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.
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.
Kilgraston Lower Four visit York
As Sixth Form jetted off to Paris and Upper Four and Lower Fifth enjoyed a medley of activities close to home, Kilgraston Lower Four took a trip to York:
On Saturday the 12th of June 2022, a severe amount of last minute packing consumed all of us Lower fourth students. I begged my mum to drop me off extra early that morning just in case I had forgotten something. Then we were all gathered by our extremely helpful teachers who will definitely not be as willing to volunteer to take us next time! The previous few weeks prior to our exhibition the whole Lower Fourth class created uniquely coloured tie dye shirts which we wore from the morning of our departure until that same night.
Just before nine that morning we all lined up on the front lawn, in the most cluttered and disorderly fashion. We took pictures of us all together as our trip began. We travelled on the coach while watching Mamma Mia singing along to every word. We arrived at our first stop (not our destination), Vindolanda at around 1pm, searching and scoping the ancient roman fortress all whilst eating our packed lunch that the school catering kindly made for us all. Then after we had explored for a while, we all hauled ourselves back on our coach to travel the second half of our long journey. Even though our journey was long it was not a sickly one, as our very own, Mrs Bluett told us that if you normally feel carsick on a long journey, all you have to do is sit on a newspaper. As bizarre as it was it worked. For everyone it was astonishing and not even she herself could explain it.
We arrived at our youth hostel at around 5pm. Only half an hour after we arrived, we set off to the restaurant we were going to for dinner, Bella Italia. After a great dinner our first adventure in York began. Our teachers had booked a ghost tour guide to take us through York while telling true fascinating ghost stories of York’s past inhabitants, including Guy Fawkes. The next day started off with the York Minster which took over 250 intricate years to create. It was a wonder to explore and learn about. A while after we were all let loose to go shopping for just over an hour. After lunch we all arrived at the York dungeons, a programme with actors paid to scare and entertain us. After the spooky time we spent in the dungeons we headed off to the very interesting Yorvik Centre.
We were taught in a lively and interactive way to see active sculptures of Vikings in their era. After an already tiring day, we were all dying to eat our amazing Mexican food at Las Iguanas, a delicious experience. When we arrived back at the youth hostel, we all dove to our rooms either to rest after the long day or to take a nap. But about an hour later we were surprised with a quiz constructed by Mrs Bluett who probably regretted it after she heard all our yelling!
The next morning was our departure from York but it was not the end of our trip… we travelled on the coach for about and hour and a half when we were told we had to make a stop at Asda to buy our lunch as we would be too busy when lunch actually came. We all rampaged around the shop picking up anything and everything we could, obviously not realising that our eyes were bigger than our stomachs! After Asda we travelled a while longer until we got to Beamish, an amazing living museum that transported us fully into its Victorian age. We explored old fashioned homes, shops, schools, and fairs, rode on carousels and watched people making liquorice.
At around half past three we set off on the home stretch but not without stopping off at the McDonald’s right on the border between England and Scotland for dinner! We finally reached Kilgraston at eight o’clock, very much ready to sleep in our own beds. On behalf of all Lower Four, thank you to our wonderful teachers, Mrs Murphy, Mrs Bluett and most of Mrs Lyle for organising a great end of year trip.
Lucy, Lower Four
Kilgraston Sixth Form - Bonjour Paris
Kilgraston Sixth Form visited Paris as their final year trip:
On Monday 13th June a group of 35 Upper and Lower Sixth accompanied by Mlle Depreux, Mr Connolly, Dr Phillips and Mrs McCormick travelled to Paris. Starting the day on Tuesday we boarded a Parisian Seine cruise at the impressive base of the Eiffel Tower. We viewed Notre Dame, breath-taking Parisian bridges, l’île de la Cité, and Parisian architecture. Next we took a walk along the Champs Elysées viewing L’Arc de Triomphe, tasting the famous La Durée macarons, Parisian croque-monsieur and window shopping well known brands.
