also been working on developing game ideas from books they have been reading as well as creating their own original narratives for new games. The talk focused on the role a strong narrative plays in the game experience and gave a flavour of the other important aspects of gameplay to consider. It was a valuable opportunity for pupils to hear a little bit more about how their skills could be further developed at university and, later, a career in game design. Since both Dr Donald and Dr Sloan have previously worked in game design, pupils keen on following in their footsteps enjoyed having the opportunity to ask questions and hear about their experiences as well as learning more about the courses and opportunities available to them beyond school. As a finale to the presentation, pupils were left with the challenge of creating some game ideas of their own which they will “pitch” to Drs Donald and Sloan later in the year. Who knows, perhaps some of those ideas will be developed and one of our pupils could be responsible for a best-selling computer game in the future.
Parents Nights - Wednesday, December 4, S4; Tuesday, December 10, S5/6.
English faculty news - With Christmas fast approaching, S1 pupils are looking forward to their trip to Dundee Rep on December 18 to see a magical stage production of Roald Dahl’s BFG. All S1 pupils are included in this annual theatre experience. Prior to the trip, pupils will be learning about Roald Dahl, how to write a good review, and the importance of being an appreciative audience. Thanks to parents and carers for supporting this valuable experience for all our S1 pupils.
Enriching possibilities - On November 13, 21 pupils from the English S3 Possible Worlds enrichment classes attended a presentation by guest speakers Dr Iain Donald and Dr Robin Sloan from the Institute of Arts, Media and Computer Games at the University of Abertay. This Enrichment gives pupils the opportunity to explore how various aspects of narrative and storytelling are used in computer games, providing them with the skills to “read” a game. In addition to investigating the narratives in their favourite games, pupils have also been working on developing game ideas from books they have been reading as well as creating their own original narratives for new games. The talk focused on the role a strong narrative plays in the game experience and gave a flavour of the other important aspects of gameplay to consider. It was a valuable opportunity for pupils to hear a little bit more about how their skills could be further developed at university and, later, a career in game design. Since both Dr Donald and Dr Sloan have previously worked in game design, pupils keen on following in their footsteps enjoyed having the opportunity to ask questions and hear about their experiences as well as learning more about the courses and opportunities available to them beyond school. As a finale to the presentation, pupils were left with the challenge of creating some game ideas of their own which they will “pitch” to Drs Donald and Sloan later in the year. Who knows, perhaps some of those ideas will be developed and one of our pupils could be responsible for a best-selling computer game in the future.
Parents Nights - Wednesday, December 4, S4; Tuesday, December 10, S5/6.
15 November 2013
Top of the Bench - Congratulations to Bell Baxter’s Top of the Bench team, Rida Ashiq (S2), Emma Stevenson (S3), Stuart Melville (S3) and Josh Sherwood (S4), who went up against Forfar Academy in the first round of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s ‘Top of the Bench’ competition in the Tayside and Fife section. This took place on October 31 at home and we won, 36- 28 points (this was despite there being a fire drill half way through round three!). We now go away to Webster’s Academy in Kirriemuir in Round 2 at some point this month (date TBC). The team did extremely well and coped brilliantly with some very difficult questions.
Very Welcome Visitor - There was a quite tangible air of excitement when it was announced the Springboks Rugby forward coach Johann Van Graan was to give a short talk in the games hall during lunchtime. Around 200 pupils from first to sixth year crammed into one half of the hall. He spoke for 10 minutes on his career in rugby, his dream of playing for the Springboks and how later he realised that his talent lay in coaching, building his career there instead. The speech was captivating for the audience as it was not just about rugby, but a general motivational speech about life, setting goals and having ambition. However Van Graan avoided the depths of cliched sports mantras by slipping in amusing anecdotes and real-world examples of how his attitude to life got him to where he is now. While his talk was absorbing, the Q&A session (which surely lasted over twice as long) was where the Springboks coach really opened up. Once the 10 second silence was over and some brave soul had dared to stick their hand up first, the floodgates opened: questions ranged from very knowledgeable sixth years asking about their strategy for the Scotland game on Sunday (unsurprisingly Van Graan declined to divulge details), and how much Springbok loosehead prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawirara eats - 'lots of sushi’ the slightly unexpected response - to first years wanting to know about his rugby idols, and what got him into coaching. All in all Van Graan was very real, very down to earth and very warm, building a rapport with the audience by naming certain Scottish players he admired and ribbing them with his prediction of a certain South African victory at the weekend - earning himself a few good-natured hecklers. In the end it was up to Depute Rector Mr Martin to step in and end proceedings, otherwise there was a danger of overrunning into the afternoon classes - certainly a rare and very special visit that will be remembered for years to come. Thank to Rev Jan Steyn for making this possible.
Study Support - An extensive Study Support programme is running for all levels after school and at lunchtimes. Pupils in S4,5 and 6 in particular, are encouraged to attend to gain vital tips and extra help for exams.
Remembrance - Bell Baxter along with the rest of the country observed a two minute silence on Monday. School Captains Fiona Cooper and Ross Stockton accompanied by Mr Black represented the School by laying a wreath at Sunday's service in Cupar.
Very Welcome Visitor - There was a quite tangible air of excitement when it was announced the Springboks Rugby forward coach Johann Van Graan was to give a short talk in the games hall during lunchtime. Around 200 pupils from first to sixth year crammed into one half of the hall. He spoke for 10 minutes on his career in rugby, his dream of playing for the Springboks and how later he realised that his talent lay in coaching, building his career there instead. The speech was captivating for the audience as it was not just about rugby, but a general motivational speech about life, setting goals and having ambition. However Van Graan avoided the depths of cliched sports mantras by slipping in amusing anecdotes and real-world examples of how his attitude to life got him to where he is now. While his talk was absorbing, the Q&A session (which surely lasted over twice as long) was where the Springboks coach really opened up. Once the 10 second silence was over and some brave soul had dared to stick their hand up first, the floodgates opened: questions ranged from very knowledgeable sixth years asking about their strategy for the Scotland game on Sunday (unsurprisingly Van Graan declined to divulge details), and how much Springbok loosehead prop Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawirara eats - 'lots of sushi’ the slightly unexpected response - to first years wanting to know about his rugby idols, and what got him into coaching. All in all Van Graan was very real, very down to earth and very warm, building a rapport with the audience by naming certain Scottish players he admired and ribbing them with his prediction of a certain South African victory at the weekend - earning himself a few good-natured hecklers. In the end it was up to Depute Rector Mr Martin to step in and end proceedings, otherwise there was a danger of overrunning into the afternoon classes - certainly a rare and very special visit that will be remembered for years to come. Thank to Rev Jan Steyn for making this possible.
Study Support - An extensive Study Support programme is running for all levels after school and at lunchtimes. Pupils in S4,5 and 6 in particular, are encouraged to attend to gain vital tips and extra help for exams.
Remembrance - Bell Baxter along with the rest of the country observed a two minute silence on Monday. School Captains Fiona Cooper and Ross Stockton accompanied by Mr Black represented the School by laying a wreath at Sunday's service in Cupar.
1 November 2013
Another busy term is under way at Bell Baxter.
School Trips - During October three successful trips took place. A group of pupils and RMPS staff set off for India to experience the culture and the famous sights. For many of our pupils the experience has left a powerful impression as they reflect on the huge contrasts in culture and the life experiences of others. Another group, with their history teachers, set off for the Battlefields of Northern France and Belgium. In this year leading up to the centenary of the start of the First World War, it is perhaps more powerful than ever for young and old to remember the sacrifices of so many and the horrors they faced for us. Finally, under the guidance of Modern Languages staff, a group of linguists set off for Paris again to experience the language and culture. Such experiences enhance pupils’ learning and importantly broaden their understanding of the world.
MacMillan Coffee Morning - Along with so many organisations in the country, Bell Baxter held its own MacMillan Coffee morning, raising £270 for the charity.
Parent Council News - Budget Cut Proposals: time is fast running out for parents/ carers to participate in Fife Council’s public consultation on proposed budget cuts (including education options). For more details, and for a chance to comment, go this week to www.fifedirect.org/bigchange. The draft budget is being published on November 12, ahead of the budget decision in February 2014.
Parents Evenings: the Parent Council has a stand at all forthcoming parents’ evenings. Why not tell us what’s on your mind? And remember to bring some loose change for raffle tickets. We have some amazing Christmas hampers up for grabs!
Chistmas Shopping: if you are an on-line Christmas shopper, why not use www.easyfundraising.org.uk to help raise school funds. Visit this website, keying in Bell Baxter, and you will be re-directed to all your favourite retailers. They will then donated a percentage of your sale to the school.
Former Pupil News - Bell Baxter welcomed the exciting news that another former pupil, Chris Fusaro, has been included in the Scotland international rugby squad. Hopefully Chris will get his first cap in the autumn international matches. Chris currently plays for Glasgow Warriors along with another FP, Peter Horne, who, earlier this year, was also capped for Scotland. Chris and Peter were part of the Bell Baxter team who won the Scottish Schools Cup in 2007. Michael Fedo, a key player in the Scotland 7s team, was also part of that team in 2007, and we hope to see him competing in the Commonwealth games next year. Professional footballer Steven May is also creating a most successful career in Scottish football.We wish them continued success.
Diary Dates - S1 parents evening: Tuesday November 5; S2 parents evenings: Wednesday November 13, and Thursday November 21. All from 5-8pm.
School Trips - During October three successful trips took place. A group of pupils and RMPS staff set off for India to experience the culture and the famous sights. For many of our pupils the experience has left a powerful impression as they reflect on the huge contrasts in culture and the life experiences of others. Another group, with their history teachers, set off for the Battlefields of Northern France and Belgium. In this year leading up to the centenary of the start of the First World War, it is perhaps more powerful than ever for young and old to remember the sacrifices of so many and the horrors they faced for us. Finally, under the guidance of Modern Languages staff, a group of linguists set off for Paris again to experience the language and culture. Such experiences enhance pupils’ learning and importantly broaden their understanding of the world.
MacMillan Coffee Morning - Along with so many organisations in the country, Bell Baxter held its own MacMillan Coffee morning, raising £270 for the charity.
Parent Council News - Budget Cut Proposals: time is fast running out for parents/ carers to participate in Fife Council’s public consultation on proposed budget cuts (including education options). For more details, and for a chance to comment, go this week to www.fifedirect.org/bigchange. The draft budget is being published on November 12, ahead of the budget decision in February 2014.
Parents Evenings: the Parent Council has a stand at all forthcoming parents’ evenings. Why not tell us what’s on your mind? And remember to bring some loose change for raffle tickets. We have some amazing Christmas hampers up for grabs!
Chistmas Shopping: if you are an on-line Christmas shopper, why not use www.easyfundraising.org.uk to help raise school funds. Visit this website, keying in Bell Baxter, and you will be re-directed to all your favourite retailers. They will then donated a percentage of your sale to the school.
Former Pupil News - Bell Baxter welcomed the exciting news that another former pupil, Chris Fusaro, has been included in the Scotland international rugby squad. Hopefully Chris will get his first cap in the autumn international matches. Chris currently plays for Glasgow Warriors along with another FP, Peter Horne, who, earlier this year, was also capped for Scotland. Chris and Peter were part of the Bell Baxter team who won the Scottish Schools Cup in 2007. Michael Fedo, a key player in the Scotland 7s team, was also part of that team in 2007, and we hope to see him competing in the Commonwealth games next year. Professional footballer Steven May is also creating a most successful career in Scottish football.We wish them continued success.
Diary Dates - S1 parents evening: Tuesday November 5; S2 parents evenings: Wednesday November 13, and Thursday November 21. All from 5-8pm.
4 October 2013
Enterprise Masterclass -Bell Baxter enterprise students, along with pupils from 14 Fife schools, recently attended an Enterprise Masterclass. The day was intended to induct participants into the Young Enterprise Company Programme and provide the information required to have a successful and enjoyable experience as part of this national business competition. The Company Programme gives pupils a practical, hands-on experience giving them a true understanding of how a business works. They will gain an understanding of how wealth and employment are created. Participants also gain experience of key business functions including marketing, financial management, sales, customer care and HR, practical experience of a range of economic concepts including the market, supply and demand, raising finance, cost, price, profit and competition. Key skills developed include creative thinking, problem solving, communication skills, presentation skills, confidence and a can-do attitude, teamwork, leadership skills, negotiation, decision making, setting goals, time management, managing risk and responding to change. YES also has a competitive side and those who come out on top at local and Scottish level have the chance to compete against other Young Enterprise companies from across the UK and Europe.
Success News from DAS - pupils Arran Howe and Dean Bruce had great success at the ASN Fife Schools Swimming Championships, both winning the front crawl. Arron was also third in the breast stroke. The boys were part of the combined Bell Baxter/Madras team who were runners-up in the inter school competition. Well done! Congratulations to Arran Howe an S1 DAS pupil, who has raised over £166 for Macmillan nurses by selling his home baking as part of the Big Macmillan Coffee Morning. Arran really wanted to do his bit for such a worthwhile cause, and applied for the information pack, baked all the goods himself, and sold them in school.
Caring for our Community - The Charities Group at Bell Baxter are playing an active role in helping with the Cupar Foodbank initiative. Pupils and staff have been asked to donate items. Trussell Trust Foodbanks provide three days of emergency food to local individuals and families in crisis. Frontline care professionals including doctors, social workers and schools refer people who are facing hunger to the foodbank. As well as receiving nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food parcels, people visiting the foodbank are welcomed with a cup of tea, listened to and signposted to agencies who are able to help resolve the underlying cause of the problem. By donating to the foodbank we can help support local people to cope with facing difficult situations.
Science, engineering - pupils have the opportunity to take part in the ‘Headstart’ residential courses being run during the summer holidays, 2014. Two different courses, one aimed at girls currently in S4, and the other is open to all pupils currently in S5, give participants the opportunity to experience a science and/ or engineering course in preparation for degree courses. Pupils considering a science or engineering course at University will gain the opportunity for a hands on experience, and the courses are highly regarded when applying to University. Interested pupils can seek further information from the Bell Baxter Science Faculty.
Diary dates -the school closes today (Friday) for the holidays, reopening on Monday, October 21. S1 parents meetings - Tuesday, October 29, and Tuesday, November 5.
Success News from DAS - pupils Arran Howe and Dean Bruce had great success at the ASN Fife Schools Swimming Championships, both winning the front crawl. Arron was also third in the breast stroke. The boys were part of the combined Bell Baxter/Madras team who were runners-up in the inter school competition. Well done! Congratulations to Arran Howe an S1 DAS pupil, who has raised over £166 for Macmillan nurses by selling his home baking as part of the Big Macmillan Coffee Morning. Arran really wanted to do his bit for such a worthwhile cause, and applied for the information pack, baked all the goods himself, and sold them in school.
Caring for our Community - The Charities Group at Bell Baxter are playing an active role in helping with the Cupar Foodbank initiative. Pupils and staff have been asked to donate items. Trussell Trust Foodbanks provide three days of emergency food to local individuals and families in crisis. Frontline care professionals including doctors, social workers and schools refer people who are facing hunger to the foodbank. As well as receiving nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food parcels, people visiting the foodbank are welcomed with a cup of tea, listened to and signposted to agencies who are able to help resolve the underlying cause of the problem. By donating to the foodbank we can help support local people to cope with facing difficult situations.
Science, engineering - pupils have the opportunity to take part in the ‘Headstart’ residential courses being run during the summer holidays, 2014. Two different courses, one aimed at girls currently in S4, and the other is open to all pupils currently in S5, give participants the opportunity to experience a science and/ or engineering course in preparation for degree courses. Pupils considering a science or engineering course at University will gain the opportunity for a hands on experience, and the courses are highly regarded when applying to University. Interested pupils can seek further information from the Bell Baxter Science Faculty.
Diary dates -the school closes today (Friday) for the holidays, reopening on Monday, October 21. S1 parents meetings - Tuesday, October 29, and Tuesday, November 5.
