Kilgraston Head Girl team plan for 2022
Meet Lexie, Amy and Jeanie, Kilgraston’s Head Girl team for 2022 - 2023. Here Head Girl Lexie, introduces the team and shares their plans for this term:
Jeanie, Amy and I are looking forward to the academic year ahead, we have got many exiting ideas and can’t wait to contribute to all aspects of Kilgraston life.
We are helping plan Goals Days, we have already given several speeches, and participated in and organised school activities. Amy and Jeanie have been at the school since Lower Four and I joined in Lower Fifth so we have lots of great Kilgraston memories together and are excited to make many more new ones in this coming year, both individually but also together.
Life at Kilgraston is bustling and busy, as well as being on the Head Girl Team we are all sports captains. I am Senior Hockey captain, Jeanie is Senior Tennis captain and Amy is Senior Netball captain. We are really looking forward to getting to know our LFG’S and new pupils that have joined the school and integrating the Lower Sixth to make it a more collective Sixth Form, it is what Kilgraston is all about.
Looking ahead to the next school year, Jeanie, Amy and I are excited to get to know and work with our new Headteacher, Mrs Davie so we can make it a successful school year for all.
Kilgraston exam results 2022
Pupils at Kilgraston are celebrating their successes today with the release of the Scottish exam results 2022.
At National 5 level, an impressive 70% of Kilgraston pupils achieved a Grade A, against a national average of 40.3% at the same level. There was even more to celebrate with 59% of pupils in this year group obtaining five A’s or above at this level and a quarter of this group achieving nine A’s or more.
In Higher and Advanced Highers from Modern Languages and Music to STEM subjects, pupils performed exceptionally well, showing the breadth of subjects on offer and the robust academic results this can lead to at the Bridge of Earn school.
Kilgraston Headteacher, Mrs Tanya Davie, said: “I am immensely proud of all of our pupils for their hard work and dedication. As a teacher and a Headteacher, I completely understand that the past two years has made for a challenging academic environment for pupils all over Scotland. I am delighted for our pupils and their outstanding results across such an enormous variety of subjects, it is really impressive. I would also like to congratulate all school pupils around Scotland today on their exam results and I hope they are reaping the rewards of their hard work.”
What does the breakdown look like? Compared to a national average of 80.8% achieving Grades A to C at National 5 level, Kilgraston pupils obtained a pass rate of 93% with an impressive 70% achieving Grade As at this level.
In Higher and Advanced Higher levels, over three quarters of pupils achieved a Grade A or B and the results show Kilgraston’s broad breadth of subject strength. In Modern Languages, 100% achieved a Grade A in Advanced Higher French, Advanced Higher Spanish and Higher German. In the Expressive Art subjects, 100% of Higher Music pupils achieved a Grade A, 100% of Higher Drama pupils achieved a Grade A or B and 100% of Advanced Higher pupils achieved a Grade A or B in Art.
It is not only in the humanities subjects Kilgraston pupils wowed, with STEM subjects mirroring these strong results. In Higher Computing, for example, 100% of pupils achieved a Grade A. Across the science subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Kilgraston pupils are smashing gender stereotypes. In physics, a subject in which traditionally girls underperform, 100% of pupils achieved a Grade A or B at Advanced Higher level with 84% achieving Grade A or B at Higher level. Additionally, 80% of pupils achieved a Grade A at Advanced Higher level Chemistry and 81% obtained a Grade A or B in Higher Biology.
Kilgraston Headteacher, Mrs Davie continues: “For some pupils, this year was the first time they sat national exams in a traditional setting, at Higher and Advanced Higher level. We need to understand the impact of COVID and the anxiety for some pupils around exams. At Kilgraston we pride ourselves on our combination of strong pastoral support for our pupils as well as the academic provision we offer and I really am thrilled for our pupils and our staff.”
For Kilgraston Sixth Form leavers, the results mean 96% will be going to their first or second choice of university with over half going on to study STEM subjects including 7% of Kilgraston leavers studying medicine.
Almost half of the leavers are going to prestigious Russell Group universities with 11% going to St Andrews, crowned the top university in the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
Scottish Hockey - Lexie plays for Scotland Emerging Squad
Kilgraston has strong heritage of pupils playing for Scottish Hockey squads and recently Upper Sixth’s Lexie has been selected to play for the Scotland Emerging squad in the 8-Nations event in Spain.
