Green Flag award for Kilgraston
Kilgraston is delighted to have been awarded our first Eco-Schools Scotland Green Flag Award. The Eco-Schools Green Flag is a global award given to young people making a positive environmental impact.
The award judges praised Kilgraston pupils on their commitment and determination, with specific mention to how Kilgraston’s Eco-Code gives a clear message of our mission in how to contribute to the solutions of climate change.
Kilgraston’s stunning countryside campus in rural Perth is already home to red squirrels and a myriad of wildflowers and native trees. Pupils in our Junior School have been monitoring the growth of a hedge, planted in 2009 and now home to many animals and birds.
Our recent COP26 Activities Fortnight also received high praise, as it allowed the students to learn about marine conservation, sustainability and to think about the future.
Kilgraston’s Eco-Committee have been dedicated to achieving the Green Flag Award. Dr Phillips, Kilgraston’s Head of Geography said:
“This has been a long time coming! Our original Action Plan pre-dates the first lockdown, so it is to the credit of the girls in the Eco-Committee that they have been able to maintain their focus on achieving this award, and keep the faith that we could get there in the end. We have to renew this award every two years, though, so this is just the beginning…”
Kilgraston attends schools conference
Kilgraston pupils Phoebe and Katie recently attended a schools’ conference where the discussion centred around steps, we could take to improve the world. The European Sacred Heart Schools Conference saw pupils from Sacred Heart schools around the world take part virtually in stimulating workshops and lectures looking at ways we could work together to protect our planet.
In the breakout sessions, Katie and Phoebe spoke about how they were both members of the school eco committee and how our the fortnight of activities in school during COP 26 helped Kilgraston pupils become better informed about the environment. They also mentioned various school campaigns we have undertaken such as the campaign against single use plastics.
For months now, Kilgraston’s glass corridor has been a sea of colour and powerful messages regarding the environmental issues we are currently facing. In one of the breakout sessions, Katie and Phoebe highlighted this project and how it helped to send daily reminders to the school community about the beauty of the natural world and the creative and informative lessons the glass corridor has given us all.
As well as sharing our own initiatives, the event also gave the opportunity to hear from other schools and Sacred Heart representatives including two from Sacred Heart United Nations NGO Office. So, with luck some of what was discussed at the event, could be filtered through to the headquarters of the United Nations.
Burns Supper with Sixth Form
One of the most popular events on the Kilgraston calendar made a welcome return this year as the Sixth Form enjoyed their post-prelim Burns Supper. Drinks were served in Central Hall, after which Tallie piped the attendees down into the Theatre, paused so that India and Yolanda could say the Selkirk Grace, then continued in her musical duties to welcome the haggis. Mr Campbell recited Burns’ address to a haggis in broad Scots, looking like he was having just a little bit too much fun in brandishing a sharp knife while doing so. A glass of Irn-Bru was raised, and the meal duly began.
Post-supper entertainment was provided by Hannah-Rose and Isabel, who gave a stunning rendition of ‘A Red, Red Rose’, before Ms Hall proposed an immortal toast to Burns’ Immortal Memory. Dr Phillips offered some well-intentioned thoughts on behalf of the gentlemen present in his Toast to the Lassies, and Head Girl Maria replied with some well-intentioned thoughts of her own in her Response. Mr Allaker brought proceedings to a close with his Vote of Thanks, after which there was just time for one final glass of Irn-Bru to ensure that everyone was suitably refreshed before joining in with a version of Auld Lang Syne that made up in volume for what it lacked in finesse.
Until next year’s Burns Supper, fare thee weel awhile.
Kilgraston’s Equestrian Centre discussed in outdoor learning magazine feature
Renowned national magazine, Independent School Parent, has featured Kilgraston School in its Spring 2022 Prep edition.
Increasingly, the narrative to take learning beyond the classroom is gathering traction, no less in the piece, entitled “Let’s go outside,” detailing schools with an approach that “inspires confidence, instils engagement and supports mental health.”
