Kilgraston named in nationwide top ten selection
Celebrating the benefits of green spaces, The Guardian newspaper has nominated Kilgraston as the only Scottish school to feature in its selection of the UK’s ten best rural schools. Commenting on the success, Headteacher, Mrs MacGinty said: “The advantages of having space to think, work and play are always valuable, but never more so than during these difficult days of the pandemic. We are thrilled to have Kilgraston’s facilities nationally recognised and, with the start of our Forest School for our Junior Years, we will continue to ensure that extensive and frequent use is made of our woods and parkland. Outdoor learning - learning to love the outdoors - is such a valuable part of childhood.”
25.8.21
Kilgraston celebrates outstanding exam results 2021
In what has been another challenging year due to COVID, Kilgraston pupils have plenty to celebrate with a set of outstanding exam results in 2021 across all levels.
An impressive 100% of girls achieved Grades A to B at Advanced Higher level and an incredible 77% achieved Grade A at Higher Level with 95 % obtaining Grade A to B at the same level.
Kilgraston’s Headmistress, Mrs Dorothy MacGinty, said: “I am so proud and thrilled for all Kilgraston pupils and our fantastic staff who have delivered a set of truly exceptional exam results under challenging circumstances.
“Having 100% of our Advanced Higher pupils achieve Grades A to B, as well as 77% of our Higher pupils obtaining a Grade A is quite remarkable, particularly within the context of COVID, which has meant a second year of intrusions into these pupils’ education. Exam results like this are testament to how much hard work and dedication can pay off, and huge congratulations to all who are celebrating this news today.”
Kilgraston is well-known for its outstanding academic performance, and these results builds on this tradition. As well as 100% of pupils achieving Grades A-B at Advanced Higher level, 87% obtained a Grade A. At Higher level, all pupils passed, with 95% achieving Grade A to B level and 77% achieving a Grade A.
These latest exam results follow the record-breaking results in 2020 when Kilgraston pupils celebrated an impressive new record with 100% of girls achieving Grades A to C at Advanced Higher level and 97.1% achieving Grade A to C at Higher level.
Kilgraston class of 2021 is also set for a bright future with 100% of our leavers accepted into university with 59% going to do STEM subjects and 70% applying to the prestigious Russell Group universities.
Mrs MacGinty said: “We are extremely proud of our 2021 leavers and wish them every success for their futures.”
Record summer bookings for Kilgraston’s minicamps
A record number of children have enjoyed a stunning summer here at our countryside campus for Kilgraston’s minicamps.
Around 70 children a day have been soaking up our various programmes which this year, for the first time, included a Multi-Arts camp and a Dance camp alongside our ever-popular Multi-Sports camps run by Billy McNeil, Kilgraston’s tennis coach.
With the sun splitting the skies and soaring temperatures, this really was the year of the staycation. In their activity group bubbles, boys and girls took part in daily programmes, which included tennis, hockey and swimming for Multi-Sports, with weekly changes of focus for our Multi-Arts camp attendees. Children who took part in our Dance camps even did an al fresco end-of-week performance.
Kilgraston’s Summer School Course Director, Donna Douglas, said: “The children have had a wonderful time and really thrown themselves into all the activities. It has been full of fun and laughter and we are delighted with how much the children have enjoyed it, particularly after the past 15 months they have experienced with lockdown. We are already looking forward to welcoming them back on campus for our October camps.”
A big thank you to all the families who attended our camps, our October Camps registration will be open very soon, and finally a huge thank you to all our dedicated staff.
Kilgraston alumnae stories - Sophie Downes
Kilgraston alumnae Sophie Downes recently graduated with a First Class degree from the prestigious, Glasgow School of Art in Textile Design. Sophie left Kilgraston in 2017, and very kindly shared some of her thoughts on her time as a Kilgraston pupil and how it helped shape her.
What were your favourite subjects at school and why?
Apart from spending any spare moment in the Art Department to work on my Design and Fine Art projects I also loved Geography, saw it through to Advanced Higher and almost chose to study this at University. I particularly enjoyed Physical Geography and spent the majority of Upper Sixth quizzing Dr Phillips on the how’s and why’s of the planets and their creations. As a visual learner, Geography was the perfect mix between essay writing, experiments and illustration. History followed close behind and although I didn’t study Drama as a subject, taking LAMDA to Grade 8 curbed this fix! I generally preferred social subjects at school.
Why did you choose to study Textile Design at university?
