Dyce Academy

We are one of four city schools participating in the Book Connections: Intergenerational Reading Project funded by the Scottish Government’s School Libraries’ Improvement Fund.

A group of our S3 & S4 supported pupils have been undertaking a programme of shared reading with pupils from Dyce Primary’s Learning Den. They read a selection of six picture books including “My Granny is a Pirate” by Val McDermid  and  “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs” by Jon Scieszka.

To assist with the storytelling we had borrowed a selection of hand puppets from the Curriculum Resources and Information Service. These proved to be very popular and inspired Jayden assisted by Luke to build a puppet theatre under the tutelage of Mr Donald, one of our school technicians. Andrew, a talented thespian, is writing a script and by the end of term we should have seen their debut performance.

Having successfully applied for Scottish Book Trust Live Literature funding we were delighted to welcome the illustrator Kate Leiper (http://kateleiper.co.uk/) to our library on Wednesday 30^th May to lead a “Design Your Own Dragon” workshop.

Here is what Kate had to say about her visit:

“I had a super day at Dyce Academy working with the pupils on dragon drawing and was really impressed with the oodles of imagination and creativity shown by everyone. The highlight for me was seeing everybody’s work laid out at the end and comparing all the different ideas, drawing techniques and variety of materials used. I was also very touched to see the care and attention shown by the older pupils towards the younger primary school children as they worked together on their drawings.  The librarians and teachers had obviously carefully planned everything in advance, ensuring that requested equipment, resources and materials were ready and available, thereby contributing to the success of the workshop.”

We are not quite finished yet as next term our pupils will be devising book bags with materials to accompany the sets of books. These will then go into stock at the Curriculum Resources & Information Service and be available for city-wide use.

The S3 Skills for Work pupils went out on their Work Experience placements from 7 May – 11 May 2018.

The majority of the pupils enjoyed a successful placement.  Reports are sent back to school about the pupils – see some of the comments below!

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Many congratulations to all of our Work Experience pupils for these excellent comments received.

Bridge of Don Academy’s LGBT+ group are hosting this year’s City-wide International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 2018 event.
The event is on the evening of Thursday 17 May 2018 from 6pm – 8pm and is open to all year groups (and families). Further details can be found here – IDAHOBIT-Event-2018.

Josh McPherson in S1 is one of several Aberdeen school pupils to have their artwork – and future aspirations – showcased in the Scottish Parliament this June.

Josh entered Thorpe Molloy Recruitment’s “My Future Aspirations” competition which challenged local pupils to convey their career dreams through art. Josh, who undertakes classes with Scottish Ballet after winning a prestigious scholarship, drew himself dancing and came up trumps again.

Josh, who would love to pursue a future career with Scottish Ballet, said: “Drawing and Dancing are both passions of mine and this competition meant I was able to bring them both together.

“I love the rush of performing and the accomplishment of achieving something, so for me I would love my future to be in the Arts. My art teacher was keen for me to be involved and I’m glad she persuaded me to enter.”

Josh is excited to see his work at the Scottish Parliament. “I am proud that the drawing of me dancing has been recognised. I want people to know that boys can be dancers and be proud to be in the arts.”

Councillor John Wheeler, Education Operational Delivery Convener, said: “This is a tremendous achievement by Josh and, indeed, all the pupils. It would be fantastic to see them continue to develop their talents in their chosen fields over the coming years.”

Debra Reed, Josh’s Art Teacher, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Josh and the fact he grasped this opportunity with both hands and created a mature piece of work.”

Judith Thorpe of Thorpe Molloy Recruitment Ltd, stated: ”Our competition creates an opportunity for pupils to think seriously about what they might want to do in the future and it demonstrates the ambition they have to pursue diverse careers which are full of inspiration.”

Head Teacher, Lesley Adam, said of the Josh’s work: “We are incredibly proud of Josh ’s achievement in being awarded a certificate of excellence and absolutely thrilled that he has the opportunity to display his talent in such a high profile venue. His talent and expression of hope for the future have certainly lifted our spirits. Fabulous work Josh.”

Josh was not the only Dyce Academy success story of the competition as several other students from S1 and S2 received Certificates of Achievements for their entries; Lewis Cumming, Lucy Cooper, Jodie Gordon, Tiegan Rennie, Ayra Ahmad and Katie Cifuentes, while Daisy Rennie achieved Certificate of Commendation.

The Dyce Academy pupils were joined by fellow certificate achievers from Aberdeen city and shire schools.