fortunas - Dollar Academy
Transcription
fortunas - Dollar Academy
Dollar Academy Magazine PIPE BAND SUCCESS SENIOR MUSICAL 2014 FROM THE ARCHIVES World Champions 2014 Guys and Dolls Dollar - ‘Top of the Form’? pages 8-9 pages 47-49 pages 129-131 P66 fortunas BIANNUAL PUBLICATION ISSUE 34 DECEMBER 2014 REGIONAL DOLLAR ACADEMY CLUBS DOLLAR Mrs Sally Sutcliffe (née Reeves) 12 Princes Crescent North DOLLAR FK14 7BX sallyfiona@btinternet.com DOLLAR ACADEMICALS Mr Iain Mears The Cottage 5 Chapel Place DOLLAR FK14 7DW iainmears@btinternet.com EDINBURGH Mrs Fiona Frazer 15 Cammo Crescent EDINBURGH EH4 8DZ ffrazer_2000@hotmail.com HIGHLAND Mr Colin Milne 28 Tillybrake Gardens BANCHORY AB31 5QG colmilne@aol.com NORTH OF ENGLAND Mr Adrian Grant Venetia Lodge, 73 St Annes Road East, LYTHAM-ST-ANNES FY8 1UR adrian.grant@taspartnership.co.uk LONDON Mrs Elizabeth C Heath 3 Redhill Close SOUTHAMPTON Hampshire SO16 7BT chris_eliz.heath@yahoo.co.uk GLASGOW Mr Will Gibson 7a Briarwell Road Milngavie GLASGOW G62 6AW gibsonw3@sky.com NORTH OF SCOTLAND Dr Andrew A Burt Cantlebrae Pitgober DOLLAR FK14 7PQ doctor.burt@virgin.net CONSULS Australia Sydney Jill Westwater jill.westwater@googlemail.com 0061 404 400 554 Melbourne Mark Plummer mark.m.plummer@gmail.com 0061 404 467 924 December 2014 Fortunas 34 Canada Bruce Buck brucebuck@hotmail.ca 001 905 468 1512 2 China Beijing Malcolm Thorp malcolm@weemac.com 0086 1391 0075 452 USA California Mohammad Diab diab@sbcglobal.net 001415 710 8438 Arizona Wendy Hurley ahwatukee17@yahoo.com 001480 284 8244/001 480 389 8692 DATA PROTECTION Dollar Academy sends out copies of Fortunas and its enclosures in envelopes addressed to former pupils, former staff of the Academy and parents of current pupils. As such, recipients’ names and addresses are stored in our database. Any recipient who does not wish to receive a copy of Fortunas is asked to inform the Academy by email: dollarfp@dollaracademy.org.uk. Similarly, in order that we may keep our data as accurate as possible, you are asked to inform us of any change of address. CONTENTS Fortunas 35 Many thanks to everyone who has contributed articles or images to Fortunas 34; the deadline for submission of articles for the summer issue is Monday 20th April 2015. page From the Rector4 Features Open Day6 Pipe Band Success8 Queen’s Baton Comes to Dollar 10 People Make Dollar Dollar Bids Farewell…14 Dollar Welcomes…19 Around the Houses – Boarding at Dollar 27 Along the Corridors – News from the Classrooms Prep School News31 Junior School News36 Expressive Arts Senior Musical – Guys and Dolls 47 Art & Literature Pupil Artwork 52 Personal Essays57 After the Bell – Co-curricular News65 Charities66 Pipe Band70 CCF75 Editor: Heather Lumsden Lumsden-H@dollaracademy.org.uk Design: Peter Nelson peter@peternelsonart.com FP Registrar: Kirsty Molnar dollarfp@dollaracademy.org.uk Archivist: Janet Carolan Carolan-J@dollaracademy.org.uk December 2014 The opinions expressed in this magazine belong to the individual writers and not to Dollar Academy. Sport89 Cricket90 Tennis 93 Golf96 Sports Weekend100 FP Forum106 Reunions107 Obituaries122 Your Letters126 From the Archives129 Fortunas 34 Proof readers: David Delaney, Mairi Leggatt, Heather Lumsden, Billy Prior, Kirsty Molnar Travel – Dollar Pupils Venture Forth 80 Alps Trip 82 Macnaughton Classics Travel Award 86 Pre-season Tour to Italy87 3 FROM THE RECTOR December 2014 Fortunas 34 It has been an exciting and momentous year for Scotland, with centre stage taken by the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and, most importantly of all, the Referendum. All three have generated articles in this magazine. The Prep and Junior School rarely miss an opportunity to stage a grand event and over 400 children ‘represented’ 16 countries in the Dollar version of the Glasgow Games, while the arrival of the Queen’s Baton at the end of the summer term led to carnival style celebrations. Several of our older pupils attended the Ryder Cup in one capacity or another, and our Form I teambuilding day in September included a mini Ryder Cup. Finally, the school debate on Scottish independence was attended by around 700 pupils, a truly astonishing figure. I have never seen young people so enraptured by politics, and the arrival of television cameras and journalists to interview some of our boarders while they watched the BBC Youth Debate from Glasgow’s SECC Hydro did nothing to dampen the excitement. You can read more about these events in the following pages. It has been an exciting year for Dollar Academy too, both inside and outside the classroom. Record results at Advanced Higher this summer were very pleasing and Dollar finished sixth in the recent Sunday Times Scottish Schools’ league table. Of course, sixth would be considered a disastrous failure by our World Championship winning Pipe Band whose exploits are rightly featured at some length in this magazine, along with the myriad other successes of our apparently unbeatable CCF. As if that were not enough, The Galley won the 2014 Scottish School Magazine of the Year Award and, too late for publication, the Under-16 Rugby team played in a thrilling match at Murrayfield in the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Cup Final, cheered on by around 700 Dollar supporters. There is much more I could mention if I had space, not least the excellence of our Art and Music Departments. Again, you can read more in the following pages. If there is a connection between the above paragraphs then it is perhaps the importance of leadership. Just as the Ryder Cup might not have been won without the brilliant captaincy of Paul McGinley, so The Galley would not have triumphed had it not been masterminded by pupil-editor Bethan Scott, nor would the Pipe Band have reached such heights without the example of Pipe Major Lucy Ferguson. I think you will see, as you read Fortunas 34, that our pupils are not afraid to pursue excellence and are well prepared for life through their experiences here. As a parent said to me a few weeks ago, in Scotland leaders do not grow on trees … they grow at Dollar Academy. 4 Join us at Dollar We are a day and boarding school for boys and girls aged five to eighteen. Our entrance assessments take place w/c 19th January. Dollar Academy, Clackmannanshire, FK14 7DU December 2014 Excellence and opportunity Fortunas 34 For more information: registrar@dollaracademy.org.uk 01259 742 511 5 DOLLAR ACADEMY HOLDS FIRST OPEN DAY December 2014 Fortunas 34 6 The school and grounds basked in the sunshine of a rare, clear Indian summer day as we opened our doors to welcome hundreds of visitors to our first Open Day on Saturday 13th September. The guests, consisting of prospective pupils and their parents, as well as parents of current pupils, and a good number of interested FPs, were expertly guided around the buildings to be treated to an astonishing array of activities in every corner of the school. Quint matches on the rugby pitches; bacon rolls prepared by senior Duke of Edinburgh candidates; heated debate in the English classrooms; Chinese calligraphy and international cuisine in Modern Languages; custard powder explosions in Chemistry labs; masked Greek tragedy in the Studio Theatre; every aspect of curricular and cocurricular life at Dollar was on display. The day’s events were brought to a close to the stirring sound of the pipes and drums of our Pipe Band. News December 2014 Fortunas 34 7 December 2014 Fortunas 34 Dollar Pipe Band – Scottish CCF Schools Champions 2014 8 On Sunday 8th June the Dollar Academy Pipe Band regained their Scottish CCF Schools Championship title at Merchiston Castle School. The ‘A’ and ‘B’ band both competed, with over 50 pupils taking part. In the end the ‘A’ Band came away winners while the ‘B’ band came in an impressive fourth place. In addition to this overall victory, the pipers, drummers and buglers of Dollar placed or won first in twelve of the fifteen categories contested for that day, a most remarkable achievement. Numerous individual successes are deserving of mention. Lucy Ferguson (then Form V) came second in the Senior Piping. Tommy Henson (Form IV) came first in the Intermediate Piping and in the Intermediate Piping Drill and Turnout, and Finlay Cameron (Form I) came first in the Junior Piping. Dollar Academy pipers were also named the winners of the Loch Nan Eun Quaich for the Best Group of Solo Pipers. The list of successes continues into the area of drumming and bugling. Joe Armstrong (Form VI) and Rory Power (Form II) came second in the Senior and Junior Drumming respectively. Cameron McCall (Form II) earned second in the Bugling Competition, losing out to Gregor Stewart (Form IV) in first place. Robert Henson (Form VI) came first in the Drum Majors Competition. Dollar Academy also won the Best Bass and Tenor Section, and was also named the Best Drum Corps overall: tremendous accomplishments. News Dollar Pipe Band World Champions 2014 December 2014 Fortunas 34 Dollar Academy’s Juvenile Band (the ‘A’ Band) regained their title of Pipe Band World Champions at the RSPBA World Pipe Band Championships 2014, held in Glasgow on 15th-16th August. 223 pipe bands from across the world congregated on Glasgow Green for this important, international competition. Dollar’s Pipe Band last won this competition at Juvenile Grade in 2010, and all involved were clearly delighted to have recaptured the title. Our Novice Juvenile Band (the ‘B’ Band) also acquitted themselves extremely well, coming in fourth in their ‘Novice’ class. Sergeant Matt Wilson, our lead piping instructor, also became a World Champion in the Grade 1 competition with the Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band. 9 December 2014 Fortunas 34 QUEEN’S BATON COMES TO DOLLAR 10 On Wednesday 25th June the Queen’s Baton came through Dollar and into Dollar Academy. The entire staff and pupils of the school were joined by all of Strathdevon Primary’s pupils and many members of the local community to form an eager and delighted audience for the Baton as it made its way across Scotland stopping, briefly, at Dollar Academy. Co-ordinator of the school’s Charities Committee, Ellie Scott-Gray (then Form VI), had been nominated to carry the Baton into the school grounds, proceeding at a leisurely pace so that all could enjoy its passing, up the Heyworth Approach to the school’s front steps. It arrived here, with flags twirling and to the sounds of the Pipe Band, and was greeted by the Rector, who addressed a few words to the assembled and very delighted crowd. News Ellie then carried the Baton round the entire campus, giving an opportunity for those who wished to touch it and for a number of ‘Baton selfies’ to mark the moment. On her experience of the day, Ellie commented, “I am just so, so excited to be carrying the Queen’s Baton and so incredibly honoured to have been chosen. It’s also such a perfect way to end what has been an absolutely wonderful Sixth Form year at Dollar Academy. I could not have asked for a better way to end my Dollar career.” An hour later, Ellie handed on the Baton to Julia Adamson to carry it out of the Academy grounds onto the next stage of its journey - another emotional moment for Mrs Adamson, in the last few days in her role as Deputy Head of the Prep and Junior Schools. Photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe December 2014 Fortunas 34 11 PREP AND JUNIOR SCHOOL STAGE A COMMONWEALTH GAMES December 2014 Fortunas 34 In May, the Prep and Junior School brought the Commonwealth Games to Scotland (well, to Dollar) just a few weeks early. Though brisk and a bit grey initially, nothing could dampen the spirits of the 400 children and staff who participated in this hugely entertaining and celebratory event. The pupils were organised into teams representing 16 of the Commonwealth nations. The brightly coloured flags were paraded down the West Approach and around the sports field as the Pipe Band played rousing tunes in accompaniment. Every child participated in a round-robin series of fun events that included an obstacle marathon (complete with high walls to clamber over, nets to clamber under and posts to zigzag through), rounders, potted sports, problem solving puzzles, quizzes and, of course, the everpopular tug o’war. The event culminated with everyone coming together to sing ‘Fruits of Our Gifts’, the Big Sing Commonwealth song they had rehearsed throughout the day. They also danced their Big Dance to the tune, most fittingly, of Pharrell Williams’ chart hit ‘Happy’. It was a tremendous warm-up to the upcoming Glasgow games. 12 News December 2014 Fortunas 34 13 December 2014 Fortunas 34 JULIA ADAMSON 14 It would not be an understatement to say that Dollar Academy has played a huge part in Julia Adamson’s life to date. A Dollar pupil herself from 19591972 (including a spell at Harviestoun Castle as a result of the infamous fire), she is also the parent of two Dollar FPs, while her teaching career at Dollar has spanned 25 years. It would also be fair to say that Julia Adamson has played a huge part in the life of Dollar Academy. My first encounter with Julia was as a Prep parent when my overriding thought was, “My child is in very safe hands,” and I pretty much left things to Julia from then on. Some years later, as a new teacher in the Junior School, I can remember being simply astounded by the energy which Julia would bring to a project or an idea - and by the amazing speed at which she spoke - she simply had so much enthusiasm for things that she wanted to make every second of discussion as convincing and persuasive as possible. Over the last four school years, during which it has been my privilege to work so closely with Julia, I have discovered many more dimensions to her character, those things that make Julia the very special person she is: her warmth and compassion; her dedication and hard work; her deep interest in teaching and learning; her precise knowledge of grammar; her unequivocal understanding of right and wrong and her immensely funny sense of humour. Julia’s ethos and values flow through every sinew and space in the Prep School. Over the years she has certainly witnessed the pendulum of teaching methodologies swing to and fro, yet she has kept the Prep School true to its core values whilst embracing the new, if and when it has been the right thing to do. She herself loves learning about teaching and learning and she has been at the forefront of our curriculum development. Whilst always ensuring we were getting the basics and foundation stones of language and mathematics absolutely right, it was Julia who would look into any new developments or ideas to assess if they were in the best interests of our pupils, and, if so, how best to pursue them. One notable area of curriculum development that she has championed is global citizenship, closely linked to another Julia innovation – the Malindi Project, a charitable enterprise which now permeates every stage of the school, from Prep School pennies for Malindi, FPs volunteering in Kenya, to teacher exchanges with Malindi Primary School. Farewell “So here’s to you Mrs Adamson, We will miss you more than you can know.” Alison Morrison December 2014 Fortunas 34 From raising our awareness and understanding of the situation of others, to leading fundraising initiatives and successfully bidding for government grants, Julia always gets stuck in herself and leads by example. Many say they will do something, Julia does it - as she did in May, when completing the Edinburgh marathon in 5 hours 17 minutes. On countless evenings my last glimpse of Julia was of a vision in pink as she pulled on her lycra, attached her head torch and iPod and headed off into the dark night for the required number of laps to keep her on track for her goal. Like everything else, this was a campaign planned with military precision, and even when the unexpected rose up to thwart her (literally) - a trip, and a collision with the concrete at 24.6 miles – Julia was not to be beaten! Military precision brings to mind the Prep School Sports Day – an event synonymous with Julia’s sense of style and occasion. Being a fierce competitor herself, she never shirked or shielded children from healthy competition, preferring instead to instil in them, from an early age, the idea of trying one’s best and being a good sportsman. And events as smooth-running and seamless as Prep School Sports certainly do not happen without comprehensive planning and an eye for detail – something I am truly grateful to have learned from Julia. Whether it is Prep School Sports Day, countless trips both abroad and at home, Recruit Camp, Bisley, Scottish Country Dancing, ski tours, coffee mornings, entrance tests, Open Mornings, assemblies, shows, Carol Services, staff meetings, or simply delivering jolly good lessons, Julia commits wholeheartedly to everything. Amongst the most memorable events have been her countless appearances in a variety of lurid disguises (cracker, Christmas tree, fairy) as ‘mystery’ MC for the Prep 4 and 5 annual Christmas Party. My only disappointment is that she did not don all costumes simultaneously in a glorious extravaganza of glitter and glitz for her final appearance on stage. I think the thing I most admire in Julia is her innate ability intuitively to do or say the right thing to make things better for that particular person at that particular time; whether it be to comfort, console, reassure, encourage, praise, discipline, or simply to be there. She knows when to be firm and when to be a little softer. She ‘fixed’ many broken parts of wee people, but also knew when to say “You’re fine – get back out there.” She is the busiest, most hard-working person I know, yet she always has time to listen to her colleagues’ concerns– no matter how trivial. The words “I’m too busy” are simply not in her vocabulary. Since ‘retiring’ in June, Julia has marshalled our Shooting Team at Bisley, orchestrated a most successful shooting event as part of the Commonwealth Games, built a shed, fenced a garden, travelled to Greece and is currently engaged in training a spaniel named George. It is only fair that her many talents and boundless energy should now be shared more widely; we have enjoyed a monopoly on this unique lady for a very long time. But in the words of Prep 1, with a nod to Simon and Garfunkel; 15 December 2014 Fortunas 34 EMMA PEARCE 16 The draw of the Dollar Classics Department has become the stuff of legend. Dr Mac makes the round trip from Carnoustie each day; the newest addition to the Department is a bona fide Greek who crosses the Forth twice daily to teach here; the HoD herself hails from just outside Hol(l)ywood. Ms Pearce, however, beat us all, making the daily commute to Dollar from California (albeit California, FK1). Legends, however, tend to be rooted in the past, and that is a phrase that certainly could not be applied to Emma’s approach to teaching. In her short time with us as Head of Classics, she brought the study of the ancient civilisations to life in the classroom, with ‘Show-Me’ boards, online resources and games and puzzles to reinvigorate lessons. Heavily involved in SQA activities, Emma helped navigate the Department past the Scylla and Charybdis in the sea of new qualifications, sharing her knowledge and experience with calmness and a much appreciated dose of good humour. Much more importantly, legions of young Dollar Classicists now know that Doctor Who had a much more illustrious previous incarnation, as that well-known victim of Vesuvius, a certain Lucius Caecilius Iucundus. Emma leaves us, after the conclusion of her maternity leave, to return to Watson’s as their Head of Classics. We shall miss her, and wish her every success and happiness for the future. Heather Lumsden SUSAN LINDSAY Susan Lindsay will be remembered here very fondly by both colleagues and pupils for many years to come. She grew up in Dumfries where she also gained her first experiences of teaching before an adventuring spirit and several moves north brought her to the no less green landscapes of first Shetland, Fife and then Dollar’s English Department in 2010. Here she quickly established herself as a highly regarded teacher of young people and a well-respected personality on the staff. A warm-hearted, hardworking and supportive member of the English Department, she was also an experienced and active member of the Literacy Committee, a popular Form Tutor and Boarding House Tutor. Her pupils had every reason to respect her meticulous work and her insights, as well as the organised, supportive approach which ensured her classroom was always humming with a particular kind of productive energy. She saw her job, however, as more than just the province of the classroom. The guidance of pupils was very important to her, and her handling of awkward boys in particular was the object of some admiration among her colleagues, as well as the boys themselves. Out of this sector of the school population came her initiative to set up the school GoKarting Club, an activity that helped channel certain testosterone-fuelled energies. Less noisy and windswept co-curricular occupations included the Book Clubs she ran and the Yearbook Committee she supported. In connection with the latter, if there was ever a colleague prepared to roll up her sleeves and bring calm into the ‘mosh pit’ at a Yearbook Band Night, it was Susan. Heyworth girls also found her a helpful, patient and reliable presence during her weekly visits. We all miss her gentle sense of humour, often far too self-deprecating, her warm-heartedness, her love of fine shoes and passion for Downton Abbey, her commitment to the arts and to teaching. Currently settled back on home turf, Dumfries schools will no doubt use her talents over the coming years and value her as much as we have. Finally it remains for us to wish her and little Cerys much happiness and every success. Kate Murray Farewell FIONA McBRIDE David Knapman December 2014 Alastair McConnell Shiona Scott Wendy Pearson arrived at Dollar in 2001 with exemplary references, having worked as a PA at a very high level in the corporate sector. She did not disappoint. Intelligent, efficient, extremely hardworking and with outstanding communication skills, she organised her Rectors superbly, despite their attempts to wander off-piste. She was also truly appreciated by the staff as a whole; her integrity, charm and wit made any visit to her office a pleasure rather than an ordeal. Wendy cares about people almost as much as she cares about dogs – which is a very great deal indeed. One desk drawer contained a regularly re-stocked supply of dog biscuits, happily dished out to any passing mongrel, along with plenty of patting and praise. She treats people in much the same way, making them feel better about themselves, although she is sharp enough to be able to put any individual back in their place when she wants to. I note from her file that in 2003 she completed a course called ‘The Indispensable Assistant’ – and that is just what she became. Wendy’s many qualities include a sense of modesty; she was assiduous in her attempts to avoid any ‘fuss’ about her departure and she requested that this article be brief. Which is just as well, because doing justice to her contribution is a task well beyond me. Fortunas 34 Fiona McBride is retiring after 23 years at Dollar, having worked for three Rectors and three Heads of the Geography Department where she has been a mainstay. An SQA Higher marker for many years, she has been central to our understanding of the development of the Geography curriculum, and her classes have every reason to be grateful for her assiduous and committed approach to her teaching. She has been associated with many activities outside the classroom, including Ballroom Dancing (that most unpopular of duties that requires long hours on a Friday evening) and Falconry. In connection with the latter, she has been responsible in association with her husband Bryan for helping organise significant work experience for would-be vets. Finally, she has, for countless years, been the central organiser for the Bible Readings in senior assembly and Parish Church, training generations of prefects and small children to face their worst nightmares in front of audiences of hundreds. Her calm, supportive approach has been essential here, as it has in the years she has supported First Aid at the Lunchfield during Sponsored Walks. Coffee and home baking are another couple of her prime qualities, and she leaves a high bar firmly set in this area. She will be missed by staff and pupils alike. WENDY PEARSON 17 December 2014 Fortunas 34 Farewell Class of 2014 18 Welcome DOLLAR WELCOMES THE CLASS OF 2027! “Prep 1 have had a most enjoyable first week at school.” - Mrs Barbour, Deputy Head of the Prep and Junior School Measuring water in paddling pools…building towers with enormous bricks…balancing a tennis ball on a parachute…lots of outdoor games…a nature treasure hunt...finding soft white feathers, leaves munched by caterpillars, seed shells that looked like fairy hats… December 2014 Class photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe Fortunas 34 “I had lots of fun playing in the playground and the tennis courts” . . . “everyone is friends with me”. . . “I couldn’t wait to get there”. . . “I loved my first day at school”. . . “I looked beautiful in my school uniform”. . . “I was very tired when I went home.” – happy Prep 1 pupils 19 PAUL ARNOLD December 2014 Fortunas 34 MAUREEN BARBOUR 20 Maureen joins us from Kelly College Prep School where she held the position of Head of Pre-Prep and Assistant Head. She spent eight enjoyable years there, where she and her family enjoyed sailing and walking on Dartmoor. Maureen has 28 years of experience teaching both in the state and independent sector. She has enjoyed her many roles and responsibilities. She was born in West Lothian but spent her early childhood in the Middle East, South East England and South Wales. Returning to Scotland as a teenager she became a pupil at Mary Erskine School. She then went on to study for her Bachelor of Education at Moray House College of Education and Stirling University. Last year she and her husband decided to return to Scotland and Maureen was thrilled when she was appointed as Assistant Head of Prep School at Dollar Academy. It is a school very well known to her, not least because her husband is a Former Pupil. Maureen is now enjoying the challenges of her new role and working with the super Prep pupils. She has been particularly impressed by the friendliness and support of both the children and staff. She and her family are now beginning to feel settled back in Scotland and are particularly enjoying the sailing on the west coast. The Biology Department welcomes Paul Arnold to its teaching staff this session. Paul was born in Gosport, Hampshire, but spent most of his life in the North of England, living in Hull and Southport respectively. After completing his A-Levels, he went on to study Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour at Durham University and graduated in 2011. He joined Teach First straight after graduating and was placed at Oasis Academy, Immingham where he trained as a Science Teacher. He spent three years there developing his teaching practice and helped to build the department in his role as Learning Co-ordinator of Science. He also spent July 2014 working with Oasis South Africa in Cosmo City, training teachers and working with unemployed youths. Paul is now enjoying life at Dollar and has been impressed with the levels of engagement students have shown towards their Biology and Science lessons. He is helping to coach the Senior Football team and hopes that they can progress far this year. He manages to play himself for a local football team at the weekend while also spending time completing his studies towards achieving an MA in Education. Welcome Gill Dean has joined the teaching staff of the Geography Department this session. She was born in Glasgow, and her schooling was both there and in Edinburgh, and also included an exchange year in France when she was seventeen. She then went on to complete a Geography degree at Glasgow University. After a short spell working for the civil service, undertaking Geographical Information Systems work for the local council, she completed her PGDE at Edinburgh University. Before joining the staff at Dollar, she taught for seven years in Gairloch High School and enjoyed living on the scenic west coast with the huge choice of outdoor activities, and did a lot of hillwalking, climbing and mountain biking. Gill is now enjoying the challenges of a new position, and has been particularly impressed by the motivated attitude of the pupils and by the friendliness of the staff. Having been heavily involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in her previous school, she is very much looking forward to expedition season here at Dollar and the opportunity to get to know the local geography. Carol joins us from Stirling High School where she held the position of Head of Science and Teacher of Physics. Over her ten years there she enjoyed the opportunity to work with exceptional students and staff. Born in Glasgow, Carol has migrated across the country to Stirling over the years after studying Mathematical Sciences and teacher training. She has always wanted to teach Physics and Mathematics and has accrued 21 years of experience from her time at Cumbernauld and Stirling High Schools. She enjoyed her many roles and responsibilities in both establishments and participated in many whole-school activities. Carol is now enjoying the new challenges and opportunities of her role as Teacher of Physics and Science at Dollar. She is particularly looking forward to the chance to teach and enthuse younger pupils in delivering the Junior Science course. The friendliness and support of both pupils and staff have made a strong impression upon her and have helped her feel quickly at home. Carol is looking forward to becoming more involved with the whole life of the school in the coming session, especially now that, plaster cast off, she is becoming more mobile! RACHEL MEIKLEJOHN A further addition to the English Department is Rachel Meiklejohn, who joins us this session having already forged close links with the Mathematics Department here. Rachel was born and raised in Edinburgh, where she attended George Heriot’s School. She fondly remembers the Saturday mornings she spent at Dollar playing hockey on the school pitch, although she would find herself distracted by the grandeur of the Playfair Building and the view of the Ochils! On leaving school, she went to Durham University to gain her degree in English. With her keen love of literature, and having enjoyed working with young people through her role as a Student Ambassador, she decided to go into teaching. Following her graduation, she moved to Glasgow, to undertake her PGDE at Strathclyde University. She now joins us from Kinlochbervie High School, where she successfully completed her Probationary Year as the sole full-time English teacher. During her time in the remote North West she kept herself December 2014 CAROL MALLEY Fortunas 34 GILL DEAN 21 busy: setting up a running club, singing in the choir, and not only writing but directing and starring in the school musical. Rachel is delighted to be a part of Dollar’s English Department, and has been hugely impressed by the warm welcome from staff and pupils alike, as well as the family ethos of the school. She is looking forward to helping pupils make the most of the many opportunities available to them, within and beyond the classroom. December 2014 Fortunas 34 JACQUELYN MONK 22 Jacquelyn Monk initially joined the Staff here at Dollar as a maternity cover, but she liked it so much she has decided to stay indefinitely! She came to us from Deans Community High School in Livingston where she taught for ten years, both full-time and parttime (while her two boys were very small). After being schooled at The High School of Dundee she graduated from St Andrews University with Honours in English Language and Literature. At this point she had an inkling she might wish to become a teacher, so she set off to teach English in Nagasaki, Japan for a year with the dual purposes of experiencing foreign culture and trying out pedagogy. The venture was a success as she remained there a further two years, returning determined to teach. She undertook her PGCE at Moray House. Her initial impressions of Dollar were very favourable: the beautiful grounds, the playing of the Pipe band, the good manners of the pupils; she was particularly stuck by the frequency which people at Dollar use the adjective ‘lovely’ to describe many things in their environment… Jacquelyn is happy to report that she has indeed found Dollar lovely and looks forward to her career here. MYRTO ZIKOU Our new addition to the Classics Department, Myrto was (quite fittingly!) born and raised in Greece, enjoying many hot summers and milder winters in her native home before coming to Scotland. A keen interest in Classics led her to study at the University of Ioannina, in her hometown, where she was awarded a Degree in Medieval and Modern Greek Philology. After completing her studies, she was interested to challenge herself in different settings with children of differing abilities and so she went on to work as a tutor as well as teaching pupils with additional support needs. A restless spirit brought Myrto to Edinburgh, where her previous teaching experience motivated her to embark upon a Masters Degree in Inclusive and Special Education at the University of Edinburgh in September 2011. A challenging but rewarding year followed, with lots of research and assignments accompanied by the inevitable feeling of nostalgia for home. Myrto believes that the indepth knowledge of both theory and practice that she acquired in completing her Masters, combined with the various teaching and learning approaches that she developed, have transformed her into an enthusiastic and hard-working teacher. Before coming to Dollar Academy, she widened her experience in a school for children with behavioural, emotional and social problems in Edinburgh. She now makes the daily commute from across the Forth, and believes she has found her second home in the ‘Athens of the North’. Staff interviews conducted by Amenah Cheema (Form VI) Welcome LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS Every year, Dollar welcomes students from overseas who assist in the teaching of the Modern Languages Department as part of their studies. They provide a valuable opportunity for pupils and, indeed, staff to converse with native speakers and thus build up their confidence in the spoken language. Name: Micha Hipp Home: Stuttgart, Germany Studying: History and English Future plans: teacher of History and English! Impressions of Scotland: friendly colleagues, lovely glens & bens, amazing beverages (Irn Bru!) Favourite Scottish word: dreich! Name: Isabel López Soler Home: Fuengirola, Málaga Studying: Degree in Primary Education, Málaga University (2012) Future plans: Learn languages, travel around the world, keep studying every day Impressions of Scotland: After a year living in Scotland I can honestly say I am in love with this country. Beautiful place and kind people. Favourite Scottish word: ceilidh! Name: Nathalie Marec Home: Originally Paris, France; I now live in Dollar Studying: Counselling/Psychotherapy Future plans: I would like to work as a counsellor, maybe abroad. Impressions of Scotland: I like Scotland very much, especially the landscapes and the light. Dollar is a peaceful, friendly and beautiful place, I enjoy living here. Favourite Scottish word: peely-wally! December 2014 Name: Alessio Bacciu Home: Brunella (Sardegna), Italy Studying: Degree in History and Literature, 2° Degree in History Research and Medieval History Future plans: to work another year at Dollar Academy! Impressions of Scotland: Amazing countryside, kind, polite and friendly people, great place to work. Favourite Scottish word: ‘aye’! And ‘wee’ (as in ‘wee man’!) Fortunas 34 Name: Lily Wang Home: Taipei, Taiwan Studying: Social Psychology and Teaching Chinese as a Second Language Future plans: I am planning to visit France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Denmark and Sweden this year! After this, I will study Teaching Chinese as a Second Language for a Masters Degree Impressions of Scotland: Dollar is a beautiful small town, people are friendly here. I prefer the weather here to Taiwan (so far!). I love the autumn colours in Scotland. Favourite Scottish word: glaikit! 23 December 2014 Fortunas 34 Laura Manson, Head Girl Ross McGregor, Head Boy Megan Montgomery, Deputy Head Girl Our Head Girl belongs to the happy band of pupils who have been at Dollar since Prep One, and has been a key member of the year group since those early days. Laura has never been one to follow the crowd, and at a young age she decided to shun hockey in favour of swimming. This certainly wasn’t the worst decision she’s ever made, considering she swam for Scotland at the age of 10 and internationally for Britain when she was 12. Unfortunately, she had to retire from swimming early, but this simply gave her more time to nurture her other talents: she plays flute in First Orchestra and her incredible voice has earned her a place in Chamber Choir since Form III. She is also the longest serving drummer in the ‘A’ band which (as she never lets us forget) recently won the World Pipe Band Championships, an outstanding achievement indeed. What Laura perhaps lacks in actual drumming technique, she definitely makes up for in enthusiasm, but suffice to say her solo drumming career never really took off. On the academic front, she is currently studying Chemistry, Biology and Latin (apparently a prerequisite for Head Girls in recent years) at Advanced Higher level, along with Higher Photography, where, judging by some of her photographs, she appears to be adopting a ‘point and click’ approach. She has her sights set on a place to study Medicine at university, and after a strong set of exam results and an extremely impressive UKCAT score, she is very well placed to achieve this. Her sensitivity and bubbly sense of humour have made her a popular figure throughout the school. