Exam Results 2024
Kilgraston is proud to announce its outstanding exam results for this academic year, showcasing the exceptional achievements of our pupils, the dedication of our staff and the value in a girls’ only education at examination level.
Pupils at the Bridge of Earn school achieved a remarkable 96% pass rate (A-C) at National 5 level, with an impressive 73% attaining an A grade – a seven percent increase on the school’s 2023 National 5 results. Over a third of pupils obtained eight or more straight As at this level.
The Higher level results are equally commendable, with a 89% of pupils achieving a pass at Grade A to C, and 71% of them obtaining a Grade A – B. At Advanced Higher, the top level of SQA examinations, 86% of pupils obtained a pass at Grade A to C, with 75% achieving a Grade A-B, an eight percent increase on the 2023 results.
Headteacher, Mrs Tanya Davie, said: “These results are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our pupils and staff. At Kilgraston, we strive to provide a nurturing but challenging academic environment, and these outstanding results are a testament to the success of our approach.
“We are particularly proud of the exceptional results in Modern Foreign Languages and Classics. At National 5, pupils achieved a 100% A pass rate in both Modern Foreign Languages and Latin and Classics. These strong results are replicated at Higher level with 90% of pupils achieving a Grade A in Modern Foreign Languages. These results show our commitment to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and languages.”
Alongside the stellar performances in languages, Kilgraston pupils amassed strong examination results across a a wide range of subjects. At National 5 level, in the core subjects, 88% achieved a Grade A in English while 79% achieved a Grade A in Maths. Over three quarters of pupils sitting examinations in Expressive Arts obtained a Grade A too.
At Higher level, results in the STEM subjects were particularly strong with over three quarters of pupils obtaining a Grade A-B in this field.
In the Advanced Higher Examinations, 50% of Kilgraston pupils achieved at least one A Grade.
Kilgraston Headteacher, Mrs Davie said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements and look forward to continuing to support their academic and personal growth.”
Young Entrepreneurs at Kilgraston
Celebrating Young Entrepreneurs: Kilgraston’s Ishbel and Her Thriving Soap Business, Airbubble
At Kilgraston, we pride ourselves on nurturing young entrepreneurs, and Upper Fifth pupil Ishbel is a shining example of this. At just 11 years old, Ishbel embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, founding her own soap business, Airbubble, which has been thriving for three years.
Airbubble’s philosophy is built around three core principles: Fresh, Natural, and Handmade. Ishbel’s dedication to freshness is evident as she meticulously times the production of each batch to coincide closely with its release, ensuring maximum scent, lather, and nourishment. The soaps are crafted with high-quality oils such as coconut and shea, avoiding unnecessary additives. Each bar is handmade with care, from weighing and blending to casting and packaging. Ishbel’s attention to detail ensures that every product meets her high standards.
One of the unique aspects of Airbubble is its ability to cater to custom orders. Whether it’s for event welcomes or special occasions, Ishbel can create custom-sized or designed bulk orders, packaged beautifully and professionally with either the Airbubble logo or the customer’s own branding.
Reflecting on her motivation, Ishbel shares, “I wanted something productive to fill my time when I was off school rather than skulking around the house. I thought it was very sellable and allowed me to incorporate my ideas. I could eventually branch out into different types of soap if I wanted to.” Her entrepreneurial spirit is truly inspiring, and she is particularly proud of her achievements in managing finances and launching her company website.
Looking ahead, Ishbel has ambitious plans for Airbubble. She aims to apply for the FSB Young Entrepreneur Award and is exploring opportunities to showcase her brand at larger events like the Highland Show. Additionally, she plans to launch a Facebook account to reach a wider audience and maintain a professional online presence.
We are incredibly proud of Ishbel’s accomplishments and her commitment to her business. She exemplifies the tenacity and creativity that we foster at Kilgraston. We look forward to seeing how Airbubble grows and evolves under her capable leadership.
Congratulations, Ishbel, on your remarkable journey with Airbubble. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and your business.
