- First Steps at the Academy
- Miss Boyd
- Miss Darby
- Miss Mitchell
- Miss Robertson
- School Prizegiving
- Taking Art to Paris
First Steps at the Academy
First year at high school is a huge leap for any child. To go from the relative safety of primary to somewhere where you’re rather a small fish in quite a big pond is rather a step for anyone.
That being said, high school isn’t all doom and gloom, as the happy seniors will tell you! For one thing, if there’s a teacher you don’t really get on with, at least you won’t be stuck there the whole day. For another, you’re free to leave school for lunch, an idea that seemed to figure rather large in the S1s we talked to.
Our team asked a selection of excited first year students their opinions on their time so far at Galashiels Academy. The answers were varied, but overall, the response was positive.
Sarah Turner told us very positively what she thought of the dress code: “School uniforms are quite smart”
Lucy Martin said she preferred P.E when asked to comment on her subjects: “The sports have been the most enjoyable.”
Euan Aikman told us that the Academy is a lot bigger than his primary school, and has lots more rooms. He also said that he thought it was ‘great’ and there were ‘lots of new things to do.’
A young Abbie Hood has mixed opinions about the staff, as she tells us: “Some of the teachers are quite scary, but most of them are nice.” Mm. Now which is which, I wonder?
All pupils agreed that they really like the Thursday afternoon options. And the rest of the week didn’t seem to be too bad either.
So, let’s hope that the S1s will all enjoy their time at the Academy and that they all have happy school memories to carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Jordann Aikman
Miss Boyd
We’re back after the summer with a new house (Yair), over a hundred new pupils and four newly qualified teachers (NQTs in education-speak).
One of these recent arrivals is Miss Boyd, who is joining the Academy’s Home Economics department.
Miss Boyd attended Portobello High School and, originally, studied at Heriot Watt University in Galashiels then went to work in textiles.
Her desire to make a difference and teach valuable life skills led her to study in Dundee. These skills span a wide spectrum of subjects very relevant to modern life, from consumerism to healthy eating.
Miss Boyd thinks the school’s surroundings are fantastic, and is envious of the locals. She hopes to get a wider feel of the school and other subjects across the curriculum.
We wish Miss Boyd the best of luck in her new position.
Fraser Brown, Gregor Purves
Miss Darby
A new addition to the English department this year is our newly qualified teacher, Miss Darby.
She was brought up in Corby and was drawn to Galashiels after studying at Scottish universities, Aberdeen and Stirling, as well as doing several teaching placements in other parts of Scotland. Miss Darby commented on the English department, as well as the school in general, as being, “very open and friendly.”
Starting at the Academy with the lively new first years has been a bonus for Miss Darby as she enjoys their enthusiasm and imaginations while working with them on plays in class. She adds, however, that she finds studying with the older pupils in more depth equally enjoyable.
When out of the classroom, and not marking, Miss Darby enjoys walking her dog and reading.
We welcome Miss Darby into the school and hope that the Academy will be a great start to her teaching career.
Leigh-Ann Bennett & Caitlin Dunney
Miss Robertson
Joining the Chemistry department this year is Miss Mhari Robertson.
A graduate of Glasgow University and Jordanhill, Miss Robertson had quite a varied experience, having been on placement both in Drumchapel and Glasgow High School.
She is finding her feet quickly and enjoying life in the Borders. Helping her get to know her pupils quickly is her love of football.
A keen football player and (Aberdeen supporter she tells us proudly), she is already helping with football coaching.
We wish Miss Robertson all the best at The Academy.
Miss Mitchell
Bringing music to our ears this year is Newly Qualified Teacher; Miss Mitchell. We spoke to her during her second week at the Academy.
Miss Mitchell originates from Dalkeith in Midlothian and went on to study Popular Music at Napier University, Edinburgh before beginning teacher training at Moray House. She is now on her probationary year as an NQT here at the Academy.
She comes from a very musical background: her parents are both music teachers, her brother is a jazz musician and her sister is opera singer. Miss Mitchell herself sings and plays the cello.
When asked how she got into teaching, she replied: “It was pretty natural to get into teaching because of my parents.” She felt that “everyone is really welcoming at the Academy”, and she was more than happy to be placed here.
Since she is a music teacher, we enquired about what she listened to in her free time. She replied that she is “a pop musician” but she enjoys listening to folk music from several generations such as: Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling.
We wish her a harmonious year!
Taylor Mulholland and Alisdair Hodgson
Taking Art to Paris
Au Revoir, Scotland. Bonjour Paris! On one quiet Sunday morning in June, the Higher Art students were certainly rustling up a storm of excitement as they set out on their journey to France’s finest city. From the moment we took off from Newcastle, we knew that this would be a trip to remember. Yes, it was work, but work in one of the world’s great cities.
Seconds after landing in Paris we were raring to go and explore this beautiful city, and that we certainly did. After a swift change of clothes and a session of rapid unpacking, it was out of the hotel to discover. “The sights were amazing, each building had a special sort of character. I couldn’t close my mouth” said a fellow student in a great state of excitement.
Of course, we were on a school trip, so it wasn’t all fun and games. We did have to do our fair share of analysing art and looking at the wonderful, weird and the wacky. How tiring! A trip to the Louvre was essential as seeing the Mona Lisa is a must when in Paris. The queues were long and it took a while to get even the slightest glimpse but it was certainly worth it. The thought of public transport at home is not something you would look forward to, but in Paris it’s an astonishing experience in itself. Using the boat to get about allowed you to relax and enjoy scenery like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. What more could you want?
After hard mornings in the museums we had the afternoon to ourselves to roam the city. Most of the students decided to make the most out of our surroundings so, after dipping our feet in the fountains of the Louvre, we would venture off to the shops to see what Paris had to offer. After all, what would Paris be without shopping? “The best part of the trip had to be getting lost down the streets around the Moulin Rouge. That was certainly an experience,” laughed Emma Hunter.
Mr Thomson, our trip leader, commented: “We were extremely happy with the Higher Art trip this year. We all had a delightful time and are looking forward to next year.”
Paris was a trip that we will remember for a lifetime. We had unforgettable moments together and the teachers and students bonded well. Our little taste of France has left us craving some more.
Megan Armstrong
School Prizegiving
On September 9th we will be recognising the Academic Achievements of around 100 pupils. Certificates and prizes will be awarded for Academic Attainment and Academic Endeavour.
Who will receive awards?
- For the Academic Endeavour awards, pupils who received the most House Merits from staff last session will qualify for an award.
- For the Academic Attainment awards, staff nominated pupils from S1 to S3 and those who received the most nominations will be presented with a certificate.
- For Academic Attainment in S4 to S6 we looked at SQA exam results and allocated points for grade 1 to 3 at Standard Grade and grade A to C at Higher and Advanced Higher. We then had to make a decision for a cut-off.
Well done to all who will receive awards and commiserations if you just fell short. The hall will be full, we can't squeeze any more in!
Thanks to all pupils for their hard work last session. There are so many success stories even if someone is not included in this list.