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been in the same year group as Laura, and I confidently predict a bright future ahead of her. A brilliant academic, talented musician and sportsman, and popular member of the year group – it came as no surprise when Ross was announced Head Boy. Having joined in Prep 3, he has left his mark on the school from the very beginning. His incredible and varied talent as a musician first emerged when Ross scooped the leading role of the Artful Dodger in the Junior School Musical, Olivia, and ever since then he has failed to escape the Music Department. Now a valued member of the Chamber Choir, a keen pianist and piper, as well as a talented DJ, he has showcased his musical talent in every possible way. Not only is he lucky enough to possess such musical talent, but it is clear that he is also a brilliant sportsman. As well as a member of the 1st XV Rugby team, he is also a key member of the school’s Shooting team, having qualified last season for the BSSRA League Final and competed for the last three years at Bisley, both as a cadet and as a member of the school’s Imperial squad. Alongside his involvement in a wide variety of co-curricular activities, Ross has managed to uphold an unblemished academic record throughout his school career. Having achieved outstanding results in his Highers, he is currently studying Advanced Higher Music Technology, Physics and Maths, as well as Higher Business, with the ambition of going on to study Maths at university next year. I am confident that this is an ambition he will comfortably achieve. Ross’s role as Head Boy is accompanied by a hefty workload, to put it lightly. The fact that this may not seem obvious to the members of our year group is down to his ability to take everything in his stride. Modest in his achievements and unfazed by his ambitions, he is the ideal role-model for those in the years below. Ross will be greatly missed. I wish him all the best for the bright future that awaits him beyond his life at Dollar. Leading actress; talented musician; dedicated Recruit Instructor; key member of the Hockey 1st XI; Shooting Team Captain; strong academic and a valued member of our top six - Megan Montgomery has left her mark on nearly every area of Dollar life. She appears to have effortlessly balanced all of these co-curricular commitments, achieving huge success in each, and decorating herself with an enviable number of accolades along the way. One typical example of her accomplishments would be her securing a lead role in the Senior School, Cats, when only in Form III - a huge achievement for someone in Sixth Year, let alone someone who hadn’t auditioned for the Musical before. It is true that she had previous form here, albeit on a lesser scale, having played a lead role, once again, in the Junior 2 musical, Olivia. She also trod the boards as lead actress in drama productions in Forms I to III. And once you watch Megan on the stage, it is easy to see why she has achieved such success. On a very different stage, her Shooting career has also flourished, a career which has seen her accepted into the school’s Imperial squad and competing as a key member of the Ashburton-winning team for three years. As if that were not enough responsibility, she is now Head of Recruits in the school CCF, and was awarded the prestigious position of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, having been chosen as the most dedicated, responsible and well-mannered member of the CCF – very impressive and equally well-deserved. Despite all these achievements, Megan is remarkably unassuming, a cheery smiley member of our Top 6. Her focus now is upon securing a place to study Medicine at university. With a top-class set of Higher results under her belt and her impressive range of co-curricular success, she is certainly well on track. We shall miss her, and wish her continued success. by Duncan by Megan 24 by Ross Welcome Joe George, Deputy Head Boy Duncan Cooper, Deputy Head Boy As one of the original 28 young pupils in our Year to make their way to a Prep 1 class at Dollar back in late August 2002, it would be a hard task to find anyone more committed to our school than Isla Cubitt. From a young age, she enjoyed popularity throughout Prep School – despite the fact she was taller than every boy and probably better at rugby than them too. Yes, Isla played rugby. However, in addition to rugby, she showed potential on the hockey field and soon proved herself an integral member of the Junior ‘A’ team. This early talent in hockey begot further success as Isla went on to represent the Midlands region across three different age groups. Moreover, she was selected for the U16 Scotland Hockey squad and has since been elected Vice Captain of the school 1st XI. Her sporting prowess extends into other disciplines, notably in shooting and athletics, where she has represented Dollar at Scottish Schools’ level in both fields. In between all of this, she manages to fit in some academic work, and has shone just as brightly in the classroom. With a clutch of outstanding results at both Standard Grade and Higher level, she now has her sights set on a place to study Pharmacy at university. With her warm, caring personality, good humour and multitude of talents, Isla has been a real asset to the Top 6 team this year and will no doubt go on to enjoy further success in all she does. As someone who has made an impression in all areas of the life of the school, Duncan was not an unexpected entry to the Top 6. Since arriving at the school in Junior 2, he has excelled both academically and socially. Having received nothing less than top grades throughout his school career, it came as no surprise when he achieved an outstanding 6 ‘A Band 1s’ in his Higher results. When not in the classroom, Duncan can usually be found in the Music Department with his beloved fiddle. Although primarily a player of Scottish traditional music, he passed his Grade 8 exam in classical violin last year. As if his parents didn’t have enough to be proud of, his exceptional talent has seen him elected leader of the First Orchestra this year. Ensuring that all areas of expertise are covered, he is also a keen footballer, playing for the school’s first XI. Unfortunately for him, (luckily for us), it has in fact been proven that Duncan is not the perfect Dollar student, as his singing career never has and never will take off… This has all created an incredibly impressive CV for Duncan, so we have no doubt that he will go on to be very successful in all that he does, with hopes of studying Medicine at university next year. His (occasionally) humorous quick wit and genuinely caring personality have made him a popular, core member of the year group and I think that everyone will agree that it has been a pleasure getting to know him. by Joe December 2014 by Isla Isla Cubitt, Deputy Head Girl Fortunas 34 Joe arrived at Dollar in Prep 4, instantly fitting into the year group as an enthusiastic - and occasionally mischievous - young character. In his nine years at the school, he has grasped every opportunity to excel, bringing credit to the school with his success in many fields. Dedicated to his studies, Joe has consistently obtained outstanding ‘A’ grades in SQA examinations (provided we forget about that Intermediate 2 Chemistry...). Advanced Highers in Mathematics, English and History, as well as Higher Accounts are currently on his timetable, subjects which will hopefully gain him a place at university next year to study Accountancy and Finance. Outside of the classroom you will find Joe representing the Academy in a wide variety of co-curricular activities. A keen sportsman, he has a passion for rugby, and his talent for the game has seen him represent his regional U16 team and the school’s First XV. Furthermore, Joe has represented the Central District in athletics. In contrast to his more active pursuits, he is also a dedicated member of the Mixed Voice Choir, and his talent for English helped him secure the position of Sports Editor on The Galley. His way with words also served him well in the faultless execution of a romantic story at a formal dinner… In his time here, Joe has given his all to the school and stands as a model of what fine youngsters the Academy can produce. He is a key member of our year group, highly respected for his contribution to the school, and it is a real pleasure to work alongside him as a co-member of the Top 6. I have no doubt that this motivated character will continue to achieve highly after he walks through the bronze doors for the final time in June to the challenges ahead. by Laura 25 FORM I ACTIVITIES DAY December 2014 Fortunas 34 th the Thursday 25 September was Form date this session for the annual to I Activities Day, an opportunity lynew the in promote team spirit with out formed form classes and through ly live This le. who a as the year group ls, leve rgy ene the sed event showca I, creativity and enthusiasm of Form s vitie as the pupils tackled four acti er Ryd a over the course of the day: ll Cup-themed golf event; a basketba ing uild ge-b brid a competition; challenge; and some outdoor team es leng chal The ts. building even ce culminated in a very hard-fought Spa ses clas the een betw race y rela Hopper to close the school day. 26 Boarding ARGYLL HOUSE Those first few weeks December 2014 The last week of the summer holidays had seemed to drag laboriously slowly; I was all packed and ready to return to Dollar and Argyll House days before my flight. The anticipation of returning to my second home was made all the more exciting in the knowledge that I would be taking up my new role as Head of House. This first half-term has passed by scarily quickly; with House trips and boarding activities planned almost every weekend, there is always something to look forward to. We have enjoyed a treasure hunt, craft weekends, girly sleepovers and shopping trips to keep us all amused, but by far the best thing about being back in the House is the chance to spend time with girls that I truly believe will be my friends for life. The most memorable House trip of the new term has been to Butterfly World, Edinburgh. Planned by Mrs Welsh, Viki and myself, this was to be an incredibly girly trip with afternoon tea beforehand. It was a whole-House affair, with Mr and Mrs Welsh’s children, Sarah and Rachel, joining in the fun. The girls all rose to the occasion admirably, donning butterfly wings and painting each other’s faces. On arrival we received some pretty bemused looks, but this didn’t stop a number of little girls requesting photographs with the ‘fairies’! Afternoon tea was astonishing; tiers of cakes and vats of tea greeted us when we sat down at our tables. Needless to say, it was all polished off within half an hour and we were all ready to visit the butterflies. Fortunas 34 So far, my (albeit short) experience of boarding in Argyll House has been really enjoyable. I feel as if I’ve settled in very quickly, with a lot of help from all of the girls here. I was quite overwhelmed on my first few days in the House - it’s quite a big change going from living with just two sisters to twenty! At the start, one of the hardest things was of course leaving my family and friends, but we are so busy most of the time that the first half-term has flown by. I’m quite lucky in the fact that I don’t live too far away, so some weekends I can go home and see my family if I want to. At the same time, one of the best things about boarding is that you have the opportunity to meet so many new and different people that you might never have spoken to otherwise. On my first few days of school, it was really reassuring having the other boarders there - if I got lost or didn’t have someone to go to lunch with, I could always go with one of them. I was now part of the family. Because everyone has been so welcoming and gets on so well, it feels like I’ve been here for ages. I hope my next three years in Argyll will be just as good as the last six weeks have been! All a-flutter on a trip to Edinburgh Jenny Campbell (Form IV) 27 Walking into the butterfly greenhouse took our breath away. If, like me, you were wearing bright colours, the butterflies immediately flocked towards you. There seemed to be hundreds of species, each with their own distinct markings and colours. We all then decided to try our hands at holding and feeding the various beasts Insect World had to offer. This proved to be an excellent test of nerve for some of the girls: Viki had to leave when the millipede was presented; when the tarantula scuttled forward Luc had to make a swift exit; I myself retired gracefully back to the butterflies when Sally the Anaconda made an appearance. On the bus home the girls were extremely complimentary of what some of them deemed their ‘favourite House trip’. It was a great pleasure for me to share one of my favourite childhood experiences with some of my favourite people. Wallis Rodd, Head of House HEYWORTH HOUSE With seven new girls and two new kittens, it is certainly shaping up to be another exceptional year in Heyworth! One of our new additions, Rachel, had only been here for a week, when she quickly brought home to me how warm and hospitable our House is as a whole. “Welcoming, friendly and fun” were Rachel’s words to sum up her first impressions - and we couldn’t really ask for anything more. Ruby, our most recent addition, has also settled into our Heyworth family quickly and easily. With all these new faces the House seems like a completely different place, but at heart nothing has changed! Already this term we have enjoyed activities such as team-building games, bowling trips, Oktoberfest celebrations and karaoke evenings. All three boarding houses have joined together for most of these activities which has added to the fun. We always love the time spent with all of the Houses together, and I believe that this year the boarding community is stronger than ever. Even the simple day-to-day life in the House, with the girls and the amazing Duncan family, is filled with many hilarious moments; whether it is baking, playing ping-pong or even just watching a film, somehow the simplest of activities can become an experience. This is definitely our ‘home from home’. It is hard to do justice to life in Heyworth in only a few words, but already the signs point to an incredible year in the House, and I am looking forward to spending it with the girls, the Duncan family (and their kittens) and also the boarding community as a whole. Roll on 2014/15! December 2014 Fortunas 34 Bethany Youds (Form VI) 28 Boarding McNABB & TAIT HOUSE December 2014 After this incredibly successful summer period, the boarding house was raring to burst back into life for the start of the new session. It is probably fair to say that McNabb & Tait version 2014-15 is the most international House in the school’s history. With pupils from Asia, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the Caribbean and the USA we can, perhaps, be most accurately described as a mini-United Nations. Almost immediately the boys were given the opportunity to bond with each other, along with all the girls from their respective Houses, at the annual team-building event. This popular event in the boarding calendar, this year held at Crieff Hydro, saw the whole boarding community wrestle with various outdoor pursuits, all in the name of team-building. Alongside this laudable aspiration was the opportunity for certain members of the House to show off their not inconsiderable skills. A perfect example of this was the Swiss combination of Nigel Burzminski and Christopher Siegrist (both form VI) scurrying up the climbing wall with impressive dexterity, leaving all other boarders in their wake; their alpine experience was obvious to all. The day, under a beautiful blue sky, was thoroughly enjoyed by all, whether they were wrestling in oversized Sumo suits, firing arrows at distant targets or hurling wellies as far as their muscles would allow. Fortunas 34 The start and end of any boarding year are busy for everyone involved in the House. The end of session 2013-14 in McNabb & Tait was as busy as ever, and it is fair to say that the boarding house had a dominant and prominent position in most areas of the summer term. On the eve of Sports Weekend there was the annual Senior Musical, the 2014 production being Guys and Dolls, in which newly-appointed Head of House Iain Leggat (then Form V) took the lead role of Sky Masterson. On the Saturday of Sports Weekend there was what is always considered the real centrepiece event: the Boarders vs Day Pupils Tug o’ War. This year the boarders came away from the contest champions after an emphatic 2-0 victory; the event will live long in the memory of all those present, most specifically for the dramatic and menacing performance of the Haka, featuring the resident Gap student Seddon Smith, who had spent much of the summer term teaching the boarders the complicated Maori performance. The weekend was brought to a close with the annual Pipe Band display. This year it featured numerous members of McNabb & Tait House, a significant number of whom went on to represent the school at the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green. By the end of the summer, the whole House was incredibly proud to boast it now contained four World Pipe Band Champions (Finlay Cameron, now Form II, Freddie McFadyean, Form IV, alongside Sandy Cameron and Cameron Bennett, both Form VI). 29 December 2014 Fortunas 34 30 The first few weeks of the session were also defined by the political storm that swept the nation. The senior boys of the House were faced with the historic ‘Yes or No’ question, and there was heated discussion and debate in the common room, corridors and dining hall in the days leading up to the Referendum vote. Rarely have so many young people so politicised and it was heartening to listen to the sophisticated, impassioned and well-informed opinions being aired throughout September. Julien Mittre (Deputy Head of House, Form VI) even featured in an extended article on the Daily Telegraph website, debating alongside a number of other Dollar pupils the central issues of the campaign. His peculiarly Gallic take on the issues was applauded by all who came across that particular piece of media. The climax of the event was, of course, Referendum night itself. After those enfranchised boarders had done their civic duty, eight brave but devoted boys put on their pyjamas and stayed up all night to watch the results trickle in, with Iulian Bold (Deputy Head of House, Form VI) getting the endurance prize for completing the ‘all night and no sleep’ challenge, fuelled mostly by good quality black coffee. Philip Ellis (Form VI), this year’s ESU scholar from America, was captivated by the whole event and struggled with the realisation that, just possibly, the Scottish Referendum even trumped a US Presidential Election for sheer drama and excitement. Although that night showed a certain level of commitment and passion, no event exhibits the courage of the boarders of McNabb & Tait quite like the annual Boarders Karaoke night. This year Lazar Stosic (Form V), one of our new arrivals from Serbia, defined the bravery, if not bravado, of the average McNabb & Tait boy with his astonishing rendition of ‘Kung Fu Fighting’. For the rest of the night there were numerous other dazzling performances from both the girls and boys from across the boarding community, with perhaps another highlight being the crowd-pleasing performance of Abba’s ‘Take a Chance on Me’ by two of our House ladies, backed up by an eager – if not always in tune – choir of boarder girls. It was, though, a fantastic evening that underlines the friendly, cooperative and positive atmosphere within not just our boarding house, but the whole boarding community. Iain Leggat (Head of House), Julian Bold and Julien Mittre (Deputy Heads of House) Prep Prep School Sports Day Thursday 19 June 2014 December 2014 Fortunas 34 31 ALL ABOUT ME The pupils in Prep 2 started the first term of the session exploring their new topic, ‘All About Me.’ They have been creating self-portraits, exploring their family trees and teaming up to make life-size chalk drawings in the Prep School playground. This ‘Chalk and Talk’ activity was lots of fun as they discovered more about themselves and friends around them. My name is Jack and I am nearly six. My family is Sophie, Mummy and Daddy. I live at Dollarbeg Park. I like playing with my dogs and at school I like sums. I have two dogs. Jack Harvey December 2014 Fortunas 34 My name is Hamish. My age is six and I live in Stirling. I have one brother and one sister and a Dad and a Mummy. I have a big house. I have a small room and my Mummy and Daddy have a big room. Hamish Blyth 32 My name is Emily. I live in Saline and I like playing ‘Catch’ with Tom. Emily Williams My name is Cara. I am six years old. I’ve got a little sister. I live in Rumbling Bridge. I like at home playing with my Lego and at school I like going to assemblies and Art. I don’t have a pet. My favourite things are karate, ballet and designing. Cara Croman December 2014 Fortunas 34 My age is six. I have toys and a Mum and Dad, a Grandma and a brother and a sister and that’s my family. I like playing games and I like Minecraft and playing races. Arjun Harar My name is Gabby and I am six and my birthday is on 1st August. I have one big brother and I like swimming at school. I love dogs but I don’t have a pet. I have a cottage. Gabby Frost Prep My name is Kristen. I have a brother and I have two cats. One of them is my brother’s as well. I live in Glendevon and I like to make dens in my lounge. At school I like to go to Art. Kristen Taplin 33 PREP SCHOOL FUNDRAISING WILDLIFE EXPLORERS CLUB 2014 In May of this year, three young members of the Wildlife Explorers Club participated in a very original fundraising project: a sponsored skip. Olivia MacDougall, Emma Manson and Eva Biggart (all then Prep 3) wanted to raise money for the RSPB after the organisation came to visit the Club. The girls came up with the skipping idea after a class project required pupils to research the lives of their grandparents. Emma discovered that her grandmother used to skip when she was a little girl and thus the project was born. Family and friends pledged donations for the girls’ 30-minute skipping marathon, and their successful efforts raised a most commendable £75.90 for the RSPB. As Emma said, ‘We hope the money we raised will be used to help keep wildlife safe from all the dangers from humans, other animals and pollution.’ As autumn approaches, the Wildlife Explorers have started their Prep School meetings again. We have an amazing 79 members this year, split into four groups. This means we have a lot of interested young members eager to find out about wildlife and nature and how to help look after their environment. We had great fun at our first meeting of the session out on an autumn scavenger hunt. This year we are continuing to take part in the RSPB Wildlife Action Awards Scheme. Some of our members are starting at the beginning and working on their Bronze award, while others have already achieved Bronze and Silver and are working towards the Gold award. This scheme allows us to find out what we can do to help the wildlife near us, practical ways to be environmentally friendly and how to spread the word to others. We are looking forward to working together in and out of the classroom. December 2014 Fortunas 34 In September of the new term, the Prep School took a rather less energetic but no less demanding approach to fundraising, as they turned their hands to baking to produce an impressive spread for colleagues and friends for the annual Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. The wonderful sum of £375 was raised on the morning, taking the total raised to date for this worthwhile cause to over £1200. 34 PREP 4 ART – FLOWERING PLANTS Prep December 2014 Fortunas 34 35 THE JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSICAL December 2014 Fortunas 34 THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE 36 All of the 88 children in Junior 2 took to the stage in June for this year’s musical, The Pirates of Penzance. Right from the very first rehearsal there was a real enthusiasm to make this show the best ever, especially as the present Form VI had also staged ‘Pirates’ in their final year. There was certainly a little friendly rivalry in the air, with the old Pirate King, Ben Ward, reluctant to give up his throne to the new King, Alexander Mair. Determined to impress the more senior pupils, the Junior 2s took to the stage as pirates, giggling girls and policemen, and the production certainly provided many funny and entertaining moments. Elliot Crombie gave an accomplished performance as the ‘dreamy’ Frederic, and Rosie Biggart, as Ruth his nursery maid, enjoyed playing this amusing, matronly character. Alexander Mair was suitably powerful as the Pirate King and Duncan Montford supported him well as the rather more reserved pirate, Samuel. Nadia Smith, as Mabel, enchanted Frederic with her beautiful singing, and Tom MacFadyen gave a brilliant and entertaining performance as the Major-General. With Finlay Johnston (Sergeant), Lara Garry (Edith) and Lucy Macrae (Kate) performing their solo parts in style, the Junior pupils certainly demonstrated that this year group has many talented pupils. Junior The musical was certainly a great success and we all had great fun! Sally Horne Photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe December 2014 A very successful final performance brought the three-night run to a close. The main characters had enjoyed taking on their respective roles and certainly relished the opportunity of being on stage. The full cast, however, added the icing on the cake with their performances as a convincing band of pirates, an amusing chorus of ‘Keystone Cops’ and an enchanting group of refined daughters. Fortunas 34 The drama of the show was enhanced by the fantastic scenery, painted by Mr Maclean (Head of Art and Design), and a slick and clever scene change orchestrated by Mr Dann and Miss Cleghorn. Throughout the 65-minute performance each character enjoyed introducing themselves to the appreciative audience, but it was the arrival of the Major-General that brought a real roar of laughter. Small in stature but big in personality, Tom continued to impress with his breathtaking rendition of ‘I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General’. The speed with which he delivered his lines was nothing more than amazing and by the end everyone, both cast and audience, was gasping for breath! 37 THE TITANIC DAY On 10th October J2D boarded the Titanic and embarked on the voyage of their lives. This was the culmination of weeks spent studying the luxurious ship, its passengers, its crew and the details of the fateful night which led to one of the biggest ever maritime disasters. The children arrived at school wearing the Edwardian costume of first, second or third class passengers, with accessories such as parasols, antique suitcases and even a cigar! There were many surprises ahead as the day was packed with activities: creating suitcases with items needed for the voyage; studying ballroom etiquette and dancing an Edwardian waltz; dining in style with immaculate table manners; savouring the Titanic cake made by one of the talented bakers in J2D; recreating the last scenes of the sinking Titanic; singing the last hymn, ‘Nearer My God To Thee’, accompanied by their own instrumental ensemble; and finally hosting a formal debate to seek an answer to ‘Who was to blame for the disaster?’ Monika Harewood “When we entered the classroom, I thought it was another day of peacefulness, but then I looked at the day’s planner on the whiteboard and thought to myself: ‘What a jam-packed day!’’ Ruairidh “We made some miniature suitcases out of cardboard boxes. The fun was in decorating them. Choosing the right decoration was difficult, there were so many of them...’ Katie The children had a lot to report back on their exciting day. December 2014 Fortunas 34 “It was the last day of the week and it felt quite normal when I got out of bed. However, when I went to get dressed I realised that my uniform was not there. Instead there was a school shirt with the collar cut off, a pair of tartan trousers, a tank top jumper, a scarf, suspenders and a battered suitcase. And then it dawned on me. It was our Titanic Day!’ Alastair 38 “If you see a bunch of 11-year-olds walking in the streets of Dollar in Edwardian clothes, then I am pretty sure you will come up with one of three theories. One: they are ghosts over a hundred years old. Two: they have a very unusual sense of style. Three: they have dressed up for J2D Titanic Day. This one will be probably correct.” Camille “We learnt a new dance called the waltz which was popular in the Edwardian era. We had to show our new skills to Mrs Morrison and the Rector; it turned out to be a success!” Josh “During the waltz, the boys were to ask the girls for a dance, saying, ‘May I have the honour of this dance with you?’, and the girls could not refuse. However, my favourite rule was introduced during lunch, when all the gentlemen had to stand up whenever a lady stood up. Some of the girls were standing up just to make the boys stand up, too!” Fiona Junior “An astonishing singer from Form VI, Barbara, sang to us the hymn, ‘Nearer my God to Thee’, and inspired us to do well when it was our turn.” Andrew “Lunchtime was a learning curve for us all as we learnt some Edwardian table manners. We had to use forks and knives to cut up every item in our lunch box before we ate. I struggled a bit with my apple!” Elizabeth “The reason I liked the debate so much was because it was all a mystery who each of us was until the Titanic Day and we all had a different role to play. The person who was blamed the most by the debaters was the owner of the ship, Bruce Ismay, played by me!” James “I was tired when I got home. That said, I kept my costume on for the rest of the day even though we had a guest. I think I just didn’t want the day to end!” Poppy “At one point we performed our role plays. We all sat in a small lifeboat and you can imagine how cramped it was for all the people in our class!” Ross December 2014 Fortunas 34 “The debate was my favourite activity, I had been looking forward to this all week and finally the time had come. I was representing a radio operator on the sinking ship and placed the blame on Captain Smith of the Titanic and Captain Lord of the Californian.” Charlie 39 “The Largs trip was awesome!!!!” J1 HEAD TO THE SEASIDE From 5th-6th May all of Junior 1 travelled, en masse, to the seaside town of Largs in Ayrshire for their annual residential trip. Unfortunately, the trip did not include a visit to the famous ice-cream shop, but the pupils were kept so busy with activities that any disappointment quickly ebbed away. First, the group visited Vikingar! where the main attraction is the Viking Experience. It has interactive exhibits with storytellers telling Viking tales and myths. The pupils toured the Longhouse and delighted in the chance to dress up as real-life Vikings. After the Viking Experience, the pupils walked up to sportscotland Inverclyde, the national sports training centre, where they were going to be accommodated for the night. Not surprisingly, the centre boasts a huge range of superb sports facilities; the pupils were able to take advantage of this while they were there. Trampolining was, of course, a great hit. Archery, too, offered a new challenge. The food was said to be absolutely fantastic: the group were treated to delicious cakes on arrival and even cookies and milk at story time! As one pupil wrote when describing the experience, “We enjoyed sharing rooms with our friends and tried not to get up to any mischief at bedtime!” On Tuesday, after a hearty full Scottish breakfast, the pupils travelled to the Glasgow Science Centre. They toured the three levels of the Science Mall, enjoyed a Planetarium show and watched a rather scary IMAX show called ‘Under the Sea 3D’. Though they enjoyed the show, they were surprised to find that it was, well, extremely lifelike – ‘Nothing like The Little Mermaid!’ one pupil was heard to comment. The group arrived back at Dollar having thoroughly enjoyed themselves over the two very action-packed days. “The Largs trip was awesome!!!!” (exclamation marks his), said Joe Jennings: an appropriate summation. December 2014 Fortunas 34 Heather Moore 40 Junior JUNIOR 1 WATER DAY 2014 Thursday 29th May The weather was again kind for this year’s Junior 1 Water Day allowing a range of water-related activities to be undertaken outdoors. The main focus of the day was to learn, through investigation, how dirty water can be made cleaner for drinking. Water filters and solar stills were built, ground water sources explored and the quality of the water in our local burn tested. In preparation for the event, Junior 1 pupils enjoyed a talk presented by Mrs Jane Brindle about the work of Water Aid and learned about the water cycle in class. “The Water Day was a fun science day, where the Juniors learnt all about water. The day started with a talk from Mrs Adamson about some of the problems of dirty water in developing countries. We then went in our groups round various activities, including testing water, making a purifier and an aquifer. At the end of the day all the groups made a presentation about one of their activities. I think everyone did really well with only 30 minutes to prepare! Overall a really fun and factual day for everyone.” Ellie Trace J2 VENTURE TO THE ISLE OF MAY The Isle of May is a dramatic sight, guarding the mouth of the Forth, and is an important nesting site for hundreds of thousands of seabirds. In May (appropriately!) 20 Junior 2 pupils, led by the Biology Department, visited the island eager to catch sight of the many seabirds. Although the weather was calm as we left Dollar, it was anything but that as the boat set sail. Despite the rocky journey the pupils were soon spotting puffins, gannets and cormorants. Once on the island we toured in small groups, learning all about the wildlife and history of the island. We were lucky enough to see many birds – razorbills, shags, terns and guillemots to name but a few - but our favourites were the puffins. The time on the island was over all too quickly. Our journey back took us underneath the towering cliffs on the south side of the island, and we even spotted a seal or too. Back on dry land our day finished perfectly as we tucked into a welcome plate of famous Anstruther fish and chips. The trip was a great success. Sally Horne “Water Day was full of activities, like going up to the burn to collect water and making an aquifer. We had a competition to see who could make clean water using dirty water and sand. I had great fun.” Grace Stirling December 2014 “I really enjoyed Water Day. We had fun while we were learning. My favourite activity was making the edible aquifer using cola as contaminated water and ice cream and breakfast cereals for the soils.” Eilidh Scheuerl Fortunas 34 “I liked learning about how to get a lot of the bad things out of the water. I learned a lot about the charity Water Aid. I liked to see the smiles on the people’s faces in the videos, when they got running water.” Stuart McMartin 41 YOUNG ENTERPRISE MASTERCLASS 2014 INTERMEDIATE 2 BUSINESS REPORT Intermediate 2 Business Management classes rose to the challenge in the annual Dollar Business Report Competition, where the pupils were tasked with researching a UK-based company of their choice. The competition allows pupils the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gleaned in the classroom to explore different aspects of an organisation and then propose recommendations and strategies for the firm’s development. As is tradition, the reports were judged by the pupils studying the Advanced Higher Business Management course, who commented on the very high standard of this session’s report submissions. Congratulations to the joint winners Hannah Pryde and Sam Shed, as well as runner up Evie Gammack (all Form IV) on their wellwritten and professionally presented business reports. December 2014 Fortunas 34 James Simpson 42 Early in September, this session’s Form VI entrepreneurs - Iulian Bold, Bethany Youds and Benny Yip - made their way to the Prudential Building in Stirling, accompanied by Link Teacher Mr Simpson, to attend the annual evening Masterclass. This workshop involved three sessions, covering the areas of branding and price structures, how to run effective meetings, and the legal considerations for trading to the public. The evening culminated with a team-building exercise to highlight the importance of good working relations to the enterprising youngsters. The Masterclass gives pupils the opportunity to meet the competition from other schools, network with other companies and learn some valuable lessons from experienced business people before embarking upon their own enterprise. The pupils left feeling very enthusiastic and will undoubtedly enjoy the Young Enterprise experience which Dollar Academy offers. James Simpson FORM II BUSINESS STUDENTS FACE DRAGONS! On Friday 13th June, Dollar’s would-be entrepreneurs in Form II entered the annual ‘Dragons’ Den’ competition. The team of fiery Dragons consisted of Mr Alan Balfour, Business Advisor; Miss Allison Arkley, Training Leader, Apple Europe; Mrs Fiona Ritchie, Owner of Ochil Soaps; Mr Jim Fulton, Head of Physics; and Michael Welsh and Daniel Roe, Form V Business Education pupils. All were very impressed with the professional quality of the nine presentations, pitched so enthusiastically by the ambitious Business Studies pupils. The overall winner was ‘ZipDress’: an utterly unique kit comprising various styles of tops and skirts that are intended to zip together. The product was launched by Lucy Cameron and Georgia Robertson who also produced an app showing what each combination would look like. The runners-up were ‘Case Cosmetics’; this team launched a cleverly-designed mobile phone case with a built in make-up palette. The ‘Case Cosmetics’ team members were Sophie Chandler, Daisy Geissler, Imogen Hubbard and Annie Tilsley. Once again, the Dragons’ Den competition proved a hugely popular and entertaining learning experience for Form II. Photograph courtesy of Jan van der Merwe News BON APPÉTIT! Following preliminary rounds in the school, five Dollar pupils (Georgie Cassidy, Charlotte Johns, Beth Logan [all Form II], Emma Rattray and Katie Scott [both Form IV]) competed in the ‘Word Wizard’ languages spelling bee at the Scottish Parliament in late May. As well as competing, they had a tour of the Parliament and met MSP Maureen Watt. Dollar brought home three trophies: 2nd place in Beginner Mandarin: Charlotte Johns; 2nd place in Beginner Spanish: Georgie Cassidy; and 3rd place in Intermediate French: Emma Rattray. December 2014 Jacqui Young WORD WIZARD LANGUAGES COMPETITION Fortunas 34 Mrs Malcolm in the Home Economics Department kindly agreed to deliver a series of French cooking lessons to Junior 1, Junior 2, Form I and Form II French classes during the 2014 summer term. The idea was triggered by the Junior I class, who had just completed an Education Scotland project on food which culminated in a French café. Rather than simply eating French food, it seemed natural to learn how to cook it. For Junior 1, this was their first visit to the cookery classroom, and all were very excited. Mrs Malcolm taught them how to make crêpes, served with sugar and lemon. Aided by our French assistant, Martin, and Michele, our Italian assistant, the pupils were soon running back to the Junior School clutching some very professional crêpes! The Junior 2 French class then had the opportunity to show off their cookery skills to the language teachers, who were impressed by their expertise after a year spent in the Home Economics Department. Form I French pupils prepared two courses, a croque-monsieur followed by crêpes, and all worked competently to produce a delicious meal, which they then consumed while completing a recipe worksheet in French. Form II French pupils had a chance to revise and practise their vocabulary, as well as see a food demonstration including how to make crêpes and, of course, taste some delicious food made with authentic French ingredients. Many thanks to Mrs Malcom for sharing her enthusiasm and love of international cuisine with us. We hope to be able to repeat the experience and extend our repertoire of French food next year! Billy Prior 43 DOLLAR HOSTS FIRST CHINA EXCHANGE NATIONAL SUCCESS IN MANDARIN Billy Prior Fortunas 34 December 2014 John Moore (Form VI last session) won the trip of a lifetime to Beijing in the national final of the British Council and HSBC’s Mandarin Chinese Speaking Competition. John won the beginner category in the grand final at the British Museum after impressing the judges with his language skills at a regional heat held in Edinburgh earlier in the year. As part of his prize, John went to China at Easter with the winners of the other three categories, where he visited China’s Great Wall and the Forbidden City and took part in cultural activities with Chinese students at local schools. Having taken the language up from scratch four months earlier, John was delighted with the prize. The competition provided further motivation to continue his study of Mandarin alongside Law at King’s College, London. 44 As part of our first ever exchange with a Chinese school, two teachers and two pupils from YK Pao School in Shanghai visited us in October. Ms Zhang, Ms Wang, Joyce and Arine spent a fortnight at Dollar observing classes and taking part in Dollar life. The two pupils were hosted by Claire Jack, Olivia McKay, Lauren Maclean and Zoë Price (all Form II), and the teachers were hosted by Ms Ely and Ms Pollock. The group also enjoyed a day in Edinburgh visiting the Dungeons and the National Museum. Below are two conversations between the exchange pupils and their hosts. Dollar through the eyes of Arine Huang Claire Jack (CJ) Welcome to Scotland Arine! What are your first impressions? Arine Huang (AH) The school is pretty big, there are lots of trees and grass. The students are nice and enthusiastic. CJ You come from Shanghai, how does it differ from Dollar? AH First, the air in Dollar is very fresh and clean - there is nearly no air pollution in Dollar. Second, the food is quite different from Chinese food. Also, the houses in Dollar are mostly one to two floors, but in Shanghai, the houses are all high buildings. CJ Please tell me some more about your school, YK Pao School, is it very different from Dollar Academy? AH Yes, there are a few differences. YK Pao School is a boarding school and whether you are a boarder or not, you will have a dorm so students can get changed in their dorm. Second, our math is harder than in Dollar, and we get more homework. Also, we need to bring our own computers if we are Grade 9 or above. News CJ You are staying with my family in Dollar, how different is my family life compared to yours? AH First, in China, families only have one or two children, but you have three kids at home, so I was surprised at first. Second, we don’t have large gardens in Shanghai, so we can’t have chickens or raspberry trees in our house. CJ At Dollar Academy co-curricular activities are part of everyday life, how have you found this, and do you do clubs at your school too? AH Yes, we have afternoon activities and clubs. Some of them are held by teachers, but most are held by students. There are many different kind of clubs, like Green Student Counsel, who do low carbon studies. CJ What is the greatest difference between Scottish people and Chinese people? AH Men wear dresses in Scotland, however Chinese men only wear trousers. Joyce Yao interviews Zoë about learning Mandarin Joyce Yao (JY) Do you like Mandarin? Zoë Price (ZP) Yes, I really enjoy it. At first I thought that it would be really difficult, but I like it lots and I find it really interesting. JY What’s the best part about learning Mandarin? ZP I personally find writing the characters quite tricky, but I know that lots of my friends prefer writing in characters because it means that they don’t have to worry about spelling. JY What is your favorite character in Mandarin? Why? ZP I really like the character for rain, because it looks just like rain through a window. JY What do you want to learn in Mandarin? ZP I’d like to know enough Chinese that when I go to Shanghai on the exchange in just over a year I’ll be able to have a proper conversation with the family I stay with in their language. JY What cultural differences do you find between Chinese and Scottish people? ZP We have learnt lots about Chinese education, and I think that we were all shocked by how much Chinese students have to work and study, and how important English is over there. The other main difference is in what we eat. In Britain we are a lot more squeamish about what we eat whereas Chinese people tend to eat most things! JY What did you find most interesting in Chinese culture? ZP There are a lot of customs which sound fascinating in China. The Chinese seem to have an effective way to do everything. JY What was the most fun part of learning Chinese? December 2014 ZP We did a lesson on how to use chopsticks which everybody found hilarious. Even though I was absolutely terrible at using them, it was great fun! Fortunas 34 ZP I suppose it’s like when you learn any language - you get a feeling of accomplishment when you learn how to say something new, and when you know something that your friends don’t! JY What did you find difficult about learning Mandarin? 