Annual Report - Royal High School
Annual Report - Royal High School
Annual Report - Royal High School
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THE ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL<br />
Commemoration and Prize-giving<br />
Day<br />
Friday 29 th June 2012 at 10.30am
COMMEMORATION AND PRIZE-GIVING DAY<br />
Friday 29 th June at 10.30am<br />
Chairperson: Mrs Louise Stevenson<br />
Order of Ceremony<br />
Prayer: Rev Jeremy Middleton<br />
Lesson: Jeremiah 9, verses 23-24 - <strong>School</strong> Captain<br />
Hymn<br />
Chair’s Address<br />
Presentation of Prizes: Mrs Caroline Barrett<br />
Former Pupil’s Address: Mr David Robb<br />
Valedictory Address: Dux of <strong>School</strong> – Ewan Smith<br />
Reply by Rector<br />
The <strong>School</strong> Song<br />
Benediction<br />
Ceremony of Leave-taking
HYMN<br />
"Will Your Anchor Hold?"<br />
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life<br />
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?<br />
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,<br />
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?<br />
We have an anchor that keeps the soul<br />
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;<br />
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,<br />
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviours love.<br />
Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,<br />
When the breakers roar and the reef is near?<br />
While the surges rave and the wild winds blow,<br />
Shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?.<br />
We have an anchor that keeps the soul<br />
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;<br />
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,<br />
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviours love.
PRIZES & SCHOLARSHIPS<br />
Session 2011/2012<br />
FIRST YEAR<br />
J Murray Prize for Music<br />
Janine Whitecross Trophy for most enthusiastic girl in PE<br />
General Sports Prizes for Girls:<br />
General Sports Prizes for Girls:<br />
General Sports Prizes for Girls:<br />
General Sports Prizes for Girls:<br />
Alex Aitken Prize for Scottish History<br />
Alex Aitken Prize for Scottish History<br />
Lily Davidson 1S2<br />
Emma Gray 1P2<br />
Rhona Fraser 1P1<br />
Ciara Macfarlane 1A1<br />
Jade Meakin 1P1<br />
Eilidh Thores 1P2<br />
Beth Anderson 1A2<br />
Callum Darling 1S2<br />
Prizes for merit in subjects<br />
Art & Design<br />
Home Economics<br />
French<br />
P.E.<br />
C.D.T.<br />
I.C.T.<br />
Jessie Young Prize for Meritorious Effort<br />
English<br />
Mathematics Joint<br />
Robertson Bursary (1 year) - Proxime to Dux<br />
Tait Prize – Proxime to Dux<br />
Lady Glenorchy Prize for Religious Education<br />
Geography<br />
German<br />
Mathematics Joint<br />
Modern Studies<br />
Science<br />
Robertson Bursary (1 year) - Dux of Form 1<br />
Boyd Prize (1857) - Dux of Form 1<br />
Aidan Vernel 1S2<br />
Sarah Cronin 1S2<br />
Daisy Lewis 1S1<br />
Jack Markham 1S1<br />
Aisha Parker-Knowles 1A1<br />
Lauren McCrory-Irving 1B2<br />
Jordan Devine 1A1<br />
Ross Witney-Hunter 1A2<br />
Ross Witney-Hunter 1A2<br />
Ross Witney-Hunter 1A2<br />
Ross Witney-Hunter 1A2<br />
Privjyot Jheeta 1P1<br />
Privjyot Jheeta 1P1<br />
Privjyot Jheeta 1P1<br />
Privjyot Jheeta 1P1<br />
Privjyot Jheeta 1P1<br />
Privjyot Jheeta 1P1<br />
Privjyot Jheeta 1P1<br />
Privjyot Jheeta 1P1
SECOND YEAR<br />
The Grigor Prizes for Debating Junior joint<br />
Ciara Crummey 2A2<br />
The Grigor Prizes for Debating Junior joint<br />
Francesca Rea 2A2<br />
J. Murray Prize for Music Erin McGrail 2P1<br />
Sir James Purves Stewart Prizes (II) Dux in German<br />
Leo MacNeill 2P1<br />
Alex Aitken Prize for Scottish History<br />
Keir Mathieson 2A1<br />
Prizes for merit in subjects<br />
Art & Design<br />
Computing<br />
Drama<br />
Geography<br />
Mathematics<br />
Modern Studies<br />
PE<br />
CDT<br />
RMPS<br />
Business Education<br />
English<br />
Science<br />
Sir James Purves Stewart Prizes (I) Dux in French<br />
Alex Aitken Prize for Scottish History<br />
Ritchie Prize (1824) - Dux of Form 2<br />
Euan Anderson 2P1<br />
Ewan Derighetti 2S2<br />
Louis Plummer 2S1<br />
Catrin Gray 2P1<br />
Jess McFadden 2B1<br />
Lisa Christie 2A2<br />
Calum Batho 2P2<br />
Lewis Fraser 2A1<br />
Michael Taylor 2S1 (In Absentia)<br />
Kirsty Campbell 2P1 (In Absentia)<br />
Thomas Adams 2B1<br />
Thomas Adams 2B1<br />
Thomas Adams 2B1<br />
Thomas Adams 2B1<br />
Thomas Adams 2B1<br />
THIRD YEAR<br />
PSA Prize for Meritorious Effort<br />
RHS Parent Staff Association Junior (S1-S3) for being an effective<br />
contributor to the school community throughout the school year<br />
William Corlett Memorial Prize for Art<br />
Alex Skinner Prize for Computing<br />
Hartman Prize (II) Dux in German<br />
Hartman Prize (I) Dux in French<br />
Alex Skinner Prize for Computing<br />
Morrison Bursary<br />
J Murray Prize for Music<br />
Donaldson Bursaries<br />
Donaldson Bursaries<br />
Sibbald Bursaries<br />
RHS Parent Council Junior Prize (S1-S3) for demonstrating<br />
responsible citizenship within the school community consistently<br />
throughout the school year<br />
Sibbald Bursaries<br />
Carmichael Club Prize (1878) Dux of Form 3 and a Morrison<br />
Bursary<br />
Laurie Cook 3B2<br />
Alexander Bailey 3B2<br />
Shvetha Vengatesan 3P1<br />
Hashim Janjua 3P2<br />
Daniel Mitchell 3B2<br />
Lewis Gilchrist 3B1<br />
Lewis Gilchrist 3B1<br />
Thomas McArthur 3P2<br />
Charles Lyon 3B2<br />
Charles Lyon 3B2<br />
Laura Burt 3A1 (In Absentia)<br />
Anna Butchert 3B2<br />
Alexandre Larionov 3S2<br />
Alexandre Larionov 3S2<br />
Alexandre Larionov 3S2
FOURTH YEAR<br />
Mary Hunter Memorial Prize for best Fourth Form Leaver<br />
Alex F Hall Prize for Computing<br />
Ness Trophy for Craftmanship<br />
Noreen Richardson Memorial Prize for Home Economics<br />
Prize for Craft, Design and Technology<br />
John Marshall Prize (1910) for Mathematics and Classics<br />
Derek Green Memorial Prize for Art and Design<br />
Carson Bursary – Dux in English<br />
John Hall Prize for Drama<br />
John Paterson Small Prize for Music Joint<br />
Mackay Prize (1877) - Dux of Form 4<br />
Chantelle Hoyle 4A1<br />
Lucy Walker 4P1<br />
Lucy Walker 4P1<br />
Shannon Prince 4P2<br />
Claire Woodhead 4S2<br />
Claire Woodhead 4S2<br />
Grace Campbell 4P1<br />
Grace Campbell 4P1<br />
Isla Cowan 4B2<br />
Isla Cowan 4B2<br />
Isla Cowan 4B2<br />
FIFTH YEAR<br />
The Grigor Prizes for Debating - Senior Joint<br />
RHS Parent Staff Association Senior (S4-S6) for being an effective<br />
contributor to the school community throughout the school year<br />
Prize for Technical Drawing<br />
Dux in Chemistry<br />
Dux in Physics<br />
RHS FP President’s Prizes (II) Dux in Geography<br />
John Turner Prize – Dux in Mathematics Joint<br />
John Turner Prize – Dux in Mathematics Joint<br />
Prize for Accounting<br />
RHS FP President’s Prizes (I) Dux in History<br />
The Grigor Prizes for Debating - Senior Joint<br />
James M Moore Memorial Prize – Dux in French<br />
Carson Prize – Dux in English<br />
Muir Memorial Prize – Dux of Form 5<br />
Catriona Salton 5A2<br />
Catriona Salton 5A2<br />
Matthew Calder 5S2<br />
John Fullerton 5P2<br />
Robbie Shepherdson 5B1<br />
Rhory Ashworth 5P1<br />
Rebecca McKenzie 5S2 (In Absentia)<br />
Isabelle Bough 5P2<br />
Charlotte Robb 5P1<br />
Charlotte Robb 5P1<br />
Aoife Crummey 5A2<br />
Aoife Crummey 5A2<br />
Aoife Crummey 5A2<br />
Aoife Crummey 5A2
OPEN AWARDS<br />
Classical Studies Prize (Dux)<br />
Jamie Smith 6S1<br />
William Young Memorial Prize - Dux in Classics<br />
Duncan McShane 6A2<br />
A Malkin Prize for Service in the Community<br />
Catherine Robertson 6A1<br />
Mabon Prize for best improvement by a S5 pupil, then S4 etc. Evana Cilia 5S2<br />
The George Grubb Award for Outstanding Achievement in Athletics Robert Bough 4P2<br />
Charles Burrows Prize for Leadership in Athletics<br />
Hannah Watson 6A2<br />
William Rutherford Bequest Awards for PE<br />
Zoe Lea 6S2 (In Absentia)<br />
RHS Distinguished Service Award<br />
Jennifer Anderson 6B1<br />
JW Loudon Prize for Public Speaking<br />
Astrid Allan 5A2<br />
Prize for Home Economics<br />
Sophie Templeton 3A1<br />
Dux in Home Economics<br />
Hannah Tiffney 4S2<br />
Dux in Business Education<br />
Valerie Moore 6S2<br />
Pearce Family Prize for Business Management<br />
Murray Paterson 5B2<br />
Nicolson Prize for Music<br />
Sarah Tainsh 4A1<br />
Elizabeth Wemyss Prize for Music<br />
Harriet Barton 4A2<br />
Prize for Dramatic Work<br />
Sophie Irvine 4B2<br />
John Paterson Small Prize for Music Joint<br />
Sophie Irvine 4B2<br />
The Crawford Taylor Memorial Prize for Outstanding Contribution Kirsty Geddes 5B2<br />
to Music or Drama Joint<br />
Grant Memorial Cup Dux in Music<br />
Amy Osborn 5A1<br />
The Crawford Taylor Memorial Prize for Outstanding Contribution Amy Osborn 5A1<br />
to Music or Drama Joint<br />
Prize for Engineering Technology<br />
Christopher Aitken 6S2<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (London) Club Prize Dux in Technological Andrew Tyler 6B1<br />
Design<br />
RS Watson Prize for Architectural Drawing<br />
Andrew Tyler 6B1<br />
James Gray Memorial Prize for Art Appreciation<br />
Katherine Burr 6B2<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (London) Club Prize Dux in Art<br />
Leanne Young 5A1<br />
JG Cattanach Prize for Scottish History<br />
Catriona Morrison 6S1<br />
Dr W King Gillies Prize for Scottish Literature<br />
Daniel Irwin 6S1<br />
Prize for Economics<br />
Richard Wood 6P1<br />
RHS Parents’ Assoc Prize for Modern Studies<br />
Richard Wood 6P1<br />
Steadman Prize for Philosophy<br />
Sean Reddie 6P2<br />
Bruce Prize – Dux in History<br />
Lorna MacKenzie 6P1<br />
Chisholm Prize – Dux in Geography Fiona Gorrie 6B2<br />
NH Small Prize in French<br />
Anna Loughray 5S2<br />
Dux in Computing<br />
John Fullerton 5P2<br />
RHS FP Prize for IT<br />
David Abrante 6P1<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (London) Club Prize for an English Poem Finlay O'Fee 6S1<br />
Ian Steadman and John P Macintosh Prize for Politics<br />
Emma McNab 6P2<br />
JG Cattanach Prize for Scottish Literature<br />
Emma McNab 6P2<br />
Sir Walter Scott Centenary Prize<br />
Emma McNab 6P2<br />
Carson Prize (1851) for an English Essay<br />
surprise<br />
Nicholas Randal Memorial Trophy for Traditional Music<br />
Lucy Wales 5A1<br />
James Montgomery Bell Memorial Prize for the Study of Scots Law James Walker 6B1<br />
Neil McCurrach Award for Participation and Enthusiasm to the Full Alasdair Maltman 6S2<br />
W J Melrose Memorial Prize for Art - Joint<br />
Josie Hudson 6S2<br />
Steven Armstrong Roy Memorial Prize for Courage and Inspiration - Josie Hudson 6S2<br />
Joint
W J Melrose Memorial Prize for Art - Joint<br />
Steven Armstrong Roy Memorial Prize for Courage and Inspiration -<br />
Joint<br />
Noreen Richardson Memorial Prize for Courage and Determination<br />
Rector's award for service to the school<br />
Dr Barclay's Memorial Prize for Service<br />
Nicol Prizes for Service<br />
Nicol Prizes for Service<br />
Nicol Prizes for Service<br />
Nicol Prizes for Service<br />
RHS Parent Council Senior Prize (S4-S6) for demonstrating<br />
responsible citizenship within the school community consistently<br />
throughout the school year<br />
Sir John Greig Dunbar Prize for Citizenship<br />
