Brief Updates 2019/20
Wednesday 23 October - We are delighted to say that Jack Young in S6 has been accepted into the prestigious New York Academy of Sciences’ Junior Academy. The New York Academy of Sciences is one of the country’s oldest and most widely respected scientific organisations. As a member of The Junior Academy, Jack will have the opportunity to collaborate with nearly 3,000 students from 94 countries on virtual STEM education challenges sponsored by industry leading companies. These challenges are designed by the Academy’s education experts to help students develop 21st-century skills as they prepare for the jobs of the future.
Well done Jack and we wish you well in this venture!
Well done Jack and we wish you well in this venture!
Wednesday 23 October - Pupils enjoyed their opportunity to get a henna tattoo today as part of our Global Diversity Awareness Month. Our talented team will also be back next Wednesday if you missed out today!
Monday 21 October - Please take a little time to look at our Standards & Quality Report for session 2018/2019, which can be found under the 'ABOUT US' tab. I hope this document gives you a feel of our pupils significant achievements. We are very proud of the continued positive direction of our school, and in the excellent relationships between pupils, staff, parents/carers and the local community. Please have a look at the report and feel free to contact us to provide your own views and possible feedback.
Additional Study Support for S4, S5 and S6 pupils can be found under the 'PUPIL ZONE' tab, then 'Supported Study'
Monday 21 October - AH Music pupils along with some Drama pupils enjoyed a visit to the Theatre Royal in Glasgow this evening, where they were introduced to opera with Tosca Unwrapped. This was a taster session, giving an insight into the performance and how it is created.
Friday 11 October - In-Service day today for staff who will all be taking part in a whole day Pivotal Education Workshop, looking at behaviour management and focusing on classroom practice that eradicates low level disruption and refocuses everyone on the learning. Ultimately leading to a shift in expectations in every classroom and from every adult.
As we look forward to our October break next week, we wish all pupils and staff a relaxing holiday. Return date is Monday 21 October, with our usual 8:50 am prompt start.
It will be an exciting week for S6 pupil Molly Barry, as she goes off to Houston in Texas, having gained one of only 10 places to Space School. Molly will enjoy VIP tours of the Johnson Space Centre, meet astronauts and visit Mission Control. We wish her a fantastic trip!
As we look forward to our October break next week, we wish all pupils and staff a relaxing holiday. Return date is Monday 21 October, with our usual 8:50 am prompt start.
It will be an exciting week for S6 pupil Molly Barry, as she goes off to Houston in Texas, having gained one of only 10 places to Space School. Molly will enjoy VIP tours of the Johnson Space Centre, meet astronauts and visit Mission Control. We wish her a fantastic trip!
Thursday 10 October - Over 20 of our pupils were trained by the Local Authority Youth Services Team, on Monday 9 October, and then led focus groups today looking at our Personal and Social Education Curriculum. This detail will led to changes within our curriculum, will also be fed back to the Local Authority, and then finally fed back to the Scottish Government.
We are delighted that the views of our pupils clearly matter.
We are delighted that the views of our pupils clearly matter.
Thursday 10 October - The Gryffe High Support for Learning Team showing their support for ADHD Week.
Thursday 10 October - 'Clap It/Wrap it' had a bake sale today in order to raise funds for their Young Enterprise registration and for the purchase of start up stock. Gryffe High School are participating in this yearly event and are looking to fulfil the stationery needs of Renfrewshire.
Wednesday 9 October - Tonight was the last session of Activ8, which is now in its 10th year. Activ8 is our annual spread of activities on offer, aimed at keeping active bodies and active minds for the 8 weeks of our first term. Doodle and Destress and Drama Club were busy activities with a very wide range of other activities happening in our PE facilities. Although Activ8 finishes now until August 2020 for year 11, there are various extended curricular opportunities around the school on offer on different days of the week with some new clubs set to begin on Wednesdays after school as a follow on from Activ8.
Wednesday 9 October - Miss Brown and Miss Still attended the @growingupinscot conference today. An insightful day into child development. This year’s conference aimed to explore the latest findings and hear about future plans for the GUS survey. Topics covered from the findings included overweight, obesity, cognitive development, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and youth work.
Tuesday 8 October - Pupils teach the staff about ADHD. After school, pupils - Ben, Jack and Nathan - gave a presentation to over 20 staff on how ADHD affects them, along with Duncan who is Ben's S6 Buddy. They provided strategies that staff could use to help them in class. Ben and Duncan created a handout for staff, with support from Miss O'Hara, and made a small video clip to help raise awareness of ADHD.
Tuesday 8 October - The October LETTER, has been uploaded and can be found under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Letters'. The letter has also been sent out via SMHW.
