MARCH 2011

CONTENTS

Rector‘s Comment

News in Brief

2

3

Albert Roux Dinner

4/5

Debating

CHAOS

6

7

Ski Trip 8/9

Rock Challenge

Green Challenge Debate

10

11

Mahaheella School Update

Arts Weekend /

Badminton

12

13

Rock Challenge

Young Chef Competition

Youth Services

14

15

16

Principal Teacher of History, Mr Ian Cripps receives his Inspirational

Teacher Award from Mr Paul Tuelon of Oxford University, looked on by

250 History Pupils from Charleston Academy.

Sharing in Mr Cripps‘ success is his wife Mrs Cripps, our school Librarian,

and History teachers Miss Snodgrass and Ms Bain.

2

Charleston News – Editors Comment

It was a real pleasure to host an assembly for over 250 History Pupils at Charleston Academy. Mr Paul Tuelon

from Oxford University was our guest of honour to present Mr Ian Cripps, PT History with his Inspirational

Teacher Award. You will recall from previous editions of Charleston News that Mr Cripps was nominated for

this award by Rachel Tidey who is now an undergraduate student at Oxford University. Mr Cripps‘ wife, our

school Librarian accompanied him to receive his award, as did Miss Snodgrass and Ms Bain from the History

department.

This week the school is hosting visitors from our partner school in Botswana. Depute Headteacher Mr

Ponoesele and teacher Mrs Milton have accompanied four senior pupils from Lotsane Senior Secondary

School. Staff and pupils have been making them welcome and sharing their experiences.

There have been some notable achievements this term. Amongst them our success in reaching the North of

Scotland Debating Final in Aberdeen and our Big Green Challenge Champions who won the Big Green Challenge

debating competition at the Scottish Parliament last month. The S1/2 Girls won a trip to Navarre in Spain

where they will spend 4 days looking at the social and economic impact of renewable energy development in the

region.

Also in this edition is information about the hard work and effort put in by Charleston Academy pupils who

worked front of house at the Albert Roux Prince‘s Feast dinner at Culloden Battlefield. The pupils did the

school proud, giving up part of their February mid-term break to assist at this function. Mr Roux, who is

visiting the school in May, commented on the hard-work and commitment of the pupils that took part.

Thank you for all your help and support over the last few busy months. Staff have been working very hard

preparing pupils for exams and ensuring coursework is completed and also hosting a wealth of extra curricular

activities. Staff and pupils are now all looking forward to a well-earned break. Some staff are accompanying

two trips heading off over Easter. Our Dreams and Teams group are visiting South Africa and another group

are heading off to London and Paris. We wish both groups a safe and enjoyable trip.

Finally we reach the end of a busy and eventful term. The Easter Holidays begin after close of school at

3:30pm on Friday 8th April. All pupils and staff return on Tuesday 26th April. Pupils in S4, S5 and S6 have been

busy completing their coursework, folios and internal assessments in preparation for the SQA exams which

begin in May. Information about these important SQA exams including individual timetables and information

about Study Leave will be sent out to the pupils concerned by Mr Stewart, Depute Rector. Good luck to all

those pupils who now begin the serious preparation for their forthcoming exams – we wish you well with your

revision and for the exams themselves when the time comes.

In the meantime, best wishes to everyone for an enjoyable and restful Easter break.

Chris O‘Neill

Rector

Dates for your Diary

26th April Start of Term

2nd May May Day Holiday, school closed

3rd May Start of S4 Study Leave

10th May S6 Awards Ceremony – evening

11th May S5 Awards Ceremony – day

6th June In-Service Training, school closed

7th June New Timetable begins, new S4/5/6 return from Study Leave

9th/10th June S1/2/3 Activities Days & Senior School Induction

13th/14th June Primary 7 Visit and P7 Parents Information Evening (14th)

1st July Last Day of Term

3

Rags to Riches!

