Little Eye

Doon Academy was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to have “Little Eye” perform in school.  Little Eye are an upcoming Scottish band currently touring Scottish schools with an anti- drugs message. They are supporting the anti-drugs charity DARE and have been trained by the charity to deliver the message. The band have supported Olly Murs and Alesha Dickson on tour and recently won Clyde 1 In Demand – Band of the Year.

The band performed some of their songs, delivered the anti-drugs message, with a question and answer session, and finished with an autograph session for the pupils. The main message of the band was to make the right decisions in life and to live a healthy lifestyle.

The performance was very much enjoyed by the whole school – pupils and staff!

White Ribbon Campaign

The first of a series of ‘White Ribbon’ assemblies took place in the library recently during Masterclass time. Senior pupils were exposed to the realism of violence against women within society.

The presentation was conducted by Mr Kelly and excellently supported by Nathan Gilmore in S6 who attended an all-male seminar in March 2012 led by activist Professor Michael Kaufmann founder of the campaign.

Our new campus police office PC Hurran also provided an in depth analysis of police interventions in a domestic violence case. The presentation will now be rolled out across the rest of the school. Pictures will follow.

Mock Interview Programme

Preparations are already on-going for this year’s S4 mock interview programme. As part of the employability PSE provision, S4 pupils will learn about the application and interview process and have an opportunity to sample a ‘real life’ interview situation. As usual we will be working in partnership with Auchinleck and Cumnock Academies and Ayrshire Chambers. The programme will also supplement the annual work experience opportunity. The mock interviews will take place at the Aviator Suite Prestwick Airport on 1st October 2013.

The Lighthouse Foundation

The Lighthouse Foundation is currently in school delivering a series of substance misuse awareness sessions to pupils in S2, S4, S5 and S6. These sessions have been well received by pupils. It has helped to reinforce the spice resources already utilised in PSE lessons.

No Smoking Day

As we move closer to National "No Smoking Day" which will take place on Wednesday 13 March 2013, pupils in S1/2 have been learning about the physical, social and emotional effects of smoking within PSE lessons. This year’s slogan is "Swap Fags For Swag" and S1 pupils have once again entered the annual poster competition co-ordinated by Doon Valley Pharmacy in Dalmellington.

Mentors in Violence Prevention

Doon is in the second group of Scottish schools to be trained to develop the skills of pupils, parents, staff and community workers in reducing violent behaviours. So far, pupils, teachers, administrative and janitorial staff (10 in all) have had intensive training and 15 senior pupils have now joined the programme. A programme of training events for mentors has been prepared for delivery over the next 7 months.

The first of these trainings, for school staff and others, will take place on Thursday 7 March. This will be delivered by the MVP group which consists of pupils and staff of Doon Academy and staff members from Community Learning and Development, Barnardos, the Police, Women’s Aid, Education Scotland and other bodies. Footballers from Ayr United have expressed their support in raising awareness of the programme with its target audience.

Road Safety

The Baldy Bane Theatre Co. held a production of “The 9 Lives of Roddy Hogg” in August which conveyed the dangers of the road and how to prevent them.

Medics Against Violence

Recently senior students has a visit from Medics Against Violence and they were shown a video of the after effects of drunkeness and gang violence. The shocking security camera footage and real life stories of the people who had lost someone due to violent attacks really made the message hit  home. The pupils agreed that it was intolerable and showed good feedback to the speaker.

Driving safety

6th year pupils attended a showing of the film, and presentations, on ‘Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives’ at the Odeon Cinema, Ayr. This annual event was established to make those who may be learning to drive or who have just started driving think about the impact of their driving behaviours.

Peer Education Project

Together with Auchinleck Academy, 12 S6 pupils will be taking part in a Peer Education Project where they will receive 2 days training on drug and alcohol misuse. The seniors will then deliver the lesson to S1 pupils and Dalmellington P7s.
This course will go towards the S6's Higher Leadership practice.

Cars 2

All S1 pupils visited the Odeon Cinema in Ayr to see Cars 2 as part of the Film Education week. The film reinforces the themes of friendship and belonging which have been the focus of their PSE classes.

Respect & Protect Competition winners

Congratulations to S3 pupil Tammy Reid who won the school competition to produce a PowerPoint or video to promote the new Respect and Protect anti-bullying policy. The runner-ups were Aaron Gilmore S1, Stephen Crossan S4 and Samantha Halbert S1. Well done to all the entrants.

Royal Bank Visit

Thank you to Lyndsay Walker from Royal Bank of Scotland in Paisley who visited the school and held personal finance sessions with S2 and S5 pupils. These sessions were greatly appreciated by pupils.

Oral Health

The Oral Health team were once again in school to deliver talks to S1 pupils regarding oral hygiene.

New Wristbands

A new batch of re-printed ‘Respect and Protect’ wristbands has been delivered to the school and are available to purchase for 60p each. Please see Mr. Kelly in the Guidance Department

Respect & Protect wristbands

The school has witnessed the official launch of the 'Respect and Protect' anti-bullying wristbands.
Pupils and staff have been encouraged to purchase a fashionable silicone wristband with 'Doon Academy Respects & Protects' printed clearly on each band. In purchasing the band all pupils sign a contract agreeing to fully support the schools respect and protect anti-bullying policy as highlighted in the handbook and student planners. The bands have proved to be extremely popular with staff and pupils alike.

It is hoped that everyone within the school will wear one and 'Lend a hand to take a stand - wear the band!'

To support the initiative there is a competition for pupils to submit entries for the best presentation on anti-bullying.

Peer Education

12 S3 pupils will be participating in a Peer Education Programme from January to March. The pupils will prepare a presentation of their choice based on a relevant community issue such as vandalism or binge drinking. When completed they will deliver their presentation to all primary and secondary schools in East Ayrshire. It is hoped the pupils will gain confidence and self esteem from their involvement with the programme. A bronze community award will be presented to all pupils who complete the project.

Hospital visit

Principal Teacher of Guidance Steven Kelly accompanied a group of 10 S5/6 students to Ayr Hospital for a NHS Awareness Day to find out about possible careers relating in the health industry.

Skills for Work

In PSE all S3 have begun their first assessment for ‘Skills for Work’ this programme is to prepare them for their work experience and Workit in 4th year.

New Principal Teacher of Guidance

Pupils and staff are pleased to welcome our new Principal Teacher of Guidance, Steven Kelly. Mr Kelly will be responsible for Bradan and Doon clan groups, careers guidance, business and college links, MCMC and post school transitions. We wish him every success in his new post.