This year the Modern Languages Department have launched a ‘Reading for Pleasure in French Scheme’ in S1 and S2 in line with the experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence for Modern Languages and targeting Literacy.

They are using short books from the Bibliobus Reading scheme. Pupils read a selection of books and complete short activities related to the material they have read. Pupils then receive a certificate on completion of each level. The levels are colour coded and progressively become more challenging.

Already in S1 and S2 several pupils have achieved success in completing levels and have been awarded certificates accordingly.

Recently S4 girls led the school in Assembly.  They challenged both secondary and primary pupils to think of children in great need.  The girls prepared and presented the whole Assembly.

Primary 6 pupils led Assembly on 8 February based on the story of Lourdes.  Using drama, hymns and prayer the class presented a really high quality Assembly.  The primary pupils loved the variety in the presentation and the nursery children were enthralled by it.

Sixth Year girls led the Secondary Assembly on Friday 10 February – this focussed on Our Lady of Lourdes.

Having studied Scottish Parliament as their interdisciplinary topic, Primary 7 decided to hold a class debate calling on information and facts picked up during their topic and visit to Parliament.

Several motions were considered for the debate but in the end the class voted to present the motion “Scotland should become an independent country”.

This motion was selected because it is topical and has been given a great deal of press coverage of late.

The class were divided into two teams (for and against) and were asked to conduct independent research in order to build arguments in support of their case. Their class teachers, Mrs Brennen and Mrs Gallacher were astounded by the quality of information and supporting propaganda developed by the pupils and the enthusiasm and team spirit shown throughout.

 Primary 6 and S1 accepted an invitation to attend the debate and were very impressed by the quality of information presented and indeed the professional manner in which it was delivered.

 After an open question section, where the P7 pupils had to respond to unseen comments from the opposition, a vote was taken. With a very slim majority the motion was defeated, however everyone involved was a true winner and should be extremely proud of their achievement.

 Mr O’Donnell commented at the end of the debate that he was delighted to have been given the opportunity to share the experience with Primary 7 and hoped they had enjoyed it as much as he had.

Primary five children at Fernhill, along with their Science teacher, recently brought their major organs topic alive with their very own production of the X-factor, called the X-ray factor.

Hosted by their very own master of ceremonies, their three judges, Simon Bowel, Cheryl Colon and Liver Walsh, were treated to auditions from Bertie Brain, The Kidneys, Mr Liver, Yummy Tummy, The Lungs and Harry Heart.

The judges then had the very difficult task of deciding which of these organs was the most important one in the human body.

Inspired and convinced by the auditions, the judges found it impossible to decide whether any one organ on its own was superior to another and in an unprecedented twist, Liver Walsh asked all of the contestants to form a great big body (boy) band and audition once more as a group.

The contestants agreed and went on to stun the audience with a spectacular performance of their organ song ‘My Body’.

The show was well received and thoroughly enjoyed by the entire Primary school who found it both entertaining and extremely informative. This type of learning is becoming more popular within the school as it provides a platform where science, drama, music, technology, listening and talking and health and well being can be brought together seamlessly and enjoyably. The assessment of what the children had learned was also clear to see to all who participated and it is hoped they will remember the experience for a long time to come.

Congratulations to Vivien McAinsh from Primary 7 who achieved the qualifying time in her breast stroke.  She secured her place in the finals of the Glasgow schools swimming competition on Monday 27^th February at Whitehill Swimming Pool.

Good luck for the finals Vivien!

Primary announced their stars of the week on 1st of February.

P1 – Annabel Paterson

P2 – Kate Donnelly

P3 – Charlie Wright

P4 – Mathilde Gorevan

P5 – Lauren O’Hanlon

P6 – Erin McQuillan

P7mb – Brogan Main

P7mg – Gillian Marley

The group decided to highlight which house they are part of.

Well done to all!

Staff and pupils recently celebrated the work of Robert Burns all this week in and out of class.  A “Cool Burns Supper” hosted by S1, Haggis throwing won by Elle Crumlish S2, public speaking won by Felicity Dougan, a poem competition won by Rebecca Henderson and other learning activities in class are only a few of the activities that have taken place.  To view Rebecca’s winning poem click here. Rebecca Henderson Poem.  T0 see what Jennifer thought of the Cool Burns Supper click here Our Cool Burns Supper Jennifer Docherty.

Mr O’Donnell has enjoyed being part of the celebration and has been very impressed by the effort of everyone, “In a very short period, pupils and teachers in both the Primary and Secondary departments worked tremendously hard.  The range of outstanding events really enriched the whole school.  A memorable few days and wonderful memories for our pupils.  At the centre of each activity – learning and teaching of the highest quality.”

We are looking forward to next year already!

Stars for week 2 of 2012 were announced at the Primary Burns Assembly.

P1           Lauren Dunbar

P2           Piaras Carney

P3           Fathima Bashir

P4           Carla Xufre Fay

P5           Jonathan Bentinck

P6           Emily Gess

P7mb    Sophie Lowe

P7mg     Ciara Mullen

Congratulations

The Modern Languages Department are launching a new lunchtime club “International Film Club” – showing films from many different countries (with subtitles) – promoting our global citizens.  This will run on a monthly basis with the first screening during lunchtime on the 7^th and 8^th of February for S1.

The age group the films will be targeted at will change from month to month.  Please see Mrs Scarse for more details.