Taylor High School

Taylor High
School
2017/18

CONTENTS
NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL MISSION STATEMENT -
“SERVICE & PEOPLE FIRST ” 3
FOREWORD BY MISS N DALEY, ACT HEAD TEACHER 4
THE STORY BEHIND THE BADGE 5
SECTION 1: OUR PHILOSOPHY 6
SECTION 2: OUR AIMS 6
SECTION 3: OUR STANDARDS 7
SECTION 4: THE SERVICE WE PROVIDE 7
SECTION 5: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 8
SECTION 6: SCHOOL PRAYER 9
SECTION 7: FIRST IMPRESSIONS 10
SECTION 8: KEY PROCESSES 11
SECTION 9: SCHOOL INFORMATION 12
SECTION 10: STAFF INFORMATION 13
SECTION 11: STAFF LIST 2015-2016 16
SECTION 12: THE SCHOOL DAY 17
SECTION 13: THE SCHOOL YEAR 17
SECTION 14: ENROLMENT 18
SECTION 15: PUPIL SUPPORT 19
SECTION 16: PUPIL SUPPORT STRUCTURE 19
SECTION 17: EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 21
SECTION 18: PUPIL SUPPORT - SUPPORT FOR LEARNING 22
SECTION 19: LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTRE 25
SECTION 20: CURRICULUM ORGANISATION 26
SECTION 21: ASSESSMENT 36
SECTION 22: REPORTS TO PARENTS 37
SECTION 23: HOMEWORK 38
SECTION 24: DATA PROTECTION 40
SECTION 25: POSITIVE DISCIPLINE 42
SECTION 26: ACHIEVEMENTS 44
SECTION 27: EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES / OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS LEARNING 54
SECTION 28: HOME AND SCHOOL LINKS 100
SECTION 29: UNIFORM 105
SECTION 30: P.E. CODE OF PRACTICE 107
SECTION 31: MEALS 108
SECTION 32: TRANSPORT 109
SECTION 33: HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE 111
SECTION 34: INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES 113
SECTION 35: THE PARENT FORUM 114
SECTION 36: INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 116
SECTION 37: SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN 122
SECTION 38: CONTACT WITH PARENTS 127
SECTION 39: ASSOCIATED PRIMARY SCHOOLS 128
SECTION 40: IMPORTANT ADDRESSES 129
SECTION 41: APPENDICES 131
SECTION 42: GLOSSARY OF TERMS 134
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NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL MISSION
STATEMENT - “SERVICE & PEOPLE FIRST”
To offer education of the highest quality by:
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improving learning and teaching
raising achievement and realising potential
encouraging lifelong learning
working with communities for a better future listening and learning
together
listening and learning together
celebrating success
respect the dignity and value of all
giving pupils and staff a safe, happy and attractive place to work
Raising Achievement for All forms the overarching strategy for the service. Subtitled
‘Experiences to Last a Lifetime’, this strategy aims to harness the combined forces of
Learning and Leisure Services to provide a rich set of learning opportunities and
experiences for young people and adults which begin in the classroom, nursery or
learning centre and extend out into the community and the wider world beyond. In
seeking to offer ‘Experiences to Last a Lifetime’, we will also look to draw upon ‘a
lifetime of experiences’ already there in the communities which make up North
Lanarkshire.
3

FOREWORD BY N DALEY , ACTING HEAD TEACHER.
Welcome to Taylor High School. I hope this handbook provides all the information
you need about the school: our aims, what we offer to our students, and what we
expect of them in turn.
Our school is a Catholic school which provides a wide range of experiences and
opportunities to develop the faith and learning of our young people. Our most
important aim is for them to develop into well-rounded young adults well prepared to
move on to further or higher education, to training and employment and, ultimately, to
fulfilling careers.
Taylor High is a Technology School of Ambition and its strategy in making highly
effective and appropriate use of technology in learning was recognised as a key
strength by inspectors during the school’s most recent inspection. The range of
resources and facilities with a focus on technology is outstanding and adds
considerable value to pupil learning.
Taylor is a school which accentuates the positive! From day one your child will have
the opportunity to have success recognised, whether in relation to academic attainment,
application, charitable works or a wide range of extra-curricular activities. We take
pride in our sense of community and we hope that your child will quickly come to feel
a part of this community. At the end of each academic year, the school celebrates
success and recognises pupil achievements of all kinds which have occurred during the
year.
In making progress in learning, all pupils are supported by our well qualified,
experienced staff, both teaching and non-teaching. Staff wish, at all times, to work in
close and active partnership with parents.
The school has an active Parent Council and throughout the year, parents will have a
number of opportunities to get involved in the life of our school community. I urge
you to get involved in the education of your child.
If you require further information, or, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this
handbook, please contact me at the school.
4

THE STORY BEHIND THE BADGE
In 1895 Monsignor Taylor was twenty two years old and studying for the priesthood in
Paris.
He always liked to dedicate the year ahead to some particular purpose and at the
beginning of that year he wrote in his note-book the little French prayer:
“Qu’elle soit pour Dieu”
(Which means: ‘May it (the year ahead) be for God”.
In other words Monsignor Taylor wished to dedicate all his efforts to the glory of God.
Nearly 90 years later, in 1982, the pupils of Taylor High School were hard at work in
the first term of the school’s existence designing a badge which would commemorate
the life of our patron.
One suggestion was that Monsignor Taylor’s prayer of all those years ago should be
adapted as the school motto.
What better idea could there be than that the pupils of Taylor High, like the Patron,
should dedicate all their efforts in life to the glory of God.
Thus our motto came into existence “Que tout soit pour Dieu”
(May all things be for God).
Along with the motto, of course, it was necessary to devise a suitable design.
The pupils worked steadily on and eventually the ideas of three pupils, Lynn Kane,
John Stewart and Margaret Morrissey were amalgamated to provide what is now the
design of our school badge.
The rose in the centre of the design reminds us of St Theresa of Lisieux, who was
known as the Little Flower.
The cross, of course, reminds us not only of the life of Monsignor Taylor but of Our
Lord himself.
The background, with its suggestion of the cooling towers of the giant Ravenscraig
Steelworks, serves to remind us that it was in Carfin, in the heart of industrial
Lanarkshire that Monsignor Taylor worked for almost 50 years as a parish priest. It
was in this unlikely spot too that he founded in 1922 the world famous Lourdes Grotto,
Carfin, to which, to this day, thousands of pilgrims come each year.
Finally, at the bottom of the badge you will see intertwined the letters T.H. the initial
letters of Taylor High.
Thus, when you wear the badge of Taylor High School you will be showing your pride
in your area, your pride in your patron and your pride in your faith.
Always remember that.
5

SECTION 1: OUR PHILOSOPHY
Taylor High School is a Roman Catholic comprehensive secondary school.
As a Catholic school we are concerned to promote the two great Christian
commandments:
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to love god
to respect our neighbours
It is for that reason that we have adopted as our motto the prayer of our patron
Monsignor Thomas Taylor which he offered up in 1897, the year of his ordination to
the priesthood.
We are a comprehensive school in that,
“Que tout soit pour Dieu”.
“May all things be for God”.
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we welcome everyone who wishes to come here.
we are committed to the education of the whole person - intellectual,
social, physical, spiritual.
In the pages which follow we set out the aims, policies, plans and procedures which we
have adopted in order to put into day to day practice the philosophy and the standards
we have set for ourselves.
SECTION 2: OUR AIMS
We seek a partnership among all staff, parents and pupils in order to offer an education
of the highest quality.
In particular we are determined to:
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promote Gospel values
encourage spiritual growth in pupils
develop a caring, Christian ethos
foster a strong sense of community
promote positive pupil behaviour
ensure high quality learning and teaching
develop pupils knowledge, skills and abilities
ensure equal opportunities for all
develop staff of the highest quality
implement clear school policies and plans
6

SECTION 3: OUR STANDARDS
In choosing to send their children to Taylor High School, we assume that parents will
support us in our determination to maintain the following standards:
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high levels of attendance
punctuality at all classes
high levels of effort at all times
high standards of behaviour
a determination to succeed
support for the school’s dress policy.
In return, all staff (teaching and support) are committed to doing their very best to help
all pupils achieve their full potential. In particular we shall have high expectations of
our pupils in the belief that we shall encourage them to have greater self-esteem and
greater confidence in what they can achieve.
SECTION 4: THE SERVICE WE PROVIDE
The service which we provide and which is dealt with in more detail in the pages
which follow, can be thought of as a curricular service and as a pastoral service.
Our curricular service is concerned with such aspects as:
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breadth balance and choice of courses
continuity and progression of courses from stage to stage
the quality of learning and teaching
assessment and reporting arrangements
the quality of teaching resources, timetabling arrangements including class
size and organisation and the use of classrooms and other available space.
arrangements for national examinations.
links with associated agencies such as the Quality Improvement Service
(QIS)
monitoring and evaluating the quality of overall curricular provision
Our pastoral service is concerned with such aspects as:
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the religious, spiritual and moral life of pupils.
attendance, punctuality and behaviour of pupils
personal, vocational and careers guidance
learning support for all
equal rights
multi-cultural and anti-racist education
home school community links
personal, social and health education programmes link with outside
agencies such as psychological services and Skills Development Scotland
links with industry and further and higher education
extra-curricular activities
monitoring and evaluating the quality of overall pastoral provision
7

SECTION 5: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
As a Catholic Comprehensive School religious education is of prime importance within
the school along with the celebration of the liturgy.
The Principal Teacher of Religious Education, Mr McMahon, assumes general
responsibility for the designing of courses and the management of RE resources within
the school. He is supported in this role by Father Delaney (School Chaplain) and the
Head Teacher.
All pupils receive two periods of Religious Education per week. Pupils are also
encouraged to participate in the religious services which are available in the school.
Father Delaney celebrates Mass regularly during the school year. Mass is offered twice
a week during Lent and Advent with additional Eucharistic Services. Mass is also
offered on Holydays.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also made available to pupils, as are the other
services appropriate to the Church’s year.
In addition, funds are raised for charity throughout the school year, and especially
during the season of Lent. Groceries are collected during Advent by pupils and
Christmas parcels are made up for the needy in the local area.
The Religious Education programme is based on ‘This is our Faith’, the recently
published syllabus for Catholic Religious Education. It includes not only seeking
knowledge and understanding, but also facilitates the change of spiritual growth,
through activities. Each stage has a programme which enables pupils to open
themselves to a new experience.
It is recognised that the Education Act allows parents to withdraw their children from
any instruction.
Parents/guardians from ethnic minority religious communities may request that their
children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised
religious events. Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be
considered. Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions in
any one school session and the pupil noted as an authorised absentee in the register.
Provision is made during Ramadan and Friday religious observance for our Muslim
pupils.
8

SECTION 6: SCHOOL PRAYER
During session 2001-02 the school’s Pastoral Group worked with staff, pupils and
parents to develop a school prayer for Taylor High. The group was chaired by the late
Principal Teacher of Religious Education, Ms. Traynor and showed great sensitivity in
carrying out the task of developing a little piece of Taylor history. The prayer stands as
a testament to Ms. Traynor who is much missed by all in our community.
The task initially involved developing a brief for the prayer and it was agreed early on
that reference should be made to the school motto ‘May all things be for God’. A
competition was then held which invited pupils from all stages to submit prayers for
consideration by members of the Pastoral Group. A short list was drawn up which
included a wide range of ideas. The group then developed these into a smaller number
of possible prayers which were published to staff, pupils and parents for consideration.
A consensus was finally reached which involved a merging of ideas from the final
three prayers into the prayer we now know as our own.
Thanks go to all who put ideas forward, worked on drafts and gave of their time to
produce the final prayer. Two former pupils must be given a special mention
-Amy Meharry (nee Boyle), now a member of staff, and Colette Davidson. The prayer,
in its final form, encapsulates the ideas put forward by Amy and Colette in their
original drafts.
9

SECTION 7: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When pupils transfer from Primary 7 into First Year in Secondary, they all have a story
to tell. Below we provide just a few impressions from First Year pupils of their first
few months at Taylor ….
Before starting High School I was
nervous as I didn’t know many people.
I thought things like homework would
be harder. When you join S1 it feels
really different but when you start to
settle in and get to know all of the
teachers and other pupils it is really
good. To me it feels like a shorter day
because you are switching classes a lot.
At the end of my P7 year I was
worried and nervous about coming
to Taylor High, especially about my
new classmates and teachers. Now I
don’t know why I was so scared
because Taylor High is a great place!
Kiera, St Mary’s Primary
Marc, OLSF Primary
When I first came to Taylor I was
nervous because I didn’t know all of
the teachers and pupils. I was scared
because I thought I wouldn’t make
any new friends. Now I have really
settled in and I really enjoy it!
When I joined Taylor I was nervous but
really excited to start a new school. I was
worried because very few people were
there from my Primary but I made new
friends easily. I have really settled at
Taylor and I am really enjoying it. My
favourite subjects are English, Art, Music
and Home Economics. I am looking forwa
rd to my second year now and my future
years at Taylor High School.
Ellie, New Stevenston Primary
Alicia, Christ the King Primary
When I joined Taylor I was excited and
nervous, but mostly excited. There was a
few girls going from my primary so I knew
I wouldn’t struggle for friends. When I
arrived everyone was very welcoming. I
made new friends quickly and I like all of
my teachers. My favourite subjects are
Social Subjects, Music, IT and English. I am
really looking forward to my furture years
at Taylor.
Casey, Newarthill Primary
10

SECTION 8: KEY PROCESSES
Improvement Planning
Each session we look at various aspects of the service we provide and in discussion
with staff, pupils and parents we look at the improvements we can make within the
resources available to us. Plans are then drawn up to guide the actions we propose to
take so that these improvements can be made. Details are made available to the Parent
Council and are available to any parent on request. The current outline plan is
appended to this handbook.
Continuous Professional Development
We take the view that the quality of staff is the single greatest influence on pupil
learning. Accordingly we are determined to:
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recruit the best staff possible
provide them with support and development opportunities
involve them fully in drawing up and putting into practice school policies. In
return, staff are expected to do their best for all pupils at all times
Devolved School Management
Local authority policy is to give Head Teachers and their staff greater control over the
school’s budget.
This means that the Head Teacher, in discussion with staff, can to a certain extent
redirect any savings to areas of need. Again, the Parent Council are kept informed of
details.
11

SECTION 9: SCHOOL INFORMATION
Taylor High School
Carfin Street
New Stevenston
Motherwell ML1 4JP
Telephone: (01698) 274976
E-mail:
enquiries@taylor.n-lanark.sch.uk
Website:
www.taylor.n-lanark.sch.uk
Twitter:
@Taylor1982
Acting Head Teacher: Miss N Daley
Year 2016 Roll 786 pupils
6th Year 97 3rd Year 128
5th Year 122 2nd Year 138
4th Year 154 1st Year 147
NUMBER FROM PRIMARIES Present P7 160 August 2017
Projected P7 122 August 2018
Projected P7 160 August 2019
ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES
Opened in 1982, Taylor High is a six year co-educational Catholic comprehensive
school with a maximum capacity of around 950. It has many attractive facilities
including five computer suites, a range of well-resourced classrooms, a central
cafeteria/social area, two large gymnasia, a spacious games hall, a well-furnished
library/resource centre and a well-equipped theatre with seating for 250. The school
has a state of the art recording studio and a fully equipped design studio which the
pupils benefit greatly from. The school also has ramps, special toilet facilities and a lift
for pupils with additional support needs.
Outdoor Facilities
Within the school grounds we have an all weather pitch, a large grass football/rugby
field and a blaze athletics track. Inside we also have two large well-equipped gym halls
and a dance studio.
Community Facilities and Letting
It is council policy that the school facilities summarised on this page should be made
available for use by the community out with school hours. Such use will be in
accordance with approved letting procedures. Enquiries to:
1. Area Community Office (BelIshill 844607)
2. Area Office, Wishaw (Wishaw 374679
ONGOING MAINTENANCE
The school will shortly benefit from a new front entrance (at the front of the school),
cladding on the building and new windows. This work will ensure that Taylor High
continues to be fit for purpose for all of our students and will make the school much
more aesthetically pleasing
12

SECTION 10: STAFF INFORMATION
The management structure in secondary schools is quite complex and teachers can
have many different roles. We hope that the following brief explanation of titles and
duties will be helpful.
Miss N Daley
Ms J McCrone
Mrs L McGraw
Miss P Rooney
Acting Head Teacher
Depute Head Teacher
Depute Head Teacher
Acting Depute Head Teacher
The above comprise the Senior Management Team which has the responsibility to put
into practice authority and school policies.
In particular, the Depute Head Teachers assist the Head Teacher in taking final
responsibility in the following areas.
(a) The Curriculum
subject content and teaching methods.
(b) Assessment Procedures
(c) Internal Organisation
(d) Communications
(e) Outside Agencies
including policies on continuous
assessment and the organisation of school
examinations.
timetabling, accommodation, deployment
of staff. School budget.
with Learning and Leisure Services
Headquarters, the Scottish Government,
Scottish Qualifications Authority etc.
with local primary schools; Further
Education Colleges; Universities;
Support Agencies such as schools’
Psychological Services etc.
13

The following table gives more detailed information on the remit of each Depute Head
Teacher.
Louisa McGraw Patricia Rooney (Act) Jan McCrone
MAIN REMITS
MAIN REMITS
MAIN REMITS
ALL S1/S2 STAGE ISSUES
P7 CONTINUITY
PROGRAMME
CLUSTER STEERING GROUP
PSHE CO-ORDINATOR
CHILD PROTECTION
CO-ORDINATOR
HART CO-ORDINATOR
STUDENT COUNCILS
SCHOOL HANDBOOK
STUDENT PLANNERS
SMT NUMERACY LINK
S1-S2 PROFILING
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
CO-ORDINATOR
S2 CEM TEST CO-
ORDINATOR
DEPARTMENTAL LINKS
ART & DESIGN
BCT
MATHEMATICS
MODERN LANGUAGES
S1 PUPIL SUPPORT PT
S2 PUPIL SUPPORT PT
SUPPORT STAFF LINE
MANAGEMENT
JOB-SHARING LIBRARIANS
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
SUPPORT STAFF LIAISON
KITCHEN STAFF
ALL S3/S4 STAGE ISSUES
CURRICULUM PLANNING
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
STAFF DEVELOPMENT CO-
ODINATOR
SCHOOL DIARY/COVER
STUDENTS/PROBATIONERS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
SMT LITERACY LINK
S3 PROFILING
DEPARTMENTAL LINKS
ENGLISH
MUSIC
SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY
S3 PUPIL SUPPORT PT
S4 PUPIL SUPPORT PT
SUPPORT STAFF LINE
MANAGEMENT
AFA
OFFICE STAFF
SCHOOL TECHNICIANS
SUPPORT STAFF LIAISON
JANITORIAL AND
CLEANING STAFF
ALL S5/S6 STAGE ISSUES
UCAS CO-ORDINATOR
SQA CO-ORDINATOR
WIDER ACHIEVEMENT
OOSHL CO-ORDINATOR
POSITIVE LEAVER
DESTINATIONS
CITIZENSHIP &
ENTERPRISE
SDS LIAISON
SMT HEALTH AND
WELLBEING LINK
ASN CO-ORDINATOR
EMA CO-ORDINATOR
DEPARTMENTAL LINKS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
SOCIAL SUBJECTS
SUPPORT FOR LEARNING
S5 PUPIL SUPPORT PT
S6 PUPIL SUPPORT PT
SUPPORT STAFF LINE
MANAGEMENT
HOME SCHOOL
PARTNERSHIP OFFICER
CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS
ASN ASSISTANTS
SUPPORT STAFF LIAISON
14

Above all, the Depute Head Teachers assist the Head Teacher in promoting the
personal development of pupils.
In session 2016/2017 these responsibilities are allocated as follows:
First Year
Second Year
Mrs L McGraw
Third Year
Miss P Rooney
Fourth Year
Fifth Year
Ms J McCrone
Sixth Year
Each Depute Head Teacher has the responsibility for the personal development of the
pupils in his/her year group and is assisted in this task by a team consisting of Pupil
Support Teachers.
PARENTS CONTACTING THE SCHOOL ABOUT ANY MATTER CONCERNING
THEIR CHILD’S EDUCATION SHOULD ASK FOR THE RELEVANT PUPIL
SUPPORT TEACHER IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. THE PUPIL SUPPORT
TEACHER WILL ORGANISE ANY OTHER INTERVIEWS THE PARENT MAY
WISH TO HAVE.
The total number of teaching staff employed in Taylor High School in 2016/2017 is 62.
15

SECTION 11: STAFF LIST 2016-2017
Miss N Daley Acting HT
Fr M Delaney (School Chaplain)
ART
Mrs N Grieve, PTC
Mrs H Hughes, PS
Mrs K Devlin
Mr K Polin (0.4FTE)
BUSINESS & COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
Mr D Lewis, PTC
Mr W Richardson
Mr S Price
Mrs L Brand
ENGLISH
Mrs M J Burton, PTC
Mr B Fegan
Miss R MacPhail
Ms L Murphy
Mrs D Nelson
Mrs A Rooney
Mrs C Convery (0.6)
LEARNING SUPPORT
Mrs A Robertson, PTC
Ms J McCrone DHT
Mrs H Miller (0.2 FTE)
MATHEMATICS
Mr M Dorris, PTC
Ms N Daley, Acting HT
Mr D Anderson
Mrs E Bergen
Mr J Harty
Mr J Mullen
Mr E Rooney
MODERN LANGUAGES
Mrs L Kerr PTC
Mr A Campbell
Mrs S Bell (0.6FTE*)
Mrs H Miller (0.4FTE*)
MUSIC
Ms F Cannon, PTC
Ms S Evans PTPS
Ms K Smith
Mr A Lamb (0.2 FTE)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Ms P Rooney, Acting DHT
Mr G McQuaid, PTPS
Ms J Murray
Mr J Ryan Acting PTC
Mr R Lynch **
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Mr M McMahon, PTC
Mr L O'Fitzpatrick
SCIENCE
Mrs C Brown, PTC
Mr C Phairs PTPS
Mr J Frew
Mr R Ross (0.6FTE)
Mrs K McCranor
Mr W Choi
Mrs J Cummings
Mrs M J McFarlane*
Mrs A Meharry*
Mrs J Falconer (0.6 FTE)
Mrs A Sulko (0.4 FTE)
SOCIAL SUBJECTS
Ms H Stoutjesdyk, PTC
Mrs L. McGraw DHT
Mr A McPake
Ms M Valente
Miss S McGeogh
Mr C Dale
Miss E McDonald**
TECHNOLOGY
Mr S Russell PTC
Ms L Hamilton
Mr J McDonagh
Mr K McCaig (O.2 FTE)
Mr A McLeod
ADMIN STAFF
Mrs M McComb, AFA
Mrs A Fairley, AA
Mrs A Shepherd, Acting AA
Mrs M Johnston, CA (TT)
Mrs L Menzies, CA (TT)
Mrs A Lawlor, CA (TT)
Mrs B Clifford, CA (TT)
LIBRARIAN
Mrs A Leslie
Ms C MacIntyre
TECHNICIANS
Mr R Stewart (Senior - ICT)
Mr B Murphy (Science)
Mr J McCaig (ICT)
Mr K Kerr (Technical) (0.5FTE)
HOME/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
OFFICER
Mr I MacFarlane
ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Mr B McIntyre
JANITORIAL STAFF
Mrs L Millar, Senior Janitor
Mr J Jeffrey
Miss B Jones
SUPPORT STAFF
Mrs M Dickson, Classroom
Assistant
Mrs R Blair, ASN Assistant
Mrs M Findlay, ASN Assistant
Ms L McCabe, ASN Assistant
Mrs C McLaughlin, ASN Assistant
Mrs E Murray, ASN Assistant
Mrs E. Dalrymple, ASN Assistant
Mrs B Moran, ASN Assistant
Mrs J Erwin, ASN Assistant
Mrs J McFarlane, ASN Assistant
CLEANING SUPERVISORS
Mrs E Harper/Mrs. A. Smith
MUSIC INSTRUCTORS
Mrs E Anderson (Woodwind)
Mr S Dowling (Strings)
Mr S Nelson (Snare Drum)
Mrs A Paterson (Brass)
Mr W Young (Guitar)
KEY:
HT - Head Teacher
DHT - Depute Head Teacher
PTC - Principal Teacher
Curriculum
PTPS - Principal Teacher Pupil
Support
AFA - Administrative & Finance
Assistant
AA – Administrative Assistant
CA – Clerical Assistant
ASN – Additional Support Needs
TT – Term-time
FTE - Full Time Equivalent
* - denotes job-sharing post
** - denotes probationer
16

SECTION 12: THE SCHOOL DAY
The school currently operates a 33-period week with a total pupil teaching time of 27.5
hours per week as required by national agreements. This changed in session 2016-17 as
follows:
Period 1: 08.55 – 09.45
Period 2: 09.45 – 10.35
INTERVAL: 10.35 – 10.50
Period 3: 10.50 – 11.40
Period 4: 11.40 – 12.30
LUNCH: 12.30 - 13.15
Period 5: 13.15 - 14.05
Period 6: 14.05 - 14.55
Pupils are not allowed to
leave the school grounds
at Interval.
Please note that S1
pupils are not allowed to
leave the school grounds
at lunchtime until after
the Christmas Break.
(Period 7: 14.55 - 15.45)
(Monday, Tuesday & Thursday)
SECTION 13: THE SCHOOL YEAR
SCHOOL CALENDAR AND HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS SESSION 2016/17
August 2017
In-service day (all areas): Tuesday 15 August 2017
In-service day (all areas): Wednesday 16 August 2017
Pupils return to school: Thursady 17 August 2017
September 2017
September weekend holidays: Friday 22 September 2017 and Monday 25 September 2017
October 2017
October break: Monday 16 October 2017 to Friday 20 October 2017
November 2017
In-service day (all areas): Monday 20 November 2017
December 2017 - January 2018
Christmas and New Year holidays: Monday 25 December 2017 to Friday 5 January 2018
February 2018
Mid-term break:Monday 12 February and Tuesday 13 February 2018
In-service day (all areas): Wednesday 14 February 2018
April 2018
Spring break: Friday 30 March to Friday 13 April 2018 (inclusive)
Easter weekend: Good Friday 30 March and Easter Monday 2 April 2018
May 2018
May Day holiday: Monday 7 May 2018
In-service day (all areas): Tuesday 8 May 2018
Mid-term holiday: Friday 25 May and Monday 28 May 2018
June 2018
School closes Thursday 28 June 2018
August 2018
In-service day (all areas): Wednesday 15 August 2018
In-service day (all areas): Thursday 16 August 2018
Pupils return to school: Friday 17 August 2018
17

SECTION 14: ENROLMENT
Primary 7 pupils due to transfer at the end of the session to secondary school are
advised of the normal arrangements for this transfer in the month of December by their
primary Head Teacher.
In Taylor High School, primary 7 pupils will already have been attending the high
school for two hours a week over an eight week period so that they can sample various
secondary subjects. Their parents will also have been given the opportunity to visit
Taylor High, school by school, to see their children at work in the secondary setting.
Mrs McGraw, Depute Head Teacher, organises further visits in the summer term and
also organises visits to the associated primaries by key staff. She herself can be
contacted at any time for further advice about transfer arrangements.
Pupils who move into the catchment area
If a pupils comes from another school or area out with the school catchment area to
reside within the latter, he/she can be enrolled in Taylor High by the parent bringing
the pupil to the school for that purpose.
Pupils who live out with the catchment area
If a pupil of secondary age lives out with the school catchment area but his/her parents
wish the pupil to be enrolled at Taylor High, then the parents must seek a placement
through the official channels i.e. by contacting the Director of Learning and Leisure
Services. Parents must be prepared to pay the pupil’s transport costs to and from the
school.
Parents who wish to visit the school before applying for a placement are invited to
telephone the school for an appointment to do so.
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SECTION 15: PUPIL SUPPORT
The pastoral care of individual pupils is provided by a team of promoted Pupil Support
staff who are led by the Depute Head Teacher in charge of the year group.
The function of the Pupil Support team is to promote the wellbeing of all pupils in their
charge in relation to personal, social, vocational and curricular issues. To accomplish
this task Pupil Support staff endeavour to get to know and support pupils on an
individual basis throughout their school career thus maintaining a valuable line of
continuity from one year to the next.
Pupil Support staff are assisted in their work by a range of other staff. Registration
staff have a daily contact with class groups and assist in the monitoring of attendance
and punctuality; the Principal Teacher of Learning Support is part of the Pupil Support
Team and works closely with other members of the team to support pupils identified as
having specific needs; careers staff from Skills Development Scotland and the Home
School Partnership Officer provide advice and information on further/higher education
and employment. Staff from psychological services also assist Pupil Support staff
where support is needed for pupils with behavioural or other difficulties. Linked to a
well-established line of communication with subject teachers, Pupil Support staff are
ideally placed to support and advise the pupils for whom they have a responsibility and
to be available to discuss concerns with parents. The Pupil Support teacher is the first
point of contact for parents if they have any concerns.
SECTION 16: PUPIL SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Pupil Support Structure
A ‘horizontal’ system is currently in operation and is organised as follows:
Mrs K McCranor responsible for S1 (St Margaret House)
Mrs M Valente responsible for S2 (St John Ogilvie House)
Mr G McQuaid responsible for S3 (St Columba House)
Mrs H Hughes responsible for S4 (St Ninian House)
Miss S Evans responsible for S5 (St Kentigern House)
Mr C Phairs responsible for S6 (St Andrew House)
The pupil support structure shows the year group that each PT Pupil Support has
responsibility for, and this person should be the first line of contact for parents wishing
to contact the school. Pupil Support staff are happy to meet with parents throughout the
school year and will arrange appointments as required.
Each year the Pupil Support Teacher will move with the year group, thus allowing
pupils and parents to establish a long term link with a particular member of the Pupil
Support team.
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Mrs Anna Robertson (PTSL) will be responsible for Support for learning, liaising
with the other Pupil Support members of staff.
DHT:
PTPS:
PST:
PTSL:
Depute Head Teacher
Principal Teacher Pupil Support
Pupil Support Team
Principal Teacher Support for Learning
The promoted post structure currently approved for the school has a team of six
Principal Teachers working in Pupil Support. Five of these discharge pastoral and
management responsibilities related to pupil welfare while one specialises in Support
for Learning.
The Pupil Support Team is enhanced by volunteer members of staff who shadow
promoted staff.
HOME SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP OFFICER (HSPO)
The Home School Partnership Officer, Ian MacFarlane, works to promote positive
partnerships between the school, home and community. He works in a variety of ways
to tailor support and programmes to best suit the needs of the young people and their
families. In particular the HSPO will support those pupils who have educational, social
and/or behavioural needs.
The HSPO will work with the existing Pupil Support provision to develop:-
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Working with small groups of pupils to enhance their learning experiences
Working with small groups of pupils on topics such as self esteem, dealing
with
stress, supporting positive attitudes and encouraging attendance.
One to one pupil and family support. This support can take place within
Taylor
High School or alternatively a home visit can be arranged by the HSPO.
Meeting parents and families to provide support, advice and information.
Supporting and training the Pupil Council.
Working with Primaries to support the transition to High School
Supporting senior students in training to become Buddies/Peer Tutors to
younger pupils.
Develop networks between young people, families, the school, community
and
other Agencies.
Home School Partnership, a service committed to:
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Promoting Positive Partnerships
Being Socially Inclusive
Promoting Active Citizens
Raising Achievement and Attainment
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SECTION 17: EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
As we made clear at the beginning, we are particularly concerned as a Catholic School
to encourage all members of our community to respect others as they respect
themselves.
Accordingly, we wish to ensure that all pupils have the same rights of access to all of
the resources and opportunities within the school irrespective of gender, ethnic origin,
physical or intellectual ability.
We also accept our responsibility to take positive action, within the resources available
to us, to remove or reduce whatever barriers are sometimes placed in the way of pupils
and which prevent them from having equal opportunities.
The school is committed to assessing all policies and practices to ensure there are no
negative impacts on any group of people.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Technical Guidance for Schools in
Scotland is the essential guide for the school community to promote equality. This can
be accessed at:
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/news/2013/june/commission-publishes-equalityguidance-for-school
Further advice and information on this topic is available from the school.
21

