Sports Afternoon

On the 12th Of July the school held its annual inter-house games afternoon. The pupils of the school competed in a variety of sports to win points for their house. The afternoon was a great success with all pupils thoroughly enjoying themselves and all sports were played fairly yet competitively. As the results from each event were coming in it was clear it was going to be a very close contest, with the winners only being confirmed after the football had been completed. The eventual winners were Brandan house however, well done to all who participated in the afternoon making it a fantastic time for both staff and pupils.

Doon Dancers

The Doon Dancers dazzled the audience at the Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock in the East Ayrshire's Got Talent show with a slow and emotive routine choreographed entirely by the students. The girls performed a contemporary dance routine to “Skinny Love” by Birdy. This is the second time the girls have appeared in the annual show for the best of East Ayrshire' school performers. The following S3 students took part: Chloe Chalmers, Lauren Ferguson, Shania Brown, Cheryl Allison, Caitlin Steele and Tamsin Thorburn. The audience of councillors, parents, pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed the show. S3 dancer Lauren Ferguson said: “I really liked the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. The atmosphere was really good and it was great fun. I also really liked seeing the primary students perform. Their dance routines were really good and they were full of ideas. It was great meeting students from other schools who had the same interests as me.”
 

Catwalk Class

Miss Gibson in the PE department will be working with our fashion show models during Masterclass on Wednesday the 22nd of May. During the class she will be helping students with their walk and poses for the fashion show which will take place on Wednesday the 19th of June at 6.30pm in M&Co in Ayr. Tickets can be purchased from the school reception and are priced at £3.00.

Premiership football trip

40 students and 6 members’ staff went on a trip on Saturday the 30th of March to the Stadium of Light to watch Sunderland and Manchester United play. This was a great day out and both students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the game. Thank you to Mr Kelly for organising the trip.

The Premiership Experience

Mr Kelly is arranging a trip to the Stadium of Light to see Sunderland A.F.C and Manchester United at the end of March, exact dates to be confirmed. The cost of the trip is £44 which includes the coach, entry into the game and a discount voucher for the club shop. This trip is open to all pupils. If you are interested please see Mr Kelly as there are only 33 places available. A £10 deposit will be required to secure your place.

Badminton Tournament

Before Christmas, the two Higher PE classes at Doon Academy came together to play a doubles tournament against each other. With all pupils having performed to a very high standard during assessments, it was going to be a close tournament from the start. The Main Court hosted Connor Strang & Dylan Thirtle against Ryan Brown & Michael Harvey. Points were shared throughout the game with Ryan and Michael finally clinching the win in the last few seconds of the game. On the other courts it concluded with a victory to class 5B. The second round saw a very close game between Robbie Ogilvie & Andrew Paton against Gemma Hughes & Lyle Wares. Final score 21-19 to Gemma and Lyle. On the second court at the same time, the win went to the 5E class when Varri Murdoch & Dylan Thirtle beat Lauren Toner & Ryan Brown. Round 3 saw Bradley Kirkwood & Michael Harvey secure a win for 5B against Derek Brown & Robbie Ogilvie. Winning 21-17 it looked good for 5B going into the final round but 5E were about to make a comeback. In the fourth and final round, Dylan Thirtle and Andrew Paton beat Lyle Wares and Michael Harvey 21-18 and Varri Murdoch & Derek Brown were victorious against Lauren Toner and Gemma Hughes. Because of the two 5E wins, the scores had to be counted carefully and in the final minute the results came back showing that 5B had won the tournament 7-5. Well done to everyone involved including Mr McEnea who alongside Mrs Ferrie, Mr McCrorie and Mr Kelly umpired the games. A high standard of badminton was witnessed by all on the afternoon tournament. Keep up the good work!

BBL Trophy Final Trip

The PE department are in the process of organising a trip to the British Basketball Finals which will be taking place on Saturday the 9th of March. All pupils and staff who are interested in going to the brand new Emirates Arena in Glasgow to see the match should give their names to the PE ASAP. The total cost of the trip is £20. A £5 deposit will secure your place, with a further £15 deposit payable by Friday the 8th of February.

