English & Science Interdisciplinary Project

Over the past three weeks, the Science and English Departments have joined together to create a learning experience where S2 pupils explored and wrote about the discoveries of three Scottish scientists who made a huge impact in their field of study.

  • In Physics, pupils learnt about James Clerk Maxwell’s theory of colour by using LED lights to investigate the mixing of colours and discovered why we see so many different colours,
  • In Biology, pupils set up a mock nutrient agar plate to test antibiotics for its effectiveness against the growth of bacteria and learnt about how Sir Alexander Fleming saved millions of lives through his discovery of penicillin,
  • In Chemistry, pupils studied the work of local scientist Anna MacGillvery Macleod who was an authority on brewing and distilling.  Pupils set up a fermentation experiment in a bag using yeast and Frosties.

The writing competition was then launched to all S2 pupils in English last week. They were challenged to write creatively about a Scientist of their choice. The pieces have ranged from drama scripts and short stories describing their discoveries to newspaper articles and biographies about their lives. Their English teacher will shortlist their pieces and Miss Machin will decide which two most creative in the entire year group will be entered into the Scotland-wide S2 competition “Science: Fiction: Make: Believe” ran by The University of St Andrews.

Streptococcal Infection

As there has been a higher than normal increase in Strep A infections across Scotland (including Scarlet Fever) this year, NHS Highland has issued the following letter providing detailed information about this for parents/carers.

Adverse Weather Guidance

The letter below outlines the schools’ arrangements during adverse weather. It is the responsibility of parents or carers to decide if a pupil should attempt to travel to school, by transport or on foot, in adverse weather conditions.

S4 Online Parents’ Meeting

S4 Online Parents’ Evening – Wednesday 30th November

A letter and accompanying information on the booking system used to book appointments for the S4 Online Parents’ Evening were emailed out to parents/guardians of S4 pupils on Friday. The system opens for bookings on Monday 21st November at 6.30pm. Please get in touch with the school office if you did not receive these documents, or if you have any queries in relation to the Parents’ Evening.

National Discussion on Scottish Education

A National Discussion is currently taking place to develop a vision for the future of education in Scotland. Everyone with an interest in the future of Scotland’s education system is invited to join in. The National Discussion is a chance for you to share your hopes and ideas for the future of all aspects of Scottish education, from early years to options for school leavers.

Please see the letter below which outlines the ways in which you can have your say.

Book Week Scotland

In celebration of Book Week Scotland, Miss Machin and Mrs Ingram tasked pupils to guess what staff were reading, solve cryptic book related puzzles and arranged a spontaneous drop everything and read event for the senior school.

Important – Industrial Action

Highland Council have made the decision that all schools will close to pupils on Thursday 24th November, when industrial action by the EIS and AHDS unions takes place. The attached letter was emailed to all parents and carers last week – this is now confirmed.

Mock COP 27

S6 pupils attended the Highland Council City Chambers on the 15th November 2022 to take part in a ‘Mock COP27’.  Culloden Academy were representing the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the young people did a tremendous job negotiating the resolutions for the UNHCR.  The students heard from a Youth representative live from COP 27 in Egypt before playing an active role in the climate debate.