45 DOLLAR HOSTS RSNO WORKSHOP December 2014 Fortunas 34 DOLLAR PUPIL ATTENDS SUMMER CHEMISTRY CAMP 46 This summer, for three exclusive days, I was privileged to attend one of Salters’ highly regarded Chemistry Camps at the University of York. Not only did the Camp provide a great opportunity to increase the depth of my own knowledge of chemistry, but it also gave me an insight into what university life is like. As there were over 50 students from all around the United Kingdom, there was a great feeling of everyone uniting with a common interest; everyone just seemed to get on and make new friends. The three days included a huge range of chemistryrelated activities, including advanced clock and oscillating reactions; complex ion chemistry; the chemistry of art (making paint); and ‘cold light’ experiments. All activities were introduced by a short lecture given by a different member of staff and then followed with a lot of lab time. One of the huge advantages of attending the Camp was being given the opportunity to do complex and sometimes dangerous experiments that we would not be able to do in school. These included the preparation of siloxene and the melting of borax, along with the addition of cobalt chloride and concentrated sodium silicate. I would recommend this Camp to any budding chemist who is given the opportunity to go. It has certainly increased both my passion for the subject and my wealth of knowledge. Since then, I have kept in touch with many of the friends I made at the Camp and plan to keep doing so in the future. If you love Chemistry, and you get the chance to go, just do it. There are so many other benefits as well as the fun and experience. Darwin Douglas (Form IV) Dollar Academy 2nd Orchestra was treated to a workshop by members of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in May, courtesy of the parents of one of its members. Julia Parrish (then Form I) plays violin in the Orchestra, and her parents kindly donated a voucher they had won in an RSNO auction. Three musicians from Scotland’s National Classical Orchestra visited the Music Department for an afternoon and led individual workshops for strings, brass and percussion, culminating in an orchestral performance in the school’s auditorium. The Orchestra was also treated to performances by the three musicians and a talk about the life of a professional musician. Pupils were inspired by the experience and full of anticipation for the next session and their performance in the March 2015 concerts. “I enjoyed the experience of working with the RSNO staff, they were inspiring” Rose Scott, Violin (Form I) “It was interesting to work with the players and develop my technique” Nicola Henson, Flute (Form II) Louise Timney Literature Music DOLLAR ACADEMY SENIOR MUSICAL Guys and Dolls December 2014 since the show was performing professionally elsewhere. But be in no doubt home or away – this felt like no mere school show. Here was yet another in the long line of Dollar productions that had professionalism running through it like lettering through a stick of seaside rock. This was the first production that Karol Fitzpatrick had given us as Musical Director, and she led a very impressive team effort to give us all a night to remember. The baton that John McGonigle has been wielding for unnumbered years was as securely transferred to Mrs Fitzpatrick as the Queen’s Baton passed from Ellie Scott-Gray to Mrs Adamson in another of this summer’s memorable events. To the show, then. Never mind the music, the acting, the singing, the dancing, the lights, the sound, the costumes and make-up - they will have to await comment. It was look of the thing first and foremost that set the tone for success – Karol Fitzpatrick and Andrew Sharp’s vision, and John Delaney’s adroit construction skills, created a stage that just opened right out into the Assembly Hall. The angles that Louise Timney as producer and choreographer Gill Robb had to work with were thus visually remarkable, dynamic, exciting and they responded fully to the opportunity. Street scenes, a church hall, a nightclub, the sewers, even: the kaleidoscope of settings flashed around us, usefully augmented by backdrop projection and some very effective scene painting. We are accustomed to looking at the Assembly Hall stage with its proscenium arch as a kind of flat screen; this stage with its extensions around the pit and use of the aisles brought the action right out to us. It gave space to a production that was built on lively movement, busy stagecraft and suggestions of an immense, sleepless city at work – great direction, great production values. Fortunas 34 It’s a perennial summer argument these days, one that is as traditional as arguing about when the first oystercatcher arrived on top of the Playfair building, or guessing who will be the Head Boy and Head Girl before the midnight College of Cardinals – the old ‘Home and Away’ question for the school musical: is it better to be away in the Alhambra – or do we prefer our musical to be home-grown in the Assembly Hall? Each side has its supporters: on the one hand the preference for the fully equipped professional experience, off-site, the clean break with school, with all the sense of a big night out; on the other, the ease and intimacy of the music, staging and drama unfolding in the very heart of the school, and none of the hassle of being bussed to and fro… There was no choice this time round, however: the licence for Guys and Dolls stipulated a school venue 47 December 2014 Fortunas 34 48 We needn’t linger too long on plot: it was the characters and relationships from Damon Runyan’s stories that filled the imagination, rather than the narrative logic of what they were up to. Put this in the context of dialogue, music, song and dance and you have an unbeatable formula for an intense kind of entertainment. And give it to some very experienced performers and you have real value for money… We marvelled at the charisma of Iain Leggat’s Sky Masterson, admiring his panache, his costume and his singing voice; he was a good cohesive centre to the drama. The moving soprano range of Sarah Everington (also the character Sarah) brought a definite catch to the audience’s throat: she has real emotional power, and can move us; as ever, she was very well cast opposite the impressive Fiona Keith (Adelaide) – her voice and sheer ability to dominate the stage has brought her many fans over the years. Ben Collins was the ever-smooth and stylish Nathan Detroit, a part just made for him. Dylan Redding was the hapless Lt. Brannigan, a first-rate Keystone Cop. Hannah Leggatt gave us an animated portrayal of General Cartwright, and made every lingering syll-ab-le count, to the audience’s delight; Heather Morrison as Agatha, and Lucy Cousin as Martha, brought slick movement and a naturalness to their presence on stage; they really are both at home treading the boards. And, as ever, Dollar productions have a habit of throwing up a new face who takes the audience by storm and has them asking “Who is this person..?” This year it was the wonderful Nicely Nicely Johnson, played by Finlay Balfour. Comic timing? Physical control? Projection? Versatility? Ability to hold the stage? Sheer inyour-face joie de vivre? He had it all, in spades, and still only in Form III. One to watch, indeed. Guys and Dolls is, of course, great for the opportunities it gives to so many characters: thus we had the mass of gaming, dancing, scheming, laughing lads, the ‘Crapshooters’ played with an impressive array Music The style of the production had as much to do with the costumes and make-up as the set, and the huge range of characters to be dressed, undressed, redressed in suitably atmospheric costume and greasepaint was a major logistical triumph for the ladies. The indefatigable Gill McFadyean’s team of seamstresses, and May Sharp’s team in front of the mirrors artfully created the snappy visual effect that Andrew Sharp had worked on and replicated in the programme / set design. The technical crew, working on sound and light, further enhanced the magic: there were object lessons in how to light a set given throughout the show. We are fortunate to have the services of the talented Iain Campbell FP as our sound man and Technical Manager; with John Delaney as Stage Manager, he ran a large and effective team of pupils, alongside the professionals. Pupils… professionals… Every year Dollar manages to blur the line, and stretch the definitions of The School Show. 2014 was no different: Home and Away didn’t matter here in Guys and Dolls, because we weren’t in the School Hall, nor in a Dunfermline theatre – we were in the heart of 1950s New York Broadway, and we enjoyed every moment. Geoff Daniel Photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe December 2014 We all have our favourite scenes, and, for many in the audience, the dance scenes will be up there with the best, whether it be in the Hot Box Nightclub or the Havana dancers in El Café Cubano (a great use of lighting and layout, incidentally); Gill Robb was at her most inventive again here. Equally the old favourites ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’ or the crap game in the sewer come to mind – these were very well staged and directed. ‘Luck be a Lady Tonight’ was a particularly good ensemble number; some of the more individual performances included the highly effective duet between Fiona Keith and Sarah Everington in ‘Marry The Man’, and that between Ben Collins and Fiona in ‘Sue Me’; what comic power and pathos our best singers can summon up! And the music was powerfully good. Alongside a few staff players, there was a crew of nine pupils, with an unusual range of ages: Fergus McCreadie on keyboards; Nathan Cosgrove on drum kit; the fiddlers Duncan Cooper and Martina Sillence; Lucy Young on cello; Aelfred Hillman on clarinet; Mairi Keith on saxophone and Tim Hunter on baritone saxophone. What united them all under the inspirational baton of Mrs Fitzpatrick, was a professionalism, stamina and a technical versatility that gave us night after night the artistic backbone of the event. Like everyone else they had been there night after night of the intensive rehearsal schedule, and their contribution was huge. Fortunas 34 of Yankee accents and dancing styles: Aidan Biggs as Rusty Charlie; Alex Crawford as the ominous Big Jule; Cameron Grounds as Benny Southstreet; Mark O’Brien as Joey Biltmore; Niall Ivatt as Liver Lips Louie; Brodie Dickson as Angie the Ox; Angus Hunter as Harry the Horse; Fraser Hammond as Calvin; and Jack Smart as Arvide Abernethy. It was an interesting crew for Gill Robb to work her magic on once more, and transform the usual surplus of left feet into matching pairs that could fairly rattle through their paces. They were, it has to be said, just a little outdanced by the magnificent Chorus and the streamlined, high octane ‘Hot Box Dancers’ – 20 first-rate movers, performers and singers who filled the Hall in number after number. The Chorus included Lucy Taylor, Lucy McCran, Ella Hammond, Katie Macpherson-Young, Laura Manson, Daisy Sewell, Robyn Maitland, Ellie Scott-Gray, Charlotte Longstaffe, Rachael Cartwright, Gail Breslin and Jessica Peach – all well deserving of individual mention because they were directed very successfully to be individuals. The Hot Box dancers – Catriona Ferguson, Rachel Doran, Kerry Randfield, Georgie Finlay, Isla Keith, Heather Morrison, Laura Gallagher and Rona Sinclair – were remarkable for their flair and creativity. This is a production where dialogue mattered, too, perhaps more than in other musicals, and the cast proved to be actors as well as dancers and singers. Very satisfying. 49 December 2014 Fortunas 34 FORM I PLAY THE SILVER SWORD 50 This year’s Form I play, The Silver Sword, enjoyed a very successful and popular run of two performances. On the evenings of 27th and 28th May, Ruth Halden guided her cast of 35 Form I pupils along as they followed in the footsteps of the Balicki family, refugees from the chaotic aftermath of World War II. The play is a dramatization of the novel by Ian Serrallier; Ms Halden calls it “a faithful representation of a much-beloved children’s classic by the imaginative playwright Stuart Henson.” The production involved the extraordinary management of a very large cast of talented children, all of whom “responded to the emotional truth of this very affecting story.” Olivia McKay, playing the main role of Ruth, held the entire performance together with unusual maturity. Callum Hudd and Naomi Langford-Thimm played the brother and sister and gave performances of great realism and integrity. Also notable was the performance of Josh Richardson as the roguish Russian officer who helped them along their way. Toby Douglas performed powerfully first as a Russian soldier and then an American GI, managing convincing deliveries of both accents. Fraser Dawtrey gave a mature and convincing performance as the traumatised father seeking his children at the end of the war, while Zach Lonberg seemed almost to become the character he played, the orphaned Jan. Anchoring the entire production was Georgie Cassidy as the narrator. She was also a very faithful and committed understudy for both the main parts of Ruth and Bronia and could have stepped in at any moment. It is only unfortunate that there is not space here to recognise “every individual’s telling and convincing performance as the characters who helped the refugees along their journey,” said Ms Halden. The pupils playing the German soldiers also deserve credit as most of their lines were, impressively, in German. Off-stage, there were many achievements that require to be recognised. Beth Duddy’s design of the floor and the poster for the play were entirely in the right spirit of the play, while the stage crew were capable and dedicated throughout the rehearsals and performances. Sound and lighting duties were undertaken by capable Form I pupils, under the direction of Andy Kenny (sound and lighting engineer) and Georgia Robertson (Form II). Both nights’ performances in the Drama Studio were entirely packed out; extra seats had to be added both nights. Though this changed the acting space to which the pupils were accustomed, they coped terrifically well and were, in fact, exhilarated by the enthusiasm and delight of those in the audience. Heather Moore Art DOLLAR SUCCESS AT NATIONAL GALLERIES COMPETITION On Wednesday 18th June a number of our Art pupils travelled to Edinburgh in order to attend the awards ceremony for the Tesco Bank National Galleries Competition. The pupils’ work had been selected from over 7000 submissions from across Scotland. The young artists had all produced work on the theme of ‘SPEED’ for this competition and, at the ceremony, the work of Charlotte Johns and Catriona Leslie (then Form I) and Jaiden Irvine (Form II) was recognised with Special Merit awards. Hannah Fearn (Form II) also received a 3rd place in the same category. Charlotte Johns (Form II) Rose-Nicole Scott (Form II) The pupils’ work was put on display in the National Gallery in Edinburgh until October. After that, the winners’ artwork will tour the country to be seen all over Scotland. The girls are to be congratulated on this most impressive achievement. Heather Downie (Form VI) Mellisa Hutt (Form VI) December 2014 Fortunas 34 51 December 2014 Fortunas 34 52 Beth Logan (Form II) Jenni McCaig (Form II) Hamish Collins (Form VI) Oliver Hewitt (Form II) Joshua Richardson (Form II) Elle lapsley (Form II) Art Ruth Ferguson (Form VI) Charlotte Longstaffe (Form VI) Tom MacDougall (Form VI) Lucy McCran (Form VI) lauren Maclean (Form II) Jamie Glasgow (Form II) Hanna Croxford (Form VI) December 2014 Fortunas 34 53 Sofiyah Rasool (Form II) Verity Pease (Form VI) Kara hudson (Form VI) Alice Barthram (Form II) Victoria Smith (Form VI) December 2014 Fortunas 34 Ian Harkness (Form II) 54 Art Gail Breslin (Form VI) Innes Gibson (Form VI) Megan Montgomery (Form VI) David Kennedy (Form VI) Darcy Wright (Form VI) Mollie Lapsley (Form VI) December 2014 Fortunas 34 55 December 2014 Fortunas 34 REMEMBRANCE’ – NATIONAL POETRY DAY 56 Thursday 2nd October was National Poetry Day and this year’s theme was ‘Remembrance’. Our English Department decided to refine this theme further through an examination of war poetry. All pupils in the senior school, and many in the Junior School, spent the week looking at examples of poetry written in response to war. Each class approached to National Poetry Day in a slightly different way: in one class, pupils pored over books and books of poems, gliding across a wide range of verse, choosing their favourites; in another class, pupils composed written responses and even their own original verse. In another, a lively discussion took place over Wilfred Owen’s ‘Dulce et Decorum est’, perhaps the most famous of war poems. Whilst the poetry that emerged from the experiences of World War I figured prominently, pupils examined poems from a wide range of wartime experiences. And in every class, poems were being recited in preparation for Thursday’s main event. Small, white crosses were being meticulously fashioned (however improbably) using white plastic planting labels. And upon the finished crosses, each pupil in class was writing a short ‘Remembrance’ message. Over the course of the Thursday, National Poetry Day itself, the classes emerged solemnly from their classrooms at their designated times and gathered in quiet semi-circles round the War Memorial. Sometimes, a solo piper played in the bright sunshine. Pupils recited their poems and then placed their small, white crosses at the foot of the memorial. In this way, a mostly continuous six hours or so of ‘Remembrance’ was observed, and the effect produced by these small crosses was very powerful. By the day’s end, tiny but expansive fields of white crosses, evocative of the vast war cemeteries, surrounded every side of the memorial. Fascinated passers-by crouched down low to decipher the tiny messages written on the crosses: individual words, bit and pieces of remembered verse, fragments and echoes of the many poets’ wartime experiences recalled. Heather Moore I Remember My eyes remember my little brother’s cute face My first day at school My teddy. My ears remember my kitten purring The sound of the sea in a shell My sister’s giggle. My nose remembers chocolate The sweet smell of lavender My grandma’s perfume. My tongue remembers sticky cakes Fresh cherries My dad’s plum crumble. My skin remembers the sand between my toes The sun on my face Pins and needles. Composed by the pupils of the Junior School during an assembly to mark National Poetry Day died will always be respected and remembered for the rest of humans’ reign on earth. The Americans sparked wars. They have had their so-called ‘revenge’, the assassination of Osama Bin Laden in 2011 left the country celebrating, but they soon realised that his death did nothing to change what happened during the alien events of that day. It is still just as hard to watch the footage of the crashes and think of the devastating last moments the victims experienced. I enjoyed many monuments while visiting New York, but all I wanted to do once I entered Ground Zero was to get out. The brisk, freezing Manhattan air which had not troubled me before was suddenly seeping in through the cover of my jacket and I felt frozen to my core. I don’t believe this was due to a sharp change in temperature; this was because I hated being in the proximity of the attacks. Maybe it was my fear of history repeating itself; maybe it was the chill of the silence as the mourners paid their respects; maybe it was my brain replaying the horrific images we have all seen; or maybe it was all of these. One thing is for sure, I will return to Ground Zero, despite the way it made me feel. The skyline of New York is arguably the most recognised of all, with or without the Twin Towers. All skylines tell stories, some more interesting than others. However, one will never be told without a grimace, a tear or pause of silence as we remember what happened that day. New York did not just lose 3,000 lives in the attack, it lost a piece of its own history. My visit to Ground Zero has forever changed my outlook on our world and its cruelties. Ross Stewart (Form V) December 2014 Fortunas 34 In a world where there is a free flow of images and information, we are all familiar with the skylines of great cities, even if we haven’t visited them: the great glass city of London is now dominated by a Shard piercing the clouds, and a towered bridge that opens its roadway to the demands of ships; Paris has its mansard rooftops and white domes of Montmartre and its monumental steel structure stretching up toward the skies. And then there is New York City, with its welcoming statue of a woman with her arm uplifted against a backdrop of jagged skyscrapers and the boastful steeple of the Empire State Building. Skylines are not meant to change. They are works of giant art that stay the same and are joined by others, nothing is ever removed. Or that is what we used to think. 13 years ago the Manhattan skyline shifted dramatically, as one of the most famous landmarks in the world collapsed. Passengers in plunging planes were set alight, office workers dropped through the air and servicemen and women were crushed by imploding buildings we assumed were impregnable. Almost 3,000 innocent individuals died. On September 11th 2001 the world stood still. Four planes were hijacked and headed towards three separate destinations: the Pentagon, the White House, and two of them headed for New York City, and the World Trade Centre. At 8:46am local time American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower; around 17 minutes later Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. Not long later both buildings collapsed, crashing toward the ground on which they once proudly stood. I visited Ground Zero at four o’clock one afternoon and from the minute I entered the site I felt extremely uncomfortable. Where the Twin Towers once stood there are massive black, square craters in the ground, both identical. The only sound I hear is the falling and crashing of water inside these monuments. Covering both squares are the engraved names of all the victims of the attacks. It is breathtaking. Only now can we take in the sheer scale of these attacks and see the effects it has had on millions around the world. Flowers are everywhere, placed on the names of the victims with birthdays on the day I visited. There is no detail left untouched. One surviving tree between both the buildings still stands tall. Marks of debris from the crash still show on its trunk. What happened that day still shocks me, the footage of the planes entering the buildings is imprinted on the psyches of our generation. As people of the world stopped and watched their TV screens in horror, many could not believe their eyes. Why would any individuals or groups set out to destroy so many lives? They were driven, apparently, by their own radicalised religion. The world truly will never be the same in so many different ways. Overlooking the memorials is the new World Trade Centre, proudly named the Freedom Tower. The $3.9 billion skyscraper stands almost 1,800ft tall, taller than both of the Twin Towers. This was built as a replacement for the two buildings lost during the attack, and shows the rest of the world that the US will not cower to terrorism. As I gazed at it in all its glory, a single plane flew across the blue sky. The noise of the engine cut through the silence in the site and everyone watched it fly harmlessly over the city. New Yorkers must get this feeling every day, fear mixed with disbelief and paranoia. Thankfully there was no repeat of that infamous day, but in that moment everyone on the site realised the tragedy of the individuals inside or around the buildings at the time. It could have been any one of us, had the events taken place on the day of our visit. Forgetting isn’t an option. The lives of the thousands who Literature May We Never Forget 57 Form II Pupil Naomi Langford-Thimm submitted this story for Stirling Council’s ‘Heroes and Villains’ Creative Writing Competition 2013. Her prize-winning effort was one of the pieces that shaped the performance of ‘Songs from The Enchanted Garden – Songs of Heroes, Villains and Extraordinary Characters of Stirling and Clackmannanshire’, part of Stirling 2014. Written by the award-winning team of composer Martin Green (Lau) and songwriter Karine Polwart, this production of original songs was performed in Stirling’s Albert Halls in October. My story was inspired by the thousands of young women who were nurses in the First World War, who did heroic deeds that were never recognised. The story is set in Stirlingshire in the small village of Buchlyvie in the 1960s. December 2014 Fortunas 34 MISS McGLYN 58 Emily knocked on the door, there was no answer. She rang the bell and the sound echoed eerily through the house. She was about to have her first piano lesson with Miss McGlyn, the scary old woman who was avoided by all of the children. “She’s got red eyes and a wart on her nose,” Emily’s friend Lucy had said. “If you don’t get your scales right, she’ll EAT you!” warned her big brother. Emily shivered, even though it was a warm day. What would she really be like? Emily heard a clunk, clunk, clunk noise coming from inside. She strained her ears to listen. She could hear the old woman rasping and panting with the effort of coming downstairs. A bolt was pulled back and the door opened. Emily braced herself for an evil, cackling hag, but instead, her gaze was met by a frail, yet sternlooking old lady. “So, you must be Emily?” she said sharply. “Yes,” said Emily bluntly, and then remembered her manners and added, “How do you do, Miss McGlyn?” “Very well, thank you.” Suddenly, Emily looked down and noticed that Miss McGlyn had a big black boot on her foot. It was twisted at a strange angle and she had a metal stick that clunked as she walked. The teacher saw her looking and pulled her black skirt protectively over it. She frowned. “How old are you?” “I’m eleven in three months, Miss.” “Hmm, you look a bit skinny.” Emily decided to ignore this remark. Miss McGlyn beckoned at her to follow and took her through the dusty hall into a bare sitting room with an upright piano in it. “This is the music room,” she informed her. “I do all my teaching in here. Now let us begin!” About halfway through the lesson the telephone went. Miss McGlyn groaned. “Oh, not again,” she mumbled, “This new-fangled machine keeps on ringing day and night, when all I want is peace and quiet.” Still grumbling, she hobbled through the hall. It was a very long call and Emily could hear Miss McGlyn saying “I’m alright, I’m ALRIGHT, yes, I can manage.” She seemed to be getting extremely annoyed. Emily looked around the room. There was nothing except a sofa, a grandfather clock, an old moth-eaten rug, a rocking chair, the piano and a bookshelf full of music books. Then she noticed the mantelpiece. On it was a dusty photo frame. Emily looked over her shoulder to make sure that her teacher wasn’t watching, then reached up and brushed the dust off the picture. She was a bit disappointed. It was just a photo of a young nurse and an army soldier standing in front of an ugly concrete building. She looked more closely at the woman’s face. It looked like a less wrinkled version of her piano teacher. The young woman was smiling, she looked so pretty, could it possibly be Miss McGlyn? Before Emily could decide if it was her teacher, Miss McGlyn came back into the room. “That was my nephew,” she said irritably. “He’s always ringing to check I’m ‘coping,’ ” she said in an imitation of a posh voice. “As if I might just drop down dead at any moment!” At that moment Miss McGlyn’s boot caught in the rug and she fell heavily on to the floor. “Oh no!” Emily exclaimed. She rushed to the old lady and helped her onto the sofa. “I never notice that ugly old mat until its right under my feet,” panted Miss McGlyn. “Are you hurt, Miss McGlyn?” asked Emily anxiously “No dear, I’ll be just fine. It’s just this wretched foot playing up again.” “I’ll go and make some tea for you,” said Emily. Without waiting for a reply, Emily quickly found the kitchen and started looking for the teapot. “It’s on the top shelf,” called the old lady. Ten minutes later they were sitting on the sofa, sipping tea and nibbling biscuits. Miss McGlyn was muttering about how irritating her bad foot was when Emily blurted out, “Miss, how did your foot get to be like that?” Immediately Emily regretted her rudeness and expected to be told off. “Ah,” the old lady sighed, “That is a long story.” Then she glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner. “But,” she added, ‘As I don’t feel up to teaching at the moment and we’ve still got half an hour of the lesson left, I might as well tell you.” “Thank you, Miss,” said Emily gratefully. Then she waited expectantly. Naomi Langford-Thimm (Form II) December 2014 was the first time I’d seen the enemy, I’d imagined them to be terrible, tall, fearsome men, but some were just boys my age. I ran, still dragging the poor soldier. Then I was shot in the foot. Through all the pain I managed to get the soldier onto the ambulance and start treating his wounds, before I passed out. I woke up one day later with a bandage on my foot. No one except the man I’d saved and the doctor who had fixed my foot knew that I’d pretended to be a man and they never told anyone. I asked them not to.” “So the man you picked up survived then?” asked Emily. “Yes. His name is Peter. He lives in England with his wife and three daughters. We’re still friends. He had a broken leg that never fully mended, like my foot. After I saved him he never went back to the war. I think you saw the photograph of us the day before he went home.” “Yes,” said Emily. “Please could you get it?” Emily picked the photo up gently and put in Miss McGlyn’s lap. “Ah, yes” Miss McGlyn said softly. “I was very sad when he’d gone. I left soon afterwards and came back here. I had no money to buy a house and so my sister Rebecca and her husband bought me this place. I’m ever so grateful to them. Rebecca died in her sleep two years ago and her husband’s very ill, so it’s their son who looks after me now. He’s the one who was on the phone before I fell. I’m happy teaching children music, though it gets lonely sometimes. Perhaps one day I’ll get a little cat like Sooty.” “Miss McGlyn,” Emily said quietly, “you’re a heroine!” Miss McGlyn blushed and smiled. “Oh, not really dear, but it’s very nice of you to say so.” “No, honestly Miss McGlyn,” Emily said admiringly, “You deserve a medal!” “No dear, I can’t get one because I pretended to be a man!” “But…” Emily began, but the bell rang, her mother had come to collect her. “You must go now. But thank you for listening,” said Miss McGlyn. The next day Emily paid a visit to her piano teacher. She gave her a silver paper medal on a red ribbon that said - “Miss McGlyn-A Heroine.” Miss McGlyn said that it was worth a lot more to her than a real one. Later that week Emily gave Miss McGlyn a little kitten that came from her friend Lucy’s farm. Miss McGlyn called the kitten Lucky and she was never lonely again. The next time Emily passed Miss McGlyn’s house on the way to visit Lucy, Emily looked through the window and saw Miss McGlyn playing the piano. Lucky the kitten was sitting on top, purring as he listened to the music. Fortunas 34 “I was born not very far from here in Aberfoyle. I lived with my parents and my older sister Rebecca. We had a beautiful cat called Sooty. We called him that because once when he was a little kitten, a big dog chased him up the chimney! When we got the poor thing down he was covered from the tip of his tail to his whiskers in soot. Before he had been grey, but after that he was always much darker, I think the soot stained him permanently! Sooty used to love hearing the piano and I played it for him all the time. I had always wanted to study music, but when the war came my only option was to become a nurse. I was sixteen by the time I was working in a hospital. It was fine being a nurse to begin with, you were fed and you met lots of other girls and had fun. Then I was posted to France where the real fighting was going on. We had to deal with wounded soldiers and most of the time there was nothing we could do to save them. Sometimes I used to sing to them, they liked that, it cheered them up. Then one day I was working in the hospital as usual when news came that lots of men were wounded by landmines that had blown up in No-Man’s Land. Hundreds were lying out there dying. No nurses were allowed to help them, only one ambulance with five doctors. I was angry, frustrated, I wanted to help, but women were not allowed at The Front. I knew that in the next ward a soldier had died only two days ago. I found his uniform in a crumpled heap at the end of his bed, waiting to be thrown out. I hid in the bathroom and put it on. The helmet covered my eyes and I put my hair into a bun so it was hidden under the helmet. I rubbed my hands in the dirt so they looked rougher and practised speaking in a deep voice. Then I rushed out to where the ambulance was parked and hopped in. “Who are you?” asked the gruff voice of the head doctor, “Thomas Geoffrey, second battalion, Sir,” I said quickly. “What are you doing here?” “Em, I went to medical school and I just want to help,” I replied. “Hmm, come on then. We need all the help we can get.” The ambulance sped off. The horses were going at a gallop. I suddenly realised what I’d got myself in for, but it was too late to turn back. When we arrived at the scene of the explosion, I didn’t know what to expect. I won’t go into details about the horror of it all. There were men everywhere, we didn’t know if they were dead or alive. I stood there frozen with shock. The others were carrying men into the ambulance, shouting at me to help, but I couldn’t move. Then one lying near me said quietly, “Please Miss, please help me.” He brought me to my senses, I stooped down to pick him up. He was much too heavy for me, but somehow I managed to drag him towards the ambulance. Then out of nowhere the enemy appeared. I screamed. There were lots of Germans spilling out of a trench just in front of us. It Literature “Then I was shot in the foot.” 59 THE HARRY BELL TRAVEL AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP Over the last decade the Harry Bell Travel Awards have generated a great deal of interest and resulted in some remarkable journeys and pieces of writing. The Awards are open to Form V pupils who wish to travel during the summer holiday in order to study a topic of literary interest. Recipients are required to write a lively report reflecting their experiences of a particular writer and particular place. In addition, the Harry Bell Travel Scholarship is awarded for the best report at Prize Giving the following year. This year’s recipient was Mira Vladimirova and the account of her experiences follows. “What I am certain of, is that Smilla would have refused a baptism, and that she and I desire Greenland.” ABSOLUTE SPACE December 2014 Fortunas 34 Based on: Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg 60 “Absolute space, in its own nature, without regard to anything external, remains always similar and immovable. Relative space is some movable dimension or measure of the absolute spaces; which our senses determine by its position to bodies: and which is vulgarly taken for immovable space … Absolute motion is the translation of a body from one absolute place into another: and relative motion, the translation from one relative place into another.” Isaac Newton, Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica Smilla Jaspersen, who wouldn’t have called herself the heroine, but a wandering, grasping narrator, understood Absolute space. I do not define time, space, place, and motion, as they are well known to all. Absolute space by its own nature, without reference to anything external, always remains similar and unmovable. In the chaos of revolving planets and stars and humans, in the raging vortex of her mind, there was a fixed point. Absolute space. Hope. A tether that brought her home, through the dense fogs of Greenland, always, always back to Qaanaaq. Absolute space, and a sense for snow. A sense for snow innate – even after she was stolen away from Greenland, even after she discovered Ernst Mach’s criticism of Newton’s theory. What she always knew was resfeber, travel fever, the restless pacing and uncontrollable heat and heartbeat of a journey just beginning. A journey home, which I, walking through the streets of Copenhagen, with its sparks of golden light and dim glints of submerged metal, specific scent of coffee permeating the air, its stark dark blue statues’ wings slanting overhead into grey skies - I too felt. It dragged me blood and bones from Britain, and it dragged me further still into this country, this town, this history, where human beings understand Absolute space instinctively and grind their bones to dust to find a way home, to find connections between immovable objects. Time passes, but that pull lingers, never quite translating into an ache, knowledge of this place still bright. Its people thrive. Literature Mira Vladimirova (Form VI) December 2014 exists beyond a normal human being’s comprehension - a place for Smilla Jaspersen. She was – is - not the only one that longs to go. Within the continuous dogged will to survive in the harshest environment known to man, the Inuit believe, every organism, once dead, maintains a spirit. Where and how does this occur? Where are the equations that make up a soul? Perhaps they can now only be found in Absolute space. What I am certain of, is that Smilla would have refused a baptism, and that she and I desire Greenland. It rains continuously in Denmark, and I dream of masks. Worn at religious ceremonies, during dances, they were a symbol for spirits in Inuit culture. One half blue, one half red, the double nature of the beings. Half animal, half human. Through the glass of the display case in the Danish National Museum they stood huge, oblong faces grooved and lifeless. They looked too big to carry. Some masks form pairs, a moon man surrounded by winter animals, sun woman by the animals of summer. Eventually, light is seen on the horizon, and new breath begins. There is always this idea that we are made of stardust, luminous blood seeping through our veins born in the hearts of supernovas. A corrugated, dilapidated shell of a D.H. Hornet Moth in a barn on the island of Funen - that skeleton of an aircraft beat in the bones and synapses of the pilot Thomas Sneum, until he breathed life back into its shell and escaped a Denmark subdued by Nazis, loaded down with information that would prove invaluable to the British. The Little Mermaid sits bronzed and weary upon her rock in the Copenhagen harbour, Langelinie, warm from the waves, desirer of a human soul, and Hans Christian Andersen, writing, writing furiously as he chased his mutable transient existence. And love, of course. My hands are shards of ice inside my pockets, my palm buried beneath a layer of frost. My mother takes one in hers, briefly, runs a hand over scraped knuckles. “Cold hands, warm heart” she reminds me. Yes. But not as warm as Tommy Sneum’s. Not as warm as bone needles through thick cloth. But maybe as warm as Smilla Jaspersen, whose iron forged determination and stainless steel longing of Greenland throbs in the air. I can understand. Two masks, one for summer, one for winter. Denmark and Greenland. Divided and whole, you can feel one within the other. Several months later, writing this onto a scrap piece of paper when the computer broke down, rewriting again and again, because there is nothing quite right, too much to pour into a single account of two lands connected inside one woman and by years of human lives, two countries that grasped my bones and did not let go. A land carved out with broken hands by people who screamed and sang and bled to survive, this place, this town echoing across the ice, pathways corded to Greenland. People born soft as snow turn to sheer ice and brilliance here, this land takes the fire in your eyes and swallows it down with spring showers until you break apart her stone and rip it back with your teeth, your heart. If you can. This is not my home. Not now. Not yet. But it will be. That I know for certain. Fortunas 34 Their imprints cut jagged edges all over the town, curling around street corners and into the low-hanging clouds. Warrior Bishop Absalon, donned in armour, horse rearing over Christiansborg Palace on its granite plinth. Founder and protector of Copenhagen, he forced the Wendish pirates to surrender their very god, Svantovit, to the mercy of Christianity, and burned their seven-headed god Rugievit’s statue with a team of 12 men in front of 6000 Wendish warriors. The ashes lay motionless; no wrathful gods bore down on his head, and so Absalon baptised (conquered) the Wends. Gefjun, goddess of the plough and foreknowledge, grasps a chariot pulled by her bull-sons amidst the cascade of water in the Gefion Fountain. Promised by the Swedish King Gylfi all the territory she could plough in a night, she transformed her own sons into oxen and the territory they gouged out of the earth became Zealand, the island on which Copenhagen rests. Smilla would have taken those bulls and ridden them to Greenland, destroying the path behind her. Insurance, a warning that even the gods could not stop the human woman from returning to her motherland. Smilla would have refused the baptism too. Standing underneath the bronze statue with its axe swinging over my head, in the middle of Højbro Square, I knew with absolute