Have look to see what it’s all about:
website: airbubble.shop
Instagram: airbubbleshop
Facebook: Airbubble
Kilgraston Senior Sports Day 2024
Kilgraston Senior Sports Day 2024: A Day of Outstanding Achievements
The Kilgraston Senior Sports Day 2024 was a vibrant celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and school spirit. Our pupils showcased their remarkable skills and determination across various events, making it a memorable day for everyone involved. Here’s a recap of the standout performances and results:
In track events, Rebecca took first place in the 100m for Fourth Form, Erin F won the 100m and 200m for Fifth Form and another Erin F won both these events for Sixth Form too, while Lara, Lucy, and Charlotte triumphed in the 800m and longer distances.
Field events saw impressive performances in high jump by Rebecca in Fourth Form, Clementina in Fifth Form and Jessica in Sixth Form. Maia excelled in the long jump for Fifth Form, while Erin took the top spot for Sixth Form. Caitlin, Poppy, and Fiona demonstrated their strength in shot put, and Anneliese, Stephanie, Afton, Rebecca, Stephanie, and Julia excelled in discus and javelin, earning Pre-Sports Finalist Medals.
The Interhouse Relay winners were Inchcolm for Fourth Form, Kinnoull for Fifth Form, and Arran for Sixth Form, showcasing teamwork and competitive spirit.
Trophies were awarded to Rebecca in Fourth Form, Lucy and Maia in Fifth Form, and Erin in Sixth Form, highlighting their exceptional performances in various categories.
Arran emerged as the overall winner in the Senior School category with 91 points, reflecting their outstanding collective achievement.
The Sports Day concluded with a ceremony celebrating the achievements of all participants. It was particularly heartening to see the camaraderie and support amongst students, a true reflection of Kilgraston’s community spirit. The dedication and hard work of our athletes, along with the enthusiastic cheers from fellow students, parents, and staff, made the day a spectacular success.
Congratulations to all our athletes for their incredible efforts and achievements. A special thank you to the organizers, coaches, and volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly. We look forward to more exciting events and continued excellence in sports at Kilgraston.
Kilgraston - CReSTeD recommended
Kilgraston - CReSTeD recommended
We are delighted to announce that Kilgraston School is the only school in Scotland to be included in CReSTeD’s list of recommended schools for pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN) for 2024/25. This prestigious recognition comes after a rigorous on-site assessment of our teaching and monitoring practices by CReSTeD, highlighting our commitment to providing exceptional support for our pupils.
In their glowing report, CReSTeD commended Kilgraston School for offering a “tailored and bespoke curriculum” where “each pupil has their needs met individually.” This recognition underscores our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that caters to the unique needs of every pupil.
The report also praised the “highly knowledgeable and experienced” staff in our Department of Academic Support, noting their ability to “confidently and deftly” meet the needs of pupils across the curriculum. Our team’s expertise and commitment ensure that all pupils receive the personalized support they need to thrive academically and personally.
Looking ahead, the Department of Academic Support plans to build on this success through regular meetings with a working group of parents. This collaborative approach aims to continually enhance the excellent support provided to all ASN pupils, ensuring that Kilgraston School remains at the forefront of inclusive education.
We are incredibly proud of this recognition and remain committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for all our pupils. Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and, most importantly, our resilient and hardworking pupils who make Kilgraston School a beacon of excellence in education.
For more information about our programs and support for pupils with Additional Support Needs, please contact the Department of Academic Support via [email protected]
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold groups have been out, in all weather over the past few weekends:
This term has been exceptionally busy and eventful for the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions at Kilgraston. Our students have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination as they tackled the challenges presented by the unpredictable Scottish weather.
The Bronze teams kicked off the expeditions, facing some of the most dreadful weather conditions. Despite having enjoyed sunshine during their practice walk back in March, the actual expedition through the Pentland Hills was a stark contrast. Battling through torrential rain and being soaked to the skin, the girls showed immense perseverance. Unfortunately, the severe weather forced the abandonment of the expedition, and we are awaiting a decision on whether they will need to retake this element to complete their award.