18 September 2013
‘Buddha Camp 2013’
One of the many benefits of studying Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies in S5/6 has to be the annual trip to Samye Ling, ‘Scotland’s own’ Tibetan Buddhist Monastery near Eskdalemuir in the Scottish Borders. The students have the opportunity to visit a working example of a Buddhist community which includes a guided tour of the centre (including the beautiful Temple), meditation sessions and they can participate in or just observe worship services. The 2013 trip which took place on September 9th and 10th was in many ways our most successful yet. On each visit, a different event becomes that year’s highlight. This year we had our largest ever contingent, chose an earlier time of year to travel and were given a real treat as part of the Temple tour included a visit to the Medicine Buddha shrine room – a beautiful room on the top floor of the Temple not always available to visitors. The pupils were of course, a pleasure to be with and a real credit to the school. They fully engaged in all the activities and were determined to gain as much as possible from the experience (the majority even got out of bed for 6 a.m. prayers!). The pupils listened attentively to our tour leader, impressed everyone by their questions, their courtesy and not least by their expertise in washing and clearing dining tables. They made good use of their free time by exploring the grounds and forging friendships. Samye Ling is a place of real sanctuary and peace – our students recognized, contributed to and enjoyed this experience. Indeed, on Tuesday morning after
breakfast the Guesthouse did seem unusually peaceful – completely deserted in fact – but we soon discovered where they were: the Tibetan Tearooms enjoying hot chocolate, coffee and other goodies before the morning’s activities! Did they stop there? Not a bit of it; next stop the shop of course and many souvenirs and chocolate bars later boarded the minibuses for the 100 mile journey home; tired but thoroughly ‘chilled.’ Mr. Kellichan and Mrs. Munro would like to thank all the students for making the trip so successful with their positive attitude and obvious enthusiasm. We know theylearned a lot – not only academically.
Bell Baxter Rugby news This year the U16 and U18 teams have been entered into the Brewin Dolphin Cup Competition. The U18 team were narrowly beaten against Trinity Academy in the Preliminary Round and now drop into the Shield competition. The U16 team face a tough opening game against The High School of Glasgow away from home.
S1 rugby has been thriving this year. Over 40 boys have signed up and there is now an A and a B team with regular Saturday morning fixtures. The last two weekends have seen narrow defeats for both teams against Robert Gordon’s College and Dollar Academy. The next fixture is against Stewarts Melville College and will be played on Wetlands. Training for S1s is on a Tuesday night at the school - for more information contact Mr Runciman in the PE department.
Girls rugby has started up again for the coming season. Training is on a Thursday after school and is open to all age groups and abilities. It is hoped the team will be entered into the Brewin Dolphin Cup Competition again this year.
Chocolate coins
One of the S3 Technologies Enrichment classes recently organised a fund-raising competition to help finance their trip to Cadbury World and Alton Towers. The winner of the "£100 note" competition was Deniz Gunes. Well done Deniz, spend it wisely! The trip will allow pupils to see how to put good ideas into good business practice.
Scotland vs Belgium
Fourteen pupils from a range of year groups took up the challenge to ‘be the roar’ at Hampden last Friday when they attended the Scotland vs Belgium World Cup qualifying football match. For many it was their first time at Hampden and their first time watching an international match. Despite the bad weather and the result the group accompanied by Dr Campbell and Mr McAllister sang, shouted and cheered their way to a great night.
One of the many benefits of studying Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies in S5/6 has to be the annual trip to Samye Ling, ‘Scotland’s own’ Tibetan Buddhist Monastery near Eskdalemuir in the Scottish Borders. The students have the opportunity to visit a working example of a Buddhist community which includes a guided tour of the centre (including the beautiful Temple), meditation sessions and they can participate in or just observe worship services. The 2013 trip which took place on September 9th and 10th was in many ways our most successful yet. On each visit, a different event becomes that year’s highlight. This year we had our largest ever contingent, chose an earlier time of year to travel and were given a real treat as part of the Temple tour included a visit to the Medicine Buddha shrine room – a beautiful room on the top floor of the Temple not always available to visitors. The pupils were of course, a pleasure to be with and a real credit to the school. They fully engaged in all the activities and were determined to gain as much as possible from the experience (the majority even got out of bed for 6 a.m. prayers!). The pupils listened attentively to our tour leader, impressed everyone by their questions, their courtesy and not least by their expertise in washing and clearing dining tables. They made good use of their free time by exploring the grounds and forging friendships. Samye Ling is a place of real sanctuary and peace – our students recognized, contributed to and enjoyed this experience. Indeed, on Tuesday morning after
breakfast the Guesthouse did seem unusually peaceful – completely deserted in fact – but we soon discovered where they were: the Tibetan Tearooms enjoying hot chocolate, coffee and other goodies before the morning’s activities! Did they stop there? Not a bit of it; next stop the shop of course and many souvenirs and chocolate bars later boarded the minibuses for the 100 mile journey home; tired but thoroughly ‘chilled.’ Mr. Kellichan and Mrs. Munro would like to thank all the students for making the trip so successful with their positive attitude and obvious enthusiasm. We know theylearned a lot – not only academically.
Bell Baxter Rugby news This year the U16 and U18 teams have been entered into the Brewin Dolphin Cup Competition. The U18 team were narrowly beaten against Trinity Academy in the Preliminary Round and now drop into the Shield competition. The U16 team face a tough opening game against The High School of Glasgow away from home.
S1 rugby has been thriving this year. Over 40 boys have signed up and there is now an A and a B team with regular Saturday morning fixtures. The last two weekends have seen narrow defeats for both teams against Robert Gordon’s College and Dollar Academy. The next fixture is against Stewarts Melville College and will be played on Wetlands. Training for S1s is on a Tuesday night at the school - for more information contact Mr Runciman in the PE department.
Girls rugby has started up again for the coming season. Training is on a Thursday after school and is open to all age groups and abilities. It is hoped the team will be entered into the Brewin Dolphin Cup Competition again this year.
Chocolate coins
One of the S3 Technologies Enrichment classes recently organised a fund-raising competition to help finance their trip to Cadbury World and Alton Towers. The winner of the "£100 note" competition was Deniz Gunes. Well done Deniz, spend it wisely! The trip will allow pupils to see how to put good ideas into good business practice.
Scotland vs Belgium
Fourteen pupils from a range of year groups took up the challenge to ‘be the roar’ at Hampden last Friday when they attended the Scotland vs Belgium World Cup qualifying football match. For many it was their first time at Hampden and their first time watching an international match. Despite the bad weather and the result the group accompanied by Dr Campbell and Mr McAllister sang, shouted and cheered their way to a great night.
31 May 2013
Though it might rain it won't dampen the enthusiasm of all S1-3 students at Bell Baxter as they embrace the chance to try new sports, get out in to the community and share healthy and fun activities with their friends and teachers alike.
For the third successful year, Bell Baxter puts its best foot forward, as it encourages its young people to take on a healthier life style.
The events take the form of a rota over three days. On one day pupils will attempt a walk up to the Hill of Tarvit House, getting a chance to enjoy the views of the local landscape before they make their back to school.
A second day will be spent trying out some of our favourite national sports such as rugby and bowls over at Duffus Park, as well as some taster sessions with Ultimate Frisby and Shukokai karate, whilst others might prefer the chance to learn more about horticulture at Elmwood College or Safety at Sea with the Royal Lifeboat Institute.
Finally, on the third day, all pupils will have a chance to pursue an activity of their own choice which can vary from the exciting possibilities of white water rafting to the skills and pleasures of hair and beauty instruction.
All in all Bell Baxter students will have an eventful week full of exciting opportunities to refresh and rethink before the rigours of a new school year begin in June as we welcome our senior classes back following their National exams.
For the third successful year, Bell Baxter puts its best foot forward, as it encourages its young people to take on a healthier life style.
The events take the form of a rota over three days. On one day pupils will attempt a walk up to the Hill of Tarvit House, getting a chance to enjoy the views of the local landscape before they make their back to school.
A second day will be spent trying out some of our favourite national sports such as rugby and bowls over at Duffus Park, as well as some taster sessions with Ultimate Frisby and Shukokai karate, whilst others might prefer the chance to learn more about horticulture at Elmwood College or Safety at Sea with the Royal Lifeboat Institute.
Finally, on the third day, all pupils will have a chance to pursue an activity of their own choice which can vary from the exciting possibilities of white water rafting to the skills and pleasures of hair and beauty instruction.
All in all Bell Baxter students will have an eventful week full of exciting opportunities to refresh and rethink before the rigours of a new school year begin in June as we welcome our senior classes back following their National exams.
17 May 2013
Books come out on top! - Bell Baxter held its annual Book Award Ceremony this week to celebrate popular teenage fiction. 83 pupils had been invited to read a short list of recent popular titles and then vote on their favourite read. The guest speaker, Allan Morrison, Editor of the The Glasgow Herald's Arts Section, entertained the avid audience with tales of his exciting career before announcing the winner, The Other Life by Suzanne Winnacker. Furthermore, prizes were also won by Caitlin Robb and Elise McCulloch for producing an inspiring poster and a short film to provoke more young people to pick up this entertaining tale. Bell Baxter students would like to thank the Parent Council for their financial contribution which makes this event possible. Public
Speaking Finalists - This week saw the first of many events hosted by Bell Baxter to celebrate the array of talent exhibited by its students. The S1-3 English Public Speaking finals took place earlier in the week and judges were heartily impressed by the quality of the content and skill with which these young people articulated their ideas. Congratulations to Cameron Drummond in S1, Brooke Robertson and Finlay Adams in S2 and Alex Dewar and Sarah Paterson in S3.
Bell Baxter's answer to combat the Winter weight worries! - This month saw the completion of the new Fitness Suite at Bell Baxter. The existing facility was completely refurbished, including the installation of new state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and weight stations. Pupils will be soon be able to access this fantastic new equipment both within and outwith the curriculum as inductions for the new facility are currently taking place. This is an ideal place to work on that beach body for the summer!
Summer Sports Clubs - This term sees the beginning of Bell Baxter's Athletics season, and the return of the ever popular Athletics Club on a Tuesday night after school. This is a great opportunity to come along and have some fun, as well as practise your events for the annual Sports Day that takes place mid June. A Cricket Club has also been introduced this term by Mr Iqbal. This will take place on a Wednesday after school - all pupils are welcome to come along and learn this fun summer sport. Finally, the school are now in a position to make use of a fleet of new Mountain Bikes. Mr Runciman and Mr Fraser will be running a club which will look at how to ride safely as well as the maintenance of the bikes. So watch out for Bell Baxter pupils - they should certainly be out and about come rain or shine!
Speaking Finalists - This week saw the first of many events hosted by Bell Baxter to celebrate the array of talent exhibited by its students. The S1-3 English Public Speaking finals took place earlier in the week and judges were heartily impressed by the quality of the content and skill with which these young people articulated their ideas. Congratulations to Cameron Drummond in S1, Brooke Robertson and Finlay Adams in S2 and Alex Dewar and Sarah Paterson in S3.
Bell Baxter's answer to combat the Winter weight worries! - This month saw the completion of the new Fitness Suite at Bell Baxter. The existing facility was completely refurbished, including the installation of new state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and weight stations. Pupils will be soon be able to access this fantastic new equipment both within and outwith the curriculum as inductions for the new facility are currently taking place. This is an ideal place to work on that beach body for the summer!
Summer Sports Clubs - This term sees the beginning of Bell Baxter's Athletics season, and the return of the ever popular Athletics Club on a Tuesday night after school. This is a great opportunity to come along and have some fun, as well as practise your events for the annual Sports Day that takes place mid June. A Cricket Club has also been introduced this term by Mr Iqbal. This will take place on a Wednesday after school - all pupils are welcome to come along and learn this fun summer sport. Finally, the school are now in a position to make use of a fleet of new Mountain Bikes. Mr Runciman and Mr Fraser will be running a club which will look at how to ride safely as well as the maintenance of the bikes. So watch out for Bell Baxter pupils - they should certainly be out and about come rain or shine!
10 May 2013
Farewell - Last week saw S6 pupils marking the end of their time at Bell Baxter. On Wednesday evening the School Captains, in conjunction with the Charities' Group, organised a successful and well-attended leavers' ceilidh. This was followed on Friday with the traditional leavers' assembly and outing to Craigtoun Park. The wet weather did little to dampen spirits, with pupils enjoying the activities on offer at Craigtoun while staff organised the barbeque. Thank you to all members of staff who supported these events and best wishes to all leavers.Summer Spelling Bee! - As the bees begin to buzz around the flowers preparing for Summer, Bell Baxter S1 students are preparing for their own Summer Spelling Bee frenzy. Armed with 50 spellings to learn that will reflect new vocabulary across all their subject areas, the S1 cohort have been given the challenge to pit their spelling talents against one another to find out who will be crowned this year's spelling champion. From civilisation to investigation and rhombus to Beethoven, these testing words will certainly provide an interesting and testing challenge.
29 March 2013
Happy Easter - As term draws to a close and Spring should be in the air, everyone at Bell Baxter wishes our Community a Happy Easter break. Our senior pupils will be studying hard over the holidays, and we wish a group of staff and pupils who are off to Berlin a good trip.
Rugby Result at last - At long last the final of the Brewin Dolphin School U16 Rugby Plate was played on Tuesday evening on the Murrayfield G4 pitch. The tough match against Jedburgh Grammar School ended in a surprising 15-15 draw meaning that both schools share the trophy. Marc Duncan scored the first try for Bell Baxter, but Jedburgh went on to take the lead. Another try by Kieran Bremner and conversion by Callum Harris placed Bell Baxter still trailing by three points with ten miriutes to go. Literally with the last kick of the game, Callum Harris' penalty brought the score level. A heroic performance by the team led by Captain Murdo Sinclair. The boys received medals and the Plate wiH-seafieio Bell Baxter later in the year. Congratulations to Murdo Sinclair, Marc Duncan, Ross Stockton, Ryan Batehup, Stuart Dawson, Gavin Murray, Callum Stuart, Cameron Eggleston, Euan Harris, Liam San Roman, Kieran Brough, Calum Harris, Euan Muir, Callum Fox, Kieran Bremner, Matthew McDougall, Greg Armit, Jack Tufft, Steven Dalrymple, Cameron Lonie, Jack Richardson. Congratulations too to coaches at Bell Baxter and Howe of Fife.
Young Enterprise - Congratulations to the senior pupils who were involved in the Young Enterprise Company Very Vintage. They were awarded runners up in the Fife wide competition on Friday evening. They created unique (and very vintage) style cake stands which they have been selling over the past months. There are still some fabulous pieces for sale. Well done!
Exams are looming - This year Bell Baxter's Revision School will run during the first week of the Easter holidays, beginning Monday, April l .Study Support sessions are being delivered in art, Computing, drama, maths and modern studies during the first three days of the holidays. Those pupils who are undertaking subjects in which study support is being offered as part of the Easter Revision School have received letters and parental consent form is also required. The sessions, which can also be found on the school website, are: Monday, April l - Higher: Maths, Intermediate: Art and Computing, Standard Grade: Art and Computing; Tuesday, April 2 - Higher: Drama (practical & theory), Maths and Art Intermediate: Computing, Modern Studies and Art, Standard Grade: Drama (practical & theory), Computing and Modern Studies; Wednesday, April 3 - Higher: Drama (practical & theory), Maths and Art; Intermediate: Computing, Modern Studies and Art, Standard Grade: Drama (practical & theory), Computing and Modern Studies
Diary dates - Term begins for staff and pupils on Monday, April 15. Study leave for S4 pupil begins Friday, April 26. Study leave for S5/6 pupils begins Priday, May 3.
Rugby Result at last - At long last the final of the Brewin Dolphin School U16 Rugby Plate was played on Tuesday evening on the Murrayfield G4 pitch. The tough match against Jedburgh Grammar School ended in a surprising 15-15 draw meaning that both schools share the trophy. Marc Duncan scored the first try for Bell Baxter, but Jedburgh went on to take the lead. Another try by Kieran Bremner and conversion by Callum Harris placed Bell Baxter still trailing by three points with ten miriutes to go. Literally with the last kick of the game, Callum Harris' penalty brought the score level. A heroic performance by the team led by Captain Murdo Sinclair. The boys received medals and the Plate wiH-seafieio Bell Baxter later in the year. Congratulations to Murdo Sinclair, Marc Duncan, Ross Stockton, Ryan Batehup, Stuart Dawson, Gavin Murray, Callum Stuart, Cameron Eggleston, Euan Harris, Liam San Roman, Kieran Brough, Calum Harris, Euan Muir, Callum Fox, Kieran Bremner, Matthew McDougall, Greg Armit, Jack Tufft, Steven Dalrymple, Cameron Lonie, Jack Richardson. Congratulations too to coaches at Bell Baxter and Howe of Fife.