certainty that a fictional character from one of my favourite books would have refused baptism to a Christian God. I would have done the same. Vicious acts and courageous acts stab deep; they remain to shape the land. The Inuits had their own beliefs, many taking up Christianity, their own religion remaining beneath the surface, intertwined with the knowledge to hunt and skin and build and sew. To survive the long arctic winter, a blubber lamp and boiler were indispensible in the three winter months when the temperatures went below -25 °C and the sun would not be seen over the horizon. A land that 61 December 2014 Fortunas 34 DOLLAR DEBATES SCOTLAND’S FUTURE 62 September 2014 was, in a political sense, a truly historic moment in the life of our nation. Exactly what the nature of that nation was to be was, of course, the centre of the political storm that had been brewing throughout the summer. The fact that 16- and 17-yearolds had - for this single referendum become enfranchised only added to the mix. Dollar Academy was, therefore, no different to any other corner of Scotland in the weeks leading up to Referendum Day; debates, discussions, arguments, forums - all were in evidence, all told the tale of a politicised community and a youth engaged with the arguments surrounding the future of a nation. It seemed logical, therefore, on the eve of that most important vote in Scotland’s political history, that the Dollar Academy Debating Society should hold a Referendum Debate in the school assembly hall. The event gave eight pupils the opportunity to explore the manifold issues that would define this momentous occasion. An enormous audience packed itself into the hall to hear the proposition team of Jack McNicol (Form VI), Anna Glasgow (Form IV), Kelsey Clarke (Form VI) and Imogen Macleod (Form V) argue for the motion that “This House Would Vote Yes”. They presented a pragmatic case, tinged with some idealism but rooted in promises that sought to make good the democratic deficit, and argued for a rejection of a broken Westminster system and a future where Scottish politicians could have full and unrestricted freedom to solve Scottish problems. The huge audience listened intently and while there were Saltires in evidence, there was none of the barracking that had defined so many similar debates up and down the country. On the opposition side, arguing for the Union and a ‘No’ vote, the team consisted of Alex Galloway, Victoria Bremner, Amenah Cheema (all Form VI), and Jonty Haywood (Form IV). These pupils responded with arguments against separation. In an articulate and combative defence of the status quo, they offered a vision of a Scotland prospering within a Union that gave greater international influence, greater security in a world beset with terrorism, and a much more secure economic life with a stable currency and job opportunities. All the debaters spoke with passion, conviction and considerable style, while the vast audience listened carefully to the arguments and analysis on offer. Many of the pupils remarked that it had been enlightening - and a pleasure - to hear the crucial issues being discussed and debated in an intelligent and thoughtful manner rather than the too – often – glorified shouting match that they had witnessed in the television debates. Amenah said of the experience: “I’m glad I could talk to my peers about something so important. It clearly affects all of us to a great extent, and the chance for the whole school to get involved, be it as spectators or speakers, was a great opportunity.” It was clear that sections of the pupil body were swayed by the proposition case and their attractive idealism. However, in the end, the division of the house fell towards the opposition, with a roughly 70% - 30 % split in favour of retaining the Union. What was more important, however, was not so much the poll taken at the close of the debate, but rather the inescapable fact that hundreds of Dollar Academy pupils had become politicised by the Referendum; political views were being swapped in the corridors, classrooms and cloakrooms, issues analysed and rebutted, opinions formed and then reformed. A politicised youth was the one unqualified success of the whole phenomenon that blew through the nation in September. Neil McFadyean Literature DAILY TELEGRAPH INTERVIEWS DOLLAR PUPILS DURING BIG, BIG DEBATE While the ‘Big, Big Debate’ was intended to give young voters a voice prior to the election, it was particularly exciting for Dollar’s seven young pupils to be offered such a very public voice in the days leading up to the Referendum. Mrs Gunn (Director of Communications) was also there on the evening and she commented that, “It was very exciting for the pupils: being interviewed by a heavyweight journalist with all the glitz and glamour of a photoshoot and video cameraman. The pupils did themselves proud.” The Telegraph’s Jim White was also clearly impressed by what he saw in the Argyll House Common Room that evening. He wrote that the debate in Glasgow was but an “adult squabble, full of sound, fury, bitterness and exaggeration”. The Dollar pupils however, offered “thoughtfully considered opinion about the forthcoming Referendum, concisely and cogently delivered.” Heather Moore Photographs courtesy of Stuart Nicol December 2014 Mr White’s feature article and a video clip covering the pupils’ responses to the Glasgow debate can be found at: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11092972/Scottish-independencecould-these-teenagers-swing-the-vote.html Fortunas 34 On the evening of Thursday 11th September, Jim White, Chief Features Editor of The Daily Telegraph, arrived at Argyll House, with photographer and cameraman in tow. These top journalists had requested to come to Dollar Academy in order to sit in the company of young Dollar pupils as they watched the ‘Big, Big Debate’ being held in Glasgow’s SECC Hydro, televised by the BBC. Dollar Academy was chosen because of its outstanding reputation for debating, and the journalists were not to be disappointed. The pupils chosen would all be voting in Thursday’s Referendum and represented a variety of political views. Mr White was curious about what this particular group of young voters thought about the issue, and wanted to document their response in a feature article for The Telegraph. The Glasgow debate featured approximately 8000 16- and 17-yearold voters taking part in an open-floor discussion with the centre-stage panel, which was chaired by BBC reporter James Cook, and included Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Respect MP George Galloway, leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson and Green MSP Patrick Harvie. 63 December 2014 Fortunas 34 THE GALLEY SCOTTISH SCHOOL MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 64 Dollar Academy has, for the second time, won the ‘Scottish School Magazine of the Year’ award in the Scottish School Media Awards sponsored by imPRESS. This is a nation-wide competition featuring the very best in pupil journalism. It is a very great accolade indeed, and speaks to the talents, ambition and raw dedication of the 12 pupils on The Galley team, as well as the staff members (Ms Langley and Ms Abel) who assist in its production. The awards ceremony took place on Friday 13th June at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, and was hosted by BBC Scotland’s sports presenter, Jonathan Sutherland. The competition comprised 14 different categories and the shortlist featured 17 schools from across Scotland. According to the programme notes, the judges were looking for: ‘Best in teamwork, excellent writing, good content and design, plus flair and creativity’ in the ‘Scottish School Magazine of the Year’ category. The magazine also picked up awards in three further categories: ‘Best Cover’ (designed by Aelfred Hillman, then Form II); ‘Best Layout & Design’ (led by Anya Kaufman, Form VI) and ‘Best Editorial Content’ (led by Bethan Scott and Ambreen Rasool, both Form VI). In total, Dollar received the most awards, of all schools present for its magazine The Galley. Dollar Academy was also shortlisted in the following categories: ‘Best Sports Columnist’ (Charlie Worsley, Form III); ‘Best Feature Article’ (Jonty Haywood, Form III); ‘Best Original Photography’ (Bethan Scott) and ‘Most Outstanding Pupil’ (Bethan Scott). Ms Langley (staff member in charge of The Galley) said: “We are really pleased that The Galley has been named ‘Scottish School Magazine of the Year’ again in a competition where the standard of entries is always extremely strong. I am so proud of all the pupils who worked on both issues this session. Winning this award is not only recognition of their creativity, design and editorial skills, but also of all their teamwork and dedication.” Dollar’s winning pupils received trophies, certificates and professional opportunities. The winners of the ‘Cover and Design’ awards are to be rewarded with work experience at CMYK Design in Edinburgh. The ‘Best Editorial Content’ winner will be undertaking work experience at contract publisher White Light Media. The team responsible for the ‘Magazine of the Year’ wins a visit to the home of Dennis the Menace and the team at DC Thomson in Dundee. Most remarkably, Dollar Academy also won Best Magazine in 2011, when Becky Keely was the student editor. Her brother, Tom (Form III) is part of the design team who worked on this issue. Bethan Scott commented on the experience of being at the awards ceremony, awaiting the result for the ‘Magazine of the Year’ award: “The tension in the room was palpable as the presenter eyed the audience before reading out the main award. It was just as nerve-wracking as a penalty flick in a hockey match. I am so very proud of the team after all the hours and hours of work, and all the blood, sweat and tears that went into producing The Galley. We are all honoured to have been a part of this incredible competition, and certainly for me it was just the best way to finish my decade at Dollar Academy.” Tremendous congratulations are due to the entire group of staff and pupils who worked on The Galley. Heather Moore Photographs courtesy of Weber Shandwick After the Bell ‘GET ACTIVE!’ COCURRICULAR FAIR December 2014 Heather Moore Fortunas 34 On Friday 29th August the annual ‘Get Active!’ Fair for the senior school took place in the assembly hall. ‘Get Active’ is an exciting, session-opening event for all pupils, and especially for those pupils in Form I or who are new to the school. Dollar Academy maintains the very great significance of a rich and varied co-curricular life and the fair showcases the dozens upon dozens of co-curricular activities that are on offer. Every year, the list of activities grows longer, reflecting the varied passions and interests of the staff who give up their time to co-ordinate the clubs, societies, teams, committees and organisations. There is something to suit everyone. There were stands representing the Art Club, Badminton Club, Jewellery Making, Amnesty International, the Runners’ Club, the Surf Club, various Book Groups, a wide repertoire of musical groups and many, many more. The cosy Chess Club stand enjoyed a quiet, yet focused audience; the CCF stand was a sea of camouflage-green uniforms; the Sixth Year co-curricular groups (such as the Yearbook and Charities Committee) enticed the younger pupils to look ahead to the great co-curricular challenges of the future. The Drama Club stand took centre stage, literally and figuratively, boasting the single most entrancing feature of the event: a young thespian wearing a donkey head, straight out of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Staff co-ordinators and pupil members were on hand to represent the activity and answer questions from the pupils. Every pupil in Form I and II visited in class groups during Period 3, and the fair was open throughout lunch to new pupils and their buddies, and any other interested pupils. Pupils could also sign up to the groups that attracted their interest. Further details of the full range of co-curricular activities available to pupils can be found on the school’s website under the co-curricular tab. 65 CHARITIES COMMITTEE 2014-15 December 2014 Fortunas 34 CHARITIES WEEK 2014 Pulling Together for a Good Cause 66 Once again, the Charities Committee contributed to the heightened sense of excitement in the penultimate week of summer term with the events organised for our annual ‘Charities Week’. This year there were three main events taking place over the course of the week. First on the agenda was the Tug o’ War, a popular one to kick off with. Pupils from across the year groups took part, children from the Prep School joined to watch and cheer, and all in the most perfect weather. “It was very hot - that’s what I remember most!” commented Mrs Bryce, one of many spectators. Probably the craziest event of the Week was the Wacky Races, for which competitors had to devise and create a vehicle in which they could race other teams around the school grounds. The team from the Pipe Band, led by our Head Boy, Joe Armstrong, won with their innovative use of an office chair and some rope. The final fundraising event was the Custard Pie Auction, in which spectators bid for the chance to throw a pie in the face of one of a select number of familiar staff and pupils. It was a highly entertaining event and a good opportunity for some Sixth Years to fulfil some of their long-held dreams…. These events were undoubtedly a lot of fun, but most importantly they helped raise £600 for The Stroke Association. Charities Week 2014 proved once again that it is possible to have fun and do a great deal of good for others at the same time - a principle that we are sure next year’s Charities Committee will also embrace. Isidora Grgur (Form VI) Lewis Aitchison Cameron Bennett Iulian Bold Laura Broomfield Laura Gallagher Jack Geddes Lexy Graham Fraser Greenlee Isidora Grgur Xinyi He Jenny Kennedy Evie Kerr Sally Kirkpatrick Christian Lao – Co-ordinator Iain Leggat Hannah Leggatt Lizzie Malloch Jack McNicol- Deputy Co-ordinator Julien Mittre Amy Niven Felix Principe-Gillespie Wallis Rodd VictoriaSmith Lily Tarvet HannahWorsley After the Bell CHARITIES The first major event on the Charities Committee calendar, the Form I Disco, took place in September. With the theme ‘Pink and Blue’, the event raised a tremendous £250 for the charity ‘Playlist for Life’, a charity dedicated to supporting those with dementia. On a gloriously sunny afternoon in October the Committee challenged members of staff to a touch rugby match, and most of the school turned out to spectate, cheer, support and contribute funds toward a very good cause. In a closely contested match, with much honour at stake, the staff ran out eventual winners, the final score 4-1 in their favour. £141.66 in total was raised for the ‘Wooden Spoon’ charity, a rugby charity supporting disadvataged young peope. These events marked the beginning of what looks to be a very successful year for the Charities Committee 2014-2015. December 2014 Fortunas 34 67 December 2014 Fortunas 34 BRONZE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD 68 This year, a remarkable 110 Form IV pupils undertook their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award assessment expeditions. Such was the size of the cohort attempting this challenge, that it required Duke of Edinburgh’s staff to run three weekends of expeditions throughout September and October. All of the trips were run in the Ochils, so conveniently situated in the Academy’s very back garden. Each team of candidates had to attend training sessions in route choice and navigation, first aid, expedition planning including emergency measures, nutrition and general campcraft. They worked hard in writing out their route cards, which had to take into account aspects of their trips such as navigational features and hazards, compass bearings, distances travelled, speed of walking, height climbed and time taken for rests. Fine weather, as well as poor weather, routes had to be planned. Pupils then donned their heavy packs and took to the hills on a Saturday morning for an overnight expedition. Upon reaching their designated campsites, the candidates had to set up camp, cook meals and make themselves safe and warm. Each group enjoyed a visit from a member of Duke of Edinburgh’s staff in the evening (often bearing jelly beans!), before settling down for their evening in the tent. On Sunday morning, the group ate breakfast and packed up in timely fashion before undertaking their long walk home to Dollar. Academy staff were on hand both at home and out and about in the Ochil Hills throughout the pupils’ time on expedition. In effect, though, pupils were on their own in the hills and had to make the right decisions, at every point, on their own. Mr Fraser (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator) was delighted with this season’s assessment candidates and felt that the pupils conducted themselves in the hills with skill, common sense and a real sense of the seriousness of the challenge they were embarking upon. “We were blessed with favourable autumnal weather every weekend,” he said. “This, combined with a positive, committed and enthusiastic attitude from all of the pupils, led to a successful and incidentfree programme of expeditions. 17 groups out and 17 groups back – all safe and sound!” Their successes this autumn will, no doubt, encourage many of them back to attempt their Silver Training expeditions in the spring. We wish them well as they continue to adventure into the hills. Heather Moore SPONSORED WALK ROUTE CHALLENGE Mr Johns shares his thoughts on tackling the Dollar Academy Sponsored Walk Route (SWR) at pace. the gauntlet is thrown down to any who take on the challenge – please do send in a GPS record (or similar) of the route. The route also makes for an excellent day out from Dollar, although many will be attracted by the lure of a warm lunch at the excellent Tormaukin Inn in Glendevon, rather than visiting the empty lunch-field as a turn-round point. Pupils are encouraged to try out Running Club (which tends to cover routes of about 5miles in an hour); this now takes place on both Tuesday and Wednesday after school – all senior pupils are welcome. Andy Johns December 2014 Fortunas 34 After a busy day of teaching on the last Friday before the October break, from cell structure with Form I, to E=mc2 with Form VI, I had a short window of opportunity at the end of the day thanks to having completed Form II marking at lunchtime. I had had a thought about trying to complete the SWR in less than two hours before – one previous attempt had been close to this mark. The route has a brutal start, as many pupils will testify – over 3½ miles of almost unrelenting uphill, rising to 1500ft near the summit of Commonedge Hill. The stopwatch was started at the back gate, near the Prep School, and the farm track opposite was followed upwards, carefully moving through a herd of cows parked next to the cattle-grid. A loop above the golf course was first followed, keeping above Dollar Glen until dropping down close to the gates of Castle Campbell and then a steady pull up through the woods above. The wet and boggy path was finally left after 42 minutes, and the forest track above Glen Quey made for a fast descent, being a perfect gradient for running. After the zig-zags to the tarmac road and back towards the reservoir, which always feels counterintuitive, a corner was turned and the return path was reached in just under an hour. Those walking the route in future might note that, time-wise, this was the half-way point, despite being a little under 6 miles into the route. Now the pace could really be pushed on faster paths, with a loop to the centre of the lunch-field at 1h10min marking the start of the return journey. This was slowed by a number of gates and stiles, 28 in total, each interrupting the flow of running as the gate latch was opened and closed each time. The south end of the Glen Quey Reservoir was reached in 1h30: I have never seen the water level so low after a particularly dry September. The official SWR was carefully followed every step of the way, with plenty of mud from the recent rain helping to ensure full concentration, especially over tree roots in the deforested area above the Castle. A careful eye was kept on the clock – with the tarmac above the upper Castle car-park being reached with 1h48min on the clock, so two hours looked within reach. The potholes in the road were carefully navigated and the steps into the glen were followed from half-way down the narrow road, ignoring the more direct route down the road and sticking to the official route. Here, the path was a mixture of mud and rocks, all hidden below recently-fallen leaves – a perfect combination for a twisted ankle when covered at speed. The top of Mill Green was reached at 1h52, with a final push down to Burnside, past the Golf Club and down to Academy Place, a measured leap over the chain across the road and round the front of the Academy to hit the doors outside the north entrance to the school. The watch read 1:55:36 for the 13 miles – job done. There are several FPs and current parents in the Dollar community who are capable of completing the route far faster and After the Bell Route profile (and pace in minutes per mile) 69 December 2014 Fortunas 34 YOGA 70 Yoga has been available as a co-curricular activity for girls in the senior school at Dollar for the last five years. The practice of this ancient art is beneficial for everyone: it is noncompetitive, not a sport, and everyone who tries it will find something at which she or he is good, or perhaps it is more accurate to say something that is an ideal practice for the individual’s own body type. Everyone is good at yoga! I start each class with the group seated cross-legged in Sukhasana (the easy pose) with eyes closed, gradually withdrawing awareness from the external world to come all the way within and focus on the breath. There is always a wonderful moment early in a yoga class when perfect tranquillity descends, as the class members bring their awareness to rest on the inner stillness which all of us have at our core. Once the class is settled and ready to turn their attention to the practice of yoga, I aim to teach a balanced class, which contains a variety of asanas (postures) in seated, standing, prone and recumbent positions. I generally include an inversion such as Uttanasana (forward bend), Adhomukhasvanasana (downward-facing dog) or Sarvangasana (shoulderstand); a backbend such as Setubandhasana (bridge)or Bhujangasana (cobra); and a twist such as Ardhamatsyendrasana (half lord-of-the-fishes pose) or Jatharaparivrttanasana (revolved abdomen pose). Each class ends with relaxation in Savasana (the corpse posture), in which the body and mind become absolutely still. Sometimes people tell me, “I can’t do yoga; I’m not very flexible.” However, people who believe this are deluding themselves: everyone can achieve something in yoga practice, and repeated practice can only increase one’s flexibility. Increased flexibility is in any case only one of the benefits yoga offers. In recent weeks, members of the class have told me that their practice has improved their posture, and, most importantly, clears the mind. Truly, yoga is there to help us through life. Yoga class is available for girls from Form I to Form VI on Thursdays from 3.45 to 4.45 p.m. Dr Eilidh Macleod FOCUS ON PIPE BAND From Sticks, Pads and Chanter to World Championship Success With over 160 pupils receiving instruction in piping and drumming, the corner of school affectionately referred to as ‘The Piping Hut’ is possibly the busiest and certainly the noisiest area of the school campus. Youngsters from the Prep School run to their lessons determined to be part of the Pipe Band and eager to attend their first morning practice. This is where it all starts: regular practice first thing in the morning, Prep School pupils playing alongside the Head Boy, Head Girl and seniors of position. The youngsters looking up to the future while the seniors look back down, remembering well the battle of mastering the Great Highland Bagpipe, twelve kilos of side drum or a bass drum that is equal in size to our youngest participant – they all help each other, as the group prepares for the full and varied program of the summer term. There is an engagement for everyone; from morning practice to Gala Day, assembly performances, Sports Days, wedding engagements, Beating Retreats, Royal engagements, birthday parties, overseas tours, local competitions, CCF competitions through to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Championships. Of all the events in our calendar the RSPBA ‘Majors’ excites the youngsters the most. There are around 200 pipe bands around the globe eligible to compete in our age category, and our pupils are determined to perform well and establish where they are ranked in the world. Craig Stewart CCF Why Pipe Band? Jack Muldoon (Form II) Novice Band achievement for us as we had only been playing together for under a year. The season’s success could not have been achieved without a great deal of time and effort from the Novice Band members, not to mention the fantastic support from the Juvenile Band and all of our instructors. I’d like to pass on special thanks to Mr Warren, who spent so much of his own time helping and developing the Band to gain the awards we did. We wish him well with his new job in Australia, where he has taken up a full-time appointment in a rival school Down Under. This year I hope to help continue the success of the Dollar Academy Pipe Band and hopefully gain a place in the Juvenile Band, in the pursuit of retaining the World Championship trophy. Cameron Clark (Form VI) December 2014 For me, Pipe Band has been the most worthwhile and challenging experience of my time at Dollar. My first contest with the Novice Band was at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Competition at Broughton High School. As I walked onto the stage and faced the crowd I felt a real mixture of emotions, from excitement to sheer fear. I was then appointed Pipe Major of the Novice Band, which saw me lead the Band to success in the Scottish CCF Schools Competition that same year. This season I retained my role as Pipe Major to face my toughest challenge yet: leading the Band on at the qualifier of the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. It was an experience that I take great pride in, and one that I definitely will not forget. It was a fitting end to a busy and successful season, with the Band taking home trophies in all five of the Major Championships - Scottish, British, UK, European and World Championships. This is an incredible Fortunas 34 I was caught hook, line and sinker the minute I heard the tones of the Dollar Academy Pipe Band echoing around the campus. Yes, I had heard pipe bands before, but this was different. I felt compelled to join. Yes, I did the Dollar Gala, Sports Weekend, Pipe Band Displays and all the morning practices. I didn’t realise they were just preparing me for the real thing! Competition piping is where it is at!! My first competitive experience took place at Kinross Highland Games. It was a dark, dank, dismal day. I can remember walking into the arena full of trepidation. With a dry mouth and trembling fingers I played my heart out, as did the rest of the Band, and to our credit we were awarded first place. With a feeling of euphoria I was hungry for more. The competitions came fast and furious over the spring and summer months. The competition in Ireland was a highlight, where the Novice Band came in third place against strong opposition, but the World Championships held at Glasgow Green has to be the pinnacle of my piping career so far. It was a terrific experience listening to bands from around the world, and with 200 bands in our age category registered to compete in our grade – we were happy to come away with a fourth place! The feeling you get from winning in band competitions makes all the hard work so worthwhile, and with the support of all the instructors it makes the experience so much sweeter. 71 #peoplemakedollar BROTHERS’ SOLO PIPING PROWESS December 2014 Fortunas 34 Juvenile Band – World Champions Once Again! 72 After months of hard work and dedication, the final competition of the Pipe Band season was upon us: The World Pipe Band Championships. The 2014 RSPBA competitions had proved to be very successful for the Band, and the anticipation of the final competition helped to drive us over the final hurdles. The countless early morning practices and the commitment shown throughout the summer holidays proved that devoted preparation pays off, and on Saturday 16th August at Glasgow Green the Juvenile Band was crowned World Pipe Band Champions 2014. Having been lucky enough to have been part of the 2010 World Champion Pipe Band, I felt a great sense of achievement and pride for us to be named World Champions again. The endless encouragement and support within the Band helped to make the win that much sweeter, and I can honestly say that it is a great honour to be able to share the prestigious championship title with such a tremendous group of people. As I embark on my sixth and final season with the Band, I can reflect on my previous years with a sense of pride and accomplishment. This year we welcome a new group of members to join the Band and hopefully to help us repeat the successes of the 2014 season. Pipe Major Lucy Ferguson (Form VI) At Dollar Academy, a school renowned for producing very fine and very dedicated pipers, Sandy Cameron (Form VI), and his younger brother Finlay (Form II), both stand out from the crowd. CCF Heather Moore December 2014 At the MacGregor Memorial Piobaireachd Competition at the Argyllshire Gathering in Oban, each competitor is required to learn four piobaireachd by heart and is only given the selected tune minutes before playing. In 2011, Sandy was a finalist; in 2012 he came in second. And then, in 2013 (at the age of 16, against competitors in their 20s), he came first. As a result of this win, he has now been graded for adult competition. Both boys have also competed in the Royal National Mod. Sandy won in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Finlay, following well in his brother’s footsteps, won in 2013. They each enjoyed the accompanying media attention when, after their Mod wins, the BBC came to film them. And Finlay is certainly beginning to contribute his share of the wins and placings. He was placed second at the George Watsons’ solo competition this year and he was also the solo winner at this year’s Lochaber Piping Society. In fact, over the past two years the brothers have, between them, garnered 120 wins. It was back in January, however, at the Scottish Schools Piobaireachd Competition held at Strathallan School, that a real milestone was reached and passed. In 2008, Sandy had won the Novice category here; in 2013 and 2014, he was the Senior winner. But 2014 also marked the first time that Sandy and Finlay both entered this competition. Remarkably, they won the Senior and Novice categories, respectively. It would probably be unusual to have both competitions won by the same school, but possibly unique for two brothers at the same school to win. It was a significant event in many ways. Not least, perhaps, because it was the last time that the brothers, Sandy and Finlay, would ever again compete together in a school solo piping competition. Sandy has now been graded for adult competition and will no longer compete at junior level. In fact, Sandy competed in his first open adult event in May at Kingdom Thistle in Fife. Though sorry to leave the junior solos behind, he was determined to succeed in his first competition against adults. In the end, he was placed first in the Piobaireachd at Kingdom Thistle, proving that he is certainly ready to compete in this more challenging arena. The prize, a new set of bagpipes, will surely spur him on to further success. His brother, never one to be left behind, was placed second in the Under-16 event. Mrs Cameron notes that, “Neither boy would have become a piper had he not been given the opportunity, at Dollar Academy, to start.” And, thinking back over all the boys’ rather herculean efforts and achievements over the years, she adds, “From the perspective of a parent, children do really well to compete at all in solos or with bands. Our two are not machines, they have their own good and bad days, as do their pipes. Sometimes, when the mood has swung from optimism to despair when faced with an uncooperative set of temperamental bagpipes, we really wish they had taken up the piano!” Fortunas 34 They have worked incredibly hard for their successes which can be attributed to expert tuition, extraordinary support from home, and perhaps some fraternal competitive instinct. Above all, however, their success can be attributed to the fact that these boys are, simply put, passionate about piping. Both boys started their piping tuition at Dollar; Sandy began in 2006 (with Craig Stewart), then with David Methven and Alastair Duthie, both of whom also taught Finlay. Today, both boys are tutored in solo piping by Iain MacFadyen of Kyle of Lochalsh. At the Academy, Sandy joined the ‘A’ band at age 10, and competed with them until leaving Dollar and moving to Lochaber where he played with the adult competing band, Glen Mor. In 2011, Sandy returned to Dollar Academy as a boarder and Finlay came in 2013. They have deep connections with the school, as the Chairman of the Board of Governors, John Cameron, is a relation. Finlay joined the Dollar Juvenile Band last year. Both boys enjoy their current Dollar Band involvement and have found Matt Wilson (Piping Instructor) nothing short of inspiring. The pipes are very much set up for the individual, to suit his or her height, size, strength and preference, as Sandy explains, “Matt has been a huge help with getting Finlay’s pipes right and with listening to us both before a contest to give us pointers. He’s enthusiastic and always confident in us. He’s always willing to give up his time to help us both, which we’re both very grateful for.” Outside of Dollar Band competition, however, it is the world of solo piping that has really attracted Sandy. It was David Methven, in fact, who introduced to Sandy the world of solo competition, “He introduced me to piobaireachd (long pipe tunes) and took me to my first solo competition, the Stirling Mod.” Sandy has competed in solo competitions across Scotland. His list of Highland Games successes is very long, having won at Perth, Newtonmore, Skye, Arisaig, Morar, Glenfinnan, South Uist, North Uist, Balquidder, Inveraray and Cowal in recent years. At the exact time of writing, in fact, both boys were playing through damp and midgey conditions at the Blair Atholl Highland Games. Finlay explains, “I came first in the jig and fifth in the march, strathspey and reel. It was an Under-18 category, so most competitors were quite a bit older.” At the Northern Meeting (Eden Court, Inverness), Sandy has been the overall Under-18 winner for the last three years. Occasionally, and perhaps unexpectedly, piping takes the boys out of Scotland. Recalling their journey down to the Scottish Piping Society of London competition, the boys said, “It’s a very strange experience, stepping off the sleeper train in full Highland dress, and heading for South Kensington Town Hall.” Not so strange, however, that Sandy was distracted from what he does best: he has twice (in two visits) walked away from this competition as the overall champion. 73 #peoplemakedollar December 2014 Fortunas 34 World Solo Drumming 74 After weeks of practice, rudiments, pad, drum, and intensive coaching from Mr McWhirter and encouragement from Mr Innes, the morning of the 2014 World Solo Drumming Championships arrived, the first Saturday of mid-term holiday. I warmed up after breakfast and played a few rudiments. I felt excited and really just wanted to get on with it. My time slot was 12.25pm. As I was being driven to the venue, Glasgow Caledonian University, I was comforted to know that my accompanying piper, Sandy Cameron, himself a competition winner, was wending his way from Argyll, but through a terrible rain storm, to meet me. Sandy and I had practised the March, Strathspey and Reel (MSR) over many hours at lunchtime, and both before and after school on many days since school restarted in August. I registered at the front desk and made my way to the allocated preparation room, alongside some of the best solo drummers from Grade 1 Field Marshall Montgomery. That also meant Dollar Academy’s Mr Wilson was close by, too, and soon we were joined by Mr Innes. I warmed up on my old trusty pad and tried to remain cool. Mr McWhirter came in to see me, which was great, as I knew he had a rather busy day, and the not-smallmatter of defending his World Title and a semi-final at roughly the same time as I was due to play. Sandy arrived and tuned up, and we got our first run-through. Then a break, back to the pad and then another run-through on the drum. I was playing one of Mr McWhirter’s Andante drums which had been prepared and tuned to perfection; the fine balance of being ready but not over-baked is always tricky. My section for Juvenile MSR was off and running just before noon, and soon enough I was in final tuning. Five minutes later I was on and facing two experienced judges. The fiveminute set was over in a flash, a good run and I particularly enjoyed the Reel. Only six hours to wait for the results… Drum packed away, ‘hello’ to the family and some FP band members who had gathered to watch (thanks, guys!), then down to the room where Mr McWhirter was playing. In Mr Innes’ words “it was a flawless performance” and Mr McW sailed into the final. My dad and I went to the main auditorium for the adult final, where 12 competitors would first play a Hornpipe/Jig set and then be judged separately on an MSR set. There was exceptional drumming on show, and Mr McWhirter was blinding in the H/J. Next up the MSR and the judges retired to compile the Senior result. After what seemed like a long, long time, the results for Tenor Drumming and Novice Snare were read out and I could feel my heartbeat beginning to gather pace. The moment arrived, and I was placed third by both judges, beaten on the day by two very good drummers from Boghall and McKenzie Caledonian. As I received my medal and certificate, it sank in that the hard work and hours of practice had got me here. I texted Sandy to thank him. The audience of around 500 hushed as the main adult result came next. The World Solo Drumming Champion for 2014 was ...........Steven McWhirter, retaining the title for the fourth time in succession and fifth overall! What a great outcome, and I watched as one of my tutors went up to take the applause and the silverware. In the round of congratulations, handshaking, back-slapping and joy afterwards, I had a photo taken with Mr McWhirter in a surreal moment of Jedi Master drummer and his ‘padawan’ apprentice. With Mr Innes leading the team, we have a truly great drum programme. In one of my note sheets in September, a wise drumming tutor wrote “It’s never good enough”, and I know I have lots to improve upon and learn for next time. I’d like to thank the Dollar Academy Pipe Band team for making these things possible, and for the honour of representing the school. I’m particularly grateful to Mr Innes for his input and support, and an important word here and there on the day; to Mr Wilson, for his encouragement on the day and lightening the load; to Sandy, for his exceptional playing and the time he devoted to the preparation; and to Mr McWhirter, for leading by example on the route to success, and what is simply the best rudimentary drumming on the planet. Finally, I thank my parents for their unswerving support in fetching and carrying me and simply being there. We can often forget that we have a unique set-up at Dollar run by Mr Stewart, and I’d encourage all of you to consider joining the Pipe Band. If you put in the hours and practice, the outcomes are great. The 2015 season beckons, and as Nike says - Just Do It! Cameron McCall (Form III) CCF CCF RSM David Kennedy 2014-15 December 2014 The cadets are presented with opportunities to expand the skills acquired at CCF on a huge number of different courses - on a Naval firefighting course; gliding; flying a propeller aircraft; competitions testing military skills or leadership, shooting competitions or even competing in national first aid competitions. The cadets also have the chance to travel abroad and represent the United Kingdom on a Canadian exchange, the successful applicant one of only 12 cadets chosen to travel to Canada and spend six weeks with Canadian cadets on one of their summer camps. This winning combination of quality instructors, dedicated senior cadets and often once-in-a-lifetime opportunities ensures that the Dollar Academy CCF cadet has the best possible experience, fun and preparation for life. And it is because of all of this that Dollar’s CCF is considered one of the top Combined Cadet Forces in Scotland and the UK. Fortunas 34 Dollar Academy Combined Cadet Force prides itself on the wide range of activities and competitions in which it takes part. Whether it be the Infantry, participating in the Scottish Military Skills or Welbeck Leadership competitions, the Signals in Rolling Thunder or any of their year-round competitions, RAF in Ground Training or Scots Nine, or the Navy section, taking part in a Regatta, we cadets always try our hardest and strive to be the best. And this is often reflected in the results, with Dollar teams highly placed against their competitors. The 320-strong contingent turns out every Friday to take part in an hour-and-a-half of training. This is 90 minutes packed full of activity, and you will find the SNCOs, after the first parade, hurrying their cadets off to teach them their particular syllabus. The contingent is made up of the three services: Navy, Army (further divided into three sections, Infantry, Signals and REME), and RAF. The officers, staff and training team work hard with the senior cadets to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience but also that they learn, not only a huge range of skills and drills, but also some excellent life skills, such as teamwork, leadership and communication. 