Having considered Law, Geography, Event Management and all things Art School, my career options were incredibly broad. After careers talks, research and realising that I made any subject a creative task (I turned my entire Higher History revision notes into a cartoon strip!) I decided that studying Design was what most inspired and appealed to me. I ended up applying to five different Art School courses at Scottish Universities and it wasn’t until Glasgow School of Art’s Open Day that I realised that it was Textile Design that I really wanted to study! My design work during Higher and A Level Art at Kilgraston really lent itself to this course and without realising it, I had been practicing Textile Design through my last four years at school. This meant that my portfolio also lent itself to this degree. Textile Design is a very adaptable course and overlaps into many different Design paths. I always explain it as a subject in between Fashion and Interior Design. We design and create the fabrics and pass these over to a Product Designer. Textile Design appeared as a drawing-heavy and incredibly practical degree which suited my hands-on work approach.
How did Kilgraston help you develop your skills?
Especially during A Level Art, I was encouraged to push my design ideas and delve into new techniques that I had never tried before. Throughout that year I experimented with a variety of medias and approaches and took risks which were both successful and not. Through this I learnt how to be resilient and determined. Studying essay-heavy subjects at school proved really beneficial when writing Design, History and Theory essays at University. When it came to writing my dissertation this year, I chose to investigate the Historiography of Children’s Dress History so my Higher History analysis and evaluation skills definitely came into play. Although Kilgraston helped shape my academic skills, through extracurricular activities and opportunities I also left with confidence in public speaking, interpersonal skills and self-determination.
In your opinion and experience, how is Kilgraston different from other schools?
I struggle to explain my time at school to other people as it was an incredibly unique experience. Having studied at Kilgraston from the age of 5 to 18, I saw the school from every angle and got to experience all of the special traditions, incredible sense of community and lovely support from all of the teachers for many years. I would go back to school in a heartbeat! Kilgraston is an incredibly safe space, where you can truly be yourself. There’s no comparing yourself to others, awareness of subject stereotypes or shyness when it comes to sport. I always felt encouraged at school and doing well and trying hard was highly looked upon and you were not seen as a ‘try-hard’ by classmates for putting your all into school projects. Although school and it’s subjects and teaching were key factors to my happy memories of Kilgraston, the quirky and special extras are what makes Kilgraston the school it is. I got the opportunity to throw myself into so many different experiences and events which are the memories I always look back on! The size of the school is definitely something that sets itself apart from other schools. Due to the small year sizes I always felt listened to, supported and was confident to ask questions and speak up in class. Also everyone knows everyone by name which emphasises the happy community at Kilgraston!
How did Kilgraston help you on your higher education path?
I actually never intended to study Art when it came to choosing my Highers as I didn’t recognise it as something I was particularly great at, more just a hobby! It wasn’t until I asked Miss Macleod at a Parents Evening if she thought I’d be able to do it, that I started to consider it at a higher and career path level. With Art not always being accepted as an incredibly academic subject, I never felt this through school, and felt as though I got treated with the same support as my friendship group who all chose to study STEM subjects at University. When it came to choosing a higher education path I always felt as though I could ask questions and receive help with researching options. The Art Department staff were amazing for encouraging and giving me confidence to apply to the Universities I did.
What are your plans for the future?
Now having graduated GSA, I plan to apply for Junior Designer roles within Fashion and Interior Brands with the hope of moving down to London. I will continue to design and sell my own prints, gift and lifestyle products online in the meantime. My dream is to design for a children’s wear brand who share the same mission as me of creating ‘happy’ and feel-good textiles. I am also open to working within Fashion Events as during this past year I have been Creative Director of Edinburgh’s Charity Fashion Show 2021 which has exposed me to many new career paths. As long as I can be creative, scribble and sew and be myself in a workplace I’ll be a very happy human!
Do you have any advice for Kilgraston pupils interested in studying Art subjects?
I’d say go for it! Although when at Open Days and when looking through example entrance portfolios you may be full of self-doubt and compare you work against others (this was me!) the tutors at Universities hunt for new qualities each year. For example, the year I got accepted we were told they were looking for drawing skills. So although you may not feel your portfolio exactly matches the degree you are applying for, they may see something in your work. As long as you are passionate, demonstrate that your skills are adaptable to different projects and show that you aren’t afraid of taking risks you will be sorted. My four years at Art School were insane and I’d encourage anyone to apply if you have the slightest incline to. If you enjoyed being yourself at Kilgraston, Art School is an emphasis of this where literally anything goes!
How would you sum up Kilgraston in five words?
Encouraging, Special, Homely, Supportive and Lively.