Next up were the Silver teams, who embarked on their expeditions with impressive enthusiasm. They completed two weeks of back-to-back expeditions, starting with a 2-day practice hike in the hills around Dunkeld. Unlike the Bronze teams, they experienced the heat of the sun, a stark reminder of Scotland’s ever-changing weather. Their 3-day qualifier took them to the scenic area of Callander, where they continued to demonstrate their skills and endurance. Well done to all our Silver participants!
Finally, it was time for the Gold Qualifier. Having completed their practice earlier in the year, the Gold participants faced the exciting challenge of traveling to the other side of Scotland to Fort William. Over four days, they experienced the full spectrum of Scottish weather—sunshine, rain, wind, and even snow on the final day. Their determination and spirit were truly commendable as they completed their final trek back to the bus, ready to enjoy the well-deserved ride home.
Congratulations to all our Duke of Edinburgh participants for their incredible efforts and achievements this term. Your resilience and teamwork have been inspiring, and we look forward to seeing you continue to thrive in your future adventures. A huge thank-you to Stuart and his team at Outlook Adventures as without them these expeditions would not have been possible.
Mr Brookes, Duke of Edinburgh Manager and Head of Mathematics
Kilgraston Junior Years’ show - ‘Aladdin’
Magical Moments: Kilgraston Junior Years’ Show - ‘Aladdin’
The lights dimmed, the curtains opened, and Kilgraston’s Junior Years transported us to the enchanting world of Agrabah with their spectacular production of Aladdin. Over three unforgettable days, our talented young performers captivated audiences with their incredible acting, singing, and dancing.
From the moment the marketplace opened the show, the stage came alive with vibrant costumes, a clever set design, energetic performances and an inventive flying magic carpet. Each pupil brought their character to life with such enthusiasm and skill, making the story of ‘Aladdin; and his magical adventures truly unforgettable.
The excitement began on Wednesday when we had the pleasure of welcoming P5 pupils from Dunbarney Primary School to enjoy the show. It was heart-warming to extend our hospitality to a neighbouring school and see our young performers shine in front of a new audience. The sense of community and mutual support was palpable, adding an extra layer of joy to the event.
The production was a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our pupils and staff. From the stunning choreography to the flawless chorus numbers, every aspect of the show was a reflection of the creativity and commitment that defines Kilgraston. Special thanks to the teachers and parents who supported the pupils every step of the way.
As the final curtain fell, the applause and cheers echoed through the hall, marking the end of a successful run. The smiles on the faces of our young actors said it all – they had not only entertained but also learned and grown through this experience.
Thank you to everyone who made the Junior Years’ production of ‘Aladdin’ a resounding success. Your support and enthusiasm are what make Kilgraston such a special place.
Kilgraston hosts Fearless Women webinar
Find out more about a career as Detective Chief Inspector with the Kilgraston Fearless Women webinar. Hosted by Kilgraston Headteacher Tanya Davie, it will feature a talk by Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand who works in Greater Manchester Police Major Incident Team. Predominantly, Detective Chief Inspector Brennand investigates Category A murders which are cases where the risk to the public is high, and the offender is not identified immediately. Detective Chief Inspector Brennand leads a team of 25 staff and works closely with Crime Scene Investigators, Forensic Science Service, Digital Investigation Unit, Force Intelligence Bureau, Source Handling (informants) and Visual Evidence Recovery Team .
Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand is an inspiring and fearless woman who describes it as a privilege to deal with people at the worst moments of their lives and who believes passionately in justice for victims and their bereaved.
If you would like to join our webinar to hear more from Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand about her interesting career, please complete the form by following the link https://forms.office.com/e/x1A2R64Zvx.
A Teams joining link will be emailed to you nearer the time.
Kilgraston pupils visit CERN
Last week, five students were given the amazing opportunity to travel to Geneva to visit CERN, the largest particle physics lab in the world. We arrived in Geneva late on Thursday night and stayed in a hostel near the city centre until Sunday morning.
On Friday we spent the day exploring the city. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day – something we all felt we needed! The architecture was stunning, and we were amazed by the Jet d’Eau – the huge fountain in the middle of the lake, which we all got soaked by from running underneath! We also visited a science museum, which was full of fascinating old experiments. In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious meal of a traditional Swiss cheese fondue.
