news
December Newsletter
The newsletter is now out and available to download from the within Parents, Teachers and Students sections.
November Newsletter
The newsletter is now out and available to download from the website.
Am Baile - Highland Council’s awarding-winning website
The website has been refreshed with a new look design, improved navigation and new features.
To enhance your experience of the site we have restructured the navigation and have provided additional links to features throughout the site. This will make it easier for you to browse and enjoy the huge variety of materials and different media types on offer.
The website is full of interesting and fascinating resources that are not to be missed so we have brought together materials in many different ways to highlight the wonderful collections available for you to enjoy.
October Newsletter
The October newsletter is now out.
It can be downloaded in full colour from the downloads section within each section.
Industrial Action
Industrial Action by Members of Local Government Trade Unions on Wednesday 24 September 2008
As you may be aware, local government trade unions have announced that their members will take industrial action on Wednesday 24 September 2008. This action will involve a range of staff including janitorial, catering, cleaning and childcare education workers, classroom and pupil support assistants and administrative staff.
Having ascertained the number and range of the school’s staff who will be taking industrial action on this occasion, and taking into account the duty of care towards pupils, I have to tell you that the school will be open on Wednesday only for pupils in S5 and S6. Parents of pupils in S5/6 who attend the Learning Centre will receive a separate communication with regard to availability of transport.
Please note that
There will be no school meals service. As school meals will not be available, you should provide your child with a packed lunch on Wednesday, or make alternative arrangements.
First Aid cover will be limited. In the event that a pupil needs medical attention or first aid we will be in touch with parents or other emergency contacts immediately and, if necessary, take the pupil to the local hospital.
The school office will be closed for the day. Consequently, it is likely to be very difficult to contact the school by phone, fax or the “enquiries@” e-mail address.
I very much regret this temporary disruption to normal arrangements for children and fully understand how difficult it can be for parents to make alternative arrangements under circumstances like these. However, I am sure you will understand that I have to give the safety and welfare of pupils the highest priority.
Should the position in our school change, I will inform you as quickly as possible.
Yours sincerely
WILLIAM CROSSAN
Rector
CGS Re-open Monday 25 August
The school will re-open on Monday 25 August at 9.00 am.
The emergency closure of the school on Thursday was necessitated by the failure of the main water supply tank. The damage suffered was NOT extensive and no classrooms were affected, but with the water and power off and the fire brigade pumping the water out of the damaged tank, the school could not stay open.
Work was begun on Thursday to restore the water supply, dry out the electrical wiring where it was affected by the burst and to clean up generally. This work continued into Friday and consequently the school had to remain closed for that day also.
Property Services Department staff have now confirmed that it will be possible to re-open on Monday 25 August. All pupils and staff should return on Monday.
School Closure update
The school will be closed on Friday 22. Further updates and information will be made available on Friday afternoon.
School Closure
The main water tank has burst and school was dismissed at 10.30 with buses arriving at that time for outlining areas. Please watch this page or to listen to the local radio for updates.
School Opening
CGS will be open normally on Wednesday 20 August.
As office staff will be reduced, it may not be possible to respond promptly to telephone calls.
Pupils receive exam results
More than 150,000 pupils across Scotland have been receiving their exam results.
Pass rates at Higher and Standard Grade were at their highest level since the new system came in eight years ago. For Highers, the pass rate rose 1.7% in a year, while overall figures were said to have shown a “small but encouraging” increase in attainment. The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said total entries for courses had increased on previous years at all levels apart from Standard Grade. More here. The Careers Scotland helpline is 0808 100 8000 and offers advice on different courses and opportunities available. The SQA candidate helpline is 0845 278 8080.
June Newsletter
The June newsletter is now out.
You will find it as usual, under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students.
Website survey
The CGS website has now been online for just over a year, with over 37,286 hits.
We have put together a short survey that will help develop the site further. Please could you take a few minutes and fill out the survey. It has been extended until 20 June. The survey is open to all users of the site, and can be found here.
May Newsletter
The May newsletter is now out and available to download.
You will find it as usual, under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students.
April Newsletter
The April school newsletter is now out and available to download.
You will find it as usual, under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students.
Half-term
The school will close for half-term on the 4th April and will reopen on the 21st April.