Andrew Wilson Prize for Service and Leadership<br />
Sir Percy Malcolm Stewart Scholarship (minor)<br />
Nicol Prizes for Service<br />
Sir Percy Malcolm Stewart Scholarships (median)<br />
Nicol Prizes for Service<br />
Burgoyne Prize – Dux in German<br />
Sir Percy Malcolm Stewart Scholarships (median)<br />
Sir David Yule Scholarships<br />
Malcolm Knox Prize for Creative Writing<br />
Hector McIver Memorial Prize for Literary Appreciation<br />
MacMillan Club Prize (1865) Dux in English<br />
Sir David Yule Scholarships<br />
Sir John Greig Dunbar Prize for Citizenship<br />
Phillip Harris Prize for Biology<br />
Sir Percy Malcolm Stewart Scholarship (major) – Proxime to Dux<br />
Sir Alexander Stevenson Prize – Proxime to Dux<br />
Inches Prize – Dux in Chemistry<br />
Inches Prize – Dux in Physics<br />
James H Scott Prize for Mathematics<br />
Tullis Prize – Dux in Mathematics<br />
RHS Exhibition – Dux of <strong>School</strong><br />
The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Club Prize – Dux of <strong>School</strong><br />
Sarah Miller 6B2<br />
Sarah Miller 6B2<br />
Connor Law 5A2<br />
Craig Scotland 6A1<br />
Cameron McCullough 6S1<br />
Katie Davidson 6P1<br />
Scott Duncan 6S1<br />
Michael Simmons 4P2<br />
Sarah Stein 6S1<br />
Jahura Hussain 5S1 (In Absentia)<br />
Alastair Irvine 6B2<br />
Craig Taylor 6P1<br />
Craig Taylor 6P1<br />
Rebecca Ketchen 6P1<br />
Rebecca Ketchen 6P1<br />
Roddy McGlynn 6P1<br />
Roddy McGlynn 6P1<br />
Roddy McGlynn 6P1<br />
Tamer Cosgun 6S2<br />
Alex Russell 6A2<br />
Alex Russell 6A2<br />
Alex Russell 6A2<br />
Alex Russell 6A2<br />
Fraser Cullen 6P2<br />
Fraser Cullen 6P2<br />
Fraser Cullen 6P2<br />
Fraser Cullen 6P2<br />
Ewan Smith 6B1<br />
Ewan Smith 6B1<br />
Ewan Smith 6B1<br />
Ewan Smith 6B1<br />
Ewan Smith 6B1<br />
Ewan Smith 6B1
SCHOOL SONG<br />
Vivas, Schola Edinensis<br />
Schola Regia venerabilis:<br />
Sicut arx in colle sita -<br />
Sicut sol e nubibus densis -<br />
Splendes, splendeas in aeternum,<br />
Alma Mater atque amabilis.<br />
Refrain: Vivas, Schola Regia!<br />
Vivas, Schola Regia!<br />
Vivas, Vivas, Schola Regia!<br />
Liberi tui te laudamus<br />
Laeto omnium cum clamore<br />
Et cum multis posthac annis<br />
Tui, quam iuvenes amabamus,<br />
Senes rursus meminerimus,<br />
Vi clamabimus haud minore:<br />
Refrain: Vivas, Schola Regia!<br />
Vivas, Schola Regia!<br />
Vivas, Vivas, Schola Regia!
MEMBERS OF STAFF – SESSION 2010-2011<br />
Rector – JANE L. FRITH BA Hons (Dunelm), PGCE<br />
Depute Rectors<br />
DAVID SIMPSON, BA(Mus) Hons Exon, DipEd<br />
JEN MENZIES, BEd(MH), MEd(Stir)<br />
Acting Depute Rector<br />
FIONA M WHITE, BSc Hons (Edin)<br />
Business Manager – Helen Brooks, BA (Napier), PGC Business Management, Grad CIPD<br />
Art & Design: Carol Haley, MA(Edin), PGCE, Lois Combe, DA(Edin), PGCE, James Dalziel,<br />
DA(Edin), Anthea DJ Gage, RSW, DA(Edin), Julie Howie BA Hons (Robert Gordon), PGCE<br />
Biology: Ben Davenport, Eric Easton, BSc Hons (Edin), PhD, Gillian Foster, BSc (Stirling), PGCE,<br />
Claire Russell, MA(Camb), PhD(Edin), PGCE(Durham), Gordon Rutter, MSc (Edin), BSc (London),<br />
PGCE, Jane L Saddler, BSc(Edin), PGCE<br />
Business Education: Diane Santana, BEd(Sunderland Poly), Irene KS Brown, Dip Comm(Glas Coll<br />
of Tech), Yvonne Dagnall BAHons, PGCE(Napier)<br />
Chemistry: David Dickson, BSc(OU), PGCE, Dr Avril Henney, BSc(Edin), PhD(Lon), Kristine<br />
Storey, Andrew Thomson<br />
Computing Studies: G Wendy Reith, BSc(Stirling), Catherine M Dearden, BSc(HW), DipEd, Frank<br />
Lagan, BSc(Stirling), Eleanor Graham, BA Hons, PGCE<br />
Craft, Design and Technology: Mark Stevenson, BSc Ind Design (Napier), PGCE, David Allan,<br />
DipTechEd, (Moray House), James K Black, BSc Architecture Hons (Dundee), Deborah Hislop, BEd<br />
Technology (Edin), Krysia Smyth, BEd Hons<br />
Drama: Gaye Almond, BA, DSD, RSAMD (Glasgow)<br />
English: Thomas P Bacciarelli, BA Hons (Man), PGCE, Ailsa Clarke, MA(Glas), PGCE, Daniel<br />
Craig, MA(Edin), PGCE, PGCE, Bernice Ford, Helen McHarrie, MA(Edin), Martin Moonie,<br />
MA(Abd), PhD(Oxford), PGCE, Gillian E Pia, MA(Edin), DipEd, Gwyneth Radcliffe, MA(Edin),<br />
DipLib, PGCE, Mollie Skehal, BA Hons (Stirling), PGCE, Helen Davies, PGDE, Alan Freeman, MA<br />
Hons, PhD, Alistair Robertson, MA Hons<br />
Geography: Shiona Park, BA Hons (Aberdeen), PGCE, Maria Anderson, BEd(Edin/MH), Ian A<br />
Marshall, BSc(Edin)<br />
History: Kate E Bebb, MA(Edin), PGCE, Alison Somerville, MA(Edin), PGCE, Iain Welsh, BA<br />
Hons, PGCE, Nicola Casey, BA, DipEd(Stirling)<br />
Home Economics: Jill P Templeton, DipHE with F&N(Rbt Gordon’s), CertSecEduc(Abd), Joan<br />
MacDonald<br />
Mathematics: Darren S McKinnon, BSc Hons, (Edin), T David Gourdie, BSc (St.And), Kathryn<br />
Gray, MA(Abd), Alistair Oliver, BEng(Leeds), PGCE, Janette M Shearer, BSc(Edin), Carol Stewart,<br />
BSc (Stirling), MSc, Neil Tilston, BSc(Hons) Edin, PGDE, Laoise Ward, BSc (Glas), PGDE, Abdallah<br />
Serhani, BEng (Edin), PGDE, Joanne Simpson, BSc, MSc (Aberdeen), PGDE, Michael O’Regan, BSc<br />
(Ireland), PDGE, Hellen MacLeod<br />
Modern Languages: D Longden, MA Hons, Carly Beaton, BAHons(London), PGCE, Tom Cook,<br />
BA, MA(Edin), CertEd, France Dubanchet, MA (Newcastle), PGCE, Morag McCallum, MA Hons<br />
(Edin), PGCE, Anna Kotowska, BA Langs, (France), MA European Law (France, Glasgow), Claire<br />
Inglis, LL.B Hons, (Glas), PGCE, Nicola Bisset, Alison Colquhoun
Modern Studies: Gary Snedden, MA(Edin), PGCE, Jennifer Gilruth, MA Hons (Glas), PGDE,<br />
Jennifer Taylor<br />
Music: Andrew J Morley, BMus(Edin), PGCE, Louise Holland,<br />
Physical Education: Gib McMillan, BA Hons (Edin), PGCE, Fiona J MacMillan, BEd(Edin),<br />
MSc(Edin), Ewan Brodie, BSc Hons (Napier), PGDE, Brian M Dempsey, DipPE, SSPE, Bed Hons,<br />
(J’Hill), MEd(Edin), Elizabeth Harrison, DipPhysEd, DCPE, Iain Thomson BEd(Edin), Robert Watson<br />
Bsc Hons (Glas), PGDE, Heather Brown, Bed Hons (Edin), Iain Gray<br />
Physics: Stephen A Bakke, BSc(Lon), PGCE, David Kirkland, BSc(S’clyde), PGCE, David Hill,<br />
MEng, (Edin), PGCE, Iain Coltart, MPhys, (Heriot Watt)<br />
Religious and Moral Education: Sebastian C Sewell, MTh(St Andrews), PGCE, Carrie Thomson,<br />
BA Hons (Stirling), PGDE, Gareth Phillips<br />
Support for Learning: Patricia Haggerty, BEd (Ord), Bernadette Coia, BEd(Edin), PGCE, CertSEN,<br />
Joan Scott, BSc(Edin), DipEd<br />
English as an Additional Language: Mei Wan Scobie<br />
Early Intervention: Mhairi McDonald<br />
Education Welfare Officer: Lisa MacGregor<br />
Careers Adviser: Lynn Sutherland<br />
Librarian: Evelyn Smith, ALA<br />
Administrative Staff: Karen Fergusson, Lorraine Lorraine, Rhona McLeod, Lorraine Morrison,<br />
Karen Reilly<br />
Classroom Assistants: Judy M Cavaroli, Margaret Scott, James Muir, Jen Cairns, Lesley Smith<br />
Learning Assistant (Science): Gayle MB MacKenzie<br />
Learning Assistant (Home Economics): Jill Hunter<br />
Learning Assistant (Welfare): Ruby Hussain<br />
Learning Assistants (SFL): Lesley Baird, Elaine Berry, Elizabeth FS Ivinson, Aine Cahill, Victoria<br />
Easton, Ryan Gordon, Julie McKeever, Jackie Pathal, Marian Wootton<br />
Senior Service Support Officer: Robert Sloan<br />
Service Support Officers: Brian W Whelan, Fred McBride<br />
Senior Technician: John Stables<br />
Laboratory Technicians: Ian D Young, Kathryn Clark<br />
Workshop Technician: Mark Harker<br />
Catering Supervisor: Karen Sloan
THE ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
2012
Introduction<br />
Session 2011 – 12 has been another busy year in The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> and a<br />
number of changes have taken place. Following an organisational review in the City<br />
of Edinburgh, the post of Principal Teacher of subject has disappeared and has been<br />
replaced with the role of Curriculum Leader. The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> has ten<br />
Curriculum Leaders, a reduction from seventeen Principal Teachers. At the same<br />
time, the role of Guidance Teacher has been replaced with that of Pupil Support<br />
Leader and we have reduced from six teachers leading pastoral care in The <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> to five. Clearly, these changes have caused some upheaval within the<br />
school and it will take considerable time for staff to become confident in their new<br />
roles, and for colleagues, pupils and parents to become familiar with the new<br />
structure. However, I am confident that we have an excellent leadership team in place<br />
to take school forward and am very appreciative of the professionalism of all staff<br />
throughout this process.<br />
Over the course of this academic year and in the context of so many staffing changes,<br />
we have also moved forward with our implementation of Curriculum for Excellence.<br />
Our first cohort is now entering the final stage of the Broad General Education before<br />
embarking on the Senior Phase and qualifications. The structure for the Senior Phase<br />
in The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> has been consulted upon and agreed and courses are being<br />
developed for the new examinations. This is a work in progress as the curriculum<br />
evolves, courses develop and assessment procedures at every level become clearer.<br />
We are pleased to report that SQA attainment from the 2011 diet of examinations<br />
showed some excellent results at both departmental and individual level. Standard<br />
Grade results were very good indeed and results at Advanced <strong>High</strong>er were among the<br />
highest on record. The stay on rate into S5 and S6 remains very high and almost all<br />
pupils left The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> to go into a positive destination.<br />
A very significant addition to the school year was initiated this year in the form of an<br />
activities week when the timetable was completely suspended and all pupils who were<br />
not on study leave for examinations participated in a range of trips and activities.<br />
Forty pupils from Geography spent the week in Italy, visiting places such as Pompeii<br />
and Capri; forty pupils went with the History Department to visit the battlefields of<br />
Belgium and France whilst over sixty pupils spent the week in London with Modern<br />
Studies and English. Almost the whole of S1 went to the outdoor activities centre in<br />
Dounans. Those pupils in school were able to choose from a wide range of day trips<br />
and activities designed to encourage creativity and exploration. These included<br />
activities as diverse as banjo building in CDT, jewellery making in Art, mountain<br />
biking in the Pentlands and street dance on the astro. This was a wonderful, funpacked<br />
week, which enhanced the learning experience for all students.<br />
Another first for The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> this session was a trans-Atlantic trip,<br />
organised to support studies in English and Modern Studies. Thirty pupils<br />
accompanied by 3 teachers travelled to America in February and visited many famous<br />
landmarks including the United Nations, Ground Zero and the Capitol Building. A<br />
particular highlight, however, was the visit to The <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> of American Studies<br />
in the Bronx area of New York, where RHS pupils participated in lessons alongside<br />
their American peers.
