During the holiday, a group of senior pupils, accompanied by Ms Duff and Mr Lambert, completed the final expedition for their Level 3 MAAP award. Also in early July, the S1 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network) Challenge team, accompanied by Mr Blair and Ms Machen, were in London for the STEM Challenge 6 National final. Although the team did not win, they were praised for their participation and enthusiasm.  Mr. Blair reported that the pupils were very well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As the first team from Scotland to reach the final this was a fantastic achievement and they all seem keen to try again when the next Challenge comes along. Congratulations to all involved and thanks to the staff for giving up part of their holiday. 

Only the first week back, but already, the school is hectic and busy. When the pupils returned on Wednesday, it was a delight to welcome the new S1 and they seem to have settled in very quickly. The new timetable is underway and, following the results, we have a few course changes for the seniors to complete. 

Yesterday evening, a group of S4 pupils studying Drama, accompanied by Ms Whitfield, Mr Campbell and Ms Moffat, attended a performance on the Edinburgh Fringe. This was a site specific piece called ‘What Remains’, performed by ‘Grid Iron’ at the Edinburgh Medical School. The members of the Grid Iron company were very impressed by our pupils and said they would come to the school to discuss the piece and their work in general. Well done to the pupils and thanks to the staff involved.

Best wishes to all members of the school community for the new session.

J B Craig