Netball success

Doon Academy’s S1/2 netball team travelled to Kyle Academy on Tuesday 18th December to play their last game of 2012. After an intense warm up the girls were ready to take on the school currently at the top of the league. The first half got off to a flying start with Doon’s defence duo of Olivia McCutcheon and Sophie Paulin keeping all Kyle attempts at net away. Lori McLarty kept her cool every time she was given the ball in the top circle and with Macy Biggar’s help; she managed to score 4 goals in the first half. Although the score line was 4-0 in Doon Academy’s favour at half time, the game was incredibly tight and after a brief team talk, the girls knew they had to continue with their hard working ways in the second half. Melanie Connell took the first centre well and with Brook Paulin and Brook Welsh in the wings, Doon’s girls ensured they were driving forward once again. Kyle made a few team amendments at half time and the girls did a great job of making a comeback, getting 5 goals past Doon’s defence. Thankfully our girls were not put off by a strengthened Kyle team and managed to score another 3 goals. Well done to all the girls involved for beating a strong netball school and finishing the year on netball high. Particular congratulations to Olivia McCutheon who received the well deserved accolade of ‘Player of the Match’. Her defending skills were second to none and her effort level never faltered for her 24 minutes of phenomenal play!

Netball news

On Monday the 12th November, Doon Academy’s S1/2 netball team left a blustery Dalmellington and headed for Kilmarnock to play Loudon Academy. This was the first game of the season for the girls and was made more exciting by the fact it was away from home. The game started fiercely with Loudon gaining a four point advantage. Lori McLarty made heads go up as she scored from the circle line taking the game to 4-1. Loudon scored another point but thanks to Macey Biggar and Brooke Welsh helping get the ball to the Doon circle, Chloe Hainey and Lori McLarty were able to score another three points. Going into the second half, the score remained at 5-4 to Loudon. Katie Johnstone stayed in at Goal Keeper but after an energetic and successful first half, Olivia McCutheon was replaced by Sophie Paulin as Goal Defence. Melanie Connell, Alison McCann and Brooke Paulin took to centre court and soon the ball was quickly getting to Doon’s net. The score evened out at 5-5 one minute into the second half and from there on in both teams scored one after the next. The final score ended as 9-9 and everyone involved deserves praise for the maximum effort put into the game. Special recognition goes to Chloe Hainey who was awarded Player of the Match.

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.

London Paralympics

The four student sports ambassadors were taken to visit the Paralympics stadium in London. The ambassadors, Nathan Gilmore, Dillan Dunn, Paige McMahon and Raegan Heggie, along with P.E. teacher Mr McCrorie and Nicola McCormack had a tour of the athletic stadium, and saw the sights of London.

Nteball report

Doon Academy’s S1/2 Netball Team left Dalmellington on a sunny afternoon to go to Prestwick for their league game. Arriving at the school, Doon’s pupils were very impressed with Prestwick Academy’s new campus and all agreed it was “like going to a hotel for the afternoon”. Both sides warmed up quickly as all were eager to get started.
The first half saw Doon hold the majority of possession but after five minutes no goals had been scored. It didn’t take long however for Doon to get into their stride with Cheryl Allison putting four nets on the scoreboard for her team. Prestwick replied with one goal before half time leaving Doon in the lead before any team changes were made. Rebekah Copeland and Charelle Boyce played hard and well during the first half and were replaced with fresh legs in the form of Sophie Paulin and Chloe McDerment for the second half.
Amy Mitchell was moved to Goal Shooter and did a great job in helping Cheryl score more goals. Melanie Connell played a solid role in controlling centre court alongside her Wings, Brooke Paulin and Savannah McMahon. Prestwick made a valiant attempt at putting the Doon girls under pressure and were able to catch up in goal difference in the second half.
The Doon girls proved just too fast for the opposition though with the final score of the season being 9-8 to Doon Academy.
Well done to Brooke Paulin who received Player of the Match.

