Newsletter - Bell Baxter Main Site

Introduction
Dear Parent,
The review of our dress code last session led to the decision to place an expectation on all pupils to wear a blazer.
However, feedback from some parents expressed concern about cost and so we set out to find a supplier of the wool
and polyester blazers at a more affordable price to all families.
A number of companies were contacted and we settled on the current supplier following confirmation of price, quality
and availability. Clearly, this supplier let us down and while the quality and prices were attractive the delivery dates
were extremely unrealistic.
While we entered into this arrangement with the supplier in good faith, I do acknowledge that for a number of parents the company did not deliver on their promises and, again, I would apologise for any delay and concern this
caused.
You will understand that it would have been very difficult for us to walk away from this company while orders were
still outstanding but we have identified another supplier for next year.
We will now hold a stock of blazers and operate a school shop. Parents will be able to buy from our stock or order at
a small deposit.
The vast majority of our pupils are now wearing a blazer and so I thank you for your support of our dress code. We
have learnt lessons from this and I can assure you that we are now working with a company with an excellent reputation and very good standing in the schoolwear market.
Our Standards and Quality Report for session 2014/2015 is now available on our school website and a summary is attached to this Newsletter.
May I take this opportunity to wish you and your family all the very best for 2016.
Mr P Black
Rector
Curriculum
Senior Phase Assessment Overview
To help pupils plan their learning we have published a “Senior Phase Assessment Overview” outlining all course assessments within each curriculum/subject area. This document can be accessed on our school website. Pupils are
asked to familiarise themselves with the documentation in order that they know when formal summative assessments
are being given in each subject area they are studying. Subjects teachers will give more detailed advice relating to
assessments within their curricular area.
Numeracy Across the Curriculum
Numeracy is a proficiency which involves confidence and competence with numbers and an ability to apply this
knowledge across a range of contexts.
Bell Baxter is fully committed to raising the standards of numeracy of all of its pupils in order that they can develop
the ability to use numeracy skills effectively in all areas of the curriculum and the skills necessary to cope confidently with the demands of further education, employment and adult life.
As part of raising standards we are re-launching the “Numeracy Across the Curriculum booklet”. This booklet acts as
a guide for parents as to how topics involving numbers are taught within the school. It can be found on the school
website - Maths Faculty, Parents. We trust this will be useful to you.
.
Careers
Learning Through Work Week at Bell Baxter High School
Learning Through Work week took place the week beginning 16th November. This event gives employers, training providers and modern apprentices the opportunity to visit schools across Scotland to help young people find out about
work-based learning.
Bell Baxter hosted a visit from St Andrews University on Thursday 19th November with input from Pamela Murray of Skills Development Scotland. At
the event Mrs Murray talked to learners about modern apprenticeships and
Pauline Brown, IT Services Manager and two apprentices Dhani and Erin,
gave a presentation on modern apprenticeship opportunities in IT at St Andrews University. This event gave pupils the chance to hear about what the
world of work is really like, discover what local employers do and start thinking about options when leaving school.
Course Choice
The new year brings with it a focus on ‘Course Choice’. Pupils will be fully supported in this process through work undertaken in our Social Education Programme, as well as work at Faculty level. Option booklets will be available on our
school website early February, 2016. (Ms K Manders)
Parent Information
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS - Wednesday, 6th January, 2016 - Tuesday, 19th January, 2016
The Summative Assessment Timetable will be available to pupils from Monday, 7th December, 2015
Parents & pupils can access the timetable on the school website at www.bbhs-online.co.uk. The timetable will also be
available on the notice board at Pupil Services Reception.
Please note that not all subject areas will be utilising the 10 day period for summative assessments in January and
pupils are advised to familiarise themselves will the Senior Phase Summative Assessment overviewto be found on our
school website. This document outlines when all summative assessments are undertaken throughout the course of
the session.
Please note estimates provided to SQA in March are based on the totality of assessment evidence generated
throughout the session. (Ms K Manders)
Replacement MyFife Cards
If your son/daughter has lost or damaged their MyFife card, you can now order a replacement card, free of charge,
by visiting the Council website www.fifedirect.org.uk
Simply follow the steps below:
Apply/Register > Apply for a Bus Pass (MyFife card) > Replace/Renew your MyFife card > Do it online-MyFife Card Request a replacement card > Go to form > tick and press Next > Key in your details and submit.
Alternatively telephone 03451 55 00 66
Once the replacement card has been delivered to your home, the card requires to be taken to Pupil Reception to be
activated.
Identifying Lost Clothing Items
Please put your child’s name on all clothing, and in particular on blazers.
Notifying Pupil Absence
When sending in absence notes, emails or texts, please include your child’s name, registration class, year and date of
absence.
P7 Transition
The move from Primary 7 to secondary can be both an exciting time for young people but also a time of uncertainty. Here at Bell Baxter we aim to make the transition process as smooth as possible for all the young people who will
be joining us. To this end we work closely with our primary colleagues in our cluster primary schools. Mr Black, has
already visited each primary school to introduce himself to youngsters and in November we held our first Information Evening focussing on the move up to high school. Next term Mr Black, Rector, Ms Manders, Depute Rector,
House Heads and School Captains will be visiting each primary. Transition working begins early on in the school session and continues through to the point when the P7 pupils finally join us our new S1 intake in August, 2016.
Key Dates in 2016
Jan – June
Visits to each primary by Mr Black (Rector), Ms Manders (Depute
Rector, House Heads and High School Staff
Jan - March
Transition Meetings (primary and secondary staff)
14th June
P7 Parents’ Evening
Wed 15th Thurs 16th June
Two day visits by P7 pupils to Bell Baxter
Parent Council News
A Toy Story!
Families in need across North East Fife are set to receive an extra visit from ‘Santa’ this
Christmas, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of Bell Baxter pupils, parents and staff.
Bell Baxter Parent Council and the school have paired up to participate in the Toy Drive being run by Fife Council’s
Social Services – through which Christmas gifts are collected and distributed to local families who would otherwise
go without.
With the school rapidly looking like Santa’s workshop, pupils and staff brought in all sorts of gifts, in particular
items to suit boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 (the school’s own age range). Items ranged in cost, and
included games and toys, accessories, toiletries, accessories and gift vouchers.
The Parent Council is grateful to Bell Baxter for agreeing to collect and store the gifts - no small task with 1,600
pupils on the school roll! They also thank everyone who has generously participated in this very worthwhile venture.
Double Your Chance to Win a Christmas Hamper
The Parent Council has been running, not one but TWO Christmas hamper competitions this
term, to help raise funds for school resources.