The team, who have been playing in 35 degree heat, have had mixed results including losses against Belgium, England, Germany and Ireland but celebrated a win against Austria in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.
The tournament has seen Lexie and the Emerging squad playing against some of the top teams in Europe in very difficult conditions with players working really hard and giving it their all.
Charity fundraising by Dotty
Mrs Saunders, an English teacher at Kilgraston for 26 years is retiring and we will also be saying a fond farewell to her dog, Dotty. But before they left, Dotty and Mrs Saunders organised a sale for Ukraine animals. Here is a round-up of the charity fundraising event:
Dotty came to prominence during Covid as Kilgraston’s therapy dog offering comfort, warmth and physical contact for girls still suffering the after-effects of lockdown and social isolation. In an era when there is growing recognition of the power of animals to heal, Dotty more than played her part. When the time came for her to take her leave of Kilgraston, she wanted to some more good. She organised a sale in Mrs Saunders’ classroom to raise funds for the war-stricken animals of Ukraine. Girls and staff swooped into action and together they raised a handsome £425 which will go to straight to UkraineAnimals.ENG, a charity working in the front line to rescue, treat, feed, comfort and rehome thousands of abandoned and wounded animals, including horses, dogs, cats, farm and zoo animals. She says a huge thank you and good bye to all her friends and supporters at Kilgraston.
Mrs Saunders
Kilgraston Speech Day 2022
Kilgraston’s Speech Day 2022 was celebrated this year amidst sunshine and thunderstorms, smiles and tears.
It was the busiest Speech Day in many years as parents and families flocked to celebrated the successes of pupils, and well done to all of you for the many merits, cups and ribbons distributed.
This year’s Speech Day was the first to be experienced by Kilgraston’s Headteacher, Mrs Davie, who congratulated the pupils and in particular the 2022 leavers for their impressive results with 67% going on to prestigious Russell Group universities and with a 100% Oxbridge success.
Our guest speaker this year was Hannah Ovens, who has been mentoring Kilgraston’s Young Enterprise teams for the past three years. Hannah gave an inspiring speech detailing her own non-traditional route to success which was driven by hard work and boundless enthusiasm. Pupils were hanging on her every word as she talked to them about beating 38,000 candidates to become NCR CEO for 24 hours. Hannah imparted four must-dos to succeed, these are:
- Believe in yourselves.
- Never give us because hard work pays off.
- Make sure you have a great support system.
- Say yes to all opportunities because one yes can change the path you are on.
Kilgraston’s outgoing Head Girl, Maria also gave a moving Speech. Maria, who has been at Kilgraston for 15 years, spoke directly to her Upper Sixth peers, encouraging them on as “we stand on the precipice of the next stage of our lives as the uncontested authors of their lives”. We all look forward to reading the next chapter from all our leavers so stay in touch, sign up as an alumnae and we wish you all the very best of luck.
Mr Murch is retiring
The end of this term sees the popular teacher, Mr Murch, retire. Kilgraston’s Director of Music, Mr Morley writes about his huge contribution and influence at Kilgraston:
Gordon Murch who leaves us this week may have only spent a relatively short five years at Kilgraston but it would be fair to say in that time he has made a huge impression on all those he has taught as well as on his colleagues. Having spent a long and successful career as a Head of Music in Aberfeldy, Mr Murch might have been expected to take his foot off the pedal and enjoy a more relaxed few years at Kilgraston. But he has thrown himself fully and enthusiastically into life at Kilgraston from teaching music in the junior school to the ceilidh band, teaching percussion as well as providing piano accompaniments for exams, assemblies and most recently in the Junior School production of Matilda. Aside from all this however what stands out is the warmth with which everyone who has contact with him speaks about him.
I have only known Mr Murch for a relatively short time but have come to appreciate his support, advice and experience within the Music Department and I know this is shared by all his colleagues in the school. What stands out even more though is how his pupils speak about him and some of them have been in touch and I can think of no better way to pay tribute to Mr Murch than by quoting what some of them have said.
“Mr Murch is such a sweet man and we used to exchange our favourite old music together, he introduced me to a lot of songs that I still listen to now! I’m so sad he’s leaving.”
“Mr Murch is inspirational, supportive and a perfectionist, and I am grateful to him for this. He will spend time with each individual pupil to make sure their piece reaches its full potential along with the student.”
“Mr Murch is the person who helped me overcome my nerves before performing and I will always remember and live by his words of “just enjoy the music”. He is one of the most genuine, kind, and patient teachers I have ever had the pleasure of being taught by.”