Our next stop began with a magnificent, but challenging climb to the beautiful Sacré Coeur which was truly an incredible experience. The Montmartre area with its charming bistros enchanted us all ending what was a day which was an incredible stimulation of the senses. On Wednesday we spent the day at Disneyland Paris; to get our adrenaline soaring we braved Star Wars Space Mountain, a Disney ‘Big Thrill’ which even Mlle Depreux enjoyed. Ratatouille was a firm favourite amongst the group as well as Big Thunder Mountain the clattering runaway train and for some a big highlight and brave achievement the Tower of Terror. The finale of this day was spectacular firework display around the Disney Princess castle, a magical experience.
On Thursday we divided up to either shop at Val d’Europe or relax and enjoy the Parisian heat wave. What made this trip such a success was the comraderie and sense of team adventure displayed by our girls. The laughter they shared, along with confidence gained from exploring a new city and for those braving to speak the French language including both Mr Connolly and Dr Phillips. The girls represented themselves, their parents and the school tremendously well and have hopefully made memories to last a life time. There was even a chorus of ‘Where Next’ from Lower Sixth.
Mrs McCormick, Head of Sixth Form
Sports Day 2022
Kilgraston Sports Day 2022 took place June 9th and 10th with the sun shining for both the Junior and Senior events.
This year our Senior Sports Day started on Friday morning. Each house gathered on Front Lawn in their colours and were piped to the sports field by Lower Fifth’s Libby before the event compère, Mr. Allaker, who did a fantastic job.
The first event was the 100 metre sprint in year groups (Fourth Form, Fifth Form and Sixth Form). It was followed by the Long Jump, Shot put and High jump. Each event was very fun to watch, but my favourite was the high jump! The other two running events were the 800 and 200 metres. The fun races included the egg and spoon race and the sack race. There was an egg and spoon race for the teachers and parents too.
The last races of the day were the relays, which were in the usual year groups, with an extra one which is the staff against the sixth form.
At the end senior event, Libby piped us to the finish line for presentations to the Champions from Mrs. Davie. Thank you to Mrs. Ferry and everyone who made this years sports day so successful.
Jaya, Upper Four
Kilgraston Activity Days 2022
Kilgraston Activity Days have become an essential part of the calendar year where we celebrate and spend some much-needed social time together. The days, free from academic work, have helped developed a wide range of inter-personal and team work skills along with building resilience.
The days have provided a wide range of activities, ranging from the creative with ‘Crafternoon’, the calming games on the lawn, the thrilling Laser Tag and the adventurous water sports at Blown Away at St Andrews. These were but a few. There was also bowling, Woodland Combat and the Aloft Tree Top Challenge at Crieff Hydro, climbing at the University of the Highlands and Islands, tennis, swimming, football, cricket, stone art, Air Thrill, quizzes, golf, baking, scavenger hunts, camping along with the obligatory s’mores. Then there were the residential trips to York for the Lower Four, Alton Towers for Upper Fifth and Paris for Sixth Form. A formidably packed few days for pupils and staff alike.
As with all events and adventures that bring us together through laughter and shared experiences, it cements our common bond. Cor Unum.
Ms Hall
Retirement of Mrs Ferguson
Mrs Ferguson has given her all in her role at Kilgraston for 26 years. After two decades as a Junior Years class teacher, her nurturing approach to helping learners to fulfil their academic potential made her move into Support for Learning a natural and highly successful one.
Pam looks after pupils and colleagues as if they were members of her own family and, in this way, she epitomises the Kilgraston spirit. Her warmth and goodness have made her an immensely popular teacher; pupils bring to her their life stories and worries as well as their academic concerns and achievements, knowing that all will be met with the same degree of conscientious care and respect.
The young people who work with Pam innately understand that her interest in their academic success and wellbeing is genuine and deep, and they thrive under her guidance. Pam’s generosity with her affection and time and her determination to see the best in everyone have made her an incredible teacher, an indispensable colleague and an invaluable friend.