We are currently running our annual Christmas hamper raffle at all parents evenings, with a
first prize of a hamper and several vouchers for local shops as runner-up prizes. Tickets have
been available to purchase at our Parent Council information table, with the winner being announced in last week of term.
Even better, we are giving parents, carers and staff the chance to win a second festive hamper
this Christmas, if they sign up for the school’s in-house lottery, the 500 Club. Parents/carers
have been emailed a 500 Club membership mandate form, which when returned to the school,
will be entered into the Christmas hamper prize draw (winner again to be announced at the end of term). With an
annual membership of only £12 per person, this lottery raises over £1,000 every year for pupil resources and hands
out cash first and second prizes every month. Proceeds are shared equally, half as prizes; the rest to the school.
And the more members we have on board, the bigger the prize money will be! The Parent Council thanks the many
local businesses who already given generous hamper contributions.
These include Lidl, Co-Op, Tesco, Pepsico
(Quaker Oats), Fisher & Donaldson, Little Venice, Funky Rascals, Patersons Fruit Shop, JT Roger, Minicks and Luvians.
500 Club Winners
Recent winners of our in-house lottery, the 500 Club, have included the following:
December: John Hart (1st); Jenni Whittle (2nd)
November: Julie Struthers (1st); L Steven (2nd)
October: Alexander (1st); Julie Struthers (2nd)
Don’t forget that new members recruited this term are being entered into a Christmas hamper draw, why not try
your festive luck?. Mandate forms have been sent by email and are available on the school website.
Easyfundraising For Bell Baxter This Christmas
We’d like to remind all parents and staff that the Parent Council has its own ‘Easyfundraising’ account, for all parents who like to do their Christmas (and all year round) shopping online. This helps raise money for school funds,
with a percentage of each purchase from participating retailers going straight to Bell Baxter. There is no extra
cost to you – the retailers make the donation – and over 3,000 of the UK’s leading retailers are on board. To participate, visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/bellbaxterparentcouncil and follow the simple instructions.
.
Parent Council News
Mock Interviews
A number of parents and local businessmen and women have again been lending their support to senior pupils through
the school’s Mock Interview programme during November.
All sixth year students are given the opportunity, through their Social Education classes, to receive job application
and interview experience under ‘real’ conditions, in preparation for out-of-school jobs and college/university interviews. Where possible, the school tries to match pupils with questions and interviewers in the types of careers
they are interested in pursuing after school.
Bell Baxter Parent Council also runs the complementary Careers Advice Register for pupils, whereby parents and
members of the local business community offer ‘timely’ advice on all sorts of careers and employment paths. Pupils
can request this list of business contacts via their House Heads, Employability Co-Ordinator Niall Duncan and Careers Advisor Pamela Murray.
Keep in Touch
The Parent Council wishes all parents/carers, staff and pupils a Merry Christmas and Happy 2016. As usual, you can
keep abreast of our activities by logging onto the Parent Council section of the school website and/or Facebook
page. You can also contact our Clerk Carol Currie on the school number 01334 659459 or email her on bellbaxterhs.parentcouncil@fife.gov.uk.
School Diary Dates
S1 Parents Meeting
5-8pm
S1/2 Christmas Dance 7.30-10pm
8th December, 2015
£6
10th December, 2015
S3/S4 Christmas Dance 7.30-10.30
£7
15th December, 2015
S5/6 Christmas Dance 7.30-10.30
£7
17th December, 2015
Christmas Fair (Interval)
17th December, 2015
Term ends 12:30pm
18th December, 2015
Pupils Return
4th January, 2016
Term Time Holidays
A polite reminder to all our parents/carers, that although we understand there may be sometimes exceptional
circumstances, holidays during school term time are rarely authorised. As a school we are committed to ensuring your
child is achieving their full academic potential, and highlight the impact that any time out can have. A one week
holiday equates to 33 taught periods of missed work which can then be difficult to catch up on. We thank you for
your continued support. (Miss Cowan)
Active Schools
Sportsleaders
Our Sportsleaders have been on placement at Castlehill PS and St.Columbus RC PS for 6 weeks. They have successfully been delivering football to P4 – P6 classes. Some of the Sportsleaders have gained additional leadership skills in the Active Schools Rural Schools Project. This programme involves leading extra -curricular mulit-sport activities at Pitlessie, Craigrothie, and Springfield Primary Schools. Hopefully, with this experience the Sportleaders are gaining the necessary skills for future employment.
Taking it On
Scottish Student Sport and Active Schools have been working with Mr Lowrie to
promote sporting opportunities in Further Education. Staff and students from
St.Andrews University came along to the school to deliver taster sessions to senior pupils in Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Cheerleading and Archery. The sessions were developed to promote a sporting pathway for senior pupils when continuing their studies at College or University with the hope that they would take
up a new sport or develop the sport they are already involved in.
Das Club
The Active Schools Ambassadors have been leading an extra-curricular lunchtime
multi-activity club to pupils within the Department of Additional Support. The pupils have been participating in physical activity stations to improve motor coordination skills. Both participants and deliverers have thoroughly enjoyed the
sessions and they are continuing up until the Christmas holidays.
Dairsie Dash
Our Active School Ambassadors Morgan Middleton, Louise Howat, Lucy Jack, Sarah
Paterson and senior pupil volunteer Tabi Gudgeon were all involved with Dairsie’s annual
cross country event in September for local primary schools. This traditional event has
been running for several years at Louise’s home farm where 88 pupils participated.
Thank you to all the girls for being there for such an early start,
setting up of the course and managing to keep smiling through the cold wet feet and dodging of horse
muck!
We pride ourselves on having such an extensive extra-curricular Sports programme. Most of our programmes rely on the support of volunteers which include school staff and senior pupils. Due to the high demand of our pupils, hockey has become more popular this year. We currently have 2 volunteer staff leading in hockey and are looking for
extra support.
We are looking for parent volunteers that could help assist/supervise games and training sessions to driving mini buses
(depending on license).
If you would like to volunteer on a more regular basis then you would be put through the Fife
Council’s Active Fife’s Volunteer Procedure as well as a Disclosure Scotland PVG check.
If you have an interest or background in hockey and would like to make a difference in giving young people the chance to
take part in more hockey opportunities then please do not hesitate to get in contact.
DAS
Sporting activities in the DAS Dept this term began with a successful trip to Lochgelly for the ASN Fife Schools
Swimming Gala. Medals for Dean Bruce and Arran Howe and great performances from our other swimmers resulted in selection to swim for Fife at the Scottish Championships for Dean, Arran, Billy Soutar and Sophie Bunting.
Dean also received the trophy for outstanding male swimmer, a fantastic achievement.
The Scottish Championships were held in the Commonwealth Pool in Glasgow. An exciting
experience for our young swimmers who performed in excess of all expectations. Gold for
Billy in the 25m freestyle, silver for Sophie in the 25m freestyle and a creditable swim
for Arran helped him reach the final of the 50m freestyle.