SECTION 18: PUPIL SUPPORT - SUPPORT FOR
LEARNING
Additional Support Needs
Taylor High School complies with the Education (Additional Support for Learning)
(Scotland) Act 2004 as amended by the Education (Additional Support for
Learning)(Scotland) Act 2009. North Lanarkshire Council’s policy is contained within
“Support for Learning Policy into Practice 2”, a copy of which is available in the
School. The school has a Support for Learning Policy, available from the school on
request, which is consistent with North Lanarkshire Council guidelines.
In Taylor High School Support for Learning is a whole school resource - it is for all
pupils and all staff. The main roles of the Support for Learning staff are as follows:
1. Working as a co-operative teacher - to support the needs of pupils experiencing
difficulties in the classroom.
2. Providing guidance to other staff - to advise staff on materials, methodology
and resources which help to meet the needs of pupils.
3. Direct teaching - where necessary pupils will be withdrawn from class and
taught individually. This would only occur in exceptional cases and would be
for a short period of time and with the consent of parents.
4. Liaison with outside agencies - to liaise with Psychological Services, Hearing
Impaired Service, Bi-lingual Support, speech & language specialists and other
relevant agencies in order to provide a full programme of support for pupils
with special needs.
The staff of Taylor High School fully support North Lanarkshire Council’s policy on
integration of children with special needs. The Council’s policy acknowledges that an
appropriately differentiated curriculum should be delivered in a supportive way which
recognises that every child’s contribution is of equal importance.
Every member of staff accepts responsibility to provide and deliver an appropriate
curriculum and therefore every teacher has responsibility for supporting learning.
Additional Support for Learning
The Education (Additional Support for Learning) Scotland Act 2009 has introduced a
new framework for supporting children and young people in their school education,
and their families. This framework is based on the idea of additional support needs.
This new term will apply to children and young people who, for whatever reason,
require additional support, short or long term in order to help them make the most of
their school education.
Through a process of staged intervention and, where appropriate in conjunction
with other appropriate agencies, the school will work to support these pupils and their
families within the framework of the new legislation and in line with the Code of
Practice. Supported by the education authority, the school will be fully involved in the
transitional arrangements set out by the Scottish Government for those pupils who
previously had Co-ordinated Support Plans (CSP). Provision will be made for pupils
with English as a second language.
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Looked After Children i.e. children who are cared for directly or whose care is
supervised by the local authority are deemed to have Additional Support Needs unless
assessment determines otherwise.
Parents and pupils are an essential part of the assessment, planning and review
processes and your views will be actively sought. Parents and young people can
request of the authority to establish whether a child has additional support needs. They
can also request an assessment at any time.
Planning
Additional Support Plans (ASPs) enable staff to plan effectively for children and
young people with Additional Support Needs.
Some children and young people may require significant support from education
and at least one other agency, such as health, social work and/or voluntary agency to
help them meet their learning targets. Where this support requires a high level of coordination
the opening of a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) may be considered. A
CSP may be initiated by the school or another agency. Parents and young people can, if
they wish, request that a CSP be considered and would be involved in the process.
Parents will receive letters from the Education Authority throughout the CSP process.
Parents and young people will be invited to take part in multi-agency meetings and
their views will be recorded in the plan.
Dispute Resolution
North Lanarkshire Council is committed to resolving any differences of views
through discussion, dialogue and building on common ground.
If the matter cannot be resolved with the Education Authority you have the right to
request mediation. An independent mediation service is available to parents and young
people through Resolve (see contact details at the back of this handbook).
Mediation is free and independent of the Education Authority.
In the event that a disagreement cannot be resolved through mediation, then an
application for Independent Adjudication (see contact details at the back of this
handbook) can be made by parents free of charge. The Independent Adjudicator will
make recommendations to the Education Authority about how the dispute should be
resolved.
The Additional Support Needs Tribunal has been set up to hear appeals made by
parents or young people on the decisions made by the Education Authority relating to
Co-ordinated Support Plans, placing requests and post school transition. If you
disagree with any decision relating to your child’s Co-ordinated Support Plan, either
the creation of a CSP, or the content of it, you may be entitled to refer to the Tribunal.
Primary/Secondary Liaison
The Support for Learning staff make visits to each of our Associated Primary Schools
to make contact with all P7 teachers regarding the students. This ensures that all of the
children who have the most significant difficulties are known to the Support for
Learning department before they arrive at Taylor High School. Furthemore the
Principal Teacher of Support for Learning passes the information about the individual
pupils to all departments so that all teachers can plan appropriately for the needs of all
pupils. For pupils who have a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP) and/or Additional
Support Plans (ASP) there are transition meetings at the Primary 7 stage and these
23

meetings are attended by the Principal Teacher of Support for Learning to ensure that
all support continues in secondary school.
Support for Learning staff
Support for Learning teachers are based in the Joseph Wilson Library Resource Centre
where there is a small room and office for group work and parent interviews. In
addition to our own support for learning staff, we are fortunate to have the services of a
number of peripatetic staff. A teacher from the Network Support Team works in the
school, usually 3 days a week and there are 7 additional support assistants (ASNs) and
2 full time classroom assistants. The ASNs work within the Support for Learning
department to assist pupils with physical difficulties and to work with pupils on
individual reading programmes.
Peer Tutoring/Buddying
Sixth Year students often volunteer to work with pupils on Paired Reading and spelling
programmes. Some of the senior students also help S1 pupils to develop a Personal
Learning plan and support them in building their self-esteem and confidence in
Learning.
Senior students also help at the lunchtime homework club in the school library, run
by Support for Learning staff and the school librarian. It is aimed at S1 pupils in
particular (although all pupils are welcome), helping them to cope with the demands
and organisation of homework in secondary school.
Sixth year are also involved in a buddying programme where they are teamed up with
First Year pupils to help and support them with the transition from Primary
School. This involves the training of the Sixth Year pupils and regular meetings are
arranged throughout the school year to allow the First Year and Sixth Year pupils to
build up a relationship. This has been a highly successful venture and is enjoyed and
valued by both year groups involved.
24

SECTION 19: LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTRE
THE JOSEPH WILSON LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTRE
The Joseph Wilson Library Resource Centre (LRC) here at Taylor High School is
committed to the provision of a quality library service which supports the curricular
and recreational needs of the pupils.
The LRC aims to inspire, help and support learners throughout their school lives. It
also encourages learners to study independently, work with others, read for pleasure
and information, while using ICT responsibly and creatively.
Every morning before school, during morning interval and lunchtime the LRC is
extremely busy with pupils engaging in a variety of fun-filled, academic and ICTrelated
activities.
The LRC gives learners the opportunity to use their imagination to creatively shape it
as a learning space.
Opening times
The Joseph Wilson Library Resource Centre opens every morning from 8:30am
onwards, morning interval 10:35am – 10:50am, lunchtimes between 12:30pm –
1:15pm and after school for a short period, Monday to Friday.
Pupils may borrow, return books, browse, read, complete homework, use the ICT
facilities or take part in the various clubs which are organised in the library. To
support these activities a wide range of resources are available including books, talking
books, dictionaries (particularly English and Spanish), encyclopedia’s and magazines.
Throughout the year the library stock is updated and improved to include all the latest
titles to support pupils, as well as, staff. A range of books are bought and sourced to
support departments across the school, particularly English, Science, Modern
Languages and Social Subjects.
An important part of The Joseph Wilson Library Resource Centre is to work closely
with various departments across the school. There are a number of programmes
available to help and assist pupils with their school work, including a First Year
Spanish Dictionary Mission, a First Year Library Induction and book events, such as a
Roald Dahl Day, Book Week Scotland and World Book Day.
The LRC contains 9 computers which are networked to allow access to the internet and
access to a printer.
The Careers area is also based in the LRC housing an up-to-date careers collection
containing leaflets, journals, books, prospectuses and annual publications.
25

Clubs
The Joseph Wilson Library Resource Centre has a variety of clubs running at
lunchtimes including a Book Club, Euro Club, Craft Club organised by the LRC
Manager and a Homework Club run by Mrs Robertson, Principal Teacher of Support
for Learning. These clubs contribute to the school community by promoting learning
and friendship.
Author Visits
Over the years, the LRC has welcomed a number of famous authors to the school.
These have included; Gillian Cross (Demon Headmaster series) and Cathy McPhail
(author of ‘Grass’), Keith Gray (author of ‘Warehouse’) and Theresa Breslin (author of
‘Divided City’).
At all times the positive behaviour code is followed to provide a safe and comfortable
environment for all users.
Should you require further information please contact Mrs A. Leslie or Mrs C
McIntyre, the School Library Resource Centre Manager.
SECTION 20: CURRICULUM ORGANISATION
School Policy and Organisation
Primary - Secondary Transition
A lengthy and extensive programme exists between Taylor High School and its
associated primaries to make transfer between the sectors as smooth and easy as
possible for our pupils. The following outlines our current arrangements:
Curricular Continuity Programme
Pupils from our 5 associated primaries - Our Lady & St Francis, St Teresa’s, St
Patrick’s, St Mary’s and Christ the King - attend Taylor High School one morning a
week for 8 weeks while still in Primary 7. During this time they work in a number of
subject departments. In the course of session 2016/17 they spent 2 weeks in each of the
Maths, Home Economics, BCT and Physical Education departments. In addition to the
curricular continuity which the programme promotes, pupils also have the opportunity
to meet Taylor High School staff, become familiar with the layout of the school and
meet the pupils with whom they will spend their secondary career.
Parents are invited to Taylor High School during the project to see the work that their
child has undertaken in secondary. This visit also affords parents the opportunity to be
provided with initial information on a range of topics concerning secondary school life
such as homework, discipline, and the pupil support structure.
Senior Management Visits to Primary School
By arrangement with the Head Teachers of associated Primary School, the Head
Teacher and Depute Head Teacher (Lower School) will meet parents of Primary 7
pupils in each of the associated primaries. These meetings will enable staff from
Taylor High School to provide parents with detailed information regarding pupil
induction, the curriculum in Taylor High and to answer questions regarding the
forthcoming transfer of pupils from Primary 7 to First Year.
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Pupil Support Staff Visits to Primary
The Principal Teacher of Pupil Support who will have responsibility for the next
session’s S1 will visit associated primaries along with the Depute Head Teacher
(Lower School). This visit allows them to obtain important information about the
pupils from their Primary 7 teacher. Primary 7 pupils also have the opportunity to meet
the person who will be the most important link person in their secondary career.
Individual interviews with every Primary 7 pupil using each pupil’s P7 profile are
conducted by the Depute Head Teacher and the PT Pupil Support. This allows the staff
at Taylor High to get to know each pupil personally. Where appropriate, and depending
on the amount of information already made available to secondary staff, Learning
Support staff may also participate in these visits.
Primary 7 Induction Days
All P7 pupils visit Taylor High School for 2 days in May. During this visit they meet
other pupils in their First Year class and follow the class timetable. These 2 days allow
the pupils to:
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Meet their Pupil Support Teacher
Familiarise themselves with the layout of the building as they move from
subject to subject
Meet other pupils in their class
Meet staff of Taylor High School
This should help allay fears of pupils (and often their parents) before they begin First
Year in August.
Primary and Secondary Staff Liaison
Cluster Steering Group
The Depute Head Teacher (Lower School) and all five Primary Head Teachers meet on
a regular basis to plan a range of programmes and strategies to promote further
development between the schools e.g. Learning Support developments, improvements
in transfer of information systems, curricular links and so on.
Members of the English, Maths and Modern Languages departments meet often with
the Primary 7 teachers to further develop curricular links.
What is Curriculum for Excellence?
Curriculum for Excellence aims to achieve a transformation in education in Scotland
by providing an improved, more flexible an enriched curriculum for all children and
young people from 3-18. The curriculum includes all of the experiences which are
planned for children and young people through their education, wherever they are
being educated. All schools and nurseries in North Lanarkshire are working hard to
raise standards so that children and young people will develop all of the skills
necessary to continue to be successful when leaving school and entering the world of
higher education, training or work. Curriculum for excellence is underpinned by the
values inscribed on the mace of the Scottish Parliament – wisdom, justice, compassion
and integrity. The purpose of Curriculum for Excellence is encapsulated in the four
capacities – to enable each child or young person to be a successful learner, a confident
individual, a responsible citizen and an effective contributor.
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What are the curriculum areas in Curriculum for Excellence?
There are eight curriculum areas:-
Expressive Arts
Health and Well Being
Languages (literacy)
Mathematics (numeracy)
Religious and Moral Education
Sciences
Social Studies
Technologies
Importantly literacy and numeracy are given added importance because these skills are
so vital in everyday life. All teachers have responsibility for teaching literacy and
numeracy.
Learning is divided into two phases.
The Broad Education (BGE) Phase is from nursery to the end of Secondary School
Year 3. Learning is divided into levels. These levels will replace the 5-14 levels that
you may be familiar with. The new levels are as follows.
LEVEL
Early
First
Second
Third and Fourth
STAGE
the pre-school years and P1 or later for some
to the end of P4, but earlier or later for some
to the end of P7, but earlier or later for some
S1-S3, but earlier for some
The Junior Phase is from S1-S3
The Senior Phase is from S4-S6 and college or other means of study.
How will my child’s learning be assessed?
There will be new ways of assessing each child’s progress to make sure that potential
is achieved. New qualifications are being developed:-
National 4 and 5 qualifications were introduced in 2013/2014 Access, Highers and
Advanced Highers are being updated to reflect Curriculum for Excellence. New
Highers in most subjects were introduced in almost all North Lanarkshire Schools in
August 2014.
In playrooms and classrooms, staff will be using improved ways of assessing
children’s learning taking account of national and local advice and guidance. Your
child’s progress will be reported to you so that you know how well your child is doing.
Each year Taylor High School will let you know what is being done to continue to
implement Curriculum for Excellence so that you can be confident that your child is
receiving a high quality education.
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First year classes have approximately 28-30 pupils and are organised on a mixedability
basis. Practical sets for subjects like science or technical have around 18 pupils.
English and Mathematics classes are set in ability grouping from the beginning of First
Year based on information gathered from Primary Schools.
S1/S2 Curriculum in 2014-2015
Subject
Period Allocation
English 4
Maths 4
Science 3
Spanish 2
French 1
Social Subjects 3
Art and Design 2
Music 2
Home Economics 2
Technical 2
ICT 2
Physical Education 2
Religious Education 2
Health and Wellbeing 2
Total 33
Inter Disciplinary Learning is delivered through cross curricular projects.
Third Year Curriculum
In Third Year we continue with a Broad General Education covering Curriculum for
Excellence Third and Fourth Level Experiences and Outcomes. All curriculum areas
are studies in Third Year with two elective subjects to allow for considerable
personalisation and choice. The Immersion Curriculum Choices can be seen on Page
35.
Taylor High School is committed to improving the Literacy, Numeracy and Health and
Wellbeing of each of our students and have appointed staff co-ordinators in each of
these areas.
The statements which follow gives an indication of how these are delivered in the
school.
29

LITERACY ACROSS LEARNING IN TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL
“Language and Literacy are of personal, social and economic importance. Our ability
to use language lies at the centre of the development and expression of our emotions,
our thinking, our learning and our sense of personal identity.”
Curriculum for Excellence Principles and Practice.
Background: Curriculum for Excellence recognises the need for competence and
confidence in literacy, including competence in grammar, spelling and the spoken
word. It also reaffirms the view that such competence is essential for progress in all
areas of the curriculum. Consequently all teachers have a responsibility to promote
language and literacy development. Every teacher is required to give opportunities for
young people to explain their thinking, debate their ideas and read and write at a level
which will help them to further develop their language skills. This is an area we at
Taylor High continue to develop.
Literacy, according to the Curriculum for Excellence Principles and Practice
document, is defined as “the set of skills which allows an individual to engage fully in
society and in learning, through different forms of language. And the range of texts,
which society values and finds useful.”
There are a wide variety of activities which all our young people in Taylor High
School experience throughout their learning. These activities help them to develop
their skills and knowledge in literacy and language. Although language and literacy
teaching is driven by the English teacher, all teachers use these activities, as well as the
experiences and outcomes, when planning for learning and teaching. The three main
organisers within Literacy are listening & talking, writing and reading and all teachers,
in all curricular areas, will cover a wide variety of experiences and outcomes from each
of the organisers on a regular basis.
The Literacy Committee: Although Language and Literacy are developed through the
English department they are not the sole responsibility of the English Department or
the English teacher. Consequently we have a Literacy committee in school which
oversees developments in this area. Although led by the Principal Teacher of English
and Literacy this group contains members of staff, both teaching and non-teaching,
from a wide variety of curricular areas and this committee contributes to the
development of teaching literacy and to the ongoing staff development required to
ensure our young people are constantly challenged in this area.
Active Literacy: As part of our on-going development in Literacy the English
department are one of eight departments in North Lanarkshire who were chosen to
pilot Active Literacy in the secondary sector. This pilot, which has been funded
entirely by the authority, build on the active reading programmes which our young
people have benefitted from at primary. Through teacher modelling, the scheme
teaches pupils different approaches to reading which they can use whenever, and
whatever, they are reading. All teachers in the English department have been trained,
by the authority, and indeed two members of staff were part of the authority group who
produced the materials. Once the pilot has been evaluated and adapted we intend to
30

further develop materials for active reading which can be used every time we approach
a text before further developing this methodology across learning.
Active Spelling: Having worked closely with our primary colleagues we have
developed materials which can support our young people to develop both their skills
and knowledge of spelling in any curricular area. Pupils are familiar with spelling
strategies which they can use to learn words which they find difficult to remember. At
the same time they also learn spelling rules which they can use when they are writing if
they find it difficult to write a particular word. Subject specific vocabulary can also be
accessed using the active spelling approaches and many curricular areas display subject
specific words to reinforce the spelling.
Skills for Learning, Skills for Life and Skills for Work:
Many of the skills covered by the Experiences and Outcomes for Literacy are skills
which will not only benefit our young people in their learning but also in their life
beyond school. Common approaches to planning, delivery and presentation help young
people to make links in their learning and reinforce the skills. To that end all
practitioners share common approaches when pupils are involved in writing, individual
presentation, group discussion, editing, note-making etc. As a school we have
developed materials which can help our young people to develop these skills across
learning and to support them as they take greater responsibility for the development of
their literacy skills.
Inter-disciplinary Learning:
In addition to the ongoing curricular work students also have the opportunity to take
part in a wide variety of inter-disciplinary project. Such projects allow pupils to
experience literacy in a more coherent way through producing a piece of written text,
creating and delivering a presentation, group discussion and many other necessary
skills for life.
NUMERACY ACROSS LEARNING IN TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL
Every member of staff in Taylor High School has the responsibility of developing the
numeracy skills of our pupils. Although numeracy skills are mostly developed through
the Mathematics Department, every department in the school use Curriculum for
Excellence numeracy experiences and outcomes in their lessons.
To further develop numeracy across the curriculum, Taylor High School has a
Numeracy Committee. This is led by the Principal Teacher of Mathematics and
Numeracy but the group also contains members of staff, both teaching and nonteaching,
from a wide variety of curricular areas. This group meet on a regular basis to
take forward the teaching of numeracy and to contribute to the staff development
required to ensure that all pupils in the school are appropriately challenged in this area.
To ensure consistency in approaches to numeracy across the school, the Numeracy
Committee have produced a numeracy staff manual. This gives clear guidelines on
how basic numeracy skills should be taught and how the working should be laid out.
All members of staff have been issued with this manual and teachers are asked to refer
to this when teaching a lesson involving numeracy.
31

Numeracy is now firmly embedded within the curriculum and the Numeracy
Committee will ensure that the school will continue to further develop its approaches
to numeracy across learning.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
The health & wellbeing of our learners is the responsibility of all staff within Taylor
High and is central to successful learning within a curriculum for excellence.
Over the past two years pupils have been given the opportunity to participate in
physical and mental health weeks with involvement from the English, P.E. Science,
Art, Music, Home Economics, and Business Studies & Technical departments.
External links were made with many local community health agencies to conduct
workshops to raise the health awareness of our pupils. Street League, Community
Food & Health, local yoga, karate and power hoop instructors contributed to a very
successful physical health week with funding provided by Healthy, Happy Humans.
Clubnet, Soundminds, Healthy Happy Humans and local mental health counsellors
provided a series of talks and workshops for pupils from First to sixth Year during the
mental health week.
Health and wellbeing is now firmly embedded within the curriculum and, in addition,
health days form an important part of our transition programme from primary to
secondary and also through Health and Wellbeing which is delivered in the Curriculum
throughout the school.
Fourth Year Curriculum
The Fourth Year Curriculum reflects the design principles of a curriculum for
excellence and involves students choosing five subjects to study along with English
and Mathematics. Pupils will be presented at either National 3, National 4 or National
5, with only National 5 having external examinations. The other levels are internally
assessed. An example of the S4 Curriculum Choices can be seen on page 36.
Fifth and Sixth Year Curriculum
At this stage, Students choose 5 courses (see the S5/S6 Options Form on Page 37).
These courses lead to awards at Advanced Higher, Higher, National 3, National 4 and
National 5 or free standing units. It may be possible to organise courses at
neighbouring schools if Taylor High is unable to offer a given choice of course.
In addition, students undertake vocational courses including hairdressing, sports
coaching, practical craft skills and personal development.
32

33

34

35

SECTION 21: ASSESSMENT
The main purpose of assessment in Taylor High School is to ensure that all children
experience a genuine sense of achievement in their learning.
End of unit assessments are used in all stages and help the teacher and pupil check the
progress which is being made. Areas of difficulty can be highlighted and next steps
identified to direct pupils to further work to overtake identified development needs.
Key aspects of the pupil’s work are assessed to provide a cumulative profile of the
pupil’s achievements in terms of subject content, concepts and skills (see section 22 -
Reports to Parents).
In S1, S2 and S3 National Assessments have been replaced by assessment under a
Curriculum for Excellence. This involves assessing the student’s experiences and
outcomes across broad curriculum areas. Tests will be taken by pupils when, as a result
of ongoing assessment, the teacher feels it is appropriate.
For S4 students National 4 and 5 qualifications were introduced in 2013/14. For S5
students Access, Highers and Advanced Highers are being updated to reflect
Curriculum for Excellence. New Highers for most subjects were introduced in almost
all North Lanarkshire schools in August 2014
In classrooms staff will be using improved ways of assessing children’s learning taking
account of national and local advice and guidance. Your child’s progress will be
reported to you so that you know how well your child is doing.
Each year your school will let you know what is being done to conitue to implement
Curriculm for Excellence so that you can be confident that your child is receiving a
high quality education.
Wider methods of assessing achievement include foundation apprenticeships, Sports
Leader Awards, Duke of Edinburgh Award and Saltire Award.
All departments keep internal records of pupils’ work and progress which are used in
discussion with parents at parents meetings and on other occasions.
Pupil Support records contain general information on pupils. When confidential
information is provided by parents, only Pupil Support Staff and Senior Management
have direct access. Sensitive information passed on by parents is normally not recorded
in written form.
Outside agencies (e.g. employers) are only informed about a pupil’s progress reports if
the parents and pupil request it; they do not have access to other types of information
on individual pupils.
36

SECTION 22: REPORTS TO PARENTS
During session 2015-2016, parents receive three tracking reports per year which give
details of their child's progress. In first year, pupils receive a tracking report in
October, January and May. Each report contains information on progress, effort,
behaviour, homework, attendance and time keeping. The First Year Parents Meeting
takes place in February.
SAMPLE PAGE FROM A CFE REPORT
37

SECTION 23: HOMEWORK
During their school careers, all pupils undertake school work which is additional to
that done during formal lessons. If properly designed, this homework can play a
valuable part in a pupil’s education. It can add a substantial amount of study time; it
offers opportunities for work which is independent of the teacher; it can exploit
materials and sources not readily accessible in the classroom; it allows pupils to
practise skills learned in the class; it permits the setting of targets in accordance with
the needs and abilities of individual pupils; it can help to strengthen the link between
home and school.
In more specific terms, the following statements outline the Homework Policy of
Taylor High School and each Department will base its own homework policy on these
principles.
1. Homework is an integral part of any well-structured course and is, therefore,
incorporated into the course at the design stage.
2. Homework should be designed to confirm and reinforce existing skills. It
provides opportunity to further develop problem solving and informationhandling
abilities.
3. Homework is given to pupils from First Year onwards and builds on existing
practices in the Primary schools to foster the correct habits and attitudes which
are necessary in later years.
4. Homework tasks are appropriate to the needs and skills of individual pupils.
5. The amount of homework should be reasonable. What is appropriate depends
on pupil abilities and on the extent to which these develop as the pupil
progresses through school. The varying depth and degree of challenge of
coursework at different stages, is also taken into account. Departments will also
take into account requests from parents for extra homework.
6. Homework encourages in pupils a responsibility for their own learning and
prepares pupils for the discipline of private study.
7. Homework helps Principal Teachers to monitor the effectiveness of learning
and teaching in their department.
8. All homework is monitored by teachers by a variety of methods -marking, spotchecks,
skimming, related class activities. The amount of homework set is not
therefore limited by the volume of correction borne by the teacher. A
proportion of homework tasks will also be assessed so that assessment may
contribute to reports to parents or to internal assessments required by the
Scottish Qualifications Authority. The extent to which such assessment occurs
is a matter for individual departments.
9. All homework is recorded by teachers, largely for the purpose of pupil
assessment and reporting. Increasingly, however, it will provide opportunities
38

for pupils to make their own entries in self-assessment profiles or their student
planners
10. Departments give considerable thought to parental involvement in pupils’
homework. Parents are often asked to sign pieces of written homework. But
there are many other ways pupils can be helped by their parents; spelling,
“testing’ their children; listening to what has been learned; asking them for
explanations of homework tasks.
11. Parent are encouraged to seek advice/clarification on any issues regarding
homework. Please contact your child’s Pupil Support Teacher in the first
instance.
12. Every pupil is provided with a Taylor High School Student Planner to record
their homework, assessments and achievements. Staff assist pupils to use the
planner and monitor its effectiveness. Parents are asked to inspect their child’s
planner and sign it at the end of each week. This planner also includes
important information for both pupils and parents and indeed can form part of
good discussion at home about school issues.
39

SECTION 24: DATA PROTECTION
Information on pupils, parents and guardians is stored on a computer system and may
be used for teaching, registration, assessment and other administrative duties.
The information is protected by the data protection acts and may only be disclosed in
accordance with the Codes of Practice.
For further information please contact the school.
The processing of your personal information by North Lanarkshire Council is carried
out in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The information you give is held
securely, treated confidentially and only used for statutory educational purposes or to
improve the quality of the service. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 you are
entitled to access the information held. In terms of section 7 of the Act such requests
should be sent to the Freedom of Information and Records Management Officer.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 came into force in January. 2005. The
Act allows anyone to ask for information held by the Council and imposes a time-scale
of 20 working days for the Council to respond. To deal with Freedom of Information
requests, the Council has appointed a Corporate Freedom of Information Officer with
the support of an officer in each Service. The Freedom of Information and Records
Management Officer can be contacted by telephone on 01698 524712
TRANSFERRING EDUCATIONAL DATA ABOUT PUPILS
Education authorities and the Scottish Government Education Portfolio (SGEP)
exchange data about pupils either on paper or electronically through the ScotXed
programme.
The data collected and transferred covers areas such as date of birth, postcode,
registration for free-school meals, whether a pupil is looked after by his/her local
authority, additional support needs including disability, attendance, absence and
exclusions from school. Pupil names and addresses are collected by the school and the
council but they are not passed to SGEP. The postcode is the only part of the address
that is transferred. Data is held securely and no information on individual pupils can
be published by SGEP.
Providing national identity and ethnic background data is entirely voluntary. You can
choose the ‘not disclosed’ option if you do not want to provide this data.
However, we hope that the explanations contained in this message and on our website
will help you understand the importance of providing the data.
Why do we need your data?
In order to make the best decisions about how to improve our education service,
SGEP and learning & leisure services need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils.
We are keen to help all our pupils do well in all aspects of school life and achieve
better exam results. Accurate and up-to-date data allows SGEP, learning & leisure
services and schools to:
Ø
plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of all pupils,
40

Ø
Ø
Ø
plan and deliver better policies for the benefit of specific groups of pupils,
better understand some of the factors that influence pupil attainment and
achievement,
target resources better.
Your data protection rights
The collection, transfer, processing and sharing of ScotXed data is done in accordance
with the Data Protection Act 1998. We also comply with the National Statistics Code
of Practice requirements and other legislation related to safeguarding the
confidentiality of data. The Data Protection Act gives you the right to know how we
will use your data. This message can give only a brief description of how we use data.
Fuller details of the uses of pupil data can be found on the ScotXed website
(www.scotxed.net).
SGEP works with a range of partners including Education Scotland and the Scottish
Qualifications Authority. On occasion, we will make individual data available to
partners and also academic institutions to carry out research and statistical analysis. In
addition, we will provide our partners with information they need in order to fulfil their
official responsibilities. Any sharing of data will be done under the strict control and
prior agreement of the Data Access Panel in SGEP, which will ensure that no subject
specific data will be made public as a result of the data sharing and that such data will
not be used to take any actions in respect of an individual concerns.
If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data collections you can email
school.stats@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or write to The ScotXed Support Office, SGEP,
Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith, EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are
available, on request from the ScotXed Support Office, in other languages, audio tape,
braille and large print.
Want more information?
Further details about ScotXed data exchanges are available on the ScotXed website,
www.scotxed.net.
CHILD PROTECTION
Every adult in Scotland has a role in ensuring all our children and young people are
safe and protected from harm at all times and in all situations
The Head Teacher is responsible for the schools actions in response to Child Protection
concerns
If there are any Child Protection concerns the Head Teacher or the Child Protection
Co-ordinator will follow North Lanarkshire Child Protection Procedures and
Guidelines
Child Protection Co-ordinator is: Mrs Louisa McGraw Tel. No. 01698 274976
41

