The volunteering fair last Friday seems to have been a great success, with numerous pupils signing up to offer their time and talents to various organisations. If there are any other opportunities out there, where people are looking for young, enthusiastic helpers, they should just contact the school.

I have just spent a very enjoyable time with our Paired Reading volunteers who have been in this afternoon. These very kind people give up time out of their day to come and read with some of our young people. This helps to build the pupils’ confidence and not only helps them with their reading, but also with their listening and talking.

Some of our senior pupils went to Heriot-Watt this week to participate in the 'Design Smash Challenge'. Miss Stobie noted that the pupils seemed to really engage in the urban planning task and got a lot of out of the experience. The judges were really impressed with our team but unfortunately we didn't win (but it’s not the winning, it’s the taking part). The pupils also got to look around the acoustic engineering lab and had a go with the thermal heating cameras. Thanks to all the pupils and Miss Stobie for their time and effort.

I have had some great news about three of our former pupils. Aaron Duke has recently become Senior European Trail Champion at the recent competition in Austria. He was always an ardent trial biker and it looks like he’s going from strength to strength. Similarly on two wheels, Lewis Rollo recently won the Scottish Superstock 600 Championship at Knockhill. He has also been riding in the British Superstock 600 for the first time this year and is extremely well regarded by the top riders. He's had some bad luck with accidents over the last month or so, but next year he will certainly be in contention for the top spot in the National Championship. We wish both Lewis and Aaron all the best over the coming seasons and will look out for further news. Finally, Gregor McMillan has graduated from St John’s College Cambridge and has been awarded one of the Larmor Prizes for his academic achievements, moral conduct and practical activities. I am delighted for Gregor and wish him every success as he moves on to work with The Hut Group in China.

Next week we are holding a UCAS information evening for parents and pupils in S6. This will be held on Monday 12 September and we look forward to seeing you there. On the 14 September we are holding our P7 Open Evening. Any prospective pupils and their parents are welcome to join us from 7pm to have a look round the school and get a feel for the place.

Next Friday and the following Monday are holidays and the school will be closed. I look forward to seeing everyone again on Tuesday 20 September.

Have a great week. S Ingham