The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> has participated in several fundraising activities over the year,<br />
encouraging pupils to become responsible citizens and to think about their<br />
contribution to the wider community. The most significant of these was the Romania<br />
Project which has involved the whole of the school community. In June, a group of<br />
senior pupils accompanied by two teachers set off for Romania to work with Habitat<br />
for Humanity in building homes for orphaned children. However, this was only a<br />
small part of the project. Raising £25,000 for the charity was the real challenge and<br />
involved a lot of hard work, incredible imagination - and not a little pain in some<br />
quarters. The target has almost been reached and as we go to press, stands at £23,000.<br />
Donations are still being collected if anyone wishes to contribute to this very<br />
worthwhile cause.<br />
Another memorable initiative from the recent session was the Speak up Speak out<br />
project, delivered in conjunction with Community Learning and Development. Again,<br />
this project involved the whole school. There was a focus on the Holocaust, but the<br />
project was rather more wide-ranging than this and addressed the related issues of<br />
discrimination, bullying, equality and fairness. Courtesy of the Anne Frank Trust, we<br />
hosted the Anne Frank Memorial Exhibition for two weeks, with our pupils trained to<br />
act as guides. We welcomed Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke into the school and she<br />
held a large audience of pupils spellbound by her story of being born on an open coal<br />
wagon as her mother entered her third concentration camp. Assemblies, addressed by<br />
two pupils who had visited Auschwitz, were held for every year group and many<br />
subject lessons explored the theme in class. A highlight of the project was the very<br />
moving and thought-provoking drama, Children of the Holocaust, performed by<br />
pupils of The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>.<br />
Several performances throughout the session have brought the school community<br />
together and given young people the opportunity to perform to an audience. The Internation<br />
Talent Night, won by the Angles, was a colourful extravaganza and the<br />
Christmas Concert was warmly received by a large audience. In the run up to<br />
Christmas we had a wonderful evening of entertainment in the form of Strictly Come<br />
Dancing, which raised a considerable amount of money for the Romania project.<br />
Finally, over three nights, around 300 pupils performed to full houses the Spring<br />
Fling and pupils yet again enthralled us with their dancing and musical talent.<br />
Sport continues to feature heavily in the school calendar and there have been many<br />
successes for teams and individuals in several different sports. One of the most<br />
outstanding, however, was being awarded the Team of the Year trophy by Tennis<br />
Scotland – a wonderful achievement, and for the second year running, both the girls’<br />
and the boys’ teams won the Scottish <strong>School</strong>s Championship.<br />
In conclusion, the session which is about to end, has been an incredibly difficult year,<br />
but it has also been a wonderful year. The overwhelming feeling, which is conveyed<br />
by young people in The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>, is that they are proud to be a part of The<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> and want to contribute to the work and life of the school – and that<br />
is an achievement in itself. In spite of all the changes and the difficulties, The <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> continues to be a wonderful place to be.<br />
Viva Schola Regia.
Staffing News<br />
As always there have been a number of changes to our staffing over the course of the<br />
last session.<br />
At Christmas we said goodbye to Mrs Jane Carter who retired after eight years as<br />
Teacher of Mathematics in The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>. Mrs Carter started with us as a<br />
probationer teacher and became a very valued member of permanent staff.<br />
At the end of this session we shall see three more retirements.<br />
Mr Ian Marshall, teacher of Geography and Geology, leaves us after 22 years in the<br />
school. As well as teaching his subject Mr Marshall has been a valued supporter of all<br />
the school shows, working tirelessly behind the scenes with the technical<br />
arrangements and sets. He has also run the cross country teams for several years and<br />
accompanied pupils on many school trips.<br />
Mrs Rena Dearden, teacher of computing, leaves us after 22 years’ service in the<br />
Computing Department, where her contribution will be greatly missed by both staff<br />
and pupils.<br />
Mr Jim Dalziel, teacher of Art, leaves The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> after 9 years’ service<br />
Mr. Dalziel will be remembered for his encyclopaedic knowledge of art, the peaceful<br />
atmosphere of his classroom and his wonderful sketches and caricatures of staff<br />
Mr David Dickson, Principal Teacher of Chemistry since 2002 leaves to take up a<br />
position in another school at the end of this session.<br />
We have also welcomed to The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> a number of new staff.<br />
Appointments to the permanent teaching staff include:<br />
Ms H Brown – Teacher of Physical Education<br />
Ms G Foster – Teacher of Biology<br />
Mr D Hill – Teacher of Physics<br />
Ms L Holland – Teacher of Music<br />
Mr A Serhani – Teacher of Mathematics<br />
Ms J Simpson – Teacher of Mathematics<br />
Ms J Taylor – Teacher of Modern Studies<br />
Ms C Thomson – Teacher of RMPS<br />
Mr R Watson – Teacher of Physical Education<br />
In addition a number of temporary staff have contributed to the school over the course<br />
of this session:<br />
Ms N Bisset – Teacher of Modern Languages<br />
Ms A Colquhoun – Teacher of Modern Languages<br />
Mr B Davenport – Teacher of Biology<br />
Mr A Freeman – part-time Teacher of English<br />
Mr I Gray – Teacher of Physical Education<br />
Mr S Gray – Teacher of Physics<br />
Ms A Kotowska – Teacher of Modern Languages<br />
Mrs J MacDonald – Teacher of Home Economics
Ms H MacLeod – probationer Teacher of Mathematics<br />
Mr M O’Regan – Teacher of Mathematics<br />
Mr G Phillips – probationer Teacher of RMPS<br />
Mr A Thomson – Teacher of Chemistry<br />
During the transition period to the new management structure, a number of staff have<br />
taken acting roles this session:<br />
Mrs G Almond – acting Principal Teacher of Music and Drama<br />
Dr E Easton – acting Principal Teacher of Biology<br />
Mr S Sewell – acting Principal Teacher of Religious and Moral Studies<br />
Mr G Snedden – acting Principal Teacher of Modern Studies<br />
Mr I Tilston also acted as part-time Principal Teacher of Mathematics whilst Mr D<br />
McKinnon undertook some development work in the school on curricular structures.<br />
In addition, Mrs L Ward, Mr E Brodie, Mr I Thomson and Mr I Welsh have all<br />
worked as acting Principal Teachers of Guidance to cover a number of maternity<br />
leaves and secondments.<br />
The role of acting Depute Rector has been carried out this session initially by Mrs<br />
Lisa Coffey and then by Mrs Fiona White when Mrs Coffey left on maternity leave.<br />
It is also with regret that I report the death of two former members of staff.<br />
Mr Malcolm Macefield, Principal Teacher of History for many years, passed away in<br />
March and Mr Jim Nicholson, Principal Teacher of Music for over 30 years died in<br />
May. We offer our condolences to their families.<br />
The Work of Curricular Areas<br />
Follow the management restructure in January 2012, subject departments were<br />
formed into curricular areas under the direction of a Curricular Leader. This report<br />
reflects these changes.<br />
Curricular Area : Business Education, Computing and ICT<br />
Ms Reith was confirmed as the Curricular Leader of this area.<br />
Business Education<br />
It has been another busy year in Business Education and in addition to work in the<br />
classroom we have taken every opportunity to broaden the learning experience for all<br />
pupils.<br />
June saw the S5/6 Business Management pupils enjoying a day out at the <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong>land Show. It is a good opportunity to experience business in a rural setting and<br />
appreciate the varied assets belonging to farm owners. It is also a chance to see what<br />
Scotland exports round the world, apart from tartan and haggis, and to investigate the<br />
marketing surrounding the whole event.<br />
November was a chance for our S5/6 Business Management pupils to dress for an<br />
interview and attend a Business Dynamics Conference. We started off on day one at<br />
the IBM Offices in St Andrew’s Square in Edinburgh and then moved back into<br />
school for day two where we had visiting speakers coming in, sharing some business
knowledge and putting the pupils through their paces with various business games.<br />
Bill Hutchison from the Institute of Applied Technology in Fife is always a favourite<br />
with remote control gadgets for rescuing children in earthquake disaster areas.<br />
February saw the whole of S2 taking part in Freaky Fortress. This involved them in<br />
team-building, problem solving; communications and having fun, working together to<br />
replicate a model of an ancient castle.<br />
Computing Science<br />
At the end of this session Mrs Rena Dearden will retire following 22 years at The<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>. Her contribution to the department and the school has been<br />
invaluable and she will be greatly missed by staff and pupils alike. Mr Stephen<br />
Preston a 4 th year student from Herriot Watt University spent 5 months working in the<br />
department one day per week with S1,S3 and S5/6 Information Systems pupils. He<br />
brought his knowledge from further education into the classroom. We also liaised<br />
with Oracle in running mini-projects with appropriate year groups.<br />
In September a group of S4 girls visited Napier University for a seminar organised by<br />
Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Resource Centre for women in Science,<br />
which focused on encouraging more women into what is a predominantly male<br />
industry.<br />
This session Curriculum for Excellence was at the forefront of our Learning and<br />
Teaching for delivering the new S1/S2 courses and planning for S3. The S2 worked<br />
with pupils from Queensferry <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> and Drummond Community <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
in a collaborative project. In our senior curriculum we continued to present a wide<br />
range of courses, adapting the pupils’ choices to the courses that best suited them<br />
once they had decided their personal progression pathways.<br />
Outside the classroom Mr Frank Lagan continued with the Ruffitybufs working with<br />
the cluster nursery schools.<br />
Next session we will welcome a new member of staff to the department and continue<br />
to provide a varied curriculum to pupils in senior school, developing each area to suit<br />
individual needs. We will also be further examining the new National Awards and<br />
looking at progression routes for individual pupils.<br />
Curricular Area: Craft, Design and Technology<br />
The Craft Design and Technology department has not had to accommodate major<br />
changes within the recent curricular restructuring and continues with Mr Mark<br />
Stevenson as its leader. The department is a large and popular one. It has 5 full time<br />
teachers and offers a wide range of subjects at all levels and caters for over 900 pupils<br />
from the school roll every week. CDT staff are very aware that the successes on offer<br />
to and achieved by their pupils are very much due to the positive and supportive<br />
atmosphere and ethos within the department. Many CDT pupils use the subjects they<br />
have studied as a springboard to Tertiary Education or employment. Staff are very<br />
proud to have played a part in the fledgling careers of many future architects,<br />
designers, engineers and technologists. For example one former pupil Jordan Scott on<br />
completion of his design degree was chosen from over 600 applicants to work with<br />
Lego in Denmark. Jordan still keeps in touch with the department and has regularly
visited, as do many former pupils, to speak to current pupils. We have even inspired a<br />
remarkable number of former pupils to choose CDT teaching as a career!<br />
Within the department staff have been working tirelessly with pupils on many and<br />
various projects. Mr Stevenson, Mr Black and Mrs Smyth took 25 Graphics, Product<br />
and Art pupils on the annual London Trip. Mr Black also organised meetings, visits<br />
and trips closer to home. In addition to this he also offered pupils at an after school<br />
club and during activities week the opportunity to make a banjo. To date 20<br />
beautifully crafted and fully tuned banjos have been produced! He also continues to<br />
maintain the extensive department website. Mrs Smyth, as well as developing and<br />