On Saturday we went to CERN: in the morning we had a guided tour of parts of it, including the Control Centre, with all the physics being explained to us along the way. After lunch we went to the visitor centre, which had a lot of interactive games and displays to help us learn and understand the physics behind CERN, from looking inside prototypes of parts of the collider to kicking protons at each other and creating our own stars!
Phoebe, Upper Fifth
Kilgraston Young Enterprise Team historic win
Hungry For Honey, a young enterprise company founded by 23 Kilgraston pupils, has created a buzz with an unprecedented victory at the Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) regional competition. The team swept the board at the event, picking up all eight awards on offer including the top prize ‘Tayside Company of the Year 2024’ for their children’s book ‘Barbee and Her Adventures’ – a result never before achieved by any other school. The team also scooped the seven other awards including for ‘Best Company Report’, ‘Best Trade Stand’ and ‘Best Presentation’. The team, comprised of Upper and Lower Sixth pupils, impressed the judges with their innovative and sustainable approach to their business, as well as their exceptional marketing and presentation skills.
Hungry for Honey was created to compete in the annual YES Company competition. This provides students with hands-on experience in setting up and running their own businesses. Since the start of the 2023 school year, the Kilgraston team has worked hard to develop their book ‘Barbee and Her Adventures’ including a novel-writing workshop with local children’s author, Lindsay Hirst.
Kilgraston School’s Headteacher, Mrs Tanya Davie, expressed her pride in the team’s achievements, saying, “We are absolutely thrilled with Hungry for Honey’s success at the YES regional championships. Their hard work, creativity, and dedication to sustainable business practices have truly paid off, and we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish at the national level.”
Now as they prepare for the national finals in May, Hungry for Honey continues to inspire the Kilgraston School community and demonstrate the power of young people to create positive change through entrepreneurship and innovation.
The team’s book is available to buy in several local shops, including The Rose House in Perth, Broadslap Fruit Farm in Dunning, and The Wee Book Shop in Dollar. A beautifully illustrated children’s book, it tells the story of a special bee called, Barbee. The company’s team collaborated on the story, with some taking on the role of illustrators while others focused on writing. The team also utilised social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to market their book and reach a wider audience.
Kilgraston pupil and Hungry for Honey CEO, Rebecca, Upper Sixth, said: “We’re thrilled to see our hard work pay off with this success and we are excited for the finals. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a high-quality product that appeals to children, and we’re excited to share it with even more people through the YES competition and expanded retail opportunities.”
Hungry For Honey’s future plans include expanding their reach to more shops and nurseries, as well as developing additional products that align with their mission of educating and entertaining young readers.
For more information on Hungry For Honey and their products, follow them on social media at Instagram handle is hungry.for_honey, Twitter handle is hungry_4_honey, Tiktok handle is hungry_for_honey and Facebook handle is Hungry For Honey
Prep Schools Strings Day
In March, Kilgraston hosted the annual Kilgraston Prep Schools’ Strings Day. Schools from around Perthshire including Craigclowan , Ardvreck and Strathallan schools all sent violin and cello players to join our own string players and there were over thirty pupils attending on the day.
There was an extra element of fun this year as it coincided with World Book Day, so some pupils chose to attend the day in their costumes – which ranged from an Osprey to a Cheshire cat, and even the Queen of Hearts. The day began with everyone together for some fun warmups before the pupils went off to various locations around the school to rehearse in preparation for the concert. The visitors had lunch with the Kilgraston pupils and during break times took the opportunity to play and explore outside.
The main business of the day was to prepare two pieces for the afternoon concert: an exciting arrangement of Drunken Sailor and Easy Kanon (based on Pachelbel’s Canon). The pupils all worked hard on the pieces during the day with the help of Kilgraston teachers and the visiting string teachers. They performed with great enthusiasm and success in the afternoon concert in front of an audience of parents from all schools who were involved on the day.
Mrs Campbell, Woodwind Teacher and Kilgraston Music Administrator.