75 December 2014 Fortunas 34 MILITARY SKILLS COMPETITION 2014 76 The Military Skills Competition tests all that the cadets can learn in the field, examining military knowledge, teamwork, fieldcraft, leadership and fitness. Dollar Academy’s Combined Cadet Force puts forward its best ten cadets to compete, and whilst it is a shame it comes so early in the school year, in many ways this just adds to the challenge. The Competition is a three-day and two-night event, spent entirely in the field, eating rations and sleeping in bashas (a camouflage shelter-sheet strung up with bungees to create a shelter). The Competition is renowned for its level of difficulty and for testing every member of the team. On Friday 26th September the team of ten, led by RSM David Kennedy (Form VI) with CSM Duncan Smith as the section 2.I.C, and consisting of C/Sgt Megan Montgomery, S/Sgt Christian Lao (Form VI), Cpl Sam Ward, Cpl Lucy Hulbert, Cpl Scott Norval (Form V) L/Cpl Niall Baird, L/ Cpl Rebecca Johns, and L/Cpl Amy Pope (Form IV) travelled to Dreghorn Training Area near Edinburgh to compete. After rising at 0650 on Saturday to a lovely dry day, eating breakfast and collapsing the Harbour, the team then set off to complete their stands. This first day consisted of First Aid, Patrol Skills, Weapons Handling, Section Attacks, DCCT (an Electronic Range Simulation), Command Tasks (unusually, being contacted halfway through the task), Air Rifle Shooting and Observation. All of these stands were completed tactically and often with enemy in the area so there was a risk of being contacted on a number of stands. The team patrolled from stand to stand, putting together everything that had been learned in the three weeks of training leading up to the event and performing very well in all stands. The stand DS (Directing Staff) was very impressed with how the team acted throughout the day and how they accomplished every task. With a good feeling about the first day, but with still no idea of how things had actually gone, the squad returned to the Patrol Harbour to set up bashas and cook dinner. After a short break we were on our feet again. The night section of the Competition involved navigating in the dark to different points around the training area and a planning exercise. This was done tactically, and on three of the points an informant would meet members of the team and give information that would later lead to planning an attack. Once we had arrived at all the points, a plan had to be made to launch an attack and retrieve a prisoner. To test how well the Section Commander and team had planned for the attack, questions were then put to the cadets. It was midnight by the time the team crawled into bed, out of muddy gear and into sleeping bags, relieved just to be able to rest. The final day of the competition dawned at 0545 for the team. The Sunday is always a short but very physical day. After the safety briefing, there was some nervous waiting around before starting the day’s events. Dollar was last to go on all three events. A 4km TAB (Tactical Advance to Battle) was the first event of the day, to be completed in the fastest time possible. After the TAB and a very short rest came the Obstacle Course, a test of teamwork, fitness, leadership and technique. The Dollar team completed this very well and was told by the DS at the end that they had come first in this stand, achieving the maximum points possible. With only a moment to calm down, it was on to the shooting range, where marksmanship principles had to be put into play to ensure that each individual shot the tightest group possible. The last part of the CCF Competition is always the most nerve-racking: the final parade and awards. Trying to stay calm and hide the nerves, everyone chatted before the start of the parade, going over the events of the weekend and trying to figure out how well we had done. The RSM brought the parade to attention; after the Colonel addressed the parade, the placings were announced. Dollar had done exceptionally well in the Competition, coming first for the second year in a row. The team and staff were ecstatic at the result, and having thanked and congratulated the other teams, we were photographed with the trophy. The hard work and dedication of the staff and cadets, combined with the weeks of training, had paid off and helped confirm once again that Dollar Academy Combined Cadet Force is the best CCF in Scotland. Dollar’s CCF First Aid team took part in the Scottish First Aid Competition at Queens Barracks, Perth on Saturday 3rd May 2014. Four teams competed, comprising pupils from Forms II-V. The cadets have to undertake an individual first aid scenario, where the traumas encountered are intimidating and unpredictable. Cadets had to treat the victim of an asthma December 2014 Dollar Teams Emerge as Champions in Scottish First Aid Competition attack, someone with broken glass embedded in a wound and a victim with a broken collarbone. The cadets also undertake a team test: all four team members work together at an incident involving multiple casualties. This year, the cadets faced an incident involving a bomb blast in a building. These scenarios are a closely-guarded secret until the day of the competition; the pupils have no idea what to expect until the moment where a door opens and they enter. The cadets were assessed by the Scottish First Aid League, a semi-professional organisation. The scoring of the competition was of a very high standard indeed. The A Team performed very well in the series of challenges set for them. In the end, they achieved a very respectable runners-up position. This team consisted of Sgt Duncan Smith; Sgt Christian Lao; Sgt Angus Clark (all then Form V) and LCpl Emma Rattray (FormIII). The B Team were named CCF Scottish Champions. This team included Cpl Tommy Henson; Cpl Lucy Fortunas 34 RSM David Kennedy (Form VI) CCF FIRST AID SUCCESS 77 Hulbert (both Form IV); LCpl Niall Baird and LCpl Catriona Ferguson (both Form III). This very skilled team went on to win the Inter-Services Competition, meaning that they walked away with the overall title. The Young Adult Team won the CCF Young Adult Competition and also finished runners-up in the InterServices Young Adult Competition. This team was comprised of Sgt Gavin Roderick and Sgt Ben Collins (both Form V). In terms of individual performances, Cpl Lucy Hulbert earned the highest individual score in the entire competition: a remarkable 37/40. And Sgt Ben Collins earned the highest individual score in Young Adult Competition, having achieved 32/40. Captain Mark Scott (Contingent Executive Officer) said proudly, “We have now won the Scottish First Aid competition nine years in a row and we have been the Inter-Services Scottish Champions five years in a row. We are delighted with this year’s achievements. The cadets performed brilliantly once again.” Dollar Teams Compete at National First Aid Competition December 2014 Fortunas 34 Heather Moore 78 Following their success at the Scottish championships earlier in the year, Dollar cadets travelled down to Strensall Camp, North Yorkshire in September to take part in the National Cadet First Aid Competition, the UK’s most ambitious first aid competition for young people. Over two days a number of scenarios, mostly in outdoor settings, would test the cadets with realistic emergencies aided by dramatic casualty make-up. Whilst we have had a good record at this event, we knew it would be tough as the scores from the competing teams have edged closer and closer, year on year, making the competition that much more challenging. Three Dollar teams, each consisting of four cadets, were entered for the CCF Cadet Championships, whilst the remaining two cadets were entered for the Young Adult Championships. The cadets had to treat a range of injuries over the day, from broken arms and cut legs to unconscious patients in the individual stand. For the Cadet Competition, the team test consisted of three challenges – a fractured ankle, an unconscious casualty, and a handover to a professional ambulance crew member - whilst the Young Adult team dealt with a car crash with multiple injuries. The Dollar Army team, consisting of Duncan Smith, Christian Lao, Angus Clark (all Form VI) and Scott Norval (Form V), came second, narrowly missing out on first place by only three points. The Navy team, comprising Lexy Graham, Ailsa Geddis, Heather Downie (all Form VI) and Alice Thompson (Form IV), came third, the highest placing ever achieved by a Naval Cadet team. The RAF team, consisting of Iain Tait (Form VI), Ross Laird (Form V), Kathryn Scougall (Form IV) and Nicola Henson (Form III), ranked 8th, an impressive achievement in what was their first national competition. Our Young Adult team of Ben Collins and Lewis Aitchison (both Form VI) was also very successful, winning the CCF Competition and being placed second in the Inter Services Competition. CCF St John’s National First Aid Challenge Championship Sgt Scott Norval (Form V) December 2014 Captain MP Scott (Contingent Executive Officer) Fortunas 34 The Inter Services championships for cadets and young adults took place on Sunday, pitting the best CCF, ACF and Sea Cadet teams against each other. The individual tests were much more challenging, ranging from treating compound fractures, to asthma, to casualties who were unconscious or not breathing. The team test was situated inside the training building of the built-up area, which meant that there were lots of walls and rooms around which to navigate. The task involved a scenario with three people in which someone had been shot, his attacker struck on the head, and a bystander who was the only one who could speak any English. CSM Smith, the Army team leader, commented that “the new team test scenarios are much more exciting and challenging, making the competition a lot more fun and enjoyable.” At the end of the day, Dollar Army team came third, narrowly missing out on second place by two points, but did manage to score higher than all the other CCF teams. The Navy team came sixth, a most pleasing result in their first ever competition. Once again, our First Aid teams have excelled on the national stage; the school and CCF are extremely proud of them all. It began on Friday 10th October, directly after school, with a long bus journey to Gloucestershire. Our destination: the St John’s National First Aid Challenge Championship. The team, captained by Duncan Smith (Form VI), consisted of Christian Lao, Angus Clark (both Form VI) and Scott Norval (Form V). A strong feeling of determination to better previous scores was felt throughout the bus, a real air of anticipation. On arrival, the team members knew what lay ahead of them, so ‘a good night’s sleep’ was vital. Saturday came around all too quickly, and with it an early start. After breakfast, we went directly to the Skillzone site at Gloucester Fire Station. Skillzone is a purpose-built scenario location with what can only be described as a movie set environment. Having never experienced anything like this before, the team was excited about the extra dimension of authenticity it provided. Once checked in at reception, we were immediately placed in ‘isolation’, the competition teams’ waiting room. This involved the removal of phones and escorted toilet breaks to ensure that information was not leaked to the teams ahead of time. Of the 14 teams taking part, Dollar CCF was the last to compete, which of course meant a large crowd would be amassed around the scenario, but this did not daunt the team. We were all ready to put into practice the skills learned throughout the term. Finally it was Dollar’s time to shine. The team was split into a pair (Duncan Smith and Christian Lao) who would first-aid together in a team test; Scott Norval and Angus Clark were split and first aided individually. After six minutes, the scenarios were over and the results were made final. The pair had to treat a young woman who had injured herself with a pitchfork and a man suffering from anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). Scott treated a burns victim at a construction site whilst Angus treated a woman with an ankle injury preceded by an asthma attack in a courthouse. Time to reveal the results, and the winners of the Beaver and St John’s Cadet Competition were announced first. When it came down to announcing the Combined Cadet Force and the Army Cadet Force Competition winners, our hearts were pounding, hanging on until the winning score was announced. On announcement of the results, Dollar achieved a comfortable victory over Durham ACF in the Cadet Championship, and fell one point short of the best St John’s Ambulance Cadet team. The judges provided very positive feedback afterwards, complimenting the Dollar team on its casualty care, enthusiasm and treatment by the chief doctor at the event. The team Captain, Duncan Smith said he is “ecstatic to have such a great ending to this year’s first aid season, and to my four years’ first aiding” and added, “I know I am leaving the team in capable hands.” Overall it was a great experience, with an even better ending. 79 December 2014 Fortunas 34 ADVANCED HIGHER BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP TO KINDROGAN 80 In September our Biology Department took 35 Form VI pupils to Kindrogan Field Centre in Perthshire. For four days, Dr Payne, Mrs MacDonald, Mr Ainge and Mr Fraser oversaw the pupils as they conducted important research and practical work for their Advanced Higher Investigations. Kindrogan, set on the banks of the River Ardle and framed by beautiful Highland scenery, is Scotland’s National Centre for Excellence in Field Studies and Biodiversity Training. The resources available on-site make it the most effective way to investigate thoroughly so many varied projects, and the dedicated on-site tutors lend a helping hand to the pupils’ research. From Sunday through to Wednesday, the pupils explored different aspects of field work, including undertaking independent practical work, adapting research methods, handling and analysing data, and learning to cope for four days without reliable mobile phone coverage. Jennifer Green, a pupil investigating the burrowing activity of worms, commented that while it was an “intensive few days”, she was glad “to have the opportunity for such hands-on experience”. In the following months, all 35 pupils will apply what they learned to finalising an Investigation report, worth 20% of their overall grade in AH Biology. Mr Ainge would like to thank all the staff, tutors, and pupils who worked so hard at Kindrogan to make it such a positive and productive experience. Amenah Cheema (Form VI Journalism pupil) ADVANCED HIGHER GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP TO ABERFELDY 1st-3rd October 2014 The Advanced Higher Geography trip to Aberfeldy is a three-day whirlwind of geographical fieldwork techniques. It covers all that the pupils require to conduct their own field studies on their return to school, as well as the techniques that can be asked about in the final part of the exam. In addition, the pupils learn skills in selfsufficiency, some of them experiencing self-catering accommodation for the first time. The accommodation for the trip was in Glassie Bunkhouse; roomy and cosy, it is the ideal base for fieldwork activities. The clear weather made for some stunning views across the valley and down into Aberfeldy. Preparations began in the Home Economics Department on Travel HIGHER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FIELD DAY 8th October 2014 Shiona Scott December 2014 Alastair McConnell Shiona Scott Fortunas 34 the Monday afternoon prior to departure, cooking up large quantities of spaghetti bolognaise and chicken fajitas. Preparing these dishes before the trip reduced the time spent cooking whilst in Aberfeldy. The trip proper began with a visit to Pitlochry Dam, the pupils mapping the extent of the dam and reservoir on a map from the 1890s. A field sketch taken from below the dam allowed features like the fish ladder and generators to be marked on. River studies, soil analysis and settlement studies were conducted over the following days under relatively clear skies and sunny weather, an unusual occurrence on Scottish fieldtrips. On the final day the pupils had the opportunity to try white water rafting on the River Tay, experiencing the power of the river close up. The group returned to Dollar Academy tired but full of enthusiasm for starting their own field study projects. Environmental Science is a completely new Higher subject in Dollar Academy and nationally this year. The course is delivered by the Geography Department and includes a diverse range of subject matter within its component parts: The Living Environment, Sustainability and Earth’s Resources. Our fieldwork day in the area of Doune and Deanston provided practical information and opportunity for data gathering for different parts of the course, including case studies of barley, from its growth to its uses and in particular distilling; sustainable energy sources; management of waste; recycling of resources; biodiversity and landscape change. The day began with a very informative and fun tour of Deanston Distillery. Formerly a cotton mill, this building does not look like a traditional distillery. Everyone found the whole distilling process fascinating, and also the fact that Deanston generates all its own power from its hydro plant and produces minimal waste. Even the leftover barley is used as draff for animal feed. Most of the barrels are sourced from Kentucky Bourbon and reused at least three times, which gives the whisky its distinctive colour and notes. Of course, for a school group, sampling is not allowed! We were fascinated to discover that the most expensive bottle of whisky they have is priced at £2000. Following a well-deserved hot drink in the café, we armed ourselves with quadrats, identification books and charts and headed to Doune Ponds. These are reclaimed from a disused sand and gravel quarry. We looked at vegetation regeneration and succession, including some species identification, and enjoyed a talk from the local community group whose members are working on upgrading paths and access and species management. We were joined on our walk by the lonely Doune Ponds cygnet. It is a wonder it did not follow us into the minibus! A walk down past Doune Castle to the confluence of the Ardoch Burn and River Teith allowed an opportunity for more species identification and for spotting, amongst other things, salmon leaping; several fishermen; a well-disguised (apart from the smell) sewage works; and a fascinating bin with local species engraved upon it. Doune Castle is famous not just for its wonderful location and impressive stonework, but also as a location for the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. All the information gleaned and the practical skills of hands-on identification of species during the field day will benefit the pupils for course work and for their Added Value Assignment. 81 FORM I AND II GEOGRAPHY ALPS TRIP December 2014 Fortunas 34 23rd-29th June 2014 82 On the first day of the Alps Trip we flew from Edinburgh to Geneva Airport. After going through passport control we took a coach to our hotel in Les Contamines. Our second day was filled with mountain heights and ice. We drove to Aiguille du Midi and took two cable cars up to the top - the scenery was magnificent. At one point some of us saw a skydiver jump from the top of a cliff; fortunately we weren’t aware of any injuries to her! Once we had come back down from the mountains we took a train to the Grand Hotel Montenver where we had lunch. Remember not to lose your ticket! We had baked Camembert followed by a fruit salad, which was something many of us had not tried before. We got the train to another cable car which took us down to the ice caves right inside the glacier. These were filled with marvellous coloured lights and amazing ice sculptures. We then had to climb up 480 steps, due to the retreat of the glacier, back up to the cable car. That was tiring! When we arrived back at the hotel there was a team quiz after dinner. On the third day, Friday, we visited the amazing limestone features at Gorge du Fier which was very scenic. Then we travelled to Annecy where we were free to explore the town and do some shopping. The fourth day - the favourite day for most people, we are sure! - was our visit to the chocolate factory. We drove back into Switzerland and stopped at the Cailler Chocolate Factory. Firstly we took an amazing tour which showed the history of chocolate, the factory and the Cailler business. Then we arrived at the tasting room which was great, there was plenty of chocolate for everyone! A visit to the shop was next, where lots of money was spent! At Le Moléson we ate lunch and then enjoyed the summer luge and other activities. On the last day we walked into the town of Les Contamines where most people visited the amazing crêpes shop for lunch. Sadly, it was soon time to leave to come back to Scotland. We really enjoyed the Alps Trip, and we know that whilst having fun, we learned lots of facts about the relevant geography. With all the rock formations and glaciers, the location linked very well with the Form I and II courses. The accommodation was very cosy and the hosts made you feel welcome at all times and they served great food! We would recommend this trip to anyone in Forms I and II who is enjoying Geography and we guarantee a great experience which you will never forget. Emma Macrae and Emily Williams (Form III) A full day-to-day account of the trip is available on the school website at: http:// www.dollaracademy.org/blog_alps2014.asp Travel AMBERG EXCHANGE 2014 December 2014 Folterkammer or torture chambers underneath the town hall. Fortunately – or unfortunately, depending on your point of view – all pupils emerged with all major body parts intact. Our last day in Amberg was spent preparing for our Abschiedsfeier (come on, keep up! That’s the leaving party), as we were instructed in the finer points of Bavarian folk dancing by Herr Moosberger, a great teacher who really put us through our paces. This meant that we – Buben und Moidel alike – were able to take to the dance floor in the evening without making complete fools of ourselves. This was a great party, a fantastic way to round off a wonderful trip. Actually, that wasn’t quite the end. On our way to the airport we stopped off to visit the Allianz Arena, home to the world famous Bayern München. Being well-mannered guests, we didn’t mention Real Madrid once! Then we paid a brief visit to the BMW showroom in the centre of München. What a place! It was heaving with the most amazing examples of top-class German engineering, from a BWM Limousine – a snip at 150.000 Euro - to a Mini. And we were allowed to pose in all of them. Our thanks go to our German hosts who treated us so kindly. We would also like to thank Herr Spörer – a one-time German assistant here in Dollar – for all the work he did on our behalf, and Frau Brooks and Dr Fotheringham. And we mustn’t forget to thank the Direktor of the Erasmus Gymnasium, Herr Seidl. Not only does he make great speeches, he is no slouch on the piano either; his rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ on our final morning brought a tear to many an eye, Scottish and German alike. Anyway, we are all looking forward to the Heimspiel (return leg!) – and we can’t wait to see if our German partners will be as good at dancing to the Scottish accordion as we were to the Bavarian Zither. Fortunas 34 Once again the German Department’s annual trip to Amberg lived up to all our expectations, with 18 Form II pupils sampling all that Bavaria has to offer in the way of food, fun and friendship. One difference this year was that we, the Scottish group, undertook the first leg of the exchange, which meant that we travelled to Germany not yet having met our partners. Any sense of trepidation vanished on our arrival, however, for we were met by a happy crowd of host families keen finally to meet us face-to-face. Spirited away to our new homes in the dead of night, we emerged, refreshed, bright and early – too early for some, who were amazed to learn the Erasmus Gymnasium day starts at 8.05 a.m.! – ready to face the challenges of lessons in German. Some of us were a bit subdued in Mathe and Latein - hard enough here in Dollar - but we were delighted to be able to show off our mastery of our mother tongue in the English lessons. A good start. Next we were off on a treasure hunt around Amberg, with the winners being treated to a Schokoladeneis from the finest café on the Marktplatz. After that, it was off to the Freibad for some of us – it was a bit too chilly for others – then the first full evening in a German family. What would they feed us? What exactly are Schweinshaxn? I still don’t know, even though I ate them! Next day we geared up for our trip to the Hochseilgarten, where we basically monkeyed about in the tall trees. Then it was the weekend. Our German hosts went out of their way to make sure we enjoyed ourselves and we really appreciate all they did for us. Next we had a trip to the beautiful town of Regensburg, where we had a sail down the Donau (you don’t need me to translate that one for you, do you?!) and paid a visit to the medieval 83 December 2014 Fortunas 34 FELLBACH EXCHANGE 2014 84 This year’s German exchange with Fellbach, near Stuttgart, was another huge success, with 32 Dollar pupils having the time of their lives in beautiful Schwaben in the south-west of Germany. The group consisted of Form III, IV and V pupils, all eager to hone their German skills during the 10 or 12 days of their visit. During the first week of our stay the highlights included a trip to Tübingen, a historic town near Stuttgart, followed by a visit to the famous Ritter Sport chocolate factory. Although it was baking hot on the day, everyone bought tons of chocolate and tried to make sure it didn’t melt. We also spent a day in our partner school following a special programme of lessons. This was most enjoyable as we were able to impress our hosts with our knowledge of German and help them out in their English lessons. The Friday of our first week saw us all get an adrenaline rush on the exciting rides in Germany’s biggest theme park – the Europapark. At the weekend, our host families looked after us and fed us lots of Spätzle and other local delicacies. At the beginning of the second week, 16 Form IV and V pupils went off to start their work experience, ranging from placements at the local newspaper, in nurseries, at a gym, a car garage, a vet’s, a care home and some bilingual (French and German) schools in and around Stuttgart. One work experience pupil became a bit of a celebrity when she shared her views on German culture and eating habits in an interview with the local newspaper. Meanwhile, the rest of the group had a cooking day at school on Monday, where we got the chance to prepare and taste a typical German three-course meal – I have to say without exaggeration that it simply tasted delicious. As the German school day often finishes at lunchtime, we had plenty of opportunity to visit the local ‘hotspots’ in the afternoons, namely the F3 – the brand-new open-air swimming pool – and Mario’s Eiscafé, which undoubtedly has the best ice-cream in the whole region. I can safely vouch for that! On the last day of our stay, we had the opportunity to buy presents for our families on a shopping trip to Stuttgart. It was an incredibly successful trip and I’m already looking forward to going back to Germany next year to do my work experience there. Alexander Parker (Form IV) AUBENAS EXCHANGE 2014 This year, Dollar pupils participated for the second time in an exchange with the Olivier de Serres School in the beautiful Ardèche region in the South of France. While such trips often remain in the memory for particular cultural activities, it was in this case the people involved which impressed above all. Mrs McDonald and I took a wonderful group of 14 Form III and IV pupils to France, and we couldn’t have wished for nicer exchange partners in our hosts. All pupils involved were hugely popular with their host families; Scottish and French alike readily offered to swap their children! Everybody challenged themselves in some respect in the course of the stay: Hannah - eating snails; Abbie - discussing Harry Potter in French; Scott - organising just about everyone; Emma - learning how to cook; Erin – eating French cheese(s); even Miss Sieger - mainly pushing Travel EXCHANGE VISITORS IN DOLLAR September saw a happy invasion of 55 French, German and Spanish pupils in Dollar, as the Academy welcomed for the first time all three sets of exchange groups at the same time. Dollar pupils had already completed their halves of the exchanges at various times during the spring and summer terms, so these visits represented the ‘return leg’ of the exchanges. Mr David Delaney acted as the supreme puppet master, ensuring that all went smoothly! The exchange visitors participated in a wide-ranging programme of outings, including visits to Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, to Stirling, Dundee and St Andrews in the sun. The pupils were most impressed by the school’s beautiful surroundings, and they were also offered an insight into what goes on inside the buildings in a programme of ‘taster’ lessons provided by Academy staff. The highlight, however, was undoubtedly the programme put together by host families and exchange partners. A huge thank you is due to the families who organised barbecues as well as bowling trips and whose contribution made this experience so very positive. The traditional ‘Farewell’ Ceilidh was a huge success and gave everyone the opportunity to dress up (literally in some cases) and to show that sometimes it doesn’t really matter whether you have grown up with Scottish Country Dancing or learnt it that same week! Staff and pupils alike were sad to see the groups go. We hope that contacts will be maintained and that future exchanges will be equally successful. Franziska Sieger December 2014 Franziska Sieger Fortunas 34 canoes through water. The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly a teacherfree day by and in the river. Besides the language learning aspect, this also taught some fair-skinned pupils the true value of suntan lotion… Our trip to France was truly fabulous, in beautiful surroundings and even including dancing on the famous Pont d’Avignon, but the return visit was anticipated with equal enthusiasm. Dollar pupils tried very hard to make the most of the remarkably sunny Scottish weather by organising all sorts of outings. Our guests were so impressed with the families’ generosity and hospitality that some did not want to leave, a sure sign of the success of another wonderful exchange. 85 Scotland and Doclea After the Gallic sack of Rome in 390 BC, Celts came through to the Adriatic Coast, to the Western Balkans. The impact of the Celts in this area is not very well known, as many subsequent conquests of the area left it without a stable history. However, an inscription in the ancient site of Doclea honours the Celtic goddess Elona, whose cult relates to the worship of the horse. This inscription was dedicated to her by a soldier from the Roman army unit Cohors VIII Voluntarium, and shows how respected Elona was by Roman cavalry. THE MACNAUGHTON CLASSICS TRAVEL AWARD Isidora Grgur, this year’s recipient of the Macnaughton Classics Travel Award, writes of her impressions of the ancient site of Doclea, close to home in her native Montenegro. December 2014 Fortunas 34 DOCLEA: A DUSTY JEWEL OF MONTENEGRIN HISTORY 86 When I first came to study in Scotland, I felt as if I was breathing the same air as in Montenegro, and whenever I was asked how I felt here, I would instantly say: at home. This intuitive feeling has led me to research the connections between Scotland and Montenegro. Besides beautiful landscapes, heroic histories and people of a similar sensibility, I found a common thread which goes some way to explain how deep-rooted in history my feeling is: Celtic ancestors lived in Doclea. Montenegro and Doclea These connections brought me back to Doclea, a few kilometers from Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, and encouraged me to look at it from a new perspective. Doclea (locally called Duklja) is the most significant ancient archeological site in Montenegro. The foundation of this ancient Roman city is estimated to date back to the 1st century AD, and it was the capital of the Roman province of Prevalis after 297. At the peak of Roman dominance over Europe, it was the most important urban centre of the Balkan Peninsula. Its strategic importance as well as significance in communication was mentioned in two important Roman scripts, the Tabula Peutingeriana and Itinerarium Antonini. Even though Doclea was naturally protected by the deep canyons of three surrounding rivers, it was further fortified with towers and walls, several metres high. It was laid out according to the typical Roman urban scheme, with two main streets, cardo and decumanus, which intersected at the forum - the most important part of the city with a basilica in the centre. In the basilica there is an inscription dedicated to the fifteen-year-old Balbinus of the Flavian dynasty which ruled over Rome between 69 and 96 AD; a golden statue of him upon a horse was the centrepiece of the forum. The city was also equipped with all the institutions of Roman towns in the provinces, including public baths, temples and urban villas. It was also the first place in this area to be provided with running water, through an aqueduct, the remains of which can still be seen today. Dust falling over Doclea After the destruction of Doclea at the hands of the Goths in 480 and a devastating earthquake in 518, Doclea began to lose its significance and fade into obscurity. Interest in the site was resurrected by the reports of a French consul, Priko de Sent-Meri, after he visited in 1879, the town received further recognition from Peter I of Montenegro, and was later famously written about by Pier Sticotti in 1913 in his work entitled The ancient City of Doclea in Montenegro. Today, however, Doclea is not given the prominence it perhaps merits. Since the Balkans, an area of many conquests and wars, is a palimpsest of history, the very first layers are often neglected. They are not perceived as jewels, but perhaps instead as a heritage that is not really our own, as the Romans did not have much lasting influence in this area after this period. Doclea is a place still visited by keen historians and archeologists, those who believe that the layers of history need to be revealed in order to understand the present. But for most, it is a place long forgotten. I hope that Doclea, this unique monument from early Balkan history, will be recognised in future as a site equally as important as other towns in more famous Roman provinces. Isidora Grgur (Form VI) Travel Nearing the end of a well-deserved summer break, we headed off on a Hockey and Rugby Tour to Lake Garda. Each day began with an early morning running session (a bit too early in some cases) and an afternoon pitch session. This involved us playing hockey in the heat of the day which was not popular with those with an abnormal perspiration capacity. Despite the gruelling running sessions, all the girls thoroughly enjoyed the tour, in particular, Jenny Kennedy (Form VI), who was awarded ‘Tourist of Tour’. Training in 30 degree heat meant that free time by the pool was most welcome. A day trip to Gardaland proved another highlight for many of the group but others, such as Miss Allan, with her crippling fear of rollercoasters, preferred a more relaxed approach. The old saying that ‘travel broadens the mind’ certainly proved true as we experienced true Italian culture, although poor Bevhan Trevis (Form V) couldn’t get her head around the hole in the ground (metaphorically speaking...) We certainly would not have survived the Tour without our adopted mother for the week, Mamma G (Mrs Galloway) who provided endless witty banter. The main aim of the tour had been to improve our fitness, which it definitely did. The impact on our fitness was clear to see in the high standard of hockey in our first game of the season, resulting in a 3-0 win. On the 7th of August the Rugby and Hockey Tour party of 56 pupils and staff met at the Bronze Doors, eagerly awaiting the start of our pre-season tour. After weeks of morning conditioning sessions throughout the exam period we felt ready to get away from Scotland, excited at the prospect of training in the blistering Italian sun. The tour did not have the most auspicious of starts for some. On the coach to Edinburgh Airport Fraser Hammond realised that he had taken his mother’s passport instead of his own. Despite a strong family resemblance, he could not quite get away with it. After coercing his brother to drive from Dollar to Edinburgh, Fraser finally got his passport and we could get on with the tour. Turnaround in the airport was fast and before we knew it we were in Milan and boarding the coach to Lake Garda. Three quick hours later we were in the hotel, settling into our rooms. Dinner and team meetings were on the agenda for both teams, followed by an early night ahead of our first full day’s training session. An early 7:30am start set the tone for the Tour: exhausting. The day, like every other, began with weighin, breakfast and a team meeting before we headed out to the pitches to train. Blistering heat greeted us on our first gruelling day of training. What began as a ‘purely technical and tactical’ session soon turned into fitness work. After this we went into the pool for some recovery work, had lunch and then enjoyed some downtime before the afternoon Beth Alexander (Captain, Form VI) December 2014 RUGBY AND HOCKEY PRE-SEASON TOUR Italy 2014 Fortunas 34 HOCKEY AND RUGBY PRE-SEASON TOUR Italy 2014 87 December 2014 Fortunas 34 88 session. Or in other words, we watched Angus show off his body and flirt desperately with anyone who would listen. The morning session had been challenging to say the least, and we couldn’t even imagine how tough the afternoon fitness session would be. Stevie took great pleasure in running us into the ground in a demanding hour-long session which left the boys with burning lungs and jelly for legs. On average, 3 kilograms in sweat were lost across the afternoon. Losing weight would be a problem for the majority of us; however, a hearty 5 kilograms of pasta for lunch and dinner every day prevented any chance of that happening. Fast-forward a few days and the squad was coming together nicely. Battling blisters and sunburn alike, we faced the toughest day of the tour. For today had no team meeting, instead an extended morning session followed by our toughest fitness session yet. To add insult to injury, it also happened to be the hottest day of the tour, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees. Following a morning defence and attack session we had the pleasure of meeting Santos, the fulltime lifeguard at the hotel who clearly spent far too much money on honing his physique. His steroid-filled chest and biceps came to talk to us about his rugby career and of how he could catch a ball in-between his chest muscles and that he once scored six tries in one game. Callum Cruickshank was so amazed by the man’s tales that we lived in constant fear that he would ask if he could touch his chest or his abs to see if they were real. A day off was more than welcome. The whole squad visited the nearby Gardaland theme park, which was clearly a very large tourist attraction. To mark the opening of the park, every day an introductory show was performed by a large, and somewhat terrifying green bear, along with several teenagers pirouetting and waving the Gardaland flag, with just enough enthusiasm to get paid. The memory of Gardaland’s imaginatively written theme tune, “This is Gardaland”, being sung to me by a psychotic green bear gives me chills to this day. When hopping on and off rides in theme parks it is common sense to make the safety of your phone, wallet and other personal items your top priority. Cameron Blakemore, one of the younger members on tour, was not quite so aware of this. Just before he took part in a ‘wild rapids’ water ride he left his phone, wallet and beloved teddy bear at the side of the ride whilst he was going round the track – ‘just to be safe’. Suffice to say, these items were not there when he finished the ride. He was later re-united with his things and was punished justly for his foolish actions. For dinner, it was yet again pasta. Following a final dinner and one last attempt from Ms. Allan to secure an Italian waiter’s number, the whole squad underwent one last arduous 5am fitness session before our flight later the same day. A fitting way to end a pleasurable and extremely beneficial tour. Euan Connor (First XV Captain, Form VI) HOCKEY AND RUGBY PLAYERS TAKE ON THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE Members of Dollar’s Hockey 1st XI and Rugby 1st XV undertook a different type of challenge before embarking upon the physical and mental challenges of the 2014-15 sporting season, as they braved the formidable Ice Bucket Challenge. Pupils (and some staff!) who had gone on the 2014 Italy Tour raised a few shrieks and a total of £300 which was donated to ALS. Sport DOLLAR PLAYERS REPRESENT MIDLAND AT SCOTTISH DISTRICT TOURNAMENT Our congratulations go to to the many Dollar Academy hockey players who represented Midland at the Interdistrict U16 and U18 Championship on the weekend of the 4th-5th October. The Championship took place at the National Hockey Academy at the University of Edinburgh’s Peffermill playing fields. Playing for the U16 team were Bevhan Trevis (Form V), Eve Pearson (Form II), Erin Stevens and Georgia Smith (both Form III). The final standings placed the girls in third position, Midland having been defeated by East and West. Bevhan played centre-back for the duration of the tournament and proved to be a reliable defender. Erin has proved to be a real threat in front of goal and Georgia’s work rate in the midfield is first class. Eve, one of the youngest in the squad, certainly held her own and demonstrates huge potential; she will have another three years at this age group. Playing for the U18 side were Anna King (who captained the side), Beth Alexander, Isla Cubitt, Lucy McCran, Hannah Worsley (all Form VI) and Isla Keith (Form V). In the final standings, Midland achieved a quite respectable fifth place position, defeating South and Highland. The Tournament was structured in a different way from the previous year in that there were two group sections. Unfortunately, the U18s got off to a slow start on the Saturday morning, resulting in a 1-1 draw against South West. They felt the pressure in their next match, too, and lost 1-0 to North. The girls recovered in time for Sunday’s matches, however, and the second day of the championships got off to a great start: they achieved a 2-0 victory over South and a 3-0 win over Highland. Because of the structure of the tournament, Midland did not get the opportunity to play against champions East or runners-up West. All the girls did very well and should be pleased with how well they acquitted themselves overall - each of them was an excellent ambassador for the school throughout the tournament. I would like to wish them every success with Scottish Selection. In May, the U14 Midland hockey squad enjoyed a great victory at the U14 Inter-district Tournament held at Peffermill, the National Hockey Academy in Edinburgh. The 16-strong squad included, quite remarkably, eight Dollar Academy players, which certainly reflects the strength of hockey development in the school recently. The Dollar players were: Georgia Smith; Olivia Mears; Sophie Ferguson; Susie Green; Erin Stevens; Jenny Walls; Eva Caie (all then Form II) and Lucy Smith (Junior 2). The girls played tremendously strong, positive hockey throughout. The final was hard-fought, but rarely did the Dollar players seem to show signs of being under significant pressure; their play was fluid and assured and they finished with a well-deserved 2-0 victory. I look forward to seeing the development of these young players as they progress thorough the school. They are a talented group of girls, but more importantly have an excellent work ethic and attitude. Lynsey Allan December 2014 Fortunas 34 89 December 2014 Fortunas 34 CRICKET 90 Cricket seems to be a game that either grabs you hook, line and sinker or leaves you cold. As Head of Cricket, I am clearly in the first camp and, much to my delight, Dollar continues to provide the platform, opportunity and high standard of coaching to hook and net numerous pupils, from the small fry in the Prep School to the bigger fish in the Junior and senior schools. An enormous amount of work goes into facilitating the delivery of sport at Dollar Academy and I would like to thank at the outset the hardworking grounds staff, the catering staff and the office staff who help with the smooth running of cricket throughout the summer term. It would also be impossible to run sides without the input of a large number of teachers, not all of whom hail from the PE Department. They give up a great deal of their time for Dollar cricket and I am very grateful. Due to the hard work that starts with numerous pre-season sessions earlier in the year, Dollar continues to produce strong, competitive cricket teams throughout the school. The Junior 2 side had some excellent wins against strong opposition, and performed admirably in the Glasgow Academy 10s Tournament. The Form I side, captained by Toby Douglas, finished the year unbeaten. The Form II squad, which contained over 30 pupils, showed real potential. At the end of June, the Colts side lost narrowly in the final of the Stewart’s Melville 10s Tournament, having defeated Edinburgh Academy and Glasgow Academy. Most pleasingly, a number of Colts players in Form III were strong enough to warrant inclusion in the 1st XI. Senior Cricket attracted a number of pupils in Forms IV, V and VI and, despite a change in the examination timetable, which brought SQA exams forward by a week, we were able to fulfil all of our 1st XI fixtures and most of our 2nd XI fixtures. Girls’ Cricket continues to develop with lunchtime and afterschool practices, and it is hoped that a number of fixtures, both home and away, can be included in the summer term calendar for next year. Sport The Rector presents Lachlan Peterson with a 20-20 pink cricket ball in recognition of his achievement in scoring a hat-trick in a match against Fettes College. 