Your favourite Kilgraston memories
Every school production (particularly wearing a bright pink suit as Nathan from Guys & Dolls in Lower Sixth with my best friends), the annual Barn Dance and BBQ, the hot chocolate and tea cake break with Dr Phillips during Advanced Higher double periods on a Wednesday morning, many breaktimes spent in our dens in the Adventure Playground during Prep School, the Christmas Concerts at Perth Concert Hall, winning the Midlands Cup in our final First XI Hockey Tournament in Upper Sixth, the Lower Fourth Dance Competition in PE, the Sixth Form Ball prep and night, Hockey Tours to Berlin and Barcelona, Fright Night, lunch time performances in the common rooms, getting ready for our first social, House Cross Country, Morning Club colouring, line dancing and movies with Trish, Highland Dancing with Mrs Malloch, playing the lead mouse in the nativity play and drawing around and painting life size versions of ourselves in Reception with Mrs Ferguson.
Follow Sophie on her social media channels below and to all our alumnae, please sign up to join our database.
Instagram:@sops_textiles
Etsy Shop: SophieDownesDesigns)
Kilgraston shortlisted for nimble Covid response
Prestigious magazine, Independent School Parent, runs annual awards to recognise excellence across the sector, covering all aspects of education delivery.
Kilgraston is thrilled that its nimble delivery of online learning, including full timetables and extensive PE delivery required with the sudden on-set of lockdown learning, has been noticed and praised in the Covd-response category.
“Obviously, it is wonderful to be recognised at a national level,” said Head teacher Mrs MacGinty, “however, the delivery of online learning, continuing the values we hold dear here at Kilgraston, making sure that, in a very difficult situation, the very best alternative to in-class learning was received, was our greatest priority.”
During preceeding weeks, the School’s Senior Leadership Team planned for the possible lockdown outcome with pupils’ security and protection at the provision’s forefront. Lead by Mrs MacGinty, the school didn’t miss a beat, ensuring calm and continuous schooling for all pupils.
“I was surprised how smoothly we all managed it. I have two daughters and they were both one day working at school and the next Monday working from home and had a timetable,” commented Kilgraston parent, Amanda. She continued: “Lower Four was straight onto full TEAMS learning . The Junior School got going on the TEAMS from first day of term after the Easter holidays and it has been amazing how school has continued. I have especially appreciated the contact with the teachers - as a parent not only has the pupil been able to access teachers for help/discussion outwith the class, but so have I via emails and even on screen at times. That has really mattered to clarify anything on the spot and I think that everyone has been incredibly patient with each other over a challenging situation.”
Senior and Sixth Form pupils - facing crucial life-defining exams - were able to attend classes virtually with a timetable of around 80% of normal classes taking place in the first lockdown, progressing to 100% of classes during subsequent lockdowns.
Kilgraston’s Pastoral team and academic staff worked to support pupils over all periods of at-home learning, continuaously holding virtual activities for each year group.
The pandemic focused attention on the impact on children’s mental health, with regualr exercise recognised as a crucial element to help alleviate stress. To this end, our PE department hosted daily virtual work-outs . There were also weekly virtual challenges, including taking tours of Scotland by covering the equivalent distance in pupils’ local areas and mountain climbing which saw pupils track their exercise to virtually climb mountains around the world.
Independent Schools of the Year are judged by an independent panel of experts, who will be meeting in the autumn to reach a decision on the winners and select highly commended schools from each category; the results of which will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.
Fingers crossed!
Enterprise skills in Juniors
Lower Third recently sharpened their enterprise skills and raised over £600 in the process – an outstanding achievement for a class project by eleven pupils.
The class held fairs where the sold items including hand-made jewellery, arts and crafts. With the two enterprise sessions, the class made £672.10, and donated it to charity, Alzheimer Scotland. Fiona Matthews, Alzheimer Scotland Dementia advisor for Perthshire, thanked the pupils for their donation and said:
“It is very much appreciated and will enable the organisation to continue to support people living with dementia and their families in the area.”
The donation will help the charity in a number of ways, including continuing to fund:
- the expansion of local Dementia Resource Centres and Community Groups that keep people free from isolation and connected to their community
- the charity’s 24-Hour Freephone Helpline (0808 808 3000) which operates 365 days per year providing information and support to anyone concerned about or living with dementia.
- And the charity’s network of local Dementia Advisors who provide vital support to people with dementia and their families throughout their time living with dementia.
Congratulations to all of Lower Third and class teacher, Ms Alison McPhee for their incredible work with this important charity.