Our pupils have taken part in two Cross Country Running competitions in Edinburgh this term. Dean Bruce continues to dominate his age group for 1K with Shane White hot on his heels in 2nd place. Arran Howe currently leads
his age group (s3) and recently broke his personal best. Kerry Kotlewski was placed 2nd in her age group at the
most recent event.
We look forward to next term with Football as well as the Running and Swimming events.
International Languages & Culture Faculty
Paris Trip
During the first week of the October holidays, forty pupils, from S4-6, accompanied by Mr Ritchie, Ms McArthur,
Mr Graham and Mr Henderson enjoyed Bell Baxter’s annual trip to France.
The first stage of the trip saw the group spend time in Normandy, where they learned about the D-Day landings.
Next stop was the town of Bayeux and a chance to see its famous tapestry.
In Paris, there were visits to most of the main tourist attractions, including Notre Dame, the Sacré-Cœur, Montparnasse Tower and the Louvre. Of course, a main feature of the Paris adventure was the time spent at the Eiffel
Tower, before a boat-ride on the Seine. Another highlight was the opportunity to do some shopping in Les Halles
and in various souvenir shops, with our visit helping to boost the Parisian economy!
All in all, it was another successful trip, thoroughly enjoyed by pupils and staff alike.
English Faculty
English Faculty News
In October we welcomed Miss Jacqueline Wright to the Faculty. Miss Wright replaces Ms Cowan.
Enhancing Learning
There was great excitement in the English corridor a few weeks ago as the ipad trolley was wheeled along from
the library for the first time. This brilliant resource enables teachers to have an ipad for each child for use within their classrooms. Pupils in S1 were given the task of researching the term ‘Gothic Literature’ before working in
groups to analyse an extract of some gothic prose. Some of the vocabulary and concepts in these excerpts were
difficult to understand so the ipads were very useful in helping to explore the word choice and imagery used by
the author. The pupils were able to come to a better understanding of the texts. One group even used the sound
of the tolling of a death knell, played through their tablet, as they presented their ideas to the rest of the class.
It was extremely atmospheric! Undoubtedly, this new equipment will have a multitude of uses in the English classroom.
Higher theatre trip
One of our Higher classes studying The Cheviot The Stag and the Black, Black Oil was lucky enough to see the
outstanding production at Dundee Rep. As well as having seats on stage - the “ceilidh”- pupils participated in a
workshop. The play is one of the SQA mandatory Scottish texts, and seeing a live production certainly helps pupils to analyse and study more effectively.
Seeing Possibilities
On Monday 16th November, pupils from the S3 Possible Worlds enrichment class attended a presentation by guest
speaker Dr Robin Sloan from the Institute of Arts, Media and Computer Games at the University of Abertay.
This enrichment gives pupils the opportunity to explore how various aspects of narrative and storytelling are used
in computer games, providing them with the skills to “read” a game. In addition to investigating the narratives in
their favourite games, pupils have also been working on developing game ideas from books they have been reading
as well as creating their own original narratives for new games. The talk focused on the role a strong narrative
plays in the game experience and gave a flavour of the other important aspects of gameplay to consider. It was a
valuable opportunity for pupils to hear a little bit more about how their skills could be further developed at university and, later, a career in game design. Since Dr Sloan has previously worked in game design, pupils keen on following in his footsteps enjoyed having the opportunity to ask questions and hear about his experiences as well as
learning more about the courses and opportunities available to them beyond school. As a finale to the presentation, pupils were left with the challenge of creating some game ideas of their own which they will “pitch” to Dr
Sloan later in the year. Who knows, perhaps some of those ideas will be developed and one of our pupils could be
responsible for a bestselling computer game in the future!
Wider Achievement in Writing
Our pupils at all levels have been encouraged to enter writing competitions. The Scottish Book Trust’s 50 word
fiction has proved very popular with its monthly focus. Pupils are really concentrating on economic and effective
use of language in order to write in just 50 words. S1 classes are also preparing to their stories to send to Young
Writers’ Gothic Chiller competition.
Special congratulations to Zoe Mitchell S3, who is an outstanding writer. Zoe has successfully completed National
Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) by writing over 50,000 words in thirty days. During November. Zoe completed 1,667 words each day in order to meet her target with the encouragement of her family, her friends and her
English teacher (Miss Wright) to keep her going. This is a very impressive achievement.
Expressive Arts
Bell Baxter is delighted to announce that the next school show will be….
Billy Elliot the Musical.
This is a very rare and exciting opportunity to produce a show that has been wowing audiences in London’s West End
since 2005.
An inspiring celebration of one boy’s journey who hangs up his boxing gloves for ballet shoes.
Millions of fans…Thousands of standing ovations…Ten TONY Awards including Best Musical…this is Billy Elliot The Musical the spectacular show with the heart, humour and passion to be named Time Magazine’s “Best Musical of the Decade!” Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring a score by music legend Elton John, Billy Elliot is an
astonishing theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.
Set in a northern English mining town, against the background of the 1984 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational
story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true. Follow Billy’s journey as he stumbles out
of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and community
and changes his life forever.
With a powerful storyline, rousing songs and opportunities for sensational choreography Billy Elliot is the perfect opportunity to blow audiences away. A large cast of children provide the perfect opportunity to our young talent SHINE!
Performances will be in June 2017.
Auditions will be held autumn 2016 and are open to all years. The search for Billy begins!
Bear’s Den Concert
Three S6 music pupils attended a concert at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh to see London based folk
group ‘Bear’s Den’. The concert was excellent, and the audience were treated to a couple of unamplified acoustic sets throughout the show!
Macbeth
"When I was first approached to take on the play it was incredibly daunting. However, I was so grateful that the
teachers trusted me with such a big task considering that the plays they have put on at the Festival in the past have
been such a great success. I absolutely loved that I was given full creative license and could take the play anywhere I
wanted.
Although it was stressful at times, I couldn't have worked with a better cast. They were so patient and I was so grateful that they put their trust in me throughout the blocking process, no matter how crazy the ideas I put forward
were. I really wanted to take the play beyond a literal interpretation and highlight the power and manipulation Lady
Macbeth has over her husband,. Therefore, I decided to set it in the 1950's (the time of the present Queen's Coronation) and have Lady Macbeth as a house wife of that time. Thus, the whole idea of her being a housewife was contradicted by the fact she was the more powerful of the two; she was more powerful as Queen than Macbeth was as King.
We created a fifties atmosphere through Frank Sinatra songs, original music composed by an S2 pupil and strong red
and black costumes. The technical effects, operated by Lewis Snowden, added immensely to the impact of the tragedy.
The performance day itself was incredible. The people we worked with from the Festival staff to the Lochgelly Centre