Monday 7 October - Sixteen S5 pupils completed their Silver DofE Practice Expedition over the weekend, Friday to Sunday. Their location was in the Aberfoyle Area. Our four DofE Young Leaders were with them.
Sunday 6 October - Very well done to Leo Downes in S3 who achieved a Bronze Medal today at the Scottish Gymnastics National Championships in Perth. This was in the Trampolining NDP4 13+ category, which is a new level for Leo. Watch his performance on the Gryffe High Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/gryffehighschool/videos/769872046795721/
Sunday 6 October - What a performance by former pupil Callum Hawkins, as he finished fourth in the World Champs. It really was a fantastic and well-timed run from Callum who clocked 2.10.57. The winning time was 2.10.40. A matter of seconds....how amazing is that. Very well done Callum!
Picture courtesy of British Athletics.
Picture courtesy of British Athletics.
Thursday 3 October - A big thank you to Professor Adam McBride OBE who gave two inspiring and interactive lectures to S1 and S5/6 pupils on “Mathematics in our Modern World” today. This was just one of many activities happening across the school to celebrate Maths Week. Gryffe also hosted the Enterprising Maths regional heat for Renfrewshire yesterday. This is a Scottish Mathematical Council competition, for teams of S3 and S4 pupils.
Thursday 3 October - S6 Wellbeing Ambassadors, Matthew Cliff and Laura Workman joined Miss O'Hara in representing the school at the Mental Health Foundation 70th Anniversary Evening Reception held last night. This took place at 'The Lighthouse' in Glasgow. The event detailed the crucial work that has been undertaken in the prevention of mental health problems spanning the last seven decades.
Wednesday 2 October -The October NEWSLETTER, has been uploaded and can be found under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Newsletters'.
Tuesday 1 October - What a day on Thursday! A fitting finish to Gryffestyles week, with over 400 pupils (from S1 to S6) taking part in the 3K Fun Run organised by S6 Sports Ambassadors and the PE Department. P7 pupils from our associated primary schools also ran in the event. 3K Fun Run proceeds go to LGBT Youth Scotland...... Well done to all!
Be sure to check out both our Gallery of pictures by the Media Team and video with Peter (our Sports Reporter) and Robbie on camera.
https://sway.office.com/DWbPXIAVPuE7giIH?ref=Link
https://youtu.be/1xOcti-ca9M
Be sure to check out both our Gallery of pictures by the Media Team and video with Peter (our Sports Reporter) and Robbie on camera.
https://sway.office.com/DWbPXIAVPuE7giIH?ref=Link
https://youtu.be/1xOcti-ca9M
Wednesday 25 September - European Day of Languages was celebrated across the school today. Thanks to our amazing S6 Language Ambassadors for leading the event. The day included an S1 fun and fact filled assembly accompanied by reggaeton-a-thon, world photo booth and a charity bake sale.
Wednesday 25 September - A great World Challenge launch for parents last night! Thanks so much to our amazing past challengers who I think said more about the benefits of World Challenge then we ever could have! So the sign up is on! Anyone interested please sign up online by 10th October. See Miss Still or Mr Findlay if you have missed the information evening but are still interested!
Vietnam, here we come!
Vietnam, here we come!
Tuesday 24 September - Yesterday was S1 Health Day at Gryffe. This being the start of Gryffestyles Week. Pupils attended various Wellbeing workshops with the morning being kicked off with a bang by Brian Costello from Headstrong! More details in this months newsletter.
Monday 23 September - All pupils in S4-6 received a letter about the Senior Phase Parent Information Evening, which will take place on Monday 7 October, 6pm - 8pm. This event will begin with a subject showcase, which will provide parents with information about individual courses, such as assessment and coursework information, homework expectations and study support. This will be followed by two presentations in the theatre: Miss Holmes, PT Pupil Support, will talk about how we recognise & promote achievements and Brian Costello, from Headstrong Scotland, will talk about helping young people cope with exam pressure.
Monday 23 September - Today was very special for S4 pupil Sasha Kaloheris, who was given the opportunity to be interviewed live on Celtic Music Radio. Sasha also impressed listeners with her music - all her own compositions. Amazing talent.
Listen to the podcast here -
http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php…
Photo used with kind permission of Celtic Music Radio.
Listen to the podcast here -
http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php…
Photo used with kind permission of Celtic Music Radio.
Friday 20 September - History pupils are currently in Poland and yesterday they had a tour of Auschwitz Birkenau. Their tour guide stated that it was a pleasure to be with "exceptional" pupils this afternoon. Today, they will visit a Jewish Museum and meet with a Holocaust survivor. These are lessons which will stay with the group forever.
| Gryffestyles Week 2019 |
Thursday 19 September - Please read the attached letter which provides information on our Health Awareness Gryffestyles Week, including timings for our 3K Fun Run.