sharing exciting teaching approaches, has become involved in both departmental and<br />
whole school ICT development. In particular she has set up spaces on Posterous that<br />
allow CDT pupils to record and exhibit progress with their projects on line. Mrs<br />
Hislop undertook a mammoth task in setting up and organising the school’s Activity<br />
Week during which a huge variety of unusual but educational activities were provided<br />
by teachers.<br />
The department has also successfully hosted two student teachers, Ms. Sarah Smith<br />
and Ms. Ashley Marshall. The future holds many exciting challenges for CDT staff<br />
and we look forward to incorporating into our teaching the opportunities that the ever<br />
changing world of technology and developments in education demand. On a sad note<br />
we lost the services of Mr Dougie Boyd who retired in May. Mr Boyd’s contribution<br />
to the life and work of the department was immense. To end on the happiest of notes<br />
Mrs Elaine Ossatian (nee Weir) gave birth to a healthy baby boy last August.<br />
Welcome to the world baby Andrew.<br />
Curricular Area: English, Literacy and Media<br />
The English Department has been largely unaffected by the new curricular reorganisation<br />
(though now re-branded as the Faculty of English, Literacy and Media)<br />
and continues to be led by Mr T Bacciarelli. In a challenging year, the department<br />
continued to provide high quality experiences and maintained its high academic<br />
standards – as the results in August demonstrated. As well as continuing to provide a<br />
stimulating and effective education, the department worked on a number of areas to<br />
enhance provision, including developing the Core Skills course further, working on<br />
research skills in S1, producing a transition unit for personal writing, providing an<br />
inter-disciplinary course with History on the Holocaust and developing support<br />
materials on the website. In addition, work continued on re-shaping the curriculum<br />
and developing teaching approaches in the light of national initiatives.<br />
The department continued to provide a rich and varied range of experiences that<br />
enhanced and developed pupils’ education. Collaborating with the Edinburgh<br />
Festival, pupils in S5/6 worked on a poetry project with Ken Cockburn, exhibiting<br />
their work in the Hub, and also reviewed a concert as part of the Herald Young Critics<br />
scheme. Working with the Scottish Poetry Library, senior pupils developed creative<br />
writing through studying the work of Czeslaw Milosz. Author visits (from writers<br />
such as Christopher Paolini, Alette Wiillis, and Keith Gray) helped stimulate an<br />
interest in reading as well as creative work. Visits to the Filmhouse for films and for<br />
talks developed Media Studies skills for pupils in S5/6 and also S2 and S3. There was<br />
success in a number of creative writing competitions – a mini sagas competition and<br />
also the Red Cross competition linked to the film ‘War Horse’. Some senior pupils<br />
had films selected for screening as part of the International Film Festival – evidence
of a rich seam of film-making talent in the school (helped by the Film Club run by the<br />
department and Mr Stables). A group of pupils (mostly from S3) charmed and<br />
entertained a party of international visitors at the GTC by performing a range of Scots<br />
songs, music and poems (including an unusual rendition of ‘Tam O’Shanter’). The<br />
Core Skills classes produced and sold calendars to raise money for the Marie Curie<br />
Cancer Trust. Talks by members of the Fresh Start charity to large numbers of S4<br />
pupils developed their understanding of homelessness. Members of the department<br />
ensured that Ciara Crummey performed well in the ESU Science debate. Theatre<br />
visits continued throughout the year with one group of S2 pupils writing reviews of<br />
Lung-Ha’s ‘Medea’ which were posted on the company’s website. Trips to New York<br />
(S5/6) and London (S3), run in conjunction with Modern Studies, enabled large<br />
numbers of pupils to experience the cultural delights of both cities. For next session,<br />
plans are already in place for two reviewing groups to work with the Festival Theatre<br />
throughout the year and for a writing residency (supported by the International<br />
Festival) to develop creative writing among senior pupils.<br />
This sample of the department’s activities is testimony to the hard work and<br />
commitment of teaching staff who are prepared to be generous with their time and<br />
expertise to ensure that academic standards are maintained and that pupils’ education<br />
(in its widest form) is also rewarding and high quality.<br />
Curricular Area: Expressive Arts<br />
Art and Design, Music and Drama have been grouped together to form the new<br />
faculty of Expressive Arts. Mrs. Carol Haley, previously Principal Teacher of Art<br />
and Design, was appointed as Curricular Leader in February.<br />
Art and Design<br />
Staffing in Art and Design has remained unchanged, and Mr. Dalziel is about to retire<br />
after eight years of service to the school. He will be missed not only for his wideranging<br />
knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject, but for his patient and practical<br />
approach in the classroom. In his place we will welcome Kate O’Hara to the<br />
department next session. Our thanks also go to Nicola Brown, our term 2 student, who<br />
is soon to start her probationary year in Aberdeenshire.<br />
Strong results at Advanced <strong>High</strong>er and in the Expressive area of Standard Grade were<br />
particularly gratifying, given the considerable development work done to improve<br />
these areas.<br />
In terms of curricular development, a major focus has been the creation and trial of a<br />
new departmental assessment method to meet the requirements of Curriculum for<br />
Excellence, linked to the Level 3 Experiences and Outcomes. This worked well for<br />
staff, and the next stage is to revise and improve our method of feedback to pupils.<br />
Staff have continued to share good practice in the areas of graphic design, textiles<br />
and ceramics, in particular in feltmaking, screenprinting, jewellery and glazes. This<br />
has enhanced learning and teaching within design topics, and is vital for keeping the<br />
subject up to date with new developments.<br />
Trips continue to be an important part of the subject. Our joint S2 trip with History is<br />
now an annual event, with pupils visiting the Museum of Scotland in February. S3<br />
and S4 pupils visited the newly refurbished Portrait Gallery to start off SQA essays,
and S5 pupils visited the major retrospective of Elizabeth Blackadder’s work in<br />
December.<br />
The two main areas of focus next session will be development work and preparation<br />
for new National Courses, and the integration of new technology as a result of the<br />
ICT refresh after summer. Both will create major change in the department and<br />
provide fresh opportunities and challenges.<br />
Drama<br />
Mrs Almond was Head of Performing Arts (Music and Drama) from August to<br />
January, and directed the very successful Christmas concert. It was a pleasure to work<br />
so closely with the Music department on this event. 4 th year Drama pupils contributed<br />
excerpts from ‘The Steamie’.<br />
The year started with good exam results, with Standard Grade pupils doing<br />
particularly well.<br />
This year’s 3 rd year Standard Grade Drama class took part in the Equalities project by<br />
presenting a public performance of Children of the Holocaust. 4 th year Drama pupils<br />
Isla Cowan, Sophie Irvine, Ross Arthur and Chantelle Hoyle did an excellent job as<br />
presenters and the S3 Drama class formed the ensemble who portrayed the events<br />
sensitively and effectively. Many thanks to members of the audience who took the<br />
time to email us after the performance to express their appreciation.<br />
Our thanks also to David Fitzgerald, our Drama student who worked well in the<br />
department in term 2. His contribution was much appreciated at this busy time.<br />
As well as contributing to the Holocaust project, <strong>High</strong>er Drama pupils presented their<br />
own drama, covering the themes of Social Class, Expectations, Friendship and<br />
Achievement. They wrote, directed and acted in the play, which gave them a good<br />
basis for presenting their Acting exam pieces to the SQA examiner in May.<br />
Standard Grade and <strong>High</strong>er classes attended the Kings Theatre to see a Scottish<br />
National Theatre performance of the classic play by Ena Lamont Stewart, Men should<br />
Weep. This was enjoyed by all.<br />
The S2 cross curricular inter-disciplinary programme offered pupils the chance to<br />
create and direct their own film.<br />
Music<br />
Following the retirement of Mr. Wilson, former pupil Aimee Brown was appointed to<br />
a temporary position in the department between August and December, and has since<br />
moved on to Holyrood <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>. Miss Holland, an experienced teacher<br />
previously working in East Lothian, has been appointed to a permanent position.<br />
Mrs. McCann, cello tutor, was replaced by Ms. Jablonska.<br />
In terms of exam results, there were many excellent grades in the Performing element<br />
(at all levels) with 9 candidates achieving 100%. This is an outstanding achievement<br />
and a tribute to the hard work of staff and pupils alike. The instrumental tutors
present a large number of pupils for Associated Board, and successes include Rachel<br />
Peach achieving Grade 8 violin.<br />
The Christmas concert, organised by Mrs. Almond, was a great success with a high<br />
turnout. All the music extra-curricular groups took part, and pieces ranged from<br />
classical favourites like the Bach Toccata, to American musicals, jazz, and Dire<br />
Straits. Senior pupils organised a Christmas Market and the Parent Staff Association<br />
served mince pies and mulled wine to add to the festive atmosphere.<br />
As part of the Inter-disciplinary project S2 pupils worked alongside CDT to create a<br />
short animated film incorporating the software Garageband. In addition, a group of<br />
about 20 junior and some senior pupils took part in the Spring Fling performing an<br />
number by Adele.<br />
Curricular Area: Geography and Religious and Moral Studies<br />
Geography and R.M.P.S form one of the curricular areas in the new structure and Ms<br />
Shiona Park was confirmed as the Curricular Leader. The R.M.P.S department<br />
operated under the leadership of Mr Seb Sewell between August and February, when<br />
the new management structure was implemented.<br />
In Geography we will be sorry to lose Mr Ian Marshall, who retires at the end of this<br />
session after 22 years at The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>. In RMPS we were delighted with<br />
the appointment of Miss Carrie Thomson as full time permanent member of staff in<br />
December 2011 and we have supported Mr Gareth Phillips through his probationary<br />
year.<br />
Development of courses within the Curriculum for Excellence framework has been a<br />
priority for both departments over the course of the last year. S1 and S2 courses have<br />
been redesigned to reflect the Experiences and Outcomes within CfE. New S3 courses<br />
are being developed to incorporate Level 4 Experiences and Outcomes and facilitate<br />
the transition between junior phase and senior phase with new National courses.<br />
Geography<br />
S1 and S2 classes have had the opportunity to evaluate new courses and review is<br />
under way for next year. More skills based activities have been piloted in S1 and S2<br />
in recognition of CfE at that stage, with a strong focus on developing literacy and<br />
numeracy skills. Within certificated classes, uptake increased at S3 and presentations<br />
increased at Standard Grade. Presentations at <strong>High</strong>er and Advanced <strong>High</strong>er remained<br />
stable, but uptake has increased significantly at Int 2/ <strong>High</strong>er for next session.<br />
Pupils enjoyed opportunities to experience learning in real world contexts through<br />
field excursions and outside speakers. S2 classes participated in a departmental field<br />
excursion to Dynamic Earth to enhance their understanding of Earth Forces. S3 had<br />
the opportunity to investigate farming issues in Scotland with a visit to the <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong>land Show at Ingliston. Advanced <strong>High</strong>er students participated in a residential<br />
study weekend at Kindrogan Field Centre, Blairgowrie. This was run in conjunction<br />
with Portobello <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>, an opportunity which allowed both sets of students to<br />
collaborate with others, enhancing confidence. Pupils and staff enjoyed the<br />
reinstatement of a foreign trip during Activities Week when 40 pupils had the<br />
opportunity to study the physical features and human impact of volcanic/ coastal
landscapes by visiting the Bay of Naples, Italy. Visits to Mount Vesuvius, Solfatara<br />
and Capri enhanced their understanding of the physical landscape whilst visits to<br />
Pompeii and Herculaneum developed an understanding of the human impact and<br />