Netball report

Doon’s S1/2 Netball team travelled to Kyle Academy on Tuesday 1st May to play the League winners. Kyle’s attacking side quickly broke down Rebekah Copeland and Sophie Paulin’s defence and went ahead easily in the first few minutes. Melanie Connell, Brooke Paulin and Savannah McMahon tried desperately to get things active for Doon Academy’s side in the centre court but to no avail. Cheryl Allison played a good game trying to get the ball to Charelle Boyce in the top circle but unfortunately Kyle’s defence proved just too strong for our small school. Alana Murray came on at half time and got the ball to Charelle who scored Doon’s only point. As the game got closer to full time Doon knew there was not going to be a win this time but continued to try their hardest.
Well done to Kyle who gained a comfortable win and remain at the top of the Ayrshire League.
Congratulations to Savannah McMahon who received Player of the Match.

PE Pupils of the month

Well done to Brooke Paulin and Scott Kennedy who achieved the PE Department's Pupils of the Month for May.

Swimming Championships

The Doon Academy Swimming Championships took place on Tuesday 24^th April. All competitors performed extremely well and the competitive spirit made for an exciting event. Results were as follows: Junior Girls 1^st- Haidee Barclay 2^nd- Rebekah Copeland 3^rd- Melanie Connell/Charelle Boyce 4^th- Amy Collins  Junior Boys1^st- Jack Sommerville2^nd- Jamie Geddes Senior Boys1^st- Stuart Paulin 2^nd- Logan Wilson 3^rd- Jamie McLatchie. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the championships.

Dance success

East Ayrshire’s annual Dance Festival took place on Thursday 15th March at the Grange Academy and three of Doon Academy’s pupils took to the stage to shine on the night. After the group dropped from eight pupils to three pupils, it looked like there would be confusion on stage and potentially we would have to drop out but the girls rearranged positions, practised until their muscles ached and ended up making the dance look truly professional on the night.

Dancing to Tik Tok by Keisha, Cheryl Allison, Shania Brown and Alana Murray looked like trained experts as they showed off their dancing skills on stage. As well as dancing skills the girls helped with hair and make up backstage as Dalmellington Primary were also there performing on the night. The girls’ practice and hard work paid off as compliments rushed in telling them how wonderfully they had performed.

Well done to the three girls who should be proud of themselves for representing Doon Academy in such a mature and professional manner.

Netball success

On Wednesday 7th March Doon Academy travelled to Loudon Academy for two netball games. It was the junior school’s time to show off their netballing skills and they did not disappoint. The first team got off to a roaring start with Doon scoring in the first minute. Cheryl Allison and Amy Mitchell then managed to get another shot on target taking the score up to 2-0. Loudon made a quick comeback and scored two goals making the score even. Savannah McMahon controlled centre court with many impressive interceptions and with Rebakah Copeland and Melanie Connell helping out, the ball quickly made it back to the shooters who scored again taking them into the lead at half time.

After a drink of water and a team talk from coach Mrs Ferrie, the girls were willing and ready to take on Loudon as the second half commenced. Alana Murray and Brook Paulin played well throughout the entire game which resulted in Doon winning 9-4.

Well done to Savannah McMahon who received Player of the Match.

Y Dance Showcase

On Saturday 11th February 5 Doon Academy pupils attended Y Dance’s annual showcase at The Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine.

Lisa McTaggart, Paige Collins, Fiona Kennedy, Alana Murray and Cheryl Allison performed two fantastic dance routines to a packed auditorium and delighted the audience with dances to ‘Black and Gold’ and ‘Beautiful Monster’. The girls have been working hard since October and it finally paid off as both dances received a massive cheer from those watching.



The day began at 11.30 with a warm up for the 100 girls involved and then the groups rehearsing on stage. They then went on to have a full rehearsal with schools from Ayrshire and Glasgow, all working out where they had to be with their routines. The show finally started at 7.30pm with relatives and friends amongst the audience to watch the girls. All groups performed brilliantly with Doon showcasing particularly well. The show finished with a mass finale number to ‘I’ve Had the Time of my Life’ which looked fantastic as all 100 girls moved in unison.

The Doon girls left The Magnum with tired legs but big smiles as all had enjoyed an unforgettable day. Well done to those involved- wear your new Y Dance t-shirts with pride!

Giant Heptathlon

S1/2 pupils will be taking part in the East Ayrshire Giant Heptathlon to be held at Stewarton Academy. Pupils will undertake a series of sporting challenges. Good luck everyone.