S3 Exams also start on the 21st April.
March Newsletter out
The March newsletter is now available to download.
You will find it as usual, under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students
Also, for pupils, the History download files have been updated and Geography S5 and S4 downloads have been added to the homework pages.
Recipe Books
CGS Recipe Books are available to download.
The Home Economics Department have produced a number of Recipe Books from the following levels S1, S2, S3 and Int2 which are available to download. These are in .pdf format and can be found here.
February Newsletter and other news
The February Newsletter is now available to download.
You will find it as usual, under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students. Back issues of the newsletter are also now available on the same page under the ‘Resources section’, sub heading Download Archive’. If you would like to have the newsletter sent to you by email you can subscribe here.
Also available to download is an updated points ahead for February and S2, S4, S5 and S6 Subject choices and options from the Students download section.
School Closure – Friday 1st February
Due to the adverse weather warnings for Thursday p.m. through to Friday all day the school will be closed on Friday.
I have been advised that there could be severe difficulty for all forms of transport tomorrow due to the adverse weather warnings for Thursday p.m. through to Friday all day. West Coast Motors have been informed that gritting will only take place between the hours of 12 noon and 3.30 p.m. on Friday only. As a result there is no guarantee that school buses will operate. In addition the roads may not be clear for normal traffic. Therefore the school will close at 3.35 p.m. today (Thursday 31st January 2008) and will re open as normal on Monday 4th February at 9 a.m.
If the situation has not improved by Monday we will be in contact by text messaging on Monday morning.Information will be relayed on the local radio from 7 a.m. The school will be staffed from 7 am on Monday if you wish confirmation by telephone.
Yours sincerely
MICHAEL CASEY
Depute Rector
CGS Standards & Quality Report 2006-07
The Report is available to download.
It covers the following areas: Introduction, What we aimed to improve in 2006-07, What we intend to improve in 2007-08, Attainment, SQA results 2007, What did our pupils do when they left school?, Other achievements and Conclusion. You can download this document from the downloads section from within the Parents, Teachers and Students sections.
January Newsletter
The January newsletter is now available to download.
You will find it under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students. Back issues of the newsletter are also now available on the same page under the ‘Resources section’, sub heading Download Archive’. If you would like to have the newsletter sent to you by email you can subscribe here.
The Herald - Student Showcase
In today's Herald - (The Society section, Tuesday, 18th December) there is a showcase of students work.
Pictures of students Work from fifth and sixth at CGS made in the Hospitality Department as part of a cake decorating project during 2006. You can also see the pictures online at the Herald here.
December Newsletter
The December newsletter is out and available to download.
You will find it under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students. There is lots of news and information about what has been happening over the last month. If you would like to have the newsletter sent to you by email you can subscribe here.
Anti Bullying Week
This is anti bullying week.
It is the responsibility of everyone in the school community to do their best to prevent bullying. This includes treating other people with respect, telling a responsible adult if you are worried about being bullied or if you think someone is being bullied and making sure you do not encourage bullying by laughing or joining in when someone is being called names, hurt or humiliated in any way.
Remember, by doing nothing you become part of the problem!
Code of Professionalism and Conduct
A Code of Professionalism and Conduct for the teaching profession has been launched by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
A consultation on a Code of Professionalism and Conduct for the teaching profession has been launched by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). The Draft Code of Professionalism and Conduct sets out the key principles and values for registered teachers in Scotland, within the GTCS framework of standards. The Code and guidance also explains to members of the public the standard of conduct expected of registered teachers. More information here.
PTA Coffee Morning
A PTA Coffee Morning will take place this Saturday November 10.
The PTA Coffee Morning is Saturday in the Town Hall. All donations gratefully received to school office or the Town Hall on Saturday.
Heating System - School Closure
Update Fixed, so school will be open as usual!
As stated in the October newsletter we have been having problems with the heating system within the school. The system’s control panel developed a fault during Tuesday evening which shut down the heating/hot water boiler. As a result there has been no heating or hot water in the school today. Local electricians were called to the school first thing this morning but could not repair the fault. The fault was then passed on to the Clerk of Works. A heating engineer is travelling to the school this afternoon from Glasgow and I have been informed by the Clerk of Works that he is confident that the fault will be rectified and the boiler will be operational for school tomorrow.