Wednesday 18 September - Gavin Newlands MP on Twitter - 'One of the few professional benefits of prorogation is being able to attend more Community Councils. So my thanks to Houston CC for allowing me to attend this evening. Great to hear the contribution of @GryffeHighSch pupils. Would be good to see this replicated at other CC's.'
Please note some changes to the school calendar for later this session.
VE Day holiday has been confirmed at Friday 8 May 2020 .... we had that already in our calendar. However there are two confirmed extra In-Service Days
Wednesday 6 May becomes an Additional In-Service Day (Our calendar had it originally as Thursday 30 April, so the Thursday 30th will be a normal school day)
Thursday 7 May becomes an In-Service Day (It had originally been Friday 1 May, so Friday 1 May becomes a normal school day)
Friday 8 May is the May Day Holiday (We had originally predicted this)
All changes will be made in the school calendar, under the Calendar tab above.
Monday 16 September - 'Parents in Partnership' initiative continues with Parents enjoying sessions in HFT and PE this morning, followed by an information session on ‘Teaching and Learning’. Last week it was the turn of Modern Languages, Science and Wellbeing. Parents can be seen here learning about the pH scale and identifying the pH value of some household substances. This mirrors what S1 pupils are learning at the moment in 'Becoming a Scientist'. In PE they were very quick to learn a routine.
Thursday 12 September - The whole of S1 and S2 took part in a STEM roadshow presented in partnership with BAE Systems, the RAF and the Royal Navy. This event is designed to enhance the interest of young people in Engineering and the opportunities that are available for them in this field. The presentation was exciting, interactive and showcased a range of new technologies, based around the theme of connectivity and communication.
Wednesday 11 September - The Media Team had a great afternoon making the news at Sky Academy Skills Studio in Livingston. All 16 pupils worked very hard taking on their various roles as presenters, editors, experts, reporters or working with cameras. Have a look at the news report that they produced as they learned about the value of good teamwork when working under pressure. Well done to all of the pupils!
https://youtu.be/fefQJ8rGs6A
https://youtu.be/fefQJ8rGs6A
Friday 6 September
The wait is over...
It's been announced...
The excitement begins...
The wait is over...
It's been announced...
The excitement begins...
Friday 6 September - Mrs Jardine reports that the Modern Studies and History pupils have had an amazing day in London. They left school at 10pm last night and dropped off at the Horse Guards Parade. They walked up the Mall to Trafalgar Square and had a quick stop for breakfast. They met Lord Melvyn Bragg who was kind enough to stop for a picture. The pupils then went on to have a tour of Parliament and take part in a workshop. After lunch it was time for a visit to the Imperial War Museum where all pupils visited the Holocaust section. All 43 pupils have been amazing. They answered lots of questions, asked some of their own and were incredibly respectful in the IWM - all on very little sleep! We are very proud of them and have loved the day, but cannot wait for our beds!
Have a look at some more pictures on our Facebook album -
https://www.facebook.com/pg/gryffehighschool/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2453454228222804
Have a look at some more pictures on our Facebook album -
https://www.facebook.com/pg/gryffehighschool/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2453454228222804
Thursday 5 September - S3 pupils in Graphic Communication are currently working with Mill Magazine to create a page layout for the Nov/Dec issues. Owner Paul Dickson visited our pupils yesterday to introduce them to the brief. He will judge the best entry and it will be published in the next issue. Pupils were keen to ask Paul all about his company and what the role of graphic designer is really like.
We look forward to Paul continuing to work with our pupils and seeing our winner's design in print.
We look forward to Paul continuing to work with our pupils and seeing our winner's design in print.
Digital Ninja?
Do you want to design your own App ?
Win a trip to London?
If so, then you need to join the Digital Ninjas.........
Wednesday 4 September -The September NEWSLETTER, has been uploaded and can be found under the 'NEWS' tab, then 'Newsletters'.
Tuesday 3 September - Great to see the Gryffe Duke of Edinburgh team out again. Miss Badger reports that our Young Leaders are doing a fantastic job with their map reading skills and planning route cards for our Bronze group.
Tuesday 3 September - Advanced Higher Spanish pupils enjoyed a trip yesterday to see Spanish filmmaker Almodóvar’s new release at the Glasgow Film Theatre, followed by some authentic Spanish Tapas.