cyclical nature of natural forces.<br />
Religious and Moral Studies<br />
Skills based courses have been developed and reviewed throughout the year. Pupils<br />
are engaged with the subject as evidenced by an increased uptake at S3 for RMPS.<br />
Uptake in the senior school has increased significantly with both RMPS and Classical<br />
Studies being offered at Int 2/ <strong>High</strong>er. Mr Seb Sewell took responsibility for teaching<br />
<strong>High</strong>er Classical Studies as an extra curricular course and presented at Int 2/ <strong>High</strong>er<br />
level – pupil interest and commitment to this subject has led to increased uptake and<br />
timetabled coursing for next session.<br />
Pupils enjoyed opportunities to experience learning in real world contexts through<br />
field excursions and outside speakers. S1 pupils investigated aspects of Celtic<br />
religion through outdoor learning in Davidson Mains Park. Intermediate students<br />
visited the Synagogue and Mosque to aid understanding of world religions. Linking<br />
with this, the RMPS department has fostered strong connections with Imam Sohail<br />
(based at the Blackhall Mosque) and Edinburgh Interfaith. The RMPS department<br />
were instrumental in organising the Speak Up, Speak Out whole school initiative.<br />
Key Health and Wellbeing outcomes on valuing diversity and difference were<br />
delivered through the curriculum. As part of the Scottish Continuing International<br />
Professional Development (SCIPD) Programme, Ms Carrie Thomson participated in a<br />
study visit to Oslo which focused on Human Rights education / Holocaust education.<br />
This provided a valuable opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion on approaches to<br />
teaching about issues of genocide, discrimination and rights; resources from this visit<br />
are being adapted for use in new courses in school.<br />
Faculty priorities next session will be:<br />
• To further develop courses and activities which reflect the principles and<br />
outcomes of CfE and to develop courses which link the junior phase with new<br />
National courses in the senior phase.<br />
• Engage in moderation events and professional dialogue in order to share<br />
standards.<br />
• To develop increased opportunities in both departments for tasks/<br />
opportunities for learning in real world contexts eg fieldwork, visits, outside<br />
speakers.<br />
• To maximise the opportunities presented by the ICT refresh to enable a more<br />
effective use of ICT as a learning tool thus enabling our learners to display<br />
greater creativity and develop more effective independent skills.<br />
• Peer/ self assessment to complement the whole school emphasis on target<br />
setting in order to improve pupil engagement with their learning, especially<br />
next steps.<br />
• To broaden the range of assessment strategies<br />
• One of the challenges faced by the RMPS department is a reduction in core<br />
time at S3 level which has necessitated course development in conjunction<br />
with Guidance; the impact of this in relation to delivery of the Level 3<br />
Experiences and Outcomes will be reviewed during the course of the year.
Curricular Area – Health and Wellbeing.<br />
In January of this year, changes in curriculum structure resulted in Home Economics<br />
and Physical Education forming the new Faculty of Health and Well Being<br />
Mr McMillan was confirmed as the Curricular Leader.<br />
Physical Education<br />
This has been a disrupted year for facilities within Physical Education yet the<br />
department still performed to their usual high standards. Mr Iain Thomson and Mr<br />
Ewan Brodie were appointed as acting Principal Teachers of Guidance. This meant<br />
that Ms Claire Crosbie returned until she secured a position in another school. Mr<br />
Iain Gray also joined us and has fitted extremely well into the school. The<br />
department made two new appointments who have both made huge contributions to<br />
the whole school and department. Ms Heather Brown joined us from Eastwood <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> in Glasgow and is a brilliant asset to the team. Mr Robert Watson, who<br />
recently completed his probationary year with us, returned to The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
from Firrhill <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>. Mr Allan Thomson also joined us on a Monday bringing a<br />
wealth of experience as well as teaching in our cluster primaries. It is great to have<br />
such quality within the department.<br />
Results within the department continue to be in the top category for comparison. The<br />
uptake for <strong>High</strong>er increased again. PE had an excellent year with Standard Grade<br />
where the results were 2 nd best on record. Over 70 students received a credit grade.<br />
The PE department underwent an SQA verification at <strong>High</strong>er and Intermediate 2 and<br />
impressed since there were no recommendations included in the feedback.<br />
This year was a troublesome one for the department with regard to facilities. Our<br />
Games Hall, fitness room and the associated changing rooms were out of action for<br />
over 2 months. The staff were very professional and solution focused throughout,<br />
ensuring that all classes were given the same quality learning experience with<br />
minimum disruption to the curriculum. The students were also mature and helpful in<br />
their approach to the disruption, especially in the non-salubrious changing venue.<br />
An introductory Long Term Rugby Player Development Programme in S3-S6 core PE<br />
is providing an exciting opportunity for our rugby players. They are receiving<br />
specific rugby training (conditioning, nutrition etc) from SRU development officers to<br />
further develop themselves in this area.<br />
In the PE curriculum, the department is making good progress with assessment and<br />
moderation in Curriculum for Excellence. The S1 year group experienced a<br />
successful Health and Wellbeing day to further their knowledge for lifelong health<br />
and exercise. The re-introduction of the Sports Leader course in S5/S6 could not have<br />
been better. Students on the course organised and ran competitions and clubs and<br />
taught in our associate primary schools. PE had a very successful uptake for<br />
Interdisciplinary Learning in S2 where 4 cohorts of S2 have invented/created, trialled,<br />
taught and played new activities. Also in S2 a class took the Sports Relief Challenge<br />
to organise a PE department morning of sponsored activities. They raised £1000.<br />
The primary transition has developed to be an envy of other schools for PE. This year<br />
there were numerous opportunities for Primary 7 Learners. Ms Brown worked in our<br />
primaries for 2 hours per week all year. The Primary 7 cohort attended RHS for their
annual ‘Thinkquest’ where the Olympics was the theme in PE, organised by Mr<br />
Watson. Our senior students on the Lead 2014 project also created, organised and ran<br />
a “come and try” activities day. Our formal PE transition is another opportunity for<br />
the Primary students to experience different activities here before they join us in<br />
August. The PE department is also adding a Saturday afternoon parental primary<br />
transition where parents are invited for a fun afternoon with their child to play<br />
rounders together. The outgoing p7 teachers, PE department and incoming S1<br />
registration teachers will also be there.<br />
The second annual wider achievement ceremony took place in late June and the new<br />
Sports Personality of the Year was announced. The award this year went to Sixth<br />
year pupil, Andrew Cramond. The ceremony is designed to celebrate the<br />
commitment of our students, staff, parents, former pupil volunteers and coaches.<br />
Next year the PE department is looking forward to stability of staff and also to the<br />
creation of the new 3 rd year course which will provide our opt-in PE students with<br />
knowledge of the body, skills, tactics, leadership and co-operation units. Our S1 to<br />
S3 PE students will all receive 2 hours of quality PE. The PE department are looking<br />
forward to embracing ICT more within their lessons to further enhance students’<br />
learning experience.<br />
Home Economics<br />
Home Economics began this session with one full-time teacher, Mrs Templeton, and<br />
one temporary part-time member of staff, Mrs Macdonald. Our staffing requirements<br />
have again increased for next session, and a permanent member of staff has been<br />
appointed. Mrs Kelly will work almost full time from August.<br />
Sadly, Mrs Macdonald is leaving us to return to Inverness. She has made an<br />
invaluable contribution to the Home Economics Dept, and will be greatly missed. We<br />
take this opportunity to thank her for all her tremendous hard work, appreciated by<br />
both staff and pupils while wishing her every success for the future.<br />
Our focus for Curriculum for Excellence has been to pilot new materials for S1 course<br />
provision. Having junior classes for only one block in S1 and not at all in S2 has<br />
meant we have had to prioritise the Learning Experiences and Outcomes we are able<br />
to cover, although in S2 this year we have also been involved in Cross-Curricular<br />
activities, which both staff and pupils have found beneficial. We were also host to a<br />
Primary 7 transition morning where pupils produced a practical lunch dish suitable for<br />
Olympic Athletes.<br />
The new Hospitality groups will work together to produce an Enterprise lunch for<br />
staff before the end of this term. This year’s theme will be the Jubilee; although the<br />
main event has passed, we are sure it will be the usual success.<br />
Throughout the session Home Economics has continued to review provision for other<br />
year groups, planning and developing changes to courses where necessary.<br />
Our focus for the remainder of the summer term is to begin to develop our new S3<br />
course, Health and Food Technology, which embraces the principles of CfE.
Curricular Area: History and Modern Studies<br />
History and Modern Studies form one of the curricular areas in the new structure and<br />
Ms Kate Bebb was confirmed as Curricular Leader.<br />
History<br />
It has been yet another exceptionally busy year in the History Department. Mr Iain<br />
Welsh was successfully appointed as a temporary Principal Teacher of Guidance, and<br />
he has enjoyed the challenge and experience the role has brought. Mr Seb Sewell and<br />
Ms Carrie Thomson have successfully been teaching classes in the department this<br />
year. Ms Alison Sommerville has continued in her role as a whole school literacy coordinator.<br />
The department began the year by celebrating some excellent exam results achieved<br />
by our pupils, the strongest performance for quite some time. Over 70% of our pupils<br />
achieved credit grades at Standard Grade, and an A or B at <strong>High</strong>er. We were<br />
particularly pleased with the <strong>High</strong>er results as this was the first presentation working<br />
through the new course, with its compulsory Scottish element. We continue to present<br />
some of the largest numbers for Advanced <strong>High</strong>er history from the state sector in<br />
Scotland.<br />
We have been working hard as a team to consolidate the work done last year, which<br />
ensures that learners in our department are being sufficiently exposed to the relevant<br />
Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes. We have continued to work<br />
on our portfolios of pupils’ work in S1 and S2, a resource they will be able to<br />
continually update and one which also highlights how history as a subject helps<br />
develop and strengthen literacy skills and also Health and Well Being Outcomes. We<br />
are now working hard to ensure that all pupils continue to work through level 4<br />
Experiences and Outcomes as they move through their final year of their Broad<br />
General Education. Iain Welsh and Alison Sommerville have also been involved in<br />
developing an Interdisciplinary unit of work with Mr Alasdair Robertson of the<br />
English department, focused on the Holocaust.<br />
As with all departments, we are all working exceptionally hard to prepare for the new<br />
National 3/4/5 courses. We now know what the content will be and the department is<br />
working collectively to prepare and develop new resources. We look forward to<br />
getting more information over the forthcoming session about the assessment<br />
mechanisms.<br />
The department continues its commitment to enriching pupils’ learning by taking<br />
learners out of the class room. This year we have taken trips to the Old Town of<br />
Edinburgh, Bannockburn and the Wallace Monument, to the Museum of Scotland on<br />
a joint trip with Art and, of course, our annual trip to visit some of the WW1<br />
battlefields. Such trips embrace cross-curricular links which are now well embedded<br />
in the department. Members of the department were also responsible for organising<br />
yet another Comenius exchange visit to our partner school in Mannheim, a<br />
relationship that is now over a decade old. All-in-all, it has been a most successful and<br />
extremely productive year for the department.