In the unlikely event that there is no heating and hot water then the school will be closed until the fault is rectified. Information will be sent out by:
Text message to main guardian if we have their mobile number
Argyll FM Radio at 7.00am, 7.30 am, 8.00 am and 8.30am
If the school has to remain closed for more than one day then please listen to announcements on the radio at the same time each day. A separate text message will also be sent at 7am each morning
For those families who are outwith the local radio transmission area or for whom we do not have a mobile number then I would ask you to telephone the school after 7am for information about the school being opened or closed.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Casey
Depute Rector
November Newsletter
The November issue of the CGS Newsletter is out.
You will find it under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students. There is lots of news and information about what has been happening over the last month. If you would like to have the newsletter sent to you by email you can subscribe here.The October issue is still available here.
St Andrew’s Day and Winter Festival
The Scottish Government announced the launch for St Andrew's Day and Winter Festival.
The Scottish Government announced on Friday the launch by First Minister Alex Salmond of programmes for St Andrew’s Day and Winter Festival.
Scotland’s Winter Festival runs from November, with celebrations around the country from St Andrew’s Day on November 30 through Hogmanay to Burns Season at the end of January.
Highlights for St Andrew’s Day include:
Young people getting involved, with resource packs sent to all schools and pre-schools with ideas on how to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop said, ‘St Andrew’s Day is for all of Scotland but our children have a special role to play, injecting excitement and energy into the celebrations.’
New Release
October Newsletter
The October issue of the CGS Newsletter is out and available here only in full colour.
You will find it under the ‘downloads’ section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students. There is lots of news and information about what has been happening over the last month. If you would like to have the newsletter sent to you by email you can subscribe here.The September issue is still available here.
CGS Sept Newsletter
The September issue of the school newsletter is now available for you to download on the website.
You will find it under the downloads section within each main sub-section of the site. Those being, Parents, Teachers and Students. There is lots of news and information on what has been happening at the school since our return in August. As mentioned in the newsletter the revised school meal price list and five-week menu cycle will be available on the website during the week of the 17 September. If you would like to have the newsletter sent to you by email you can subscribe here.
Danger from food and drink additives is exposed
Parents are to be warned of the dangers of giving their young children drinks, sweets and cakes containing specified artificial additives.
The Guardian reports that parents are to be warned of the dangers of giving their young children drinks, sweets and cakes containing specified artificial additives, as a result of new findings being made public for the first time which confirm their link with hyperactivity and disruptive behaviour.
The government’s Food Standards Agency is taking the significant step of issuing revised guidance to consumers recommending that they steer clear of products containing certain E-numbers if their children are showing signs of hyperactivity or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Read the full article on The Guardian website.
Discipline in schools
Pupils are encouraged to face up to the consequences of bad behaviour.
An approach which encourages pupils to face up to the consequences of bad behaviour is helping to improve discipline in Scottish classrooms, according to an evaluation report on restorative practices. Pilots were held in three parts of Scotland - Highland, North Lanarkshire and Fife - and the approach was found to have the potential to make a real difference in promoting positive behaviour and dealing with serious indiscipline. The research concluded that restorative practices were ‘a powerful and effective approach to promoting harmonious relationships in school and to the successful resolution of conflict and harm’. Download the report - 1mb pdf.file /Full report of evaluation of restorative practices in 3 Scottish councils.
Improved Higher results
The Herald reports that pupils who sat their Standard Grade exams a year early last week are celebrating vastly improved Higher results, according to official statistics.
The latest set of exam results shows that pupils at schools which pioneered so-called “early presentation” of Standard Grade have benefited from an extra year of preparation for their Highers. Although only a small number of schools have adopted early presentation for entire year groups - and results are not available for all of them - figures from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) show that some have seen significant improvement at Higher level. Improved Higher Results
Students to escape graduate tax
Students graduating from university this summer will not have to pay their graduate endowment fees.
Announcing the beginning of the end for the levy paid by Scottish students studying in Scotland, Fiona Hyslop said all students would benefit from the move immediately.
The end of the endowment payment was a key manifesto pledge by the Scottish National party. It is expected to get the backing of the Liberal Democrats.
Some 10,000 students are liable to pay the fee each year, so the announcement was “good news for them, their families and for Scotland”, said Ms Hyslop.