Young Enterprise - Congratulations to the senior pupils who were involved in the Young Enterprise Company Very Vintage. They were awarded runners up in the Fife wide competition on Friday evening. They created unique (and very vintage) style cake stands which they have been selling over the past months. There are still some fabulous pieces for sale. Well done!
Exams are looming - This year Bell Baxter's Revision School will run during the first week of the Easter holidays, beginning Monday, April l .Study Support sessions are being delivered in art, Computing, drama, maths and modern studies during the first three days of the holidays. Those pupils who are undertaking subjects in which study support is being offered as part of the Easter Revision School have received letters and parental consent form is also required. The sessions, which can also be found on the school website, are: Monday, April l - Higher: Maths, Intermediate: Art and Computing, Standard Grade: Art and Computing; Tuesday, April 2 - Higher: Drama (practical & theory), Maths and Art Intermediate: Computing, Modern Studies and Art, Standard Grade: Drama (practical & theory), Computing and Modern Studies; Wednesday, April 3 - Higher: Drama (practical & theory), Maths and Art; Intermediate: Computing, Modern Studies and Art, Standard Grade: Drama (practical & theory), Computing and Modern Studies
Diary dates - Term begins for staff and pupils on Monday, April 15. Study leave for S4 pupil begins Friday, April 26. Study leave for S5/6 pupils begins Priday, May 3.
22 March 2013
Well-tried girls
Six girls from Bell Baxter have been selected to train as part of the Scotland U18 girls’rugby team.Ailidh McCall (S5), Katie Williams (S5), Fiona Cooper (S5), Skye Wilson (S4), Rebecca Thompson (S4) and Nicola Howat (S4) were all chosen to take part in the team’s main training programme over the summer. This includes a number of training camps and days for the girls. They also take part in various activities each month such as strengthening and conditioning, fitness and regional training. The girls were selected to take part in a match against the Nicholson Institute from Stornoway at Murrayfield on Friday 15th March in which they were victorious, winning 41-28. The girls will also be representing Tayside and Fife this weekend at the National 7s tournament at Murrayfield competing against teams who have won their regional competitions. Good luck girls!
Being conscious of our world
Members of the school’s Amnesty group delivered a petition for a UN Arms Trade Treaty to Sir Menzies Campbell's office last week, which was accepted by Donald Lothian on behalf of Sir Menzies Campbell. Several hundred signatures from pupils and staff were handed over on a giant roll of paper. The group members who presented the petition were Natalie Pereira 2.01, Emma Stevenson 2.07 and Eve Allen 2.06.
Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 “500 Words” Story Competition
Many of our S1 and S2 pupils have entered stories in the BBC Radio 2 “500 Words” Story competition. Over 90,000 entries were received. Congratulations to S2 pupils Holly Sinclair, Morgan Stalker and Thomas Cameron who have made it through to the next stage. Holly’s story “Hero”, Morgan’s story ”Mountain” and Thomas’ story “The Bird Boy”, are in the last 3,000, which will be whittled down to the Top 50 at the end of April. This is a significant achievement for Morgan, Holly and Thomas. What are the odds on three stories from one school making it to the final? Well done Bell Baxter too!
The mysteries of time
A party of S3-S6 pupils, accompanied by English staff, attended a performance of J.B. Priestley’s “Time and the Conways” at Dundee Rep this week. For some pupils studying the text for Higher English, this new production really enhances their understanding of what is a fairly complex and thought-provoking play.
Diary dates
Spring Concert – Wednesday 27th arch 7pm Term ends Thursday 28th March at 3.25pm
Six girls from Bell Baxter have been selected to train as part of the Scotland U18 girls’rugby team.Ailidh McCall (S5), Katie Williams (S5), Fiona Cooper (S5), Skye Wilson (S4), Rebecca Thompson (S4) and Nicola Howat (S4) were all chosen to take part in the team’s main training programme over the summer. This includes a number of training camps and days for the girls. They also take part in various activities each month such as strengthening and conditioning, fitness and regional training. The girls were selected to take part in a match against the Nicholson Institute from Stornoway at Murrayfield on Friday 15th March in which they were victorious, winning 41-28. The girls will also be representing Tayside and Fife this weekend at the National 7s tournament at Murrayfield competing against teams who have won their regional competitions. Good luck girls!
Being conscious of our world
Members of the school’s Amnesty group delivered a petition for a UN Arms Trade Treaty to Sir Menzies Campbell's office last week, which was accepted by Donald Lothian on behalf of Sir Menzies Campbell. Several hundred signatures from pupils and staff were handed over on a giant roll of paper. The group members who presented the petition were Natalie Pereira 2.01, Emma Stevenson 2.07 and Eve Allen 2.06.
Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 “500 Words” Story Competition
Many of our S1 and S2 pupils have entered stories in the BBC Radio 2 “500 Words” Story competition. Over 90,000 entries were received. Congratulations to S2 pupils Holly Sinclair, Morgan Stalker and Thomas Cameron who have made it through to the next stage. Holly’s story “Hero”, Morgan’s story ”Mountain” and Thomas’ story “The Bird Boy”, are in the last 3,000, which will be whittled down to the Top 50 at the end of April. This is a significant achievement for Morgan, Holly and Thomas. What are the odds on three stories from one school making it to the final? Well done Bell Baxter too!
The mysteries of time
A party of S3-S6 pupils, accompanied by English staff, attended a performance of J.B. Priestley’s “Time and the Conways” at Dundee Rep this week. For some pupils studying the text for Higher English, this new production really enhances their understanding of what is a fairly complex and thought-provoking play.
Diary dates
Spring Concert – Wednesday 27th arch 7pm Term ends Thursday 28th March at 3.25pm
15 March 2013
Fairtrade Fortnight
On Friday, March \, Professor John Canon-Riches, from the Fair Trade Foundation, visited to have lunch with the school's Fairtrade group in the hospitality restaurant. They were joined by the Eco group, Tesco's Community champion Elaine Brailsford, and a number of English teachers for the lunch - all made from fair trade products. Professor Canon-Riches came in to talk about the rice challenge, which the fair trade group are currently undertaking. The group have bought 90kg of rice and, for each 90 bags sold, one girl will be able to go to school for one year. He also spoke to a number of first-year classes to promote the rice challenge amongst the younger years. Professor Canon-Riches' visit also coincided with Scotland achieving Fair Trade nation Status on Monday, February 25.
Radio Waves
A group of Bell Baxter pupils with the help of Business Education teachers are creating a radio channel for the school. It is hoped that pupils from all years will get involved in the channel and make it a Bell Baxter fixture. Currently the group is creating material to play when the channel starts. The group receives help from Miss Lees, a teacher who has recentiy joined the Faculty of Technologies. The group is going on a fact-finding mission to a school that already has a radio station to get some tips and help on what they can do to put their ideas into soundwaves! All the pupils are looking forward to the radio station and it will be a great addition to the school.
Musical success
Once again, pupils within the Faculty of. Expressive Arts excelled themselves. At the Fife Festival of Music in January, awards were won by a variety of talented students - Alasdair Robertson was awarded the Hamish G Munro Trophy for his open piano solo class; Samantha Cockburn won the Lomond Music Shield in her 18-and-under Scottish songs class; and Caitlin Sinclair outdid herseif, winning both the Fife Oboe Teacher's Trophy for her open solo woodwind class, along with the Young Musician of the Year trophy. Overall, these are outstanding achievements and the budding performers should be extremely proud of themselves, äs are their teachers and parents.
Sainsbury's Active Kids Vouchers
The school is collecting Active Kids vouchers to enable us to purchase more PE equipment. If you shop at Sainsbury's, please give vouchers to our pupils. The more vouchers we collect the more equipment we can buy.
Rugby Final
Congratulations and best of luck to our U16 Rugby team who have reached the final of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Plate. They will play against Jedburgh Grammar on Tuesday evening, March 19, at Murrayfield. Hopefully next week we will have a füll report.
Diary dates - Spring Concert - Wednesday, March 27. Term ends on Thursday,
On Friday, March \, Professor John Canon-Riches, from the Fair Trade Foundation, visited to have lunch with the school's Fairtrade group in the hospitality restaurant. They were joined by the Eco group, Tesco's Community champion Elaine Brailsford, and a number of English teachers for the lunch - all made from fair trade products. Professor Canon-Riches came in to talk about the rice challenge, which the fair trade group are currently undertaking. The group have bought 90kg of rice and, for each 90 bags sold, one girl will be able to go to school for one year. He also spoke to a number of first-year classes to promote the rice challenge amongst the younger years. Professor Canon-Riches' visit also coincided with Scotland achieving Fair Trade nation Status on Monday, February 25.
Radio Waves
A group of Bell Baxter pupils with the help of Business Education teachers are creating a radio channel for the school. It is hoped that pupils from all years will get involved in the channel and make it a Bell Baxter fixture. Currently the group is creating material to play when the channel starts. The group receives help from Miss Lees, a teacher who has recentiy joined the Faculty of Technologies. The group is going on a fact-finding mission to a school that already has a radio station to get some tips and help on what they can do to put their ideas into soundwaves! All the pupils are looking forward to the radio station and it will be a great addition to the school.
Musical success
Once again, pupils within the Faculty of. Expressive Arts excelled themselves. At the Fife Festival of Music in January, awards were won by a variety of talented students - Alasdair Robertson was awarded the Hamish G Munro Trophy for his open piano solo class; Samantha Cockburn won the Lomond Music Shield in her 18-and-under Scottish songs class; and Caitlin Sinclair outdid herseif, winning both the Fife Oboe Teacher's Trophy for her open solo woodwind class, along with the Young Musician of the Year trophy. Overall, these are outstanding achievements and the budding performers should be extremely proud of themselves, äs are their teachers and parents.
Sainsbury's Active Kids Vouchers
The school is collecting Active Kids vouchers to enable us to purchase more PE equipment. If you shop at Sainsbury's, please give vouchers to our pupils. The more vouchers we collect the more equipment we can buy.
Rugby Final
Congratulations and best of luck to our U16 Rugby team who have reached the final of the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Plate. They will play against Jedburgh Grammar on Tuesday evening, March 19, at Murrayfield. Hopefully next week we will have a füll report.
Diary dates - Spring Concert - Wednesday, March 27. Term ends on Thursday,
1 March 2013
News from Expressive Arts - The Expressive Arts Faculty at Bell Baxter offers pupils a number of opportunities to develop and showcase their talents. The Drama department plans and organises regulär productions, with this year's being a musical named Dance of the Dolls. The show was written by drama teacher Mr Robb, and preparations are well under way for the performance, with rehearsals taking place every Tuesday after school. Additional rehearsals for specific cast members have also been taking place at lunchtime. The pupils involved range from Sl to S6 and are very dedicated to the show, putting in numerous hours of hard work; some are also helping to write the music. Preparations began early last year and the show will be performed later on this year - there is a lot of hard work involved!
Miss Saigon - Congratulations to S6 pupil Steph Hay for her excellent performance in Kirkcaldy Youth Musical Theatre's production of Miss Saigon last week. Steph took one of the lead roles, and both her singing and acting showcased her considerable talent. Miss Saigon is the eleventh longest running musical of all time and this was the Scottish debut for youth theatre at the Adam Smith in Kirkcaldy. Miss Saigon by Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables) is based on Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly and is the story of a Vietnamese bar girl who falls for an American GI with tragic consequences. Well done Steph.
The Janny's Hoose Hub - A new initiative started on Thursday, February 21 at the Janny's Hoose and Sports facilities. Every Thursday after school until 5pm there will be a drop-in facility which will offer the following activities: sport taster sessions every week, Food Club, media projects, physical activities in conjunction with Active School Coordinator, graffiti wall, gardening project in conjunction with Elmwood College. The Hub drop-in Health worker offers confidential information and advice on health related issues as well as promoting health and wellbeing topics. The Janny's Hoose Hub is open to all pupils of Bell Baxter HS; free snacks and refreshments available.
Maths Faculty news - The Maths Faculty had a visit from Mr Dyce Davidson, a lecturer from the Maths Faculty at Dundee University. He came to speak with six classes of our S4 pupils. The theme of the talk was 'Maths beyond school'. This is not the first time Mr Davidson has been to the school to talk with pupils, and some of our pupils have gone on tö study Maths at Dundee University. It was a very interesting and inspiring talk and very well received by our pupils. Each month the Faculty of Mathematics will be handing out a number of awards to pupils who have impressed with their positive attitude and eagerness to improve within the subject. These pupils will receive a 'Golden Calculator' award and their names will be displayed within the faculty. The award winners for January are: S1 Kara Edmundson, Rebecca Sedgwick, Laura Innes, S2 Keirra White, Amie McCrostie, Charlie McDonald, Rachel Blair. S3 Cameron Hain, Caitlin Robb, Gemma Robb, Maxine Graham, Zoe Phillips, Douglas Black, S4 Jemma-Louise Forbes, Sorcha Duncan, James Strachan, Katelyn Struthers, S5 Chiara Black, Eilidh I MacDonald, S6 John Buffivant.
Parent Council news - The next Parent Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday 7th March in the school's Conference Room at 7 pm. All parents/carers welcome. Mock Interviews - thank you to all parents and local business figures participating in the S6 mock Interviews. All S6 pupils have now received initial training, with around 40 pupils expected to undertake one-to-one interviews during March. Those interested in supporting this and/or the Careers Advice Register which gives advice to senior pupils on career paths, can contact Julie Struthers on [email protected]. Easy Fundraising - Are you a frequent online shopper? Don't forget to use the customer loyalty Website http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/. With over 3,000 retailers on board, you can shop online with all your favourite supermarkets and retailers and they will donate a percentage of your sale to Bell Baxter - at no extra cost to you! Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ bellbaxterparentcouncil and follow the simple instructions.
Diary date - The Spring Concert is on Wednesday, March 27 at 7 pm.
Miss Saigon - Congratulations to S6 pupil Steph Hay for her excellent performance in Kirkcaldy Youth Musical Theatre's production of Miss Saigon last week. Steph took one of the lead roles, and both her singing and acting showcased her considerable talent. Miss Saigon is the eleventh longest running musical of all time and this was the Scottish debut for youth theatre at the Adam Smith in Kirkcaldy. Miss Saigon by Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables) is based on Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly and is the story of a Vietnamese bar girl who falls for an American GI with tragic consequences. Well done Steph.
The Janny's Hoose Hub - A new initiative started on Thursday, February 21 at the Janny's Hoose and Sports facilities. Every Thursday after school until 5pm there will be a drop-in facility which will offer the following activities: sport taster sessions every week, Food Club, media projects, physical activities in conjunction with Active School Coordinator, graffiti wall, gardening project in conjunction with Elmwood College. The Hub drop-in Health worker offers confidential information and advice on health related issues as well as promoting health and wellbeing topics. The Janny's Hoose Hub is open to all pupils of Bell Baxter HS; free snacks and refreshments available.
Maths Faculty news - The Maths Faculty had a visit from Mr Dyce Davidson, a lecturer from the Maths Faculty at Dundee University. He came to speak with six classes of our S4 pupils. The theme of the talk was 'Maths beyond school'. This is not the first time Mr Davidson has been to the school to talk with pupils, and some of our pupils have gone on tö study Maths at Dundee University. It was a very interesting and inspiring talk and very well received by our pupils. Each month the Faculty of Mathematics will be handing out a number of awards to pupils who have impressed with their positive attitude and eagerness to improve within the subject. These pupils will receive a 'Golden Calculator' award and their names will be displayed within the faculty. The award winners for January are: S1 Kara Edmundson, Rebecca Sedgwick, Laura Innes, S2 Keirra White, Amie McCrostie, Charlie McDonald, Rachel Blair. S3 Cameron Hain, Caitlin Robb, Gemma Robb, Maxine Graham, Zoe Phillips, Douglas Black, S4 Jemma-Louise Forbes, Sorcha Duncan, James Strachan, Katelyn Struthers, S5 Chiara Black, Eilidh I MacDonald, S6 John Buffivant.