After the Easter holiday, Charleston is going to

take part in the ―Rag Bag‖ scheme. This involves

collecting old clothes, shoes and linen. Clothes do

NOT need to be in good condition, as those items

which are unfit to be worn again are recycled in-

to fabric, and those which are in good condition

are sent to developing countries. We want our

project to be a big success so are asking you to

start saving any clothes, shoes or linen you are

willing to donate until the date for bringing them

into school - which will be in the summer term.

The Rag-Bag recycling company will pay the

school by weight for the items collected and we

hope to spend the money we raise on improving

the school grounds.

There is more information on this recycling

scheme online, at www.rag-bag.co.uk

The Eco Committee

Eco News

Last year the school purchased a Ridan

composter, a machine which magically transforms

waste products from around the school into

compost which is used in the numerous vegetable

and flower beds around the polytunnel. Food

waste is collected from the canteen, home

economics, staff room and office and combined

with wood shavings from the Technical

Department to produce the compost.

For a number of months, Katy Kitchingham from

the Ross-shire Waste Action Network (ROWAN)

has been spending time in the school, advising us

on how to get the most from our composter, and

also getting her hands dirty by sorting out the

various compost bins which we have.

On 23rd March Katy and a couple of helpers from

ROWAN worked with a group of around 16 pupils

and staff to work on the Ridan and also set up

some larger compost heaps. A very productive

(and tiring ) morning was had by all, and we now

have a very efficient compost making system.

The Eco Committee would like to thank Katy for

all the hours she has put in to help us set this

up.

Thanks also to the following first year pupils who

enthusiastically mucked in ; Freya Lindberg, Leah

Gibson, Euan Crawford, Ally Velzian, Paddy

McEwen, Aidan Kent and Alex Murray.

Rural Skills expertise and help was received from

third year pupils Ryan Rattray, Neil Moodie and

Timothy Dicks, whilst Jamie McKendrick, Fern

Kelly and Josh Kane also put in some hard graft

to help the cause. The Eco Committee

T e s c o f o r S c h o o l s a n d C l u b s

(it’s that time again!)

Last year, thanks to your generous donations of

Tesco vouchers (over 14,000) we were able to

purchase several items for the PE department,

the Eco committee, the Arches Gardening club

and the Sub Aqua club. We also obtained a voice

recorder which can be borrowed by departments

when required. As before, the collection box for

vouchers will be in the library and we will be

delighted to receive any donations. Anne Cripps

Gaelic News

The Gaelic poet Aonghas MacNeacail recently ran

a writing workshop with the S5-6 Gaelic class as

part of the Sgrìobhadh sna Sgoiltean programme.

This scheme aims to promote writing among

young Gaelic speakers and to help them gain a

better appreciation of the writing of others.

This input will be invaluable to pupils in the run up

to their final exam.

Thàinig am bàrd ainmeil Aonghas MacNeacail

dhan chlas Ghàidhlig mar phàirt dhen sgeama

Sgrìobhadh sna Sgoiltean. Tha an sgeama ag

amas air sgrìobhadh a bhrosnachadh am-measg

dheugairean agus air tuigse a thoirt dhaibh air

sgil an sgrìobhadair. Cuidichidh a‘ bhùth-obrach

na sgoilearan le bhith a‘ beachdachadh air

litreachas agus a‘ sgrìobhadh phìosan iad fhèin.

Y Gunn

Pupil Updates

We would like to remind parents/carers to please

notify the school office of any changes to

information regarding pupils to enable us to keep

our records up to date.

4

ALBERT ROUX DINNER

Sixteen Charleston pupils had a wonderful and inspiring experience helping prepare and serve a four

course extravaganza under the expert guidance of M. Albert Roux.

The Prince‘s Feast was hosted by The National Trust for Scotland at Culloden Battlefield‘s Visitor

Centre and raised £3000 towards the conservation of that ancient site.

Pupils who were involved both front of house and in the kitchen, served the exciting menu to 100

guards.

M. Roux - who included Charleston Academy into his ‘Adopt a School Programme‘ two years ago - was

delighted with the pupils' efforts saying they offered ―first class service‖ and were a real credit to

Charleston Academy.