technicians were so understanding and did everything in their power to make sure my cast and myself enjoyed the full
professional theatre experience.
Although I was nervous as it was such a big responsibility, I was incredibly excited. There were moments in the dress rehearsal where I
could see that my cast had taken everything I had said on board and
this shone through in their final confident and powerful performance.
In all honesty, I was incredibly moved and proud of every single one of
them. The encouraging feedback I have received has made me believe
that my dream of becoming a professional theatre director may actually become a reality."
Health & Wellbeing Faculty
Conference Games
The SRU Conference games have been a great success, the school finished fourth out of the six teams in the Blue
Conference. This is a very respectable result considering the competitive nature of the league - we are the only
comprehensive school that feature in the top three conferences. Some notable games throughout the conference
were our U18 1st XV narrowly losing out by one point to Robert Gordon's College (22-21) and our U18 2nd XV beating High School of Dundee 62 - 0. At U16 level a draw vs top placed Fettes (19 - 19) was a fantastic result as well
as a big win vs. Loretto (52 - 7). At S2 level wins against Robert Gordon's (19 - 14) and Glenalmond College (40 20) meant they picked up points for the School. The newly formed S2B team managed to win in their first ever
conference game vs Fettes (6-3). At S1 level the B team picked up a good win against Loretto and the A team won
games vs Robert Gordon's College and Loretto.
able to order from the PE Base.
Strength and Conditioning
The Strength and Conditioning Programme has been continuing to gain momentum
with good numbers attending across all age groups. Lee Powles has been working
with the S1/2s focussing on speed and quickness as well as posture and lifting
technique. The S3 - S6 group continue to work at Elmwood College on a Monday after School. They have been working on Olympic lifting technique, circuit training
and monitoring personal fitness. A range of strength and conditioning clothing with
personalised initials and club and school badges embroidered on them are now avail-
Primary Visits
Mr Runciman will be visiting primary schools in the Bell Baxter cluster throughout November and December. The purpose of these visits is to aid the transition between primary 7 and S1. Through providing a fun and basic understanding of rugby it is also hoped that more boys and girls will attend after school
clubs when they get to Bell Baxter.
A recent primaries touch rugby festival was held at Bell Baxter with over 200
pupils attending from local schools. This was organised by SRU Rugby Development officer Katie Williams with the help of Active Schools and Bell Baxter
High School.
SRU Shield
Bell Baxter 1st XV U18 team are through to the Quarter Final of the SRU Shield competition - they will face Hutcheson’s Grammar School (away). They played in a hard fought contest in the second round of the competition
against Loretto School in Musselburgh. Some clever offloading rugby led to tries from Fraser Allan (2), Eden
Cruickshank and Captain Andrew Harley to win 22 – 17.
Player Recruitment
We are continually encouraging boys and girls at Bell Baxter to come along to after school training sessions. We believe the positive ethos of the game, teamwork, fitness and respect which are encouraged through games and training can help our young learners in other aspects of school and life. New players of all abilities are always welcome
to join in with training sessions and games.
Twitter
For rugby news you can follow the Health and Wellbeing Faculty on twitter @bellbaxter_hwb
Duffus Redevelopment Project
As you may be aware, there is a significant amount of work going on at Duffus Park as Howe of Fife RFC redevelop
the existing changing rooms and stand into a state of the art facility. It is hoped that the relationship between the
club and school will continue to strengthen, allowing our pupils to make use of the facility for important matches.
The facility is scheduled to be completed in May 2016.
Health & Wellbeing Faculty
Fife Schools Swimming Gala
Bell Baxter High School were able to enter a strong team for this year’s Fife Schools Swimming Championships at
the Michael Woods Sports Centre at Glenrothes. An impressive collection of medals were won and many PBs were
slashed.
First year pupil Adam Young impressed with two gold medals in the Backstroke events and a bronze in the 200m
Freestyle.
Louise Moncrieff, swimming in her first ever 200m Butterfly competition, set a fantastic time of 2.52.88 and won a silver medal and then another silver in the 100m Butterfly. Fired up by her success, she went on
to take 3½ seconds off her 100m Freestyle time.
Findlay Baillie took 5 seconds off his 100m Backstroke time to take
bronze medal and Ellen McQuilton swam personal best times in her 200m
and 100m Freestyle events.
Fourth year pupil Lewis Baillie won silver medals in all 3 of his events, 100m and 200m Breaststroke and 100m Backstroke, and 16-year old Katie Ross won gold in the 100m Breaststroke.
Amie McCrostie won gold in 200 and 100 breast stroke; Katie Steele won silver in 200 fly, bronze in 100 fly, 6th in
100 free; and finally Kirstin Haig won bronze in 200 free and came 4th in 100 free.
The swimmers were delighted to be announced as joint runners-up overall in the Fife Championships.
A great performance from all team members means we have a large contingent nominated to go forward to the
Scottish Schools Championships at Tollcross in January.
Senior Football
Our Under 18s Football team are enjoying an excellent start to the new campaign, winning 7/7 games so far. We
currently sit top of our league section with 3 games to play having picked up maximum points from our first 4
games.
Victory over St Andrews HS in terrible conditions recently saw the team progress to the quarter finals of the Fife Cup where we will meet Inverkeithing HS.
The team have progressed to the 4th round of the Scottish Cup, a fantastic
achievement. So far we have defeated St Columbas (Dunfermline), Monifieth HS
and Inverkeithing HS. We now await the draw for the 4th round.
Our S4 boys find themselves in the semi-finals of the Fife cup following a comprehensive victory over Inverkeithing HS, with the game ending 7-2. The boys will now face a tough Semi final away
to Kirkcaldy HS.
Regional Fife Squad
Louis Appere (S5) and Scott Wilson (S6) have played in both of Fife's national trophy matches. In the first match,
the boys lost out in a tight game to Forth Valley at Ochilview, Stenhousemuir. In the second game the boys lost another close match to Dundee Schools. Whilst Fife cannot qualify for the next stage of the national competition,
they will have one more fixture to play against Perth and Kinross. Both boys have equipped themselves well and
done the school proud.
Owen Andrews (S3)has also been in FIfe action recently, playing in a 4-1 win over Dundee schools. It looks likely
that the Under 15 team could progress to the latter stages of the national U15 trophy.
Niamh Gavin (S1) and have also been successful in securing a place in both the FIfe U15 girls squad and the East
Regional squad. This is a fantastic achievement for our girls.
Maths Faculty News
Citb ‘visit-lego towers’
The Maths department welcomed Mel Shephard into the department for two days this term. Mel is from Citb, and he
successfully managed to inspire construction to our young people.
Many different S1 classes were involved, they worked in groups to build lego towers. Each group had the same number
of lego pieces and had to put plenty thought into how tall they could build it. The fun, challenging task was enjoyed by
all. Mel also enlightened our pupils about the world of construction and asked any questions that the pupils had.
We hope to welcome Mel back to the department in the new year to work with more of our pupils.
Numbers in the News
The Numbers in the News feature continues to share recent interesting number facts and statistics. These encourage discussion and number-sense in class and amongst pupils who pass by the posters in the corridor. This term, we
have learned that:

The Scots have 421 words for snow (and snow-related phenomena);

The song Happy Birthday earned its publishers an estimated $50 million before it was ruled out of copyright;

People spend about 10 times more celebrating Halloween than celebrating Bonfire Night;

This year’s Children in Need raised over £37 million pounds, which is a record even when accounting for inflation
and a larger population since it started in 1980.
Mathematical Challenge
A number of S5 and S6 pupils entered this year’s UKMT senior mathematical challenge. Once again we are pleased to
report that several received certificates as a result. There were silver certificates for Jonathon Munro and Sarah
Gent and Bronze for Adam Harris, Mathew Legge, Alex Davey, Chris Cockburn, Sietse DeVries, Anabel Sinclair, Shane
Wilson, Ben Guthrie, Srobrona Basak and Stas Turcanu.
The Intermediate and Junior challenges will take place in February and May respectively. In order to help S1 pupils
improve their problem solving skills the department is now offering problem solving sessions on a Tuesday lunchtime.
This is primarily intended for enjoyment but would also very much help pupils who would like to take part in the UKMT
competitions.
Science Faculty
BAE Systems / RAF Education Roadshow
Bell Baxter High School science faculty was chosen to host the BAE Systems / RAF Education Roadshow on Friday
20th November.
The Roadshow was devised in response to the Government's acknowledgement that there is already a shortfall of
‘home grown’ scientists and engineers to meet the needs of the country and by capturing the interest of young people
aged 10 – 13, we can hopefully increase the numbers that take STEM subjects
and ultimately increase the pool of talent in years to come.
All S1 and S2 pupils were able to attend this brand new presentation, containing loud noises, bangs and flashes. It explored topics such as air pressure, aerodynamics, the maths behind the science, Newton’s third law of motion, thrust,
Coanda effect, centrifugal forces and much more. One of the highlights for
pupils was the sight of 6 teachers being lifted off the ground using just air.
The performance culminated in the demonstration of a Tesla Coil housed in a
Faraday cage, with two lucky pupils being chosen to control it using
their keyboard playing skills.
P7 visit evening in Science
A massive thank you to all S1 and S6 helpers in Science during the P7 visit evening on Tuesday 17 th of November.
Parents/carers and P7 pupils were able to observe various experiments which were demonstrated by our S1 pupils and
supervised by a few pupils from S6. Pupils also shared their experiences in Science at Bell Baxter with the visitors.
The Science Faculty greatly appreciate the assistance from all the volunteers so thank you very much.
Top of the Bench Competition
The Bell Baxter High School Chemistry Top of the Bench team have made it to the semifinal of the competition! The team consists of Cameron Anderson (S2), Lia Palmer (S3),
Charlotte Moffatt (S3), Robyn Thiel (S3) and Bryony Baxter (S4). We played at home to
Perth Academy at the end of October and won 41 : 36.5. In Round 2 we met the High
School of Dundee and beat them 47 : 44. Both rounds have been tight but the team have
pulled through. They have been working tirelessly to learn the Periodic Table and many
facts that go beyond the scope of the curriculum. The commitment from the team has
been great and they deserve a pat on the back!
We play Kinross High School in the semi-final before Christmas. Good luck!
Smartphone Microscopes
The Science Department have recently acquired 5 Smartphone Microscope stands from Heriot
Watt University. This allows pupils to turn their smartphones into microscopes! A couple of
the S2 Chemistry Enrichment classes have been testing them out to great effect and entered
a competition run by the University to win themselves an iPad. We didn’t have any winning entries from Bell Baxter but the enthusiasm shown was great! The pupils had great fun looking at
leaves (along with the creepy crawlies living on them!) and salt crystals among many other
things in detail. We are planning on using this equipment with the S1 pupils as part of their microscopes topic this year as well as a class from Kilmaron in the New Year.
S1 Science Club
The brand new and super exciting Bell Baxter science club started a few weeks ago. A group of first year pupils meet
every Tuesday lunch time to learn about the amazing world of science. Together pupils and teachers take part in experiments and activities that bring science to life. So far we have made our very own sparklers and this week we built
a power station right in the middle of the class room. I would personally like the thank all the first years involved for
their enthusiasm, long may it continue.
Social Studies & Citizenship Faculty
The India Experience 2015!
From 9th to 21st October this year 18 pupils and 4 staff visited Delhi,
Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Agra and Jaipur…
It is hard to believe that it is a decade since the Religious Studies department first ventured to India; an exotic destination that was new to us all.
Our sixth trip proved to be as unique an experience as ever and one that
continues to enthuse and inspire its participants. The pupils’ enthusiastic,
receptive and mutually supportive attitude created an experience to remember with a broad smile. Seema, our invaluable escort and subject of
countless anecdotes, always a great favourite with our pupils, once again
very quickly stole their hearts.
Somewhat a cliché but true; India needs to be experienced to be understood. It is an assault on the senses in every
way possible; full of amazing ‘highs’ alongside harrowing sights that have you digging deep into your resolve.
On our very first day, just an hour into our tour and we found ourselves on rickshaws amidst a Delhi traffic jam. Oppressive heat coupled the sheer volume of noise and humanity associated with the narrow streets of Old Delhi was an
instant introduction to India. The air thick with unfamiliar pungent smells, the overcrowded tiny streets crammed
with vehicles of every kind, the free-roaming dogs, goats and cows can be quite scary for the initiated, yet all of the
pupils fully embraced their experience and were ready for more!
And more they received - in the form of train/coach journeys, more crazy Rickshaw rides, Tuk-Tuk trips and by complete contrast, a serene dawn boat ride on the River Ganges. We experienced typically Indian chaotic confusion, inexplicable delays and constant changes to the day’s programme. Not to mention the very early mornings, unfamiliar
foods, irregular lunches, unusual (!) toilet facilities, hawkers, beggars and unwelcome stares. We were thrilled by
the rickshaws and Tuk Tuks, marvelled at the beauty of the ancient buildings, and experimented with spicy food!
The staff delighted in the way all our young people embraced the spiritual atmospheres of both Bodhgaya and Varanasi, and understood the significance of Hindu and Buddhist actions of reverence and reflection. They lit butterlamps in memory of one of the founders of Samye Ling (sadly murdered two years ago), they tried walking and seated