Parent Council news - The next Parent Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday 7th March in the school's Conference Room at 7 pm. All parents/carers welcome. Mock Interviews - thank you to all parents and local business figures participating in the S6 mock Interviews. All S6 pupils have now received initial training, with around 40 pupils expected to undertake one-to-one interviews during March. Those interested in supporting this and/or the Careers Advice Register which gives advice to senior pupils on career paths, can contact Julie Struthers on [email protected]. Easy Fundraising - Are you a frequent online shopper? Don't forget to use the customer loyalty Website http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/. With over 3,000 retailers on board, you can shop online with all your favourite supermarkets and retailers and they will donate a percentage of your sale to Bell Baxter - at no extra cost to you! Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ bellbaxterparentcouncil and follow the simple instructions.
Diary date - The Spring Concert is on Wednesday, March 27 at 7 pm.
22 February 2013
Fife Schools badminton - Congratulations to the following Bell Baxter pupils who participated in, and were successful in the Fife Schools Badminton Championships, which took place on February 7. S1: Cameron Brown, Ruaridh Griffin, S2: Galen Rodger, Rowan McLoughlin, Emma Stevenson, Natalie Pereira, S4: Liam San Roman, Murdo Sinclair, ]amie Urquhart, Gregor Wilson, Laura Dawson, Eilidh Byer, Naomi Pereira, S5: Greg Smart, Glen Gardiner, Fiona Cooper, Victoria Baird, Caitlin Brown, S6: Ross Campbell, Remy Appere. The winning performances came from Laura Dawson - U16 girls singles runner up, Caitlin Brown - U19 girls singles runner up, Fiona Cooper & Victoria Baird - U19 girls double runner up. There were also consolation draws for those knocked out of the main draw. Victoria Baird - U19 girls singles runner up, Glen Gardiner - U19 boys singles runner up.
Tree of Knowledge - Reach for the Power Inside - In the ongoing drive to maximise attainment for pupils in SQA exams, all S5 pupils attended Workshops provided by the Tree of Knowledge. The purpose of the Workshops is to help pupils manage revision workload in a systematic way, so that stress does not build up and pupils can maintain seif motivation. The Workshops complement the extensive after school Study Support programme.
Parent Council news - The S2 Parents' Evenings took place the week of Burns Night, so the hamper was aptiy made up over £50 worth of Scottish goods including whisky, Irn-Bru, porridge, Tunnock's biscuits and oatcakes - and even a Beano and Mrs Broon's Cookbook! Raffle organiser, the school's Parent Council, thank everyone who purchased tickets and donated goods for the hamper. The raffle raised over £150 - to add to the £500 already raised at recent Parents' Evenings. This total is now being donated to the school for pupil resources. Congratulations to Rachel Lessels, grandmother of S2 pupil Gordon Sneddon, who was the lucky winner of the hamper.
Fife Schools Giant Heptathlon - Congratulations to the S1 / S2 boys and girls team that won the Fife Schools Giant Heptathlon yesterday at Pitreavie Athletics Track. The 14 boys and girls worked together over a number of different running, jumping and throwing events in order to win the first place trophy, and will go on to compete in the Scottish Schools event in March. Representing Bell Baxter were: Tiree Taylor, Fräser Allan, Hannah Stenhouse, Jayden Kellock, Katie Ross, Finlay Adams, Chloe Laing, Louis Appere, Thea Gerrard, Kieran Fox, Tabi Gudgeon, Logan White, Robyn Henderson and Cameron Brown.
More Pupil Success - DAS pupils Dean Bruce and Luke Blyth attended the East District Cross Country running competition in Edinburgh yesterday. They both ran in the l km race and Dean was the fastest S1 boy with Luke 3rd. Well done, boys!
Tree of Knowledge - Reach for the Power Inside - In the ongoing drive to maximise attainment for pupils in SQA exams, all S5 pupils attended Workshops provided by the Tree of Knowledge. The purpose of the Workshops is to help pupils manage revision workload in a systematic way, so that stress does not build up and pupils can maintain seif motivation. The Workshops complement the extensive after school Study Support programme.
Parent Council news - The S2 Parents' Evenings took place the week of Burns Night, so the hamper was aptiy made up over £50 worth of Scottish goods including whisky, Irn-Bru, porridge, Tunnock's biscuits and oatcakes - and even a Beano and Mrs Broon's Cookbook! Raffle organiser, the school's Parent Council, thank everyone who purchased tickets and donated goods for the hamper. The raffle raised over £150 - to add to the £500 already raised at recent Parents' Evenings. This total is now being donated to the school for pupil resources. Congratulations to Rachel Lessels, grandmother of S2 pupil Gordon Sneddon, who was the lucky winner of the hamper.
Fife Schools Giant Heptathlon - Congratulations to the S1 / S2 boys and girls team that won the Fife Schools Giant Heptathlon yesterday at Pitreavie Athletics Track. The 14 boys and girls worked together over a number of different running, jumping and throwing events in order to win the first place trophy, and will go on to compete in the Scottish Schools event in March. Representing Bell Baxter were: Tiree Taylor, Fräser Allan, Hannah Stenhouse, Jayden Kellock, Katie Ross, Finlay Adams, Chloe Laing, Louis Appere, Thea Gerrard, Kieran Fox, Tabi Gudgeon, Logan White, Robyn Henderson and Cameron Brown.
More Pupil Success - DAS pupils Dean Bruce and Luke Blyth attended the East District Cross Country running competition in Edinburgh yesterday. They both ran in the l km race and Dean was the fastest S1 boy with Luke 3rd. Well done, boys!
1 February 2013
Darren Shan - First and fourth year pupils participated in an event hosted by the BBC Authors Live programme. Pupils were able to watch a live webcast by Darren Shan, a teenage horror writer. Shan talked about his new Zom-B series of books and described to his audience where his ideas came from when writing these new books. All the pupils were fascinated by Shan's webcast in this joint LRC / English faculty event.
Celebrating Bums Event - Isla Stout (S3) participated in a national Glow event to celebrate Burns night. Isla, an accomplished piper and Pipe Major, opened and closed the event which was beamed live into classrooms across Scotland. This video link was a first for Bell Baxter, and we were happy to link up with Newburgh PS. Thanks go to Miss Doig, Mr Gaines and Mrs Webster for helping set up the Glow Meet. A special "thank you" and well done to Isla!
Powering to international success - On Tuesday, January 1, James McKeown (S5) set off with other members of the Scottish Development Kayaking Squad for their annual winter cross-country skiing training camp at the Skalka resort in Slovakia. The trip started very early on New Year's Day with a flight from Edinburgh to Paris. After a very long transfer there, James took another flight to Vienna in Austria. Here he was met by Kristina, the national coach, who drove him though Hungary into Slovakia. The next day, the Scottish squad joined up with Slovaks and they made their way by bus to the ski resort and their accommodation at Chata Limba. This would be their home for the next seven days. Each day started with a very early morning alarm call and a run followed by a buffet breakfast. The morning ski was usually a time trial, in which they did several timed laps of a particular circuit. The aftemoon tended to be a long ski of up to 30km. After dinner training did not stop, with three evening trips to the gym during his stay to do weight sessions. On the one "rest day" they went for a longer than usual ski in the morning, followed by an afternoon of rest and relaxation with sauna, steam room, swimming and a sports massage. This was the third winter training camp for James and he saw improvements in the number of kilometres he skied and the times he achieved in his time trials. Hopefully all his hard work will pay off for the forthcoming season. James is off to Portugal in February for another training camp, this time actually kayaking!
Fundraising in every language! - The Faculty of Modern Languages and Culture raised £703.03 with S1 pupils before Christmas for CHAS. Pupils learned ten words of a foreign language they are not currently studyihg at school. They practised in class and were tested after a few days. In the meantime pupils got sponsors from friends and family. This is an annual event and this year saw an increase in the money raised. Pupils were shown a DVD that explained the work that CHAS are doing to provide some information äs to why such fundraising is necessary. Pupils were very touched by what they saw and tried very hard to raise äs much äs they could. Well done, merci, danke, grazie.
Diary dates - Tuesday, February 5 - P7 parents information evening.
Celebrating Bums Event - Isla Stout (S3) participated in a national Glow event to celebrate Burns night. Isla, an accomplished piper and Pipe Major, opened and closed the event which was beamed live into classrooms across Scotland. This video link was a first for Bell Baxter, and we were happy to link up with Newburgh PS. Thanks go to Miss Doig, Mr Gaines and Mrs Webster for helping set up the Glow Meet. A special "thank you" and well done to Isla!
Powering to international success - On Tuesday, January 1, James McKeown (S5) set off with other members of the Scottish Development Kayaking Squad for their annual winter cross-country skiing training camp at the Skalka resort in Slovakia. The trip started very early on New Year's Day with a flight from Edinburgh to Paris. After a very long transfer there, James took another flight to Vienna in Austria. Here he was met by Kristina, the national coach, who drove him though Hungary into Slovakia. The next day, the Scottish squad joined up with Slovaks and they made their way by bus to the ski resort and their accommodation at Chata Limba. This would be their home for the next seven days. Each day started with a very early morning alarm call and a run followed by a buffet breakfast. The morning ski was usually a time trial, in which they did several timed laps of a particular circuit. The aftemoon tended to be a long ski of up to 30km. After dinner training did not stop, with three evening trips to the gym during his stay to do weight sessions. On the one "rest day" they went for a longer than usual ski in the morning, followed by an afternoon of rest and relaxation with sauna, steam room, swimming and a sports massage. This was the third winter training camp for James and he saw improvements in the number of kilometres he skied and the times he achieved in his time trials. Hopefully all his hard work will pay off for the forthcoming season. James is off to Portugal in February for another training camp, this time actually kayaking!
Fundraising in every language! - The Faculty of Modern Languages and Culture raised £703.03 with S1 pupils before Christmas for CHAS. Pupils learned ten words of a foreign language they are not currently studyihg at school. They practised in class and were tested after a few days. In the meantime pupils got sponsors from friends and family. This is an annual event and this year saw an increase in the money raised. Pupils were shown a DVD that explained the work that CHAS are doing to provide some information äs to why such fundraising is necessary. Pupils were very touched by what they saw and tried very hard to raise äs much äs they could. Well done, merci, danke, grazie.
Diary dates - Tuesday, February 5 - P7 parents information evening.
18 January 2013
Happy New Year
A belated happy new year from all at Bell Baxter!
As the term begins, senior pupils are straight into Prelims which begin on 21st Jan, and a full and busy programme gets under way for all pupils.
Mrs Johnston has taken up her new post as Depute Rector and Mr Lamb is currently Acting Year Head for S2.
The Diary Team will work hard to keep up to date with news and events in Bell Baxter in 2013.
Parent Council
Congratulations to parents Kevin Davey from Ceres (son Andrew in S3) and Bernard Whitle from Auchtermuchty (sons Sam and Luke in S6 and S4) - the winners of two Christmas hampers up for grabs in our Parents’ Evenings raffle. The festive hampers, each worth around £100, were put together thanks to generous donations from Kettle Produce, the Co-op, Tesco, Lidl and Parent Council members. We'd like to thank everyone who participated, both through making donations and purchasing raffle tickets. Over £500 was raised in total, now to be used for pupil resources.
S2 parents will have their own chance to win a Burns Night-themed hamper - including whisky, shortbread, oatcakes and a Broons' cookery book at the S2 Parents' Nights on the 17th and 22nd Jan. Don't forget to buy a raffle ticket for the chance to win - and raise funds for the pupils of Bell Baxter!
Rugby stars
Two of our former pupils Peter Horne and Chris Fusaro have been included in the Scotland rugby training squad in preparation for the Six Nations tournament, and looking for their first cap for Scotland. Both are now professional players for Glasgow Warriors and were part of the triumphant Bell Baxter/Howe of Fife team which won the Schools and Clubs cups and School’s 7’s in 2007. Another member of that team, Michael Fedo, also plays professionally in the Scotland 7’s team, which takes part in major 7’s tournaments round the world. Former pupil 18 year old Murdo McAndrew has won a place in the Scotland Under-20 squad, who will play teams from England, Ireland and France in the coming weeks. Murdo is currently on a professional contract with the Clermont-Auvergne Academy in France.
Bell Baxter and our community is immensely proud of these players and their significant achievements. Well done.
Diary dates
S2 Parents’ Night: Tues 22nd Jan – 5-8pm.
P7 Information Evening: Tues 5th Feb.
30 November 2012
Celebrate St Andrew - A group of 10 Bell Baxter senior pupils will be participating in a street theatre event as part of the St Andrews Week celebrations in St Andrews today (Friday) from 6.30-9pm. They will attend some workshops that week with Conflux Theatre Company in BBHS in order to train for the event. Worth a visit.Peace and mindfulness - Last Tuesday and Wednesday saw the annual RMPS (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies - Ed.) trip to 'Buddha Camp'. Twenty seven S5/6 RMPS pupils, two staff and our student teacher piled into two minibuses and set off to spend the night at Samyling, the Tibetan Buddhist Centre near Eskdalemuir. Despite persistent rain we enjoyed the beautiful temple, the tour of the grounds, the vegetarian cuisine, copious cups of tea, the delights of the Tibetan tearoom and each other's company! We became very mindful as we learned and practised meditation techniques, attended various worship sessions and reinforced our understanding of Buddhist beliefs and practices first hand. The staff would like to thank the pupils who were, as always, a credit to Bell Baxter. - Contributed by Mrs G. Munro and Mr E. Kellichan.Swimming to success - DAS pupil Jamie Lorimer (S3) has recently been excelling in the swimming pool. A first and third place at the ASN Fife Swimming Championships at Lochgelly HS in October, resulted in selection to swim for Fife. Last week he made the trip to Glasgow to compete in the Scottish championships accompanied by his support team of Shaun Reid and Daniel Smith. Although no medals were won on this occasion, he revelled in the atmosphere, swam well and hopes to return again next year.
Children in Need - Congratulation to S2 pupils Emma Stevenson and Hannah Bryson, who raised £217 for Children in Need. Over the weekend of November 10-11 the girls responded to the Blue Peter Appeal to "Go Pyjamas for Children in Need". They wore pyjamas all weekend wherever they went - including Cupar Sports Centre and the West Sands in St Andrews. Emma and Hannah would like to thank everyone who sponsored them. Well done from everyone at Bell Baxter too.
Maths Challenge - Once again Bell Baxter mathematicians have scored well in the UK Maths Challenge. Norman Macgregor from S5 won a gold certificate and qualified for a follow-on round of the competition. Ailidh McCall, James McKeown, Rosie Baird and Jennifer Patrick, all in S5, as well as Chris Royle from S6, won silver certificates. James McLauchlan from S5, as well as Catherine Brearley, Hannah Greenless, Ian Dawson, Thomas Work, Hannah Crofts, Ross Bremner and Cara Robertson in S6, won bronze certificates. Well done to all participants.
S1 Trip to Hansel and Gretel - As part of the S1 English course all S1 pupils have the opportunity to attend a Christmas production - this year it is Hansel and Gretel at the Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, on the morning of December 13. Pupils and parents are reminded to return consent forms and payment by the end of November.
Parent Council news - The next meeting of the Parent Council is scheduled for Thursday, December 6, in the conference room. All parents and carers welcome. Easyfundraising - Don't forget to use http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ to help raise funds for Bell Baxter this festive season. By using this free shopper loyalty
website (quoting Bell Baxter Parent Council as your good cause), you can shop online with over 3,000 leading retailers, who then donate a percentage of your sale to the school. Parents' evenings - The Parent Council will have an information table at every parents' evening this winter. We are here to represent every family at the school, so feel free to visit to chat over any parental issue or concern or find out more of what we do. We are also offering refreshments in the staff room. Christmas hamper - Thanks to generous donations from the Co-op, Tesco, Lidl and members of the Parent Council, the Parent Council will have two festive hampers to give away in their Christmas raffle. Tickets are for sale at all of our parents' evenings, and we have already raised over £300 for school funds. Winners will be announced mid December - good luck everyone!.
Diary dates - Christmas Dances - S1/2 - December 13, S3/4 - December 18; S5/6 - 20th December. S5/6 parents evening - Monday, December 10, 5-8pm.