Modern Studies<br />
It has been a year of significant change and transition for the Modern Studies<br />
department. It was with great sadness that the department said farewell to Mrs<br />
Caroline Barrett who retired at the end of last session as Principal Teacher of Modern<br />
Studies. She is the reason the Modern Studies department was created at the <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> and she was pivotal in building up a tremendously successful<br />
department. She has been sorely missed this session, not simply within the<br />
department, but also within the whole school community. Mrs. Barrett had given the<br />
school 33 years of devoted service, and beyond the classroom her involvement in<br />
many extra curricular activities such as hockey, badminton and countless trips and<br />
excursions, left a mark on so many young people over the years. After her departure,<br />
Mr Snedden led the department in a most organised and efficient manner from August<br />
until the implementation of the new management structure in February 2012, when<br />
the department was combined with the History department under the leadership of Ms<br />
Kate Bebb. In a challenging year the department was delighted to welcome the energy<br />
and ability of Miss Jennifer Taylor as a permanent, full time member of the<br />
department. At the same time, towards the end of the session we heard the news that<br />
Miss Jennifer Gilruth had been successful in her application to work with Education<br />
Scotland for the next two years, and we wish her every success as she embarks on this<br />
exciting new chapter of her career.<br />
The Modern Studies department once again enjoyed considerable success in the SQA<br />
exams in 2011, and it is gratifying to see pupil uptake at all levels reflecting this<br />
success. Awards at <strong>High</strong>er were significantly above the national average. At Standard<br />
Grade, all pupils passed with the majority gaining a Credit award. It was also a<br />
successful year for Advanced <strong>High</strong>er with most achieving a grade B or above.<br />
This session, the department has been actively involved in a number of curricular<br />
developments centred upon Curriculum for Excellence. New materials were written<br />
for S1 and S2 and the pupils responded very favourably to the delivery of new units<br />
of work.<br />
The department organised yet another highly successful <strong>High</strong>er revision conference at<br />
the beginning of March. Pupils from five Edinburgh schools attended, including The<br />
<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>. A series of highly relevant and useful talks and workshops were<br />
delivered by a prestigious panel of speakers. These included Mike Crockart MP,<br />
Robbie Dinwoodie (chief political correspondent for the Herald), Stan Da Prato<br />
(former Chief Examiner of Modern Studies), Katherine Smith (lecturer from the<br />
<strong>School</strong> of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh) and Daniel Kenealy<br />
(a PHD student from the University of Edinburgh).<br />
Academic achievement has been enhanced by the department’s continued<br />
involvement in a joint Modern Studies/English trip to London in the summer term.<br />
This trip allows our S3 pupils to experience of the corridors of power in Whitehall<br />
and Westminster with visits to Downing Street and Parliament. Tourist attractions<br />
such as the London Eye and Madame Tussauds brought some light relief from all the<br />
hard work. In the evenings, the group enjoyed the special theatrical experience<br />
London has to offer by attending three productions: ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘Shrek’ and<br />
‘Wicked’. Earlier in the year, the department also played a central part in organising<br />
the inaugural RHS Modern Studies/English Trip to New York. All those involved had
an incredible experience. The group visited New York and Washington DC, taking in<br />
such experiences as diverse as visiting the White House and the United Nations along<br />
with sampling a Broadway show and visiting the “Top of the Rock”. Our S6<br />
Advanced <strong>High</strong>er pupils were also given the opportunity to participate in a Question<br />
Time event at Fettes school, which was broadcast on Radio Scotland. S3 pupils<br />
visited the Scottish Parliament and several trips to see several relevant films at the<br />
cinema were organised, all reinforcing the learning in the classroom. The department<br />
is very excited about a link with a school in Rwanda, which we are in the process of<br />
developing. This will bring unique opportunities, not simply to the department, but to<br />
the wider school community<br />
Curricular Area: Mathematics and Numeracy<br />
In a busy year for the department we have had several changes in staffing. We were<br />
delighted when both Mr Abdallah Serhani and Mrs Kathryn Gray were confirmed in<br />
permanent staffing positions at The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>, but we were very sad to have<br />
to say farewell to Mrs Janie Carter, who retired at Christmas. Janie was an<br />
inspirational teacher to many students (and staff!) and we wish her all the very best<br />
for the future. We were, however, very fortunate in being able to secure the services<br />
of Miss Joanne Simpson from January onwards. Jo has fitted in very quickly with the<br />
department and we are delighted to be able to welcome her to the team. Dr Maria<br />
Lianantonakis also joined us, albeit on a temporary basis, and we were very grateful<br />
for her help and support throughout the session.<br />
This year we also welcomed two new teachers to the department, although sadly they<br />
are also bidding us farewell at the end of this session. Miss Hellen Macleod joined us<br />
as a probationer teacher whilst Mr Michael O’Regan joined us to cover Mrs Laoise<br />
Ward’s classes as she continued her work as Acting Principal Teacher of Guidance.<br />
Both Hellen and Michael have had a tremendous impact on the department and we<br />
wish them every success as they leave to take up permanent positions at other schools<br />
next session.<br />
The work of the department continues apace, as ever. Our main focus has been the<br />
delivery of the Experiences and Outcomes for Curriculum for Excellence in S1 and<br />
S2, and on developing resources, methods and assessments in support of this. We<br />
have also spent time preparing for the Es and Os in S3 next session, as well as<br />
keeping up-to-date with information and support materials regarding the new<br />
qualifications at National 3, 4 and 5.<br />
We remain very proud of the high standards which pupils achieve in mathematics at<br />
The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>, and we continue to do all that we can to ensure that pupils<br />
attain to their full potential. This session we repeated our highly successful “Maths<br />
Camp” revision weekend for S4 General Level pupils, and (due to popular demand)<br />
we ran our first Maths Camp for Advanced <strong>High</strong>er students. Both events took place at<br />
Auchengillan Outdoor Centre and were supported by many members of staff, giving<br />
generously of their time.<br />
Once again our pupils performed admirably in maths competitions through out the<br />
session: in the UK Mathematics Trust’s Maths Challenge, “Best in <strong>School</strong>” awards<br />
went to Julia MacKenzie (Senior), Murray McLennan (Intermediate) and Martin<br />
Oglesby (Junior); whilst in the Scottish Mathematical Council’s Challenges, “Best in
<strong>School</strong>” awards went to Claire Woodhead (Senior) and Martin Oglesby (Junior). Ross<br />
Witney Hunter, Claudia Charlwood, Laura Wood and Juliette Goddard also won Gold<br />
Awards in the SMC (Junior Level).<br />
Curricular Area: Modern Languages<br />
The Modern Languages Department has been left largely unaffected in the new<br />
curricular structure and the department continues to be led by Ms. D. Longden.<br />
This session, Miss Inglis was on maternity leave until January and her timetable was<br />
covered by Miss Kotowska, who then shared the timetable on Miss Inglis' return. As<br />
she embarks on a second maternity leave, we send her all best wishes. Mrs Beaton is<br />
currently on a career break and Miss Bisset and Mrs Colquhoun have joined the<br />
department in her stead.<br />
Our work in the senior school was supported by the Foreign Language assistants,<br />
Benno Farries and Anaïs Javelle, who focussed on bringing native speaker<br />
perspectives to the Intermediate 2, <strong>High</strong>er and Advanced <strong>High</strong>er students; we wish<br />
them well as they return home to complete their studies.<br />
The department also mentored the initial experiences of three student teachers from<br />
Moray House, with each member of staff contributing to their development.<br />
Our curricular focus has, of course, been the development of experiences and teaching<br />
materials to implement Curriculum for Excellence in S2 and the thorough review of<br />
the S1 course. We continue to experiment with new styles of assessment. With Mrs<br />
Cullen, the peripatetic Cluster specialist who brilliantly teaches and motivates our<br />
future S1 pupils, we have piloted a joint project, highlighting the skills required for<br />
the group speaking activity in Primary 7; setting an agreed acknowledgement of the<br />
prior learning our pupils bring to RHS, we undertook joint moderation of speaking<br />
performances to ' share the standard'.<br />
A rich range of curricular enhancement opportunities has been offered to our pupils,<br />
including having the great honour of one of our Advanced <strong>High</strong>er German students,<br />
Roddy McGlynn, selected to act as a German Ambassador, which included leadership<br />
development work undertaken in London. The German Consulate continues to offer<br />
certificates and book prizes to reward our students. S2 German pupils participated in<br />
the German Careers' Fair. A team of our S3 students, guided by Miss McCallum and<br />
Mrs Colquhoun, finished third of all Edinburgh schools ( 8 th in Scotland) in the<br />
Institut Francais' online celebration of Francophonie - a terrific achievement at the<br />
first attempt. French students have visited the Film Festival and enjoyed a film club;<br />
pupils have visited the German market and ice rink at Christmas as rewards for their<br />
hard work. A team of Picts in S1 won the annual Euroquiz competition.<br />
During Activities week, S2 and S3 pupils have enjoyed a Taste of Germany, a visit to<br />
a French restaurant, an opportunity to sample Chinese culture and learn some<br />
Mandarin. Miss Dubanchet led the alternative to Dounans programme with activities<br />
too wide-ranging to detail!<br />
Our priorities for next session include shared development of the S3 course and<br />
related assessments; further enhancement to our Transition project as part of our<br />
celebration of Languages; further work preparing for the wide range of courses and<br />
exams in S4.