meditation, listened to Buddha’s teachings and paid respect to Buddha in the traditional manner. This enhanced both
their own, and the ‘group experience’ in these very special places.
Appreciating India in this way gives different perspectives on life at home. You cannot help but reassess what is important in life when you are confronted with the absolute beauty of the Taj Mahal, the spirituality of Bodhgaya, the
piles of rubbish, the homeless, the disabled, the roaming dogs, the abandoned children all vying for space in crowded
Indian streets, the total commitment to religious belief amidst the poverty…
You question life’s values when you see communities living without technology or modern convenience, waving happily
at those passing through their lives in air-conditioned coaches.
The Indian people we met left us with an overriding impression of friendliness, curiosity and delight that you love
their country. India has a tendency to get ‘under your skin’…to make you want to return again and again to share in its
magic. Many former ‘Indian trippers’ have done just that and volunteered in gap years. Some of our most recent
group have vowed to do the same!
Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery
The Religious Studies team conducted our yearly pilgrimage by participating in the overnight visit to Samye Ling Tibetan Centre in Eskdalemuir, Dumfriesshire with our Higher candidates in September this year. The visit was intended to augment pupils' studies of the Buddhist Religion as part of their Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
course and to serve as an authorities source when it comes to preparing for SQA exams.
The trip give pupils a unique opportunity to visit a working example Buddhist community (the largest in Europe). Activities included a guided
tour of the center, informal discussion where possible with members of
the monastic community, a meditation session and the observation of
Tibetan Buddhist worship services. In the evening there was time to
relax and talk in the Tibetan Tea Rooms with one of the monks, Gendun,
as well as time to reflect and write about the day’s activities.
The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our students was not only a credit to themselves but to the school also.
Our thanks our extended to the Samye Ling Buddhist community for hosting us but especially to Peter Budd, our always enthusiastic guide and mentor.
Social Studies & Citizenship Faculty—Continued
The James Gregory Lectures
Continuing our very productive relationship with St. Andrews University and the James
Gregory Lecture series, on Monday 28 September the RMPS team attended a lecture hosted by Madras College, St. Andrews as part of our students’ studies into the relationship
between religion and science. The chief speaker was world renowned scholar Professor
Randall Zachman, Professor of Reformation Studies, Department of Theology, University
of Notre Dame, USA who presented the issue ‘Free Scientific Inquiry and Faith – A Lesson from History’ .
Prof. Zachman’s lecture on whether or not scientific enquiry is compatible with religious
belief. This theme will be explored further in the Higher unit ‘Existence of God’ but will also be an authoritative
source to any student under taking this theme as part of their assignment.
Our sincere thanks are extended to Prof. Eric Priest and Dr. Andrew Torrance for their unwavering support of us
and for this series.
For more information about the lecture series about the compatibility between science and religion please visit
www.jamesgregory.org.uk
Lessons from Auschwitz Project
During September 2015 two of our S6 students, Olivia Downes and Louise Carlton participated in an educational excursion to Poland to visit the Auschwitz concentration and
death camps as school ambassadors representing the Holocaust Education Trust. This
group explores the lessons of the Holocaust and its relevance for today. The Holocaust
Education Trust aims to increase knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust for
young people and to clearly highlight what can happen if prejudice and racism become acceptable.
Part of their responsibilities in the role of school ambassadors was to devise a project
relating to the lessons of the Holocaust. The theme they decided on was highlighting the
importance of identity in times of conflict and crises. It was felt that when we discuss
the Holocaust it is by referring to its victims by the social groups the Nazis intended to destroy, as opposed to
their simply being human beings. This brought to their minds the international refugee crisis that is happening today. The aim of their project was to encourage society to see these victims as being people, rather than refugees
or immigrants.
Olivia and Louise decided to to make a symbol and selected the boat, the means by which so many have escaped
their own dangerous countries. To show their support to this project they encouraged students and staff to write
their name on this boat as a mark of respect and to highlight the fact that, regardless of race, class, gender or religion, we are all human beings, and it is this that defines us, and the victims of these human tragedies.
Over 3 days nearly 400 members of the Bell Baxter community signed their names and the completed project was
placed on display in the main stairwell in late November. To emphasise the human dimension the boat itself was populated with personal artefacts and items which a refugee may have taken with them.
It is a credit to both these pupils for their awareness of this historical issue but also how the lessons from past
can impact on our contemporary world.
Technologies Faculty
CAD/CAM
The CAD/CAM are accelerating production in the run up to Christmas.
As well as personalising gift wine boxes the class are selling some Christmas tree decorations. Stalls are set up at parents evenings and the upcoming Christmas fayre so there is
still time to order your personalised gifts this year.
Advanced Higher Graphic Communication
The Advanced Higher Graphic Communication class will be taking a trip next week to Fife College Stenton campus
to see 1st year HND students working on Media graphics. The class will be sitting down with the students and observing their design process in order to better understand how to create effective publications. The pupils will
also have time to question the lecturer in graphic design there and have a walk around tour of the facilities. When
they return to class they will have had a valuable experience that will influence their current work.
Standards and Quality Report Synopsis for Parents
What has been the outcome and impact of our (2014 – 2015) Improvement priorities?
Our key improvement priorities for 2014-2015 were within the following areas:
Curriculum, Performance (Learning and Teaching), Leadership and Teamwork and Relationships
Curriculum:

Wide option choice for learners.

Clear pathways of progression available in Senior Phase in line with Curriculum for Excellence.

Advanced Higher courses and delivery of New Higher in all subject areas ready for implementation 20152016.

Extended opportunities for learners to more formally recognise wider achievements.

Expanded opportunities for learners to develop understanding of employability skill development.

Shared understanding of 3-18 curriculum leading to consistency in approach of delivery of the curriculum.
Performance (Learning and Teaching):

Teachers use strategies and approaches that learners have identified as helpful.

Classroom visits by C.L.s/S.L.T. have indicated that teachers are using AiFL strategies well, e.g. questioning,
exit polls, traffic lighting, etc.

Targeted pupils (SOSCA, AfE, Attainment Reviews) are better supported and achieving more.

Pilot Reporting Programme in Technologies has helped learners to be more aware of their progress and what
they need to do to make progress/improve.

Teachers using data in a more systematic fashion to plan learning and teaching whole classes and individual
learners.
Leadership and Teamwork:

Improved structure and consistency for school communication established.

Participation in PRD process and associated confidence evident.

All staff at Professional Update point in their career reviewed successfully.

A wide range of staff involved in School Working Groups.

Improved leadership capacity across the school – significant numbers of staff willing and able to take on
leadership roles and tasks.

Professional Development opportunities made available to staff – internal and external opportunities.

S.M.T. Development Morning – Developing Middle Leadership Capacity – In house training sessions for all
middle leaders.
Relationships:

New Relationship and Behaviour Management Policy launched.