Much instruction was passed from M. Roux‘s excellent Rocpool Reserve staff and some of the pupils

are now sure that they want to follow a career path into hospitality.

Claire McIntosh (S4) said ―I greatly enjoyed working with the legend that is M. Roux, it has

encouraged me to pursue waitressing as part of my long-term career plan.‖

Steven Jenkins & Jamie Dick (S6) commented ―We enjoyed working with the chefs very much. They

taught us how to cook efficiently in order to serve a four course meal for so many guests in such a

short space of time.‖

A tradition Scottish meal, reputed to have been served to Bonnie Prince Charlie, was the menu of

choice consisting of a Scottish Mussel Brose to start with, followed by Rack of Lamb with a Stirlie

Crust and a sweet of Cream Crowdie and Compote of Berries macerated in Whisky.

A fulfilling and

enjoyable evening

was had by all of

those lucky enough

to be there.

A similar event is to

be held at the school

on Tuesday

1st November.

E Bremner

5

‘

Pupils assisting

at

‗The Prince‘s Feast‘

M. Albert Roux

and

pupils

Charleston Academy

Acoustic Night

Thursday 5th May 2011

7.30 - 9.00pm

Tickets - £5

Tickets on sale from Wednesday 6th April

All proceeds to go to Highland Hospice and ongoing ‘Rock Challenge’

6

NORTH OF SCOTLAND DEBATING FINAL

After an unfortunate postponement due to the snow in November, the Senior Debating Final was

unable to be held in Charleston Academy. It was rescheduled and on Friday 4th March the Charleston

Academy Senior debating team travelled to Aberdeen along with our loyal supporters from the

Debating Club. Mr MacSween, who was to Chair the evening‘s proceedings, was kind enough to drive us

through in the mini-bus.

When we got to Aberdeen the search for St Margaret‘s School for Girls began! Designated

map-reader Mrs Fraser (a Geography teacher) succeeded in getting us hopelessly lost – her

University degree really helped!!! Eventually we found the school and headed off for some much

needed food.

When we got back to the school the nerves began to kick in, especially when we realised that we were

the only boys debating. The motion ―This house believes that sport is bad for us‖ produced some

excellent speeches and challenging points of information. After the judges retired to consider their

verdict, the floor debate began, where Michael managed to brand a second year a drug addict and

John Ougham decided to play the private schools at their own game with some classical Greek

philosophy!!!

The judges returned and, in what most people agreed was a controversial decision, awarded the

winner‘s Quaich to Robert Gordon‘s College. The runners-up were St Margaret‘s School for Girls.

The judges rambled on for a bit but to be honest we were now more concerned with the buffet.

Many thanks to Mr MacSween for driving us to Aberdeen and to Mrs Fraser (Geography) and Ms

Storey (English) for taking the time to help us with our speeches over the past few months.

Also thanks to the Debating Club who have given up their lunchtimes every Tuesday to encourage and

help us.

Michael O‘Connor 6T & Andrew Travers 6L

7

CHAOS MEMBERS GAIN YOUNG LEADERS AWARD IN ORIENTEERING

5 Charleston pupils (and 3 others) successfully completed the above mentioned course held at

Charleston Academy recently. The course is designed for 14-19 year olds and enables the young leader

to work alongside a qualified coach to teach others the basic skills of the sport.

It is the FIRST time that this particular course has been run in Scotland. Hilary Quick, development

officer at the National Orienteering Centre at Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore taught the youngsters.

Her enthusiastic and energetic way of teaching both theory and practical sessions was very well

received by the pupils.

The course was delivered at no cost to the school or pupils and CHAOS would like to thank Hilary for

her time. In return, the pupils were asked to give some of their time teaching other youngsters the

skills needed to be able to enjoy the sport to the full after they had qualified. At the time of writing,

one very successful session has already been delivered to CHAOS members old and new, including a

number of upcoming P7‘s from both Tomnacross and Kinmylies Primaries.