Curricular Area: Science<br />
Biology, Chemistry and Physics form the Science Curricular Area in the new<br />
structure, and Mr Steve Bakke was confirmed as the Curricular Leader.<br />
Biology<br />
Mr Ken Hogg, the former Principal Teacher of Biology, retired at the end of<br />
last session after 33 years in The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>, where his contribution<br />
to the school extended far beyond his work in the classroom.<br />
Mr Hogg was replaced as Principal Teacher, temporarily, by Dr Eric Easton<br />
until the new management structure was implemented. Ms Gillian Foster and<br />
Mr Ben Davenport joined the department on a temporary basis and the<br />
Biology staff are more stable, with fewer job shares and fewer teachers with<br />
other responsibilities, than at any time in the last decade or more. What the<br />
Biology department has lost in experience it has gained in enthusiasm, though<br />
there is no lack of commitment or professionalism. Both Ms Foster and Mr<br />
Davenport have since been appointed to the permanent staffing complement.<br />
Ms Foster and Mr Davenport, along with Mr Thomson (Chemistry) have<br />
formed a new Science Club for junior pupils. I know they will have their own<br />
entry in this report but I should put on record (because they probably will not)<br />
the excitement with which pupils leave Science Club and the good questions<br />
they can bring to their lessons. They should be congratulated for the energy<br />
they have generated in young science students this session.<br />
The Biology department have this session arranged a repeat visit from former<br />
pupil Professor David Patterson, Head of the <strong>School</strong> of Biology at St.<br />
Andrews’ University, to talk to senior pupils about careers in Biology and<br />
offer some targeted advice to S6 pupils, a visit which was very well received.<br />
Chemistry<br />
If the beginning of the session saw big changes in Biology staff, the session<br />
ends with almost wholesale change in the Chemistry department. Mr David<br />
Dickson, for ten years the Principal Teacher of Chemistry, leaves us to take<br />
up a new role in Dunbar Academy, East Lothian. Mr Andrew Thomson joined<br />
us in August as temporary Teacher of Chemistry and he leaves us at the end<br />
of this session. He is emigrating to the USA with his American wife. Mr<br />
Dickson and Mr Thomson take with them our good wishes for a successful<br />
future, and the affection of a great many of our pupils. Mrs Storey started her<br />
maternity leave a little earlier than she had planned when baby Jack appeared<br />
about a month early. He had a shaky start but is now doing well. Again, we<br />
wish them all the very best for the future.<br />
Physics<br />
At the start of this session Mr David Hill was still new to the school and Mr<br />
Stewart Gray joined us to alleviate the pressure on staffing caused by the<br />
increase in uptake in Physics. Mr Iain Coltart had been seconded to St<br />
Thomas of Aquin’s <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> as temporary Principal Teacher of Physics<br />
last session and when he returned recently he had been the temporary<br />
Curricular Leader of the Science Faculty. He has come back to us with vast
experience, including that of a recent inspection. As a result of his return, Mr<br />
Gray has moved on and is currently teaching in Falkirk. Mr Hill now has a<br />
permanent position in The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>.<br />
Science<br />
The pace of curricular reform is incredible. At the end of last session we were<br />
still developing our ideas about how to teach and test the new content, and the<br />
associated skills. The Science faculty took advantage of an offer of some<br />
training in Science debates at the end of last session, offered by the English<br />
Speaking Union. This session we have offered a S2 ‘interdisciplinary<br />
learning’ class in Science debates. This quite formally developed the Science<br />
teachers and their responsibility for literacy. This has been one of the most<br />
explicit expressions of Curriculum for Excellence.<br />
Biology has two new S2 topics called Evolution and Biotechnology and after<br />
only one year we have shredded and rewritten parts of both of them, renaming<br />
Evolution as Environment.<br />
Chemistry’s main focus has been the S2 course. Characteristically, staff came<br />
up with a great topic on the fat content of crisps. This follows on from the<br />
soap-making activity, which linked Chemistry and Enterprise. The crisp topic<br />
is a very relevant link with the Health and Wellbeing area of the curriculum.<br />
The shift from developing S1/S2 Science to reviewing these developments<br />
and working on S3 Chemistry is difficult. Plans have been made and these<br />
will, in time, be open to review. With the changes in personnel we must<br />
resolve to maintain the good ideas and match to them the enthusiasm and<br />
energy of new staff.<br />
In common with the other sciences, Physics development work on the S1/S2<br />
courses, Transport and Health Physics, has turned to review and the<br />
development of S3 Physics. Innovative practical work and active learning<br />
continue to be the hallmarks of this work, and again the uptake in new classes<br />
bears out the appreciation of pupils.<br />
At the same time as reviewing the work done on S2 developments, we are<br />
planning the new S3 courses. The tension between pupils’ entitlement to a<br />
broad general education while also offering specialization and choice, and the<br />
articulation of the level 4 outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence with the<br />
content of the courses which are to follow, is interesting. There is much new<br />
material in the new National courses and some of it is very demanding, but<br />
we are mindful of the need to cater for all abilities, and of our obligation to<br />
develop pupils’ skills in a much more explicit way than previously. To this<br />
end we all, in our departments, worked with our colleagues in other<br />
Edinburgh schools to develop a different part of the Nationals courses so that<br />
we could achieve a common understanding of the level and content of the<br />
courses. We are, therefore, in a strong position in terms of the new courses<br />
and have input from a wide range of other schools. Where this work has been<br />
shared outside Edinburgh it is very favourably looked upon. It appears that<br />
we are providing a lead in the Sciences across the whole of Scotland.
If we can manage the pace of change, the future is bright. If the new courses<br />
capture the active, engaging nature of the new S1 and S2 topics, we can<br />
enthuse a whole generation of pupils. Certainly, the increase in uptake across<br />
all the Science subjects reflects a vote of confidence in the work we have<br />
done so far. Attainment is a strength of The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>, and as<br />
always our thoughts at this time of year are with those pupils awaiting results<br />
in August. Good luck to all of them.<br />
Extra-curricular clubs and societies<br />
Dance<br />
Dance activities continued to thrive throughout the session with 18 separate dance<br />
groups running on a weekly basis, involving nearly 200 pupils. This number does not<br />
include the 3 cluster primary groups (covering all age groups) that meet every<br />
Saturday throughout the year. The type of dance offered this session included hiphop,<br />
tap, cheerleading, musical theatre, jazz, and contemporary dance whilst <strong>High</strong>er<br />
Dance was also offered as an after-school class. The enthusiasm and commitment of<br />
pupils was encouraged by attendance at shows as various as The Shen Wei Dance<br />
Company in the International Festival, ‘Legally Blonde’, The Breakin’ Convention,<br />
Matthew Bourne’s ‘Nutcracker’, DanzaContemporanea de Cuba (with the latter two<br />
acclaimed companies delivering workshops at the school). In addition, a two day<br />
dance residency in September by the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble (who appeared in<br />
the International Festival) gave large numbers of pupils an insight into the disciplines<br />
of Indian Dance.<br />
Pupils had a chance to showcase their talents in March when over 250 dancers (and<br />
over 50 other performers) took part in the Spring Fling Dance Show. Performing over<br />
3 nights to full houses, the dancers showed the range of their talents in an<br />
entertaining, energetic and high quality show.<br />
Throughout the year a committed group of dance helpers assisted with Saturday dance<br />
classes for the cluster primaries and hard-working dance captains for each dance<br />
group ensued that activities ran smoothly through their leadership and commitment.<br />
Plans are already in place to enhance dance experiences further. In addition to<br />
developing the weekly dance sessions further there are a number of activities planned<br />
including one which involves the school in a prestigious UK wide pilot project<br />
(involving the Festival Theatre and The Prince’s Foundation) which will include<br />
working with Scottish Ballet and performing at the Festival Theatre.<br />
The range of dance offered– and the sheer numbers taking part – testifies to the<br />
commitment of the teachers and organisers who provide so many opportunities for<br />
our pupils, encouraging them to develop their skills and interests in dance. Thanks to<br />
Heather Brown, Lisa Aytoun and Peter Twyman for their commitment and<br />
encouragement throughout the year and to Tom Bacciarelli for his continued support<br />
of dance in the school. In particular, special thanks to Samm Baigrie who has done so<br />
much to enable many pupils to develop their enjoyment of dance and to ensure that it<br />
continues to make a vibrant contribution to the life of the school.
Debating<br />
The debating club has enjoyed another active year. In September we entered a team<br />
into the annual Craigleith and Blackhall Community Council debate and we also<br />
entered a team into the Donald Dewar Law Society Tournament and were successful<br />
in taking a team through the first round, with round two taking place at <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong>.<br />
Ten pupils from RHS took part in the Mini Trials at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court<br />
where they assumed the roles of lawyers, the accused and court officials in a mock<br />
trial. Later in the year, we sent pupils to the annual debating day at Craigmount and<br />
we also entered two pupils into the ESU Science Debating Competition, with one of<br />
the pupils reaching the final.<br />
Science Club<br />
This academic year we have had a very successful S1/S2 Science club that meets on<br />
Thursday lunchtimes. Numerous activities have been carried out such as producing<br />
glow-in-the-dark slime, a foxglove radio, growing herbs and producing some fabulous<br />
bird boxes and feeders. The club had an enjoyable trip to Davidsons Mains Park at the<br />
beginning of May where they participated in a scavenger hunt, a tree ID session,<br />
learnt survival skills and also how to produce nettle tea. This workshop was<br />
organised by Edinburgh and Lothians Green space trust and we hope to continue the<br />
links we have made with them. Finally, a big thank you to all those who have assisted<br />
with the club, in particular our fantastic helpers: Elizabeth Clark, Vincent Plummer<br />
and Douglas Cockburn. Next year we hope the club will be even bigger and better!<br />
Drama Club<br />
The drama club has flourished this year. Former pupil Jonathan Ward helped with the<br />
club in his 6 th year, and has returned now that he has an acting qualification. Not only<br />
has Jonathan helped out at the lunchtime club but he has established an after school<br />
Drama group, which is well attended. It is always gratifying to see our former pupils<br />
doing well. The drama department and the drama club have also supported Mr Lagan<br />
with the Ruffitybuffs inter-schools project.<br />
Music Groups<br />
Choir<br />
This has been another incredibly busy year for the choir and we were particularly<br />
pleased to welcome a large number of S1 pupils into the choir in August. The first<br />
term was spent in preparation for Christmas with the school concert at which we<br />
performed John Gardner’s Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day and an arrangement<br />
of Winter Wonderland. In the same week we had been invited to take part in a carol<br />
service at Holy Cross Church, Davidson’s Mains which saw the choir performing a<br />
number of pieces as well as joining in with the audience in some well-known carols.<br />
Throughout December the KT Singers, drawn from senior members of the choir,<br />
performed carols around Edinburgh in aid of Waverley Care. This year’s KT group,<br />
now in its 35 th year, was brilliantly organised by Amy Osborn and Kirsty Geddes and<br />
we were delighted to be able to send a cheque for well over £1,000 to Waverley Care.<br />
On May 3 rd , the choir was invited to perform a concert called ‘Sing for Africa’ at St.<br />
Stephen’s Church in Comely Bank. This involved a programme of music consisting<br />
of a wide range of solo and choral music including an arrangement of Bohemian<br />
Rhapsody and Stanford’s The Blue Bird, an incredibly challenging choral piece even
for professional choirs! Finally, we performed in another charity concert on June 16 th<br />
in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind in Davidson’s Mains Parish Church to round off a<br />
very successful year for the choir, which has seen a great deal of hard-work and<br />
commitment from all members.<br />
Instrumental Groups<br />
Again 2011-12 has been a busy year for the String Ensembles. In the first half of the<br />
term the Chamber Ensemble played at Edinburgh City Council Awards Ceremony<br />
(City Chambers) and at Edinburgh City Council Achievement Awards.<br />
The school String Orchestra played at the RHS Armistice Service and <strong>School</strong><br />
Christmas concert, as well as playing Pachelbel’s Canon at the City Instrumental<br />
Services Resonate Evenings at the Queen’s Hall.<br />
The Fiddle Group too had a busy year , not only playing at the Queen’s Hall but also<br />
entertaining at G.T.C headquarters, F.P dinner at the Roxburgh hotel and playing for<br />
Mrs. Gillespie’s retiral ceilidh at the Club House.<br />
Sports Clubs<br />
The school has had considerable team and individual success this academic year, as<br />
we continued to support and expand the range of activities offered to young people in<br />
school. As in previous years, team sports such as rugby and football are well<br />
established, and continue to attract players, but the new clubs like mountain biking,<br />
cheerleading, netball, basketball and kickboxing also help maintain the school’s rich<br />
success of participation within our students.<br />
Football<br />
In football, we ran four teams (Under 13, 14, 16 and 18) with each enjoying some<br />
measure of success. The 13s, who were expertly coached by Cameron McCulloch and<br />
Sean Veitch, finished mid-table in the league with a strong finish to the season that<br />
saw them win five out of their last six games. The 14s and the 16s also finished midtable<br />
under the guidance of some former pupils of the school.<br />
The real success came with the Under 18s who won the league championship under<br />
the expert guidance of Robert Watson. A number of the players were in fifth year at<br />
school so hopefully this success can continue next year as well.<br />
There were also individual successes in football. Both Calum Cowan and Craig<br />
Russell were regulars for the Edinburgh <strong>School</strong>s Under 15s squad, who narrowly<br />
missed out on glory within the National competition as they got beat in the semi finals<br />
of the competition, although getting to that stage was an achievement in itself.<br />
In addition, it is pleasing to report that Blair Carswell will leave school this summer<br />
to pursue a full time professional contract with Hearts football club. We would like to<br />
wish him every success.<br />
The commitment and dedication from the girls’ football team continues to impress<br />
and grow. The school club has proved to be a stepping stone to some girls<br />
participating at a higher level in Edinburgh clubs. This has given the girls an<br />
opportunity to excel even further. The school team had some great scores and wins<br />
against good opponents and it is hoped that next year will be even more successful<br />
with more players joining.