ADULT PROTECTION
The council has responsibility under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act
2007 for the protection and support of adults at risk of harm within North Lanarkshire.
Its employees therefore have the responsibility to ensure the welfare of all adults with
whom they come in to contact with, as well as providing the highest possible standard
of care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
The Head teacher is responsible for the svhools action in response to Adult Protection
concerns.
If there are any Adult protection concerns the Head Teacher or the Adult Protection
Co-ordinator will follow North Lanarkshire Adult Protection Procedures and
guidelines Protection Procedures and Guidance.
Adult Protection Co-ordinator is: Mrs Louisa McGraw Tel. No. 01698 274976
Discipline
SECTION 25: POSITIVE DISCIPLINE
The Central discipline themes of the school are:
1. The creation of an atmosphere of co-operation between staff and pupils.
2. The essential similarity in the many roles of teachers and parents.
3. The promotion of positive behaviour.
Through these themes it is hoped that pupils are motivated to self-discipline rather than
by externally-imposed discipline procedures. To this effect, pupils take on the
responsibility to follow the school’s code of conduct. These are a set of obvious
guidelines which are introduced for the smooth running of the school community and
promote positive behaviour.
As a school we promote Positive Behaviour
Positive Discipline
In Taylor High School we recognise that effective teaching and learning can only take
place in an orderly and controlled environment. The following code shows our
expectations of pupils:
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR CODE
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Always treat others with respect
Listen carefully, raise your hand before speaking
Work hard and do not distract others
Obey the safety code
42

We encourage pupils to play their part and reward them for positive behaviour,
achievement and effort. The kind of rewards pupils receive are:
S1 and S2 classes gain merit points from both class and registration teachers for
meeting set targets. All pupils S1-S6 can receive an lndividual Positive Referral from
class teachers for an outstanding piece of work and/or improvement in class work.
All of these merit points and individual referrals can become access to school trips and
other privileges.
PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH INDISCIPLINE
Pupils understand that failure to follow the positive behaviour code leads to sanctions
being used. We have a staged approach to sanctions to show pupils the seriousness of
their actions.
SANCTIONS
✦ Stage 1- Formal Warning
✦ Stage 2- Punishment Exercise
✦ Stage 3- Referral to Principal Teacher
✦ Stage 4- Lunchtime Detention
✦ Stage 5- Referral to Depute Head Teacher
ANTI-BULLYING STRATEGY
The school has a policy designed to prevent bullying from taking place. This policy
also outlines the strategy to be adopted when, from time to time, an incident of
bullying arises. The student planner issued to each pupil makes it clear that bullying is
wrong and provides advice to pupils on what to do if an incident occurs which could be
regarded as bullying. The planner also gives clear guidance on what NOT to do.
Fuller details of the school’s anti-bullying policy are available on request. Literature
for parents and pupils is distributed in school. An adult presence is provided in
playgrounds, at break times in terms of the schools (safety and supervision of pupils)
(Scotland) Regulations 1990.
EXTERNAL PROVIDER STAFF
School disciplinary policy & procedures should be invoked when there is an incident
involving any member of external staff (not employed by NLC) within a NLC
establishment. External staff with allocated classes in schools should be met by a
school senior manager before the first lesson to confirm the policy and procedures on
how disruptive behaviour will be managed. Any misconduct should be reported to a
member of the school SMT before the close of the business day.
43

SECTION 26: ACHIEVEMENTS
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
In Taylor High School we co-ordinate all activities which recognise and celebrate the
achievements of our pupils. This Programme culminates in a Celebrating Success
Ceremony at the end of each school year which recognises the positive behaviour,
achievement in learning and personal achievements of a large number of our pupils.
Four areas are recognised in our programme: Academic progress, Personal
Achievement, Attendance and Contribution to School-Community. Several hundred
pupils had their achievements recognised and celebrated in September 2016. Each
year, for a variety of reasons and achievements, some of our pupils are also recipients
of a range of special awards.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Descriptions of our special awards are given below along with the names of the
recipients for the previous academic sessions.
The Woodlock Trophy for Outstanding Athletic Achievement:
This trophy is awarded to the pupil who has shown the greatest athletic ability in Third
or Fourth Year. The award was donated by Mrs Phyllis Woodlock as a memorial to
her son Andrew who died in tragic circumstances in 1997. Andrew had been a talented
athlete while at school and this trophy is a fitting memorial to him.
2001 DAVID PINKOWSKI
2002 NATALIE McINTYRE, JAMES NICOL
2003 RICHARD QUINN
2004 JOSHUA CLARK
2005 MARK RICE
2006 PAUL MCNULTY
2007 PAUL MCNULTY
2008 THOMAS LAFFERTY
2009 DEAN KENNEDY
2010 CAMERON MARTIN
2011 CAMERON MARTIN
2012 JACK SHEARER
2013 THEA KELLY
2014 BEN CARROLL
2015 REBEKKA NEWNS
2016 LUKE POUTNEY
Taylor High Award for Outstanding Sporting Achievement:
This award is presented to a student who has distinguished him or herself in the
sporting field. The student is nominated by the Physical Education staff for
involvement and success in a number of individual and team events during their time at
Taylor High School.
2001 LOUISE McGUIRE
2002 NO AWARD
2003 NO AWARD
2004 BRIAN SMEDLEY
2005 ROSS McKENNA
44

2006 DAVID O’NEIL
2007 LAUREN BECK
2008 COLETTE MARTIN
2009 STEPHEN O’NEILL
2010 TONY PERKINS
2011 THOMAS LAFFERTY
2012 LEWIS HAY
2013 NO AWARD
2014 THEA KELLY
2015 NO AWARD
2016 NO AWARD
Taylor High Award for Cultural Achievement: Music
This award is presented to a senior student who has distinguished him or herself in
Musical activities during their time at Taylor High School. The pupil is nominated by
the music staff in recognition of her or his contribution to music both individually and
as part of music groups in Taylor High School and also in our associated primary
schools and parishes. From 2013 this award will be known as ‘The Taylor High
School Josh Irving Cultural Achievement Award for Music’.
It is named after Josh Irving, a former fifth year pupil who passed away in December
2012. Josh was an outstanding musician who played the snare drums, representing the
School and North Lanarkshire Council on many occasions. He fought his illness with
dignity, courage and determination and was an inspiration to everyone in the school
community. It is very fitting that this award is presented to a senior pupil who has
excelled in music and is an appropriate way to ensure that Josh’s name will always be
remembered in the School.
2001 MONICA TIERNEY
2002 HAYLEY MORRIS
2003 NO AWARD
2004 ASHLEIGH COLLINS
2005 NO AWARD
2006 JONATHAN CARR
2007 NO AWARD
2008 SUZANNE MOOTY
2009 DENNIS DIGNALL
2010 STEPHEN MCNULTY
RACHEL OATES
NICOLE COLLINS
2011 NO AWARD
2012 AMANDA CONNELLY
2013 AMANDA CONNELLY
2014 CAITLIN MILLAR
2015 SARAH FALLON
2016 ROISIN BRENNAN
Taylor High Award for Cultural Achievement – Art and Design:
45

This award is presented to the sixth year student who has distinguished him or herself
in Art and Design during six years at Taylor High School. The pupil is nominated by
the Art and Design department in recognition of his or her contribution to art, both
individually and as part of a group. The student is recognised for excellence in personal
folio work as well as contributing to the aesthetic life of the school
2001 NO AWARD
2002 JOANNE IRVINE
2003 JENNIFER CLARK
2004 OUZMA NAVEED
2005 KELLY MCNAIR
2006 NICOLE RITCHIE
2007 GRAEME DIVERS
2008 JASMINE GIBSON
2009 KENNETH LAW
2010 CLARE-LOUISE FOY
2011 LISA DIGNALL
2012 CHRISTOPHER LAWLOR
2013 MARIE FOY
2014 GEMMA ROSS
2015 SOPHIE ROWAN
2016 NADIA MCCONVILLE
Taylor High Excellent Attendance Award:
This is an award presented to the Sixth Year student(s) who has the best cumulative
attendance since First Year. The information to identify this pupil is gained from the
electronic registration system.
2001 KIMBERLEY ROSS
2002 MARK DONNELLY
2003 JOSEPH GRADY
2004 FRANCIS BRADLEY
2005 CHRISTOPHER LAW
2006 GRAEME MCGRATH
2007 MARY FRANCES BLAIR
2008 STACEY ANNE HOWEY
2009 RACHEL KENNEDY
2010 OLIVIA MCAVOY
2011 JACQUELINE MCKENDRICK
2012 COLETTE GRANT
KEVIN MONAGHAN
2013 JAMIE RAY
2014 NATHAN PEATTIE
2015 MICHAEL HART
2016 SAM GORDON
Taylor High Award for Outstanding Personal Achievement:
This award is presented to the Sixth Year student(s) who has shown the greatest
personal achievement. The winner(s) in this category is chosen after all staff – both
teaching and non-teaching – are asked for nominations.
46

2001 JOHN REYNOLDS
2002 DANIEL SMITH
2003 RICKY EGAN
JAMES GRANT
2004 FRANCIS BRADLEY
2005 PATRICK BROWN
LISA HATTIE
2006 JULIE MCGRORY
JAMIE CREECHAN
2007 MEGAN TIMMONS
MARIA SMITH
JOHN MCFEELY
2008 KARINA MCGOWAN
CHRISTOPHER MCGOWAN
LEEHAM MURRAY
2009 STEVEN RANKINS
2010 BOBBY STEWART
REAGIN LOWDON
2011 CRAIG MURRAY
LUKAS JANKAUSKAS
DAVID BECK
2012 COLLETTE MARTIN
ANDREW MCFARLANE
2013 DOMINIQUE MCGINN
JORDAN GRAHAM
2014 MAURA MCLAUGHLIN
AISTE TRIUKAITE
2015 SCOTT HART
MATTHEW GALLERY
2016 ADAM CAMPBELL
Richard Lynas Award for Service to School and Community:
This is an award that is presented annually to the Sixth Year student who has made the
most significant contribution to the corporate life of the school and enhanced the
reputation of the school in our community. The winner of the award is the young
person who attracts the most nominations from all staff across the school.
2001 KATHRYN BRENNAN
2002 MARTIN CARLIN
2003 JOSEPH GRADY
2004 ASHLEIGH COLLINS
2005 DOMINIC DUFFY
2006 FRANCES INGRAM
SEAN O’HARA
2007 LAURA BROUGH
2008 ALLAN REID
2009 MARIA MURPHY
KENNETH LAW
2010 STEPHEN MCNULTY
RACHEL OATES
47

2011 JACQUELINE MCKENDRICK
2012 CHRISTOPHER LAWLOR
2013 AMANDA CONNELLY
2014 MARC MULDOON
RYAN SWEENEY
2015 DYLAN BELL
JENNA HUGHES
2016 JOSH CLIFFORD, LUCY MCLEISH
Taylor High School Citizenship Award:
This award is presented to a pupil or group of pupils who have given outstanding
service to the school, local community and/or enhanced awareness of global
citizenship within the Taylor High School community.
2005 KAMWOKYA PUPIL GROUP
2006 KAMWOKYA PUPIL GROUP
2007 TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC GROUP
2008 S4 XL GROUP
2009 NO AWARD
2010 S6 GYMNASTICS GROUP
2011 YORKHILL FUNDRAISING TEAM
2012 NO AWARD
2013 NO AWARD
2014 NO AWARD
2015 TAYLOR Y-DANCE GROUP
2016 NORTH LANARKSHIRE CHALLENGE GROUP
Taylor High School Enterprise Award:
This award is presented to a pupil or group of pupils who demonstrate a ‘can and will
do it’ approach in everything that they undertake, be it skill acquisition, success in
national examinations or experience and understanding of the world of work including
entrepreneurial activity.
2005 TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL TECH TEAM
2006 TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL FAIRDTRADE GROUP
2007 SNAG/KAMWOKYA GROUP
2008 NEON KNIGHTS/PROJECT X
2009 NORTH LANARKSHIRE CHALLENGE GROUP
2010 S4 PAPAL VOCAL ENSEMBLE
2011 TAYLORS GOT TALENT TEAM
2012 NO AWARD
2013 NO AWARD
2014 TAYLOR TYCOON
LITURGY GROUP
48

2015 THE CARNEGIE GROUP
2016 NO AWARD
St Teresa’s Golden Jubilee Award:
Awarded to a pupil(s) for outstanding contribution to the pastoral life of the school.
2007 FIONA CAMPBELL
2008 JILLIAN GREEN
2009 MARIA MURPHY
EMMA O’NEILL
2010 ERIN CANNY
2011 REBECCA WEIR
2012 MARIA BURNS
COLETTE GRANT
KATIE MCSHANE
2013 CHLOE GALLACHER
AMY WATTERS
2014 JULIE MCKENDRICK
JAMES CARR
2015 DYLAN BELL
MATTHEW WRIGHT
2016 THOMAS MCKENNA, AARON SLAVIN
Claire Hughes Trophy for Outstanding Endeavour in Mathematics:
This award is presented annually to a Fourth Year pupil for their outstanding
endeavour in Mathematics. It is named after Claire Hughes, a Maths Teacher who
joined Taylor in August 2004 and who died in November 2007, aged 27 after a brave
battle with illness.
Claire was an inspiration to everyone in the school community as she fought her illness
with dignity, courage and determination and worked, whenever she could, throughout
her illness. Mathematics was very important to Claire and it is very fitting that this
award should go to pupils for their endeavour in the subject.
2008 ASHRAF AHMED
COLETTE SAVAGE
LOUISE LAWLOR
2009 MARK ANDERSON
MONICA DAY
LOUISE MORGAN
2010 LUKAS KANKAUSKAS
2011 KEVIN MONAGHAN
2012 LORNA HUGHES
2013 JORDAN GRAHAM
2014 MALIHA FAROUQ
JENNA HUGHES
CHRISTY SMITH
2015 CAITLIN MCALEER
KAYLEIGH MCFARLANE
2016 NIMRAH EJAZ
49

Lawrence O’Hare Trophy for Outstanding Achievement in Geography:
This award is presented annually to a Fifth Year pupil for their outstanding SQA
performance in Geography. It is named after Lawrence O’Hare, an outstanding
Geography teacher who taught in Taylor for many years who passed away in January
2012. He gave long and faithful service to the school and was an inspiration to those he
taught. He is greatly missed by all his friends, colleagues and pupils at Taylor High
School. The trophy was donated by the O’Hare family in Larry’s memory.
2013 CAITLIN COGAN
2014 JENNA HUGHES
2015 DAVID MCLELLAN
2016 AARON SLAVIN
Mairi MacIntyre Award for Public Speaking in Primary 7:
This award is presented to one of our associated Primary Schools whose team of three
pupils one the annual P7 Public Speaking Award.
The competition and award honours the life and contribution of Mairi MacIntyre, an
inspirational English Teacher at Taylor High School, who passed away in November
2011. Mairi had a particular interest in public speaking and encouraged many pupils to
be involved in this field. She is very much missed by all members of the school
community.
2013 ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, CLELAND
(Maria McLeish, Erin McCormick and Christy Lawlor)
2014 CHRIST THE KING PRIMARY
(Erin Corella, Gary Joe McMullen and Carly Nimmo)
2015 OUR LADY AND ST FRANCIS PRIMARY
(Rosie Higgins, Lucy McCormick and Hannah Robertson)
2016 No Award
Gillian Monaghan Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence at Standard
Grade/National 5:
This award is presented to the Fourth Year pupil(s) who has overall individual greatest
academic achievement. The trophy was donated by Mrs Maureen Monaghan in
memory of her daughter Gillian who died after a short illness while in Fourth Year at
Taylor High School in 1998. Gillian was a student of academic promise and this is an
appropriate way of ensuring that her name will always be remembered in the school.
The information needed to identify the pupil to receive this award is gained principally
from the SQA results which the Head Teacher examines at length.
2001 JOSEPH GRADY
2002 CAROLINE MCFARLANE
2003 RACHAEL FORRESTER
JOHN MCFARLANE
2004 FRANCES INGRAM
2005 LOUISE WARD
2006 CRAIG LEES
2007 DENNIS DIGNALL
50

2008 STEPHEN MCNULTY
2009 JENNIFER MACIS
2010 MARIA BURNS
COLETTE GRANT
CAMERON MARTIN
ALIYAH SHAFIQ
2011 KEVIN GORMAN
2012 LEAH MCSHANE
AMINAH SHAHZAD
2013 LUKE MILLER
2014 RACHEL MCKAY
NICOLE ROBIN
2015 KARA TOAL
CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT
2016 BRANDON FERRIE, LUKE POUTNEY
Head Teacher’s Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence:
The trophy for outstanding academic excellence is awarded to the Fifth Year student(s)
who has the best overall individual outstanding academic achievement. The
information needed to identify this student is gained from the SQA results which again
the Head Teacher examines closely.
2001 HAYLEY MORRIS
2002 BRIAN MORRIS
2003 MARTIN DELANEY
2004 DANIELLE FERRIE
ALANA MCKIBBEN
2005 FRANCES INGRAM
GRAEME MCGRATH
2006 JOHN MCFEELY
2007 CRAIG LEES
2008 HANNAH TOUGHER
2009 STEPHEN MCNULTY
2010 IQRAH SIDDIQUE
2011 JOSEPHY WILSON
2012 MARIANN GALLERY
2013 EMILY MCGUINNESS
2014 SOPHIE ROWAN
2015 AISHA AHMED
NICOLE ROBIN
2016 BEN MILLER
There are a number of other achievements of our pupils that are noteworthy.
Sport:
51

The school makes an award of Sport Champion each year to the top performing boy
and girl in sport in First and Second Year. The award winners for 2016 were:
1 ST YEAR GIRLS SPORTS CHAMPION REBECCA WHITE
1 ST YEAR BOYS SPORTS CHAMPION RAKIM MWAURA
2 ND YEAR GIRLS SPORTS CHAMPION CARLY NIMMO
2 ND YEAR BOYS SPORTS CHAMPION CONOR PHAIRS
3 RD YEAR GIRLS SPORTS CHAMPION OLIVIA BRENNAN
3 RD YEAR BOYS SPORTS CHAMPION GARYJOE MCMULLAN,
LYALL QUINN
Ross McGowan Shield:
Awarded for Outstanding Sporting Excellence in memory of a former student Ross
McGowan who died in 2006 after a long illness. Ross was an excellent sports student
and was highly thought of by all members of the school community. This award
provides a fitting tribute to Ross.
2007 MEGAN TIMMONS
2008 JAMES WHYTE
2009 MICHAELA MOOTY
2010 IAN MCSHANE
2011 COLETTE MARTIN
2012 LAURA DAVISON
2013 JACK SHEARER
2014 STEPHEN NEWNS
2015 BEN CARROLL
2016 STEPHEN NEWNS
House Tournaments:
Each year group has a house name as mentioned previously. Each year pupils compete
in house sports tournaments in autumn which involve all pupils from S1 to S3. The
sports involved are football, netball and baseball. The overall class winners of each
House then receive an impressive trophy which is the property of the class concerned
until the following year. The trophies which are presented at the relevant Celebrating
Success Ceremony, are as follows:
The John Taggart Shield First Year House Trophy
This trophy is named after a distinguished former Depute Head Teacher in Taylor High
who also taught Physical Education in the school. Mr Taggart’s very strong
contribution to the school was given recognition by naming this award in his honour.
The Francis Flynn Trophy Second Year House Trophy
This trophy was donated by the family of Francis Flynn who died while he was a Third
Year pupil in the school in 1998.
Francis had battled illness for a long time and is much remembered. He is often spoken
of with affection and regard in the school. This trophy perpetuates his memory.
The Cantwell Trophy Third Year House Trophy:
52

