Sports Ambassadors Trip

On Wednesday 10th October Paige McMahon and Raegan Heggie visited The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock to represent Doon Academy at the annual Sports Ambassadors Conference. At the conference the girls interacted with schools from Ayrshire and Glasgow and came up with plans as to how they were going to promote healthy lifestyles in their communities. The day was made extra special due to the fact the got to make several Para-Olympians including Neil Fachie who won silver and gold for stage sprinting and time trials in the cycling events in London this year. The day was extremely busy but very rewarding and gave the girls renewed energy to continue with their work in the Doon Valley.

Higher Hockey Match

On Wednesday 3rd October the two Higher PE classes took to the hockey indoor facility to play against each other after 8 weeks of training. Both teams came on enthusiastic and eager to beat their opponents. Gemma Hughes showed some wonderful defence for 5B and with Alistair Paton always there for backup they proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Dylan Thirtle and Connor Strang of 5E showed strong attacking skills up front and managed to score 2 goals in the first half. Unfortunately 5B’s attacking skills proved to be too much as Ryan Brown and Michael Harvey put 6 goals past their opposition in the first half. After a 3 minute break and a team talk, both teams returned feeling refreshed and ready to score more goals. 5E came back quickly scoring 3 more goals, with Derek Brown and Andrew Paton preventing more of 5B’s attacks. With Lauren Toner and Lyle Wares always on the wing for backup, 5B responded by scoring another 7 goals, several scored by Bradley Kirkwood. Robbie Ogilvie and Varri Murdoch put in a strong performance but it was all over for 5E in the last minute with 5B beating 5E 12-5. The two teams will play each other at badminton in November where 5E will be hoping to claim back the victory. Well done to everyone who took part.

Art and Design

The Art and Design department will be offering supported study for all S3-S6 Art students every Tuesday lunchtime and on a Wednesday afterschool from 2.45pm until 3.45pm. Local willow artist Geoff Forrest will be coming into school to work with art students on a Wednesday afternoon during master class. Students will be making willow decorations that will be sold in the Doon Valley Museum in December when the annual school art exhibition is on.

S4 Mock Interviews

Once again the annual Mock Interview programme was a tremendous success with 18 S4 pupils participating in real life interview situations alongside pupils from neighbouring Cumnock and Auchinleck Academies. The 18 pupils were selected via an application process and received interviews from employers representing a variety of local businesses, including Mark Gibson from Craigengillan Estate. The pupils were also subject to Psychometric Testing and received a valuable presentation on ‘Interview Skills’. This experience has enriched the pupils understanding of the stresses and rigours involved in the recruitment process and has helped to equip them with an appreciation of the reality of seeking employment. Thank you to Gillian Cameron at the Ayrshire Chambers for her continued dedication into making this initiative an essential addition to our school calendar.

‘Inside-Out’ Mental Health Awareness

In order to raise awareness of the ‘Stigma’ associated with mental illness, pupils in S5/6 were treated to a very powerful and informative drama production by performers from Ayr College. Following a development day at Ayr College and two intense workshops as part of S5/6 Health and Wellbeing afternoons, professionals from a wide range of mental health organisations accompanied the Ayr College students as they delivered a hard-hitting and poignant performance addressing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. After the production pupils were divided into break-out groups in order to discuss some of the pertinent issues arising from the performance. Mental health professionals were on hand to facilitate discussions. Thank you to Patricia Murray and her team at Ayr College for inviting our school to be part of this important area of Health and Wellbeing.

Leadership

The second half of our 3rd year students will take part in our Leadership Academy. Workshops will be based in school where students will be developing their team working skills, perseverance, creativity, awareness and focus. Students will also take part in a residential at Dalguise where they will be involved in various outdoor activities over the weekend.

Sponsored walk

The annual school sponsored walk will be held on Wednesday the 31st of October at 1.05pm finishing at 2.45pm. The route of the walk will be through Craigengillan and then back to the school. For every £5 that a student collects they will receive one raffle ticket. The grand prize for the student with the winning ticket will be a mountain bike. Good luck to everyone and get collecting!

Glasgow School of Art trip

S6 Art and Design students visited The Glasgow School of Art and took part in a Product Design project. Students also took part in a tour of the Mackintosh building and the School of Architecture where they were able to find out more information on courses and how to apply to art school.

Ski Trip

The school is in the process of organising a ski trip to Aviemore. The proposed date is Friday the 22nd of February 2013 returning on Sunday the 24th of February 2013. The cost of the trip will be £209.00; this can be paid in instalments. This would include transport, accommodation, all meals in the hotel, lunch, ski hire, lift passes and lessons. Places on the trip will be limited and will be allocated according to a range of factors including pupils’ behaviour, attendance and effort in school. A £30.00 deposit is required by Friday the 5th of October 2012 to secure a place. Please see Miss Fuller for more information.

Enterprise display

An Enterprise display cabinet containing items that students have made is situated in the school reception. Some of the items include jewellery, key rings, candles and photographs.

Prom

The senior students are in the process of organising their end of year school prom. The prom will have a “Las Vegas” theme, please see the prom committee for more information.

Eco Club

The Eco Club master class have been clearing and weeding the school’s garden and front entrance. They have been painting the iron sculptures and are also going to be planting spring bulbs. The Eco Club have also carried out an environmental review. The results of this will be used in this year’s action plan. The school took part in a “hands up” survey to see how pupils and staff travelled to school each day. The results from the survey will help us to improve our carbon footprint.

Leadership Academy

S3 students will be taking part in the school’s Leadership Academy. Workshops will be delivered in school over three days and then a residential will take place in Dalguise where students will take part in outdoor activities over the weekend.