You can read more about Kilgraston’s other fundraising and charity work here and find out more about we are educating our next generation of business leaders.
Biodiversity bonanza
Kilgraston’s all-school environmental mural features in School House magazine
June 29 2021
Kilgraston Speech Day 2021
We were delighted to be able to mark the many and varied achievements of our pupils this year at our annual Speech Day.
Parents and families were unable to attend but we did welcome a fantastic guest speaker, and former Kilgraston Head Girl, Dr Zinnia Hall. Dr Hall left Kilgraston ten years ago and has spent the following years carving out a career in medicine.
As a former Kilgraston pupil, Dr Hall’s speech gave a wonderful insight into how Kilgraston and our staff has shaped her life choices including her career in medicine.
Dr Hall went on to give some inspiring advice to the enraptured audience. She said: “Say yes to opportunities. Do not aim for perfection, but embrace your flaws.
“You are an individual, experience life. Trust and be guided by your instincts and judgement. Be fearless and think big. Rise to your challenges.”
In his speech, Kilgraston’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr Thomas Steuart Fothringham thanked Mr Tim Hall for his dedication to Kilgraston for the past 20 years. Mr Hall stepped down as Chair of Kilgraston’s Board of Governors in 2020 but continues on our Board of Trustees and his speech Mr Hall paid tribute to Mrs MacGinty’s leadership and sense of humour.
In our Junior Speech Day, outgoing Head Girl, Willow gave a wonderful speech thanking her deputies and talking about the fantastic achievements of the Junior School this year.
In the Senior School Speech Day, Head Girl Team 2020-2021, Issy, Libby and Emily looked back on their Kilgraston journey and shared their highlights.
Head Girl Emily spoke movingly about how Kilgraston has supported her, admitting that school days do indeed go by so quickly, and as a result it would seem that parents are never wrong when they have imparted this wisdom to their children.
She said: “Kilgraston has given us knowledge. It is up to us to head out into the world and understand it.
“This is a bittersweet moment but we are ready.”
We wish all our pupils, families and staff a wonderful summer. To our 2021 leavers, we wish them every success - please do stay in touch.
End of term 2021 - activities week
In our last week of school, Kilgraston pupils were treated to an end of term timetable jammed back with fun-filled (and COVID safe) activities.
Separated out into year groups, the pupils had a session baking with Mrs MacGinty, they cycled around the beautiful banks of Loch Leven, they played for House points in cricket and football with sessions with Mr Maxton and Mr Madden. Some visited Willowgate Activity Centre for some water sports excitement, Upper Fifth had fun camping whilst Lower Sixth made a trip to Fox Lake and finally some pupils enjoyed Special FX make up sessions with Mrs Murphy - see below for proof of the oh-so-scary makeup.
Lower Four, Upper Four and Lower Fifth then headed to Dalguise for three days of high octane pursuits including kayaking and rock climbing.
Upper Fifth pupils Lexi and Kaitlyn said: “The Activities week was great fun! One of the best bits was definitely camping on the school sports pitches.
“First we set up our tents and we watched the Euro 2020 football match Scotland v Croatia, followed by some roasting of marshmallows.
“Overall the camping was really fun and it was great to have the year group all together and having a laugh with each other, from the games that we played to the singing on the bus.
“We also enjoyed the early morning swim which woke us up. Thank you to all the teachers that went out of their way to organise this brilliant activity week!”
Huge thanks to Mrs Speed for her superb organisation of the week and to all staff who helped.
Head over to Kilgraston’s Instagram channel to see even more snaps from the week including a brilliant takeover by PE’s Miss Patton.
Sports Day 2021 - Seniors and Juniors
On a glorious sunny day in June, Kilgraston’s athletics track and playing fields were awash with colour. It could only mean one thing: Junior Sports Day.
From 100m races to the sack race, there were points to win for all different ages and classes. The hotly contested staff v pupil relay saw pupils comfortably beat staff, a sign of things to come for the Seniors Sports Day.
Taking place the following day, the Senior School event was slightly more chilly but it did not dampen spirits with some half-time outdoor musical performances by pupils. The long jump record was smashed by Upper Sixth’s Ciara.
In a nail-biting competition with only one point in it, Moncreiffe were crowned champions of the Junior Event. In the Senior School, however, Arran comfortably won the overall House trophy.
Huge well done to everyone for taking part and thank you to Mrs Ferry,Miss Patton, Mrs Findlay and all staff for organising this event.
Do visit our Instagram channel for more footage from the events including a fantastic Instagram takeover by incoming Deputy Head Girl, India.