Thank you Mr Murch, we wish you all the best and stay in touch!
Upper Fifth trip to Alton Towers
Early on Monday morning while everyone else was still asleep the Upper Fifth group of staff and pupils packed their belongings onto the coach ready for the adventure of their short lives.
The long journey south to Alton Towers was spent with cheerful chatter about what was going to happen, some dozing, singing and lots of snacks to keep our energy levels up. As well as an energetic rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ to Daisy.
Once we arrived at the Alton Towers Splash Landing resort it was time for a rapid change into our swim wear to experience the delights of the hotel’s own waterpark. As we passed through the swing doors the heat hit us like a tsunami instantly transporting us to a tropical oasis. The waterpark consisted of three flumes, a lazy river, pirate themed play area and lots of inflatable beach balls. Time was spent racing each other down the flume that snaked around the restaurant or bobbing about on rings in the lazy river – watching out for Ms Dutch trying to steal your rubber ring. This was a refreshing way to end the day especially after the long five-hour bus journey. Everybody had a total splash!
Day two dawned bright and early and after a full breakfast we made our way via monorail to the theme park in glorious sunshine with Mrs O’Hear constantly reminding us to make sure we had sunscreen on. At the park gates we checked in then we were off to sample the adrenaline ride.
The first ride most of us did on the first day was the Wicker Man. It is one of the newest rides at Alton Towers however has been cleverly engineered to seem extremely ancient. Some of us were even brave enough to have another go on this ride the next day. All the rides at Alton towers were thrilling and so exciting however Galactica was most certainly the favourite of Upper Fifth’s Ambika.
Next, we were onto Nemesis was Mrs O’Hear’s favourite up until this trip. This held you from the top and took you into the pits of your wildest nightmare towards an alien’s den. The thundering roar and screams could be heard across the park – some donuts provided a much needed energy boost as we disembarked.
Next in line was ‘Rita Queen of Speed’. After a swift queue through the gloomy forest, we were seated in drag race style cars excitedly awaiting the Rita experience. Suddenly without notice we were catapulted forward from 0 to 65 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds! The fastest acceleration on any roller coaster with your body being put through a G-force of 4.7.
The initial shock from the hydraulic launch system quickly turned into such a thrill as we raced around high-speed corners at rapid acceleration. The unstoppable momentum of the rollercoaster made us instantly race back to re-join the queue for another go.
We left Alton Towers on the third day heading north towards Scotland full of laughter, memories and merriment. Friendships were strengthened and some new ones were formed, all in all a lovely successful time.
Thank you to Upper Fifth pupils who contributed to this article:
Jessica, Ambika, Sarah, Rebecca, Laura, Charlotte and Erin.
Kilgraston’s Business Management teacher Mr Erdal retires
Kilgraston’s Business Management teacher, Mr Erdal, is retiring and here Dr Phillips talks about the impact he has had on the school:
Mr Erdal joined Kilgraston as Head of Business Management three years ago and quickly made himself a fixture of the Kilgraston Staff Room, having previously taught at Glenalmond since 2002. There are, however, many other strings to Mr Erdal’s bow. Did you know, for example, that he ran his own outdoor events company for a decade prior to going into teaching? Or that he enjoys a possibly lucrative sideline in skippering yachts for corporate clients? Or that he was an extra in Highlander?
We always encourage students to get involved in extra-curricular activities because that is what they will remember most about their school life, but I suspect that might be the case with Mr Erdal as well. Surely his greatest legacy will be in co-ordinating this year’s Young Enterprise group, Jute Joy, to their successful haul of nine trophies in the regional championships. So it only seems fit to leave the final word to once of the members of Jute Joy. Anna T said: “Mr Erdal steered us in the right direction when first setting up our company, and gave us a push when we needed the wind in our sails. We wish him a very happy retirement.
Junior School highlights for 2021 - 2022
Kilgraston Junior School has had many highlights, over the course of the year, including the whole school production of ‘Matilda, Jnrs.’, which was a triumph. Having a real live audience again (filled with friendly faces) was such a treat.
Upper Third’s final trip to the Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, where an art professional led a very creative workshop was inspirational. The class then donned bird and bee vision glasses (to become pollinators) and viewed the flowers at the Royal Botanical Gardens in a completely different light.