Monday 2 September - The Monday 'Parents in Partnership' group enjoyed Maths and Music this morning. It is amazing what you can learn in Music in 25 minutes!
https://www.facebook.com/1809604165941150/posts/2450432041858356/
https://www.facebook.com/1809604165941150/posts/2450432041858356/
Thursday 29 August - Here are your S6 Wellbeing Ambassadors this year. All pupils will have a specific Wellbeing responsibility and can be recognised as they wear a purple Wellbeing lanyard.
Tuesday 27 August - Delighted to see so many new faces at the first Parent Council meeting of the new term last night. There were 24 parents in attendance and they had the opportunity to meet some of this year's PMG (Pupil Management Group) and hear all about their plans for the coming session. They also heard from Aaron Mills, who gave a most interesting and impassioned impromptu account of his recent World Challenge expedition to Bolivia. There was then some great discussion on several topics including Activities Week, DofE and SQA Exam Results. More detail in the September newsletter.
Monday 26 August - Over the course of the next six weeks, over thirty S1 parents have gone ‘back to school’ for our Parents in Partnership Programme. The unique programme involves parents attending class and experiencing the teaching methods and vocabulary their children encounter on a daily basis within Gryffe. This is our fourth cycle of the programme and due to the ever increasing popularity, for the first time we are excited to offer the programme twice a week. Mr Anderson and Mr Findlay would like to thank all parents and staff for their involvement in the initiative. Our picture shows some concentrated faces in Art today learning weaving skills.
Friday 23 August - Our S6 Pupil Management Group at their weekly 8:00 am breakfast meeting. School Captains Lewis Da Silva and Lauren Rodgers chair the meeting, with Mr Johnson, Mrs Brown and Mr Findlay present. Our young school leaders discussed, and created points of action, on: Wellbeing; Communites; Citizenship; Charities; Eco; Models of Excellence; House Captains and initiatives; and achievements. We also discussed Team Building, Houston Community Council meetings and pupil/staff photographs to help all know who is leading and driving initiatives. A very busy and productive meeting from a group of young leaders who are, without doubt, driving improvement within Gryffe and the community.
Wednesday 21 August - Well done to Craig Ross, Mirren Murray and Matthew Hill who attended the Houston Community Council Meeting at Houston & Killellan Church Hall. They updated the Community Council on the school commitment to keep the community clean, with a particular focus on South Street and the South Mound, as well as our Eco and Green Flag achievements, including our aim of requesting an electronic car charging station within the Gryffe High School Car Park. They also spoke of other achievements within Gryffe, detailed within our newsletters, and including our School Show and Dance Show where there is always an open invitation to the local community to attend.
Wednesday 21 August - S6 Wellbeing Ambassadors received training today at Houston & Killellan Church hall. As always the pupils were engaged, motivated & excited to support the Wellbeing of Gryffe over the next year. Please keep an eye out for them out and about in the community. See their first newsletter article (4th Sept) for full details.
Monday 19 August - S4 Work ExperienceWe have now extended the deadline for completion of S4 work experience forms to Friday 30th August 2019. Beyond this point, we cannot confirm that there will be sufficient time to secure council clearance for placements and, as a result, pupils in this position will not be guaranteed to take part in the work experience programme.
Please support this worthwhile experience and encourage your child to return the completed form in advance of 30th August. All forms should be handed to Mrs Carmichael.
Please support this worthwhile experience and encourage your child to return the completed form in advance of 30th August. All forms should be handed to Mrs Carmichael.
Monday 19 August - This year we are organising an Activities Week for all S1, S2 and S3 pupils in order to offer a wide range of educational experiences that we cannot normally provide during the school year. We have tried to provide an exciting and varied programme for these days and we hope that every pupil will be able to take part. Please find the details in the document below.
| Activities Week Booklet May 2020 |
Thursday 15 August - We were delighted to have all our pupils return to school today, looking forward to a great year ahead. Every year group had an Assembly where we reiterated our commitment to our School Values and Charter; our procedures for things like attendance, latecoming, lockers, social areas and behaviour in the community; Fire procedures; Activ8 and key dates of importance over the next few weeks. We also stated and explained how our school continues to improve year on year in both pupil achievements and in the SQA Examination Results - last year had been our most successful year for results, and this year our pupils managed to improve yet again in 7 out of the 9 key benchmarks areas......... fantastic.
We would also like to thank all parents/carers for their support in the introduction of Blazers across all year groups. We had just over 95% of pupils wearing Blazers today, incredible, and most of the pupils not in Blazers have actually ordered one. Our aim, as you would expect, is for ALL pupils to be in Blazers.
We would also like to thank all parents/carers for their support in the introduction of Blazers across all year groups. We had just over 95% of pupils wearing Blazers today, incredible, and most of the pupils not in Blazers have actually ordered one. Our aim, as you would expect, is for ALL pupils to be in Blazers.