This trophy was donated by the family of Stephen Cantwell who died some years after
he left Taylor High School. Again, Stephen has been held in high regard by all at
Taylor and this trophy provided a fitting memorial to him.
The winners were:
THE JOHN TAGGART SHIELD CLASS 1.1
THE FRANCIS FLYNN TROPHY CLASS 2.5
THE STEPHEN CANTWELL TROPHY CLASS 3.5
The HMIe has itself distinguished between attainment in broad academic terms and
achievement. In addition to academic successes, Taylor HS is proud of the
achievements of its pupils and staff are well aware that what we do – both within the
formal and informal curriculum – contributes to the successful and personal
achievements of students becoming responsible young citizens, as Successful Learners,
Confident Individuals and Effective Contributors. Such achievements are evident in the
wide range of curricular and extra-curricular activities, all of which prepare our young
for adult life, building good relationships with staff, relating to others in a range of
contexts beyond the formal classroom setting and therefore practising and adopting
mature behaviours which they will carry into adult life.
Our Celebrating Success programme has also been updated to reflect the role of the
students within the life of the school, emphasising the quality of relationships and how
pupils engage as citizens within the school community, in merits and badges such as
Achievement, Citizenship and Attendance.
The school, through a clear focus on quality Learning and Teaching, and the number of
staff trained in Co-operative Learning and Restorative Practices, is well placed to focus
on the quality of all relationships as the central tenet in the school’s own Curriculum
for Excellence agenda.
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SECTION 27: EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES /
OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS LEARNING
SQA Examination Summary 2015
Fourth Year National Awards
• The percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more National 5 awards in 2015 was 45.07%.
This performance is the school’s best ever performance in Fourth Year
• 88.73% of students in S4 achieved 5 or more National 4 awards in the 2015 SQA
exam
Diet
• Finally, the percentage of students achieving 5 or more National 3 awards or better
was 94%
This was an excellent performance and points to the hard work of pupils last session
and the support given by staff throughout the year.
Fifth Year Higher Grade Awards
• The percentage of students achieving 1 or more Higher Grade awards at Grade C or
better was 57.43%.
• 32.43% of Fifth Year students achieved 3 or more Higher Grade awards which was
also above the authority average
• 13.51% of students achieved 5 Higher Grade awards. This represents the school’s
best ever overall performance at Higher Grade and is an excellent achievement
Sixth Year Higher Grade Awards
• The percentage of Sixth Year students achieving 1 or more Higher Grade awards at
Grade C or better was 72.32%.
• 44.64% of Sixth Year students achieved 3 or more Higher Grade awards.
• Finally, 26.8% of Sixth Year students achieved 5 Higher Grade awards.
The school’s performance reflects the hard work of Taylor staff in partnership with
Learning and Leisure Services as well as a range of other inputs, both internal e.g.
Supported Study and school-based Easter provision, and external, e.g. from other
providers and authority initiatives such as Outward Bound.
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Leaver Destinations
In order to try to ensure that all students enter positive career choices after they leave
school, we work in partnership with staff from Skills Development Scotland. The data
for the most recent years available is session 2014-15. For this session 98.44% of
students entered a positive destination compared with 92.11% for our virtual
comparator, 93.11% for North Lanarkshire and 93.02% at national level. This is an
excellent performance in terms of ensuring that school leavers from Taylor High
School enter employment, training, FE or HE in almost all cases.
Celebration Of Faith
Pupils and staff can enjoy the opportunity to attend Mass every Monday and Thursday
morning at 8.40am in the school Oratory.
Summer School 2016
A total of 28 pupils attended this year’s Summer School from our five main associated
Primary Schools with a small number of pupils from other primaries. The Summer
School took place over three days from the 4th to 6thth August and involved two days
of workshops in Taylor High with a trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park on the final
day. The workshops within the school comprised of sports activities provided, Active
Schools activities including Archery and Basketball, a self-esteem workshop provided
by our Educational Psychologist Jackie Hair, and the use of the North Lanarkshire
Council Climbing wall provided by the North Lanarkshire Council Outdoor Team.
‘Reeltime Music’ also provided a media project with a treasure hunt around the school
to help pupils familiarise themselves with the various departments. The final day trip to
Blair Drummond Safari Park was a great success with the pupils enjoying the Sea Lion
show and a variety of other activities at the Park. As well as the staff and organisations
mentioned above, Sixth Year pupils volunteered to assist at the Summer School and
worked hard throughout to encourage the pupils wherever possible. As part of the
Summer School this year the pupils set themselves four challenges on the way to
achieving the One Star Dynamic Youth Award. Feedback from the pupils was very
positive in relation to the Summer School and in terms of building confidence in
relation to starting secondary school.
Sixth Year Conference
Sixth Year students attended the annual Taylor Sixth Year Conference on Friday 21
August, in the Xavier Centre, Carfin. The election of this year’s House Captains took
place during the conference, where students also participated in a variety of workshops
addressing issues concerning the rights and responsibilities of being a Sixth Year
student during the session ahead. Various staff also spoke with the students about the
wide range of committee opportunities open to them in their Sixth Year, highlighting
the variety of ways in which they can contribute to school life in the year ahead. Very
well done to all pupils who were in the running for a House Captain position as a great
deal of hard work and enthusiasm had been put into their election speeches in the run
up to the event. As part of the election process our candidates were also interviewed by
Sixth Year Stage Head Ms Jan McCrone. Congratulation to this year’s House Captains
for each year group House as follows; Owen Sibley for First Year, Amber Kane for
Second Year, Chrsitopher Wright for Third Year, Lochlan Murray for Fourth Year,
Kara Toal will be working with Fifth Year and finally Christopher McCann will
collaborate with Sixth Year. Their respective year groups look forward to working with
them through school initiatives and events over the year to come. We also have three
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Vice Captains: Natalie O’Rourke, Natasha Newall and Amy McNaughton who will be
involved with various activities throughout the year.
Student Council Meetings
Following a successful election process, Taylor High Student Council meetings took
place throughout the year.
Duke Of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition
Nineteen Taylor High pupils from Fourth Year pupils experienced their Practice
Expedition in preparation for their Bronze Expedition as part of the Duke of Edinburgh
Award. The Bronze Expedition involved a two day hike and one nights camping,
walking 14 miles all while carrying their own equipment. In order to complete this
section the pupils had to demonstrate a capability in map reading, using a compass,
cooking their own meals and putting up their own tents. The pupils had a great time
and didn’t let the typical Scottish weather put them off! The Bronze Duke of
Edinburgh Award also involves the completion of three other sections including the
Physical, Skills and Volunteering sections.
Strathclyde University Open Day
63 Sixth Year Students enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Open Day at Strathclyde
University. This gave our young people the opportunity to visit various subject
faculties and experience lectures in their chosen areas of study, in addition to various
organised tours and talks relating to general university life such as student support, the
application process and student finance. The feedback from the day was extremely
positive with the students gaining much from the experience.
Legacyfest Sports & Arts Festival
Last weekend North Lanarkshire ran a cultural festival day to promote and celebrate
the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and its legacy. There were many fun activities
throughout the day and Taylor High’s very own Amy McNaughton took part in the day
with her Jump Rope Academy group. Jump Rope Academy is a skipping organisation
and Amy and the rest of her teammates put on a fantastic show skipping to crowds and
then working with young children on the day to get them involved. Well done Amy,
you are a great asset to Taylor High School.
Refugee Appeal
Shocked by pictures and stories in the press the S6 Caritas students, supported by Mr.
McMahon, Principal Teacher of Religious Education and Mrs. Burton, Principal
Teacher of English, responded by launching an appeal to gather essentials for those
refugees currently living in Calais. In response to an appeal by local volunteers from
the group Wishaw to Calais, the school set up their own group to raise awareness and
co-ordinate efforts, by collecting as much as possible by the end of October. Hundreds
of bags of donations of toiletries and clothes were handed in by our students.
Primary 7 Welcome Mass
In September the school welcomed Primary 7 pupils, their parents and staff from both
Taylor High and associated Primary schools, St Patrick's, St Teresa's, St Mary's, Christ
The King and Our Lady and St Francis Primaries to celebrate at our annual Primary 7
Welcome Mass. The service was followed by a reception and a tour of the school. Our
Sixth Year students shared responsibility for the organisation of the evening which
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welcomes future Taylor High pupils to the school community with our House Captains
carrying out their first official duties of the year. Music students also performed
alongside staff in the accompanying instrumental ensemble.
Rugby
September saw the new rugby season well under way at Taylor High with the School
now housing two teams for the first time. The First and Second Year development
squad now has a lot of new faces due to pupil’s participation in a Scottish Rugby
Union (SRU) coaching session that took place at the School earlier this month. Darren
Moon, who is the SRU Youth rugby coordinator for North Lanarkshire, presented four
coaching sessions to First and Second Year boys and girls which had an excellent
response from all who took part. The Third and Fourth Year senior phase team were
looking sharp after the holidays, and shaped up well. The success they achieved in
their first year of competitive rugby last season was very impressive, and makes them a
hugely exciting prospect for the future. Due to the popularity of the sport within the
School, coach Mr. Andy Williams was able to bring in outside influences and coaches
from the SRU and from Dalziel rugby club to assist due to the popularity and demand.
North Lanarkshire Schools 6k Challenge
On Sunday the 20th of September a group of staff and pupils once again represented
the school at the annual St. Andrew’s Hospice Lanarkshire Schools 6K Challenge held
at Strathclyde Park. The staff and students involved had a very enjoyable day out with
the very worthy cause of raising funds for the Hospice as a goal. Well done to all who
took part!
Prefects
In September prefects began to undertake the various roles and responsibilities around
the school, both during the school day and at extra-curricular events. This was the
perfect role for students in sixth year who want to take on extra responsibility, extend
their experience and provide themselves with opportunities which will support their
applications to college and university and to work. Their responsibilities included
Lunchtime canteen, sports and library supervision, helping out within individual
departments throughout the day and also supporting teachers at parent’s nights. They
did an absolutely wonderful job throughout the year.
Scottish Learning Festival Launch
The Scottish Learning Festival is Scotland’s leading educational event. It took place at
the SECC in Glasgow last week and attracted over 4500 educational professionals.
This year’s theme focused on raising attainment for all by maximising educational
outcomes. Taylor High School’s choir and instrumentalists were invited by Education
Scotland to perform at the opening of the Scottish Learning Festival. Pupils performed
an original song composed by Amy Louise Brogan, a Second Year Student, prior to the
opening address by the Cabinet Secretary for Education Angela Constance whilst the
Senior Vocal Ensemble and Instrumentalists performed for delegates before the
opening address. The choir and instrumentalists were excellent in demeanor and superb
in performance! Well done to all involved! The BBC were at the event and were blown
away with the talent and were so impressed that they arranged to visit the school and
recorded our choir in action. They also recruited eight pupils from our choir to take
part in BBC Children in Need UK Nationwide Choir. This was an absolutely fantastic
opportunity for our young people to show off their talents.
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Macmillan Big Coffee Morning
Caritas students recently organised a cake and candy event as part of Macmillan
Cancer Support's Big Coffee Morning for the whole school to enjoy. Our students were
supported by Mr. Martin McMahon (Principal Teacher of Religious Education). In
addition Mr. Scott Russell (Principal Teacher of Home Economics) and teachers Mr.
Andy Williams and Miss Louise Hamilton organised a staff coffee morning with some
absolutely beautiful and equally delicious cakes on offer which were produced by Miss
Hamilton’s National 5 Cake Craft class. Sixth Year students also created a mass of
cupcakes for sale in the school canteen area as part of their Personal Development
Award Programme. As a result of all the day’s activities over £400 was raised. Thanks
to all of those who donated cakes and contributed to the day’s proceedings.
Patron’s Day Mass
Staff and students enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate this year’s Patron’s Day Mass
which was a resounding success. The Mass was celebrated by His Lordship Bishop
Toal, Fr. Martin Delaney our school Chaplain and local Priests. The Mass is always an
important marker in the school year when staff and pupils join together to celebrate the
life and work of Monsignor Thomas Nimmo Taylor, the founder of Carfin Grotto, this
year the theme was ‘Our Common Home’. Staff and pupils of the department led by
Fiona Cannon, Principal Teacher of Music, worked hard to prepare new materials for
the musical liturgy which included some of her own compositions. Our new First Year
pupils also enjoyed their first opportunity to perform as part of the Taylor High Choir
at this large scale event, and the Choir provided an uplifting performance, which was
as always a particular highlight of the afternoon. Our accompanying music ensemble
also continues to grow in size as brass, woodwind and guitar students enhanced the
service.
Creative Residency Recall Day
Elizabeth-Anne Cairney enjoyed a day of writing at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. The
day was party of the North Lanarkshire Creative Residency programme which allows
budding artists, musicians & writers to nurture their talent during a residential trip to
Kilbowie Outdoor Centre in Oban. During the week the successful candidates worked
with professional writers to further develop their talents in a wide variety of genres.
This follow-up day gave Elizabeth-Anne to learn about the complexities of script
writing before she submits her final piece for inclusion in the Creative Residency
exhibition held in 2016.
Supported Study
A very substantial programme of study support is ongoing throughout the year with a
wide range of subjects offering a variety of options at lunchtime and after school in
English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Geography, History, Modern
Languages, Modern Studies, Art and Design. These classes mainly target students in
Fourth to Sixth Year preparing for prelims and external exams. In addition a
homework club open to all students operates in the school library at lunchtime. A big
thank you goes to all staff who run these additional classes!
First/Sixth Year Hallowe’en Party
Pupils and staff really went to extraordinary lengths when selecting their outfits for the
Halloween Disco! Sixth Year Personal Development Students organised the evening
for First Year Pupils, which involved a disco and fun themed games. It was a great
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success and an enjoyable time was had by all. Our Sixth Years decorated the hall
beautifully, acted as DJs and caterers, ensuring that there were enough treats to feast on
during the evening.
Rome
A group of 30 pupils and four staff took part in a pilgrimage to Rome at the beginning
of October. As well as visiting the city's four major basilicas, including celebrating
Mass at the tomb of St Peter, and attending the weekly papal audience, they also
visited the major historic sites of Rome such as the Colosseum and the forum. There
was some time to relax and sample Italy's famous gelato as well as make a trip to the
seaside to visit the medieval town of Nettuno, where a visit to the American war
cemetery gave the group the chance to learn about the allied landings which took place
in the town in WWII.
Kids’ Lit Quiz
Pupils from First and Second Year took part in the West of Scotland Heats of the
international Kids' Lit Quiz in Cumbernauld. The pupils had been training hard under
the guidance of the English department to answer a number of questions on a wide
range of books. Pupils performed well with the Second Year team achieving the
second highest score from a school in North Lanarkshire. Well done to all involved.
Buddy Meetings
Buddy meetings were held in throughout the year with the First Year pupils having the
opportunity to talk to their sixth year Buddies. These events involved participation in a
Buddy Fortunes Quiz where the Buddy Families competed against one another which
the pupils really enjoyed with the sixth year pupils taking competitiveness to new
levels! Once again the first year pupils enjoyed the experience and a big thank you
goes out to all the sixth year pupils who helped organise these events.
Lessons From Auschwitz
Since 1999, over 27,000 students and teachers have taken part in the Holocaust
Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz Project. The LFA Project aims to
increase knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust for young people and to
clearly highlight what can happen if prejudice and racism become acceptable. The
visits to the former Nazi extermination and concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau
are preceded and followed by half-day seminars in order to ensure an exceptional
educational experience. Two Sixth Year Students Roisin Brennan and Rachel McKay
were selected this year and travelled to Poland on the 28th of October. Both students
wrote essays are part of the programme and gave a presentation to Fourth Years about
their experience. They saw first-hand the belongings and remnants of people who had
died and we walked the paths that they walked. They were able to stand in places
where, 70 years ago, only Nazi guards would have stood, an extremely unsettling and
moving experience. The visit was an occasion the girls will never forget and one they
are eternally grateful for the opportunity. Rachel said “The things we worry about on a
daily basis seemed miniscule as we stood in the middle of a death camp; a death camp
created by human beings to kill and torture other human beings. As an avid lover of
history, this visit has helped me understand this mass genocide in ways I could never
have learned in a classroom.”
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New Lanark
In November 70 Third Year History pupils visited New Lanark World Heritage Site.
They were given a guided tour of the site including the mill, where they got to see and
hear the old machinery in action, worker's houses over the years including Mill
Manager Robert Owen's home, the village shop and the school. Pupils and staff
thoroughly enjoyed the visit, which consolidated their recent History course work
focusing on 19th century factories, health and housing.
BBC – Children In Need Choir
Children in Need took place in November and our very our Taylor High students were
selected to be part of the UK wide choir that on Friday13th November. After Taylor
High performed at the high profile events at the SECC for Scottish Learning Festival
and the providing the music at Motherwell Civic Centre for the North Lanarkshire
Performance Report Launch. The BBC contacted the school to ask if they could watch
our talented students perform again. They were so impressed by what they saw and
heard that they selected Owen Sibley, Callum Currie, Sophie Ho , Natasha Newall,
Colleen Kennedy, Amy Louisa Brogan, Laura Semple, Josh Clifford and Anna
Cormack to perform in the 100 strong CIN Choir. The BBC used Taylor High’s school
theatre over a few weekends for their Scottish choir rehearsals. Our young people
conducted themselves in a highly professional manner and were an absolute credit to
our school. Well done to all involved.
Lyp Syncing – STV Appeal
In November our Sixth Year Personal Development Students organised a pupil and
teacher Lyp Syncing competition. It took place over two lunchtimes to raise money for
the STV Appeal. The school theatre was bursting at the seams with audience members
who came to watch our talented young people and teachers perform on stage to songs
of their choice. There was some real tense moments when X-Factor Style judges
announced the winners! Sixth Year Thomas McKenna and Second Year Alex Robin
won with their Duo of Calvin Harris’ I Get All The Girls. Mr Craig Roy (Teacher of
ICT) won the teacher performance with One Direction’s Best Song Ever; he is Taylor
High’s very own Harry Styles, and he looks just like him! The STV Appeal focuses on
helping the thousands of children and young people affected by poverty in this country.
An estimated one in five children faces a life of poverty in Scotland. Thanks to our
Sixth Year organising committee Josh Clifford, Lucy McLeish, Callum Currie, and
Caitlin McAleer who raised over £360 for the worthwhile cause.
Stewart Ivory Foundation And Financial Awareness
Taylor High School welcomed visitors from The Stewart Ivory Foundation focusing on
the financial education unit within the Personal Social Health Education Programme in
Sixth Year. The objective of the work by The Stewart Ivory Foundation is to develop a
realistic, practical and cost effective approach to raising financial awareness in schools.
Our Sixth Year students enjoyed the informative talks and activities the foundation
provided and we thank them for this valuable input.
November - Month Of The Holy Souls
Staff and pupils continued to pray for deceased relatives, friends, members of staff and
pupils at the school. The school’s book of Remembrance was on display so that prayers
could be offered for the Holy Souls throughout the month.
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Christmas Fayre
Our Christmas Fayre was a great success and raised over £4000 for school funds. A
huge thank you to all stakeholders and friends of the school who ran stalls, attended,
made donations or contributed in some other way.
Kick-Start
The ‘Kick-start Theatre Company’ visited Taylor High School as part of their tour of
secondary schools in the North Lanarkshire area. The talented actors showcased their
production of 'Crossroads' to the First Year cohort. The play focuses around the issues
of under-age drinking, anti-social behaviour, drug abuse, and willful fire raising as well
as internet safety. The company worked closely with Police Scotland, North
Lanarkshire road safety partnership and the Scottish fire service on this production
who have been a great help in putting the play together producing a current and
relevant play which really connected and appealed to First Year pupils. This
worthwhile and valuable production taught key lessons to the students to help them
make the right decision if they come across challenging social issues.
S6 Charity Football Game
Our Sixth Year boys booted up to take on the male staff in a charity football match in
order to raise money for Cancer Research. The end result was 1-0 with the students
coming out on top on this occasion. Very well done to Sixth Year students who
organised this event as part of their Personal Development Higher. A good sum of
money was raised for this very worthwhile charity close to our hearts.
Astronomy Lecture
Fourth Year Physics students attended a lecture last week at Our Lady’s High School,
Motherwell on the subject of ‘Dark Energy, Dark Matter’. The lecture was delivered
by Professor Martin Hendry of Glasgow University who is a world renowned expert on
this fascinating and highly topical branch of cosmology. The pupils were a credit to the
school and asked some very insightful and relevant questions. A fun time was had by
all!
Fifth Year Mentoring Programme
Our Fifth Year students had a serious of meetings throughout the year with their staff
mentor. These meetings are designed to help students identify targets and goals that
they should aim for over the course of their Fifth Year.
Skills Development Scotland
Students ranging from Fourth to Sixth year enjoyed the opportunity to attend a Skills
and Careers Convention at the SECC Glasgow. Our students had a fantastic experience
at this highly interactive event that offered young people the chance to network and
develop key contacts with some of the best names in employment, education and
training. This annual event organised by Skills Development Scotland gives students a
real insight into the world of work, a chance to try out new skills and activities and
gain impartial advice about global opportunities, opening their minds to the
possibilities their futures hold.
National Road Safety Week
In line with National Road Safety Week, a theatre Company recently visited the school
to perform ‘The 9 lives of Roddy Hogg’ for First Year pupils.
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Caritas Fundraising
Well done to Caritas students from St Mary's parish who raised more than £300
through holding a staff versus pupils football match in school and a St Andrew's day
coffee morning in the parish. The money raised will go to St Andrew's Hospice.
Advent Masses
Taylor pupils are enjoyed the opportunity to attend daily Mass in school during the
season of Advent. Thanks go to Father Martin Delaney, school Chaplain, for providing
us with this excellent opportunity to prepare spiritually for Christmas.
First Year Pantomime Visit
Our First Year cohort enjoyed a trip to Motherwell Civic Theatre this week to see the
pantomime Peter Pan. This is an annual trip organised for our pupils as we enjoy the
lead up to the Christmas break.
Senior Citizens’ Party
Taylor High School held its annual Christmas party for Senior Citizens in December.
Guests enjoyed a variety of musical entertainment including the school choir, vocal
ensembles, many soloists, wind ensembles, trumpet quartets. The audience also
enjoyed some festive community singing. The accompanying show band also featured
a number of guitar students alongside department staff. Sixth Year students had
worked with First Year students to prepare a special Christmas play that opened the
afternoon proceedings. Following the afternoon’s performance, our guests enjoyed a
Christmas party and some refreshments. The biggest mention must go to the many
talented young people for the wonderful entertainment they provided. Well done all!
Christmas Ceilidhs
Taylor's annual Christmas Ceilidhs for First year, and Fourth, Fifth and Sixth year
group, and were a great success. Our First Year Cohort had their first experience of the
traditional art of Ceilidh dancing; they danced the night away and thoroughly enjoyed
taking part.
Off Timetable Day
As the close of the Christmas school term our sixth year Personal Development class
worked to provide an off timetable day for our school community. Pupils selected from
a wide range of activities and workshops provided by staff from across the school.
Particular highlights included a lower school disco, stained glass making, Christmas
cookie baking, various physical education activities and a magical mystery workshop.
The afternoon brought together our whole school community for a talent show
featuring staff and students. A large amount of work went into the organisation of this
enjoyable day. A superb end to a successful year
Lenten Passport
This year saw the return of the Lenten passport scheme. Fr. Martin Delaney celebrated
mass each week-day of lent in the school theatre either in the morning or at lunchtime,
times are posted throughout the school. Each time a pupil attends mass they got a
stamp on their passport; any pupil who attended at least 18 masses were put into a
prize draw to either win a free trip to Blackpool or attend the Senior Prom at no cost.
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Sciaf Wee Box Launch
Caritas students Hayleigh Logan and Caitlin McAleer attended the launch of SCIAF's
annual Lenten Wee Box campaign at SCIAF’s headquarter in Park Circus in February.
They got to meet Deacon Blue’s very own Ricky Ross and Pop Idol and Pantomime
favourite Michelle McManus who gave their thoughts on the importance of the work
which SCIAF does with the money raised. This year’s Wee Box appeal brought the
focus to the beautiful country of Ethiopia and more specifically Borana in the south.
Every year our pupils give up things like their favourite treat and put the money in the
SCIAF Wee Box. By donating the money saved during Lent we can change lives in
some of the poorest communities in the world. Pupils were encouraged to contribute to
the Wee Boxes in all classes throughout Lent. SCIAF was also delighted to announce
that every pound you donated to the Wee Box this year was to be doubled with UK
Government UKAID, so we helped even more families lift themselves out of poverty!
Local MSP Michael Mcmahon
Taylor’s constituency MSP in February came to Taylor to meet Fourth Year student
Anna Gilchrist. Our Fourth Year pupils were currently working on their National 4
Added Value Units and National 5 Assignments in Modern Studies. Anna wrote to
Michael McMahon and asked if he would come into the school so she could ask him
some questions about Scottish Politics with particular reference to the Independence
referendum in September 2014, the General Election in May 2015 and the change in
party politics in Scotland. Michael was very helpful and very honest in his responses
about the Labour party and Scottish Politics, Anna was pleased and the information has
really helped her with her National 5 Assignment. Thanks to Michael for coming to the
school and helping out Anna.
Register To Vote
With the reducing in the voting age from 18 years old to 16 years old we at Taylor
encouraged as many of our young people to get registered to vote for this year’s
Scottish Parliament elections. Registration took place in PSHE lessons, we are
encouraging all our young people to take part in the election process if they can as we
wanted them to be able to take part in important changes to not only the country but
also their local communities
Geography Research
Fourth Year Geography students took part in a local area field trip to gather data to use
in their Added Value Units and Assignments. They visited the local shopping centre at
Bell Quadrant and shops in the surrounding area. The students asked shoppers to take
part in a questionnaire about shopping. They also conducted a traffic survey and took
photographs of the shopping area and parking facilities. Some students conducted an
interview with a local shopkeeper to find out information about where his customers
come from and the type of goods they bought. The data gathered will be used to
compare the different shopping areas in the local community.
Spectroscopy In A Suitcase
Taylor welcomed Kiri Rodgers and two of his colleagues from the Royal Society of
Chemistry and brought along with them ‘Spectroscopy in a Suitcase’. This is an
outreach activity which gives school students the chance to learn more about
spectroscopy through hands-on experience. As well as covering the principles of
spectroscopic techniques, the activities use real-life contexts to demonstrate the
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applications of the techniques. Our Advance Higher Chemistry students participated in
the ‘Body in a lab’ workshop which they used the spectroscopic techniques in class to
solve a crime. Our students had an absolutely fantastic time, and it was extremely
helpful to the students to put the theory of the Infra-Red Spectroscopy and Mass
Spectrometry into practice.
Royal Navy Visit
Our Second Year pupils received a visit from the Royal Navy and participated in a
number of activities. Activities centered around Survival Cooking, Personal Fitness
and a Practical Leadership session. The Home Economics’ Department welcomed the
three Marines and they provided a demonstration to the kids of making food quickly
and easily with simple ingredients to feed many marines when on board. The pupils got
a chance to cook some meals and ask questions. The marines also used the PE
department and tested the pupils on their personal fitness and they also got the chance
to try out some of the fitness activities the marines undertake on board the ships to
keep in shape. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day and we would like to thank the
marines for a great day of activities.
Murderous Maths
Some of our First Year Maths pupils took part in the Joseph Wilson Library Resource
Centre's annual National Libraries Day celebrations with a murderous bookmark
illustrations competition to celebrate the book series 'Murderous Maths' by Kjartan
Poskitt. Miss Nicola Daley, Depute Head, chose the winning and most inspired designs
and commented "I was very impressed with the murderous Maths bookmarks as they
were colourful, displayed strong ideas and were exciting. It was a real challenge to
select both class and an individual winner. Well done to both classes for their hard
work!" Many thanks to the enthusiastic colleagues in the Maths department for taking
part. Deciding the winning class was murderous indeed!
North Lanarkshire Youth Arts Festival 2016
The North Lanarkshire Youth Arts Festival is a showcase of Expressive works from
across North Lanarkshire. 16 of Taylor HS current and past students, showcasrd their
work in this prestigious event in the Tudor Hotel, Airdrie in February. This was a free
exhibition with special guest speakers and was an absolutely fantastic event which
celebrated some of the brilliant creative talent that we have here at Taylor and within
North Lanarkshire.
Well done to the following students from Taylor HS, who had folio work selected to be
showcased in the exhibition: Caitlin Hattie, Christy Pearson, Caitlin Plenderleith,
David McLellan, Nicole Campbell, Charlotte McGuiness, Louise Burt, Sam Gordon,
Aidain Hughes, Myles Nailen, Oisin Murray, Sean Rice, Bobbi Brown, Roisin
McLaughlin, Jordan Denholm and Nadia McConville.
Higher English – The Crucible
Higher English students enjoyed a hands-on theatre workshop delivered by outreach
workers from the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. The students are all studying Arthur
Miller's famous play "The Crucible" which is set in Salem Massachusetts at the time of
the famous Salem witch trials & is part of the Higher English curriculum. This was
ahead of a trip to the Lyceum to see this new production students were given an
opportunity to learn more about the characterisation and themes of the play whilst
taking part in key scenes. A group of 50 pupils and staff attended the production,
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organised by the English Department.
Live ‘N’ Learn
As part of a drive to raise attainment and prepare for the SQA Exams, in May this year
Taylor invited Live ‘n’ Learn, a dynamic, innovative and inspirational workshop
provider, to conduct sessions involving all of our Fourth and Fifth Year students. The
sessions focused on the mental and emotional side of preparing for examinations with a
session called ‘Mindset for Exams’. The students found the sessions very motivational!
World Book Day
Students in First and Second Year enjoyed fun activities in English as part of World
Book Day celebrations. Working in teams, students enjoyed Book theme quizzes
which were rated by Miss MacPhail and Mrs Burton of the English Department with
prizes up for grabs for the winning teams. In addition to this each student was issued
with a £1 book token which can be exchanged for one of the specially commissioned
books, which are widely available, or can be used in part payment of another book.
Also our First Year PSHE classes took part in a 'Book Token Competition' as part of
the library's annual celebrations for World Book Day 2016. The whole of our S1
cohort got the chance to design colourful and creative book tokens, many of which
were inspired by a variety of books, such as 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid', 'The Hunger
Games', 'Stormbreaker' and 'Skullduggery Pleasant'. Many others were inspired by
reading these books the library itself! (What a huge compliment!) The finalists were
now be entered into the national World Book Day Competition.
Third Year Options Meeting
Taylor’s Third Year Options Information evening took place on Thursday 17 March.
The evening was aimed at our current Second Year cohort and their parents/carers and
offers them the opportunity to be informed of pupils’ subject options and visit different
departments around the school to find out, in more detail, what is on offer as they
embark on their Third Year studies.
Maths Camp
49 Fifth and Sixth Year pupils studying Higher and Advanced Higher Maths set off to
the Kilbowie Outdoor Centre in Oban on for the Annual Maths Camp Weekend.
Students were given the opportunity to participate in an extensive study programme for
the examination in May. A great time was had by all with pupils also being given the
chance to take part in an Outdoor activity as part of the school’s Health Promotion
Programme. They took part in Coaststeering which involves rock climbing and sea
swimming and the group finished off with a seven metre jump into the sea. Credit goes
to the students involved as this is an activity where participants get extremely wet
jumping in and out of the sea on what turned out to be a particularly cold and wintry
day. All staff who participated in the weekend were impressed by the pupils’ effort and
application. It is hoped that their efforts will be rewarded by excellent results in the
final examination. The weekend is part funded by the Edinburgh University
Mathematical Association and we thank them for their continued support.
Taylor Tycoon
This year witnessed the return of “Taylor Tycoon” to Taylor’s S1 BCT course unit on
Graphics and Marketing. Pupils were each given initial capital of £1 and are asked to
apply their entrepreneurial spark to make as much money as they can from a business
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idea they develop either as sole traders or in partnership with other pupils. Business
ideas range from confectionery, cake, sweets and stationery to nail painting,
customised jewellery and a magician! After creating unique business logos, business
plans and marketing materials the extremely enthusiastic young entrepreneurs will
launch their enterprises upon an unsuspecting campus, setting up stalls in the theatre
with the assistance and support of the Department’s staff. This daily Bazaar is expected
to create a real buzz and will surely be deemed a resounding success due to the efforts
and creativity of all pupils involved. This year’s winners were Lucy Toolan, Mia
Agnew and Rebecca White who created Doughnuts & Co. and made a whopping
£96.16! The total raised across First Year was over £1000. This once again proved to
be a thoroughly rewarding experience for First Year’s pupils.
Champions League Match
45 pupils from the school’s First, Second, Third and Senior teams travelled to
Manchester City’s Football stadium, the Etihad, to watch Manchester City play
Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 of the Champions League. The pupils had some of the best
seats in the house sitting in the first few rows right beside the action! The game ended
0-0 but the pupils had an absolutely fantastic experience of seeing one of the biggest
stadiums in England and seeing some of football’s superstars like David Silva, Sergio
Aguero and Yaya Toure.
BBC School Report
40 pupils from First, Second and Third Year enjoyed the experience of real live
journalism when the Joseph Wilson Resource Centre was transformed into a BBC
Newsroom for the day. The students, working with Miss Ruth MacPhail (Teacher of
English) and Mrs. Catherine MacIntyre (Resource Centre Manager), produced a wide
range of news reports both as web pages and films, all of which can be viewed on the
school website or via the BBC website. This is the seventh year the school have taken
part in this annual project and as ever it was a very enjoyable and productive day.
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Maths Classes
The Mathematics Department offeried mathematics classes for pupils studying
National 5 and Higher this year. Classes ran on a Saturday morning from 9.30am until
Midday; the pupil attendance was been excellent. The students displayed a real desire
to succeed. It gives them additional support while preparing for the forthcoming exam.
The department are hopeful that the students’ efforts will be rewarded in the final
exam. support to our pupils. North Lanarkshire Cross Country Championship
Congratulations to all of the pupils from First Year to Fourth Year who took part in
and finished their respective races at last week’s championships in the brutal weather
conditions. Well done to all the pupils who took part who did themselves and the
school proud.
First Year Science Quiz
In honour of British Science Week the science department held a First Year science
quiz. For round one of the seven practical classes in First Year took part in a class quiz
on Inventions, Physics and Engineering. Practical classes A2, A3, A5 and A6 qualified
for the semi-final which took place in the double lab on Monday the 14th of March.
Each class went head to head in a knockout buzzer round on science in the new,
biology and chemistry. The two practical classes with the most points, A3 and A6
qualified for the final which took place in the theatre on Friday the 18th March. The
final was based on questions relating to the 2016 Olympics and Space. After an
exciting few rounds A6 took the lead by 3 points but A3 weren’t too far away in
catching up taking it to dead lock. A6 stole the show gaining that valuable 1 extra point
making them the winners of the 2016 First Year British science week quiz! Well done
to all of First Years for participating!
‘Speaking up’
Taylor hosted the North Lanarkshire Council ‘Speaking Up’ public speaking
competition in the Joseph Wilson Library Resource Centre. Taylor’s Third Year public
speaking team were preparing for the competition with the help from the Fourth Year
pupils involved in the schools public speaking and debating club. The heat included
schools from Airdrie, Motherwell and Wishaw. Teams were entered from Bellshill
Academy, Calderhead High, Clyde Valley High, Dalziel High, St Aidan’s and Taylor
High School. Seven teams took part with three progressing onto next month’s final,
Taylor's team narrowly missed out on a place in the final. Taylor's team narrowly
missed a place in the final. The standard of speeches from all teams taking part was
excellent. Well done to our pupils Kieran Wells, Seamus Burns and Olivia McAree for
all their hard work.
Trampolining Competition
Some of our Fourth Year National 5 PE girls competed in the recent North and South
Lanarkshire Trampolining competition at St Andrew’s High School in Coatbridge. The
girls Olivia Brennan,Olivia Scanlon, Kayleigh Gallagher. The girls all rose to the
occasion with the Taylor team achieving three of the top six places. Well done girls! A
special congratulations to Rebekka Newns who was placed second in the competition
and Olivia Brennan who was placed third.
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Duke of Edinburgh Charity Football Game
Our Fourth Year Duke of Edinburgh student organised a charity football march to raise
money for St Andrew’s Hospice as part of the volunteering section of the award. Our
Fourth Year boys booted up to take on the male staff in a charity football match in
order to raise money for St Andrew’s Hospice. The end result was 2-0 with the staff
coming out on top on this occasion. The highlights of the game were the two goals
from Mr Craig Roy (Teacher of BCT) and Mr James Bradshaw (Teacher of PE).
Fourth Year Target Setting
Before the spring break every student in Fourth Year met with Miss Nicola Daley,
Depute Head Teacher or Principal Teacher of Pupil Support, Suzanne Evans to discuss
their Fourth Year reports and set clear targets for their examinations. Students looked
in detail at their subjects and were reminded of the support that was on offer to them in
preparing for the academic challenges up ahead.
Fourth and Fifth Year SQA Examinations Mass
Taylor’s Fourth and Fifth Year Examination Mass took place in April. Our students
from both year-groups enjoyed the opportunity to come together and celebrate Mass
with a focus on preparing themselves spiritually for the challenges they face ahead. We
thank Chaplin Fr. King for celebrating Mass with both staff and pupils.
Lenten Fast and Alms Giving
Staff and pupils were very busy over the course of lent, organising numerous events in
order to raise money for Lenten Charities. Each year group took responsibility for
fundraising and through their pupil council they put forward some great ideas for the
whole school to participate in. The whole school participate in a non-uniform day,
there was also a movie night and Easter Hamper raffles. A fantastic total of £2000 was
raised during Lent for SCIAF. A massive thank you to everyone who gave up their
time to support this charity and to everyone who contributed in some way. The UK
Government matched our donation due to the International Development Funding Aid
Match meaning SCIAF received £4000.
Easter School 2016
Taylor ran its annual Easter Study School programme last week between Monday the
4th to Wednesday 10thth April. 455 pupils from S4 – S6, who were due to sit the SQA
National Examinations next month attended over the three days, in a bid to achieve the
best possible exam results. Staff gave up their well deserved rest over the Easter
holidays to ensure the pupils were given all the help and support they needed and to
keep the pupils studying on track. Stage Head Ms. Jan McCrone designed the study
programme so that it benefited all pupils who are due to sit the forthcoming
examinations; each pupil who attended received a revision pack. Departments from all
around the school were involved and provided the pupils with additional revision tools,
and were able to refresh their memory of topics they have worked on over the last year
and also focus on the areas each pupil needed to improve on.
Pupils worked extremely hard and to reward them the school provided some fun
activities such as the ‘chick hunt’. Small chicks were placed around the classrooms and
corridors and the pupils who found them were rewards with some much needed
chocolate! Taylor is committed to raising attainment and achievement for each of our
young people and Easter School is just one of many initiatives used to provide
additional support to our young people. Throughout the year senior pupils have one-to-
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one mentoring sessions with teachers and meet regularly to ensure that support for each
pupil’s learning is in place. The number of pupils attending this year’s Easter study
programme shows how committed our pupils are in doing everything they can to
achieve the best grade possible. By the end of the three days pupils were better
prepared and will continue to study throughout the rest of the holidays. Thanks to Ms
Jan McCrone, Depute Head Teacher, who co-ordinated this very beneficial programme
and to all the members of staff who helped make the programme success. Pupil
feedback has been extremely positive and they are reminded that they can access the
school website at any time to access additional support and subject materials uploaded
from a range of departments around the school.
Advanced Higher Biology Conference at Glasgow Caledonian University
Advanced Higher Biology students were invited along to the GCU Advanced Higher
Biology Hub on Wednesday 30th March. The itinerary for the day comprised of three
lectures all relevant to the CfE Advanced Higher Biology course. These included cell
signaling, parasitology and epidemiology. The lectures were delivered by specialists in
their fields who either lecture in Universities or work for the NHS. The presentations
were informative, interesting and at times amusing. There was also a Teacher CPD
workshop for the 10 teachers who were there. This allowed ideas to be shared between
different schools and local authorities, in order to deliver the course to the highest
standard. The students not only benefited from the information given to them in their
quest to achieve the best possible grade for their AH Biology, but also it gave them a
chance to experience an afternoon in the life of University students. We all thoroughly
enjoyed this visit to GCU. The students were a credit to Taylor High School!
North Lanarkshire Schools’ Spring Concert Music Groups
Before the spring break many students from the Music Department enjoyed the
opportunity to perform at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall as part of the North Lanarkshire
Schools’ Annual Spring Music Showcase. The evening displayed the music talents of
pupils from across the authority with pupils ranging from first through to sixth year
involved in a wide range of ensembles. Our students performed in groups including the
Choir, Wind Band, and Symphony Orchestra. The level of performance on the evening
was superb. Well done to all pupils across the authority who performed on the evening.
You were spectacular!
Wildlife Trust
Lyndsay, Stephen and Jamie from Scottish Wildlife Trust visited the school to talk to
Third Year Biology students about wildlife. They delivered an assembly to around 100
pupils called "Wildlife on your Doorstep". They showed video clips of some animals
in their habitats such as beavers, squirrels, field mice and otters. They discussed their
role as a charity to ensure that these animals have all the things necessary in their
ecosystems to survive. They also stressed how important it was to maintain
biodiversity and how human impact on the environment can cause biodiversity to
decrease. After the assembly, pupils took part in three workshops. Each group of 20
pupils had 20 minutes to take part in the workshops. They got to look at different items
that could identify an organism, such as fur, bark and honeycomb. They also had to try
to identify various animals from a selection of skulls. The last workshop, which the
pupils really liked, involved dissecting an owl pellet. The pupils carefully opened up
the pellet to discover various small bones of the animals the owl had eaten. They saw
the jaws of voles and mice, and on a couple of occasions found a whole vole in the
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pellet because the owl had eaten it whole! This workshop was a great opportunity for
our Third Year Biologists to look at these real life objects in order to further develop
their knowledge and understanding of Ecology.
Programme Of Study For National 4 Students
Students not sitting SQA exams during May embarked on a programme of study which
involves all subject departments in the school allied to a number of trips and visits out
of school. The courses involved are designed to offer tasters of a wide range of courses
for the young people concerned. The visits planned by subject departments helped
widen the horizons of all involved.
Sixth Year Leavers’ Mass
The annual Leavers’ Mass for Sixth Year students took place on Thursday 28th April
in the school theatre. The Mass was celebrated for our Sixth Year students and their
families by Fr. Martin Delaney, school Chaplain, after which their time at Taylor will
be celebrated with the presentation of a number of traditional gifts along with the issue
of hoodies, video of their time at the school and certificates earned through their work
as buddies and peer tutors. Staff and students present also enjoyed a ‘slideshow’
presentation of the 2016 Sixth Year ‘through the years’. Huge thanks to Senior
Technician Robert Stewart for his hard work creating this valuable visual memory!
After the programme of events completed, refreshments were served for the parents
and carers of our Sixth Year students to mark this memorable event.
Creative Writing Workshop
Our Third Year English students enjoyed a Creative Writing workshop led by award
winning author Keith Gray. When Keith Gray was a child he was a reluctant reader but
eventually found a book he loved and that then turned into a love of books and he
started to write his own stories. His first book ‘Creepers’ was published when he was
just 24, and since then he has written 10 books, with many winning awards. The event
was organised by school librarian Mrs Cathy MacInyre, through the Scottish Book
Trust. As well as sharing his journey to stardom with students, Gray undertook some
writing activities with the group to help them to become more accomplished writers.
The highlight of the session however was when the group became the first people ever
to see the manuscript of his new novel which is due for publication later in the year.
Our students thoroughly enjoyed this, and a big thank you to Keith Gray for sharing his
knowledge and love of writing.
St Andrew’s Hospice
Our Fourth Year Duke of Edinburgh Award students have been raising money in the
school over the past few weeks for St Andrew’s Hospice as part of their Silver Award.
The money raised will help support the Hospice who provide care and treatment for
those living with life threating illnesses and much needed palliative care services to the
population of North and South Lanarkshire. The Students organised a charity football
match between the Fourth Year pupils and the staff and pupils, they also raised money
during Lent by guessing how many mini eggs were in a jar. They managed to raise a
whopping £200, and Chris from St Andrew’s was invited to the school last week and
was presented with the cheque.
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Cardinal Bo From Burma
A group of Second Year students had the opportunity to meet with Cardinal Bo from
Burma who was visiting Scotland as part of a trip organised by Aid to the Church in
Need and Christian Solidarity Worldwide. This was Burma’s first Cardinal visit to
Scotland. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon and the first Cardinal
from Burma (Myanmar), is famous for speaking out on religious liberty in his
homeland. He was in Scotland for a three-day visit, and on his second day he visited
the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility for a gathering of different schools in the
area. As well as hearing from the Cardinal about the experience of being a Christian in
Burma the pupils also had the chance to hear about the work carried out in Burma by
SCIAF, Missio, Aid to the Church in Need and Christian Solidarity Worldwide. The
conference gave the pupils a real insight into the persecution Christians can face in
other countries and they went away with the message from Cardinal Bo to "use your
freedom to increase our freedom"
Third Year Career Day
Our Third Year cohort enjoyed a special careers event which is part of the programme
of preparing our young people for the movement into the Senior Phase and Developing
Scotland’s young workforce. There were eight different workshops involved from
different organisations for our young people to have a chat and find out some more
information. The organisations involved were the BBC Scotland, Special Constables
from Police Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue
Service, Street League Changing People’s lives through Football, New College
Lanarkshire, Glasgow Caledonian University, and our current student teachers giving
advice on how to get involved in the teaching profession. Our Third Years thoroughly
enjoyed this event, and it gave them some perspective on what possible careers are
available to them, and it provided them with the focus and motivation needed for
moving into their Fourth Year at Taylor.
S3 Charity Football Game
At Taylor we love our students’ v staff football games. Last week Taylor’s Third Year
boys booted up to take on the male staff in a charity football match in order to raise
money for the school’s charity fund. The pressure was on the Third Year boys as the
staff took the trophy at the last Fourth Year v Staff game. The game was a nail biter but
in the end the staff came out on top once again with the end result 4-3 in their favour. It
has been the staff football team’s year winning two out of three games this session.
Fire Reach Programme
Twelve of our Third Year Students participated in the Fire Reach Programme in May,
which took place at Coatbridge Fire Station. This is a programme designed to help
young people understand the job the Fire Fighters do on a daily basis, and to highlight
the dangers of hoax calls and vandalism of hydrants. Every individual who participated
received a certificate to acknowledge his or her effort and participation. Family
members and staff also enjoyed the opportunity to attend a presentation afternoon
where pupils could show off their new skills and knowledge. All pupils involved
should be commended on the way they conducted themselves during what is an
extremely worthwhile and enjoyable initiative.
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Fifth Year Induction Programme
An Induction Programme has been organised for our current Fourth year students
moving into Fifth year. This took place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd June. This two
day programme will involve workshops related to dealing with transitions, leadership
and Health & Wellbeing. These workshops included physical activity provided by the
Royal Navy, a focus on mental wellbeing from Psychological Services and 'Heartstart'
first aid training provided by Acting Principal Teacher of Pupil Support Ms. Marie
Valente and Home School Partnership Officer Mr. Ian MacFarlane. Students also
enjoyed the opportunity to cook with our Home Economics Department led by
Principal Teacher Mr. Scott Russell, and due to the weather they enjoy some outdoor
dining! We also have a presentation and workshop provided by Mr. Will Linden from
the Violence Reduction Unit focusing on ‘Against Community Violence’ which has
come highly recommended from university establishments and colleagues. The
Induction Programme will conclude with some teambuilding through a visit to
Hollywood Bowling. We look forward to sharing the student's experiences with you.
Masscot
Dougal from MASScot – Melanoma Action and Support Scotland, a skin cancer
charity visit our First Year cohort through our PSHE programme to raise awareness
about melanoma. The presentation focused on raising awareness of the dangers of
over-exposure UV radiation and explaining on how to bets stay protected from the
Sun. It highlighted the dangers or sunburn, but more precisely how UV radiation
affects the skin.
Many students mentioned their obsession with getting a tan – and were often alarmed
by the potential ageing effects it can have, as well as many hearing of melanoma for
the first time. Encouragingly, fewer of our students were interested in sunbeds, but
many were encouraged to rethink their approach to the Scottish Summer. Students
were also introduced to the story of MASScot’s member Iona. Seeing such a young
person describe their experiences of Melanoma brought the message closer to home for
many of them. As Melanoma has, over the last 10 years, been the most highlyoccurring
cancer among 15-34 age group in Scotland, it is something that is highly
relevant to by the teachers and pupils alike. Our pupils really enjoyed this presentation
and some even got the chance to pose with hats and sunglasses and they shouted out
MASScot’s ‘SLIP,SLAP, SLOP, SLIDE, SLURP!’ slogan. Thanks to MASScot’s
Dougal Thomson for coming to Taylor to make this informative presentation.
Gurdwara Visit
A group of Fourth Year students visited the Guru Granth Sahib Gurdwara in Glasgow.
They learned about the history of Sikhism and the main beliefs of the religion. They
also had the opportunity to sample traditional Punjabi cuisine. They rounded off their
day with a visit to the Winter Gardens at the People's Palace on Glasgow Green.
Tinto Hill Climb For St Andrews’s Hospice
Recently over 110 pupils in First Year battled their way up Tinto Hill in aid of St
Andrew’s Hospice. The First Year pupils have been raising money to help support the
Hospice who need to raise £65,000 every week to provide care and treatment for those
living with life threatening illnesses and much needed palliative care services to the
population of North and South Lanarkshire. The pupils and teachers had a fantastic
time with nearly all of them making it to the top, and the sun was shining for most of
the day, which made a change from the usual cold, wet and windy weather that our
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previous First Year pupils have endured over the past few years. They managed to
raise just over £2000, well done!
Salters’ Festival Of Challenge
Four First Year pupils attended the Salters’ Festival of Chemistry at the University of
Glasgow. They group were awarded 2nd place in this years ‘Salter’s Chemistry
Festival’ challenge. This was a fantastic accomplishment as 17 other high schools were
involved from numerous local authorities. This is run by The Salter’s Institute in
conjunction with the University of Glasgow and SEPA. The students were fine
ambassadors for the school. Well done to Thomas Donnelly, Luke McDonald, Hannah
Robertson and Lucy Williams.
Primary Induction
Taylor High recently welcomed Primary 7 pupils from our associated primary schools
for the annual Induction Days. All pupils involved gave a very positive evaluation of
their experience. Many thanks to all staff who worked with the Primary 7 pupils over
the two days through a wide variety of subjects and activities including team-building
and health and wellbeing activities. Thanks also to Father Martin Delaney, school
Chaplain, for celebrating a special Mass for our soon-to-be First Year pupils, and to
Fiona Cannon (Principal Teacher of Music) for providing the musical liturgy. A group
of First Year students also helped support the pupils during these days. They were
great role models for the primary pupils.
Football Tour
Some of our Fourth Year pupils got the opportunity to tour Celtic Football Club’s
stadium. The group accompanied by Mr. Mark Dorris (Principal Teacher of
Mathematics) were shown different areas of the stadium including the boardroom,
trophy room, dressing room and they even got the chance to walk out the famous
tunnel onto the pitch side. They sat in the home dugout and then sat in the seats
reserved for Rod Stewart and Billy Connolly! They then spent some time in the
pressroom watching the history of Celtic and how it has influenced the people of
Glasgow and beyond. To top the day off they had lunch in the player’s lounge and
came home after having a great day.
Glasgow Bus Tour
Fourth Year Social Subjects pupils have recently been studying different aspects of
Scottish society, particularly Glasgow. They made their way to Glasgow and joined the
Glasgow Sightseeing open top bus tour. They heard about some of the historic areas,
famous buildings and landmarks in the city of Glasgow that they had not come across
before. They hopped off at the Tall Ship and Riverside Museum, which is home to
some of the world’s finest cars, bicycles, ship models, trams and locomotives. The
interactive displays and the hugely popular historic Glasgow street scene which bring
the objects and stories to life proved to be a favourite. It was a thoroughly enjoyable
day with great weather topping it off.
First Year Interdiscipinary Day
Our First Year cohort took part in an off-timetable interdisciplinary learning day. The
focus of the day was how to live in a sustainable way, take care of themselves and the
environment. There were six different curricular areas involved on the day and they
delivered a range of activities. The Religious Education department were involved in
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planting flowers in the school grounds and will cultivate them throughout the year. The
Social Subjects department was involved in carrying out transport surveys; the PE
department created an orienteering activity; the Science department looked at
biodiversity and the pupils used quadrats to find out the local distribution of plants and
insects in different parts of the school grounds. Home economics were involved in
healthy food testing, and the English department got creative making anti-litter and
recycling adverts. The weather on the day was excellent and pupils thoroughly enjoyed
participating in the outdoor activities.
Nando’s
Third Year Home Economics student visited Nando’s restaurant in Hamilton. Pupils
received a presentation of the day-to-day operations of the Nando’s brand and
management structure. They then had the opportunity to tour the facilities,
experiencing both front of house and kitchen operations. Pupils actively participated in
the preparation of their lunch which they sat down and enjoyed. The visit to Nando’s
highlighted key Hospitality skills and hygiene and safety principles all of which are
paramount to the National 5 Hospitality and Health & Food Technology courses
offered in the Home Economics department. The trip exposed pupils to the skills
required for the Hospitality Industry showing relevance and the range of key roles and
positions available in a modern international branded restaurant chain. Many thanks to
Nando’s in Hamilton for offering an excellent opportunity which pupils thoroughly
enjoyed.
Red Cross
The Red Cross recently delivered a workshop to all of the Third year cohort. Rachel
from the Red Cross used thought provoking interactive workshops to: develop the
skills to help in first aid emergency, assess and manage risks to make informed choices
when helping others, break down barriers and develop the confidence and willingness
to step in. Hopefully the Third Year students not only learned valuable first aid skills,
they also developed their decision-making, teamwork and communication skills.
Thanks to Colette Brown (Principal Teacher of Science) for organising this invaluable
activity.
University Of West Of Scotland
As part of a wider programme for our young people as they prepare for the Senior
Phase at Taylor High, the new Fourth Year cohort visited the University of the West of
Scotland. The young people had the opportunity to attend classes and activity-based
workshops provide by a number of university lecturers. They also experienced the
atmosphere of the university campus. We hope that this experience will support our
young people in planning for their futures as they enter the Senior Phase.
Knitting Club
The library knitting club have shown their dedication and commitment throughout the
year. This small group of ‘nifty knitters’ have progressed from having absolutely no
knitting skills to producing a multi-coloured blanket which they have since raffled and
donated the money to SCIAF. Mrs Morag Dickson (Classroom Assistant) and Mrs
Cathy MacIntyre (Librarian) entered the knitters into the ‘Group of the Month’
competition in the National Monthly magazine “Simply Knitting”. The group have had
word that their journey and story will be published in the July issue of the magazine,
publication date 15th July. The group have also been given a £50 voucher by the
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magazine so can get some new yarns and needles. The magazine also said that: “It will
be great to see what your students make with all the yarn”. This has been an amazing
experience for all the Group members.
Prom 2016
The young ladies and gentlemen of our upper school recently turned out in their finery
to attend the annual School Prom that took place this year at the Radstone Hotel in
Larkhall. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and danced the night way. Thanks go to
Mrs. Amy Meharry (Teacher of Biology) and Depute Head Ms. Jan McCrone for coordinating
this year’s prom supported by our wonderful prom committee. This year’s
Prom had an ‘A Night To Remember’ theme with award statues presented on the
evening and our very own paparazzi; after the awards both pupils and staff got the
chance to dress up in our fun party photo booth. Thanks to the wonderful staff at the
Radstone Hotel, Larkhall who helped make this such a memorable evening, and a
lovely event to mark the completion of six years at Taylor for some of our students.
Our new Sixth Year also enjoyed the opportunity to attend this event, and will soon
enjoy organising their own Prom for next year.
Caritas Award Ceremony
25 students successfully completed the Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award. This
involved undertaking works of service in their school, parish or faith community.
Students were involved in fund-raising for charity, helping out at an ALMA club for
children with learning difficulties, buddying and tutoring First Year pupils, taking
active roles in the liturgy and a variety of other activities. Most of the students attended
the award ceremony in the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow. At the ceremony, hosted by
TV presenters David and Maura Currie with entertainment provided by comedian Des
Clarke, they were presented with their medals and certificates by guests invited by the
Scottish Catholic Education Service. The students have been a credit to themselves,
their families and the school throughout the year and well deserved their day in the
spotlight.
Kilbowie
Third Year pupils enjoyed a weekend at Kilbowie Residential Outdoor Education
Centre as part of their Geography course. The purpose of the weekend was to gather
date that can be used by pupils in their Geography coursework. The pupils carried out a
river study, gathering a variety of measurements and visited Glencoe to look at
glaciated features and the land use in the area and they managed a visit to Oban to
complete traffic surveys and environmental quality surveys. Pupils also had the
opportunity to take part in outdoor activities such as gorge walking and kayaking. The
students were excellent ambassadors for the school. They had a great time and
thoroughly enjoyed themselves taking part in both outdoor activities and gathering
data. The weather was excellent and added to the enjoyment of pupils.
Aid To The Church In Need National Youth Rally
The Taylor Music department and choir, led by Miss Fiona Cannon, Principal Teacher
of Music, prepared and presented the music at the A.C.N National Rally where
Catholic High Schools and University Chaplaincies from all over Scotland united with
persecuted Christians worldwide. The young people listened to addresses by Bishop
Joseph Toal, Lorraine McMahon from Aid to the Church, and Sarmad Ozan from
Mousul in Iraq who gave the keynote speech. The choir and instrumentalists were
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outstanding which was a measure of the hard work in preparation for this national
event. As usual our students did us proud! Well done to them all and a big thank you to
Miss Cannon for her unstinting efforts on behalf of the school.
Social Subjects Visit London
Selected Fourth Year students recently returned from a visit to London organised by
the Social Subjects department. Pupils enjoyed rail travel to and from London where
they took the opportunity to attend a variety of excursions linking to various aspects of
the Geography, History and Modern Studies curricula. These included a House of
Commons tour led by Motherwell and Wishaw’s new MP Marion Fellows, visits to the
Imperial War Museum, London Dungeon, Thames River cruise, London Eye, and a
ticket to the West End show ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.
Blackpool 2016
Staff and students had another fantastic time on the annual whole school excursion to
Blackpool last week. Seven busses full of students enjoyed this year’s trip. The
weather for the day was fantastic, and the young people should be commended on the
manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the day. They were a credit to
themselves and the school. We returned to Taylor with the usual cuddly toys and sticks
of rock.
Football Teams
This season has been collectively the most successful season for Taylor High’s football
with all year groups making significant progress in a number of tournaments – both
local and national. The u14s are still awaiting a date to play their Final in the
Cameronian Shield.
U13s
2nd in the league losing only one game.
Semi – Finals of the Scottish Plate.
U14s
Final of the Cameronian Shield (Lanarkshire Cup) – still to be played.
U15s
Semi – Finals of the Lanarkshire Cup.
Quarter – Finals of the Scottish Cup.
U-18' s Football
The squad competed well in all competitions and were desperately unlucky to lose on
penalties in the league cup quarter final at Cardinal Newman in April. Other highlights
this season were an impressive 3-1 league triumph away to St Aidan's and a resounding
4-1 victory in the Scottish cup over Royal High (Edinburgh). They were a credit to the
school at all times and played attacking football in a sporting manner throughout the
season - win, lose or draw!
DEPARTMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2015-16
ART & DESIGN
Roald Dahl Competition
Art and Design students in S1 took part in an inter-disciplinary project based on
celebrating 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl. Students explored some of their
favorite Roald Dahl stories and studied the work of illustrator Quentin Blake. Students
designed and created bookmarks to mark the anniversary. There was a range of
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excellent designs produced by the students and the three students who gained a prize
for best design were; Liam Semple, Madiha Waseem and Mia Agnew.
New College Lanarkshire Portfolio Exhibition
Senior Art and Design students attended a portfolio exhibition in the Cumbernauld
campus of New College Lanarkshire. Here, there were a range of portfolios that had
been successfully accepted to Art School. The students had the opportunity to browse
through the Design and Expressive folios and talk to lecturers from New College
Lanarkshire and Duncan and Jordastone School of Art and Design. The students could
see many links with their own Higher and Advanced Higher folios and also gained the
experience of seeing differing approaches, techniques and methods.
North Lanarkshire Youth Arts Festival Exhibition
North Lanarkshire Youth Arts Festival took place on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd
February at the Tudor Hotel, Airdrie. This prestigious exhibition showcases a selection
of work from school pupils from across the authority. There was a vast array of strong
folio work to select from to narrow our own entries down to 18 students. The students
work that were selected to represent Taylor High School were; Bobbi Brown, Louise
Burt, Nicole Campbell, Ashlyn Cook, Sam Gordon, Caitlin Hattie, Jordan Denholm,
Aidan Hughes, Nadia McConville, Charlotte McGuiness, Roisin McLaughlin, David
McLellan, Oisin Murray, Myles Nailen, Christy Pearson, Caitlin Plenderleith and Sean
Rice.
North Lanarkshire Christmas Card Competition
Some budding artists in S1, S2 and S3 submitted Christmas cards designs to the North
Lanarkshire Christmas card competition.
Taylor High School Christmas Card Competition
Groups of S1, S2 and S3 students participated in designing a new Taylor High School
Christmas card. The winners of the competition had their designs put to print and the
design became the official Taylor High Christmas card for 2015. There was a great
selection of talented deigns and it was decided that there could not be only one winner,
so the several designs that were selected were by Hannah Burns S1, Cara McConville
S3 and Eilidh Forsyth S3.
The Creative Residency
Four pupils successfully applied for and earned places on the Creative Residency
Summer School at Kilbowie in Oban, June 2015. Cara Dignall, Bobbi Brown, Christy
Gibson and Robyn Cliffford attended the Creative Residency studying painting, stage
costume design, prop and set design. The students spent one week working with a
professionals to learn the technical and creative aspects of their disciplines. They also
attended a Master class day in September and their work was shown at a major
exhibition at Summerlee Heritage Museum in January 2016.
Whole School Activities
This year the Art and Design Department was involved in creating the set design for
the School Show, ‘Second Sight’. Mrs Hughes worked with groups of students to
design and create the very effective sets.
Mrs Devlin took on responsibility to work with students to design, and create all of the
schools Christmas decorations. These decorations, which created high visual impact,
decorated the hall for the Christmas dances as well as the Christmas fayre.
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Pupil Success
Congratulations to Charlotte McGuiness who has successfully gained a place at
Duncan and Jordastone School of Art and Design in Dundee. Charlotte will study the
general course for the first year of her Degree and then will specialise in her second
year.
BUSINESS & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Taylor Tycoon This year saw the second year of Taylor Tycoon. S1 pupils are asked
to create their own businesses and put a business plan into action. Within this plan a
company logo had to be created and marketing materials produced. Pupils are given a
capital investment of £1 per pupil. They have to invest this money in their business to
purchase the raw materials required for their business. The month of February saw the
Assembly hall turn into a vibrant market place where S1 pupils sold their wares. Pupils
were responsible for setting their own pricing strategies and they took into account the
pricing strategies of their competitors. Pupils were also responsible for decisions on
how much profit to bank or reinvest. Businesses ranged from selling cupcakes,
stationery, soft drinks to providing manicures! The winners of this hotly contested
competition were Doughnuts and Co who consisted of Mia Agnew, Lucy Toolan and
Rebecca White. They managed to make £95 profit from an initial investment of only
£2!!!
Computer Games Coding Competition
For the second year, there was a computer games coding competition for S2. This
popular initiative had S2 pupils bristling with ideas and problem solving at the
forefront. The competition is an extension of the department’s Scratch Programming
Unit which introduces pupils to coding, currently seen as particularly high on future
skillset requirements in the digital economy.
Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create interactive art, stories,
simulations, and games – and share those creations with the online community where
they also have access to tutorials and assistance.
This year witnessed fierce competition, with gamer-like tenacity ever to the fore;
pupils from each class working hard on creating a game using the skills they had
learned during the course of the unit. Each class had to vote for the two best games
within their set. Both class winners were then awarded a certificate for their
achievement.
Congratulations to this year’s winners and thanks to every pupil who took part. Well
done!
Hour of Code
In keeping with the Coding theme, the Department has also been involving S4 pupils
not involved in exams this year in the Hour of Code initiative which encourages people
of all ages to get involved in programming. The pupils involved will also be taught
how to program simple, yet sophisticated games using the Scratch programming
environment. This is also used by Barclays Bank to promote coding with young
students.
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Internet Fantasy Football Competition
This competition has been running since the 03/04 season. This year saw the usual
fierce competitiveness as always with transfer strategies being closely scrutinised
throughout the season. This year winners were:-
1st Mr Price £ricey XI 1248
2nd Robbie Jarvie Stretford Enders 1202
3rd Talha Bashir Francis Coquelin 1188
4th Brandon Ferrie Ferrie's XI 1179
5th Mark McEwan McEwan's XI 1168
Staff Wooden Spoon Winner
Last Place
Mr Richardson The Illuminati Strollers 632
Congratulations to Mr Price on his victory. Rumours are circulating that a certain Mr
van Gaal will be sacked during the close season and Mr Price will be replacing him as
manager of Manchester United. Hopefully for Taylor HS these rumours are false.
Staff Winner Mr Price (3 years running!)
Professional Development
Mrs Lorna Brand of BCT department has successfully managed the S6 Personal
Development Higher course for many years now in conjunction with Ian McFarlane,
Home Partnership Officer. A number of regular events during the course are always
worthy of mention:
S1 Hallowe’en Disco
One of the highlights of the course was the S6 organised Hallowe’en Disco for S1
which has long been one of the most important dates on Taylor’s Social Calendar. A
regular frightnight ensued as the fun and games flowed throughout the evening with
everyone involved having a wonderful time.
Adopt a Station Project, Holytown Station
Pupils from the Personal Development Higher took part in the Adopt a Station Project
as part of their Self and Work within the Personal Development Award. The project
was coordinated by Clydesdale Community Initiative in conjunction with Scotrail and
involved collaborative work with pupils from Taylor High School and Brannock High
School. The project centred on making improvements to a chosen area of Holytown
Station as well as placing planters containing a variety of flowers throughout the
Station.
The Taylor High pupils really enjoyed working together with the pupils from Brannock
High. They could see how it made sense to work together especially on community
projects which affect us all. It sends a signal to the pupils and the wider community
that we are all working together for the benefit of our community and are jointly
responsible for actively making a difference where and when we can. The pupils also,
importantly, were able to use their experiences to achieve their SQA Personal
Development qualification and their John Muir Award.
Next time you’re ay Holytown train station please take some time to look at the work
the pupils have done. In particular the mosaics they designed and installed.
Off Timetable Day
The Personal Devlopment group also organised Taylor High School’s first OTT day,
which was organised on 21 December 2015. Taylor High Pupils had the opportunity to
sign up for different activities run by different departments within the School.
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Activities ranged from a Christmas quiz, Dance-offs, Christmas cookie making and a
magical Christmas toy making.
Visit to Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH) Recycle Limited.
LAMH Recycle Ltd is a large Motherwell Based Social Enterprise with charitable
status
which provides workplace opportunities within a supportive environment for
individuals who are long-term unemployed generally through long-standing health
issues, family/personal circumstances and/or no previous or recent work history. Three
pupils from the Personal Development Higher visited the project on a fact finding
mission with a view to working with the organisation on future projects.
Youth Smoke Free Consultation Event & Tobacco Control Strategy Review
Three pupils from the Personal Development Higher participated in both the Youth
Smoke Free Consultation Event & Tobacco Control Strategy Review both held at the
