Head Teacher’s Report Session 2003-2004

School started for pupils on Tuesday 19 August 2003.  School was fully staffed to 98.7 full time equivalent staff.

Staffing

During the session the following staff left

The following staff were seconded:

During the session we were joined by

Thanks are due to Mr McDonald, Mr Killington, Mrs Gow, Mr Doig, Mrs Raith, Mrs Cunningham, Mr Harvey, Mrs R Walker, Miss Stewart all of whom have given support to the school in carrying out posts of responsibility at some point during the session.

Development Work

Teaching and Learning

• Development of 5-14 Environmental Studies
• 20% of school computers replaced with new machines
• Process of reviewing learning and teaching begun

Pupil Support

• Integrated strategy on pupil support introduced

Ethos

• Introduction of strategy on Health Promoting School
• Health and Safety Policy

Attainment

• Strategies to improve attainment in S1/2 introduced.

Refurbishment and Maintenance

• School gym floors replaced

• Closed circuit security cameras installed

• Refurbishment of girls toilets

• External security lights installed

• Fresh water drinking fountains installed

• South block corridors repainted

• Refurbishment of changing rooms at Elliot Road begun

Extra Curricular Activities

In line with our aim of educating the whole child we continue to offer the widest opportunity to participate in extra curricular activities.

Educational Visits

• Pupils were given the opportunity to participate in visits to Art Galleries, Theatre, Concerts, Sporting Events, Lectures on a variety of topics, University and College Open Days.
• As part of our Discipline for Learning strategy pupils were rewarded with trips to Scotland’s Theme Park, Alton Towers and a weekend in London.

Sport

• Our U/11 and U/15 rugby teams were once again invited to take part in the Joan’Arc tournament in Orlean.
• We have internationalists in hockey, swimming, athletics, waterpolo and basketball.
• Teams compete and have won trophies in football (boys and girls), rugby, netball, golf, track and field, cross country, swimming and badminton.

The Arts

• Our music department organised a Christmas Carol Concert, and a summer concert.
• Pupils’ artwork was displayed in D.C.A.
• Pupils performed in choirs, string and brass group and orchestra both within the school and the City.
• Our pupils won awards in the McIntosh Patrick Art Competition for pupils in S6.
• Pupils won award in Dundee Schools Arts Festival
• Pupil artwork was used in the décor of Roxburgh House.

Other Academic Competitions

• Pupils from the Mathematics department won numerous awards in National and local competitions

• Classics students competed in and won awards in St Andrews University recitation and project competition.

• Pupils took part in the Business Dynamics Programme.

• Harris Teams finished first and second in the Dundee Schools enterprising Mathematics competition.

Citizenship

• Senior pupils organised a Christmas Pantomime, Dance Shows and Fashion Show which raised over £800 for charity between them.
• S2 pupils delivered over 100 parcels of groceries to local pensioners over Christmas.
• All S1 classes took part in a residential visit to Falkland.
• S6 pupils ran a “drop in centre” for S1 pupils throughout the year.

Duke of Edinburgh

• Under the leadership of Mr D Stibbles M.B.E and his team

 41    Pupils gained a bronze award
 21    Pupils gained a silver award
   9    Pupils gained a gold award

In Harris we remain firmly committed to providing our young people with an educational experience, which has breadth, depth and variety.  We strive to encourage achievement in its broadest sense amongst our pupils and take every opportunity to celebrate in their successes.

I am delighted to report on a full, active and successful school year.

James Thewliss

Headteacher