The endowment fee is paid when students complete their degrees. It is currently set at just under £2,300. The money generated from the levy is ring-fenced to fund bursaries for poorer students. The cost of scrapping the fees will be around £15m, but Ms Hyslop guaranteed that the money distributed through bursaries and grants this year would be funded directly by the executive.
The graduate endowment was introduced in 2001 when the executive agreed to scrap tuition fees, which were introduced by Westminster in 1997.
But in a speech to the executive this afternoon, the minister said the endowment was an “inefficient way of raising income” and the policy had benefited no one.
“In the three years it has been in operation, two-thirds of all those who were due to pay the fee have not paid it back directly but have simply added the fee to their student loan. The costs associated with the resulting interest rate subsidy means that the taxpayer loses around one-third of all the income collected.”
She added: “I believe that the basic principle of Scottish education is that it should be based on the ability to learn - not the ability to pay. My announcement today is a critical step towards achieving this vision not just for today’s students, but for tomorrow’s, as well as for their families, our society and the whole of Scotland.”
The minister said she planned to introduce a bill to scrap the graduate endowment in the autumn.
As expected, Ms Hyslop stopped short of replacing student loans with means-tested grants and cancelling debt repayments, two other higher education manifesto pledges. She said these would be considered in the next spending review.
Universities Scotland, the umbrella organisation of the higher education sector, said it was “entirely relaxed” about the end of the graduate levy.
A spokesman said higher education funding was a national priority in Scotland and universities were now keen to see cross-party support for more investment in the sector in the coming spending review.
The president of the University and College Union Scotland echoed his views.
Terry Brotherstone said the union had sent a submission on the spending review calling for increased funding for Scottish universities “to meet the challenge of top-fees in England”.
Universities in England and Wales can charge up to around £3,000 a year in fees.
“The cost of further reform of student funding dictates that this must also be considered alongside the pressing need for additional funds to ensure the long term future of Scottish universities,” he said.
“The new executive needs to invest in higher education if it is to build a new dynamic and prosperous Scotland. In particular, it needs to fund and promote real action by institutions to deliver a system based on retaining and developing their staff.”
However, the Scottish Labour party said the money the executive would now need to find to fund student bursaries could be better spent on employing more teachers.
The shadow education minister, Hugh Henry, said: “Instead of scrapping graduate endowments the money could be used as the first down-payment to employ over 1,000 extra teachers in August.
“Government is about making choices and difficult decisions. Scotland would benefit more from the immediate employment of 1,000 extra teachers than scrapping graduate endowments.”
From http://education.guardian.co.uk/ more info here
Kintyre Music Festival
Kintyre Music Festival - Lorne & Lowland Church Hall, the Kirk St Hall and The Argyll Hotel are venues for the competitions
The Grammar School will host the Competition Winners Concert on the 16 June. This event is free, contact 01586 551141 for more information.
New Trail for Beinn Ghuillean Wood
Cyclists in Campbeltown are being urged to take to the saddle on Friday May 25 for a guided ride to explore a new mountain biking and walking trail through Beinn Ghuilean Wood.
During the ride, two new singletrack trails will be launched. The 2.7k blue graded trail boasts stunning views of Davaar Island and Campbeltown and is suitable for beginners and families. The 2k red graded trail will test more experienced rider’s skills and nerve. The trail is steeper, with narrow singletrack, technical sections and challenging climbs and descents.
Both trails are waymarked and have interpretation panels at the start of the trails, at the leisure centre and at the pedestrian entrance to the forest near the cemetery.
Lesley MacFadyen, for Forestry Commission Scotland said: “Our woods and forests are stimulating places in which to get fitter and healthier.
“This trail offer ways for everyone to enjoy being outdoors, from those looking to enjoy a quiet stroll through the forest to cyclists looking for a new challenge. To cater for those that want to explore the trails a little more leisurely, we are also holding a guided walking tour of the trails. A family day out to the forest is a fantastic way for kids to burn off all that energy whilst mums and dads follow on behind, and we would urge people to come along either the guided ride and check out the trail for themselves.”
The guided cycle is on Friday May 25, from 4 to 6 pm. It starts and commences at the Aqualibrium and will guide participants round the new trail.