Alona Hotel, Strathclyde Park (see below). These events provided the opportunity for
the pupils to have an input into this process and learn more about this important health
topic.
ENGLISH
August
S5 student Elizabeth Anne Cairney spent the last week in June at the Kilbowie Outdoor
Centre in Oban as part of the Creative Residency Programme. Elizabeth Anne had
applied to be part of the Creative Writing programme. On successful submission of her
folio of Creative Writing, Elizabeth Anne was selected to take part in the week long
scheme which gave her a chance to work with professional writers to further enhance
her craft.
September
Students in S1 and S2 enjoyed a range of activities to celebrate Roald Dahl day on 12th
September. Some classes worked on producing their own Big Friendly Giants while
other students created their own Revolting Rhymes, work was also supplemented by
tasks related to the author. The highlight of the day was however the “Everlasting
Gobstoppers” which Mrs. Burton shared amongst winning students !
September also saw the beginning of the continuity programme for Primary 7 pupils
from our associated primaries. This year students worked with Miss Barr and enjoyed
creating film trailers which they recorded using the school’s iPads.
October
Following on from her week in Oban, S5 student Elizabeth Anne Cairney enjoyed a
recall day at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow when she worked on dramatic writing and
dialogue with the staff at the theatre. Her poetry was later exhibited as part of the
Creative Residency exhibition held annually in February at Summerlee Museum in
Coatbridge
November
A group of pupils from S1 and S2, coached by Miss Barr, enjoyed a day out to the
Kids’ Lit quiz in Kilsyth. This is now our fourth year entering the competition and this
year for the first time we entered two teams. One of our teams achieved the highest
score of any school in North Lanarkshire. Although we narrowly missed a place in the
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next round the event was, as ever, thoroughly enjoyed by all.
A group of Senior Phase students enjoyed a workshop in the Resource Centre with
award winning teenage writer Melvyn Burgess. The day was organized by Resource
Centre Manager Mrs. Catherine MacIntyre, having been secured with Live Literature
Funding via the Scottish Book Trust.
December
Advanced Higher students, accompanied by Mrs. Burton Principal Teacher, enjoyed a
cinema trip to the Vue in Hamilton to see a screening of “He Named Me Malala”
followed by a question and answer session with Malala, hosted by Harry Potter actress
Emma Watson.
January
January was an exciting exam with S1 enjoying the month learning about Robert
Burns. The culmination of this work was an alternative Burns Supper, organised by
Miss Murphy and the English Department and attended by all of S1 in the school
theatre. As well as writing their own poetry (some of which was recited on the day)
and creating decorations for the hall. Students enjoyed Irn Bru and Scottish fayre. The
highlight of the afternoon however had to be when Mr. Dorris, Principal Teacher of
Maths, opened the event with the “Selkirk Grace.”
January also saw the relaunch of the Taylor News team as we were delighted to
welcome Miss MacPhail back to work following a maternity leave. The group report
news from around the school on a regular basis which is available via the school
website.
February
February saw the launch of the Creative Residency exhibition at Summerlee Museum
in Coatbridge. The first student in North Lanarkshire to share their work was our very
own Elizabeth Anne Cairney who recited her poem, which had already been published
in the collection of work from Creative Residency 2016.
Higher English students enjoyed a theatre workshop in school hosted by an education
officer from the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh who were, at that point, working on
their own production of the play. The event was well received by students and
provided them with a great basis for the study of the play which they were required to
write about in the Higher exam.
March
World Book Day saw all pupils from First to Sixth Year being issued with a £1 book
voucher throughout the department. In addition to this students were involved in a
variety of fun activities to promote reading including a very successful book quiz held
in class.
Students undertaking National 5 and Higher, accompanied by Mrs. Burton, Mrs.
Rooney, Miss Murphy and Student Teacher, Mr. Crichton, enjoyed a trip to the
Lyceum in Edinburgh to see an outstanding production of Arthur Miller’s “The
Crucible.” The annual BBC World News Day saw the library transformed into a
newsroom for the day.
Pupils, supported by Miss MacPhail and student teacher Mr. Crichton worked on a
wide variety of stories, which had to be ready for the tight deadlines issued by the
BBC. Once again we used the iPads to allow students to produce their own films and
stories which were the edited and uploaded to the school website by Mrs. McCranor
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(who very kindly agreed to help us despite being on Maternity leave) and Mr.
McCormick.
Advanced Higher Students, and class teacher Mrs. Caroline Convery, enjoyed a live
weblink screening of “Othello” from Stratford. The event was available as part of
Shakespeare season to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Bard.
April
S3 students enjoyed the opportunity to work with award winning writer Keith Gray in
a visit organised by Resource Centre Manager, Mrs. Catherine MacIntyre, and was
secured with Live Literature Funding via the Scottish Book Trust. In addition to being
afforded the chance to create their own stories the group were the first people in the
world to see Gray’s new book, which is due for publication later in the year.
May
The S4 group working in school enjoyed a productive time creating their own zombie
film “School of Death” whilst working with English staff. The group were responsible
for all aspects of the film including the plot, casting and script. The finished film can
be viewed on the school website.
Following on from the great success of last year’s S3 group who became shadowers for
the prestigious Clip Carnegie book award, we have launched this year’s group. The
group, led by Resource Centre Manager, Mrs Catherine MacIntyre, are required to read
the shortlisted books and then submit their reviews online via a blog.
May saw the launch of this year’s transition visits with Miss Louise Murphy working
with Primary seven pupils on autobiographical writing. This work will be continued at
the beginning of S1 when pupils join the school in August.
MATHEMATICS
Some 45 senior students participated in the annual “Maths Camp” in March of this
year. This weekend gives pupils the opportunity to spend time preparing for their
forthcoming examination in either Higher or Advanced Higher Mathematics with
teachers from the department giving of their time to attend and tutor the pupils with
their studies. The pupils are involved in an intense study programme during the
weekend, it is to their credit that they attend in such numbers. The pupil’s feedback
indicates that they feel far more prepared for the final examination after attending the
camp, results from previous years support this view. As part of our Health Promoting
School pupils are also given the opportunity to participate in an Outdoor Activity such
as Canoeing, Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing. Each year Students report the view
that this is an excellent opportunity to get as wet as possible! Both pupils and staff had
an excellent time. Thanks should also go to the Edinburgh University Mathematical
Society who continue to sponsor the weekend. This enables us to keep costs to a
minimum.
The department ran tutorials on a Saturday morning for pupils studying at Higher .
Pupils had the opportunity to revise for 2.5 hours each Saturday during the year and in
the build up to the SQA examinations. I am delighted to report that the attendance at
these classes was excellent with the students displaying a real desire to enhance their
learning. Feedback from the pupils was very positive and the staff who participated
commented favourably. A tremendous amount of revision was covered each session, It
is hoped that students will reap the benefits in the SQA examinations.
An extensive Supported Study Programme was offered to pupils in S4/5/6. This ran
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throughout the year with pupils gaining access to teachers in the department to assist
them with their studies. Feedback from pupils has been very positive with all pupils
who attended saying it has helped them with their studies.
A large number of pupils participated in the UK Mathematics Challenge in both the
lower and middle school. Over 250,000 students from across the UK sat the Junior
Maths Challenge with the top 6% receiving a gold, 13% gaining silver and 21%
bronze. I am delighted to report that we received 1 Gold, 5 Silver and 7 bronze this
year an excellent performance. Middle School achieved 4 Bronze awards. Well done to
all the pupils involved.
Pupils gave of their time to become involved with the Scottish Mathematical Council
Challenge. This requires a great deal of effort and understanding of Problem Solving.
The department is again delighted to report that three pupils are through to round 2 of
the challenge. One of the pupils achieved a Silver Award and has been invited to
receive her award at The University of Strathclyde. A tremendous achievement.
MODERN LANGUAGES
The Modern Languages department again achieved a high level of success in the
National 5 and Higher exams in 2015. This current session we are presenting 20 pupils
for Higher Spanish and 40 pupils for National 5.
The department enjoys excellent working relationships with our cluster primaries and
Primary colleagues have worked hard with the Principal teacher in Taylor High, Mrs
Lynn Kerr, to create valuable resources for the teaching of 1+2 languages in the
Primary Schools as introduced by the Scottish Government.
European Day of Languages was celebrated in September by all staff and pupils
enjoying participation in poster competitions winning great prizes. Also the department
had food tasting events raising money for Lenten Charities organised by Mrs Miller,
Mrs Henderson and Mr Campbell. We continue our Pupil Of The Month scheme in S1
which is organised by Mrs Morag Dickson.
We work closely with the librarians Mrs McIntyre and Mrs Leslie incorporating an I
Pad dictionary programme and a fact finding mission into our language, in the lower
school, which is most enjoyable. This year we have had the company of Mr Miguel
Blanco from Palencia, north of Madrid. He has worked as a language assistant in
Taylor and in each of our primary schools. He has been an asset to all in the delivery of
Spanish. We have also hosted two student teachers, Miss Kayleigh Hart and Miss
Sarah Forrest, who have enjoyed their time working in the department.
All pupils experience and enjoy the languages and the cultures through film and media.
Visits have taken place within the authority for senior students in the form of Spanish
Immersion Days. These have been very successful giving the students the opportunity
to work with students from other schools following the same course. Supported Study
is offered at lunch times and pupils are encouraged to seek help and assistance as and
when they require it. The Modern Languages door is always open!
MUSIC
The department had the honour this year of leading and participating in a number of
high profile events. Congratulations to our students for their commitment and hard
work which ensured success in all of these performances. Thank you to all parents for
supporting these ventures; our students are a credit to you.
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Creative Residency
Fifth Year music students Owen Sibley, Lochlann Murray, Natasha Newall, Amber
Kane and Christopher McCann were afforded the opportunity to be involved in a
creative residency project in Oban run by North Lanarkshire Council. This is an
excellent compositional project where the students work with and learn from
professional musicians in the field of music.
Celebrating Success - Junior Phase
The ceremony showcasing the success of students from First through to Third Year
took place in August. The musical showcase for the ceremony, presented by pupils and
staff of the Music Department, led by Principal Teacher Fiona Cannon, was
spectacular, with performances by the school vocal ensemble and the school Jazz Band
supported by department staff Miss Suzanne Evans, Mrs. Kerry McKinlay, alongside
peripatetic instructors Allison Patterson , Mrs. Emma Anderson and Mr. Billy Young.
Celebrating Success – Senior Phase
The Senior Phase Celebrating Success Ceremony took place in the school for students
who were in Fourth to Sixth Year during last session. The musical showcase for the
event was presented by both past and present pupils and staff of the Music Department,
led by Principal Teacher Fiona Cannon and her team of staff Mrs. Kerry McKinlay,
Miss. Suzanne Evans, Mrs. Allison Patterson, Mrs. Emma Anderson and Mr. Billy
Young. There were moving performances by the senior vocal ensemble, school choir,
instrumental soloists, and the school Jazz Band. Pupils also joined staff in the
accompanying arrangements, notably our fast growing pupil/staff ensemble! This year
we also featured some own compositions from some of our Fourth Year students.
Scottish Learning Festival
Our vocal ensemble led by Principal Teacher of Music Fiona Cannon represented the
school in opening this year’s Scottish Learning Festival. Our vocalists, supported by
our student guitar ensemble performed two arrangements to directors of education and
government representatives from across Scotland at the event that took place at the
SECC in Glasgow.
Primary 7 Welcome Mass
The school music department provided the musical liturgy as we welcomed Primary 7
pupils, their parents and staff from both Taylor High and associated Primary schools to
celebrate the annual Primary 7 Welcome Mass. Music students provided a beautiful
performance at what proved to be a very emotional evening, where the circle of school
life is very evident.
Patron’s Day Mass
Music students led by Principal Teacher Fiona Cannon and the music department team
provided the musical liturgy for the annual Patron’s Day working hard to prepare new
materials for this musical liturgy. The School Choir provided an uplifting performance,
which was as always a particular highlight of the afternoon.
North Lanarkshire Council Performance Report
The choir and band were invited to perform at this event and as usual delivered a
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quality performance and were highly commended for this .Our pupils were a credit to
our school and a number of NLC officials commented on this.
BBC Children In Need
Taylor High School was selected this year as the filming and rehearsing venue for the
mass choir performance featured on this year’s BBC Children in Need National
Broadcast. Andrew Panton, Musical Director of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
led children from across Lanarkshire in preparation for their performances featured on
live National Television. In addition 10 Taylor students were selected to be part of this
process, with second year student Amy-Louise Brogan even selected for a solo and
television close up! This really was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our young
people and we were extremely proud to see them in this performance.
School Show
December saw the premiere of the show ‘Second Sight’ penned and directed by our
very own Senior Technician Mr. Robert Stewart. All the musical arrangements for the
performances came from the creative mind of our Principal Teacher of Music Fiona
Cannon supported by Miss. Suzanne Evans and Mrs. Kerry McKinlay of the music
department and senior music students. The ‘pit band’ for the performances consisted
again of staff and students of the music department. The show was very well received
by the public!
NLC Winter Concert
North Lanarkshire’s Winter Concert took place in the Motherwell Concert Hall. There
were several performances from different instrumental orchestras and choirs with
Taylor High Students ranging from first to sixth year featured throughout! Well done
to all that took part, the packed audience thoroughly enjoyed their performances!
Senior Citizens’ Party
Taylor High School held its annual Christmas party for Senior Citizens in the month of
December. Guests enjoyed a variety of musical entertainment including the school
choir, vocal ensembles, many soloists, wind ensembles and trumpet quartets. The
audience also enjoyed some festive community singing. The accompanying show band
also featured a number of instrumentalists and guitar students alongside department
staff.
Carol Service
The band and choir led the annual service at the end of term.
Creative Residency
January saw the opening of the Creative Residency exhibition at Summerlee Museum
in Coatbridge. Creative Residency is a scheme operated by North Lanarkshire Council
whereby the most creative in terms of Art, Music and writing are selected by a panel of
experts and then spend a week at Kilbowie in Oban working to improve their craft. A
number of students from Taylor High School were involved including music students
Owen Sibley, Lochlann Murray, Natasha Newall, Amber Kane and Christopher
McCann from Fifth Year who produced compositional work.
North Battle Of The Bands
Our newly formed rock band ‘Horizontal Downfall’ represented the school at this
year’s ‘North Lanarkshire Battle of the Bands’. The band, consisting of Amber Kane,
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Scott Watson, Christopher Wright, Owen Sibley and Lochlann Murray performed to a
large scale crowd at the Motherwell Concert Hall venue. Their set consisted of their
own arrangement of ‘Locked out of Heaven’ in addition to an original composition
penned by Lochlann Murray at the Creative Residency, and then arranged specially for
the event by the band as a collective group. The band really did Taylor proud. We look
forward to seeing them back again next year.
North Lanarkshire Spring Concert
North Lanarkshire’s Spring Concert took place in April in the Glasgow Royal Concert
Hall. There were several performances from different instrumental orchestras and
choirs. Taylor High’s students from First through to Sixth year performed in the wide
variety of ensembles featured on the evening. The packed audience thoroughly enjoyed
their performances; well done to them all! It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Examination Mass
The Music Department led the musical liturgy for the Fourth Year cohort as they
prepared spiritually for the challenging period they had ahead.
Sixth Year Leavers
The Music Department, vocalists and instrumentalists performed the musical liturgy at
the Sixth Year Leavers Mass marking the end of their six years of study.
PARTNERSHIP WORKING
Examples of partnership work undertaken by the school’s Home School Partnership
Officer, Ian MacFarlane, over the past year at Taylor High School:
Summer Transition School
Summer programme of activities in relation to providing P7 pupils with the
opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new school environment whilst taking
part in activities aimed at developing social skills, self-confidence and team building.
Seasons for Growth Group
I co-deliver this programme with Anna Robertson (PT Learning Support) in relation to
supporting a group of pupils who have experienced loss through death, separation or
divorce. We have completed the programme with a group of eight S1 pupils and are
currently working with a new group.
First Year Support Group
A group providing support in relation to self-confidence, social skills and motivation to
a group of First Year pupils experiencing difficulties settling into secondary school.
Individual Pupil Support
Ongoing one to one support to pupils with the aim of addressing identified issues in
relation to anger management, peer pressure, personal responsibility, self-esteem and
behaviour in the school and the wider community.
Buddy Scheme
Co-coordinating the Buddy Scheme within Taylor High with Sixth Year students
supporting First Year pupils throughout their first year at Secondary School.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Group
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A group of 10 Pupils are currently working towards the Bronze Level Duke of
Edinburgh Award, which entails the completion of 4 sections including Physical,
Skills, Volunteering and an overnight expedition project. A group of 17 S4 pupils
completed the Bronze level award in March 2016. This group have now progressed on
to the Silver level award and will complete this in March 2017.
North Lanarkshire Challenge Group
A group comprising of S1 & S2 pupils ARE working towards the NL Challenge
Award where they complete 4 sections including Skills, Physical, Service and
Adventure. Activities already undertaken include Fund Raising for Charity, Indoor
Climbing and an Adventure Walk.
Adopt a Station Project
The project was coordinated by Clydesdale Community Initiative in conjunction with
Scotrail and involved collaborative work with pupils from Taylor High School and
Brannock High School. The project centred on making improvements to a chosen area
of Holytown Station as well as placing planters containing a variety of flowers
throughout the Station.
Personal Development Higher
Assisting in the delivery of the SQA Personal Development Higher in relation to
supporting pupils in developing self-awareness and providing advice and support in
terms of practical issues.
Employability SQA
Delivering the SQA Employability Award to a group of S6 pupils in relation to
preparing them for opportunities beyond School in terms of interview skills,
application forms, CVs and career options
S1 Fun with Football Support Group
An initiative to support S1 pupils in terms of developing social skills and responsibility
through fun football activities.
Home Visits
Regular contact with parents including home visits in relation to providing support and
to address specific issues affecting attendance at school.
Taylor Climbing
& Mountain Biking Groups
This initiative is in partnership with Outdoor Education instructors from NL Leisure
and offers the opportunity to identified pupils to take part in outdoor activities. As well
as improving self-confidence and self-esteem, the program aims to give the pupils a
greater sense of responsibility and increase their awareness of alternative leisure
opportunities.
Other activities include:
Taylor Minecraft Club for S1 pupils
Induction Day workshops
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Whole School Events
This year the individual athletics championships from first to third year took the form
of a pentathlon with all pupils participating in 100m / 800m / javelin / high jump &
hurdles. The level of competition was very high and many events were closely
contested with the following pupils emerging as champions:
First Year Boy’s Champion: Rakim Mwuara
First Year Girl’s Champion Rebecca White
Joint Second Year Boys’ Champions : Gary Joe Mc Mullen / Lyall Quinn
Second Year Girl’s Champion: Carly Nimmo
Joint Third Year Boy’s’ Champions : Ben Simkus / Connor Phairs
Third Year Girl’s Champion: Ceallach Kelly
Cross–Country Championships
Congratulations to Luke Poutney on an excellent performance in the authority cross –
country championships winning the silver medal
North Lanarkshire County Sports
The pupils continued their success in athletics by performing very well in the recent
county championships winning six gold medals, six silver medals & three bronze
medals
Rakim Mwaura Shot Putt Bronze / Relay Gold
Kyle Lafferty Hurdles Silver / Relay Gold
Lewis Wales Relay Gold
Tom Townsley Relay Gold
Ben Miller High Jump Silver
Emily Higgins Hurdles Bronze
Lauren Howley Triple Jump Silver
Alex Robin Javelin Silver
Carly Nimmo High Jump Silver
Adele Ferguson Javelin Bronze
Anthony Taylor 200m Gold
Ardadiusz Konkel Shot Putt Bronze
Luke Poutney 800m Gold
Stephen Newns 1500m Silver
Following their success in the county sports the four Taylor High pupils were invited
to represent North Lanark in the inter–district athletics championship on the 16th June:
Carly Nimmo Alex Robin Emily Higgins Adele Ferguson
Inter–Class Athletics Championships
Following a very competitive athletics season the winners of the 2016 class
championships were
First Year : Class 1.1
Second Year : Class 2.3
House Tournaments
The house tournaments were held in June 2016 and involved pupils in first and second
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year. Pupils participated in a range of activities including baseball, relay and tug – of –
war.
Results:
First Year Class
Second Year Class
Third Year Class
Extra-Curricular Clubs
The department continued to run a wide range of extra- curricular clubs including
football, netball gymnastics, athletics and basketball with high numbers of pupils
attending on a regular basis
Athletics
Excellent all – round team performances in the North Lanark Sportshall Athletics
Championship in February 2016 resulted in the first year team winning silver medals &
the second year bronze medals. The Taylor teams have now experienced success in
these championships for three successive years
First Year Silver Team Medalists
K Lafferty D Alemanno R Mwuara D Fagan B Miller J Mc Laughlin
C Wright R Mc Aree R White M Dick U Triukaite R Finlay
S Mc Cann M Agnew
Second Year Bronze Team Medalists
G Clarke C Devine E Higgins O Forsyth C Watson A Gallagher
N Cussick C Baldwin L Buchanan L Ferrie L Quinn G J Mc Mullen
L Bryson R Ferguson
Gymnastics
The gymnastics club continued to flourish with very numbers participating in club
training and the North Lanark Schools’ Championships where we enjoyed our
excellent success with both level one teams finishing in the top three positions
Gold Team Medalists: R White / U Triukaite / R Simmons / C Pearson
Silver Team Medalists: K Brown / E Hislop / S Mc Cann / M Agnew
This season has been collectively the most successful season for Taylor High’s football
with all year groups making significant progress in a number of tournaments – both
local and national. The u14s are still awaiting a date to play their Final in the
Cameronian Shield.
Under-13 Team
2nd in the league losing only one game.
Semi – Finals of the Scottish Plate.
R Kellaghan A McGuinness D McLaughlin D Fagan D Alemanno C Wright (captain)
K Watters R Mwaura L Wales R Holton B Miller M Owens
K Lafferty J MClaughlin R Campbell
Player of the Year
Kyle Lafferty
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Under-14 Team
Winners of the Cameronian Shield (Lanarkshire Cup).
Player of the Year
Lyall Quinn
Under-15 Team
Semi – Finals of the Lanarkshire Cup.
Quarter – Finals of the Scottish Cup.
Under-18 Team
3rd Round of the Scottish Cup.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Speakers
A variety of speakers visited classes including Samaritans, discussing issues
surrounding stress and SCIAF who spoke to classes about their work in developing
countries as well as preparing pupils to speak at local primaries about SCIAF’s Lenten
campaign.
Liturgical Programme
Pupils were involved in the liturgical life of the school as readers at Masses. Penitential
services took place during Advent and Lent. Mass was celebrated during Advent and
Lent.
Stations of the Cross
A variety of Stations of the Cross events were held during Lent for S1 to S6.
Christmas Parcels
Donations for Christmas parcels were collected during registration and RE which were
then delivered to more than 50 local senior citizens.
Fundraising
A number of fund raising events took place to raise money for a variety of charities.
£2,000 was raised for SCIAF, which with this year’s government fund matching
initiative meant that SCIAF received £4,000 in total. A number of other charities also
received donations throughout the year.
Rome
A group of 30 S5/6 pupils took part in a very successful pilgrimage to Rome in
October. This included visits to all of the major basilicas of Rome and other historical
sites such as the Coliseum.
Food Bank Collections
Caritas students were involved in local primaries in highlighting the work of food
banks and organised collections for Basics Food Bank in Motherwell. More than 50
bags of groceries were donated.
Ignatian Meditation
S6 pupils were involved in leading meditations with S1 classes.
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Retreats
S3pupils took part in a programme of retreats organised by the Salesian Sisters.
Macmillan Cancer Care Coffee Morning
Caritas pupils were involved in organising a coffee morning for staff, pupils and
visitors to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care.
Caritas Awards 2016
25 Sixth Year Students were recently honoured with The Pope Benedict XVI Caritas
Award. All students were presented with a medal and certificate in recognition of
achieving the Caritas Award instituted this session by the Bishops' Conference of the
Catholic Church. This joyful event celebrated the achievements of over 1000 young
people with an audience of around 3,000 people attending this year's ceremony which
took place on the 3rd of June in the Clyde Auditorium.
The audience included representatives of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, the
education world, various faith groups and Churches.
The award winners volunteered time in their school and faith communities across
Scotland, offering practical support to others, and by demonstrating that these actions
of loving service are inspired by faith in God. The testimonies of many of these young
people demonstrate the very significant impact of their involvement in the Caritas
Award on their lives. Coming from various faith traditions and none, all of the award
recipients have demonstrated that showing loving kindness to others has caused them
to realise the powerful impact of even the smallest acts of love. Congratulations to all
who have been successful in achieving the Caritas Award this year.
SCIENCE
The increasing numbers of students opting to study science subjects in Taylor High
School continues to be extremely encouraging.
Staff continued to provide after school and lunchtime tutorials in Biology, Chemistry
and Physics. These were very well attended by pupils and provided invaluable extra
support in helping them prepare for their final NQ exams.
New CfE courses in Higher Human Biology, Higher Physics and Advanced Higher
Chemistry were successfully introduced this session.
In May a group of S1 students were awarded 2nd place in this years ‘Salter’s
Chemistry Festival’ challenge. This was a fantastic accomplishment as 17 other high
schools were involved from numerous local authorities. This is run by The Salter’s
Institute in conjunction with the University of Glasgow and SEPA. The students were
fine ambassadors for the school. Well done to Thomas Donnelly, Luke McDonald,
Hannah Robertson and Lucy Williams
S1 science pupils produced some fabulous work as part of their research task on
‘Scottish Scientists’. They each delivered a presentation to their class affirming
themselves as confident individuals and effective contributors.
A group of 40 S1 pupils attended two workshops at the Museum of Rural Country Life
on ‘renewable energy’. In Workshop 1 pupils looked at examples of engineering
innovation in Scotland, including marine energy. Pupils were set a challenge of
designing, building and testing their own wave technology model. The S1 group rose
to the challenge, creating several eye catching and highly effective models. Workshop
2 saw the pupils explore the landscape and discuss where renewable energy
programmes should be sited. They then designed and built a working water turbine to
generate electricity!
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As part of the Glasgow Science Festival, twenty S2 pupils attended a workshop on
‘forensic science’. This exciting event was hosted by Glasgow University and was
thoroughly enjoyed by all.
In March all S2 pupils took part in an IDL project organised by Science and Home
Economics. Pupils participated in a number of activities which involved learning about
a balanced diet and healthy alternatives. The pupils designed and baked ‘healthier’
cakes which were sold in the school and the raised an excellent total of £170 for
‘Lenten charities’. The students had a great time and prizes were awarded for best cake
and best poster presentation. The winners were: Courtney Devine, Holly Canning,
Poppy Garraton, Areeba Ramzan, Niamh Cusick, Lauren McShane, Amy Higgins,
Sophie Sneddon, and Amy Gallagher.
Lyndsay, Stephen and Jamie from the ‘Scottish Wildlife Trust’ visited in March. They
delivered a fascinating presentation to around 100 S3 Biology pupils called, ‘Wildlife
on your Doorstep’. They showed video clips of animals in their natural habitats,
including beavers, squirrels, field mice and otters. They explained their role as a
charity in ensuring that animals have the requirements in their ecosystems needed to
survive and explained the importance of biodiversity and the impact of humans on the
environment. Pupils took part in a series of workshops, looking at identifying
organisms from fur, bark, honeycomb and even a selection of skulls! One workshop
the pupils really liked involved dissecting an owl pellet. The pupils carefully opened it
up to discover various small bones of the animals the owl had eaten. They saw the jaws
of voles and mice, and on a couple of occasions found a whole vole in the pellet
because the owl had eaten it whole! It was a great opportunity for S3 Biologist to look
at these real life objects in order to further develop their knowledge and understanding
of ecology.
At the options information evening in February a number of S3 students came along to
the department to demonstrate fun experiments to pupils and parents. We had ‘noisy’
putty, ‘magic’ writing, and ‘Darwin’s finch’ models to name just a few! The pupils
impressed those who attended, displaying excellent communication and leadership
skills.
Taylor High celebrated National Science week with pupils taking part in a variety of
activities.
S1 competed in a knock out science quiz. Each practical section took part in a class
quiz on ‘Inventions, Physics and Engineering’. Practical sections A2, A3, A5 and A6
qualified for the semi–final, going ‘head to head’ in a knock-out buzzer round on
Biology and Chemistry topics. A3 and A6 qualified for the grand final which took
place in the theatre on Friday the 18th March. This spectacular finale saw the pupils
tackle some very tough brain teasers on a variety of topics, including the 2016
Olympics and Cosmology. A remarkable, nail biting contest culminated in a dead heat
with A6 claiming victory after a tie break, making them the winners of the 2016 S1
British science week quiz! Well done to all S1 students for participating!
S2&3 pupils took part in a global experiment on UV protection, ‘Mission Starlight’.
The students investigated which materials could protect astronauts from UV radiation
in space. This was coincided with Tim Peake’s visit to the ISS (international space
station).
S3 students participated in ‘National Demo day’. The students watched and took part
in ‘hair raising’ demonstrations which included methane bubbles, ‘whoosh’ bottles and
the Van de Graaff generator.
A group of senior phase Physics students attended the ‘get energised' event at the
Scottish museum of rural life in East Kilbride in October. The guest speaker at this
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event was BBC weather presenter Heather Reid, an honours graduate in Physics, who
gave a fascinating lecture on the impact of global warming and climate change. She
was hugely impressed by the thought provoking, insightful questions posed by our
young Physicists. The pupils then undertook a series of open ended experimental
challenges relating to renewable energy sources and won a host of prizes, drawing
special praise from the judges for their innovative and enterprising ideas. The students
were a tremendous credit to the school and a great day was had by all!
A team of PhD students from the Royal Society of Chemistry visited the Chemistry
department in February to deliver the 'Spectroscopy in a Suitcase' initiative. Advanced
Higher pupils participated in the 'body in a lab' workshop in which they used
spectroscopic techniques to solve a crime. They were able to use sophisticated lab
apparatus widely used in universities, which allowed them to put theories like ‘mass
spectrometry’ and ‘infrared spectroscopy’ into practice.
Mrs Cummings and 4 advanced higher Biology students were invited along to the
Glasgow Caledonian University ‘Advanced Higher Biology Hub’ on Wednesday 30th
March. The itinerary comprised of 3 lectures relating to the CfE advanced higher
Biology course, including cell signaling, parasitology and epidemiology. The lectures
were delivered by specialists in their fields who either lecture in Universities or work
for the NHS. The presentations were informative, interesting and at times amusing.
There was also a ‘teacher CPD workshop’. This allowed ideas to be shared between
different schools and local authorities, in order to deliver the course to the highest
standard. The students not only benefited from the information given to them in their
quest to achieve the best possible grade, but also gained valuable experience about the
day to day working of a university laboratory. We all thoroughly enjoyed this visit to
GCU and the students were a credit to Taylor High School!
In June some of our Higher and Advanced Higher Chemistry students attended a
workshop at Strathclyde University. It was a great opportunity for students to spend
some time doing hands-on experimental chemistry and to experience working in a
modern university laboratory. The purpose of the workshop was to encourage budding
scientists to gain both an insight into practical work and a desire to take their chemistry
studies on to degree level. They carried out four sets of experiments which illustrated
chemical concepts via easily observable physical changes. The experiments included:
transition metal colour changes, crystal growth, acid/base reactions through formation
of a giant bubbling mess and making slime!
SOCIAL SUBJECTS
From S1-S6 the department works hard to ensure that each pupil has access to relevant
and stimulating resources and we update coursework regularly in line with government
policy, to keep learners motivated. All of our courses provide pupils with knowledge
and skills in keeping with the Scottish Government's priority of developing Scotland's
young workforce. We offer regular supported study sessions, provide support for
pupils with additional support needs and offer a range of lunchtime clubs.
We have organised a series of educational excursions to consolidate pupil learning.
Social Subjects pupils have visited, Kilbowie Outdoor Centre, the Scottish Parliament
with the school's Constituency MSP, New Lanark, the Riverside Museum as well as
excursions on the Glasgow Bus Tour. The Faculty plan to introduce more excursions to
enhance pupil experiences in the future, for example all S1 Social Subjects pupils will
be given the opportunity to visit Bannockburn Heritage Centre in the next academic
year.
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All pupils are encouraged to become responsible citizens through a range of activities
and links with their communities and many of our Social Subjects pupils were highly
involved in the North Lanarkshire Council 'Speak Up' debating events and the Modern
Studies International Conference. The Faculty also worked hard to ensure that all
eligible pupils are registered to vote. Our pupils are regularly praised for their
achievements in a variety of ways, with their work is displayed throughout the school.
The department regularly works with colleagues from around the school including the
school librarians. The department and the school was recently commended for their
work on political literacy.
Some of our most notable activities this year have been:
S1 Geography Club
S1 pupils were given the chance to research different countries and cultures during this
lunchtime club and present their findings in a variety of ways. Pupils enjoyed learning
about flags, food and facts!
S4 Modern Studies visit the Scottish Parliament
In October our S4 Modern Studies student got the chance to visit the Scottish
Parliament and got a tour by Taylor High’s former constituency MSP Michael
McMahon. The students were given a tour of the Parliament and visited the debating
chamber, committee rooms and had a question and answer session with Michael
McMahon MSP. The students even got the chance to sit in the gallery for Nicola
Sturgeon’s First Minister’s Question Time, and watch the parliament in full swing.
One S4 casually bumped in to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in the Garden Lobby and
spotted Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn. Nicola stopped to have a chat with our young
people, posed for a group and a selfie or two! Hopefully next years visits are just as
exciting!
Higher Geographers go to Loch Lomond National Park
S5/6 pupils from the Higher Geography class visited Luss, Loch Lomond in December
on a field trip to gather information about the impact of tourism in the local area. A
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Ranger was on hand to provide a
guided walk around the village and answer any questions the pupils had. Pupils carried
out an interview with the park ranger and took photographs of damage caused to the
area by tourists. Some pupils will make use of the information gathered in their
Geography assignments. The pupils were lucky to get a break in the weather on the day
and all pupils thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this field trip.
NLC ' 'Speak Up' Debating Competition
Taylor hosted the North Lanarkshire Council ‘Speaking Up’ public speaking
competition in the Joseph Wilson Library Resource Centre. Taylor’s Third Year public
speaking team preparing for the competition with the help from the Fourth Year pupils
involved in the schools public speaking and debating club. The heat included schools
from Airdrie Motherwell and Wishaw. Teams were entered from Bellshill Academy,
Calderhead High, Clyde Valley High, Dalziel High, St Aidan’s and Taylor High
School. Seven teams took part with three progressing onto the final, Taylor's team
narrowly missed out on a place in the final. The standard of speeches from all teams
taking part was excellent. Well done to our pupils Kieran Wells, Seamus Burns and
Olivia McAree for all their hard work.
S4 Social Subjects go to the Riverside Museum and on the Glasgow Bus Tour
S4 pupils were studying different aspects of Scottish society. They made their way to
Glasgow and joined the Glasgow Sightseeing open top bus tour. They heard about
some of the historic areas, famous buildings and landmarks in the city of Glasgow that
they hadn’t come across before. They hopped off at the Tall Ship and Riverside
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Museum, which is home to some of the world’s finest cars, bicycles, ship models,
trams and locomotives. The interactive displays and the hugely popular historic
Glasgow street scene bring the objects and stories to life proved to be a favourite.
S3 History visit New Lanark Heritage Centre
As part of their Changing Britain unit, S3 Historians visited New Lanark where they
were given guided tours of site. They got to see first hand what life would have been
like for mill workers living and working there in the 19th century and witnessed the
machinery in action as well as the school the children would have attended. Dressing
up in the old school uniforms was a highlight!
S3 Geographers go to Kilbowie
S3 Geography pupils made the annual trip to Kilbowie Outdoor Centre again this year.
The purpose of the weekend was to gather date that can be used by pupils in their
Geography coursework. The pupils carried out a river study, gathering a variety of
measurements and visited Glencoe to look at glaciated features and the land use in the
area and they managed a visit to Oban to complete traffic surveys and environmental
quality surveys. Pupils also had the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities such
as gorge walking and kayaking. The students were excellent ambassadors for the
school. They had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves taking part in both
outdoor activities and gathering data. The weather was excellent and added to the
enjoyment of pupils.
Higher Geographers go to Loch Lomond National Park
S5/6 pupils from the Higher Geography class visited Luss, Loch Lomond in December
on a field trip to gather information about the impact of tourism in the local area. A
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Ranger was on hand to provide a
guided walk around the village and answer any questions the pupils had. Pupils carried
out an interview with the park ranger and took photographs of damage caused to the
area by tourists. Some pupils will make use of the information gathered in their
Geography assignments. The pupils were lucky to get a break in the weather on the day
and all pupils thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this field trip. The Scottish Youth
Parliament
The Social Subjects Faculty have supported many THS pupils through several Scottish
Youth Parliament election campaigns over the years and held hustings for candidates
to debate within the school. A recent by-election allowed S4 pupil Niamh Provan to
stand this year. They created their own manifestoes highlighting their policies and took
part in public speaking events and hustings involving candidates from other schools,
allowing them to build on the four capacities of a Curriculum for Excellence. Perhaps
THS will provide a future First Minister for Scotland!
Lessons From Auschwitz
Advanced Higher History pupils, Roisin Brennan and Rachel McKay, were selected to
participate in the Holocaust Memorial Trust's Lessons from Auschwitz Programme this
year. They were given the opportunity to meet with relatives of Holocaust survivors
and visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp in Poland. Roisin then delivered a
presentation of her experiences to an S4 assembly. Both pupils described the
experience as incredibly valuable and moving.
NLC Modern Studies International Conference 2016
A Social Subjects team made their annual trip to the NLC Modern Studies
International Conference again this year. Pre-debates took place at Braidhurst High
School and the final conference was in the GLO Centre, Motherwell. The team ably
represented Iraq this time and delivered motions on issues such as human rights,
surveillance and the refugee crisis. They were also entertained by both Scottish and
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Brazilian music played by local musicians and listened to speeches from local MSYPs,
Motherwell and Wishaw Constituency MP Marion Fellows, former International
Conference participants and Jackie Cahill, Quality Improvement Officer for Learning
and Leisure Services in North Lanarkshire.
London 2016
Many of our current S4 Social Subjects pupils had the opportunity to visit London for
3 days this June. Pupils enjoyed rail travel to and from London where they took the
opportunity to attend a variety of excursions linking to various aspects of the
Geography, History and Modern Studies curricula. These included a House of
Commons tour led by Motherwell and Wishaw’s new MP Marion Fellows, visits to the
Imperial War Museum, London Dungeon, Thames River cruise, London Eye, and a
ticket to the West End show ‘Charlie in the Chocolate Factory’. The pupils and staff
thoroughly enjoyed and gained a lot from the experience. USA Trip 2017
Many of our current S3 pupils will be given the opportunity of a lifetime to visit New
York and Washington DC with the Social Subjects Faculty in June 2017. The planning
for this trip is ongoing and the pupils and staff involved are very much looking forward
to it!
SUPPORT FOR LEARNING
The department have been involved in a number of successful initiatives some of
which are listed below:
Literacy Intervention Programme
A group of First Year and Second Year pupils achieved success through ‘Units of
Sound’ and ‘Toe-by-Toe’; this was measured by improvements in the reading ages of
the students who participated.
Motherwell College link
Ten Fifth Year students and one sixth year student achieved success through
participation in the Independent Link Programme. This is a programme run by
Motherwell College which gives upper school students the opportunity to sample
various courses run by the college in order to help them decide on future studies or
career paths. As a result of this six of the participants were offered places at the college
and begin their studies there in August.
Homework Club
A group of First and Second Year pupils regularly attended the lunchtime homework
club to assist them with course work.
Sixth Year Conference
Sixth Year students were encouraged to take part in the Peer Tutoring initiative. As a
result a number of students successfully supported their peers across year groups and
across curricular areas.
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
This year we have 4 students who are being presented for the ESOL qualification; two
at Higher and 2 at National 5 level. Colleges and universities accept this qualification
as part of entry requirements from students for whom English is an additional
language.
TECHNOLGIES
Home Economics
The Home Economics Department has had another successful year with all year groups
benefiting from a wide range of activities, which have enhanced the curriculum. First
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Year
First year pupils have been learning the importance of safety, hygiene, Scottish dietary
goals and the Eatwell plate. Pupils have also learnt many new and valuable practical
food skills. Pupils were also challenged to use their creativity an imagination with the
‘Design a sandwich’ project, excellent and tasty sandwiches were made by all.
Recently all S1 pupils took part in a project with the library to create their own food
blog, Pupils were encouraged to use words to describe appearance, texture and taste.
Certificates and prizes were handed out for the three best blogs, 20 of these food blogs
are on display in the library.
In our students first year, we concentrate on creating confidence in the kitchen and
developing skills for lifelong learning. Pupils are already excited to take on the new
challenges that are ahead in second year.
Second Year
S2 pupils took part in designing and making a sock monster as part of their textile unit,
staff were overwhelmed with the excitement from pupils in making the soft toy. All
pupils put in a great deal of effort and determination to complete the task. 50 of the
sock monsters are now on display in the school. 4 prizes were given out to the students
who had the most creative sock monster and had shown an excellent execution of
textile skill. 1st place in the competition was Hadia Elahi, 2nd Alex Robin, 3rd Emma
Formosa and 4th Amy McGuigan.
As part of the practical food skills element to the course, pupils took part in a ‘design
and make’ pizza challenge showing off their creativity, imagination and cookery skills
with some excellent and tasty results.
Second years have also worked hard on their nutrition unit and have taken part in
activities to work out the calorific content of popular foods and the amount of exercise
it would take to burn these foods off, which exposed students to a breadth of Health
and Wellbeing across the school as the content linked up well with P.E. which
delivered some excellent relevance to the link between food and exercise.
In the last few weeks, second years have designed and made their own food label in
Technical as part of an Interdisciplinary task for a healthy pot noodle which they then
make in Home Economics. Pupils also experienced an Interdisciplinary project with
the Science department to make healthy muffins in order to raise money for Lenten
charities which was a great success and Pupils raised £170. Winners of the bestselling
muffin were Niamh Cusick, Lauren McShane, Amy Higgins, Sophie Sneddon and
Amie Gallacher with their blueberry and Oreo muffin. The winners of the best
advertising campaign for their muffin were Areeba Ramzan, Holly Canning, Courtney
Devine and Poppy Garraton.
This June, 65 S2 and S3 pupils will be going to the Royal Highland Show, this will be
the Schools fourth trip to the annual food and agricultural show.
Hospitality
This year, as with any year, the Hospitality students excelled themselves by their
commitment and enthusiasm to the wider life of the school. Students worked tirelessly
to produce food for various events on the school calendar such as the Christmas Fair,
the community Christmas lunch and the Patron’s Day Mass. Well done to all those
who worked both in the preparation, during and after these events, they were a real
credit to the School.
As part of our commitment to Developing the young workforce, our annual trip to
Nando’s in Hamilton has been organised. This is an excellent trip as Hospitality
students will get the chance to work in the commercial kitchen there and serve
customers which will deliver an insight into the world of work and showcases work
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opportunities. A trip to Wagamama’s has also been organised to help students
understand the workings of a professional kitchen and also to give students experience
of Asian food. The trip will also help students understand how to use fresh and
nourishing foods and ingredients.
This year students of the Hospitality course had exposure to working ‘front of house’
as they professionally provided a food and drink provision at the S2 options evening
and served tables at the Community pensioner’s lunch at Christmas.
Senior Hospitality pupils recently completed their final exam and demonstrated
excellent skills and determination in completing the assignment, pupils were set the
practical assignment to make a four course meal which had to be made and served
within 2½ hours. The dishes were Vegetable Rosti’s with red pepper sauce, Honey
pork and noodle stir fry and a lemon tart.
Health & Food Technology
Health and Food Technology students have been working hard learning about Healthy
eating and food product development. The class have had two opportunities to create
their own dish following a food design brief to reduce salt and fat. Pupils showed great
imagination and creativity to make fun and tasty dishes which they, and their peers,
have enjoyed trying. The class also worked with the Library in a ‘cooking confessions’
task. Pupils learnt about note taking and interviewing skills and then worked in pairs to
ask each other a series of questions while the other pupil took notes. This was then
filmed and put together and edited into a short film. Most pupils were embarrassed
however the task helped to build their confidence, as always there were a few who
loved the spotlight (Sam Farmer & Liam McGhee).
The Health and Food Technology cohort raised £215 in November for Children in
Need with the class making and selling Pudsey cupcakes.
Cake Craft
This course is very well received and students have had the opportunity to learn many
new cake decoration skills. Pupils raised funds for new specialised equipment by
making and raffling cupcakes as well as having a pivotal role making cakes for the
McMillan’s coffee morning, raising over £220. This year pupils benefited from visits
with a professional cake decorator who passed on many new skills and techniques.
This year 21 very competitive staff took part in making their own Christmas cake,
confusion, stress, blood, exotic language, sweat and tears were only some of the skills
and talents displayed, however they all got there in the end with beautiful creative
designs.
Technical
The Technical Department has had another successful year with all year groups
benefiting from a wide range of activities, which have enhanced the curriculum.
First Year
S1 pupils have been learning about health and safety in the workshop. They have
learned to use a range of hand tools safely and accurately in woodwork and/or
metalwork. They have gained experience using Autodesk inventor CAD software and
have produced 3D models of a mug tree and/or a domino key tab. Pupils also
manufactured these items in the workshop. Alongside this CAD work, pupils were
introduced to Desktop Publishing software which they used to create promotional
material for their mug tree. Pupils have also shown their creativity by designing their
own keyring and manufacturing it using a CAD/CAM laser machine.
Second Year
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Pupils further developed their skills and abilities using hand tools by manufacturing a
trinket box and/or a garden trowel. The trinket box allowed the pupils to express their
creativity by using the laser cutter to engrave their own design on to the box lid. Pupils
gained more experience using Autodesk inventor by modelling their trinket box and/or
garden trowel. This allowed them to further improve the skills they had developed in
S1. In an interdisciplinary project with Home Economics, pupils used their knowledge
of mandatory & non-mandatory food packaging information and Desktop Publishing
skills to create packaging for noodles which they cooked in Home Economics.
Graphic skills
Pupils spent a great deal of time improving their skills with Autodesk inventor,
allowing them to create many complex 3D models and realistic renderings. They also
learned about the principals and elements of desktop publishing (DTP), allowing them
to create documents which are far more structured and visually appealing than before.
Well done to Chloe Harty 3.5 and Louis Douglas 3.6 on winning Easter eggs in a DTP
challenge. All pupils should be congratulated f Practical skills
Pupils have spent time in both metalwork and woodwork. They have improved their
skills with hand tools they have used before and have learned how to use many new
tools and machines.
Practical Woodwork
The S4, S5, S6 pupils performed well in practical woodwork, and as always enjoyed
the course. Special mention should be made of the S5 class who finished the course
with some time to spare and put in the time and effort to personalise their toy truck
boxes with their own designs which were engraved by the laser cutter. This made
considerable enhancement and personalisation to their models. or the effort they have
given to Practical metalwork
The S4, S5, S6 pupils performed well in Practical metalwork and the course ran
successfully again this year with pupils making a toolbox, tap wrench, hacksaw, cold
chisel and a garden lantern.
Graphic communication
The S4, S5 & S6 Graphic Communication pupils covered the National 4, National 5 or
Higher course, which best matched their abilities and experience. These pupils have
expertly used the skills that they have been developing since their earlier years, to
complete a set of challenging SQA set tasks. The skills involved varied greatly from,
sketching and rendering, to manually make an object look realistic, to using Desktop
Publishing and Industry standard 3D modelling software to produce materials used for
Production and Promotional use. This has led to pupils going on to further education
and careers in such areas as interior design, animation, town planning, architecture, etc.
END
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SECTION 28: HOME AND SCHOOL LINKS
Throughout the short history of Taylor High there have been obvious and strong links
between the parents and the school. It is hoped that in the reading of this handbook
parents are conscious of the significance which the Head Teacher and the staff give to
the co-operation and involvement of parents in their child’s education.
Pupils, especially boys, are notorious for being reticent about their day at school. When
you as parents ask them about their first day at school, so often the reply is ‘It was
fine” and no more is said. Hopefully we can encourage you to take the conversation
further and enquire more deeply into their day at school. We urge you to check their
jotters and student planner and read the teacher’s comments.
Section 23 provides more detailed information on homework and, it is hoped that in the
early years, you encourage your child to study and work at home since these habits are
essential for success further up the school. Throughout the session you will receive
school reports on how your child is progressing in her/his subjects and these will be
followed up by the opportunity to meet teachers. However you need not wait until you
are invited by the school.
You may phone or write to your child’s Pupil Support Teacher for an interview to be
arranged at a convenient time. Perhaps you, as a parent, may wish to act as a
representative on the Parent Council? The Annual General Meeting is held in the
month of October each year. If you would like more information regarding The Parent
Council please telephone the school on 01698 274976 or email enquiries@taylor.nlanark.sch.uk
As a member of the Parent Council you can expect to be involved in helping to
develop the school’s policies and in helping the Head Teacher to keep all parents
informed about their role in turning policies into practice.
The Parent Council works for the good of Taylor High School and meets on a regular
basis in the school. It organises social functions, fund-raising events and works in
partnership with the school to deliver workshops for parents designed to improve their
understanding of a range of issues which affect their children’s education. Recent
workshops have included the subjects of anti-bullying strategies, Health Education
with a focus on Drugs Education, stress avoidance strategies and learning styles. A list
of current office bearers is given in section 36. A successful fundraiser has become the
school’s Christmas Fayre.
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Attendance at School
Section 30 of the 1980 Education Act lays a duty on every parent of a child of school
age to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Attendance must be recorded
twice a day, morning and afternoon.
Regulation 7 of the Education (School and Placing information) (Scotland)
Amendment, Etc. Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to be
recorded in the school register as authorised or unauthorised: as defined by the Scottish
Government.
After an absence (including those cases where the parent has previously phoned the
school) pupils should bring a note from their parent/guardian indicating:
1. The date of the letter
2. The days and dates of the absence
3. The reasons for being absent
4. The signature of the parent/guardian.
This note should be given the pupil’s Registration Teacher.
Family Holidays during Term Time
Every efforts should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this both
disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. Parents/Guardians should
inform the school in writing, confirming the dates before going on holiday.
Absences will be classified as authorised only in exceptional circumstances. Such
circumstances may include:
A family holiday judged to be important to the wellbeing and cohesion of the family,
following a serious or terminal illness, bereavement or other traumatic events.
A family holiday classified under the ‘authorised absence’ category will not include
such reasons as:
Ø The availability of cheap holidays
Ø The availability of desired accommodation
Ø Poor weather experience during school holidays
Ø Holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term
Ø Parental difficulty obtaining leave (except in cases where evidence is
provided by the employer that it cannot accommodate leave during school
holidays without serious consequences)
Family holidays with the above similar characteristics will be classified as
unauthorised absence. Where the Head Teacher’s prior agreement has not been sought
the absence will automatically be classed as unauthorised.
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Extended Leave with Parental Consent
Where most family holidays will be recorded as unauthorised absence (see
above) extended leave with parental consent will not be considered the same as a
family holiday. Leave in such circumstances will be authorised under circumstances
such as:
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Extended overseas educational trips not organised by the school
Short-term parental placement abroad
Family returning to its country of origin (to care for a relative, or for
cultural reasons)
Leave in relation to the children of travelling families
Exceptional Domestic Circumstances
Parents may request permission for such leave in writing and the school may
authorise such requests under the following circumstances:
Ø
Ø
Ø
The period immediately after an accident or illness
A period of serious or critical illness of a close relative
A domestic crisis that causes serious disruption to the family home,
causing temporary relocation.
If a pupil is absent without the reason being known to the school, then an attendance
card may be sent while the School Attendance Officer would also investigate. It should
be noted that, where necessary, the Attendance Council has the power to write to,
interview or prosecute parents or refer pupils to the Reporter to the Children’s Panel.
There is a strong link between a high level of attendance and a good performance in
national examinations. Parents are strongly urged to ensure that their children attend
school at all times unless illness, or other serious reason, makes this unavoidable.
The school makes every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some
occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by,
for example, severe weather, dislocation of transport, power failure or difficulties of
fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of
closure or reopening. We shall keep you in touch by using letters, notices in local
shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in
the press and on local radio.
The school’s website will be updated with information and text messages may be sent
to those parents with mobile phones.
PLACING REQUESTS
You have the right to make a placing request for your child to be educated in a school
other than the local school. In December each year, the authority will advertise its
arrangements for placing requests. There are sound educational reasons for trying to
ensure that the transfer or admission of children to a school takes place at the start of a
school session. Other than those who are moving home, to a new area, parents are
advised to time any placing requests so that they take effect from the beginning of the
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new school session. Every effort will be made to try and meet the parental wishes, but
you should note that it is n
Once a pupil has reached the school leaving age the pupil, not the parents may
choose which school to go to.
Placing requests to Primary School does not necessarily ensure that your child will
have a direct entry to the associated secondary. Advice on this must be sought from the
Primary School Head Teacher. All placing request details and procedures are available
from the school or council’s website.
Parents and Young People have a right under the Additional Support for Learning Act
2009 to make a placing request for their child or young person to attend a nursery
(including partnership nursery), special school, special class or special class managed
by the home authority. In the event of a successful placing request the authority are not
required to provide transport. The Act also enables parents and young people to make a
placing request to attend a school/establishment belonging to another authority.
EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE
Students who have reached the statutory school leaving age of 16 may be eligible for
an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) to allow them to remain in school.
In session 2015-2016 students who are born before 1 March 2000 will be eligible to
apply for an EMA.
The EMA guidelines explain the criteria which must be met in order to be eligible for
an EMA and the rules which must be adhered to for the EMA to be paid throughout the
year.
The following notes will be helpful in giving information about the EMA Guidelines.
(I) Eligibility
(II) All applications are individually assessed. Students must attend a school
managed by North Lanarkshire Council, regardless of where he or she is
resident.
(III)
The income used as the basis of the assessment is the gross household
income for the preceding financial year.
The scheme changed in Session 2009-10 and as a guide the income
levels for that were:-
Ø
Ø
For applicants in single student households - £30 per week was
paid where the income was up to £20,351; where the income was
above that level no award was made.
For applicants in multiple student households - £30 per week
was paid where the income was up to £22,403; where the income
was above that level no award was made.
(IV)
Attendance
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Students in receipt of an EMA must attain 100% attendance in any
week to receive payment for that week. Where the student is absent
through illness a medical certificate must be submitted. In addition, selfcertification
forms are accepted for a maximum of 5 days sickness
absence in the academic session. Any illness which would take the pupil
over the 5 days self-certification would continue to require submission
of a medical certificate.
(V)
Application forms
A letter will be sent to the parent or guardian of all students who are in
the eligible age-band to apply for EMA in May each year, providing
details of the main eligibility criteria.
Application forms and guidance documents are sent to all secondary
schools and some special schools in North Lanarkshire in June each
year. The school is also given a number of posters publicising the
scheme and advertising the availability of forms. Students who may be
eligible should obtain an application form and guidance document from
the school. Applications forms and guidance notes are available from
Schools, Municipal Buildings and First Stop Shops or they may be
downloaded from the North Lanarkshire Council website.
Students who are eligible for EMA for the full academic session should
apply as early as possible. Students who are eligible for EMA from
January to June, should apply from November.
Any student who is unsure whether they meet the EMA criteria should
contact the EMA Section for advice.
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SECTION 29: UNIFORM
From the first day of the school’s existence it was obvious that the parents associated
with the school were eager to set a high standard in terms of the appearance of their
children. A tradition of school uniform is one we can all be very proud of.
Blazer
Wine (Suppliers are aware of the shade)
Skirt / Trousers
Grey / Black (self-coloured)
Tie
Wine / Gold / Silver-Grey
(Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Year tie is supplied by the school)
Badge
Wine / Gold / Silver
Jumper / Sweatshirt Black or Grey
Please note that Blazers are a compulsory part of the uniform.
The following retail outlets have been contacted and they will supply the uniform. We
also arrange for them to sell via the school. Details are sent to parents in May/ June
each year.
Suppliers
Phone No
LogoXpres, Stirling 01786 447454
Le Mirage, Manse Road, Motherwell 01698 252990
National Schoolwear Centre Main St Wishaw 01698 374000
All North Lanarkshire schools must have a dress code which encourages pupils to
dress in a way which is appropriate to attendance at school. This dress code must not
lead to direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender or
disability. Prior to drawing up the dress code the parents, pupils and staff were fully
consulted. It is the expectation of the education authority that parents will be keen to
support the dress code and written agreement may be sought.
Clothing which is unacceptable in school under any circumstances, includes items
which:
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Could potentially encourage factions (e.g. football colours)
Could cause offence (e.g. anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
Could cause health and safety difficulties such as loose fitting clothing,
Dangling earrings and other potentially dangerous jewellery
Are of flammable materials which may be a danger in certain classes
(e.g. shell suits)
Could cause damage to flooring
Carry advertising in particular for alcohol or tobacco
Could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do
so
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Parents in receipt of a clothing grant from the Council will be encouraged to purchase
items which are in accordance with the school dress code. Approval of any requests for
such grants in other circumstances are at the discretion of the
Executive Director of Learning & Leisure Services. Information and application forms
may be obtained from any school or First Stop Shop. Parents are entitled to receive a
clothing grant if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits:
Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (income based). Employment & Support
Allowance (income related), housing benefit, council tax rebate.
Whilst in general terms it would not normally be the policy of the authority to exclude
a pupil from school solely on the basis of his/her dress, persistent refusal to respond to
a reasonable dress code may be deemed to be a serious challenge to the head teacher’s
authority and to be detrimental to the well being of the whole school community. In
such circumstances a head teacher may justify the use of the school discipline
procedure.
The Council wishes to minimise claims arising from the loss of pupils’ clothing and/or
personal belongings. Parents/guardians are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that
valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing, jewellery, etc, are not
brought to school. Parents should note that any claims submitted to cover the loss of
such things are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to have been
negligent.
Physical Education Dress Code
Indoor
Ø shorts/tracksuit, T-shirt, polo shirt or similar with appropriate change of
footwear (plain black and /or white)
Outdoor
Ø Tracksuit, sweatshirt or other previously agreed alternative (plain black and /or
white)
Ø Waterproof outers may be worn as considered appropriate
Ø A towel should be brought when appropriate
Physical Education clothing must be in line with the school dress policy and must not
include football team colours or feature inappropriate social comment.
Jewellery must be removed. If jewellery cannot be removed it must be covered unless a
risk assessment by staff indicates that it would be unsafe for the student to participate
while wearing the item. An appropriate member of staff will have the final say in the
matter.
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SECTION 30: P.E. CODE OF PRACTICE
The following code of practice has been developed to ensure schools offer a consistent
approach to what is expected of pupils with regard to dress and participation in
Physical Education in North Lanarkshire schools. It provides a set of guidelines which
are clear enough to apply yet offer flexibility for individual schools to tailor their own
policies on dress.
It is deemed that all pupils who attend school will normally be able to participate in
Physical Education. However, on occasions exceptions may arise and only in these
circumstances could Physical Education be considered inappropriate and impractical.
The following rules apply to all pupils:
Ø If pupils are able to attend school then they will normally be expected to
participate In Physical Education
Ø Pupils should always bring full kit regardless of the circumstances
Ø The absence of kit is an inappropriate reason for non-participation
Ø Refusal to take part in Physical Education could result in disciplinary
sanctions being applied
Ø Inability to participate for medical reasons must be supported by a valid
medical Certificate
Ø Persistent failure to bring P.E. kit, or refusal to participate, will be regarded
as a serious disciplinary matter
Ø Staff will only accept responsibility for valuables handed in at the
beginning of the lesson
There are three categories of non-participation.
1 Pupils who have an appropriate note from parents/guardians indicating a minor
ailment. In such cases the school will offer an appropriate form of activity which
has been discussed and agreed and deemed reasonable and practical to offer such
a pupil.
2 Pupils who have no kit or claim some form of minor ailment without a
supporting letter signed by the parent or guardian. In such cases the pupil will
normally be offered spare kit as a first step. A standard letter may be issued to
the pupil to be signed by the parent indicating their awareness that repetition of
this will result in disciplinary action being taken. Any subsequent failure to
participate could then result in the school invoking disciplinary procedures.
3 Pupils who have kit or items pre-assessed as hazardous in terms of health and
safety. In such cases a standard letter may be issued to the pupil to be signed by
the parent or guardian indicating that a failure to bring suitable kit or failure to
remove the offending article prior to the lesson could result in appropriate
disciplinary action being taken.
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SECTION 31: MEALS
A self-service cafeteria is available to pupils. At present a cashless system operates in
which pupils top up their Young Scot Card with money. The cafeteria offers a variety
of snacks, fast food and full meals which are available daily.
The availability of special diets
Diets required as a result of a medical condition (a medically prescribed diet e.g.
coeliac disease, diabetes, food allergy or intolerance) can be provided in school. A
medically prescribed diet form must be completed by the child’s registered Dietician or
General Practitioner. Procedures and forms can be accessed from the child’s school or
dietician or from North Lanarkshire’s catering service. Occasionally, parents/carers
may be asked to supply prescription foods or attend a meeting to discuss the child’s
dietary requirements.
Free School Meals
Children of parents receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (income based)
and Employment & Support Allowance (income related) are entitled to a meal without
charge.
Information and application forms for free school meals may be obtained from schools,
first stop shops and Municipal Buildings, Coatbridge. Parents are entitled to receive a
clothing grant if they are in receipt of any of the following benefits: Income Support,
Job Seekers Allowance (income based). Employment & Support Allowance (income
related) housing benefit, council tax rebate.
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SECTION 32: TRANSPORT
General
The Council has a policy of providing free transport to secondary pupils who live more
than two miles from their local school by the shortest safe walking route. This policy
is more generous than the law requires. This provision could be reviewed at any time.
Parents who consider they are eligible should obtain an application form from the
school or the education department. These forms should be completed and returned
before the end of February for those pupils beginning the school in August to enable
the appropriate arrangements to be made.
Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year but may be subject to
delay whilst arrangements are made.
There is discretion in certain circumstances to grant privilege transport for pupils to
travel in transport provided by the authority, where spare places are available and no
additional costs are incurred.
(ii) Pick-up Points
Where free transport is provided it may be necessary for pupils to walk a certain
distance to the vehicle pick-up point. Walking distance in total,including the distance
from home to the pick-up point and from the drop-off point to the school in any one
direction will not exceed the authority’s limits (see above paragraph)
It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child arrives at the pick-up point in time.
It is also the parent’s responsibility to ensure the child behaves in a safe and acceptable
manner while boarding, travelling in and alighting from the vehicle. Misbehaviour
could result in a loss of the right to free transport.
The council does not provide transport for those pupils in receipt of a placing request
other than in exceptional circumstances.
School Buses
Special services available for pupils from part of Newarthill and Cleland for 2016/2017
are as follows:
Bus No 1
Pupils travelling from Cleland:
The operator for the above service is MCT Travel 01698 253091. Boarding locations
and times are as follows:
Main St at Omoa Road:
Omoa Road:
Morris Crescent, Dalziel Park
8.22 - 8.32am
8.25 - 8.35am
8.29 - 8.39am
Bus No 2
Pupils travelling from Parkside, Cleland:-
The operator for the above service is MCT Travel 01698 253091.
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Boarding locations and times as follows:
Parkside at Turning Circle:
Parkside Bus Stop on Biggar Road at Windyedge Road:
Biggar Road near Fraser Street:
8.20am to 8.30am
8.22am to 8.32am
8.23am to 8.33am
Bus No 3
Pupils travelling from Newarthill:-
The operator for the above service is MCT Travel 01698 253091.
Boarding locations and times as follows:
High Street at Caledonian Drive:
High Street at Manseview Bus Stop:
Biggar Road at High Street Bus Stop:
Cleland Main Street Memorial:
Main Street at Chapel Street:
8.25am to 8.35am
8.26am to 8.36am
8.27am to 8.37am
8.31am to 8.41am
8.32am to 8.42am
Bus No 4
Pupils travelling from Bellside, Cleland:-
The operator for the above service is Ferguson Minibus 01698 861715.
Boarding locations and times as follows:
11 Hareshaw Road, Hareshaw Village 8.15am to 8.25am
Junction at Wilsons Road at Hareshaw Road:
8.16am to 8.26am
Murdostoun Terrace, Shawstonfoot:
8.22am to 8.32am
Bellside Road at Spindleside Road:
8.24am to 8.34am
At the end of the school day pupils will return at 2.55-3.05pm or 3.55-4.05pm
depending on the school dismissal time each day.
Inter-School Transport
Where Inter-school curricular arrangements necessitate pupil movement between
schools, any necessary transport arrangements will be made by the school. The cost of
such transport, where essential, will be met by the school from a budget provided by
the authority. The usual mode of transport is such cases is taxi.
The Depute Head Teacher (upper school) will normally co-ordinate arrangements for
transfer of this type.
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SECTION 33: HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Taylor High has a number of staff trained in basic First Aid. The following procedures
take place within Taylor High School in the event of any pupil requiring First Aid
Treatment.
First Aid Procedures
In the event of a pupil requiring First Aid then:
1. The pupil's confidential file will be accessed to check:
Name and Address
Parent / Emergency Contact
Medical Information - History of particular illness e.g. Asthma,
Allergy to medication which should be taken daily etc. This information is of
importance especially for medical practitioners e.g. if hospital treatment is
required.
2. Depending on the treatment required the following will apply:
Ø Minor treatment e.g. a graze or small cut from a fall in the playground.
Treatment given and pupil told to inform a parent on arriving home later
that day. No direct contact with a parent will be made.
Ø Where sickness/injury results in a pupil requiring to be sent home e.g.
due to severe sickness then parent/emergency contact will be
telephoned. The pupil should be collected from the school. No pupil
will be sent home without contact being made with parent/emergency
contact.
Ø Where a pupil requires to be taken to hospital e.g. suspected broken arm
or severe asthma attach, then contact with parent/emergency contact
will be made immediately. Until the ambulance arrives it is not certain
which hospital a pupil will be taken to. Once this is known parents will
be informed. If no contact is made then a member of staff will go to the
hospital in the ambulance and will remain there until a relative arrives.
All incidents dealt with by staff will be recorded in the School First Aid book. Parents
should note that members of staff cannot ‘dispense’ medication e.g. paracetamol for a
headache or issue inhalers to pupils. It is the responsibility of pupils to bring any
medication which they require to take during the course of the school day. This
medication should be left with the Pupil Support teacher with clear instructions
attached for administering it.
If a young person is unable to attend a suitable educational establishment as
111