Children in Need - Congratulation to S2 pupils Emma Stevenson and Hannah Bryson, who raised £217 for Children in Need. Over the weekend of November 10-11 the girls responded to the Blue Peter Appeal to "Go Pyjamas for Children in Need". They wore pyjamas all weekend wherever they went - including Cupar Sports Centre and the West Sands in St Andrews. Emma and Hannah would like to thank everyone who sponsored them. Well done from everyone at Bell Baxter too.
Maths Challenge - Once again Bell Baxter mathematicians have scored well in the UK Maths Challenge. Norman Macgregor from S5 won a gold certificate and qualified for a follow-on round of the competition. Ailidh McCall, James McKeown, Rosie Baird and Jennifer Patrick, all in S5, as well as Chris Royle from S6, won silver certificates. James McLauchlan from S5, as well as Catherine Brearley, Hannah Greenless, Ian Dawson, Thomas Work, Hannah Crofts, Ross Bremner and Cara Robertson in S6, won bronze certificates. Well done to all participants.
S1 Trip to Hansel and Gretel - As part of the S1 English course all S1 pupils have the opportunity to attend a Christmas production - this year it is Hansel and Gretel at the Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, on the morning of December 13. Pupils and parents are reminded to return consent forms and payment by the end of November.
Parent Council news - The next meeting of the Parent Council is scheduled for Thursday, December 6, in the conference room. All parents and carers welcome. Easyfundraising - Don't forget to use http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ to help raise funds for Bell Baxter this festive season. By using this free shopper loyalty
website (quoting Bell Baxter Parent Council as your good cause), you can shop online with over 3,000 leading retailers, who then donate a percentage of your sale to the school. Parents' evenings - The Parent Council will have an information table at every parents' evening this winter. We are here to represent every family at the school, so feel free to visit to chat over any parental issue or concern or find out more of what we do. We are also offering refreshments in the staff room. Christmas hamper - Thanks to generous donations from the Co-op, Tesco, Lidl and members of the Parent Council, the Parent Council will have two festive hampers to give away in their Christmas raffle. Tickets are for sale at all of our parents' evenings, and we have already raised over £300 for school funds. Winners will be announced mid December - good luck everyone!.
Diary dates - Christmas Dances - S1/2 - December 13, S3/4 - December 18; S5/6 - 20th December. S5/6 parents evening - Monday, December 10, 5-8pm.
16 November 2012
Hallowe'en fund-raiser - On Monday October 29 Bell Baxter held a Hallowe'en party for all senior pupils. The event ran from 7.30 pm - 10.15 pm and was organised by the school's charity group. Over 100 tickets were sold, and the money raised is going to be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital, one of the charities being supported by this year's group. A variety of costumes were adorned on the night, with prizes being awarded for third to first place in a costume competition. Third place was taken by three sixth year girls dressed as The Power Puff Girls, second was taken by 'The Spice Girls' and first prize was won by Kirsty Honeyman and Cameron Brown, both S6, as Russell and Carl from the Disney Pixar movie 'Up'. The total raised from the event was over £590 and this is only the beginning, with several other fundraisers planned for the remainder of the academic year. Well done.
Positively Creative Production - On October 26 a group of seven pupils from Bell Baxter and one from Auchmuty High performed a piece of drama focused on mental wellbeing. The drama was performed in school to an audience of mental health workers. The students all had scripted their own pieces and the overall performance was directed by Claire Bloomfield. The performance was seen again on Friday, November 2 at the Mental Health Arts Festival in Dunfermline. The scripts were written in the summer holidays, when the pupils involved attended a workshop in performance and creating.
Beautiful Burnout - On Hallowe'en night, Advanced Higher and Higher drama pupils went to see 'Beautiful Burnout' at Dundee Repertory Theatre. The production was a collaboration of Frantic Assembly in association with the National Theatre of Scotland, and was written by Bryony Lavery. Though the chief subject of the play was boxing, the way in which different dramatic techniques were used succeeded in creating a show that truly anyone could watch and enjoy. The soundtrack consisted of energetic, thumping music by Underworld and the staging was unlike any other, combining a boxing ring, refrigerator and washing machine all in one! With spectacular lighting techniques and extremely talented acting, Beautiful Burnout was a hit with every pupil and teacher - even for those who had seen it before!
Diary dates - Monday, November 19 -S4 Prelims begin. Tuesday November 20 and Thursday November 29 - S3 parents night, 5 pm - 8 pm.
Positively Creative Production - On October 26 a group of seven pupils from Bell Baxter and one from Auchmuty High performed a piece of drama focused on mental wellbeing. The drama was performed in school to an audience of mental health workers. The students all had scripted their own pieces and the overall performance was directed by Claire Bloomfield. The performance was seen again on Friday, November 2 at the Mental Health Arts Festival in Dunfermline. The scripts were written in the summer holidays, when the pupils involved attended a workshop in performance and creating.
Beautiful Burnout - On Hallowe'en night, Advanced Higher and Higher drama pupils went to see 'Beautiful Burnout' at Dundee Repertory Theatre. The production was a collaboration of Frantic Assembly in association with the National Theatre of Scotland, and was written by Bryony Lavery. Though the chief subject of the play was boxing, the way in which different dramatic techniques were used succeeded in creating a show that truly anyone could watch and enjoy. The soundtrack consisted of energetic, thumping music by Underworld and the staging was unlike any other, combining a boxing ring, refrigerator and washing machine all in one! With spectacular lighting techniques and extremely talented acting, Beautiful Burnout was a hit with every pupil and teacher - even for those who had seen it before!
Diary dates - Monday, November 19 -S4 Prelims begin. Tuesday November 20 and Thursday November 29 - S3 parents night, 5 pm - 8 pm.
9 November 2012
Parent Council - The Parent Council has signed up for the loyalty shopping scheme Easyfund-raising, so that on-line shoppers can help raise funds for the school and its pupils. If you make your Christmas and year-round on-line shopping through this website, it costs you nothing, but the retailer donates a percentage of your sale to the school. Over 3000 major retailers are included in the scheme, including supermarkets. To use, simply visit http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ causes/bellbaxterparentcouncil and follow the instructions. The Parent Council would also like to thank all parents who supported our Online Safety Workshop in school on October 30. We were delighted to see 34 parents attend, to hear a highly informative presentation by PC Paul Buttercase, Community Safety Officer for North East Fife. For more information about keeping you and your families safe online, visit www.fifedirect.org.uk/ internetsafety, www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents and http.-/ / www.getsafeonline.org/.
Diary dates - In-service days on Thursday and Friday, November 15-16. On the morning of December 13, the English faculty will take the whole of S1 to Hansel and Gretel at the Carnegie Theatre, Dunfermline. Info on website.
Fischy Music - On November 2, Fischy Music came to Cupar! Stephen Fischbacher, from Fischy Music, spent the morning in Castlehill Primary School and the afternoon in St Columba's RC Primary School. The children at St Columba's were joined by pupils from Kilmaron School. The concerts in each school were very interactive, with the children learning and taking part in the various songs. In the evening, a Twilight Community Concert was held at the OPC, when 100 people of all ages shared in singing and dancing together, while thinking about different emotions and situations encountered throughout life. It was a very special evening enjoyed by children and families alike.
Diary dates - In-service days on Thursday and Friday, November 15-16. On the morning of December 13, the English faculty will take the whole of S1 to Hansel and Gretel at the Carnegie Theatre, Dunfermline. Info on website.
Fischy Music - On November 2, Fischy Music came to Cupar! Stephen Fischbacher, from Fischy Music, spent the morning in Castlehill Primary School and the afternoon in St Columba's RC Primary School. The children at St Columba's were joined by pupils from Kilmaron School. The concerts in each school were very interactive, with the children learning and taking part in the various songs. In the evening, a Twilight Community Concert was held at the OPC, when 100 people of all ages shared in singing and dancing together, while thinking about different emotions and situations encountered throughout life. It was a very special evening enjoyed by children and families alike.
26th October 2012
French Trip
Once again, the annual French trip has been a raging success. During the first week of the October holidays, thirty-seven pupils from S4-S6, accompanied by Mr Ritchie, Mrs Muir, Ms McArthur, Miss Common and Mr Lamb, enjoyed Bell Baxter’s annual French trip. The group visited Normandy and Paris, thus gaining an insight into two different aspects of French life. In Normandy, some time was devoted to learning a little more about the D-Day Landings – an emotional experience that everyone (teachers included) was moved by. The visit to the American Cemetery near Omaha Beach was another particularly moving experience. The pupils also explored a traditional French market in Caen and saw the famous tapestry in Bayeux. In Paris, visits to most of the main tourist attractions including the Champs-Élysées, the beautiful view from the Arc de Triomphe, the vertigo inducing Eiffel Tower and much more, were crammed into a busy schedule, while lots of time was allocated to shopping at Les Halles. The novelty of hot chocolate for breakfast did not wear off easily, and students were amazed to discover a McDonalds situated in the middle of this glamorous setting – however, ordering a Big Mac and fries proved to be slightly more troublesome than expected… Overall, it is clear to see that this trip was a triomphe for everyone involved. Next year’s is already in the pipeline.
Thought-provoking visit
On Tuesday 23rd October the Advanced Higher Modern Studies class visited Greenock Prison along with teacher, Miss Ramage. The purpose of the trip was to gain first hand knowledge of the life of a prisoner and the work of a prison as an institution. The pupils arrived at school at 7:30am and travelled for two and a half hours before arriving in Greenock. The students had the opportunity to speak with three inmates with differing sentences as well as two staff members. As part of the planning process for the visit the pupils devised multiple questions to ask both the prisoners and the staff in order to aid their dissertations. The students are required to carry out a substantial amount of primary research as part of the course and so are hoping to be be able to have more visits of this kind. Pupils agreed that the visit s very worthwhile as well as thought- provoking and made them challenge their own perceptions of people who commit crimes and why.TAG visits BB
On the second of October S4-S6 drama students were given the opportunity to see TAG theatre perform in the school. TAG is one of Scotland’s most successful theatre companies and a favourite with Bell Baxter. As part of Standard Grade and Higher drama courses, pupils have to be able to review a production and having a theatre company come to school is very cost effective and means that all pupils can access the performance as it is during the school day. TAG performed ‘Monster in the Hall’ for the Standard Grade drama classes and did a wonderful performance of ‘Yellow Moon’ for pupils studying Higher and Advanced Higher. Overall, both performances were a great success and all staff and pupils really enjoyed them. After the ‘Yellow Moon’ performance the actors did a Q and A, this allowed the Higher and Advanced Higher pupils to further their drama knowledge for their course and get real answers from actors.
Study Support
A new and revised programme of Supported Study was launched this week. The newly refurbished Library Resources Centre and Learning Hubs are open to all pupils after school every day from Monday to Thursday, with designated school teaching staff on hand to give subject specific advice, help with homework, support study skills and managing exam pressure. Pupils have been issued with the extensive programme. There is more information on the school website.
Diary dates
S1 Parents night – Wed 7th Nov, 5-8pm
In-service days – Thurs 15th and Friday 16th Nov
Once again, the annual French trip has been a raging success. During the first week of the October holidays, thirty-seven pupils from S4-S6, accompanied by Mr Ritchie, Mrs Muir, Ms McArthur, Miss Common and Mr Lamb, enjoyed Bell Baxter’s annual French trip. The group visited Normandy and Paris, thus gaining an insight into two different aspects of French life. In Normandy, some time was devoted to learning a little more about the D-Day Landings – an emotional experience that everyone (teachers included) was moved by. The visit to the American Cemetery near Omaha Beach was another particularly moving experience. The pupils also explored a traditional French market in Caen and saw the famous tapestry in Bayeux. In Paris, visits to most of the main tourist attractions including the Champs-Élysées, the beautiful view from the Arc de Triomphe, the vertigo inducing Eiffel Tower and much more, were crammed into a busy schedule, while lots of time was allocated to shopping at Les Halles. The novelty of hot chocolate for breakfast did not wear off easily, and students were amazed to discover a McDonalds situated in the middle of this glamorous setting – however, ordering a Big Mac and fries proved to be slightly more troublesome than expected… Overall, it is clear to see that this trip was a triomphe for everyone involved. Next year’s is already in the pipeline.
Thought-provoking visit
On Tuesday 23rd October the Advanced Higher Modern Studies class visited Greenock Prison along with teacher, Miss Ramage. The purpose of the trip was to gain first hand knowledge of the life of a prisoner and the work of a prison as an institution. The pupils arrived at school at 7:30am and travelled for two and a half hours before arriving in Greenock. The students had the opportunity to speak with three inmates with differing sentences as well as two staff members. As part of the planning process for the visit the pupils devised multiple questions to ask both the prisoners and the staff in order to aid their dissertations. The students are required to carry out a substantial amount of primary research as part of the course and so are hoping to be be able to have more visits of this kind. Pupils agreed that the visit s very worthwhile as well as thought- provoking and made them challenge their own perceptions of people who commit crimes and why.TAG visits BB
On the second of October S4-S6 drama students were given the opportunity to see TAG theatre perform in the school. TAG is one of Scotland’s most successful theatre companies and a favourite with Bell Baxter. As part of Standard Grade and Higher drama courses, pupils have to be able to review a production and having a theatre company come to school is very cost effective and means that all pupils can access the performance as it is during the school day. TAG performed ‘Monster in the Hall’ for the Standard Grade drama classes and did a wonderful performance of ‘Yellow Moon’ for pupils studying Higher and Advanced Higher. Overall, both performances were a great success and all staff and pupils really enjoyed them. After the ‘Yellow Moon’ performance the actors did a Q and A, this allowed the Higher and Advanced Higher pupils to further their drama knowledge for their course and get real answers from actors.
Study Support
A new and revised programme of Supported Study was launched this week. The newly refurbished Library Resources Centre and Learning Hubs are open to all pupils after school every day from Monday to Thursday, with designated school teaching staff on hand to give subject specific advice, help with homework, support study skills and managing exam pressure. Pupils have been issued with the extensive programme. There is more information on the school website.
Diary dates
S1 Parents night – Wed 7th Nov, 5-8pm
In-service days – Thurs 15th and Friday 16th Nov
5 October 2012
S1 pupils' scientific success - The Science Faculty hosted the Institute of Engineering and Technology Faraday Challenge Day on 25th September for S1 pupils. Our three teams of scientists competed against teams from Buckhaven HS, Kirkland HS and Auchmuty HS. Congratulations to one of our teams (Evie Horn, Greg Smith, Sam Charles, Nice Van Rensburg and Jamie Birrell) who won the trophy and each received a gift voucher for Amazon.
Bon voyage - During the October half term on this year, thirty-eight pupils and five members of staff are going on an Expressive Arts trip to Barcelona. They are going to Barcelona from the 8th-12th to take part in a variety of cultural activities. This small group of Bell Baxter pupils and teachers are all looking forward to experiencing the culture of Barcelona and studying the art works of Caudi, Picasso, and Dali. They will also be taking part in drama workshops which link into the culture of Barcelona.
Aspire and inspire - Inspiring pupils to think about their career options early and realistically, can never be over emphasised in our competitive world. A first for Bell Baxter was a group of pupils attending the Inspire Nursing event. On 14th of September, S5 Year Head Ms Pour took 20 pupils from S3, S4, S5 and S6 to the event at Waid Academy. The event ran for a morning when pupils were split into groups and given a presentation about the day-to-day working of a nurse. The event was organised by Dundee University, There is a follow up event in Dundee University medical department where the group will take part in a practical training morning. All the group had really positive feedback about the event and are looking forward to the practical one in the next few weeks.
And if pupils have any free time.... -At Bell Baxter there are a variety of dubs and teams for pupils. Most recently, a fashion design dub has been set up, running
every Monday lunchtime. The club is open to all pupils from S1 through to S6 and members will have the chance to design and make a collection of clothes for a fashion show which is planned to take place early next year. It's a great opportunity for students to put their creative talents to use and work towards an end goal. However, there are plenty of other groups for those not interested in fashion. Extra curricular teams within the Health and Wellbeing Faculty include: a gymnastics club, which is open to all years; a girls rugby team as well as an S1 team; a badminton club; a dance club and zumba dub; a senior hockey team; a football team and a volleyball team. There are plenty of opportunities for all pupils to do something they enjoy, or try something new!