1st XI Cricket Jamie Frost Master i/c Cricket December 2014 teamwork and good sportsmanship that the side demonstrated in all of their matches. Their character under pressure, particularly when batting second, shone through and some excellent fielding and bowling put a great deal of pressure on the opposition. For those interested (I am aware that there have been a number of ‘hits’ already through the summer term!) each 1st XI match this season has been written up and is available on the 2014 Cricket Blog on the school’s website: http://dollaracademy.org/ sports-cricket-blog.asp. Finally, I would like to thank the team Captain, Tim Torrance, and his two Vice-captains, Ross McGarvie and Harry Waterston (both Form VI), for their leadership and enthusiasm and for making it an enjoyable and successful season. I would also like to thank the very supportive parents on the boundary, and especially Mrs Weir for her high-quality scoring and our ever efficient school umpire, Les Redford. Fortunas 34 On reflection, the performances and results this year were as good as, if not better than, any team of the last ten years. Tim Torrance’s side won 7 of 11 games played, lost only two matches, and drew against two strong adult sides. As an indication of their all-round strength, there were more batting and bowling entries into Wisden than in any other year. In a season full of exciting cricket, the following were highlights: Lachlan Peterson (then Form III) and Tim Torrance (Form VI) both took hat-tricks; the team managed to bat out for a draw against a strong MCC side; and High School of Glasgow were bowled out for just nine runs. The most significant and pleasing victories were against Strathallan and Stewart’s Melville College. On a gloriously hot day at Dollar, the team managed to ignite their season by beating Strathallan by four wickets. It could, however, have been a much more depressing outcome for at one stage, chasing 79, the side had slumped to 6 for 4 with most of the top order batsmen back in the pavilion. In the first innings, our fielding and bowling had been of a good standard with two run outs in the first five overs and some effective and tight bowling. Our innings was saved by an uncomplicated and courageous batting display, initially by Nick Diston (Form VI) and then by some sensible and thoughtful stroke play by Ben Pearson (Form III) and Ali Johnston (Form V). This was a real rollercoaster ride for the spectators. Against Stewart’s Melville College, the beaten finalists in the T20 Cup this year, Dollar won the game by two wickets, having bowled the visitors out for 116 in 33 overs. With Dollar needing 12 from the last three overs, the side were in a strong position to win the game, but two quick-fire wickets meant that Dollar found themselves in the final over requiring three runs. Jack Geddes (Form V) managed a well-worked single and then Calum Weir (Form V) hit the winning runs, a fitting end to an excellent innings of 23 not out. In addition to the results, it was pleasing to see the excellent 91 #peoplemakedollar December 2014 Fortunas 34 FORM II PUPIL SELECTED FOR SCOTLAND U17 GIRLS’ CRICKET SQUAD 92 The 2014-2015 Scotland U17 Girls’ Cricket Squad has been announced and a remarkable young Dollar Academy pupil has made the squad. Màili Gardiner (Form II) is only fourteen, one of the youngest to make the team, but her passion for the sport makes the reason for her selection obvious. Màili, in fact, feels she has been made to wait two years before being allowed to play for the U17. When she was twelve, she was playing so well that her coach (at St Boswells Cricket Club) wanted to put her forward. They were told, however, that she was just too young. It wasn’t the first time that Màili had to cope with a greater-thanusual degree of adversity in her chosen sport. Màili began to play cricket when she was only nine and, though her interests are very wide ranging, she is clearly very much taken with the sport. She has only recently come to Dollar Academy, and was schooled in the Borders before coming north. There, she was asked to deliver a lecture (for a lecture competition against her peers) on a subject of her choice. Her choice was, of course, cricket: women’s cricket. As a result of that lecture, she was invited by the headmaster to play on the boys’ team at her school. She remembers vividly one match against Fettes: “I had my hair pulled up and under a cap. No one knew I was a girl until I was about to bowl! Then the umpire asked, in great shock, ‘You’re Màili?’” There were unhappy stories, too. She also remembers being told, “Cricket is a boys’ sport.” She says that this motivated her hugely: “I wanted to show the person who told me that that girls could play just as well as boys.” She has certainly succeeded, thus far, in doing that. She relates how, in a match against Galashiels (St Boswells’ nearest rivals), “I was really happy because I got a triple wicket maiden and it was against the boys’ team. You could just see all the boys walking away thinking that they’d got beaten by a girl.” At the moment, she says, she is working on her batting and becoming more confident there: “I’m getting singles where I can,” she says, with very real modesty, “I’m very selfconscious when batting.” Her coach, for the past four years has been Kathryn White (who also plays for Scotland) and Màili credits her with giving her “confidence in all aspects”. Following her selection, Màili has reflected upon what she imagines the year ahead will hold: “I hope to improve on my batting and become more aggressive in what I do. I love bowling straight at the wicket and the triumph of getting someone out makes you want to do it again. The girls in the cricket team are all really nice and will help me to improve. In the future, I hope to get my first cap for Scotland and play more with my friends at what I enjoy best.” Heather Moore Sport Mackenzie (Junior 1). We have so many players competing and achieving success at various levels, and we will continue to support them in every way we can. One of the highlights for a number of our players this season was the visit of Judy Murray, mother of Andy and Jamie. This was truly inspirational in many ways, with Judy TENNIS CLUB Anyone for Tennis? What does tennis at Dollar mean to me? An interesting question, and one that has provoked a number of responses from a variety of people, young and old. “Winning a match with my partner on a Saturday morning against our biggest rivals…” “Seeing the Prep 1s hit their very first shots…” “Watching Judy Murray delivering a coaching masterclass to a range of Dollar pupils…” “Getting picked for a team…” “Seeing Miss Allan hit yet another ball over the side netting and claiming the court just isn’t big enough… “Managing to have a rally of ten shots for the first time…” December 2014 putting the girls through their paces and showing them a range of fun and interesting drills and games. The message she wanted to convey was very clear; that tennis, like any other sport, should be fun, and the only thing that really matters is “to do your best.” There is no doubt that to reach the top and become an elite player is an admirable goal, and many of our players are very committed to developing and working towards this, but every player has to start somewhere, and every Fortunas 34 “Learning a new sport…” “Having fun…” The tennis season at Dollar Academy runs from mid-April to the end of June, although many of our players continue to play throughout the year at clubs across the region. We have nine courts on the school Astro Turf, which of course becomes the hockey pitch for the rest of the season, and three courts on the harder (very bouncy!) surface near the Prep School. Our aims at Dollar are very clear: to encourage our pupils, both boys and girls, to play and enjoy the game of tennis, and to be the best they can. Pupils receive lessons in curricular time and have the opportunity, as in so many sports at Dollar, to attend lunchtime practices and after-school training, with large numbers going on to represent the school in school fixtures and competitions. We also have a number of pupils involved at regional and national level, attending various performance squads and playing in representative matches and competitions. Players such as Sophie Williamson (FP 2014), Hannah Worsley (Form VI), and Jenny Campbell (Form IV) have all achieved recent success, as have Michael Welsh (Form VI), Ruairidh Fraser (Form V), Michael Morrison (Form IV) and Euan 93 player should enjoy what he or she is doing. I believe we as teachers and coaches should always take heed of Judy’s main message, that sport should be fun. Indeed it is very refreshing to hear a world-class coach talking so passionately about this as the overall objective, and that the only occasion she ever criticised either of her sons (both Wimbledon champions!) was if they hadn’t tried their best. In addition to Judy, we also had Adam Brown, Central Scotland Performance Coach, come in to lead several sessions for players of a range of age groups and abilities. It was not surprising, as Adam has worked closely with Judy, that the theme running through all these sessions was again about enjoyment and playing the game. Our teams this year enjoyed many successes, and even though the Senior squad had a mixed set of results, they were led with genuine enthusiasm by the captain, Lucy Taylor (FP 2014). Our squads in Forms I to III all enjoyed a number of notable victories, with the Form IIA team proving to be particularly successful over the season. We also have a number of very promising players in the Junior School, and numbers attending practices at Prep 4 and 5, Junior 1 and Junior 2 level prove that the future is looking very bright. And so I return to the original question - what does tennis at Dollar mean for me? I think it is about seeing all our courts being used every lunchtime in the summer term, full of pupils giving up their lunch hour to come and have a game with their friends; it is about large numbers of enthusiastic players attending after-school practices; it is about being the best you can be; it is above all about having fun playing a game you love. Looking forward to summer already! Steve Newton Photographs courtesy of Jan van der Merwe Form 3A VI 03.05.14 Mary Erskine School Lost 1-8 06.05.14 Glenalmond College Lost 4-5 13.05.14 Fettes College Lost 0-9 17.05.14 Kilgraston School Won 6-3 20.05.14 Strathallan School Lost 3-6 Won 5-4 07.06.14 High School of Glasgow Form 3B VI 03.05.14 Mary Erskine School Lost 4-5 06.05.14 Glenalmond College Won 5-4 13.05.14 Fettes College Lost 2-7 Lost 2-7 20.05.14 Strathallan School Form 2A VI 23.04.14 Strathallan School Win 5-4 03.05.14 Mary Erskine School Won 7-2 06.05.14 Glenalmond College Won 7-2 13.05.14 Fettes College Won 7-2 17.05.14 Kilgraston School Won 9-0 Won 7-2 07.06.14 High School of Glasgow Form 2B VI 23.04.14 Strathallan School Win 9-0 03.05.14 Mary Erskine School Lost 3-6 06.05.14 Glenalmond College Won 6-3 13.05.14 Fettes College Lost 3-6 23.04.14 Strathallan School Win 5-4 Form 1A VI Tennis Club Results December 2014 Won 6-3 Kilgraston School Won 6-3 20.05.14 Craigclowan School Lost 3-6 Drew 5-5 Lost 7-2 Won 5-4 High School of Glasgow Form 1B VI 03.05.14 Mary Erskine School Lost 0-9 23.04.14 13.05.14 Fettes College Won 5-4 03.05.14 17.05.14 Kilgraston School Lost 3-6 20.05.14 2nd VI Strathallan School Won 5-4 Mary Erskine School Junior Junior 2 A VI 03.05.14 Mary Erskine School Won 6-3 Mary Erskine School Won 6-3 20.05.14 Craigclowan School Won 8-1 07.06.14 Lost 4-5 03.05.14 Fortunas 34 Mary Erskine School 07.06.14 1st VI 94 03.05.14 17.05.14 13.05.14 Fettes College Won 7-2 17.05.14 Kilgraston School Lost 3-6 20.05.14 3rd VI Strathallan School Won 7-2 Fettes College Lost 3-6 13.05.14 Strathallan School High School of Glasgow Glenalmond Mixed Tournament 17.05.14 Jen Alexander (FII)and Jamie Cairns (J1) Winners U 14 B section Sport #peoplemakedollar YOUNG DOLLAR PUPIL SHINES AT WIMBLEDON The final games of the Form II Basketball Tournament 2014 were played at the beginning of June. The result was a threeway tie between 2CB, 2MD, and 2SH. Based on the highest number of baskets scored during these games, 2SH were crowned the winners of the tournament. December 2014 Amenah Cheema (Form VI Journalism Pupil) BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS Fortunas 34 Michael Morrison (Form IV) performed exceedingly well in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon National 14 & Under Challenge Finals on Saturday 16th August at the All England Tennis Club. He was runner-up, coming second and beating 142 of the top young players in the country. The National Finals are a highly competitive tennis competition, with over 20,000 participants this year all having competed for the chance to play at Wimbledon. Michael’s outstanding performance, owing to his hard work and determination, gave him the rare opportunity to meet Tim Henman, a former British No. 1, who commended the players for “going out there and giving 100 percent,” believing that, “those types of values will get you a long way in life.” As an enthusiastic young athlete, Michael dedicates himself to putting his all into the sport he loves. He makes full use of Dollar Academy’s tennis court facilities, as well as being a member of Dunfermline Tennis Club. On playing at Wimbledon, he commented, “Getting to use the same courts as tennis stars is amazing. This is my first time on the grass.” Having narrowly missed out on first place in straight sets, Michael continues, “It was a tough match, tougher than the other ones. We played quite well at the start and I thought we were going to win it, but they managed to claw their way back.” But he is eager to continue to push boundaries and improve – displaying a true sense of sportsmanship and drive to succeed, he finishes: “I’m hoping I can push on from this and use it to inspire me to better things.” 95 December 2014 Fortunas 34 GOLF 96 It has been a pleasingly busy time for the Dollar Academy Golf Club. Summer term 2013-14 saw the team play several matches and our senior golfers compete in national competitions. The formidable pairing of Eilidh Watson (FP 2014) and Jennifer Allan (Form VI) won the Girls team event at the Scottish Schools Championship at Murrayshall, Perth, with Eilidh also scooping third place in the scratch competition. This was a fitting reward for what has been one of the most successful periods for golf at Dollar, and the girls are to be congratulated on their achievements. Robert Watson and Andrew Johnston (both Form V) also did well to reach the finals of the Scottish Schools Boys event. The team reached the area final of the Independent Schools Golf Association National Matchplay competition, where it was unlucky to lose out to Merchiston. In June, our Under 16 golfers played in home and away fixtures against Beaconhurst, winning both ties. The first match was at Dunblane Golf Club in singles matchplay, where some composed play and great performances saw the team win the match 2½-1½. The return fixture was a win for Dollar, 4–0. Home advantage was definitely a considerable factor in the result. Further success for our U16 golfers was to follow when Dollar won the inaugural Central Scotland Independent Schools Junior Stableford competition at Muckhart in June. We were able to field 15 golfers in this tournament, with Athol Stronach (Form IV) winning comfortably by 4 points. We also played against Merchiston at King’s Acre and despite some good play from Michael Morrison and David McIntyre (both Form IV) - Michael taking a half-point on the 18th and David winning his match 3 &1 – the Merchiston team proved too strong on the day, winning 4½-1½. One event dominated local and national news in September 2014 – the Ryder Cup. A number of Dollar’s young golfers had the privilege of attending the first practice day on 23rd September. Having negotiated our way to procuring a parking space next to the 8th green for the school minibus, we were rewarded with a vantage point onto an awesome Sport Neil Blezard December 2014 ISGA Matchplay fixture against Strathallan 3–0. Next on the fixture card, we play against Robert Gordon’s at Panmure. The Juniors have been busy, too. Acompanied by Mr Muirhead, they enjoyed a course management day at Muckhart with Douglas Young (Form II) winning the all-important putting competition and Jamie Fulton (Form I) taking the scratch prize for the day. In a further match this term, we hosted Merchiston for a singles matchplay fixture. Although obviously not used to playing a hillside course, the visitors did well, but Dollar held out to win 3½-2½. Finally, in colder and more blustery conditions in Crieff, the Dollar team drew 2–2 against Glenalmond in the seldom used at school ‘Greensome’ format. Fortunas 34 array of golfers. Pupils were issued two challenges: (1) to claim every player’s signature and (2) to submit their best ‘selfie’. Challenge 1 had already been achieved by the time the European team had finished on the 8th hole. Some great teamwork, and not-so-subtle “C’mon Rory, you’re the last one I’ve to get!” shouts from Cameron Walker (Form III) must have played their part. Challenge 2, the best selfie, went to Marshall Cuthbertson (Form IV) for his image with Hunter Mahan (9th in the world list). The pupils had a great day and, importantly, learned a great deal about how the professionals approach certain shots and conduct themselves on the course. The ISGA Scottish Open was held this term, once again at King’s Acre, with Rory Philip (Form IV) having the honour of hitting the first shot. A beautifully straight drive got him off to a good start. Dollar finished 9th in the team competition and Jennifer Allan came 4th in the girls’ scratch competition. The Seniors team of Jennifer Allan, Robert Watson and Andrew Johnston won their area quarter final 97 December 2014 Fortunas 34 2014 RYDER CUP – SCORE! 98 On the 23rd September 2013, when I walked up the 18th fairway at Gleneagles with Tom Watson and Paul McGinley, little did I know that one year on I would be walking up the same hole, this time with Victor Dubuisson and Zach Johnson, carrying the scoreboard in the last match of the Sunday singles in the 2014 Ryder Cup. Having been part of the ‘Year-To-Go’ celebrations, I knew I had already won tickets to go to Gleneagles as a spectator, but when ClubGolf gave me the chance to apply to be one of 28 scoreboard carriers it was an opportunity I felt I could not miss. Not only that, they also specified that someone who had been a huge support or influence would be able to accompany me, so of course this meant I could give a little back to my Dad. Initially we were told that we would only be needed for one game, but by Easter it became apparent that this would not be the case, and in fact we were needed for nearly the full competition week. That entire week in September would be spent in Perthshire! During the summer I looked forward to news of who was to be in the teams, with fingers crossed that Ian Poulter would be picked, as he was my golfing idol. Not only was Poulter selected, so was Stephen Gallacher, the only Scot - and boy did the crowd make him feel at home. The schedule arrived and a new pair of golf shoes was bought. It turned out I was not scoring for just one game, I was doing five, so there was no way I was going to suffer from sore or wet feet! To break all of us (including new shoes) in and to let us get used to the course, we had a few days out with the European and American players on their practice days. Not only was I lucky enough to go out with a team of four Europeans, but one of them was Ian Poulter! That – along with the amazing weather - made my day. We each had our times to be on the 1st tee but did not know whom the team Captains, Watson and McGinley, would select to play in each match. On Thursday night at the Opening Ceremony I listened to hear who would be out for the third match of the Four Balls in the morning matches … Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth for the USA, and Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher for the Europeans …they couldn’t have scripted it better! A morning start at 5:30 doesn’t normally sit well, but this was to be a very different day. We picked up our scoreboards and walked to the 1st tee; the noise from the stands, filled to capacity, was incredible as we approached. The wait for the next four players to walk through the tunnel was nerve-wracking. No words can adequately explain or express the immense pride I felt standing there on the tee, watching them walk towards me, hearing the crowd grow louder and louder. The Americans teed off first, not very well I must say, but then it was our turn, Ian first and then Stephen, the crowd right behind him - no wonder he had a wobble on the 1st. Carrying these boards is no easy job, and I now respect anyone who volunteers to do this task; they are heavy, so thankfully on our first day we only had to carry them over 14 holes, as the Europeans lost to the USA, 5 and 4. On Sunday we weren’t to be needed until just after 1pm – whom we were to be following we would not know until late on Saturday, but we did know that we would be on the last game of the competition. Dubuisson and Johnson turned out to be our players and we had the most wonderful, quiet game, watching top-quality golf with very little interruption. No-one was overly interested in us, as the general feeling was that the competition would be over by the time we headed up the 18th, which in the event proved to be the case, with Jamie Donaldson hitting the winning shot. Our peace and tranquillity were then most definitely shot to pieces, as very quickly our small group was joined by the other players, caddies, wives, friends, press and cameramen, for the last few holes. How Dubuisson and Johnson managed to hold their concentration over the remaining holes shows just how professional they are. For me, walking up the fairway surrounded by all the European and American players made the event even more special. To say it was noisy at the beginning of the tournament is an understatement, but that was nothing compared to the sound and emotion we experienced on the final day and the final green. A truly once-in a lifetime opportunity, made possible through ClubGolf and the Scottish Development Centre. Jennifer Allan (Form VI) Sport #peoplemakedollar five days and qualified for three finals. Here he enjoyed more success: he achieved 3rd in Britain in 100m backstroke and emerged as British Age Group Champion in 200m freestyle - also breaking the East District Age Group record held since 2008. These are remarkable achievements. Earlier this term Keir learned that he has been selected to train with the Scottish National Youth Development Squad. He must be congratulated on this invitation which certainly acknowledges both his past achievements and his potential in the sport. DOLLAR PUPILS RECOGNISED FOR SWIMMING SUCCESS DOLLAR SWIMMERS WIN GOLD IN BRODIES TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS Verity Smith December 2014 Some of Dollar’s strongest young swimmers participated in the Brodies Team Championships for Secondary Schools at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh on Wednesday 11th June. Kirstin Lawrie, Joanna Rae, Lucy Ross and Sian Thomson (all then Form I) produced some fantastic results in the S1 Freestyle Relay, where the team won gold, and in the S1 Medley Relay, where they took silver. These were hardfought victories against some other very talented teams; the times were only seconds apart. Kirstin had previously gained a silver medal at Scottish Schools in her chosen individual event. Lucy is a tetrathlete - an all-round and very committed sportswoman - while Sian and Joanna are Club swimmers who take part in regular swimming competitions. Kirsten and Joanna were also involved in last year’s successful primary relay team, and so are more experienced school swimmers, while Lucy Ross and Sian Thompson were new to the S1 team this year. Congratulations to all the girls on their achievement and many thanks to Mr Thomson for his help on the day. Fortunas 34 Kirstin Lawrie (Form II) is to be congratulated on having been selected to represent Scotland West at the National Inter-Counties Championships being held in Sheffield in October. A total of 40 teams compete in what will be quite a remarkable display of the nation’s top youngest talent. Kirstin was selected for this as a result of competing against other girls, aged 14 or younger, in the 100m Butterfly, within the area covered by Scotland West. Most impressively, she was the fastest. Given that Kirstin has only recently turned 13, this is a great accomplishment indeed. Kirstin also swims for Falkirk Otters and is a member of FIRST performance squad, a highly successful programme set up to improve the level of competitive swimming within the Falkirk area. Over the next few weeks, Kirstin is focusing her training efforts toward the Scottish Short Course National Championships which will be held in December at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. We wish her well and look forward to hearing news of her performance. Another of Dollar’s talented young swimmers, Keir Edgar (Form II) had a very busy summer. He finished his first year at Dollar a day early in order to attend the Scottish National Age Group Championships in Aberdeen. There, he competed each afternoon and evening over five consecutive days, which he found “extremely gruelling both mentally and physically; it was my first time at such a long swimming meet.” Although he competed as a 12-year-old in the 12-13 age category, Keir reached the finals in every event. During the week he also set a new East District Age Group record in the 1500m freestyle, beating a time that had stood since 2005. In the end, he triumphed and took away the Sharp Trophy for 200m Individual Medley. One month later, Keir competed at the ASA (British) National Age Group Championships in Sheffield. The field of competitors was extremely strong and included not only the best swimmers from across Great Britain but also a number of international swimmers. Keir competed in ten events over 99 SPORTS WEEKEND 2014 Champions Senior Girls (Heyworth Cup) – Lucy Taylor (Form VI) Senior Boys (Edina Trophy) – Philip Wright / Ross Hughes (Form VI) Intermediate Girls (Scott Cup) – Minnie Roe (Form III) Intermediate Boys (NCB Trophy) – Gordon McGregor (Form III) Junior Girls (Williamson Cup) –Catriona Leslie (Form I) Junior Boys (Sweet Cup) – Finn McIlwraith (Form I) Junior 2 Girls (Wilson Cup) – Lucy Smith Junior 2 Boys (Cameron Quaich) – Ross McKnight Junior 1 Girls (Reece McAllister Cup) – Elizabeth Deekae Junior 1 Boys (Reece McAllister Cup) – Ben Salmon Steve Newton SPORTS WEEKEND 2015 December 2014 Fortunas 34 All Former Pupils, parents and friends of Dollar Academy will be warmly invited again to attend Sports Weekend during the weekend of 2021 June 2015. Information regarding the itinerary, School Musical, Supper and Music event and Pipe Band performances will be posted on the website nearer the time. We hope to see many of you then. 100 Sport December 2014 Fortunas 34 101 2014 ATHLETICS RESULTS 28th April - Dollar v Cargilfield Dollar Cargilfield Junior 1 Girls 44 38 Junior 1 Boys 52 30 Junior 2 Girls 53 29 Junior 2 Boys 53 29 202 126 Overall 6th May – Dollar v George Watson’s v Erskine Stewart Melville Dollar George Watson’s ESM College Form I Girls 75 71 39 Form I Boys 60 67 71 Form II Girls 86 61 68 Form II Boys 61 62 95 Form III Girls 76 89 68 Form III Boys 72 90 72 430 440 374 Overall 12th May Morrison’s Academy v Dollar Academy 14th May – Dollar v Edinburgh Academy Cancelled Dollar Edinburgh Academy Junior 1 Girls 42 29 Junior 1 Boys 37 35 Junior 2 Girls 62 31 Junior 2 Boys Overall 58 35 199 130 29th May (Away) Dollar Edinburgh Academy George Watson’s Form I A & B Girls 339 255 190 December 2014 Fortunas 34 10th June (Away) Dollar v Strathallan v Queen Victoria Cancelled 102 ATHLETICS CLUB REPORT 2013-14 The 2013-14 season saw the Athletics Club continue to be well supported by a large number of pupils keen to practise, improve and learn more about a variety of track and field events. A new approach to the warm-up session, intended to challenge the whole body, had athletes balancing on narrow planks, crawling along the ground on all fours, bending under hurdles and weaving in and out of vertical poles. The arrival of starting blocks was very well received, and Mr Cameron Smith and Mr Kevin Reynolds successfully undertook the task of teaching the athletes how to use them. As a Club, we are always in the debt of the staff who give up their time to ensure that as many pupils as possible can enjoy this activity. Miss Zikou and Mr Reynolds joined the coaching team of Mrs Greenlee, Mr Smith, Mrs Dearden and the staff of the P.E. Department. It was also pleasing to see some of the seasoned athletes return to assist in the coaching of younger pupils and to officiate at inter-school matches. Many members of staff also gave of their time to assist in officiating at these matches which is very much appreciated; matches could not take place without this invaluable help. The grounds staff are also thanked for the maintenance and preparation of the field throughout the season, but in particular for the setting of the field on match days. The season’s competition opened with Dollar hosting a triangular match against George Watson’s College and Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools for Forms I-III. It was a great occasion and was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants - athletes, officials and Junior School pupils who assisted with collecting results sheets and equipment. The weather tried to ‘dampen’ spirits but to no avail. It is hoped that this will become a regular fixture as triangular meetings offer greater competition. Sport and bronze in Shot-put, Sean McLaren (Form III) won silver in both Shot and Discus, and on the track Jenny Walls (Form II) won silver in the 800m and Catriona Laing bronze in the 200m. On behalf of all our athletes, huge thanks are extended to everyone who has contributed to their success. Christine Galloway SCOTTISH ATHLETICS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS December 2014 A significant number of Dollar Academy pupils competed in the Scottish Athletics National Championships which took place over 23rd-24th August at the Aberdeen Sports Village. On Saturday, Bevhan Trevis (Form V) competed in both the Discus and the Shot-put. She achieved commendable results in each, coming 4th in the Discus with a distance of 26.53m and 5th in the Shot-put, throwing 10.84m. On the same day, Catriona Laing (Form III) not only won the 300m, she also achieved a new school record with her time of 42.28s. This is a notable achievement indeed. Sean McLaren (Form IV) competed very successfully as well, earning a silver medal in Shot Put and a bronze in Hammer. He also narrowly missed earning a third medal in Discus, coming in 4th position. Most impressively, Emma Mailer (Form I) earned the title of Scottish Champion in the 70m Hurdles, finishing in 11.76 seconds. She also achieved a bronze medal in the 200m with a time of 28.35 seconds. Lucy Smith (Form I) threw a Personal Best in the Shot Put (7.58m), to achieve 4th place, just outside the bronze medal position. She also jumped 1.45m in the High Jump, where she did achieve the bronze; additionally, she qualified for the 70m Hurdles final. It should also be noted here that Lucy (and her sister, Georgia) competed in the Scottish National Combined Events Championships in July, where Lucy earned a silver medal and Georgia a bronze. Fortunas 34 Unfortunately Forth Valley Track and Field Championships did not take place this year due to lack of funding. Dollar athletes have always performed well at these championships and the overall championship trophy has been in our possession for many years. This was particularly disappointing in this the Commonwealth year, but hopefully funding will be achieved for next year. Two girls’ relay teams participated in the Scottish Schools’ Relay Championships held at Hutchesons’ Grammar School. Bunty Kerray, Minnie Roe, Niamh Wallace (all then Form III) and Catriona Laing (Form II) won their heat convincingly and went on to win silver in the final; the winning team broke the existing record and won the trophy for the best girls’ relay team of the championships. Eight athletes qualified to compete in the Scottish Schools’ Track and Field Championships which were held at Hampden as part of a trial event before the Commonwealth Games. Security was accordingly very tight and the event was restricted to athletes, parents and coaches. Competing in the venue before the Commonwealth athletes will be a treasured memory for all competitors, but particularly for those who won medals. Bevhan Trevis (Form IV) won silver in Discus 103 December 2014 Fortunas 34 SKIING NEWS #peoplemakedollar In June a team of Dollar skiers competed in the Dual Slalom Ski Race at the Midlothian Sports Centre, Hillend. The team, comprising Jemma Hulbert (then Form VI), Lucy Hulbert (Form IV), Alex Fleming, Ross Broomfield, Ramsay Bryce (all Form III), Megan Stedman (Form II) and Alice Barthram (Form I), had a great day of sunshine and quick racing against a number of teams from across Scotland. The Dollar skiers did well, securing wins against a number of schools, but unfortunately were knocked out in the first round. Jemma takes with her our good wishes as she leaves this year, having expertly led a team which promises much for the years to come. DOLLAR GYMNAST WINS GOLD AT NATIONAL FINALS Scottish School Ski Championships Two Dollar teams raced at the Scottish Schools Ski Championships at Midlothian Ski Centre on Sunday 21st September – a Senior Girls’ team and an Under-14s mixed team. The Senior Girls’ team, comprised of Megan Stedman (Form III), Christina Callion, Alex Fleming, and Abi Douglas (all Form IV), finished in overall 3rd position. Captain of the team, Abi Douglas, went on to place 5th in the individual championship. The Under-14 team had two members racing at Midlothian Ski Centre for the first time. Archie MacKechnie (Junior 2), Euan Smith, and Ruaridh Henderson (both Form I) and Alice Barthram (Form II) also performed promisingly, racing to silver medal position. Alice, the team captain, came 5th in the individual championship. Rosa Loedel (Form V) has been named a British Champion as a result of her gold medal win at the Acrobatic Gymnastics British National Finals that took place at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke over the weekend of 31st May. Over 500 gymnasts from 76 gym clubs competed, representing the ten English Regions and the Home Nations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. In the end, Scotland finished in an impressive third place overall. Rosa, who trains and competes with the Acrobay Gymnastics Club based in Dalgety Bay, won the competition in her discipline which also results in her being named a 2014 British Champion. This is the first occasion in which a Scottish gymnast has won gold in this particular discipline. Junior School Skiers in Scottish Schools Dual Slalom Finals Four young pupils from the Junior School have qualified to participate in the Scottish Schools Dual Slalom finals at Glasgow’s Snow Factor on Wednesday 29th October. Archie MacKechnie, Andrey MacNee, Emma Howat (all Junior 2) and Archie Kelly (Junior1) all competed in the qualifier, which was held at Firkpark Ski Centre in Tillicoultry. Two experienced teams competed: Kilgraston School and Dollar Academy. Five novice teams from across Scotland also competed. The Dollar skiers raced each team twice, making a total of 12 races. The young Junior School pupils won each race in the experienced category and only lost one to Ardvreck in the novice category. These four talented and passionate young skiers are very much looking forward to the Glasgow finals. We look forward to hearing the results of this competition. 