a result of prolonged ill-health, North Lanarkshire Council must make special
arrangements for the pupil to receive education elsewhere, other than at an educational
establishment.
In North Lanarkshire, children and young people are treated in the paediatric inpatient
unit within Wishaw General Hospital. It is not common for children and young people
to have extended stays in Wishaw General, and therefore North
Lanarkshire Council does not require a dedicated hospital education service.
Children and young people resident in North Lanarkshire and in hospital in
Glasgow, may access education through the Hospital Education Service (HES).
The service is provided by Glasgow City Education Department and Social Work
Services. For further information, please contact the school.
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
There has been a major change in how nurses operate within schools. Each school now
has a named Public Health Nurse with a Specialist Practitioner Qualification in Public
Health.
Taylor High’s Public Health Nurse is Helen Scott. She will work closely with the
school, the surrounding community and other agencies to promote health in its widest
sense. This will involve assisting with the development of health programmes to
compliment your child’s curriculum and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Helen Scott is responsible for leading up a team of public health professionals
including: Public Health Associate Nurses, Support Staff and Health Promotion
colleagues to meet the health needs of pupils, their families and carers and also the
staff.
The team will continue to provide routine immunisation and be directly involved
where appropriate in the delivery of health related topics.
If parents have any concerns about the health of their child or someone in the family,
please contact Helen Scott through the school or alternatively:
Public Health Nurse
Helen Scott
Viewpark Health Centre
119 Burnhead Street
Uddingston
G71 5SU
01698 801512
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Medical Examinations and Inoculations
1. Pupils in Second and Third Year are given medical checks (depending on date
of birth).
2. Pupils in First Year are given BCG skin test and vaccination.
3. Girls in First Year are given Rubella injections.
4. Girls in Second Year are given the HPV vaccine.
Parents are notified well in advance with consent forms being sent out.
Medical Information
Parents should inform the school of any medical condition which may put their child at
risk within the school e.g. epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, heart complaint etc. All
information will be treated with professional confidentiality.
Emergency Contact
Pupils will be given a form to complete (in August and January of each school year) in
order that the school may contact parents in an emergency. Where another person is
nominated as the emergency contact, would parents ensure that the person named is on
the telephone, able-bodied and can come to the school in an emergency. Any changes
to emergency contacts should be communicated to the school immediately in writing.
Dental Inspection
Secondary school pupils receive examinations and treatment at the local community
dental clinic, on request.
Pupils are requested, as far as possible, to obtain dental appointments out with school
hours.
SECTION 34: INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES
We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasion’s
circumstances arise which lead to disruption. For example, schools may be affected by
severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of
fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of
closure or re-opening. We shall keep you informed by using letters, notices in local
shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in
the press on local radio, on the NLC website and on Twitter.
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SECTION 35: THE PARENT FORUM
As a parent of a child at this school you are automatically a member of the Parent
Forum. The Parent Forum is composed of all the parents and carers of children at the
school.
As a member of the Parent Forum you can expect to:
Ø Get information about what your child is learning
Ø Get information about events and activities at the school
Ø Get advice/help on how you can support your child's learning
Ø Be told about opportunities to be involved in the school
Ø Have a say in selecting a Parent Council to work on behalf of all parents
at the school
Ø Be invited to identify issues for the Parent Council to work on with the school
The Parent Council
N.B. Parent Councils came into being on 1 August 2007.
The composition of the Parent Council is determined by the Parent Forum. The Head
Teacher Mr G McCormick is the professional advisor to the Parent Council.
The Parent Council rights and duties include:
Ø supporting the work of the school;
Ø representing the views of parents;
Ø consulting with parents and reporting back to the Parent forum on matters of
interest;
Ø promoting contact between the school, parents, pupils, and the wider
community;
Ø fundraising;
Ø taking part in the selection of senior promoted staff;
Ø receiving reports from the head teacher and education authority; and
Ø receiving an annual budget for administration, training and other expenses;
Ø improving home school partnership and facilitating parental involvement.
Members of Parent Councils, on a voluntary basis, may also have an advisory role in
decisions on placing requests by parents in respect of those situations where the
number of placing requests for a particular school or for a particular stage in a
particular school exceeds the number of places available.
The Office Bearers elected are:-
Miss N Daley (Act HT)
Mrs L McGraw (DHT)
Mrs C Brown (Chair) (Blair 1.1, Bobbi 6.2 )
Mrs M Rankin (Vice Chair) (Mark 5.1 , Lucy 1.3)
Mrs E Ferrie
(Church rep)
Mrs M Agnew (Mia 2.2, Aidan 5.2)
Mrs C Collins (Finlay 3.2, Imogen 1.4)
Mr A Donnelly (Aidan 2.1)
Mrs C Gallacher (Aimee 2.3)
Ms M Gallacher (Lewis 5.3, Beth 1.4)
114