Rugby<br />
In rugby, we ran four teams (S1, S2, S3 and 1 st XV) as well as having a strong<br />
number of S1-4 girls training regularly. The teams all enjoyed a full card of fixtures<br />
against many of our established opponents. The Brewin Dolphin Scottish Cup<br />
competition saw the seniors go out to a strong Peebles side, though progress next<br />
season should be made through this experience.<br />
The sevens season is underway and the teams will be working hard to ensure <strong>Royal</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong> retain their sevens series crown. The school has again been awarded ‘gold’<br />
status for our rugby for a third consecutive year.<br />
Lucy Park (S4) continues to be a regular for the Scotland training camps and teams<br />
and is an intregal member of the squad with other girls now going for trials at<br />
National level.<br />
Andrew Cramond (S6) achieved wonderful personal recognition for his talent by<br />
representing Scotland at U18 level against Ireland, England and Wales. Andrew was<br />
selected for the U18 squad for the FIRA championship in Madrid where he performed<br />
brilliantly. We wish him all the best for the future.<br />
Athletics<br />
Our new summer term athletics club is growing in success and is furthering the<br />
development of students interested in trying athletics as well as providing extra<br />
practice for our successful Edinburgh and Scottish <strong>School</strong>s representatives.<br />
At the time of writing, we also have two squads of athletes entered into the Edinburgh<br />
<strong>School</strong>s Championships at Meadowbank and the Scottish <strong>School</strong>s Track and Field<br />
Championships at Grangemouth.<br />
Our S1/S2 girls this year won the Edinburgh <strong>School</strong>s Cross Country with Amy<br />
Armstrong winning the race. The other members were Ciara McFarlane, Eilidh<br />
Thores and Jess McFadden.<br />
Badminton<br />
Badminton continues to attract decent numbers, and there is a mix of practice and<br />
competitive sessions. The RHS team was narrowly defeated in the Edinburgh<br />
<strong>School</strong>s Cup this year, but have a young squad so the future looks bright.<br />
Cheerleading<br />
Cheerleading is a new club set up this year by Miss Brown for S1-S3 and has proved<br />
to be extremely successful. The group have developed and improved dramatically<br />
over the year and worked towards performing in the school’s Strictly Come Dancing<br />
show in December and the Spring Fling in March. The girls also participated in a<br />
dance competition at Broughton <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>.<br />
Cricket<br />
Summer term saw the school-club link established further, with the coaches from<br />
RHC Cricket Club delivering curriculum cricket sessions to the S1 and S2 year<br />
groups. Following the success of this, we are hoping to expand this provision to<br />
include after school sessions and a representative team as well as a nation tournament.
Hockey<br />
Hockey has continued to grow in numbers, with a lot of new S1 pupils joining.<br />
Unfortunately there is not a lot of scope for fixtures but the teams performed well in<br />
the matches they played. The seniors finished the year with an impressive win against<br />
Craigmount and the juniors have a tournament coming up in June.<br />
Tennis<br />
Both the boys and girls teams won the Scottish <strong>School</strong>s Championships in June 2011,<br />
and subsequently were named Tennis Scotland’s team of the year in December. This<br />
year both teams again won through to the National Finals and successfully defended<br />
their titles in June. To win both titles in consecutive years is a historic first and we<br />
are enormously proud of our teams. There have also been a number of notable<br />
individual successes in Scotland and abroad by Scott Duncan, Reuben Henry, Euan<br />
McIntosh, Millie Stretton and Hannah Watson.<br />
Mountain Biking<br />
Mr Davenport (Science staff) has initiated a mountain bike club with students<br />
regularly attending to go on rides and learn about looking after bikes. This has been<br />
particularly successful for engaging all students.<br />
Netball<br />
After a difficult start due to the temporary lack of training facilities, the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> managed to present two teams of dedicated junior and senior pupils in the<br />
local school league, thanks to our highly committed coach, Catriona Salton (S6). We<br />
were also lucky to be joined in the course of the year by Miss Simpson, new Maths<br />
teacher and Holyrood Netball club coach. We had a promising season and hope that<br />
next year will bring us new members to join our cheerful teams.<br />
As always, the school owe a huge debt of thanks to all the staff, students, former<br />
pupils and parents who give up their own time to help with our sporting programme.<br />
Many of the roles are undertaken behind the scenes without any expectation of<br />
reward, so we take this opportunity here to say a very big “thank you” to you all.<br />
Without this army of helpers we would struggle to provide these opportunities for our<br />
students. Neil Russell continues to drive extra curricular activities at the school and<br />
deserves a huge thanks from us all.<br />
We would always like to provide more sporting opportunities and experiences for our<br />
pupils, so if you would like to get involved then please don’t hesitate to get in touch<br />
with the school. We would be delighted to speak to you about how you can help in the<br />
coming year.<br />
S4 Work Experience Week 2011<br />
In November 2011 almost all of our S4 pupils spent a week in a workplace of their<br />
choice. The aims of this venture were to provide the pupils with first hand experience<br />
of working life, to allow the pupils to gain an appreciation of the personal qualities<br />
valued by employers and to develop their self confidence and social skills. The<br />
placements varied greatly and our pupils experienced nursery and primary school<br />
work, working in hairdressing, decorating, hotels, theatres, recording studios,<br />
insurance companies, banks, architecture and NHS to name but a few!
During the week the pupils record their experiences in a diary and at the end of the<br />
placement the employers complete an evaluation form for each pupil.<br />
All successful pupils achieve an SQA Int.1 award.<br />
The employers’ reports were all excellent. Well done to S4!<br />
The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Parent Council 2011-12<br />
A significant achievement for the Parent Council during this school year was the<br />
‘World of Work’ event for S4s last October. Many parents/carers from the primary<br />
cluster and The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> volunteered to come and talk to pupils about their<br />
work. Using a kind of ‘speed dating’ format, pupils were able to chat to three different<br />
parents about their work over the course of a Friday morning. We are very grateful to<br />
all the parent volunteers and to school staff who supported this event.<br />
It was a quieter year on the budgetary campaign front for the Parent Council, as<br />
election year meant no unexpected cuts. The consultation process for parent councils<br />
on budgets usually starts in autumn and continues until February of the following year<br />
when the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) approves its whole budget. However,<br />
CEC continued to implement the school management re-structure and the school<br />
support staff re-structure, a particularly painful process for the staff whose posts were<br />
deleted. We had previously campaigned against these cuts, by speaking as part of a<br />
deputation at the City of Edinburgh Council’s budget meeting, but to no avail.<br />
We were pleased to welcome several of our new CEC Councillors to our Parent<br />
Council AGM earlier this month – we look forward to working with them in the<br />
future on issues such as the crossing over Queensferry Road at the back gate (an<br />
ongoing cause for concern) and on the lack of dining and social space for pupils. In<br />
anticipation of harder financial times to come, I have already met with the new CEC<br />
Convenor of Children and Families, Cllr Paul Godzik. It is important that our<br />
politicians understand the kind of pressures and expectations that schools are under.<br />
Increasingly, schools are expected to do more than they ever have before, but with far<br />
less resources, money and time. The Parent Council will, I’m sure, continue to speak<br />
up in the public arena to ensure that the needs of all pupils are met.<br />
A key objective for the Parent Council and the Parent/Staff Association has been to<br />
continue to gather parent/carer email addresses, with senior pupils collecting them for<br />
us at parent consultation events. We now have over 600 email addresses which are<br />
used for parental involvement and school-related business only. Please do continue to<br />
share your email address with us so that you can be included in these electronic<br />
communications.<br />
After five years, I am stepping down as parent council chair but it is in good hands! I<br />
am very grateful to the following members and advisors, and especially to our clerk,<br />
Mary Keegan:<br />
Fiona Gilbert (Treasurer), Karen Brown, Karen Hynd, Liz Leslie (PSA chair), Elaine<br />
McLeod, Tanya Macleod, Luke McCullough, Jennifer Miller, Marie Sheerin, Robin<br />
Boog, Jane Frith (Rector), Janette Shearer (Staff Rep), Louise Stevenson (President of<br />
the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Club), former Councillor Kate MacKenzie and Councillor<br />
Norman Work; pupil reps Joseph Treanor and Jahura Hussain.<br />
Tina Woolnough, June 2012
PSA<br />
The PSA seek to support the school by raising funds through organising or assisting at<br />
events involving pupils, parents and carers. The funds that we raise allow us to<br />
provide the school with money for resources which may not be available from other<br />
sources and can be used for a variety of different learning, teaching and<br />
developmental materials.<br />
This session, the PSA have had a very busy and successful time. Since the start of the<br />
session, we have had a “Welcome Event” and cheese and wine evening for new<br />
parents which was lovely and it was nice to meet new parents. Our Christmas Hamper<br />
raffle took place at the Christmas Concert, where we added a festive touch serving<br />
mulled wine and mince pies and the performance from the pupils was superb. Our<br />
biggest event of the year was the Grand Spring Raffle which took place at the Spring<br />
Fling. The event was really well attended and we were rushed off our feet at the tuck<br />
shop but again, it was a pleasure to be involved. We reinstated the quiz night this year<br />
and it was great fun as ever and nice to see so many parents and pupils coming along.<br />
Our final appearance this year was at the new S1 Parents Evening which was a great<br />
success and we hope many new parents will join us next session.<br />
After the summer we will start the year with a Car Boot Sale in August and our<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> General Meeting on September 5th to which you are all invited.<br />
As well as raising funds at events, we also operate the 200 Club and raise funds<br />
through the easyfundraising website. This year we raised over £60 from the website<br />
and we get an annual income of £12 from each parent in the 200 Club. Please join in<br />
and help us fundraise.<br />
This year we have raised over £3,000 to give back to the school and I would like to<br />
thank everyone on the committee who has helped coordinate and organise events and<br />
all of the parents who have supported us in lots of different ways.<br />
Thanks again for your support and I hope that you all have a lovely summer. We are<br />
looking forward to another successful session.<br />
Liz Leslie<br />
PSA Chair
Acknowledgements<br />
At the end of another session, I would wish to acknowledge the contribution made to<br />
the life and work of the school by various organisations and individuals.<br />
In particular I would like to thank Mrs Louise Stevenson, President of the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> Club, who has supported the school throughout the session and who will chair<br />
today’s ceremony. It is also a great pleasure to welcome Mr David Robb, former pupil<br />
of The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>; Mr Robb has kindly agreed to give the Former Pupils’<br />
Address. I am delighted to welcome back to The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> former Principal<br />
Teacher, Mrs Caroline Barrett, who has agreed to present the prizes.<br />
Once again I would wish to thank the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Club which has continued to<br />
support the school so fully and without whose support the Prize Giving Ceremony<br />
would not be possible. The Parent Council, under the leadership of Mrs Tina<br />
Woolnough, has supported the school throughout the session and campaigned<br />
tirelessly on behalf of the school. I would particularly like to thank Mrs Woolnough,<br />
who has stepped down as chair of the Parent Council after five years’ service. She has<br />
been extremely generous with her time and worked with enormous energy on behalf<br />
of the school, for which we are very grateful. The Parent Staff Association, led by<br />
Mrs Elizabeth Leslie, has also contributed to the life and work of the school<br />
throughout the session.<br />
I would also like to acknowledge the work and commitment of pupils, who in a<br />
variety of fields, have achieved success and contributed to the life and work of the<br />
school. In particular, I would like to thank the <strong>School</strong> Captain, Craig Taylor, and the<br />
two Vice Captains, Fraser Cullen and Alistair Irvine for their support and hard work<br />
throughout the year.<br />
Finally, I would like to thank all of the staff of The <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> for their hard<br />
work, commitment and professionalism in what has been another busy and<br />
challenging year.<br />
Jane L. Frith<br />
Rector
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