Congratulations go to: S3 pupils Stuart Dingwall and Sam Gebicke-Kerr and S2 pupils Hannah Farman,

Alex Farquharson and Callum White!

CHAOS members are looking forward to an exciting time ahead as training has started and

competition in the form of the Highland Schools Championships AND the Scottish Schools

Championships (both taking place in June) are not really far away. And then there is the news that

the British Schools Championships are coming to Scotland in November: how good is that!

Mieke, CHAOS Coach and Course Organiser.

As from Tuesday 26th April 2011 primary and secondary school meals

will increase by five pence per meal:-

· Primary Meals – Current price £1.70 – increase to £1.75

· Secondary Meals – Current pupil price £1.90 – increase to £1.95

Current Adult price £3.00 – increase to £3.15

8

Highland Schools Ski Trip—Alpe D’huez February 2011

February 13th 4.30 am. Most of us were still half asleep as we arrived at Dalcross for the start of our skiing trip to

France. Little did we know that getting to Alpe D‘hez would be such an epic journey!

The plane that was supposed to be coming to fly us away couldn‘t land so we had to be bussed to Aberdeen where we faced

another long wait. We all stayed positive and the airport staff and our teachers were impressed by our behaviour. We

finally jetted off at 2.30pm, which was seven and a half hours late!

When we landed in France all the trouble with the journey was forgotten and we piled onto the coaches that would take us

to the resort. The journey was amazing, as we had to snake up the mountain on a road, which had sheer drops of hundreds

of meters at the sides.

Because of the delay the first night at the Hotel Belle Aurore was hectic. We had to eat our dinner and then get our skis

and boots fitted. We finally got finished at 1.30am!

The next day the excitement really started as we clambered into the hamster cages that took us to the slopes. Our

instructors were really good and made us feel welcome. We were split into ability groups so that we could all learn new

skills at our own pace.

The mountains were really beautiful and there was a good amount of snow. The good skiers got straight to it and were

zooming around the high pistes in no time. The beginners didn‘t take long to pick up the basics and were soon snow

ploughing down the slopes zig -zagging behind their instructors.

The days on the mountains went very quickly because we were enjoying ourselves so much. As well as the amazing skiing we

also had great entertainment in the hotel with quiz nights, and games. The bum boarding was a great hit and the disco was

really good fun. Even the teachers were dancing!

We had to take responsibility for ourselves and the bedroom checks every night made sure we kept things tidy. We were

given responsibility for ourselves and we were allowed into the village. We all helped each other and looked after our

friends so that we were safe all the time.

Getting to know people from other schools was also good. We have all added loads of friends to Facebook.

The trip was amazing. For some of us it was our first trip away without our family. We all either learned to ski or improved

the skills we already had. As well as this we learned to look after our selves and experienced life in another country. We

will remember the trip forever and hope we can go next year. We all want to

be first in the queue outside Ms Storey‘s classroom! By S2 girls

9

10

ROCK CHALLENGE

The Northern Constabulary is organising the Highlands first ever UK Rock Challenge. Charleston is one of

five schools that have chosen to take part.

Each school entering the Rock Challenge creates a 5-8 minute dance-drama based performance on a theme

of their choice creating the set, props, costumes, hair and make-up, lighting, choreography, drama, and

soundtrack that they want to use to put their theme across. ……. More info on our theme later!

Our rehearsals are well underway and our pupils are really working well together to create an excellent

performance. Rock Challenge takes place on 23rd June in Eden Court Theatre – a date for your diary

please! This is a competition and we need you to come and cheer us on.

F Stuart

11

CHARLESTON ACADEMY HAILED BIG GREEN CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS

Charleston Academy Big Green Challenge finalists

Freja Lundberg, Emma Foster and

Freya Boa are presented with their prize by STV Meteoroligst, Sean Batty.

A team of pupils from Charleston Academy in Inverness have been hailed as the Highlands and Islands‘ top

young renewable energy experts, after the Scottish Parliament played host to the thrilling conclusion to

this year‘s Big Green Challenge debating competition.