104 #peoplemakedollar HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW 2014 I have just had the most amazing finish to my summer holidays. I have been trying to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show for eight years now, and it finally happened this summer. There are only 21 competitions throughout the UK at which you can earn qualification to compete for the 143cms Working Hunter Pony of the Year Final at the NEC, Birmingham. This year, I won the qualifier at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Championships at Grantham, Lincolnshire. The BSPS Championships is a four-day show, with the HOYS qualifier held on the third day. I only started competing with my horse, Elliot, in June when we went to the Royal Highland Show. As Grantham was my first attempt riding him at a HOYS qualifier, we were really just going for the experience and we weren’t expecting any big results at this show. We had a couple of classes on the first day, but with a couple of fences down, there were no placings on Day 1. The next day we had a 9th in a class in the morning and then a good clear in the afternoon to be placed second in a very strong class, so our confidence was coming along nicely going into the third day, the HOYS qualifier. We jumped a great round to go clear and I was absolutely delighted. Once everyone had jumped we knew there were only nine clear rounds from the 31 starters in the class. The top ten ponies were taken back into the ring to be placed. My only thought then was that I was going to be placed in my first HOYS qualifier, which would be great; little did I know what was about to happen. Placings were announced in reverse order, and when they called out “First, Number 670” (my number!), all the Scottish people clapped and screamed with joy. I was awarded a silver trophy and more cheers rang in my ears as I did my lap of honour. I then went on to win ‘Champion of the Section’ which took me into the Working Hunter Pony Champion of Champions event on the Saturday night, the final night of the show, which was another incredible experience. The last time I attended the Horse of the Year Show was back in 2009, when my elder brother James was placed fourth in the 122cm Show Hunter Pony final. Now I’m going to compete….and I cannot wait! December 2014 Fortunas 34 Gavin Hay (Form III) Photographs courtesy of Equinational 105 DOLLAR WELCOMES ITS NEW FP REGISTRAR I would like to introduce myself as the new FP Registrar. I am here to help you keep in touch with the school and former classmates. I also help facilitate reunions and events in Dollar, throughout the UK at the Regional Clubs and overseas. We currently have eight Dollar FP Clubs based in the UK; Dollar, Dollar Accies Rugby Club, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highland, North of Scotland, North of England and London. We also have ‘consuls’ based in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne), Canada, China and USA (California and Arizona). Direct contact details for the Club secretaries can be found on the inside cover of Fortunas. All Former Pupils are very welcome to join any of the clubs and you can do so by completing the insert in Fortunas or emailing me directly. It will help if you include your name at school, married name if applicable, as well as the years you attended Dollar. The Clubs independently organise events in their region with initial mailings done by me. If you have previously ‘joined’ a Club and currently receive mailings and wish no longer to do so, please let me know. If you currently receive Club mailings through the post, it also means that we do not have an email address for you. Ideally I would prefer to communicate with all of you in a more environmentally sound and cost-effective way, so please email me at dollarfp@dollaracademy.org.uk, including the details as listed above, if you are happy to receive future Club and FP mailings by email. As you are reading Fortunas, it means that we have your correct mailing address on file and also that you have opted in to be a Life Member. The majority of our newer Former Pupils keep their parental address on file for several years, which does mean that some addresses receive multiple mailings of Fortunas. Please let me know if you would prefer only one copy mailed to the family address, to be shared by all family members. In future we may offer an electronic version of Fortunas. If this might be of interest, especially to our overseas Former Pupils, do contact me. Currently the past few additions of Fortunas are available to read on the school website. The school loves to hear of successes and achievements from FPs, as well as general news, and I look forward to hearing from you and being able to share your news within the wider Dollar Academy community in the next edition of Fortunas. If you are coming along to Sports Weekend, 19 – 21st June 2015, do stop by the marquee and say hello. I would be delighted to chat with you. December 2014 Fortunas 34 Kind regards, 106 Contact me at: dollarfp@dollaracademy.org.uk Join the new Dollar FP Linkedin Group FP CLASS OF ’63 AND ’64 50th YEAR REUNION June 20th 2014 December 2014 Gus Carnegie Fortunas 34 The evening started with a photo shoot on the school steps of the 41 dinner guests along with the Rector and two of the teachers from that year group – Ivor Barber and Ron Glasgow. It was a beautiful summer’s day, and the guests strolled off to the Captain’s Room for pre-dinner drinks and canapés. MC for the evening was Gus Carnegie who welcomed the FPs and their partners, some of whom had travelled from Italy and the USA. He explained that it was to be a relaxed and informal evening with no seating plan, with hope that folk would circulate between courses. A display of about 40 photographs and documents had been set up in the Captain’s Room, the source of much hilarity and mind-searching. The Rector, David Knapman, welcomed the party and wished them a successful evening. Head Boy of ’64, Hugh Webb, proposed a toast to the school, his theme that it was the extra-curricular activities that made Dollar different. As a new boy and somewhat musically challenged, he found marching in time with Corps Pipe Band quite difficult. Hugh then recounted the difficulties of dating a girl when both of you were boarders under the draconian curfew that prevailed in the 60s. Once he met up for a clandestine liaison with a girl boarder, only to be informed that he was ‘chucked’ for looking at another girl. Hugh concluded by stating that the school had taught us all perseverance and endeavour which had stood us in good stead for the rest of our lives. Former School Governor and Class of ’63, Robin Cumming replied on behalf of the school. He explained that the above mentioned discipline regime no longer applied, and the school had a self-monitoring system that worked well. Robin outlined how all the new buildings over the past 50 years had come to be built and noted that the school has never had any debt. Robin was a great fan of the Pipe Band and outlined its recent successes as a good example of the extra-curricular activities that are so important in producing rounded pupils. Prior to an excellent meal, Nick Lunan said grace and toasted absent friends. 16 class mates had indicated that they could not attend for various reasons. On the Saturday morning, 16 FPs had a private tour of the school and were welcomed by the Assistant Rector, Mr Daniel, and six delightful Prefects. This was an unstructured tour and FPs could go anywhere they wished. After visiting both old haunts and the new buildings we all departed, some extending their stay by attending other Sports Weekend activities. Several folk had not visited the school for 50 years and this reunion was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience and much enjoyed by all. There is even talk of another gettogether in a few years’ time! 107 The group, pictured, comprised: Margo Malkin (FP); Eve Buck, Bruce Buck (FP); Jo Campbell (FP); Arthur Malkin; Barbara Scott; Ann Davidson (FP); Iain Scott (FP); Sally Hooff (FP); Pam Rogers (FP); Orrin Rogers CANADIAN FP REUNION December 2014 Fortunas 34 A small number of the 100 or so Dollar Academy FPs in Canada took the opportunity to meet again this year, at Gravenhurst, Ontario. Bruce Buck, Consul in Canada, has forwarded this article which appeared in a localmagazine, recounting the evening through the eyes of an interested observer. One of the great things about playing piano every Saturday night for the Segwun’s dinner cruises is that you meet such interesting people. Weekend after weekend, couples want to tell me how they fell in love 50 or 60 years ago. Others tell me their life stories. I told Linda a couple of years ago that nothing would surprise me any more. I was wrong. Two weekends ago I discovered that a group of 11 sitting at the stern of the rear deck was celebrating a connection with a private school in Scotland called Dollar Academy. Six were Scottish-born former students at the prestigious school. The other five were their spouses. I had never heard of Dollar before. It is an ancient Scottish village which sits between Edinburgh and Glasgow, best known for Castle Campbell, a brooding medieval landmark where Mary, Queen of Scots, used to stay. Its second best-known landmark is Dollar Academy, Scotland’s fourth largest private school, founded in 1818. Most of its 1,250 students come from the local area but its excellent academic record also attracts live-in students from far and wide. Bruce Buck, a retired theatre lighting specialist now living in Niagara-on-the-lake, told me that alumni from the academy are scattered around the world but stay in touch through a school magazine. One year ago he decided to arrange a reunion of Canadian alumni and it was so successful that he decided to repeat it again this year. How did this year’s reunion wind up on a RMS Segwun cruise? Scottish-born Ann Davidson, a long-time cottager at Little Lake Joe, is an alumnus of Dollar Academy. 108 She’s the one who recommended that the reunion be held in Gravenhurst. Janet Gray, who works behind the sales counter at the Grace and Speed boat museum and is a parttime travel consultant, made the arrangements, including the Segwun cruise. I always thought that Scotland escaped most of the German bombing during World War II, but Bruce Buck, who attended Dollar Academy 1941-46, says that’s not true. He watched Luftwaffe bombers flying overhead and spent much time in an air raid shelter that was a big hole dug in the ground with a corrugated steel cover and earth on top of that. On March 13th and 14th 1941, the German bombers blitzed shipyards at Clydebank on the Scottish west coast, killing 518 civilians over the two days. I was fascinated by my chats with the Dollar Academy group on the Segwun. Iain Scott, who was born and raised at Dollar before coming to Canada, was a guest panellist on CBC’s Saturday afternoon radio programme for 25 years and was also involved with the Texaco radio opera quiz from the Metropolitan Opera Theatre in New York. Our evening cruise had special memories for Ann Davidson, whose late husband, John Davidson, was a highly respected member of the board of directors for the Lake Muskoka Steamship Society before his death in 2007. In 2006 John Davidson and another director, John Lee, arranged for the Segwun to make a rare day trip into Little Lake Joe with their families and friends. When the ship came to the Davidson cottage, neighbours circled the steamship in their boats as a gesture of affection and respect for John who they knew was not well. Now you know why I feel honoured to have played on the RMS Segwun for more than 20 years. Every cruise brings me into touch with special people and special memories. Courtesy of Jack Hutton, WHAT’S UP? magazine (Muskoka, Ontario) FP Back L-R: Dave Lewis (FP 1978), Rod Mason (FP 1979), Malcolm Blaxall (FP 1981), James Smith (FP 2008), Jamie Andrew (FP 2009), Niall Archibald (FP 2000) Front L-R: Jan Blaauw (FP 1970), Mhairi Campbell (née Clark, FP 2002), Allan Brass (FP 2001), Ken Morrison (FP 1969) HONG KONG FP DINNER 13 November 2014 Initiated by James Smith, a group of Former Pupils, all currently living in Hong Kong, met at the Hong Kong Football Club. They enjoyed drinks and dinner while they chatted and reminisced about ‘The Old Grey School’. A letter was read out from Mr David Knapman, the Rector, and a most enjoyable evening was had by all. This dinner was initiated and organised within six weeks, so if any of you would like to do something similar, do please get in touch at dollarfp@dollaracademy.org.uk Back row: Douglas Alexander, Hazel Dawson, Andrew Cardle, George Fleming. Front Row: Maureen Ross (neé Rimmer), Jean Dunnet (née Guthrie), Fiona Chapman (née Watson), Helen Long. CLASS OF ’72 DINNER Andrew Cardle (Class of 1972) decided to visit Dollar for the first time in over 40 years, and with Maureen’s help, arranged a gathering of 1972 Leavers. A very pleasant evening was spent in the Green Hotel, Kinross in September, with promises made to meet up again, sooner rather than later. Class of 1960 55 Year Reunion, There will be a Class of ‘75 - Sixth Year 40th Reunion - on Saturday 20th June 2015, starting with pre-prandial drinks at the FP Sherry Party, followed by the Sports Weekend Supper & Music in the Marquee. If you are interested in attending please apply for tickets for the evening event through the school, and let us know you are coming. We look forward to seeing you there. Best wishes, Sheena Rae (née Hudson) Friday 19th June 2015. Plans for this Reunion are well advanced with 50FP’s from as far away as Canada and the USA already confirmed. Specific details for the weekend will be ciculated early in the new year. Saturday 20th June 2015 email: RAESheshe@aol.com (mark the subject as “Class of ‘75 Sixth Year 40th Reunion”) mob: 07850 861868 Johnny Crombie /”Midge” email: johnny@uk2.net mob: 07808 327839 Class of 2005 10 Year Reunion, Saturday 13th June 2015. Details will be sent out early January 2015. December 2014 Class of 1975 Reunion Fortunas 34 SAVE THE DATE FORTHCOMING REUNIONS Jean Dunnet 109 December 2014 Fortunas 34 A CAREER OR TWO IN THE LIFE OF LINDSAY LAWSON, FP 110 When asked if I might be interested in writing a piece about the work that I do and how I came to be where I am today, I did wonder…who on earth would want to read such a thing?... But I suppose my weekly working life does not reflect the norm for those who have been to Dollar Academy, whatever that is! To rewind just a bit, *with a sharp gasp of horror when re-counting the years*, I started at Dollar in Prep 4, 24 years ago and left after Sixth Year in 2001. I don’t think of myself as much of an academic, and I had to work incredibly hard to achieve my grades at school and university, but I do feel that Dollar was an incredible foundation for my education and development as a person, and provided me with the most invaluable opportunities that I believe have contributed hugely to the person I am today. When I was a kid, I thought I’d either like to work as a weather girl or in a prison. I have no idea where these ideas came from; unfortunately Geography was not my strength and I’m a complete wimp at the best of times, so both options were out of the question. I therefore spent most of my years at Dollar with no real clue as to what I wanted to be or do with the rest of my life, until my dear Granny suggested that I should look into Occupational Therapy (OT). She herself had received OT input following a triple by-pass operation, and felt that I had similar qualities to the staff who had treated her. I managed to get the grades and so set off to Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen for four years. If any current pupils reading are about to leave school for university in Aberdeen, one important tip: do not refuse, as I did, the warmest winter jacket imaginable FP WWW.BILLMCLARENFOUNDATION.CO.UK wonderful tone to his voice and a knack of finding a fitting phrase for any occasion, from a bowl of soup “as hot as molten lava”, to comparing Brian Redpath to “a baggy up a Border burn”. He took an active interest in the school and would attend events and appear as a speaker when invited. One of his proudest possessions was his Dollar Academy school tie which was presented to him by John Robertson and which he used to wear regularly when doing BBC work. Not only a legend in the broadcasting world, a journalist for The Glasgow Herald for over 30 years, but he was also a PE teacher in Hawick, where he instilled in every primary school boy and girl essential life skills through playing sport and games from athletics to rounders to country dancing. Basic standards of behaviour such as discipline, respect, honesty, integrity, punctuality and fairness were all central to the values that Papa held dear. December 2014 who experience acute mental health problems often have difficulty with the simple activities of daily life that we all take for granted - getting out of bed in the morning, visiting the shops, going out with friends. A lot of my work is spent assessing their needs, developing routines and promoting engagement in everyday activities, as well as ensuring their safety within the community with a view to supporting an effective and safe transition home. As well as working as an Occupational Therapist three days a week, I have also taken on a role that I never imagined possible in all my dreams. The other two days of my working week are spent as an Events Coordinator for the Bill McLaren Foundation, a charity set up in my Papa’s (Grandfather’s) name. Papa was a proud Hawick man and was renowned throughout the rugby-playing world as the ‘Voice of Rugby’, broadcasting with the BBC for over 50 years. He had the most captivating character, a Fortunas 34 when offered it by your mother. I was thinking only of my ‘street cred’ of course, but I foolishly declined ‘sensible and retro’ - a massive regret, as it can be like the Arctic up there (very sunny though!), and I spent the rest of first semester wearing every item from my wardrobe and looking like the abominable snowman - classy! I’ve always been a caring person, aiming to do my best to make other peoples’ lives better, and I think that that is what I was put here to do. I now work as a Specialist OT within acute adult mental health inpatient services in Edinburgh. My hospital duties include providing expert assessment and treatment to individuals experiencing acute mental health problems, including schizophrenia, severe depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and personality disorders. Many adults require 24-hour care whilst they are in hospital, to support the improvement of their health and wellbeing, and to ensure their safety and that of others around them. Individuals 111 “I truly believe that I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have the family that I do” December 2014 Fortunas 34 Shortly before he died, he gave his blessing, albeit with a quizzical raised eyebrow, to setting up a charity in his name, The Bill McLaren Foundation, whose main objectives are to promote the game of rugby and its values and to encourage and provide sporting opportunities for young people. In the last three years the Foundation has given nearly £350,000 to a variety of worthy causes, primarily at grassroots level in Scotland, and aimed at helping youngsters develop the life skills that meant so much to Papa. These initiatives include projects such as the Positive Coaching Scotland programme, delivered through the Scottish Rugby Union, which encourages rugby clubs to support the theory that children will thrive and develop well if they can be assisted in their sporting lives by enthusiastic coaches and parents working together with the principles of self-control, teamwork and co-operation at the core. There are now 26 accredited clubs leading the way, with many more signing up to the programme. The Bhubesi Pride project, which we also support, has almost completed its third year travelling through ten countries of Africa, promoting the development of life skills and delivering a health message by introducing hundreds of boys and girls to rugby. To learn more on this project, please visit www. rugbyinafrica.org. 112 The Foundation has supported young golfers, athletes and an activity project for disabled youngsters in the Borders, as well as giving funds to other charities in New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong, and to other UK charities such as Teenage Cancer Trust. As a family we all contribute with others to the running of the BMF, a registered Scottish Charity, with mum ‘the Voice’, like her dad, and a trustee of the Foundation. Dad helps the Foundation with events as a volunteer and Rory and Gregor help whenever they can. Gregor is very busy with his business but willingly donates auction items, such as Morphsuits and Royal and Awesome clothing to help raise funds. Rory lives in Dubai but also MCs events for us and helps attract speakers and terrific auction items. If you want to know more about our Foundation or would like to provide any support, please visit www.billmclarenfoundation. co.uk.were I truly believe that I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have the family that I do. My parents, Linda and Alan, are the most ridiculously selfless people in existence. Their focus has always been family first, and they have instilled strong values in all of their children as well as teaching us to work hard and have fun. I look up to my older brothers, Gregor and Rory, in awe of their wonderful achievements but also with gratitude for the encouragement they have given me. I had a great start to life in Dollar and made some wonderful friends for life there. For those of you about to leave school, it may be worth taking some advice from Gregor, who is very knowledgeable about career planning and knows how to play and work hard. He maintains that if you don’t know what to do with yourself workwise, you should write down what you’re good at and also what you like doing and see if you can marry up these two strands. If you can, great, if you can’t then follow your dreams and see where they lead - hopefully to a good place. Remember, it is always better to have a plan than no plan, and it requires courage to put fear aside, take a risk and do something bold which can be celebrated. Then, as my Papa would say – “They’ll be dancing in the streets of Dollar”. Good luck! Lindsay Lawson (FP 1991-2001) FP SVOICE Y RUGBY DINNER ) AT PRESTONFIELD HOUSE HOTEL supported by Carbon Financial Partners Ltd DOUGIE DONNELLY (MC) ANDY IRVINE SIR IAN MCGEECHAN GARETH EDWARDS JOIN US ON FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2015 FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT WITH AN EXCELLENT LINE-UP OF GUEST SPEAKERS AND SURPRISE GUESTS. £100 PER TICKET OR £1000 PER TABLE OF 10 December 2014 JOHN THORBURN JOHN@BILLMCLARENFOUNDATION.CO.UK TEL : 07929 655132 Fortunas 34 WWW.BILLMCLARENFOUNDATION.CO.UK 113 “WE’RE NOT IN DOLLAR ANY MORE” A Month of Travelling and Volunteering in the Hot and Humid Heart of Vietnam December 2014 Fortunas 34 The Cameron Travel Scholarship Trust helps to fund Dollar pupils on trips overseas in order to partake in some voluntary activity. Here Bethan Scott, a recipient this year, recounts her experiences in Vietnam. 114 A famous old wizard once said to a young and naïve hobbit on the brink of an adventure: “You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey’s end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.” These sage words were at the forefront of my mind as I left the sun-kissed mist of Edinburgh for the lush paddy fields of Vietnam at the beginning of the summer, just a few weeks after walking out of the Bronze Doors as a Former Pupil. It was all thanks to the Cameron Trust that I was able to embark on such an adventure, a month volunteering in a disabled centre for children. I would urge all pupils to consider applying for the grant, it truly is the most fantastic and unique opportunity to travel to the furthest corners of our world, whether it is to build a school, work in an orphanage or teach English. Just get out there, immerse yourself in a different culture and leave your comfort zone. It’s hard to imagine another school year at Dollar kicking off in all its hectic excitement when one is kayaking between the ancient mountain islands of Halong Bay or cycling through the vibrant ricefields of the impoverished ethnic minorities. I have wanted to visit Vietnam ever since studying the war in Higher History and reading River of Time, the shocking account of British journalist, Jon Swain, one of the fearless reporters who journeyed to the heart of the killing fields. The bravery, perseverance and sheer daring of such men and women never fails to astonish and inspire me, especially in light of the horrific deaths of Jim Foley, David Haines and Alan Henning dominating the world’s headlines. One scorching afternoon, I navigated my way through the frantic streets of Hanoi (without the help of Google Maps) to visit the Hao Lo Prison Museum to try to get a sense of the war’s legacy, among a people who seem so warm and peaceful. Nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by FP class of drawing with the theme ‘under the sea’, when a young girl with cerebral palsy was dropped off. I was astonished to discover she spoke excellent English, and so proceeded to discuss her favourite music and films, which included Coldplay and American movies. Soon the teacher came over to us to begin the girl’s one-on-one lesson which I was further astonished to learn was actually quite advanced algebra, which the teacher would do herself in a jotter, explaining as she did it, and the girl would watch carefully from her side. But the hardest thing was having to see children neglected, isolated by behavioural issues, by the severity of their conditions. The teachers themselves come from very challenging backgrounds, and despite an awareness of how different this culture is, it is still difficult to see how they discipline, with physical more than verbal methods. I was involved with helping choreograph and teach a dance routine to a group of children putting on a show in September for their parents. It consisted of a variety of simple movements to the dulcet tones of Miley Cyrus singing ‘The Climb.’ And suddenly, as the bleak, dirty little courtyard was filled with music and we were flapping around like birds, the children smiling and laughing as though they were about to take off into the sky, I realised it had all been worth it, just to see the expressions on their faces. It reminds me of something else that old wizard once said, “I found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness, and love.” If I learned anything from my time in Vietnam, it is that no matter how dark the world becomes, laughter will always light it up again. Bethan Scott (FP 2014) December 2014 Fortunas 34 the Americans, this prison turned out to be an eerie place, forever tarnished by its long and dark history. Patriotic music accompanied photos and videos showing how ‘humanely’ the US pilots were treated, romanticising their lives alongside captions such as the following: “It would be hard to believe one’s soul is being taken care of in this ‘communist’ land. What the family is doing now over there, across the ocean? Wasn’t it right to say: God is here too and probably only here?” Next to photos of the imprisoned pilots decorating Christmas trees and sharing cake were graphic shots of the decimated villages they bombed and the bodies of the children that were murdered there. The voiceover emphatically explained the extent of the US failure to subdue the Vietnamese people, that in 1965, Ho Chi Minh said fighting the Americans was the ‘most sacred’ task of the true ‘patriot’, and such indefatigable courage and passion could never be defeated. But then I turned the corner into a dark room filled with equally dark and ominous music, to come faceto-face with the most heinous contraption I have ever seen. It was an enormous black guillotine that must have been at least five metres tall. The prison had actually been built in 1896 and operated for 50 years by French colonists. They were portrayed as utterly merciless barbarians. Torture instruments lined the walls, everything from an electric wire and an oil can to a jute bag and a glass bottle. One can only imagine what horrors these were used for. Filthy cells were filled with chained models of Vietnamese prisoners, their faces twisted in anguish, while shocking testimonials by female prisoners and photos of beheaded rebels decorated the walls. I emerged from the prison feeling very disturbed. Yes, this is a deeply cultural country with a long and vibrant history, but the world at least for now associates it almost wholly with the vast death and suffering of the last generation, with the tragedy of the Vietnam War. And it’s true, that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to volunteer here. At the Phuc Tue Centre for disabled children, many of the disabilities are suspected to be consequences of the Agent Orange the US dumped all over the North of Vietnam. Agent Orange is one of the most morally reprehensible things I have ever heard of, but I will refrain from making any more sweeping sanctimonious statements. As in all conflicts the boundary between right and wrong was marred beyond distinction, both sides committed and suffered atrocities. My work at the disabled centre was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. From taking the morning exercise class and helping out with various lessons to playing football in the courtyard and teaching several children how to play Flappy Bird on my iPhone, it was one of the most rewarding times of my life. The conditions and facilities were so bad and the centre so short-staffed I aimed to try simply to bond with the children and just make their days, hopefully, that little bit brighter. On one occasion I was helping out in an afternoon 115 December 2014 Fortunas 34 DOLLAR’S TWO JAZZ GREATS 116 On Wednesday 26th June, five highly talented young jazz musicians from across Scotland competed in the final of the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow. Remarkably, two came from the same school – Dollar Academy. Jonathan Silk (FP 2007) was named Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year, and Fergus McCreadie (FP 2014, then Form V), aged only 16, was named the Under 17 winner, for the second year in a row. The concert at the Old Fruitmarket provided the opening performance for the Glasgow International Jazz Festival and Fergus went on to play for the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival later in July. “I don’t know what to say,” said Jonathan on the night. “I’ve been here all day listening to these amazing players and thinking how great they all are. I never expected to win.” Those who have heard Jonathan and Fergus play, however, were not terrifically surprised that they both made it to the very hard-fought finals, beating out so many others in a selection process that was unforgiving and exacting. Initially, their CDs and music files were listened to by a group of established jazz musicians who had no knowledge of the identities of the players. They were judged only upon their musicianship and creativity. Ten semi-finalists then attended the semi-final mentoring weekend, where they were privileged enough to work with some of Scotland and Europe’s best professional jazz musicians; Jasper Hoiby bassist from MOBO nominated band Phronesis, Chris Greive trombonist and member of award winning band NeWt and the SNJO, Dave Milligan, pianist, composer and arranger. As a result of this weekend, five finalists were selected to compete at the Old Fruitmar- ket on Wednesday evening. Jasper Hoiby, one of the mentors, said, “These young musicians are scarily good! It was a privilege to be around them.” In an interview for BBC Radio Scotland last year, Fergus said, “My life revolves around music. I enjoy practicing to improve on my playing and I love making music with other musicians. I really enjoy the musical freedom and the expressiveness in jazz. I love this music and I see myself playing jazz piano as my future career. My hope is for this competition to give me the opportunity to move on to the next stage of my musical development.” His teacher is currently Euan Stevenson whom, Fergus says, has been a key influence in his development to date. “He has encouraged me to explore my jazz interests and always challenges me to improve.” He has also been heavily involved with NYJOS for several years. Fergus has also been studying for an Advanced Diploma in Jazz at St Andrews University. He has somehow managed to fit this in alongside his many playing commitments, practice and rehearsal time, his exam-year studies at Dollar Academy. . . and, of course, listening to an awful lot of jazz. He describes his influences as including Oscar Peterson, Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Red Garland, Horace Silver and Erroll Garner. “I also listen to Art Pepper, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard and John Coltrane and more recently McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea as well as the later work of John Coltrane.” Fergus has recently embarked upon full-time study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. This year’s Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year competition is organised by the Scottish Jazz Federation and in its eighth year. Jonathan Silk, as winner, will receive a prize package including £1000 cash, £1000 towards a new project and a six-date tour of venues in Scotland as well as prestigious appearances at Glasgow and London jazz festivals in 2015. The final was recorded live for BBC Radio Scotland’s Jazz House programme. Heather Moore FP RACHEL MACLEAN’S ‘I HEART SCOTLAND’ COMES TO DOLLAR December 2014 Fortunas 34 On Tuesday 20th May, the Travelling Gallery bus pulled into Dollar Academy, containing within its intimate gallery space the work of Rachel Maclean (FP 2005), one of Scotland’s most talked-about young artists. Her exhibition, I HEART SCOTLAND, drew a constant stream of curious pupils and staff. They wandered into the bus during a spare moment in an otherwise everyday sort of day, only to emerge buzzing, challenged and intrigued by the wildly colourful range of images they had seen. Commissioned, published and produced by Edinburgh Printmakers, Rachel’s I HEART SCOTLAND is “At once grotesquely positive and violently kitsch,” according to the Travelling Gallery website. “It employs dark humour to present a playful and multi-layered reading of contemporary Scottish identity.” Rachel attended Dollar Academy, where her father is still Head of Art, from 1995-2005. She then went on to the Edinburgh College of Art where she studied Drawing and Painting. From 2008-2009, she visited Boston, Massachusetts on a student exchange to the renowned School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Cath Kelly (Art Teacher) taught Rachel when she was a pupil at Dollar. She recalls that, “Even although it is now nine years since Rachel left school, her school work still stands out as wonderfully imaginative and forwardthinking. In school, she introduced a new way of creating and developing ideas which still inspires our current pupils. She integrated sculpture, photography and painting into individual works and, even then, was interested in using technology to communicate her ideas.” Two of her drawings still hang in the Playfair Building and the Art Department has carefully archived some of her school work to inspire current pupils. Rachel herself writes of her work that it “slips inside and outside of history and into imagined futures, creating hyper-glowing, artificially saturated visions that are both nauseatingly positive and cheerfully grotesque.” Heather Moore 117 December 2014 Fortunas 34 MCC AND PETER ROSS RETURN TO DOLLAR 118 The annual cricket match against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) offers the school’s young cricketers an excellent opportunity to play against some of the country’s best and most dedicated players. This year was an especially exciting one for current pupils, not least because the MCC side included ex-Scotland captain, Ryan Watson. But, at least as exciting for pupils, was to play alongside two Former Pupils: Bryn Lockie (FP 1986, and an ex-Scotland opening batsman, currently Physical Education specialist at Stewart’s Melville College) and Peter Ross (FP 2010). Peter Ross was, not very long ago, one of the young stars of a highly successful generation of cricket-playing pupils at Dollar. He is now working hard to “forge a career in professional cricket”. He remembers playing competitive cricket for probably the first time when his father’s team was short two players and so he was recruited to the team. When the opposition’s best batsman smashed the ball towards him, Peter remembers, “I somehow managed to cling onto the catch, to the euphoric delight of my teammates, and my effort was rewarded with the coveted ‘Catch of the Year’ trophy. I still have the trophy on show on my bookcase.” Perhaps it was the daily reminder of his ambitions offered by that trophy, but something propelled Peter to the top of his game at every level. He was 11 when he scored his first hundred, and had been selected for both the Scotland U12 and U13 teams by age 12. He was swiftly appointed Captain of the 2A’s when he moved to Dollar Academy. He made his 1st XI debut for the school in Form II and looks back upon those years fondly, “I was lucky to be part of the Dollar side during this time, as we had an abundance of good cricketers and experienced a lot of success. We were also lucky to call upon the enthusiasm and experience of our coach, Jamie Frost, who (along with the late Bruce Ritchie) encouraged us all to apply for MCC membership.” Peter’s career has continued to develop at a great rate. He went on to study Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Metropolitan University with the aim of furthering his cricket career through the Leeds/Bradford Universities Cricketing Centre of Excellence which exists to develop professional cricketers. In First Year, Peter was selected to play for Scotland in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup that took place in Australia 2012. The Scotland team finished 11th – one place outside of the Test nations – and recorded a notable victory against the Test-playing nation of Zimbabwe (Peter scored 43 in that game). This season, Peter made his First Class debut, and has found himself playing against the likes of Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, Ryan Sidebottom and Liam Plunkett. Having finished his degree, his sole aim is to play professional cricket, whether that be for Scotland or an English County, but he recognises that this is about “playing the right cricket in front of the right people at the right time.” His goal, “which all began when I took the ‘Catch of the Year’ on the boundary when I was only ten”, looks to be within reach. Heather Moore ENDURANCE RIDING Suzanne rode weekly at Dollar with Mrs Emery in Glenrothes. She also broke her leg falling off at the age of 12, which required four weeks in traction at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. Undeterred, this did nothing to diminish her love of horses, and eventually she decided it was time to have a horse of her own in her life. She found Salsa Caramel advertised for sale as a six-year-old in Surrey, a part-bred Arab, palomino in colour, standing at 16.1hh. The arrival of Caramel changed my life. He had been out on trial loan periods before, but was returned each time as he was a bit of a handful. It took about a year to really get to know him, as he was very green and we were starting from scratch. In 2006 I discovered endurance riding and we started to enjoy pleasure rides in different locations around Scotland. For this you are provided with a map and are timed in and out to calculate your average speed. Caramel seemed to really enjoy these rides, and the natural progression was to try competitive rides, starting at 30km. Before the ride, each horse is presented to a vet, who checks the starting heart rate, hydration, gut sounds, general health of the horse and trot-up for soundness. Then the average speed over the course is calculated. Once back at the venue there is a 30-minute slot to present for the final vetting. The heart rate must be under 64 to pass. FP Heather Moore December 2014 Suzanne Taylor (FP 1986-1992) Photograph courtesy of Melanie Horne Photography On Friday 31st October, the school’s aspiring journalists were treated to a very interesting lunchtime talk from Vernon Baxter (FP 2002). Working in publishing and finance journalism in London, he is the managing director of Investor Publishing. His entertaining presentation focused on his rather original pathway into journalism. After leaving Dollar, Vernon took what he described as “the world’s least exotic gap year”, during which he lived with his parents, but also (through some extraordinary initiative) ended up translating a Spanish language basketball magazine into English (though he spoke no Spanish). Thereafter, he went to Edinburgh University to study English; though at this time, he was already working as a professional journalist. In his final year, mostly because he felt he should, he edited the student newspaper. Following that, he worked in Dubai for a year and gained valuable experience there before returning to Britain to work in London, where he has been ever since. His advice to pupils was candid and challenging to those who entertained ambitions of entering the profession: learn to write, work hard, be proactive, build a network of contacts and read as much as you can. Once you can write ‘clean copy’, he said, “the only thing that differentiates you is what you know and who you know.” He stressed there that were two types of knowledge: “the sort you can find out through hard work, and the sort you have no right in knowing – and the only way to get the latter is through people.” He also spoke about establishing a reputation: “To get the inside track you need to earn people’s trust and they need to see value in sharing information. It’s very easy to get this wrong – you have to be tenacious about chasing a story, but also dedicated to facts and exercising judgement.” The pupils and staff at Dollar are very grateful to Vernon for sharing his remarkable wealth of journalistic experience with them. Fortunas 34 Gradually we built up our distance, following the grading system which allows combinations to progress from Bronze, Silver to Gold Series. Salsa Caramel reached his Gold Series status (80km) in 2012. The dream goal would be 160km in one day. We have represented Scotland at the Home International on three occasions, at Burgie in 2010, Barbury Castle in 2013 and most recently Town Yetholm, 2014. This year I wanted to aim high and have a go at the ‘Elevator’. This covers 160km in one day, but does allow you to stop at 120km (Platinum status) if you wish. We entered the Seacliff Endurance Race in North Berwick, held on Saturday 14th June. At this level the riders need ‘crew’ on the ground at points en route to offer the horses water and to ‘slosh’ them (pouring water over the neck to cool the horse). My crew consisted of Jamie Craig, whose mother is something of a legend in the field. With a trot-up and full vetting on Friday night, we started off on the course at 5am on Saturday morning. Competitors complete a variety of loops, with distances varying from 20 to 40 km, each followed by a hold and vetting period lasting up to 40 minutes. Although the weather had been damp at 5am, temperatures on the course soon reached over 20 degrees, and my crew used ice in the water at the vet gates to cool Caramel down and lower the heart rate. The last two pleasure rides were particularly hard going mentally, as we were both tiring, but it was really encouraging for both riders and horses to have people go out in their cars to offer water on the last loop. With light fading and to the cheers of a huge crowd of supporters, we ran over the finish line at 10.30pm. From a field of six who started the course, three finished, gaining Diamond status. I have owned Caramel for 10 years now and it has taken a very long time to prepare him for this distance. He did an amazing job, as did the team of people who assisted and encouraged us throughout the day. I am very grateful to them for their help and support. Further information is available for anyone who might be interested in becoming involved in endurance riding at scottishendurance.com. FP JOURNALIST AND PUBLISHER VISITS DOLLAR 119 UNIVERSITY NEWS The following Former Pupils are to be congratulated on their recent achievements: University of Aberystwyth Catriona Thomas (née Squires, FP 1990-1997) PGCE in Chemistry with Balanced Science, and is now teaching Physics. University of Aberdeen Murray J Alexander (FP 2001-2007) BSc (Hons) Geology-Petroleum Geology 2.2 Tammas C Burt (FP 1995-2008) MA (Hons) Entrepreneurship-French 2.1 James F G Gee (FP 2006-2010) MA (Hons) in Economics – International Relations 2.1 Jemma Headspeath (FP 2004-2010) MA (Hons) in English 2.1 Connie MacGarvie (FP 2005-2010) MA (Hons) in Management Studies – Property 2.2 Katrina C McPherson (FP 1997-2010) BSc (Hons) in Zoology 3rd Caitlin Richmond (FP 2003-2010) MA (Hons) in Sociology 2.1 Natalie Anderson Rosie (FP 2004-2010) MA (Hons) in English 2.1 Jennifer M Waters (FP 2001-2009) MA (Hons) in International Relations - Legal Studies 1.1 Taylor Watson-Fargie (FP 1998-2010) BSc (Hons) In Neuroscience with Psychology (Intercalating) 1.1 University of Bristol Rory Houston (FP 1999-2007) MBChB Medicine. Previously BSc Sport Science, July 2012 University of Cardiff Fraser Drummond (FP 2002-2009) BDS (Hons) in Dentistry December 2014 Fortunas 34 University of Dundee Ewan J. Baird (FP 2004-2010) BSc (Hons) 2.1 in Product Design University of Edinburgh Catriona Jardine (FP 2003-2010) Law (LLB) 1.1 Ranald MacDonald (FP 1998-2002) PhD awarded November 2011. Thesis was ‘Novel Routes to Heterocyclic Azo Compounds’ 120 University of Glasgow Holly Grant (FP 2006-2010) MA Economics 2.1 Joanne Smith (FP 2004-2010) Scots Law (LLB) Hons 2.1 Heriot Watt University David Allan (FP 2007-2010) BEng Mechanical Engineering Leeds Metropolitan University Peter Ross (FP 2005-2010) BSc (Hons) 1st Class in Sports and Exercise Science. He was also presented with the Dean’s Prize for Academic Excellence at his graduation ceremony. Oxford University (Brasenose) Kirsty Smith (FP 2004-2010) BSc 2.1 in Preclinical Medicine. Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Shona Tait (FP 1998-2006) BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy Robert Gordon University James Tree (FP 1998-2010) BA LLB (Hons) 2.1 University of St Andrews Talia Sarafilovic (FP 1999-2010) MA in Geography 2.1 University of Swansea Stephanie Hanley (FP 2003-2010) BSc Sports Science and awarded UK Physiology Student of the Year 2014. She is now starting a Masters at Swansea. FP NEWS BROWN Ian Brown (FP 1957-63) was elected National Convener of the Saltire Society in September. At the end of that month he stood down as Professor in Drama at Kingston University, London, but the University has awarded him the honour of an emeritus professorship. In recent months Ian has been talking about his book on the history of Scottish theatre, Scottish Theatre: Diversity, Language, Continuity, and reading his poetry at a number of book festivals, including those at Glasgow, at Brno and Ostrava in the Czech Republic, at Kosice in Slovakia and at Wroclaw in Poland, as well as at the 2014 Edinburgh Book Festival. FP DEN-McKAY Lt Col Neil Den-McKay MBE (FP 1984-1990) was awarded the OBE in June 2014. GRASEKAMP Kyrie Grasekamp (FP 2006-2014) was awarded the Society of Biology Scotland award for obtaining the top mark in Biotechnology Higher this year. She was presented with this on 12th November in Edinburgh. Kyrie is in First Year at Glasgow University studying Virology. LOGAN Congratulations to Elaine Logan, formerly Mrs Middlemass, on her appointment as Warden of Glenalmond College. A member of the English Department at Dollar from 1987 to 2001, Elaine made a huge impact on the life of the school, in a variety of areas, as house parent of Dewar House, in her pastoral role as a highly effective Head of Form I, and in building up drama both as a curricular and co-curricular activity. Many FPs will have trod the boards in one of Elaine’s five Junior Musicals and 13 Senior Plays. She left Dollar to enjoy a very successful career at Loretto, culminating in her position as Deputy Head there. We wish her all the very best in her new role. MAYES, TAYLOR Lottie Mayes and Eleanor Taylor (both class of 2013) represented Great Britain Women at the World Junior Ultimate Frisbee Championships in Lecco, near Lake Como in Italy, during July. Both began playing the sport at Dollar and then continued their interest alongside their studies at Aberdeen University. SMITH Leading surgeon and pioneer in the field of reproductive health, Dr Richard Smith (FP1971-1977), is set to perform Britain’s first womb transplant. With the world’s first baby from a transplanted womb born in Sweden in October of this year, it is thought that this procedure could be introduced in the UK by 2017, subject to approval from British ethics committees. Formerly of the University of Glasgow, Dr Smith now works at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in London and is hoping to fund the operation through his Womb Transplant UK charity. We are delighted to welcome these new additions to the extended Dollar family: DEN-McKAY To Caroline and Alisdair (FP 1985-1993), a son, Alexander Joseph, on 11th May 2013 in New Plymouth, New Zealand. A brother for Imogen and Iona, born at home and delivered by Dad! FIELD On 25th July 2014, at St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey, to Sian (née Evans, FP 1983-1987) and Grant, a son, Rhys James. A beautiful little brother for Oliver David and Rhiannon Elizabeth. HARRISON Graeme (FP 1990-2003) and Michelle Harrison are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Benjamin Thomas Harrison, on 30th August 2014, weighing 6lb 14oz. HARRISON Neil (FP 1988-2000) and Angela are pleased to announce the arrival of Lewis Callan Duncan Harrison, on 5th May 2014. HENDRY To Samuel and Alison (née Begg, FP 1995-2000), a daughter, Lillian Isobel. born on 10th June 2014 in Singapore. LAING To Alexander and Lindsay Laing (née Howie, FP 1991-2000) a daughter, Marjory Ann Tilly (Maisie), on 24th January 2014 at Borders General Hospital. MAXWELL Birth of twin boys on 9th June 2014 at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Cameron Andrew Maxwell and Harrison John Maxwell, of whom proud parents are Jennifer Maxwell (née Black, FP 1984-1994) and Iain Maxwell. ROBB To Gillian (FP 1982-1990 and Staff) and Brian Robb, a son Cameron James, born on 13th October 2014, 8lb 6oz. WARD To Melissa (née Keys, FP 1987-2000) and Patrick, a daughter, Florence Judith born on 18th February 2014 at Chelsea. ENGAGEMENTS December 2014 WATKINS - BURNS Both families are delighted to announce the engagement of Sarah-Jane Watkins and Gregor Burns (FP 1988 – 1994). The couple plan to marry next March in Sarah-Jane’s home village, Porthcawl, South Wales. Fortunas 34 WHITAKER Corinna Whitaker (FP 2002 - 2008) was selected for the Commonwealth Games Table Tennis squad. BIRTHS 121 MARRIAGES We wish every happiness to… BARR - BROWN On 6th June 2014, Jane Barr (FP 1987-1990) married Scott Brown at Dryburgh Abbey, Melrose. Current pupils Hayden Thomson (Junior 1) and Riley Thomson (Prep 4) were an usher and flower girl respectively. LIVINGSTON – CROSBIE On 25th October 2014, Christine Livingston to Robin Crosbie (FP 1997-2004). MOINARD-BARBIER - GUEST David Guest (FP 1992-1998) married Bertille MoinardBarbier on 26th July 2014 at the Church of Saint-Valéry, Varengeville-sur-Mer (Seine-Maritime), France. FPs in attendance were Dougal Squires, Robert Barnes and John Millar. SHAW - ANKERS Catherine Louise Shaw (FP 1991-1997) married Paul John Ankers at Stockport Hall, Stockport on 23rd May 2014. STEWART – BEST Karen Stewart (FP 1990-1997), Deputy Head Girl and 1st XV Hockey Captain, married Mark Best at Crichton Collegiate Church on 3rd August 2013. The reception was held at Carberry Tower near Musselburgh. TURNBULL - CROWE Ewan Crowe (FP 1989-1997) married Claire Turnbull on 27th June 2014 at The Inchyra Hotel and Spa, Polmont. WILLIAMS - MORGAN Philip James Morgan (FP 1990-1998) married Chloe Rose Williams at St Edmunds Church, Suffolk on 26th June 2014. DEATHS December 2014 Fortunas 34 Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of the following Former Pupils: CROOKSTON Harry Crookston (FP 1940-1943) passed away at home in Swansea on 14th July 2013. He is survived by his wife Anne, two children and four grandchildren. 122 DAVIDSON Hugh Davidson (FP 1931-1938), husband of Mary (née Bisset, FP 1934-1939) died peacefully on 21st July at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow. A boarder in Tait, he was Head Boy 1937-1938, and winner of both the Milne and Kennedy Medals. HARVEY Lt Col. (Retd) Hamish J. S. Harvey, REME (FP 1947-1956) died peacefully at The Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury on 16th November 2014. His funeral was held at St Eata Church, Shrewsbury, on 26th November 2014. He was a day pupil at Dollar from 1947 to 1956. He left on completion of the Fourth Year, having passed the entrance exam and interview for Welbeck College. After completing his Sixth Form years he went on to The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, from where he was commissioned into the REME. LINDSAY Alastair Lithgow Lindsay (FP 1944-1952), born 15th November 1934, died 9th July 2014. Alastair’s time at Dollar Academy during the 1940s had a profound and beneficial effect on the rest of his life. He was proud to have spent his education here and spoke with affection and amusement, with many tales of pupils and Masters, and was heavily involved in all aspects of school life, one of his favourite pastimes being shooting because this did not involve running about! His working life was always in the oil industry, and he travelled all over the world via Pakistan, Aden, Libya, Alaska and Australia before returning to the UK to Harlow and Aberdeen. He retired eventually to West Sussex. He is sadly missed by his wife, Pat, and children, Ewan and Sarah, Jane and Malcolm. LINDSAY James Gordon Lindsay (FP 1940-1948), born 28th July 1930, died 31st August 2014. Gordon attended Dollar Academy during the 1940s at the same time as his brother Alastair. He went on to study Medicine in Glasgow and after National Service in Japan, Korea and Malaya, he settled in Australia where he spent time in Tasmania, Melbourne and Caloundra. He was a gifted doctor and after retirement continued as an anaesthetist for several years. He is sadly missed by his four children, Alison, Duncan, Ian and Richard and their families. LAMBERT Colin Stuart Lambert (FP 1935-1946) has died aged 86 years. He is survived by his children, Patricia, Stuart and Lorna, also by his sister, Lesley, and brother, Euan, all FPs. Colin was Captain of Rugby and Cricket and Drum Major. MATHESON Bridget (née Cairns - Rosemount, FP 1951-1957, ) died peacefully in Paris on 16th June 2014. Beloved wife of Bill and mother of Karen and Laurie. FP SMITH Andrew L. Smith (FP 1956-1964) at Forth Valley Hospital on 26th July 2014. STRETCH James (Jim) Stretch (FP 1939-1949) after a brief illness in Perth Royal Infirmary, on 29th November 2013, at the age of 83. (See obituary in this edition) THOMSON Keith Fleming Thomson (FP 1942-1947). Keith died peacefully on Friday 24th October 2014, after a steady decline in health and a short illness. JAMES ( JIM) STRETCH (FP 1939–1949) 1930-2013 Ian L. Stretch (FP 1939-1950) December 2014 He was essentially a countryman and never happier than when discussing farming and rural matters over a dram or two. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline, son Michael and daughter Kim. Fortunas 34 James Stretch died on 29th November 2013 at Perth Royal Infirmary after a short illness. He was 83 years of age. His father was the late Canon J. L. Stretch of Dollar. The funeral and interment were held at Pitlochry and a good number of FPs were present as well as many from the farming community. During his time at Dollar, he proved to be a good athlete and also played on the wing for the 1st XV. After leaving school in 1949, a damaged cartilage prevented his call-up for National Service. He then attended the West of Scotland Agricultural College for two years. After getting married to Jacqueline, whom he met while managing a farm in Rosshire, they moved to the Knoydart estate. This was an estate of approximately 30,000 acres and was inaccessible by road, the only access at that time being by landing craft from Mallaig. He was appointed as a Special Constable, but this proved to be an undemanding post. After several years at Knoydart he moved to Auchterarder where he managed a hill/arable farm. After a number of years, Jim took on the job of managing the Glen Lyon estate. This again was an estate of many thousand acres, and it was a well-known deerstalking estate. Jim took relatively early retirement and moved to live near Pitlochry where he remained until his death. Although a lowlander by birth, his heart was in the Highlands and this was where he felt most at home. Fishing, shooting and deerstalking were his main interests. He was extremely practical and could turn his hand to any job. On one of my visits I noticed two Land Rovers being repaired. When I asked Jim what he was doing, he casually said that he was taking the engine out of one and putting it in the other. He also became a skilled woodturner in his retirement. 123 MEMORIES OF ANN LENNOX KATHLEEN ANN MACINTYRE (née MARSHALL) December 2014 Fortunas 34 (FP 1935-1951) 1930-2014 Born in 1930 in Dundee, Kathleen and her parents returned to their hometown of Dollar in 1933, where she enjoyed a happy childhood, surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins. Her grandparents then owned Manor House, in the grounds of Dollar Academy, and Kathleen’s earliest memories were of summer days playing in the garden there, the location of the school swimming pool now. Kathleen spent all her schooldays at Dollar Academy, starting Prep School aged five, followed by Junior and senior school, where she enjoyed the company of all her cousins, her sister Hazel joining the school some years later. Home Economics and Art were her favourite subjects, and Kathleen was also a keen member of the Hockey team. On leaving school, Kathleen was employed by the Alloa Coal Board where she trained as a Comptometer Operator and Wages Clerk. She worked for the Company, which became part of the National Coal Board, until her marriage to Duncan MacIntyre in Dollar Parish Church in 1956. Kathleen spent most of her married life in Currie, Midlothian, where she was an active member of the WRI and Church Guild, using her adept skills in arts and crafts and baking to contribute greatly to community projects and charitable work. Kathleen was a kind, thoughtful and extremely organised person, with a deep sense of loyalty resulting in the many close friendships she made during her life. She leaves her husband, Duncan, her two sons and two grandsons, the eldest of which left Form VI at Dollar Academy only this year. 124 Gordon MacIntyre The Lennox family has had a long association with Dollar Academy, and this was marked recently in the form of a bequest to the school from Ann Lennox (née Fyfe, FP 19381944) of a painting of Iona by F.C.B. Cadell. Ann’s death was noted in this summer’s edition of Fortunas (no.33). Ann attended the school during the war years, travelling from Alloa by train in the company of, among others, Jack Lennox (FP 1936-1943), whom she was to go on to marry. Jack died in 1997 and his obituary was published in the Dollar Magazine at that time. After university in Edinburgh, and subsequent training and working as a medical social worker, Ann married Jack, who had served as a Royal Marine Commando before qualifying as a chartered accountant, in 1953. They set up home in Edinburgh where Jinty (FP 1963-1972,) and Jock (FP 1963 - 1974) were born. The family moved to Fife in the late 1950s where Jack was busy expanding the firm and Seonaid (FP 1965-1978) was born in 1960. Jack and Ann decided they wanted the children to be educated at Dollar, so the family moved to the town in 1963 while Jack continued to develop the accountancy practice in Edinburgh and Fife. Jack and Ann became part of the Dollar community, supporting the Academy and FP Club, making many friends as the children progressed through the school. Jinty, Jock and Seonaid each played a full role in school life, taking advantage of all that Dollar offered. While in Dollar, Ann became very involved in many other organisations, such as the Guides, the CAB and the Red Cross. She also enrolled on some courses with the Open University. Not satisfied with all of that, she was in charge of one, then two, Labrador dogs and was a familiar figure as she exercised them around the town. The family home in Kellyburn Park was a welcome home-from-home for many pupils over the years. FP Increased demands from the office in Edinburgh were the reason Jack and Ann left Dollar in 1978, relocating to Edinburgh for work and Kingussie for weekends. It was to Kingussie that Ann and Jack retired in the late 1980s. As well as juggling both houses, the dogs (who had now morphed into a Dandy Dinmont and another Labrador), Ann had another round of leading the Big Society. She helped with Age Concern, was welfare officer for the Red Cross in Highland (culminating in the Red Cross Badge of Honour) and was active with the Lady Hoare Trust. And there was the City and Guilds embroidery qualification. Ann stayed in touch with Dollar friends over the years, visiting them regularly, and indeed Seonaid and she had a happy few days staying in the Castle Campbell Hotel in 2012 where much merriment was shared. Jinty (Moffett) qualified as a lawyer, raising her family in Edinburgh, and has now emulated her parents by being a ‘busy retired’ in Kingussie with her husband Ian. Jock followed his father into the accountancy world, working for the majority of his career from London, and now fulfils nonexecutive roles in varying companies and is married to Sue. Seonaid (Mustard) trained as a teacher and married Niall. They farm in Morayshire, where Seonaid teaches. Each family has three sons who are doing a variety of things in Scotland, England, Australia and the US. Members of the family came to school in November to hand the painting over to the Rector, before enjoying the 1st XV rugby match between Dollar and Robert Gordon’s. It is planned to display the painting in a suitably alarmed central location around the school, so that Dollar pupils will be able to see it on a regular basis. The Governors are very grateful to the Lennox family for their generous gift. While visiting, the family also kindly donated a significant sum for a maple tree to be planted in the grounds in memory of Ann Lennox. Seonaid Mustard December 2014 Fortunas 34 125 December 2014 Fortunas 34 THREE GENERATIONS 126 My father, Dr A. W. Pollock, was the first to start this chain of association with Dollar Academy. He was born in Shanghai, China, and like many children whose parents lived abroad, was sent home for his education. Why Dollar I don’t know, but he enjoyed his few years in the 1920s so much that he felt very strongly that his own family - Margo, Arthur (Ben), Colin and Ruth - should also have the ‘Dollar experience’. Sadly Ben, as my brother was known, died in 1986, and is still very much missed by his wife, two sons and his siblings. After living in various countries as diverse as the US and Iran, Margo and her husband have finally settled back in Canada. Colin enjoys retirement in Buckinghamshire with his wife and son after a lifetime of piloting planes for British Airways. I have recently retired from teaching and enjoy the challenge of running a small B&B, ‘West Road House’, on the west coast of Kintyre. My two sons, Ewan and Robin, are the third part of ‘Three Generations’. Ewan graduated from Imperial College in 2006 with First Class Honours in Aeronautical Engineering and then went on to work as a consultant engineer in London and Abu Dhabi. He recently graduated with a PhD in Atmospheric Science from the University of Arizona in Tucson. Currently he is carrying out research at the U of A and will begin a permanent position with NASA in February. Robin graduated from the University of Dundee Medical School in 2009, and after obtaining his M.R.C.S. is now working as an E.N.T. surgeon in the West of Scotland for the next six years. He met his wife, Christine, ten years ago at university, and we all enjoyed a family get-together at their wedding in October. Who knows, maybe it will be ‘Four Generations’!! Ruth Crosbie (née Pollock, FP 1957-1967) THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES… Rona Sinclair’s lovely article, ‘Thank You for the Music’, in Fortunas 33 on her singing career in Form V was evocative of my own singing start in life. The Arcadians was my first experience of singing at Dollar before an audience. I was one of the small boys at the back, while Sheila Wallace sang the principal role so well. Later a young lad called John Short and I vied for the position of best boy soprano in the school, which he may have won (by a whisker, I really cannot remember). After school I studied Civil Engineering and followed a wandering life around the world until in due course I found myself back near Dollar, supervising the construction of a section of the Kinross bypass. I had married a very musical lady who enrolled us, without my consent, in ‘The Kinross Singers’, in spite of my inability to read much music. Does playing in the Dollar Pipe Band throughout the war count as a scholarship of musical scores? Nevertheless, that was the start of my public singing career. I was 42 years old and found myself to be the principal bass baritone and soloist in the The Kinross Singers. Our choir mistress, Marjorie, was a benign tyrant who believed we could sing anything and everything, from Burns to Bach and Mozart! We were favoured with the membership of a local farmer with a beautiful tenor voice, and a soprano with whom I once sang Mozart’s ‘Papageno/Papagena Duet’. Then Marjorie imported a principal baritone who later had a long career with Scottish Opera, Gavin Maxwell, and we, with him, managed a 16-voice performance of Messiah. From ‘Mud, Mud’, ‘The Road to Mandalay’, to ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, I sang for my personal enjoyment, if not that of the many audiences we travelled to entertain. After further travelling we found ourselves on Skye, where I had an interesting road contract to supervise. There was no choir to join, except ‘The Portree Gaelic Choir’. This we did, with about 50% non-Gaelic speakers/singers, and sang at the Mod in Edinburgh, winning the prize for best Gaelic speech content, but not for our vigorous rendering of ‘Cha Garioch’. I finished my career with ‘The Inverness Singers’. Then my wife died and after a year or two, I gave up, but not before we sang in ‘Songs of Praise’ in Aviemore and the annual Carol Service in Inverness Cathedral. Carry on singing Rona Sinclair. I shall follow your career with interest. Ian Gow, aged 86 (FP 1936-45) CULTYBRAGGAN MEMORIES SOUGHT Did you attend a camp at Cultybraggan as a Cadet? Mrs Valerie Campbell needs your help. She is currently writing a book on the history of Cultybraggan Camp at Comrie, from its inception and time as a prisoner-of-war camp, right up to the present day as a small business park. She would welcome any FP memories of time spent there. You are invited to contact Mrs Campbell by letter at 41 Walton Crescent, Dollar, FK14 7HX, or by e-mail at powcampsuk1945@gmail.com. Any assistance would be greatly welcomed. FP RUGBY PITCHES AT DOLLAR Roy Chapman (FP and Head Boy, 19451955) Dear Editor, December 2014 During summer 2013, while on holiday in Anstruther, I came into conversation with Anne Mackinnon of Ceres. It transpired that she was the daughter of the stationer’s in Dollar (I cannot recollect the name, but it was not Muckersies [?])) and to my amazement she remembered me and many contemporaries of that time, although she did not attend the Academy. She later produced the programme from the 1st XV match against a Select XV which brought back many memories. As it will be 50 years next year since we all went our separate ways, the programme may be of interest to other members of the XV. Kindest regards, John Boyd (FP 1957-1965) Fortunas 34 Although present generations of Dollar boys play their rugby on super purposemade pitches, some from much earlier generations will remember the delights (or otherwise) of playing on ‘temporary pitches’ in a field down the Devon Road just beyond the old railway line. Health and Safety gurus nowadays would be horrified if they were to see their sons cavorting on pitches which had served recently as the grazing ground for a herd of cows. It required a brave boy to go into a tackle when he could see, out of the corner of his eye, an enormous pat. Kind referees would move a scrum a few yards to the side when the venue was in the proximity of a pat, and mothers had a difficult job to prepare their sons for a rugby match on the Saturday if the latter had been at a practice on the Thursday. In those days, not many families could afford the luxury of two sets of rugby togs. Of course, it was the younger age groups which had to play on the ‘temporary pitches’, usually (but not always) during the week. The top four teams played in front of the pavilion. In those far-off days (in the 1950s), the third pitch there was still part of the hillside. In the early 1950s it was decided to create a third pitch. After the preliminary bulldozing had been done, it was decided - presumably as an economy measure - to use child labour to pick up the stones. It was made known that stone-pickers would be paid nine (old) pence per hour to pick up stones. Quite a few of the local lads - girls apparently thought it was beneath themselves to carry out menial labour - turned up on Day 1 to earn what they thought would be easy pocket money. They got quite a shock, however, because it turned out to be virtually slave labour and much more arduous than ‘tattie howking’ (potato-picking before machines). The chain gang lasted two days, and there were significantly fewer ‘volunteers’ on Day 2. The powers that be decided that, even with sweated boy labour, more expensive machines were the better option. I hear talk of new purposemade rugby pitches on the site of those in the early 1950s. I hope that those who play on them will spare the odd thought for the past generations, who grew up watching the cow pats rather than the ball. 127 Back row, l-r: Thompson Harley, Gordon Burns John Boyd, Angus Morris, Charles Gascoigne, Alastair Hutchison, Alan Jones, David Graham, Kenneth Smith. Centre Row: Robert Malcolm, Ronald Stevenson, Tom Barr, David Robertson (my brother), George Chettle, Tom Dykes and Hamish Buchan. Front Row: Donald Fraser, Mark Thomson, Mr Lawson Smith, Mrs Olive Tennant, John Buchan, Stuart Hope Seated on the ground are Sandy Blackett and Roger Robertson. LAWSON SMITH – CORRECTION December 2014 Fortunas 34 A number of avid readers spotted a regrettable infelicity in Fortunas 33, in the notice regarding the passing of Mr John Lawson Blackie Smith, who was former Housemaster of Rathmore House, and not Argyll as recorded. This has generated a flurry of responses and reminiscences from readers, and thanks are extended to all who were in touch. Dear Editor, Thank you for another excellent edition of Fortunas. It always brightens my day to read about the great achievements of the school and FPs, many and various. I was pleasantly surprised to see the House photo on page 113 accompanying the brief obituary for Lawson Smith as I am the little chap on the ground on the right! This is not Argyll House, however, but Rathmore, which was on the edge of town on the Muckhart Road and adjoined Rosemount. I still have a photo which was taken in 1960, but it is slightly different, so I think the one published was most likely 1959. Lawson Smith ceased as Housemaster in the early ‘60s, I think, as Bill Stewart (Classics) and Alan Thompson (Maths) followed him in my time at Rathmore, until I moved to Tait in 1964. Lawson Smith, often known as ‘Creep’ because he wore soft-soled suede shoes and would sometimes appear behind you unexpectedly, was a very good Chemistry teacher who explained atoms, ions and valencies in a way we could all understand. Like many teachers at that time, he could have a fearsome temper if we were not providing the necessary answers to his questions. I recall one day in Form I when he was demonstrating the effects of mixing metallic elements with water. The general result was that an oxide was produced and hydrogen was given off which was collected in a gas jar and ignited with a taper. A large glass trough about 450mm in diameter was used and it must have contained at least 10 litres 128 of water. Having been successful with some of the less volatile elements, Mr Smith then took a very small piece of sodium in his forceps and plunged it into the water – BANG! Water everywhere - in the drawers, down his trousers and over his shoes. Laugh? You bet we didn’t! The base of the trough had disintegrated completely but the side remained in one piece. No more experiments or demonstrations on that day. Rathmore was a privately owned Boarding House, run by the redoubtable Olive Tennant. She had been a nurse, presumably during the war, and started Rathmore in about 1947. If something had gone wrong we would all be gathered in the Common Room after breakfast and Mrs T. would storm in and deliver a homily about the evils of uncleanliness, untidiness or whatever else had upset her. These lectures often used to last about 15 minutes, which meant that we all had to rush down the road to avoid being late for prayers at 9.00. One particular day we were all assembled and Mrs T started, “It is said that money is the root of all evil. Well, I disagree, CONSTIPATION is the root of all evil!” What caused this topic to come to the fore I have no idea. I hope the above is of some interest and that Dollar continues to make a major contribution to learning, the town and to the wider world in general. Regards, Roger Robertson (FP 1955-66) FP FROM THE ARCHIVES TOP OF THE FORM QUIZ AT DOLLAR There has long been an erroneous belief that Dollar Academy won the final of the national ‘Top of the Form’ quiz in the 1950s. A mention of the quiz in Fortunas 33 and a query from a reader prompted me to do some research. In fact, the school took part in two quizzes: in 1950 in the longrunning radio quiz ‘Top of the Form’ and then in 1952 in the very first TV schools quiz, called ‘Full Marks’. There was huge local interest and support but we did not even reach the final of either quiz and I hope the evidence presented here will set the record straight. The Radio Quiz 1950 Round 1 (won). Alloa Advertiser 7th October 1950: “The photo shows the scene in the school hall last Thursday afternoon when a BBC recording was being made for the Top of the Form feature which will be broadcast next Tuesday in the Scottish Home Service. Mr H. Bell (Rector) is seen standing behind: Bill Anderson, Roy Chapman, Tony Torrance and James Anderson. At the table are Mr James Millar (Maths master) and Mrs Jan Clark and Mr Robert MacDermot of the BBC.” Round 2 (lost). The Dollar Magazine reported on our progress in November: “Our team, having beaten Ayr Academy girls in the first round, now meets Robert Gordon’s College boys in the Scottish Finals. Winners of that round meet the representatives of Wales in the Semi-Final which will be on the air on 26th December and the Finals will be broadcast on 6th January…. It is only fair to the pupils of Dollar Academy to state that any whistling or cat-calling heard during the first broadcast did not emanate from Dollar.” (The quiz was recorded simultaneously in both schools so radio listeners heard the audience responses in both school halls. The schools were linked by telephone.) The Alloa Advertiser reported the disappointing result: December 2014 Fortunas 34 129 December 2014 Fortunas 34 Team member Roy Chapman describes the experience: “I remember being on the stage with, probably, one standing microphone between two. I was terrified, even though Robert MacDermot was very reassuring. The first round was a bit of a breeze, but in the second round ‘we was robbed’. At least that was the opinion at the time. And I felt partly - or largely - responsible. I scored 7 points out of a possible 10. My undoing was a question about snakes. And seemed to hinge on whether they bite or sting. Since I scored 1 point (out of 2), my answer must have been partly right. Whatever the rights and wrongs, there was no question of editing - if indeed there had been a mistake. My only other memory is of the large BBC vans outside all day.” 130 FP The Television Quiz 1952 Two years later Dollar Academy was invited to take part in the first TV version of the quiz, ‘Full Marks’, which went out live. The Alloa Advertiser 1st November 1952 gave details of the first round: From The Galley, no. 11, winter term 1952-53 T.V. December 2014 David Fothergill has some memories of the TV quiz and narrowly missed being in the team: “I can remember being in a ‘play-off’ which was held under the conditions of the broadcast, i.e. two teams of four and a question master. I suspect this would be Mr Cordiner of the English Department, but cannot be sure of this. What I am almost certain of is that I was not a volunteer!! The only thing I can remember is that one of my questions was about the Dardanelles - which I answered correctly! (and even then still did not make the team). What a let-down!” The radio quiz was broadcast from 1948 to 1986 and was introduced by the catchy tune ‘Marching Strings’, which you can hear on YouTube. The TV version (which replaced ‘Full Marks’) ran from 1962 to 1975. The teams of four boys (no girls were included in the Dollar teams) were aged 12 to 18. The School Archivist and the Editor of Fortunas would be interested in any other memories readers may have of ‘Top of the Form’. Janet Carolan (née Rorke, FP 1947-1960) Archivist Fortunas 34 No-one laughed or howled derision When Dollar appeared on television. We thought it was a feat, not mean, To see our friends upon the screen. They had been picked for brains and knowledge To play some girls from an English college. The quiz got under way quite fast And soon the opening round was past. Dollar were winning by two clear points Our fingers were tingling at the joints. Soon came a drawing of Nelson’s Column The English lassie looked quite solemn. MacDermot said ‘open both your eyes’ And gave her two marks, to her surprise. In a very short while the quiz was o’er The girls with our lads had wiped the floor. But after all they’re only human. And who can ever outwit a woman? And when will we next get a chance to see A scholar from Dollar on T.V.? The Dollar Magazine reported the result: “On Sunday 2nd November 1952 Dollar Academy, representing the Scottish region, made history by being the first Scottish school to appear in a Television Schools programme. The team of four boys travelled to London by day on the Saturday, stayed overnight at the Meurice Hotel, and spent some time on Sunday at the TV studio at Lime Grove rehearsing their technique before the broadcast performance in the Children’s Hour programme. Though beaten by the Girls’ team from Queen Bertha’s School, Kent, they thought their hurried trip to London well worthwhile. Certainly they were envied by their less fortunate colleagues who had failed to come through the eliminating tests. The School is grateful to Mr MacPherson, Station Road, for installing TV sets in the School Hall to enable as many as possible to watch the performance.” 131 FROM THE ARCHIVES December 2014 Fortunas 34 THE RADFORD FAMILY AT DOLLAR ACADEMY 132 Earlier this year Sally Edwardes visited the Dollar Academy Archive. She browsed through registers and photographs relating to her mother’s family, the Radfords, who attended the school in the early years of last century. Edward (Ted) and Cooper Radford were born in Bengal and sent back to school in Scotland. In 1907, aged 15 and 11, they were boarding with Mr Cruickshank in Aberdona Villa. Later they were joined in Dollar by the rest of the Radford family, and lived in East Faerwood. The younger children started their schooling in Argyll House Prep School, also known as Miss Bremner’s School or Ma Bremner’s. The photograph above shows John, Grace and Ena in 1915 in a whole Prep School group. FP By this time both their older brothers were fighting in the First World War. Cooper had left school in 1913, aged 17, and had been serving with the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders as a private since early in the war (Photo 2). He died of shrapnel wounds on 22 July 1917. On the night of his death he had been up the line with a working party. A shell burst among them and he died before reaching the dressing station. His officers wrote of him: “He was always so quiet, strong, and reliable. He had done excellent work with the company in action and was much thought of by all ranks. He was a splendid soldier and will be greatly missed in the company.” Cooper’s grave is one of those visited by the groups of Dollar pupils who go to the Battlefields each year. It is at Ypres, in the Essex Farm Cemetery where the famous war poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ was written. Ted also enlisted as a private with the A&SH in 1914. Sally found a letter from the Rector Mr Dougall, written in July 1917 recommending that Ted be given a commission. Mr Dougall wrote to Ted’s colonel (below): “Cpl Edward H. Radford was a member of the O.T.C. of this school for five years and was one of the best shots we have had in the corps… At the battle of Ypres he greatly distinguished himself by crossing open ground under heavy fire to deliver an important letter.” He went on to refer to the ‘kind words December 2014 Fortunas 34 133 you wrote to me about the Dollar boys you had had under you’ and said he felt sure Radford would fully uphold the tradition of keenness and ability. As can be seen from the photograph top left, Ted received his commission. This photo shows the family in Dollar in 1920, with Mrs Radford wearing mourning for her son Cooper. John, Grace and Ena followed their brothers into the Academy when they reached the age of 10. Sally was able to see her great-aunts in photos of hockey teams and to follow their progress from class to class. Her mother Catherine was born in Dollar in 1914 but, like the youngest sister Edith, never attended the Academy as they and their parents joined Ted in Australia in 1921. They were followed by the last two Radfords to leave Dollar, Grace and Ena, whose final day of school according to the registers was 25th October 1922. The link with the Radford generation who attended the Argyll House Prep School and Academy lasted until this year. Sally’s mother Catherine died in August 2014, amazingly on the day before her 100th birthday. It is good to hear that the Queen’s telegram arrived early enough for her to enjoy it. When Sally came to Dollar this spring she brought a fascinating memento of that generation – an autograph album compiled by Grace Radford in 19191922: ‘A Gift to Dollar Academy from Sally Edwardes and Helen Edwardes in memory of their Aunt Grace’. Grace married Norman Horton in Sandringham, Australia in 1928 and died in 1996. This generous donation to the school archive contains both striking images and interesting school history. Some of these are shown here. December 2014 Fortunas 34 Janet Carolan (née Rorke, FP 1947-1960), Archivist 134 December 2014 Fortunas 34 135 3 Dollar Academy is a registered Scottish Charity No. SC009888