Lower Third’s Enterprise stalls raised an amazing £440 and taught pupils a great deal about marketing and entrepreneurship. Their class trip to Stirling Castle brought history to life and completed their project on The Battles of Independence.
The Upper Second had a fun filled day out at Edinburgh Zoo watching real life research including a chimp play computer games!
Lower Second went bird watching at Auchingarrich after using taxidermy from Perth Museum to research their topic on Birdlife in class.
Upper First have been industriously building Eco Bug Hotels and even saw a shark up close and personal at Deep Sea World whilst learning about life Under the Sea.
For the early years, having the fire brigade in for their first school visit since lockdowns was a real milestone and the front lawn was well watered. Equally, having parents in for a Pirate Play was a welcomed step back towards normality.
At Christmas we all still remember the ballet. Our last large group visit!
We held an epic Book Battle and the ‘Ickabog’ won a fierce battle between Juniors’ favourite novels - this got everyone reading.
We also held a Times Tables Rock Star Day to aid Maths fluency - even the teachers dressed up as rock stars. Everyone competed to increase the times tables fluency.
Our trip to Landmark was eagerly anticipated as we hadn’t been allowed to visit such attractions in some time. It was a well-earned treat and the teachers couldn’t have been more proud of the pupils’ exemplary behaviour. A fantast end to the year!
Ms Cooper, Deputy Head, Kilgraston Junior School
Kilgraston Head Girl 2021 - 2022 talks about her Kilgraston experience
Kilgraston’s Head Girl 2021 - 2022, Maria, talks about her Kilgraston experience, thank you Maria:
The time has officially come to bid farewell and leave the gates of Kilgraston after 15 years of education, connection and school spirit. New chapters in life often harbour reflection and when I contemplate my time at Kilgraston I am gratified with the memories, friendships and knowledge I have gained. Concluding my time at Kilgraston in being awarded the position of Head Girl, I have worked to my greatest ability to encapsulate the makings of not only a leader but the qualities of a Kilgraston individual, exemplifying perseverance, amiability and humility in school life.
Going into Upper Sixth, the Head Girl Team had a myriad of ideas and innovation to cement within the school environment linking to the Sacred Heart Goal of Community. In consideration of what we have achieved and created, I am contented and full of pride in our achievements. Our Burns Supper, Sixth Form Ball, Talentless Show, Seasonal Party, Goals Day activities and more all linking to charity have all contributed to our experiences and memories of our time at Kilgraston. My proudest moment as Head Girl has been the success and hopeful continuation of the Charity Week we established for the first time in Kilgraston History. Each year group was given a charity for the year to research, spread awareness and fundraise for, including Pancreatic Cancer UK, Maggie’s, Cardiomyopathy UK and more. I will forever smile when I think of the ‘Soak the Upper Sixth and Staff’ event which culminated at the end of the Charity Week, where we raised £300 for the Charity CHAS. Not only did the splashing of water and attack of sponges spark hilarity, but we crafted a strong sense of togetherness and community.
As Head Girl of Kilgraston for 2021-2022, I have felt so humbled and honoured to have been awarded this leadership position and I will undoubtedly take the skills I have picked up with me into adult life. I am overjoyed to have accomplished the Sacred Heart Goal of Community with all pupils participating in fundraising events for a plethora of charities, volunteering and developing in both an academic domain alongside in ambition and confidence within themselves.
I have been so fortunate to have been joined in my leadership by my two Deputy Head Girls, India and Yolanda. Together, we have established a strong sense of school ethos and dynamism within both the pupil and staff sphere. We have unquestionably learnt a magnitude of skills that will complement our future horizons and feel additionally fulfilled when we consider what we have accomplished for our legacy at Kilgraston. Not only as a team but as three strong friends, India, Yolanda and I have truly maximised all opportunities provided and have conducted ourselves in a manner of friendliness and humanity, hoping to exemplify the belief system that ‘No one is perfect’ and encourage all pupils to be themselves and try their best in all aspects of school life.
Whilst departing from Kilgraston signifies poignancy for the Upper Sixth Leavers, I know that it is our time to go and branch out in the world, reassured of our future thanks to Kilgraston and the education it has provided. As I pass on the baton of leadership, I wish the new Head Girl Team of 2022-2023 the greatest fulfilment and success in the coming year. Explore your talents and capture every moment, the time will fly by faster than you can anticipate hence seize every opportunity and every day at school.
For my final sign-off one more time, Thank you Kilgraston.
Cor Unum.
Maria E.