Mr D Semple (Laura 4.5, Liam 1.2)
Mrs N Sadiq (Amar 4.4)
Mr M Khan (Maleehah 5.1, Yaeesh 5.3)
Mr M Toolan (Lucy 2.2, Erin 5.5)
Mrs A Cusick (Niamh 3.3)
Mrs J Phee (Melissa 2.4, Christy 5.3)
Mrs T Provan (Aiden 1.5, Niamh 5.5)
Mrs M F Dysko (Jakub 2.1)
To contact the Parent Council e-mail enquiries@taylor.n-lanark.sch.uk
115

SQA EXAMINATIONS
SECTION 36: INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Policy with regard to entering pupils for public examinations:
Schools in consultation with pupils/parents, normally decide on presentation for
examinations. However in the final analysis the school will accede to the wishes of the
parents.
Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) Awards
In 2013/14, Access, Standard Grade, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 were replaced
by National 3, National 4 and National 5. Courses leading to external certification
begin in Fourth Year and all these qualifications are awarded by the Scottish
Qualification Authority (SQA).
As a matter of policy, we try to help our pupils keep as many options open as they can
at the early stage. Using our experience of the examination system and our knowledge
of individual pupils, we give advice to parents and pupils on the range and level of
courses that each pupil should follow and on the matter of eventual presentation. If we
err at all, it will always be on the side of generosity.
Analysis of Examination Results
The tables on the following pages show the SQA Examination results and analysis for
the three most recent school years.
Attainment and National Examination Results
Policy with regard to entering pupils for public examinations:
Schools in consultation with pupils/parents normally decide on presentation for
examinations. However, in the final analysis, the school will accede to the wishes of
the parents.
TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL THIRD YEAR 2016 FINAL RESULTS
NATIONAL 4 COURSE RESULTS
SUBJECT
AWARDS
English for Speakers of Other Languages
C727 1
TOTAL 1
116