Congratulations - To our Under 18 Football Team on their convincing 5-1 win over Glenwood HS last week. James Sinclair, Dan McArthur, Shaun McLean and Ben Jones (x2) scored our goals. The boys have had a good start to their Under 18 League campaign. After a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Kirkcaldy HS, they saw off a strong Woodmill HS side 2-1 before last night's victory. Our next Fixture is away to Madras.
Parent Council - The next meeting of the Bell Baxter Parent Council takes place in the school's Conference Room at 7pm on Tuesday, October 23. All parents/carers are welcome to attend. The Parent Council is also hosting an Online Safety Parents' Workshop at Bell Baxter on Tuesday, October 30, to run from 7pm - 8,30pm. Presented by Fife Police in conjunction with CEOPS (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre), this event looks at ways parents can ensure their children are safe whilst using social networking and other internet sites. Contact chair Julie Struthers for more information on 01333 350293.
Gaining insight - Last Wednesday the Advanced Higher Modern Studies class visited the University of St Andrews. The morning was spent in the university library, researching into the pupils' dissertation topics. This was a great opportunity as the library contains an abundance of useful resources. After a lunch break, the pupils reassembled in The School of Psychology in St.Mary's Quad for a lecture on crowd mentality, focusing on the London riots. Professor Stephen Reicher was extremely informative in his 90 minute lecture and the pupils left with many notes and a more in depth knowledge of the riots themselves, as well as the reasons behind them. The class has several other trips planned, induding one to Greenock Prison on October 23, in order to obtain first hand research to include in their dissertations.
Bowling champions - Two of our S6 pupils - Julie Carr and Laura Murphy - have been travelling around Britain as a part of bowling group STBA (Scottish Ten Pin Bowling Assodation). They began in Wales competing for the Junior Triple Crown 2012 where they managed to win by just one pin against Ireland: Laura won silver in the 19 and under girls' trio along with two other members of the team, whilst Julie competed in the 16 and under five man competition winning gold. STBA then moved on to Tallaght in Ireland where they were participating in the Adult Triple Crown 2012 alongside teams from England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Jersey and Guernsey. In the five man team event, they were placed third, which is a huge achievement in a competition of this league. Laura said: 'This was my favourite Triple Crown I've competed in yet, and I can't wait to take part in the young adults' contest in a few weeks'. Congratulations to both talented bowlers.
Diary dates - Term ends today (Friday). Pupils and staff return Monday, October 22. Parent Council meeting on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 pm.
Bon voyage - During the October half term on this year, thirty-eight pupils and five members of staff are going on an Expressive Arts trip to Barcelona. They are going to Barcelona from the 8th-12th to take part in a variety of cultural activities. This small group of Bell Baxter pupils and teachers are all looking forward to experiencing the culture of Barcelona and studying the art works of Caudi, Picasso, and Dali. They will also be taking part in drama workshops which link into the culture of Barcelona.
Aspire and inspire - Inspiring pupils to think about their career options early and realistically, can never be over emphasised in our competitive world. A first for Bell Baxter was a group of pupils attending the Inspire Nursing event. On 14th of September, S5 Year Head Ms Pour took 20 pupils from S3, S4, S5 and S6 to the event at Waid Academy. The event ran for a morning when pupils were split into groups and given a presentation about the day-to-day working of a nurse. The event was organised by Dundee University, There is a follow up event in Dundee University medical department where the group will take part in a practical training morning. All the group had really positive feedback about the event and are looking forward to the practical one in the next few weeks.
And if pupils have any free time.... -At Bell Baxter there are a variety of dubs and teams for pupils. Most recently, a fashion design dub has been set up, running
every Monday lunchtime. The club is open to all pupils from S1 through to S6 and members will have the chance to design and make a collection of clothes for a fashion show which is planned to take place early next year. It's a great opportunity for students to put their creative talents to use and work towards an end goal. However, there are plenty of other groups for those not interested in fashion. Extra curricular teams within the Health and Wellbeing Faculty include: a gymnastics club, which is open to all years; a girls rugby team as well as an S1 team; a badminton club; a dance club and zumba dub; a senior hockey team; a football team and a volleyball team. There are plenty of opportunities for all pupils to do something they enjoy, or try something new!
Congratulations - To our Under 18 Football Team on their convincing 5-1 win over Glenwood HS last week. James Sinclair, Dan McArthur, Shaun McLean and Ben Jones (x2) scored our goals. The boys have had a good start to their Under 18 League campaign. After a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Kirkcaldy HS, they saw off a strong Woodmill HS side 2-1 before last night's victory. Our next Fixture is away to Madras.
Parent Council - The next meeting of the Bell Baxter Parent Council takes place in the school's Conference Room at 7pm on Tuesday, October 23. All parents/carers are welcome to attend. The Parent Council is also hosting an Online Safety Parents' Workshop at Bell Baxter on Tuesday, October 30, to run from 7pm - 8,30pm. Presented by Fife Police in conjunction with CEOPS (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre), this event looks at ways parents can ensure their children are safe whilst using social networking and other internet sites. Contact chair Julie Struthers for more information on 01333 350293.
Gaining insight - Last Wednesday the Advanced Higher Modern Studies class visited the University of St Andrews. The morning was spent in the university library, researching into the pupils' dissertation topics. This was a great opportunity as the library contains an abundance of useful resources. After a lunch break, the pupils reassembled in The School of Psychology in St.Mary's Quad for a lecture on crowd mentality, focusing on the London riots. Professor Stephen Reicher was extremely informative in his 90 minute lecture and the pupils left with many notes and a more in depth knowledge of the riots themselves, as well as the reasons behind them. The class has several other trips planned, induding one to Greenock Prison on October 23, in order to obtain first hand research to include in their dissertations.
Bowling champions - Two of our S6 pupils - Julie Carr and Laura Murphy - have been travelling around Britain as a part of bowling group STBA (Scottish Ten Pin Bowling Assodation). They began in Wales competing for the Junior Triple Crown 2012 where they managed to win by just one pin against Ireland: Laura won silver in the 19 and under girls' trio along with two other members of the team, whilst Julie competed in the 16 and under five man competition winning gold. STBA then moved on to Tallaght in Ireland where they were participating in the Adult Triple Crown 2012 alongside teams from England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Jersey and Guernsey. In the five man team event, they were placed third, which is a huge achievement in a competition of this league. Laura said: 'This was my favourite Triple Crown I've competed in yet, and I can't wait to take part in the young adults' contest in a few weeks'. Congratulations to both talented bowlers.
Diary dates - Term ends today (Friday). Pupils and staff return Monday, October 22. Parent Council meeting on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 pm.
21 September 2012
Scottish Space School 2012 - Congratulations to Peter Arthur and Hannah Greenlees (both S6) who were successful in gaining one of the 40 places in the country to attend the final workshop at the University of Strathclyde back in August. Two of our ex-pupils (Magnus More and William Patrick) who both successfully gained a place to Houston in 2010 and 2011 respectively visited Peter and Hannah to share their experiences. Unfortunately they narrowly missed out on one of the final 10 places to visit Houston in October/ November. They have gained a valuable and enjoyable experience working with other pupils, lecturers, NASA engineers and astronauts. Well done to both pupils who will be more than willing to share their experiences with S5 pupils currently studying any of the Higher Science, Maths or Technology subjects and who are interested in applying for the Space School 2013.
Scoring goals for Fairtrade - Once again Bell Baxter's Fairtrade group has assembled for the new school year. The first event on the calendar was a Fairtrade football match on the astroturf last Friday, played with Health and Wellbeing Faculty's Fairtrade footballs. A hardy team of teachers battled against a team of senior boys. The match was refereed by Mrs Paterson who came suitably dressed as a ref and Mr Kellichan in goals dressed in a Fairtrade banana suit. The game ended in a draw with neither side scoring any goals. It was decided that a penalty shoot out was to determine the winner. In the end the teachers took the victory, however, whether it was on entirely fair grounds is debatable! The purpose of the match was to raise funds through donation buckets as well as highlighting awareness of the group; and it certainly did that with many pupils turning out during their lunchtime to watch the match. One member of the group, Isabella Monteith S6, said: "The match was great fun and succeeded in raising awareness and money for the group." The Fairtrade group hopes to have plenty of events such as this in the future.
New S1 party in style - There is a great tradition at Bell Baxter for new S1 pupils, which allows them to meet their new friends in a more relaxed setting. The S1 Big Welcome party took place on September 12, and this time it was Bell Baxter's Charities group that . organised it. It proved to be a great success. All who attended enjoyed a disco with a break for refreshments; this was their first chance to experience what the school has to offer in a more casual setting. The Charities group sold around 150 tickets for the party and all those who went had a good time, especially the sixth years that were supposed to just be helping but decided to show their moves on the stage. Well done to Charities Group chairperson Julia Fedo and her team of organisers!
Crossing the Channel - On October 6 the Modern Languages Faculty is taking a group of around 40 S5 and S6 pupils on Bell Baxter's hugely successful annual French trip to Normandy and Paris. The aim of this experience is to discover the language, culture and history of France, both through her capital city and one of the country's more rural regions. The group will visit some of the most famous monuments and attractions in the world, including the Sacre-Cceur, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Bayeux Tapestry and the all important Eiffel Tower. The students will also get the chance to experiment with their language skills during the (hopefully) numerous shopping and food break opportunities - no Français - no lunch! Bon voyage.
Diary dates - Tuesday, September 25 5-8pm - S4 Parents night.
Scoring goals for Fairtrade - Once again Bell Baxter's Fairtrade group has assembled for the new school year. The first event on the calendar was a Fairtrade football match on the astroturf last Friday, played with Health and Wellbeing Faculty's Fairtrade footballs. A hardy team of teachers battled against a team of senior boys. The match was refereed by Mrs Paterson who came suitably dressed as a ref and Mr Kellichan in goals dressed in a Fairtrade banana suit. The game ended in a draw with neither side scoring any goals. It was decided that a penalty shoot out was to determine the winner. In the end the teachers took the victory, however, whether it was on entirely fair grounds is debatable! The purpose of the match was to raise funds through donation buckets as well as highlighting awareness of the group; and it certainly did that with many pupils turning out during their lunchtime to watch the match. One member of the group, Isabella Monteith S6, said: "The match was great fun and succeeded in raising awareness and money for the group." The Fairtrade group hopes to have plenty of events such as this in the future.
New S1 party in style - There is a great tradition at Bell Baxter for new S1 pupils, which allows them to meet their new friends in a more relaxed setting. The S1 Big Welcome party took place on September 12, and this time it was Bell Baxter's Charities group that . organised it. It proved to be a great success. All who attended enjoyed a disco with a break for refreshments; this was their first chance to experience what the school has to offer in a more casual setting. The Charities group sold around 150 tickets for the party and all those who went had a good time, especially the sixth years that were supposed to just be helping but decided to show their moves on the stage. Well done to Charities Group chairperson Julia Fedo and her team of organisers!
Crossing the Channel - On October 6 the Modern Languages Faculty is taking a group of around 40 S5 and S6 pupils on Bell Baxter's hugely successful annual French trip to Normandy and Paris. The aim of this experience is to discover the language, culture and history of France, both through her capital city and one of the country's more rural regions. The group will visit some of the most famous monuments and attractions in the world, including the Sacre-Cceur, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Bayeux Tapestry and the all important Eiffel Tower. The students will also get the chance to experiment with their language skills during the (hopefully) numerous shopping and food break opportunities - no Français - no lunch! Bon voyage.
Diary dates - Tuesday, September 25 5-8pm - S4 Parents night.
14 September 2012
What a star? - With memories of team GB's Olympic success still inspiring us, perhaps we have a future Olympian here at Bell Baxter. Last Saturday (September 8) S5 pupil James McKeown won three gold medals in his individual Kl events at the Scottish Kayaking Sprint Championships. That was a gold in every event he could enter. James is currentty the top ranked under 16 sprint paddler in Scotland. He also won two silver medals in the K2 (2 man) u!8 event. The weekend before (despite being unwell) James secured a bronze medal at the British Champs. Well done on an incredible performance from all at Bell Baxter!
Excellent designs - In order to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the Cupar and North Fife Preservation Society a competition was held for pupils in S1 to design a new logo for the occasion. From the many pupils across North Fife who entered the competition, Keirra White was selected as the winner, with Natalie Pereira coming runner up. Both girls are currently in S2 at Bell Baxter and have done a fantastic job in representing the school. The winning logo was finalised by a graphic design company based in Edinburgh and is being unveiled at the society's formal celebration dinner in October. This is a perfect example of the 'Curriculum for Excellence' in action as pupils are applying their skills to real life tasks.
Looking forward - With many of last year's senior pupils now experiencing university life -and certainly enjoying Freshers' week, it is now time for this year's senior pupils to take a serious look at study or employment destinations when they leave school On Wednesday of this week S6 pupils were given the opportunity to visit the Rolhes Halls for a Further and Higher Education Information event. At the event pupils could ask university staff questions about entry requirements, the cost of going to university, and how to decide on the best course for them. Most pupils find this type of first hand information invaluable as they begin the UCAS application process, and start to write those all important Personal Statements.
Forthcoming attractions - On September 22 the Advanced Higher Drama group will be taking a trip to the Adam Smith theatre in Kirkcaldy to see 'Static', a new production by ThickSkin theatre company who describe this hew production about teenage emotion as "heart-stopping visual theatre" which received rave reviews at. this year's Edinburgh Fringe. ThickSkin aims to unearth new talent and engage established artists in the creation of innovative work. The company is committed to producing collaborative, cross-disciplined performance that will inspire and challenge audiences. Before the show, pupils will be able to participate in a workshop. The production is part of Made in Scotland 2012 - a showcase of Scotland's up and coming talent and will include selected highlights from this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A review will be published after the show.
Date for your Diary - Tuesday, September 25 is S4 parents night.
Excellent designs - In order to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the Cupar and North Fife Preservation Society a competition was held for pupils in S1 to design a new logo for the occasion. From the many pupils across North Fife who entered the competition, Keirra White was selected as the winner, with Natalie Pereira coming runner up. Both girls are currently in S2 at Bell Baxter and have done a fantastic job in representing the school. The winning logo was finalised by a graphic design company based in Edinburgh and is being unveiled at the society's formal celebration dinner in October. This is a perfect example of the 'Curriculum for Excellence' in action as pupils are applying their skills to real life tasks.
Looking forward - With many of last year's senior pupils now experiencing university life -and certainly enjoying Freshers' week, it is now time for this year's senior pupils to take a serious look at study or employment destinations when they leave school On Wednesday of this week S6 pupils were given the opportunity to visit the Rolhes Halls for a Further and Higher Education Information event. At the event pupils could ask university staff questions about entry requirements, the cost of going to university, and how to decide on the best course for them. Most pupils find this type of first hand information invaluable as they begin the UCAS application process, and start to write those all important Personal Statements.
Forthcoming attractions - On September 22 the Advanced Higher Drama group will be taking a trip to the Adam Smith theatre in Kirkcaldy to see 'Static', a new production by ThickSkin theatre company who describe this hew production about teenage emotion as "heart-stopping visual theatre" which received rave reviews at. this year's Edinburgh Fringe. ThickSkin aims to unearth new talent and engage established artists in the creation of innovative work. The company is committed to producing collaborative, cross-disciplined performance that will inspire and challenge audiences. Before the show, pupils will be able to participate in a workshop. The production is part of Made in Scotland 2012 - a showcase of Scotland's up and coming talent and will include selected highlights from this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A review will be published after the show.
Date for your Diary - Tuesday, September 25 is S4 parents night.
7 September 2012
Tales to tell - On Monday, August 27,50 S2 pupils took part in an exciting opportunity to visit the Edinburgh Book Festival. Pupils currently studying the English Enrichment courses 'English & Teenage Fiction', and 'English & Famous Writers' visited the festival along with their teachers Ms Stuart, Ms McArthur, Ms McFarlane and Mrs Kerr. First on the agenda was a talk entitled 'Vampires and Immortals'. Authors Amy Plum and K J Wignall discussed their trilogies featuring supernatural characters and provided an insight into their respective writing processes (along with some top tips for budding writers!). There was also an opportunity for pupils to meet the authors afterwards. Copies of the books flew off the shelves as enthusiastic pupils clamoured to have their books signed and be photographed with the authors! The second talk of the day, 'Writing the Past', featured authors Natasha Farrant and Diana Hendry discussing their novels centred around the Second World War. Together they explored ideas of friendship and love during wartime, and how the actions of ordinary people can make them extraordinary. Pupils had the opportunity to ask questions, and many once more sought advice to develop their own writing. This was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring visit, with many pupils heading home clutching purchases of new books to read over the next few weeks! Thanks to Ms Stuart for organising such a fantastic day out.