Kilgraston’s on-site Equestrian Centre and benefits thereof are discussed online on pages 24/25/26.
Copies of the magazine are available at main reception.
7 February 2022
Women and Business with Professor Kim Dale
“Finding your passion is the key,” Professor Kim Dale told senior pupils at Kilgraston School, “finding that work/life balance is absolutely vital.”
The Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and Assistant Vice Principal (International) of the University of Dundee, was speaking to girls as part of the School’s Women and Business industry insider lecture series.
A world-expert in Notch Signalling Pathways, the research scientist detailed her own career pathway, starting with a BSc Hons in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Southampton before progressing to a PhD in Developmental Biology and Embryology at London’s UCL: “This was a very tough course,” she told girls, “however, I cannot tell you how exciting it is to be asking a question no-one else in the whole world knows the answer to and you’re going to find!”
This passion for science saw the Professor pursue her interest to sunny southern France and the Campus de Luminy at the CNRS Faculté des Sciences at the Aix Marseille University. Here, she took a post-doctoral position, as an independent scientist, asking “really exciting biological questions.”
Professor Dale investigated embryonic Somite skeletal development and timeframes for different species – in a mouse it’s two hours, in a human eight! For the very first time, the presence of a gene ‘clock’ was established, discovering that if the Notch Pathway was interrupted (the ‘clock’ going wrong) normal development would be hampered.
From here, it was off to mid-west America to a brand-new Science research facility. While here, Prof Dale not only became a mum but developed her own independent research questions and pilot data which allowed her to apply for and secure funding to establish her own research laboratory back in Scotland and to the University of Dundee’s Faculty of Life Sciences.
Upon returning, several new skills had to be learnt - budget responsibility, people management and recruitment. “The biggest key to making it work is employing the right people,” the Professor emphasised, “my success was their success and their success was my success.” Key to success with the cutting-edge research in stem cell development was the team: “We’re all always learning from each other.”
Professor Dale concluded her talk by describing how her career had moved into management, last year accepting the position of Assistant Vice Principal where she draws on her international connections and experience: “Open your eyes for a great mentor at every step,” girls were advised, “always make sure you are passionate about the job.”
Professor Dale was given rapturous applause from all year groups, one pupil commenting: “She was just so inspiring!”
Ewan Connolly, Head of Science at Kilgraston, said: “Being presented with industry experts goes a long way to helping pupils with both tertiary education and career choices. We were very privileged to have someone of Professor Dale’s calibre visit the School.”
Kilgraston School is very proud of the fact that, on average, every year over 60% of Sixth Form leavers pursues an undergraduate STEM subject including, in 2022, to read Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge.
3.2.22
Profile of Kilgraston School’s Head teacher, Dorothy MacGinty
This month’s Independent Schools Magazine has profiled Kilgraston School’s very own Mrs MacGinty (p24-26).
Not withholding any punches, questions probe the School’s mobile phone policy, environmental learning, hybrid exam systems and inspiration to enter the profession (her mum) with the mantra: “Children have one chance at education and it needs to be as good as it possibly can be.”
Of course, retirement is on the horizon, with golf high on the priority list: “I thought when I came back to Scotland seven years ago, I would have the opportunity to play some of the country’s magnificent courses and my handicap would reduce - how wrong I was. Leading a boarding school - as all boarding Heads will know - doesn’t allow for four hours’ on the course at the weekend!”
We wish Mrs MacGinty every success on the fairway; the full profile, together with announcement of in-coming Head teacher, Tanya Davie (p46), being available here.
20 January 2022
Kilgraston’s Cor Unum 2020 to 2021 - what a year!
Lockdown learning
Cor Unum - Kilgraston School’s annual magazine, chronicling myriad activities, experiences, subjects studied and fun times had by the entire school community - has just been published.