We wish you well Mrs Ferguson and we shall miss you.
Kilgraston Parents’ Association Summer Fair
Last Saturday, 11th June, the Kilgraston Parents’ Association Summer Fair took place at the Sports Pavilion. Despite a blustery start, the day was filled with fun and excitement. Several stalls were featured including the ever popular strawberries and cream, baked goods and sweeties, along with the newly introduced Pimms table. Strawberries were kindly donated by Emma Stuart-Reid of Broadslap Farm with Pimms donated by Upper Third parents. Splat-A-Rat and ‘Guess How Many’ proved to be very popular, with Leonie securing first prize for the latter.
Many raffle prizes were kindly donated by staff, parents and local businesses, including Clootie McToots, Harmony Beauty, and Gleneagles. Thank you to all who donated prizes and congratulations to all the winners!
The Fair also saw some of our own Kilgraston Entrepreneurs showcasing their talents including the Sixth Form Girls with their wellness packs, the Science Department and the Apiary Committee, and Lower Four’s Ishbel with her luxury, handmade soap business called Airbubble. We hope to see more students and staff with their own stalls at next year’s event!
Finally, a great BIG THANK YOU to all the staff, students and Gap Year Girls who helped with the Summer Fair. All the support is very much appreciated. And thank you to everyone who attended. We hope you had a lovely day!
Music at Kilgraston - find out more
Music is an intrinsic part of life at Kilgraston with the Music Department offering a wide array of activities with individual instrumental lessons, choirs and instrumental groups as well as class teaching from Reception through to Upper Sixth.
All pupils in the junior school and in Lower and Upper Four receive specialist music lessons as part of their curriculum. In the Junior School pupils are taught the basics of music through the Kodaly method of teaching which focuses on learning through singing games and the basics of music notation. They are also introduced to a range of instruments in class which from next session will include experiences in strings, woodwind and brass instruments delivered by our instrumental teachers. This carries on into the senior school where pupils in Lower 4th and Upper Four specialise in two instruments as well as studying topics in a wide range of musical genres. Music is then offered as an exam subject at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels and includes the three elements of performing, listening and composition which as well as preparing pupils for further study and careers in music also offer a range of transferrable skills.
Instrumental lessons are provided in the school by 15 visiting instrumental teachers in instruments ranging from bagpipes, pipe band drumming and clarsach through to guitar, drumkit, piano, voice and a range of string, brass and woodwind instruments. Over 90 pupils currently receive instrumental or vocal lessons with many pupils receiving lessons on a second instrument as well.
Supporting the learning undertaken in class and in instrumental lessons, we are fortunate to offer a wide range of music groups within the co-curricular programme with regular performance opportunities in concerts and other events throughout the year. There are groups to suit all interests from choirs and orchestras in both the senior and junior choirs to smaller groups such as the pipe band and clarsach group as well as opportunities for pupils to form groups such as jazz and rock bands. The highlight of the musical year is the annual Christmas Concert in the Perth Concert Hall which involves every pupil in the school with other highlights including regular lunchtime concerts, the annual Spring Concert and the Kilgraston Young Musician and Perform in Perth competitions.
In the past year the department has seen so many achievements for both individuals and groups. Coming out of two lockdowns where performance was so restricted, with audiences not allowed, it is testament to the pupils and staff that live music has made a return to life at Kilgraston. However this success is tinged with sadness as this summer we say farewell to music teacher and percussion instructor Mr Gordon Murch after many years at Kilgraston. The music department has benefited so much from Mr Murch’s wide experience in this time, but more importantly his warmth of character and the absolute joy he brings to all the pupils he works with in school from the very youngest reception children through to the most experienced musicians in the senior school. He will be greatly missed by all his pupils and colleagues but we know he will continue to enjoy music making in his retirement and we look forward to welcoming him back soon to Kilgraston.