Entry is free. Cyclists must wear an approved cycling helmet and bikes should be suitable for riding off road, with appropriate tyres, in a serviceable condition and in particular must have two working brakes. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The guided walk starts at 10am and lasts for around 2 hours. Participants should meet at the entrance to the cemetery.
Ken Abernethy, area director of HIE Argyll and the Islands, said: “The Beinn Ghuilean cycling and walking trails will be a great addition to the many outdoor activities already on offer in the area. Attracting more visitors to the Mull of Kintyre by the provision of good recreational activities will result in a powerful economic spin-off to local businesses such as hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shops.”
Pupils from Campbeltown Grammar School helped to build sections of the trail, and have taken part in a competition to name the trail. The prize giving and the official name for the trail will held and announced during the guided cycle.
The £50,000 trail has been developed in partnership with HIE Argyll and the Isles Enterprise, Campbeltown Grammar School, the Aqualibrium and Kintyre Cycle Club.
From: Singletrack
Gallery now open
The Gallery page is now up with a selection of images.
To view the Gallery page you will need the Flash plug-in which you can download here. More images will be added in the near future.
RSS Feeds now working
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, and provides an easy way to receive updates from websites you subscribe to.
So in essence you don’t need to revisit those sites for updates because the news comes to you.
On this site RSS feeds are in orange with the word ‘FEED’. To use the feed right click your mouse on the orange icon and go to ‘Copy Shortcut’ on a PC on a Mac use ‘Copy link location’ then paste this into your RSS reader.
What do you need to get started?
A news aggregator also called an RSS reader, which will check all of your favorite websites and will inform you if new content has arrived. Windows users can use FeedDemon,NewsGator, RSS Bandit, SharpReader. Apple users can use Safari RSS or other applications like NetNewsWire, NewsFire, and PulpFiction.
Bloglines and Newshutch are online services that work in most browsers, so you eliminate the need for downloading an application. If you use Firefox you can download an extension called Sage so that you can read the news in your browser.
How Good is Our School?
HMIE launches the 2007 edition of 'How Good is Our School?'.
This publication is available on the HMIE website
HMIE report on ICT
HMIE has launched a new publication on information and communications technology in learning and teaching.
In preparing the report, called ‘Improving Scottish Education: ICT in learning and teaching’, HM Inspectors visited pre-school centres, primary, secondary and special schools, colleges, and community learning and development centres, as well as a number of education authorities.
The report finds that Scottish education has made great progress in building capacity for the increased use of information and communications technology (ICT), with ICT increasingly seen as a natural part of good learning and teaching.
It also spotlights some significant investments in ICT, including Glow, the national intranet for Scottish schools; improvements in infrastructure and bandwidth; and the supply of more equipment and software. Together these investments have provided Scottish education with great potential to enhance and enrich learning and teaching.
The report also notes that learner and teacher confidence and competence in the use of ICT have both increased. Anderson High School
Packed lunch guidance
Executive announces packed lunch guidance.
The Scottish Executive announces that the health of school pupils is set to receive a further boost. It has launched a two-pronged approach featuring guidance for parents on preparing healthy packed lunches and legislation aimed at making schools health promoting.
The Herald reports the Executive has published a sample menu drawn up by nutritionists which sets out a week of healthy packed lunches - and includes no crisps, chocolate or sugary drinks.
The Scotsman also reports on the guidance on packed lunches issued by the Scottish Executive. The initiative last night drew praise from nutritionists. Some parents argued that it was unfair to expect hard-pressed mothers and fathers to find the time to make intricate recipes for their children’s packed lunches.
Top tips for healthy packed lunches Scottish Executive
New anti-bullying service
Executive launches new anti-bullying service.
The Scottish Executive has announced the launch of a new anti-bullying service.
The focus of the service is being extended beyond the school gates to help all organisations working with children to tackle bullying. Education Minister Hugh Henry, launched Respectme in Glasgow yesterday.
Holyrood reports that the new anti-bullying service will receive funding of £1.75m over five years.
The scheme will launch a toolkit to help organisations develop anti-bullying policies, provide training to help organisations implement their policies, carry out a national assessment of anti-bullying policies and help organisations to share best practice examples and anti-bullying resources.
New service to stamp out bullying Anti-bullying service