Alternatives to exclusion/internal exclusion further developed.

More involvement in House system building communities.

Vertical Registration – older pupils supporting younger. Better House identity with House Heads.
Standards and Quality Report
Synopsis for Parents—Continued
How well does the school support young people to develop and learn?












The curriculum is set within a clear rationale aimed at realising our school vision of “giving all our young people the best
preparation for life”.
Our curriculum is based on the design principles of challenge and enjoyment, breadth, depth, progression, relevance,
coherence as well as personalisation and choice for all learners.
Delivering teams are continuing to evaluate and further develop the curriculum following feedback from pupil focus
groups to ensure learners are benefitting from their entitlements.
The rationale for the number and type of subjects/qualifications learners study in the Senior Phase has taken account
of learners’ needs and the availability of partnership working with local college and other providers taking into account
the views of stakeholders.
The majority of subject areas introduced the new Higher session in session 2014/2015 and during session 2015/2016
we will fully implement the New Qualification Framework.
Opportunities have been widened out for learners at all stages of the curriculum including programmes of work delivered in partnership with SRUC and Fife College.
Programmes of learning in the Senior Phase are designed to meet the needs of all learners in progressing from prior
levels of achievement in the Broad General Education and thereafter from S4-S6.
“Free Option Choice” for learners in the Senior Phase is supported through the extensive range of courses on offer and
enables each learner to follow a pathway tailored to their individual needs.
Opportunities also for learners to recognise their wider achievements. This includes in the Senior Phase opportunities
for senior pupils to develop their leadership skills in their roles as prefects, Peer Counsellors and House Captains. Our
Improvement Plan for 2014/2015 set out a target to capture accreditation of wider achievement at all stages throughout the school. This is an area we will continue to build on in Session 2015/2016 having successfully introduced the Saltire Awards, School Ambassador and Sports Leader UK2.
The transition from the Broad General Education to the Senior Phase is facilitated by appropriate preparation in S1-S3
to ensure learners’ needs are met by planned progression to suitable National Courses and wider opportunities in the
Senior Phase.
Work in the area of transition from the BGE to the Senior Phase is enhanced through our Social Education programme
to support the next phase of learning, a target for 2015/2016 will include reviewing programmes of work in conjunction
with partners to ensure the entitlements laid down for learners in DSYW and the new Careers Education Standards are
met.
Links with local colleges will be further enhanced in 2015/2016 to provide universal and targeted support including induction into the next phase of learning, e.g. “Connected” courses for targeted S3 and S4 pupils.
Standards and Quality Report
Synopsis for Parents—Continued
How well did young people learn and achieve?
Overall Quality of Learners’ Achievement:

Our learners in the Senior Phase performed well in the 2015 examination diet. Measures at S5 and S6 continue to indi-






cate a positive trend. S6 attainment at 5+ Highers and 1+ Advanced Higher is at its strongest for five years. Similarly,
S5 performance in 1+ and 3+ Highers is at its strongest in five years.
S4 performance is slightly down on 2014, but performance at 5+ National 5 remains above the Fife average.
S4, S5, S6 leavers performed exceptionally well, with the number of awards attained at SCQF Level 4 to SCQF Level 7
being significantly stronger than our Virtual Comparator.
The percentage of our leavers in a positive destination has been a consistent strength over the last four years. Year on
year our positive destination figure has been above Fife, National and Virtual Comparator figures.
Wider achievements – Saltire Awards introduced to all year groups; Active Schools Ambassador Awards and Sports
Leaders UK Level 2 introduced to Senior pupils.
The percentage of our school leavers in a positive destination has been a consistent strength over the last four years
(2010-2014). Year on year our positive destination figure has been above Fife, National and Virtual Comparator.
Figures for 2014 indicate that 93.84% of our leavers were in a positive destination. This is our highest percentage for
the last four years, and stronger than the Fife (92.56%) and National (92.57%) figure.
Literacy and Numeracy:

S4 - In 2015 Level 4 Literacy and Numeracy combined was stronger than Fife, National and VC. Level 5 Literacy and

Numeracy combined was stronger than Fife and National level but some 2% weaker than VC (52.5% as opposed to
54.6%).
S5 - In 2015 Level 4 Literacy and Numeracy combined was significantly stronger than Fife, National and VC (4%
stronger than VC). Level 5 Literacy and Numeracy combined was stronger than Fife, National and VC (2% stronger than
VC).
In-Year Performance/Trends Over Time:

S6 - Performance in the three key measures in 2015 was very positive. 3+ Highers achieved the second highest percentage in the last five years, whereas 5+ Highers and 1+ Advanced Higher were the strongest recorded over the five
year period 2010-2015.
How well does the school improve the quality of its work?



Our self-evaluation processes are rigorous, systematic and transparent.
Our school community is committed to the requirement for rigorous self-evaluation procedures and processes.
We have effective systems to gather the views of staff, parents, learners, partners and others about the quality of
our work.




We evaluate learners’ experiences with a view to making improvements.
We work with partner agencies to evaluate provision in order to secure continuous improvement.
Our staff participate in a range of Professional Learning opportunities.
All staff participate in our P.R.D. review process (including Professional Update).

Our staff undertake a comprehensive and rigorous analysis of S.Q.A. attainment on an annual basis. This process informs faculty and whole school action points to maintain or further raise attainment.
A clear Programme of Improvement Planning Sessions are set out on an annual basis. These sessions are used to take
forward key aspects of the School Improvement Plan.


Data is used systematically to evaluate learners’ progress, attainment and achievement and inform next steps and
learning and teaching.
Bell Baxter High School
Carslogie Road
Cupar KY15 4HY
Tel. 01334 659459
Bellbaxterhs.enquiries@fife.gov.uk
Website : bbhs-online.co.uk
Our absence alert (text) line is 07860004290