FOURTH YEAR HIGHER GRADE COURSE SUMMARY
SUBJECT A B C D NA TOTALS
Urdu C242 2 0 0 0 0 2
FOURTH YEAR NATIONAL 5 COURSE SUMMARY
SUBJECT A B C D NA TOTALS
Art and Design C704 21 6 3 3 1 34
Biology C707 11 8 7 2 0 28
Business Management C710 16 10 2 0 2 30
Chemistry C713 26 17 12 4 3 62
Computing Science C716 15 4 1 0 0 20
English C724
English for Speakers of Other Languages
42
0
30
0
13
1
1
0
2
0
88
1
Geography C733 2 4 6 0 0 12
Graphic Communication C735 4 2 0 0 0 6
Health and Food Technolog C736 4 5 0 0 0 9
History C737 13 17 11 2 3 46
Hospitality: Practical Cookery C739 9 7 5 0 0 21
Mathematics C747 29 7 13 6 16 71
Modern Studies C749 28 10 9 0 2 49
Music C750 8 4 5 0 1 18
Music Technology C751 1 3 5 0 0 9
Physical Education C756 13 8 4 0 0 25
Physics C757 15 10 8 4 12 49
Practical Metalworking C761 2 1 1 0 0 4
Practical Woodworking C762 0 1 0 0 0 1
Spanish C769 20 6 6 2 4 38
TOTALS 279 160 112 24 46 621
TOTAL (A-C) 551
D AWARD 24
TOTAL (A-D) 621
NO AWARDS 46
TOTAL 575
FOURTH YEAR NATIONAL 4 COURSE SUMMARY
AWARDS
Art and Design C704 9
Biology C707 19
Business C708 6
Chemistry C713 16
Computing Science C716 15
English C724 36
English for Speakers of Other Languages C727 1
Geography C733 12
Graphic Communication C735 1
History C737 12
Hospitality: Practical Co C739 3
Mathematics C747 43
Modern Studies C749 17
117

Music C750 7
Music Technology C751 2
Physical Education C756 7
Physics C757 19
Practical Metalworking C761 3
Practical Woodworking C762 2
Spanish C769 8
TOTAL AWARDS 238
FOURTH YEAR NATIONAL 3 COURSE SUMMARY
AWARDS
Biology C707 4
Chemistry C713 2
English C724 2
History C737
Hospitality: Practical Cookery
1
4
Lifeskills Mathematics C744 12
Modern Studies C749 3
Physical Education C756
Physics C757
Spanish C769
4
1
1
TOTAL AWARDS 34
ACCESS 3 UNIT AWARDS SUMMARY
Work Experience D36H 141
TOTAL 141
FIFTH YEAR HIGHER GRADE SUMMARY A B C D NA TOTALS
Art and Design C704 0 6 8 2 4 20
Business Management C710 1 0 5 2 9 17
Chemistry C713 11 7 6 1 0 25
English C724 15 14 20 6 6 61
Geography C733 0 1 0 1 0 2
Graphic Communication C735
Health & Food Technology C736
0
0
3
3
1
2
0
0
0
0
4
5
History C737
Human Biology C736
4
1
2
2
2
4
0
1
0
0
8
8
Mathematics C747 9 10 4 1 7 31
Modern Studies C749 4 4 7 3 4 22
Music C750 3 4 1 0 0 8
Physical Education C756 3 7 8 4 1 23
Physics C069 7 7 3 1 3 21
Spanish C769 4 2 4 0 3 13
TOTALS 62 72 75 22 37 268
TOTAL AWARDS (A-C) 209
TOTAL AWARDS (D) 22
TOTAL AWARDS (A-D) 231
NO AWARDS 37
TOTAL 268
118

FIFTH YEAR NATIONAL 5 SUMMARY A B C D NA U TOTALS
Biology C007 1 0 6 1 3 11
Business Management C710 1 1 1 0 0 3
Chemistry C713 1 4 2 2 3 12
Computing Science C716 1 1 1 0 0 3
English C724 6 12 21 3 1 43
English for Speakers of Other Languages C727 0 1 0 0 0 1
Geography C733
Graphic Communication C735
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
2
History C737 0 0 0 0 2 2
Hospitality: Practical Cake Craft C738 2 3 1 0 0 6
Hospitality: Practical Cookery C739 4 3 1 1 0 9
Lifeskills Mathematics C744 1 2 2 4 9 18
Mathematics C747 2 0 10 2 9 23
Modern Studies C749 1 2 2 0 2 7
Music Technology C751 0 0 2 0 0 2
Physics C757 0 2 5 3 6 16
Practical Woodworking C762
2 0 0 0 0 5 5
Travel and Tourism C776
TOTALS 22 32 55 16 36 5 164
TOTAL AWARDS (A-C) 109
TOTAL AWARDS (D) 36
TOTAL AWARDS (A-D) 145
NO AWARDS 5
TOTAL 150
FIFTH YEAR NATIONAL 4 SUMMARY
AWARDS
Biology C707
Chemistry C713
3
3
English C724 6
History C737 2
Hospitality: Practical Co C739 1
Lifeskills Mathematics C744 15
Mathematics C747 10
Modern Studies C749 2
Physics C757 6
TOTALS 48
SIXTH YEAR ADVANCED HIGHER GRADE SUMMARY A B C D NA TOTALS
Art and Design: Design C225
Art and Design: Expressive C705
1
2
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
2
Chemistry C012 3 0 3 2 0 8
English C270 1 2 1 0 1 5
Mathematics C747 3 2 2 0 2 9
TOTALS 10 5 7 2 3 27
TOTAL AWARDS (A-C) 22
TOTAL AWARDS (D) 2
TOTAL AWARDS (A-D) 24
119

NO AWARDS 3
TOTAL 27
GRADE
SIXTH YEAR HIGHER GRADE SUMMARY
Art and Design C704
A
0
B
0
C
3
D
0
NA
0
U TOTALS
3
Business Management C710 1 0 5 3 2 11
Chemistry C713
Computing Science C716
1
1
2
3
5
1
0
0
3
0
11
5
English C724 2 7 11 9 6 35
Geography C733
Graphic Communication C735
Health and Food Technology C736
1
0
0
5
1
1
5
0
3
0
0
2
1
0
0
12
1
6
History C737
Human Biology C740
3
1
6
3
0
5
0
5
0
1
9
15
Mathematics C747 1 1 3 2 3 10
Modern Studies C749 8 1 3 2 3 17
Music C750 0 1 0 0 0 1
Personal Development GF2M 0 0 0 0 0 10 10
Photography C755 1 2 4 0 0 7
Physical Education C756 0 2 0 2 1 5
Physics C757 2 0 2 1 4 9
Spanish C769 2 2 2 0 1 7
TOTALS 24 37 52 26 25 10 174
TOTAL AWARDS (A-C) 113
TOTAL UNGRADED AWARDS 10
TOTAL AWARDS (D) 26
TOTAL AWARDS (A-D PLUS UNGRADED) 149
NO AWARDS 25
TOTAL 174
SIXTH YEAR NATIONAL 5 SUMMARY
GRADE
SUBJECT A B C D U NA TOTALS
Biology C707 0 0 0 1 1 2
Computing Science C716 0 0 1 1 0 1
English C724 0 1 4 1 1 7
History C737 0 1 0 0 0 1
Hospitality: Practical Cake Craft C738
Hospitality: Practical Cooking C739
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
2
3
Lifeskills Mathematics C744 0 0 3 1 2 6
Mathematics C747 0 3 5 2 8 18
Modern Studies C749 2 0 1 0 0 3
Music Technology C751 1 1 1 0 0 3
Physical Education C756
Physics C757
Travel and Tourism C776
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
TOTALS 4 9 11 8 9 41
TOTAL AWARDS (A-C) 24
TOTAL AWARDS (D) 8
TOTAL AWARDS (A-D)
UNGRADED AWARDS (U)
32
1
NO AWARDS 9
TOTAL 50
120

SIXTH YEAR NATIONAL 4 SUMMARY
AWARDS
Biology 1
English 2
Hospitality: Practical Cookery C739 1
Lifeskills Mathematics C744 3
Mathematics C747 8
TOTAL AWARDS 15
121

SECTION 37: SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
IMPROVEMENT PLAN TARGETS 2016-17
VISION AND VALUES
Taylor High School is a strong Catholic community of faith and learning which
provides the highest quality of education for all of its young people. We nurture the
physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of all our pupils based on
Gospel values in an environment which promotes respect for others and equality for
all.
Our staff and pupils, their parents and the wider community work in partnership to
promote a positive academic climate where all of our young people are highly engaged
in their learning. Our pupils engage in a range of activities which help them to
understand and appreciate diversity and equality. We encourage and support our
students to be ambitious and constantly challenge them to become successful,
confident and responsible adults who will contribute effectively to society.
In our school we provide young people with a very broad range of experiences to
develop the knowledge, skills and values needed for life. Our curriculum reflects the
school’s vision to help young people be successful learners with the highest possible
level of academic achievement. To do this we provide courses geared to meet the needs
of all of our pupils.
Our young people are actively engaged in their own learning and benefit from the
impact of a diverse range of teaching strategies which increases confidence in their
abilities. They receive a high standard of feedback from our staff, work collaboratively
and access appropriate technology to enhance their learning,
We recognise, encourage and promote pupils’ knowledge, skills, abilities and their
contributions to the school community. We celebrate a broad range of achievements
including academic attainment, endeavour, citizenship and enterprise. There is an ethos
and culture of praise and recognition of achievement in the school, culminating in our
annual Celebrating Success Ceremony.
122

STRUCTURE OF THE PLAN
The plan has four priorities:
Priority 1
Implementation of Curriculum for Excellnce to raise attainment and achievement.
TARGETS
• Learners will experience an enhanced range of National Qualifications and vocational
courses through NLCs Senior Phase partnership arrangements
• Learners attainment in the BGE will be more closely tracked through standardised
testing in S2 in response to the Scottish Attainment Challenge and NLC guidelines
• Learners in S5 will experience improved tracking support through specific subject
targets and a refreshed approach to mentoring
• Learners from disadvantaged backgrounds (SIMD 1-3) will be identified through the
primary liaison programme and school resources deployed to facilitate equity and
support attainment
• Continue to develop the school’s response to Developing Scotland’s Young
Workforce(DYW) with the assistance of a DYW champion and further NLC
provisions.
SUCCESS CRITERIA
• Enhanced range of appropriate National Qualifications and Vocational courses
accessed by Senior Phase students
• Assessment data will be shared with all staff to support better tracking of pupil
progress in the BGE
• Improved tracking of S5 pupil progress facilitating early intervention support
• Identified primary 7 pupils will benefit from early intervention approaches to support
attainment and achievement
• School plans’ for implementing Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce supported
by the work of a DYW champion and further NLC provisions
123

Priority 2
Continuing improvement of learning, teaching and assessment
TARGETS
• Learners will experience a consistent approach to active learning and teaching across
all departments with continued moderation of teacher professional judgement of
Curriculum for Excellence Levels
• Learners will continue to benefit from exposure to literacies across learning, including
literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing and political literacy
• Learners will continue to benefit from access to high quality technology in their
learning with the use of IPads, ICT and Interactive Whiteboards
• The progress of learners will be monitored, tracked and their progress reported on
using SEEMIS to ensure equity and assess the impact of collegiate working, raising
attainment and achievement for all
• Colleagues will continue to follow whole school, authority and national policy on the
use of self-evaluation, monitoring and teacher professional learning
SUCCESS CRITERIA
• departments evident from monitoring and evaluation, sharing good practices,
continued moderation and verification as well as quality learning and teaching
practices
• Classroom observation across all curricular areas shows appropriate evidence of
learners and teachers engaging in literacies and showing improved understanding of
their responsibilities
• Classroom observation across all curricular areas will show evidence of learners and
teachers using technology effectively to enhance learning
• Learner’s progress and achievements are appropriately summarised via the school
reporting and profiling system ensuring policies such as GIRFEC, the NIF and
Leadership and Workforce Development are being implemented effectively
• Self- evaluation policy and practice shows evidence of the use of a successful whole
school monitoring and evaluating calendar and GTCS Professional Update
124

Priority 3
Leadership of change to enhance Health and Wellbeing
TARGETS
• Continue to embed staged intervention approaches to support vulnerable learners
through the use of the in-house Integrated Support Team (IST) meeting in advance of
referral to HART.
• Improved support for learners through the use of an updated pupil support referral
system detailing the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators
• Continue to identify and develop nurturing approaches across the school to support
disadvantaged learners.
• Learners identified as vulnerable are supported through a targeted programme of bilateral
integration
• Continue to support relevant staff in their role as named person or lead professional.
SUCCESS CRITERIA
• Improved outcomes for learners through stage intervention and better targeted supports
• Improved outcomes for all learners through better targeted support.
• Continue to ensure equity for learners through more targeted approaches to nurturing.
• Successful completion of an in-house programme with observation and assessment
data demonstrating improvements in pupil performance
• Relevant staff will access on-going professional development opportunities as
appropriate.
125

Priority 4
Leadership of change to promote a positive School Ethos
TARGETS
• Learners will experience Gospel Values and the social teaching of the Catholic Church
through the religious education programme This is Our Faith
• Learners will experience opportunities to further develop their faith commitment
through charitable fundraising, almsgiving and service to the school and wider
community
• Continue to provide a variety of extra-curricular activities which enhance and
complement the curriculum in order to further support pupils’ development of the four
capacities of a Curriculum for Excellence
• To continue to develop the existing Celebrating Success Programme in order to
recognise academic achievement, consistency in achievement and citizenship
SUCCESS CRITERIA
• Learners will develop a better understanding of their faith using This Is Our Faith
and will have opportunities to celebrate the faith life of the school through
regular prayer and attendance at Holy Mass
• Evidence of learners’ involvement in a wide range of activities including Caritas,
charitable fundraising and other related activities
• A wide-ranging programme of high quality extra-curricular activities exists, is
accessible to all young people and is widely supported by them
• A well established and comprehensive programme exists which recognises
learners’ achievements across the full range of school activities and promotes the
development of the four capacities of CfE
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
The effective delivery of the plan will be monitored in a range of ways. The Senior
Leadership Team, Improvement Planning Team and Principal Teachers will oversee
the plan’s implementation. All staff will also play their part in ensuring the effective
delivery of the plan’s outcomes and action points and in evaluating their effective
delivery.
126

SECTION 38: CONTACT WITH PARENTS
1. Meetings requested by Parents
As has been indicated throughout this Handbook, liaison between teachers and parents
is fundamental to the progress of individual students. Parents should therefore feel free
to contact the school at any time.
They may write or telephone at any time for an interview to be arranged with an
appropriate member of staff, via the Pupil Support Teacher.
Telephone No: 01698 274976
e-mail: enquiries@taylor.n-lanark.sch.uk
2. Meetings arranged by the School
(a) Formal Parents’ Meetings - one held per year for each year group.
(b) Individual Meetings/Contacts
Depute Head Teacher/Pupil Support Staff may request an interview with parents
concerning an aspect of their child’s welfare, progress or behaviour.
3. School Website, Text Message and Twitter
Information for parents is provided by text message, on our school website and on our
twitter feed which we would encourage you to follow.
127

SECTION 39: ASSOCIATED PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Our Lady & St Francis Primary School
H.T. Mrs G Shearer
Christ the King Primary School
H.T. Mrs P McBride
St Teresa's Primary School
H.T. Ms M O'Halleron
St Mary's Primary School
H.T. Mrs P Maxwell
St Patrick's Primary School
H.T. Mrs AM Boyd
Newarthill Road, Carfin
Motherwell
Tel: 01698 274947
Melrose Avenue, Holytown
Motherwell
Tel: 01698 274965
85a Loanhead Road, Newarthill
Motherwell
Tel: 01698 274912
Chapel Street, Cleland
Motherwell
Tel: 01698 274955
Coronation Road East
New Stevenson, Motherwell
Tel: 01698 352528
128

SECTION 40: IMPORTANT ADDRESSES
Executive Director Area Office 19
Learning and Leisure Services
Campbell Street
North Lanarkshire Council
Wishaw
Kildonan Street Tel: 01698 374679
Coatbridge ML5 3BT
Tel: 01236 812222
Skills Development Scotland
Community Services
North Lanarkshire Centre
Bellshill Area
61 Stirling Street John Street
Airdrie
Bellshill
ML6 0AS
Tel: 01236 757400 Tel: 01698 844607
The names of councillors covering the Taylor High School area are given below.
They can be contacted at the Civic Centre, Motherwell.
Tel: 01698 302222
S. Farooq
H. McKenna
P. Nolan
P. O’Rourke
Continuous Improvement Officers Morag Hay and Phil McGhee
Additional Support Needs (ASN) Manager Steven Gallagher
Contacts relating to Additional Support Needs are available from:
Additional Support Manager
Berryhill Primary School
Hillcrest Avenue
Wishaw
Tel: 01698 274656
Steven Gallagher may be contacted directly or through the school.
You can also get more help and advice from:
Enquire – the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. Operated by
Children in Scotland, Enquire offers independent confidential advice and information
on additional support for learning. Enquire also provide a range of factsheets.
0845 123 2303
info@enquire.org.uk
www.enquire.org.uk for parents and practitioners
www.enquire.org.uk/yp for children and young people
Resolve
129

0131 222 2456
(Independent Adjudicator)
Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance
Melrose House
69a George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2JG
0131 260 5380
enquiry@siaa.org.uk
www.siaa.org.uk
Reference to Additional Support Needs Tribunal (Scotland)
ASNTS
Europa Building
450 Argyle Street
Glasgow
G2 8LH
Helpline: 0845 120 2906
Fax: 0141 242 0141
E.Mail: ASNTSinquiries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
NHS Lanarkshire
Bellshill
Bellshill Health Centre 01698 575700
Motherwell
Motherwell Health Centre 01698 242610
Social Work
Bellshill
303 Main Street 01698 346666
Bellshill
ML4 1AW
Motherwell
Scott House
73/77 Merry Street 01698 332100
Motherwell
ML11 1JE
130

131

SECTION 42: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A.H.
A.S.P.
COMMON COURSE
CONSORTIUM
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
CO-OPERATIVE TEACHING
C.P.D.
C.S.P.
CURRICULUM
DIARY / PLANNER
D.S.M.
E.I.L.
E.M.A
ETHOS
F.E.
H.E.
L.S.
MIXED ABILITY CLASSES OR
GROUPS
NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
NQ UNITS
P7/S1
P.S.H.E.
P.S.T.
P.T.
‘S’ GRADES
S.Q.A.
TERTIARY EDUCATION
T.S.S
WORK EXPERIENCE
Advanced Higher
Additional Support Plan
The subjects followed by all pupils in First and Second
Years.
An association of schools and a Further Education
College in an area which provides as wide a variety of
courses as possible for senior pupils.
Assessment based on regular evaluation of course
work often supplemented by regular tests.
Refers to the presence of more than one teacher in a
classroom enabling added help to be given to individual pupils.
Continuous Professional Development.
Coordinated Support Plan
All the experiences of learning which are planned and
organised by the school.
A booklet issued to all pupils at the beginning of each
session to help them record homework and plan their
studies.
Devolved School Management.
Education-Industry Links.
Education Maintenance Allowance.
The general atmosphere aimed at within the school.
Further Education
Higher Education
Learning Support
Pupils of a wide range of ability taught together as a
class. The work of such a group is often
based on individual and group assignments.
Post-16 course structure from 1999 onwards.
National Qualifications elements, normally of 40 hours
duration, which can be free-standing or contribute to a
course award.
Primary 7/Secondary Year One.
Personal Social and Health Education.
Pupil Support Team (formerly generally referred to as
‘Guidance’).
Principal Teacher
Standard Grades
Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Post Secondary school education such as is provided
by colleges, universities, further education
establishments.
Team Sports (Scotland)
An opportunity for potential school leavers to mix with
adults in work
132

Although this information is accurate at time of printing, there could be changes
affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document –
a. before the commencement or during the course of the school year in
question.
b. in relation to subsequent school years.
Education Authorities are required by law to issue a copy of the school handbook to
certain parents in December each year. It details the current policies and practices of
both the council and the school.
133

SECTION 42: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A.H.
A.S.P.
COMMON COURSE
CONSORTIUM
CONTINUOUS
ASSESSMENT
CO-OPERATIVE
TEACHING
C.P.D.
C.S.P.
CURRICULUM
DIARY / PLANNER
D.S.M.
E.I.L.
E.M.A
ETHOS
F.E.
H.E.
L.S.
MIXED ABILITY
CLASSES OR
GROUPS
NATIONAL
QUALIFICATIONS
NQ UNITS
P7/S1
P.S.H.E.
P.S.T.
P.T.
‘S’ GRADES
S.Q.A.
TERTIARY
EDUCATION
Advanced Higher
Additional Support Plan
The subjects followed by all pupils in First and Second
Years.
An association of schools and a Further Education
College in an area which provides as wide a variety of
courses as possible for senior pupils.
Assessment based on regular evaluation of course
work often supplemented by regular tests.
Refers to the presence of more than one teacher in a
classroom enabling added help to be given to individual
pupils.
Continuous Professional Development.
Coordinated Support Plan
All the experiences of learning which are planned and
organised by the school.
A booklet issued to all pupils at the beginning of each
session to help them record homework and plan their
studies.
Devolved School Management.
Education-Industry Links.
Education Maintenance Allowance.
The general atmosphere aimed at within the school.
Further Education
Higher Education
Learning Support
Pupils of a wide range of ability taught together as a
class. The work of such a group is often
based on individual and group assignments.
Post-16 course structure from 1999 onwards.
National Qualifications elements, normally of 40 hours
duration, which can be free-standing or contribute to a
course award.
Primary 7/Secondary Year One.
Personal Social and Health Education.
Pupil Support Team (formerly generally referred to as
‘Guidance’).
Principal Teacher
Standard Grades
Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Post Secondary school education such as is provided
by colleges, universities, further education
134

T.S.S
WORK EXPERIENCE
establishments.
Team Sports (Scotland)
An opportunity for potential school leavers to mix with
adults in work
Although this information is accurate at time of printing, there could be changes
affecting any of the matters dealt with in the document –
a. before the commencement or during the course of the school year in
question.
b. in relation to subsequent school years.
Education Authorities are required by law to issue a copy of the school handbook to
certain parents in December each year. It details the current policies and practices of
both the council and the school.
135

Taylor High School
Carfin Street
New Stevenston
Motherwell
ML1 4JP
Tel: (01698) 274976
Fax: (01698) 833086
Web: http://www.taylorhs.org.uk
Twitter: taylorhs1982