Parent council - Bell Baxter Parent Council welcomes all parents and carers to its annual general meeting next Wednesday (September 12). This will take place in the school's conference room, starting at 7pm with refreshments. Parents will have the chance to hear what we have been doing over the past year and head teacher Mr Black will be giving a report to include proposed changes to the school week timetable in 2013. We would love to see you there. Email [email protected] if you need more information.
Enhancing the pupil experience - Over the summer break areas of Bell Baxter saw some major refurbishment designed to improve the pupil services reception area and the learning experience for all pupils. The new pupil reception area and office is located off the dining room and is for exclusive pupil use, thus freeing up the main reception area for welcoming visitors and parents. The current renovations have not only taken place in the office, but also in the library resources centre. New decor and stunning red and grey furniture has arrived, creating a modern atmosphere in the communal library, to enhance pupils' experience of the new curriculum. Space in the library, used year round by all pupils, has been opened up to reveal a 360 degree zone in which new workstations and Smartboards have been installed - useful in the coming months when the library gradually gets busier as prelims approach. The reason behind the new work was to make the existing area more flexible and bring the area more up to date. The improvements are gaining rave reviews from both pupils and teachers.
World Challenge - During the summer, 21 pupils and four members of staff took part in a four week expedition to Peru. The group departed from Bell Baxter on June 29 to take part in a variety of experiences including a week-long volunteer project at Azul Wasi, a beys' home near Oropesa. The pupils built play equipment, dirt ditches and put up fences. As well as volunteering, the pupils took part in a five-day trek to Salkantay which everyone in the group successfully completed. However, it wasn't all hard work for the pupils who had a chance to stay with local families and visit some of Peru's main tourist attractions. All pupils felt that the trip gave them a great opportunity to experience personal challenges and a different culture.
Amazing physics - On August 29, S3 pupils taking the Science Enrichment course 'Health, Movement and Bright Sparks' were invited to St Andrews University for an incredible learning experience about particle physics. Pupils took part in workshops and listened to a mind-expanding lecture by Aiden Robson, lecturer at Glasgow University, world leading particle physicist and member of the team that recently proved the existence of the Higgs Boson 'God' particle. The information and activities certainly struck awe in our pupils as they gained greater understanding or the importance of the discovery, which prompted them to ask an incessant stream of intelligent questions in the workshops, which they continued asking the PHD student walking them to the bus, The trip was funded by 'Particle Physics for Scottish Schools' and certainly proved to be an excellent experience.
Parent council - Bell Baxter Parent Council welcomes all parents and carers to its annual general meeting next Wednesday (September 12). This will take place in the school's conference room, starting at 7pm with refreshments. Parents will have the chance to hear what we have been doing over the past year and head teacher Mr Black will be giving a report to include proposed changes to the school week timetable in 2013. We would love to see you there. Email [email protected] if you need more information.
Enhancing the pupil experience - Over the summer break areas of Bell Baxter saw some major refurbishment designed to improve the pupil services reception area and the learning experience for all pupils. The new pupil reception area and office is located off the dining room and is for exclusive pupil use, thus freeing up the main reception area for welcoming visitors and parents. The current renovations have not only taken place in the office, but also in the library resources centre. New decor and stunning red and grey furniture has arrived, creating a modern atmosphere in the communal library, to enhance pupils' experience of the new curriculum. Space in the library, used year round by all pupils, has been opened up to reveal a 360 degree zone in which new workstations and Smartboards have been installed - useful in the coming months when the library gradually gets busier as prelims approach. The reason behind the new work was to make the existing area more flexible and bring the area more up to date. The improvements are gaining rave reviews from both pupils and teachers.
World Challenge - During the summer, 21 pupils and four members of staff took part in a four week expedition to Peru. The group departed from Bell Baxter on June 29 to take part in a variety of experiences including a week-long volunteer project at Azul Wasi, a beys' home near Oropesa. The pupils built play equipment, dirt ditches and put up fences. As well as volunteering, the pupils took part in a five-day trek to Salkantay which everyone in the group successfully completed. However, it wasn't all hard work for the pupils who had a chance to stay with local families and visit some of Peru's main tourist attractions. All pupils felt that the trip gave them a great opportunity to experience personal challenges and a different culture.
Amazing physics - On August 29, S3 pupils taking the Science Enrichment course 'Health, Movement and Bright Sparks' were invited to St Andrews University for an incredible learning experience about particle physics. Pupils took part in workshops and listened to a mind-expanding lecture by Aiden Robson, lecturer at Glasgow University, world leading particle physicist and member of the team that recently proved the existence of the Higgs Boson 'God' particle. The information and activities certainly struck awe in our pupils as they gained greater understanding or the importance of the discovery, which prompted them to ask an incessant stream of intelligent questions in the workshops, which they continued asking the PHD student walking them to the bus, The trip was funded by 'Particle Physics for Scottish Schools' and certainly proved to be an excellent experience.
24 August 2012
Welcome back - With the start of the new term comes a new publicity group at Bell Baxter High School. Former members of the group, having received their exam results, are moving on to begin university and college courses. As the new members of the group, we would like to introduce ourselves as Summer Simpson, Rowena Hardy, Sophie Orr, Tori Goodyear, Ruby Fox-Barrie, Steph Hay, Ashleigh Bunch and Rachel Thomson, all S6 pupils, and we are looking forward to sharing weekly news from Bell Baxter.
Celebrating exam success - Two weeks ago pupils in S4, S5 and S6 received their exam results after weeks of anxious waiting. Across all three years there were some outstanding results with many pupils fulfilling and exceeding their expectations. Amongst sixth year pupils especially, reliant upon this year's examination results in order to gain a place at university or college, a collective sigh of relief could be heard as many are now able to embark on the next stage of their education.
Welcome to new staff - After the summer break the staff and pupils wish a warm welcome to Mr Beckett, the new Curriculum Leader of Expressive Arts, and Mr Harris the new head of Technologies and CDT. Both new members of staff are enjoying the beginning of the new term. All new staff have been welcomed to BB.
Parent Council - The next meeting of the Bell Baxter Parent Council takes place in the school's Conference Room at 7pm on Tuesday, August 28. This will incorporate a brief tour of the new playground facility for Additional Support pupils and other building improvements made over the summer recess. All welcome.
Celebrating exam success - Two weeks ago pupils in S4, S5 and S6 received their exam results after weeks of anxious waiting. Across all three years there were some outstanding results with many pupils fulfilling and exceeding their expectations. Amongst sixth year pupils especially, reliant upon this year's examination results in order to gain a place at university or college, a collective sigh of relief could be heard as many are now able to embark on the next stage of their education.
Welcome to new staff - After the summer break the staff and pupils wish a warm welcome to Mr Beckett, the new Curriculum Leader of Expressive Arts, and Mr Harris the new head of Technologies and CDT. Both new members of staff are enjoying the beginning of the new term. All new staff have been welcomed to BB.
Parent Council - The next meeting of the Bell Baxter Parent Council takes place in the school's Conference Room at 7pm on Tuesday, August 28. This will incorporate a brief tour of the new playground facility for Additional Support pupils and other building improvements made over the summer recess. All welcome.
29 June 2012
School's out... - Another busy year at Bell Baxter has come to an end. We hope that our senior pupils achieve well in SQA exams and our leavers move on with confidence and anticipation. We say good bye to a number of staff in particular to Mrs E Irwin - Curriculum Leader Expressive Arts, and Mr Brit Temby, PT RME, who are both retiring. We wish all staff who are leaving Bell Baxter well in their new posts. All that remains to be said is to wish everyone in the Bell Baxter community and our readers a happy and peaceful, summer break - maybe the sun will shine?
New Captains - Congratulations to new school captains Anna Whytock and Alasdair Robertson; Vice captains, Claire Henderson, Caitlin Sinclair, Tom Finnie and Sam Whittle. A new team of prefects has also been appointed.
Scottish Space School 2012 - Congratulations to four of our new S6 pupils: Chris Royle, Hannah Greenlees, Sam McNaughton and Peter Arthur who successfully gained one of the 100 places at the Scottish Space School residential week at the University of Strathclyde between June 10 -15. They attended lectures and workshops run by the University staff and NASA astronauts. This valuable experience has shown the pupils applications of science, mathematics and technology in the space industry. The pupils are now waiting to hear if they make the final 40 in August and they will then have the opportunity of a lifetime to gain one of 10 places to attend a seven day learning visit at the Johnson Space Center in Houston in October.
Diary dates - There are In Service days on August 13 and 14, pupils return to school on Wednesday, August 15.
New Captains - Congratulations to new school captains Anna Whytock and Alasdair Robertson; Vice captains, Claire Henderson, Caitlin Sinclair, Tom Finnie and Sam Whittle. A new team of prefects has also been appointed.
Scottish Space School 2012 - Congratulations to four of our new S6 pupils: Chris Royle, Hannah Greenlees, Sam McNaughton and Peter Arthur who successfully gained one of the 100 places at the Scottish Space School residential week at the University of Strathclyde between June 10 -15. They attended lectures and workshops run by the University staff and NASA astronauts. This valuable experience has shown the pupils applications of science, mathematics and technology in the space industry. The pupils are now waiting to hear if they make the final 40 in August and they will then have the opportunity of a lifetime to gain one of 10 places to attend a seven day learning visit at the Johnson Space Center in Houston in October.
Diary dates - There are In Service days on August 13 and 14, pupils return to school on Wednesday, August 15.
22 June 2012
Bell Baxter Book Award - The fourth Bell Baxter Book Award ceremony took place last Tuesday with the eagerly anticipated result being announced by this year's guest - Alan Morrison, Group Arts Editor of the Herald and Sunday Herald newspapers. This year's titles You Against Me by Jenny Downham, Flip by Martyn Bedford, Trash by Andy Mulligan, I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore and Being Billy by Phil Earle were chosen form a short list of ten, by all S3 pupils. Thanks to additional funding for Cfe and the Parent Council more pupils could take part reading the five titles and writing book reviews before voting for the winner. The Book Award is a Cfe initiative which is run by the English Faculty and LRC. The aim is not only to promote reading for enjoyment and learning, but also to inspire writing and to link classroom experiences to the world beyond school. Our Book Award continues to be supported by JEM Computing - Jennifer Martin presented Jessica Bardett with a prize for best review - the Parent Council - represented by Julie Struthers; and Jess Kerek of the Former Pupils' Association. Laura Sneddon of Waterstones in St Andrews is again linked to the award and she spoke about how reading can change lives and offered recommendations from a selection of books. This year we were delighted to have Alan Morrison inspire our pupils and staff by describing his job as an arts editor as "really cool", and it all started with a love of reading and doing book reviews at school. He announced the winning title which was, You Against Me by Jenny Downham. Clearly a popular winner with our reviewers and readers.
Counting on competition - Last Friday all SI pupils competed against each other in a Numeracy morning event with three activities: Nintendo DS Calculation Battle, Qwizdom and Numeracy Quiz. Pupils had fun while really testing their numeracy skills. Congratulations to the following numeracy competition winners: DS Calculation Battle: 1 Ailsa Nellies, 17 seconds (incredible); 2 Louis Appere, 18 seconds, 3 Andy Louise Hall, 19 seconds. Numeracy Quiz: 1 Eve Mortimer, 18 points; 2 Rebekah Melville, 17 points; 2 Sophie Land 17 points, 2 Morgan Middleton, 17 points.
Chess success - Bell Baxter Chess Club entered 2 teams into the Fife Schools Chess Competition. The A team was a close second, half a point behind St Leonards, to win the Fife Schools Plate while the B team gained some valuable experience. Everyone did very well, especially as the teams were so young.
Chariots of Fire - Bell Baxter is very proud that S2 pupil Joe Forrester was the Olympic torch bearer who carried the torch on the West Sands in the recreation of the famous opening to Chariots of Fire last week. Joe is an athlete with his sights set on future Olympics. There can be few schools that can boast three Olympic torch bearers. Well done Sula Powell, Fraser Allan and Joe.
S4 Celebration of Achievement Assembly - Any 54 pupil who left school this year is welcome to attend the S4 Celebration of Achievement Assembly on Tuesday, June 26, period 2. Please confirm by contacting the school by Monday 25th June.
Fife Schools Track and Field Championships
- 2012 Results: Bell Baxter as always performed very well in these championships. Congratulations to the following medal winners: Gold - Keiran Bremner 80m Hurdles; Gold - Keiran Bremner 200m; Gold - Nina Revell, Triple Jump; Gold - Ross McFarlane, Javelin; Gold - Kieran Brough Triple Jump; Gold - Kieran Brough Long Jump.- Gold - Shannon Almond 100m; Gold - S1 Boys Relay (Louis Appere, Mathew Porteous, Arron Birrell, Fraser Allan); Gold - Under 15 Boys Relay (Kieran Brough, Ross McFarlane, Kai Frances, Keiran Bremner); Silver - Jorja McAndrew Long jump; Silver Hollie Keanie 200m; Silver - Hoilie Keanie 300m; Silver Megan Pass Triple Jump; Silver Harry Winter Shot; Silver Klaudia Walas Javelin; Silver Ross McFarlane 100m; Silver Ross McFarlane 80m Hurdles; Silver - Shannon Almond 200m; Silver - Shannon Almond 75m Hurdles; Silver - Kai Francis Discus; Silver - Aaron Birrell 200m; Silver - Under 15 Girls Relay (Katie Stenhouse, Sarah Paterson, Leah Henderson, Shannon Almond); Silver - Under 17 Girls Relay (Nina Revell, Hollie Keanie, Megan Pass, Jorja McAndrew; Bronze - Rebecca Workmaster Discus; Bronze - Keiran Bremner Triple Jump; Bronze - Tabi Gudgeon 100m; Bronze - Aaron Birrell 100m; Bronze - Nina Revell 80m Hurdles; Bronze Louis Appere 800m.
Term ends - Thursday 28 June at 12.30.
Counting on competition - Last Friday all SI pupils competed against each other in a Numeracy morning event with three activities: Nintendo DS Calculation Battle, Qwizdom and Numeracy Quiz. Pupils had fun while really testing their numeracy skills. Congratulations to the following numeracy competition winners: DS Calculation Battle: 1 Ailsa Nellies, 17 seconds (incredible); 2 Louis Appere, 18 seconds, 3 Andy Louise Hall, 19 seconds. Numeracy Quiz: 1 Eve Mortimer, 18 points; 2 Rebekah Melville, 17 points; 2 Sophie Land 17 points, 2 Morgan Middleton, 17 points.
Chess success - Bell Baxter Chess Club entered 2 teams into the Fife Schools Chess Competition. The A team was a close second, half a point behind St Leonards, to win the Fife Schools Plate while the B team gained some valuable experience. Everyone did very well, especially as the teams were so young.
Chariots of Fire - Bell Baxter is very proud that S2 pupil Joe Forrester was the Olympic torch bearer who carried the torch on the West Sands in the recreation of the famous opening to Chariots of Fire last week. Joe is an athlete with his sights set on future Olympics. There can be few schools that can boast three Olympic torch bearers. Well done Sula Powell, Fraser Allan and Joe.
S4 Celebration of Achievement Assembly - Any 54 pupil who left school this year is welcome to attend the S4 Celebration of Achievement Assembly on Tuesday, June 26, period 2. Please confirm by contacting the school by Monday 25th June.