Wonderfully curated by English teacher, Margaret Saunders, this year’s magazine details the trials and tribulations of learning through lockdown, an academic year like no other: “An extraordinary year and a half,” reiterates Head teacher Dorothy MacGinty, “one we never could have anticipated!”
Community
Kilgraston is all about community, with the pulling-together of every part of the School evident in several staff interviews. “The past year has been very different,” explains Admissions Manager, Ali Gibb, “but the feedback from tours is always so positive.” Meanwhile, ICT guru, Gavin Muirhead, details the rapid response needed to ensure learning from home was seamless, “investigating and deploying new solutions to support the school’s remote operation.”
Summer School Course Director, Donna Douglas, offers a positive spin to Covid restrictions, detailing the School’s “valued service for local children in the holidays,” while Head of Finance Moira Mackie and her small team’s swift response to the Scottish Government’s introduction of isolation arrangement for international pupils, is highlighted.
Of course, it’s really all about the pupils, their resilience and fortitude shining through.
All together now
Everything from biomedical engineering achievements to Junior Years‘ construction of fairy houses in the woods: Inter House Speech making, glamorous balls, paddle-boarding, computer science, speaking English as a second language (speaking English as a first language) while enjoying a difficult game of Pride and Prejudice Quotation bingo. A full picture of Kilgraston life.
Cor Unum fulfills Kilgraston’s ongoing environmental ethose by being printed on Forest Stewardship Council approved sources, from sustainable, well managed, forests and is fully recyclable, having no coatings or lamination.
Alumna stories; those who have sadly left us; visitors; sporting achievement; ponies; STEM subjects, special FX workshops and superb academic results. It’s all there, shrouded in U6s India B’s beautiful, on-trend, painting of bees on iris.
“Every pupil and staff member wants to do their best,” explains Head of Mathematics, Stephanie Speed, a stickler for detail, declaring her pet hates as “bad manners and unpolished shoes!”
Quite right, Mrs Speed, but fear not, this edition shines from cover to cover.
Copies can be collected from Main School Reception or electronically, here.
15.12.21
Kilgraston Christmas showcase review
History will dictate that Christmas 2021 was a moment when separation, social distancing and the side-stepping of airport terminals was de rigour.
Global constraints included Austria in full lockdown - Germany following suit - Italy introducing a ‘super green pass’ and England not quite sure what it thought about the wearing of facemasks.
The very notion of zipping around the world for a spot of cultural interaction was the preserve of that rosy-cheeked chap, sporting red suit, beard and a vaccine passport recognised by every authority.
All this changed with curtain-up at Kilgraston School’s multi-cultural musical medley, ‘Christmas Around the World’.
Hosted by Perth’s magnificent Concert Hall, the entire school – from five-year-olds with vocal ranges rising and falling like those of their hem lengths – to accomplished senior pupils demonstrating orchestral prowess, took audience members on a whirl-wind tour across international time zones.
Scandinavia became our journey’s departure lounge, 16th Century ‘Gaudete’ heralding a spookily cool blue backdrop, quickly morphing to the warm glow of a Swedish summer sunset.
France was the next in-flight snack, a cheeky little ‘Noel Nouvelet’ delivered by cheeky little Junior Years’ pupils, beaming and blushing to the able direction of Director of Music, Andrew Morley.
Gathering altitude, we were off to Wales, native speakers reminding viewers the country was “very good at rugby, but even better at singing!”. Clarsach and violin tinkled like cats’ paws on Cardiff Bay, the hauntingly beautiful ‘When Christ was born of Mary free’ bringing a tingle to every spine.
Soaring above borders, next stop Austria, restrictions an unpleasant memory: “Here we are in Vienna,” trilled a native speaker, “the capital of classical music.” How lovely, there we all were, strolling aside the Danube, Kilgraston’s Junior Choir’s ‘Still, still, still’ ebbing and flowing like the great river itself.
Bang!