The grand final of the competition, which is organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), saw

teams from Sandwick Junior High School, Tain Royal Academy, Keith Grammar School, Charleston

Academy, The Nicolson Institute, Gairloch High School, Hermitage Academy and Castlebay Community

School going head-to-head.

Pupils Emma Foster, Freja Lundberg and Freya Boa successfully fought off the competition to take the

title. They have been supported all the way by their teachers, Catriona Fraser and Kay Storey.

Following their win, the Charleston Academy team are set to visit the Navarre region of Spain where they

will see examples of international best practice in securing economic and community benefits from wind

and solar energy developments. The runners-up, the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway, have won a trip to

the Eden Project in Cornwall, whose domes make up the world‘s largest greenhouse.

Charleston Academy geography teacher Catriona Fraser said, ―We are absolutely delighted to have taken

part in this fantastic event, and to have won is just the icing on the cake. The team has done us proud, and

their hard work has certainly paid off. They have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process – from

researching the topics and debating at the regional heats and then to get through to the finals here at

Holyrood has been a great experience for us all.‖

William Roe, Chair of HIE and Chair of the judging panel at the Big Green Challenge finals, said: ―Today‘s

event has been excellent. I have been completely bowled over by the enthusiasm and passion the students

have shown. It is easy to forget when you are watching them debating here at the Parliament that they

are only in their first or second year of Secondary School – they could certainly hold their own in some of

the real life debates here at Holyrood.

―This event is all about debate and encouraging our young people to consider the opportunities and

challenges that renewable energy presents us. In the Highlands and Islands we are taking forward some

world-leading developments in renewable energy, particularly in off-shore wind and wave and tidal. Given

how important this industry is for our economic and community prosperity, HIE believes it is critical that

our young people are informed about energy and aware of both sides of the debate.‖

12

13

BADAGUISH ARTS WEEKEND

During the February half-term holiday I attended a week long Art Workshop at Badaguish, Aviemore

with a group of 10 other girls ranging from S1-S6, from all over the Highlands.

Led by two local artists, over the three days there, we were given the opportunity to try out

different art mediums and forms not normally covered in school. An entire day was set aside to create

withie sculptures - a type of sculpture created from willow - and tissue paper, which can be used as a

light in the same style as the Balladrum Heart.

We also had a day at the Highland Print Studio in Inverness, where we tried screen printing onto

fabric and linograph printing. Other activities included a sketchbook workshop, life drawing and a

textile workshop, as well as stock screen animation -

the type of animation used to make Wallace and

Gromit.

Overall, the course was very worthwhile in that it gave

me the chance to experiment with different forms of

art, and I would therefore recommend it to anyone

studying Higher or Advanced Higher art, especially if

you are putting together a portfolio for art school

application.

Hannah Murray 6K

WEST OF SCOTLAND

On Sunday 6th March I entered the annual West of Scotland Badminton Championship in the Cockburn

Centre, Glasgow. I had entered all three disciplines; singles, level

doubles and mixed doubles. Unfortunately my level doubles

partner pulled out due to an injury in the singles.

In the singles, I was drawn against the No. 3 seed from England

in the first round. However, I managed to beat him in two sets,

21-10 and 21-8. I got through to the quarter finals to play the

5/B seed from Scotland and I wasn‘t ranked. I wasn‘t

expected to win and that was the case.

I therefore had one more chance to reach a final, due to an in-

jury to the No.2 seed, I was asked to play with his partner, Lucy Nevin (the daughter of Pat Nevin).

We started off losing our first set, 21-9 but

won the next two sets, 21-14 and 21-16. We

won our next two games to reach the final.

We would be playing a pair from England in a

deserted hall as it was 7.00pm. We lost a close

game 21-19 and 21-17.

It was an enjoyable day apart from getting

home at 1am and having to go to school the

next day!