Fife Schools Track and Field Championships
- 2012 Results: Bell Baxter as always performed very well in these championships. Congratulations to the following medal winners: Gold - Keiran Bremner 80m Hurdles; Gold - Keiran Bremner 200m; Gold - Nina Revell, Triple Jump; Gold - Ross McFarlane, Javelin; Gold - Kieran Brough Triple Jump; Gold - Kieran Brough Long Jump.- Gold - Shannon Almond 100m; Gold - S1 Boys Relay (Louis Appere, Mathew Porteous, Arron Birrell, Fraser Allan); Gold - Under 15 Boys Relay (Kieran Brough, Ross McFarlane, Kai Frances, Keiran Bremner); Silver - Jorja McAndrew Long jump; Silver Hollie Keanie 200m; Silver - Hoilie Keanie 300m; Silver Megan Pass Triple Jump; Silver Harry Winter Shot; Silver Klaudia Walas Javelin; Silver Ross McFarlane 100m; Silver Ross McFarlane 80m Hurdles; Silver - Shannon Almond 200m; Silver - Shannon Almond 75m Hurdles; Silver - Kai Francis Discus; Silver - Aaron Birrell 200m; Silver - Under 15 Girls Relay (Katie Stenhouse, Sarah Paterson, Leah Henderson, Shannon Almond); Silver - Under 17 Girls Relay (Nina Revell, Hollie Keanie, Megan Pass, Jorja McAndrew; Bronze - Rebecca Workmaster Discus; Bronze - Keiran Bremner Triple Jump; Bronze - Tabi Gudgeon 100m; Bronze - Aaron Birrell 100m; Bronze - Nina Revell 80m Hurdles; Bronze Louis Appere 800m.
Term ends - Thursday 28 June at 12.30.
1 June 2012
The young musicians with their teacher, Mr Paul wickham
Making merry in summer - Musical pupils from Bell Baxter entertained members of the public at The Big Tea' in St Andrews. Held as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, this charity fund-raising event saw the weekend finish in the grounds of St Leonards School. St Andrews, where pupils from S3, S4 and S5 sang and played while everyone enjoyed tea and cakes in the sunshine. On midsummer evening, Thursday, June 21, there will be another opportunity to come along to Bell Baxter and enjoy a relaxing show of music, song, dance and drama - along with a slice of cake cooked in the school's new professional hospitality kitchens. Tickets will be on sale through the school after June 7.
Young leader - Congratulations to S4 pupill Norman McGregor for securing a place on the Rotary Youth Leadership Award programme. Norman will spend a week at the Abernethy Outdoor Centre where he will take part in a programme of intensive outdoor activities which are designed to test and develop leadership skills.
School golf championships - Congratulations to all of the pupils who managed to splash their way around Elmwood golf course in very challenging conditions. This year's champions are: Junior boys handicap - Ryan Grant; senior boys champion - Gregor Bousie: overall scratch champion - Marcus Rickard (S4).
Rugby congratulations - Bell Baxter extends congratulations to the Howe of Fife Rugbv Club for winning the prestigious SRU Club of the Year Award. The club wins the award for winning Premier Three League and the Legacy Sevens. Its commitment to youth rugby development, the expertise of coaches and officials, and links with Bell Baxter are also recognised tn the award. Many current players at all levels are pupils or former pupils of Bell Baxter. The experience and opportunities offered to so many boys by the Howe is invaluable, and clearly the SRU recognises the importance of nurturing talent and positive attitudes in the community as well as success in competition. Well done to everyone associated with the Howe.
Diary dates - Holidays June 4 and 5; in-service June 6; seniors return from study leave June 7; P7 visit days June 14 and 15.
4 May 2012
Pressing news has just reached the Publicity Group.
Recently it has been decided that a fast food chain will be moving into one of the Bell Baxter cafeteria stations.
A source told us that from August 2012 they will selling deep-fried pizza, Mars bars and much, much more available for a reasonable price.
News has spread across the school like wildfire, with some teachers divided over the matter.
Klaiming this is a great achievement for the school, Mr Black hopes to formally announce this new addition very soon!
Green winners - Congratulation to Ms Pour and her rural skills group who, along with Elmwood College, have scooped a prestigious prize in the Green Dragon competition. On Saturday, April 21, students from across Scotland arrived at People & Planet's Green Ideas Den, ready to pitch their ideas to make their colleges more sustainable to the 'Green Dragons' - Robin Parker, president of NUS Scotland; Hamira Khan, chief executive of the Scottish Youth Parliament; Reuben Chesters, winner of the Young Scottish Green List 2012; and Sharon McAllister, head of entrepreneurship at Jewel and Esk College, and contestant on The Apprentice. Elmwood College's project, 'Enterprise Learning Community', so impressed the dragons that they awarded it their top prize of £350 towards a new polytunnel. Their project proposal was as follows: 'Elmwood College's horticultural department as an Enterprise Learning Community running alongside its rural skills course for school students. There are currently six high schools involved in this project. The school students grow plants for use on their school grounds at at other community projects they wish to support. They organise plant sales and raise money for projects and charities. For example, the students grow thousands of wildflowers in cell trays then organise eco days within their schools where they lead classes of pupils planting bee corridors in the school grounds. They would like to have more polytunnels for plants allowing the project to grow and meet demand.'
Farewell, Class of 2012 - Wednesday, May 2, marked the end of an era for the class of 2012, who walked out of the doors of Bell Baxter for the final time. The last three days have been used to celebrate the end of six years time at Bell Baxter, with year books and hoodies, a few pranks, shirt signing, house sports day, and the leavers assembly where memories good, fun and not so fun were recalled. The assembly featured a film made by the captains - Stephen Martin, Hannah Burgess, Rosie Bannerman, Brogan Sinclair, Ross Strachan and Zak Campbell Lochrie - musical acts, and a farewell message from Mr Black and Mr Martin. Year head Mr Buchanan also made a very special tribute to the year group from the staff with his own film. After the assembly, the entire year group were given balloons by the captains which were launched over the school. A barbecue at Craigtoun Park completed the farewell. The publicity group would like to thank all our readers over this year; we have had a great time reporting all the news about Bell Baxter to you. There have been many highlights, including meeting former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. We would like to wish all sixth years good luck with the future, and welcome the new first years to Bell Baxter when they arrive in August.
FPA Webmaster's note: We add our good wishes for the future happiness and success of the latest batch of Bell Baxter FPs. We also hold out the hope that they will soon become members of the FP Association, in our view the best way to keep in touch with the School that has been such an important part of their lives. However, in FPA parlance they will be known as the Class of 2006, not the Class of 2012. The reason for this is quite simply that not all of their contemporaries who started out six years ago remained at School until sixth year.
Diary dates - Monday, May 7 - holiday.
26th April 2012
Bell Baxter’s Got Talent
On Wednesday 18th April over 100 teachers, parents and pupils arrived at Bell Baxter to see this year’s Bell Baxter’s Got Talent, an event organised by theS6 Charities Group. Following two weeks of auditions before Easter, nine acts performed in front of a judging panel comprising teachers Mr Gaines and MsMcArthur and guest judge Donna Jennings, founder of local charity For theLove of a Child (FLOC). The night began with a performance from last years’ winner, S5 pupil Steph Hay. Following this, the Baton Twirlers, Jed & Rickard, Becca McMillan, Olivia Downes, City Ablaze, Bryan Armit, Megan Northway, Jordan Brown and Alex Peterson each took to the stage to perform for the
judges. After much deliberation amongst the judges, at the end of the night the results were in. Congratulations to the winners who were:
In 4th place – The Baton Twirlers, 3rd – Megan Northway singing, 2nd – Bryan Armit with his own composition singing and playing piano and the winners were S6 pupils – Jed Watson and Kieran Rickard with their incredibly original clever and fast rap.
The event was a great success and over £1000 was raised for FLOC. It brought an end to a very successful year for the group, who have raised over £2400 throughout the year for different charities. Well done to all involved!
World Burns Federation National Festival
Following the success at Fife competition level, several Bell Baxter pupils headed to Cults Academy in Aberdeen for the National Finals. Schools represented their councils at the Festival and Bell Baxter made a substantial contribution to Fife’s success particularly in bagpiping. Congratulations to Fiona Cooper who won a bronze medal for recitation, Kyle Innes and Margaret Mellon who were placed 2nd in their respective age groups in the instrumental section; and Isla Stout for a silver medal in bagpiping, Hamish Ballantyne winning silver and Ewan Cameron and Calum Winter who were placed first also in bagpiping. Their winning places meant that Fife won the Bagpiping section. Well done to all who took part, their parents, teachers and coaches.
Moving on
With Standard Grade exams already under way and seniors starting to get nervous about Highers, the time had come to say goodbye to our current S6 and those who are leaving from S4 and S5. Next week S6 have a programme of leavers events at which staff and pupils have a chance to reflect on the last six years and wish pupils well as they move on to University, College – maybe even a job! The school recognises the positive contributions made by our senior pupils and everyone wishes them well in their exams, and in the future.
Diary date
Last day before Study Leave for S5/6 is Wednesday 2nd May.
On Wednesday 18th April over 100 teachers, parents and pupils arrived at Bell Baxter to see this year’s Bell Baxter’s Got Talent, an event organised by theS6 Charities Group. Following two weeks of auditions before Easter, nine acts performed in front of a judging panel comprising teachers Mr Gaines and MsMcArthur and guest judge Donna Jennings, founder of local charity For theLove of a Child (FLOC). The night began with a performance from last years’ winner, S5 pupil Steph Hay. Following this, the Baton Twirlers, Jed & Rickard, Becca McMillan, Olivia Downes, City Ablaze, Bryan Armit, Megan Northway, Jordan Brown and Alex Peterson each took to the stage to perform for the
judges. After much deliberation amongst the judges, at the end of the night the results were in. Congratulations to the winners who were:
In 4th place – The Baton Twirlers, 3rd – Megan Northway singing, 2nd – Bryan Armit with his own composition singing and playing piano and the winners were S6 pupils – Jed Watson and Kieran Rickard with their incredibly original clever and fast rap.
The event was a great success and over £1000 was raised for FLOC. It brought an end to a very successful year for the group, who have raised over £2400 throughout the year for different charities. Well done to all involved!
World Burns Federation National Festival
Following the success at Fife competition level, several Bell Baxter pupils headed to Cults Academy in Aberdeen for the National Finals. Schools represented their councils at the Festival and Bell Baxter made a substantial contribution to Fife’s success particularly in bagpiping. Congratulations to Fiona Cooper who won a bronze medal for recitation, Kyle Innes and Margaret Mellon who were placed 2nd in their respective age groups in the instrumental section; and Isla Stout for a silver medal in bagpiping, Hamish Ballantyne winning silver and Ewan Cameron and Calum Winter who were placed first also in bagpiping. Their winning places meant that Fife won the Bagpiping section. Well done to all who took part, their parents, teachers and coaches.
Moving on
With Standard Grade exams already under way and seniors starting to get nervous about Highers, the time had come to say goodbye to our current S6 and those who are leaving from S4 and S5. Next week S6 have a programme of leavers events at which staff and pupils have a chance to reflect on the last six years and wish pupils well as they move on to University, College – maybe even a job! The school recognises the positive contributions made by our senior pupils and everyone wishes them well in their exams, and in the future.
Diary date
Last day before Study Leave for S5/6 is Wednesday 2nd May.
20th April 2012
Term begins again and SQA exams are the main focus for our senior pupils. During the Easter break many of our pupils travelled on school trips which, by all accounts, were a great success. Thanks to all involved.
Battlefields’ Tour 2012
At the end of term thirty-nine S3, S4 & S5 pupils along with four staff embarked on a four day emotional, enjoyable and utterly rewarding visit to the First World War battlefields of Belgium and France. Led by an excellent guide from Mercat Tours in Edinburgh, the group were immersed in the spirit of the time from the very start, known as the 1st Bell Baxter Pals Battalion, they were told stories of local men who were now buried in some of the hundreds of cemeteries along this area of fighting and taught some songs
from the time, which were sung throughout the trip. The very full itinerary included a visit to Messine Church crypt, which had been used as a field dressing station during the First World War and had one very important casualty at this time, who came back to visit during World War II, Hitler! The spectacular memorials at Theipval and Vimy Ridge, walking in some original, very muddy trenches, and taking part in the very moving last post ceremony at the Menin gate were just some of the highlights.
Spanish adventure
During the first week of the Easter Holidays thirty-three pupils and three members of staff had the opportunity to travel to Málaga to discover the language, culture and history of Spain, both through language classes and by visiting the cultural landmarks of the area. Pupils attended classes at a languages school in Benalmádena, where they had the opportunity to practice their language skills. In Málaga, the group visited the impressive Cathedral, one of the town's most important monuments, and the Alcazaba, a Moorish palace. The renowned Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada was another scheduled destination where pupils marvelled at their mixture of patios, pools, pavilions and splendid gardens. No trip to Spain would have be complete without a shopping expedition and we indulged in some retail therapy in the stalls in the narrow streets of Mijas, a little whitewashed town perched on the hillside with its terraces overflowing with geraniums and red tile roofs. After, we spent some time resting on the beach of Cala de Mijas. The pupils also had a flamenco taster lesson and played outdoor games on the nearby beach. As students of Spanish, they put their language skills to good use during our stay. As well as talking to hotel staff, they had various opportunities to buy snacks and souvenirs, enabling them to converse with the locals. Overall, a successful trip and a thoroughly enjoyable experience for pupils and teachers.
Skiing in Sestriere
Fifty-nine pupils and seven staff enjoyed a wonderful trip to Sestriere in Italy, many experiencing the slopes for the first time. After five hours of instruction a day many made great progress during the week and confidence on the slopes really increased. Though there were inevitably bumps and bruises, all agreed that the trip had been excellent.
Parent Council
The Parent Council holds its next meeting on Wednesday 2nd May 2012 in the school's Conference Room at 7pm. All parents/carers are very welcome and refreshments are available prior to the meeting.
Diary dates
Study leave for S4 begins on Tuesday 24th April
Study leave for S5/6 begins on Wed 2nd May
Battlefields’ Tour 2012
At the end of term thirty-nine S3, S4 & S5 pupils along with four staff embarked on a four day emotional, enjoyable and utterly rewarding visit to the First World War battlefields of Belgium and France. Led by an excellent guide from Mercat Tours in Edinburgh, the group were immersed in the spirit of the time from the very start, known as the 1st Bell Baxter Pals Battalion, they were told stories of local men who were now buried in some of the hundreds of cemeteries along this area of fighting and taught some songs
from the time, which were sung throughout the trip. The very full itinerary included a visit to Messine Church crypt, which had been used as a field dressing station during the First World War and had one very important casualty at this time, who came back to visit during World War II, Hitler! The spectacular memorials at Theipval and Vimy Ridge, walking in some original, very muddy trenches, and taking part in the very moving last post ceremony at the Menin gate were just some of the highlights.
Spanish adventure
During the first week of the Easter Holidays thirty-three pupils and three members of staff had the opportunity to travel to Málaga to discover the language, culture and history of Spain, both through language classes and by visiting the cultural landmarks of the area. Pupils attended classes at a languages school in Benalmádena, where they had the opportunity to practice their language skills. In Málaga, the group visited the impressive Cathedral, one of the town's most important monuments, and the Alcazaba, a Moorish palace. The renowned Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada was another scheduled destination where pupils marvelled at their mixture of patios, pools, pavilions and splendid gardens. No trip to Spain would have be complete without a shopping expedition and we indulged in some retail therapy in the stalls in the narrow streets of Mijas, a little whitewashed town perched on the hillside with its terraces overflowing with geraniums and red tile roofs. After, we spent some time resting on the beach of Cala de Mijas. The pupils also had a flamenco taster lesson and played outdoor games on the nearby beach. As students of Spanish, they put their language skills to good use during our stay. As well as talking to hotel staff, they had various opportunities to buy snacks and souvenirs, enabling them to converse with the locals. Overall, a successful trip and a thoroughly enjoyable experience for pupils and teachers.
Skiing in Sestriere
Fifty-nine pupils and seven staff enjoyed a wonderful trip to Sestriere in Italy, many experiencing the slopes for the first time. After five hours of instruction a day many made great progress during the week and confidence on the slopes really increased. Though there were inevitably bumps and bruises, all agreed that the trip had been excellent.
Parent Council
The Parent Council holds its next meeting on Wednesday 2nd May 2012 in the school's Conference Room at 7pm. All parents/carers are very welcome and refreshments are available prior to the meeting.
Diary dates
Study leave for S4 begins on Tuesday 24th April
Study leave for S5/6 begins on Wed 2nd May