A bit of in-flight turbulence as we approached the States. Wind Band, full orchestra and all three choirs upped the ante with an ear-popping Christmas Medley of everyone’s favourites: “Happy holidays,” beamed a native New Yorker, “It’s time for eggnog!”
Sadly, air stewards refrained from serving alcoholic libation to the stalls, but, after a swift spot of in-flight refuelling, time to buckle-up for the rest of the ride, Caribbean beaches our next destination.
The Dominican Republic - land of festive “suckling pigs and fireworks” according to our captain - was brought to the banks of the Tay by a finger-clicking, foot-tapping Chamber Choir, knocking-out upbeat ‘Cantemos a Maria’ as if maracas were mandatory in Perthshire.
Breaking sound barriers, the same pupils demonstrated all the agility of an F-16 fighter, jetting seamlessly over the Italian Alps with ‘Hodie Christus Natus Est’, both A cappella and in native Latin.
Nosecone over the Balearics, the Instrumental Ensemble was deftly guided through Spain’s traditional carol, ‘Campana Sobre Campana,’ guitar strings plucked.
Swooping over rural England, the Senior Choir ‘Watched their Flocks by Night’ - the song-flight nearing its terminus - circling over France, where pupil soloist Hannah-Rose lit-up the skies with her spiritual ‘Oh Holy Night.’
It certainly was.
Having landed safely, caution was promptly thrown to the tail-wind with a bracing rendition of legendary Live Aid’s, ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’
Answer? Yes, they most certainly did!
Readings, in a multitude of languages, delivered with the crisp pronunciation of a British Airways pilot: full-throttle audience participation of traditional favourites, all made for a First-Class ride.
Throughout the world, many will wonder if it is indeed the season to be jolly.
But for a few short hours, at least, Christmas Around the World - Kilgraston style - was very definitely the destination of choice.
5.12.21
Kilgraston’s Eco-Committee - the Plastic Free School award
Kilgraston’s Eco-Committee delivered an assembly this week on Surfers Against Sewage. Read more below:
Surfers Against Sewage was set up in 1990 by a small group of people who were appalled by the conditions of some of Britain’s coastal waters.
Since then, they have been constantly active, organising beach clean-ups and campaigning for better regulations, and are now turning their attention to the marine plastic problem.
More than 12 million tonnes of plastic ends up in the ocean every year, and Surfers Against Sewage are now campaigning to stop that.
One of Surfers Against Sewage’s newer projects is the Plastic Free Schools Award, towards which Kilgraston is now working.
We have already cut down on the number of single-use plastics used in school, but the Eco-Committee have more in store to help us to become as plastic free as we possibly can.
Please help by cutting down on your use of single-use plastics, and by donating to Surfers Against Sewage at: www.sas.org.uk/donate.
Written by Eco-Committee members Upper Four’s Phoebe and Alexandra
Kilgraston celebrates St Andrew’s Day 2021
With a whirlwind of tartan and a blast of the bagpipes, Kilgraston pupils celebrated St Andrew’s Day 2021.
In our Junior Years, pupils were piped into the Atrium before taking to the dance floor for an afternoon of Scottish Country Dancing and a St Andrew’s Party which included a special cake. Our youngest pupils, four-year-old Abigail and Olivia were given the honour of cutting the cake.
Later on, Senior School pupils enjoyed an energetic ceilidh with lots of dancing and happy faces. This was the first time the School’s Ceilidh band performed and it was fantastic to hear. After more dancing, the pupils then enjoyed a delicious meal of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties prepared by Kilgraston’s in-house catering team. The evening finished with a mixture of modern and traditional music for the pupils to enjoy.
Organiser, Mrs Ferry, Kilgraston’s Head of PE, said: “Even with the COVID restrictions, we still enjoyed a wonderful day, a culmination of a lot of hard work from the pupils and it was wonderful to see. Everyone had a fantastic time.”
Thank you to everyone who took part and to Mrs Ferry for organising. Find out more about our schedule of extra-curricular activities
Watch our St. Andrew’s Day celebrations below.