Duncan Grant

14

ENGLISH CLASSES CELEBRATE BURNS NIGHT

On Tuesday, 25th January, four First Year English classes

celebrated Robert Burns‘ birthday by reciting poems, dancing,

doing a quiz and experiencing typical Burns Night celebrations,

which included the haggis being piped in by Mr Yates and an

address to the haggis, performed by Mr Paterson.

Highlights included dancing the Gay Gordons and the Virginia

Reel and favourite moments included the quizzes. Thanks to Mr

Mackay the dancing went really well and even some prefects

joined in!

The event was organised by Miss Murray and the rest of the English Department. Big

congratulations go to Ms Storey‘s class who won best recital.

All the classes thought that it was a great success. Class 1.7 said that the best bit was winning the

poem recital. All the teachers that were there said that it was great and they would all like to do

something like that again.

By Hollie Buchan, Niamh Martin, Andrew Morrison and Callum Campbell (1.4)

ROCK CHALLENGE

On Monday 21st February a group of nine pupils plus Mrs Stuart and Mr Seymour went to the AECC

in Aberdeen to see the annual ‘Rockchallenge‘ competition. Rockchallenge is a charity encouraging

teams to perform to achieve a ‘legal high‘ from performing rather than abusing drink and drugs. The

event is sponsored by the Northern Constabulary and there are many schools across the Highlands

taking part in our regional Rock Challenge.

When we arrived we were greeted by Tim MacFarlane, the Event Manager at Rock Challenge UK. We

were shown around the AECC and got to take part in the rehearsals, all the guests, parents and

teachers got to go on stage and take part in our air guitar competition, the atmosphere was amazing

and it was clear that everyone was having a great time. After dinner we went back to the

performance in the evening. All the groups were amazing and clearly well rehearsed. We came back

to Inverness with new ides as and an incentive to work extra hard so that we would match their high

standard.

Kirsten Brown, Kathanna MacDonald , Zoe Fraser & Louise Stewart

15

SCOTTISH

FINALIST

IN

ROTARY CLUB

OF

GREAT BRITAIN’S

YOUNG CHEF

COMPETITION

2010

Following Gary Millard‘s

success in winning the

regional final of 2011‘s

Young Chef Competition

in February, Gary‘s next

task was to take part in

the Scottish Final held

in Dundee on Sunday

13th March.

The journey down became a major obstacle, as Scotland was hit with yet more snow, but thanks

to the loan of a 4 x 4 from G. F. Job and our skilful chauffeur, Mr Ronnie Thomson, Gary,

Mr Millard, Mrs Bremner and Lynn made it down to Dundee on time.

Gary, who remained calm throughout with his dad‘s support, put up a wonderful effort but was

just pipped at the post by some very stiff competition. However, Mr Ross Fraser, Head Chef

at Mr Sutherland‘s prestigious 5 star Loch Ness Lodge Hotel was so impressed that he has

invited Gary to work alongside him, as often as his studies allow.

Gary and the Home Economics are very grateful to Mr Sutherland and Mr Fraser for their

generous support and advice throughout the whole process.

The judges of the competition must have spotted Gary‘s obvious potential as he was asked back

to take part in next year‘s Rotary Young Chef Challenge where the Home Economics

department fully expect him to do really well.

Mrs E Bremner

16

YOUTH SERVICES

It has been a busy few months for Charleston

Youth Services. Fusion has been running every se-

cond Saturday in the Community Complex, and will

continue to do so until June. Young people have had

the opportunity to take part in activities like graf-

fiti, jewellery making, beauty sessions, sumo suits

and much more. We are all excited about Tazball

coming on the 30th April to run a Lazertag session

and Kira Brown coming in to do ceramics. The graf-

fiti group will soon be coming up with designs for

the Charleston underpass which will be completed

this summer. If you are interested in getting in-

volved please come along to the Fusion nights.

Sev-

era l

young people are completing Youth Achievement

Awards in Charleston and recently went on a resi-

dential to Badaguish for a weekend. Everyone had

an amazing time and worked really hard.

Tackling the Climbing walls at Glenmore lodge.

By Nikki Rasdale — Youth Development Officer