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News and Events
Alcohol Awareness
In support of Orkney Community Alcohol Partnership, we would like to share the following information and resources about Alcohol Awareness ahead of the festive season.
PLEA FOR LIBRARY BOOK RETURNS!
Our Librarian carried out a stocktake over the October holidays and discovered that 868 books are missing from our School Library. This is 13% of our collection. This figure does not include overdue books that have been properly checked out and refers only to books that have been “unofficially borrowed”. Based upon average book cost figures provided by School Library Association, the cost of replacement would be £9982. We need to try to recover as many of these books as we possibly can…
Can we please ask our parents/carers and pupils (present and former!) to have a search at home for any forgotten about KGS library books!
Books can either be returned to the Library, or to the return box placed at the main entrance.
We would also like to remind our pupils that it is important to take responsibility for the items they use and borrow in school, which includes following correct borrowing procedure (getting books checked-out by the librarian!)
Can we please ask our parents/carers and pupils (present and former!) to have a search at home for any forgotten about KGS library books!
Books can either be returned to the Library, or to the return box placed at the main entrance.
We would also like to remind our pupils that it is important to take responsibility for the items they use and borrow in school, which includes following correct borrowing procedure (getting books checked-out by the librarian!)
French Friends from Charly sur Marne!
Our S3 French elective class recently received a nice surprise... all the way from the Champagne region in the North of France. Pupils from the Collège François Truffaut in Charly sur Marne, a wine growing town 80 kilometres east of Paris, came up with the idea of sending letters to an English-speaking school. They chose Kirkwall to see their project through. Our pupils were thrilled to get the opportunity to engage in this exchange. It did not take them long to choose their pen pal and prepare an answer for them. The letters are now ready to go, and the French class cannot wait for the next instalment! To be continued...
U15 Boys Qualify for Third Round of Scottish Schools Cup
Another success for our footballers! Last Friday, our pupils qualified for the third round of the Scottish schools cup. They beat Ellon Academy 3-1 after a very tight 80 minutes of football. Our boys can be proud as they put a lot of effort and intensity into their performance to eventually win the game. We would like to thank the Ellon players and staff members for travelling North to Kirkwall. We would like to thank Raymond Rendall who not only made a generous donation towards our future trips but also refereed Friday's game. Thanks again sir! The boys would also like to express their gratitude to Galliford Try for providing them with training tops.
Future Assets Challenge
The Future Assets challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging young women to think about finance and investment as a career option. As little as 12% of UK fund managers are women. The competition encourages girls to find the next biggest investment opportunity.
This is the first time that Kirkwall Grammar School has entered this challenge. The team of 6 girls (S5 and S6) from KGS have chosen to pitch the company Lululemon to a panel of judges.The KGS team met regularly with their coach Fenella MacLean, a finance and investment specialist and have submitted their elevator pitch, SWOT analysis and financial information to the judges for scrutiny.
The girls have thoroughly enjoyed the process and very much hope that they are successful in getting to the grand finals in Edinburgh in March. Good luck girls!
This is the first time that Kirkwall Grammar School has entered this challenge. The team of 6 girls (S5 and S6) from KGS have chosen to pitch the company Lululemon to a panel of judges.The KGS team met regularly with their coach Fenella MacLean, a finance and investment specialist and have submitted their elevator pitch, SWOT analysis and financial information to the judges for scrutiny.
The girls have thoroughly enjoyed the process and very much hope that they are successful in getting to the grand finals in Edinburgh in March. Good luck girls!
Senior Boys Through to Next Round of Scottish Cup
Last Thursday, KGS advanced into the next round of the Senior Scottish Cup with a hard earned 6-0 win over Blairgowrie.
The first half was a tense, scrappy affair with only a handful of chances for each team. KGS had the best of it but both sides were tied at the break. The second half was a different story and KGS started moving the ball around much more effectively. The deadlock was broken on the 55 minute mark with a run and fine finish by George Ewing. KGS scored a second shortly afterwards again through Ewing. Zander Baillie, who led the line really well throughout the game, added a third and then a fourth before George Ewing completed his hatrick on the hour mark. Kyle Kinghorne then scored the sixth for KGS after excellent build up play from the back and Zander unselfishly squaring the ball to Kyle.
A few stand out performances included Zander up front, Thorfinn Scott stepping into defense and Dan Ross in goals with a couple of crucial saves An excellent second half performance from the KGS side who now face another away draw in the next round.
A big thanks to Blairgowrie for organising the pitch to get the game on and our sponsors, Cooke Aquaculture and Galiford Try and to Northlink for their travel support.
The first half was a tense, scrappy affair with only a handful of chances for each team. KGS had the best of it but both sides were tied at the break. The second half was a different story and KGS started moving the ball around much more effectively. The deadlock was broken on the 55 minute mark with a run and fine finish by George Ewing. KGS scored a second shortly afterwards again through Ewing. Zander Baillie, who led the line really well throughout the game, added a third and then a fourth before George Ewing completed his hatrick on the hour mark. Kyle Kinghorne then scored the sixth for KGS after excellent build up play from the back and Zander unselfishly squaring the ball to Kyle.
A few stand out performances included Zander up front, Thorfinn Scott stepping into defense and Dan Ross in goals with a couple of crucial saves An excellent second half performance from the KGS side who now face another away draw in the next round.
A big thanks to Blairgowrie for organising the pitch to get the game on and our sponsors, Cooke Aquaculture and Galiford Try and to Northlink for their travel support.
Children in Need 2024
It has been a busy week at KGS with lots of fundraising happening for Children in Need! Events included a bake sale, staff vs pupils football and netball, a small change challenge during registration, and a sponsored cycle all day on Wednesday which covered 1030km!! The events culminated with a dress up day on Thursday and the annual Children in Need lunchtime show! A fantastic £1387.20 was raised this year!! A huge thank you to all who contributed to this total and a massive well done to our amazing S6’s for all their efforts in organising a brilliant week of events!
Heritage Careers Event
Our S3 Historians recently took part in a heritage careers event organised in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce Orkney. Our young people were able to hear about a variety of employment opportunities available to them after school or after further study. Exhibitors included Stromness Museum, Orkney Library & Archive, UHI Archaeology Institute, Historic Environment Scotland, and Viking Tour Guides. A huge thank you to all the exhibitors as well as everyone who helped make this amazing opportunity happen!
Remembrance Day 2024
Our S6 History students Ewan, Sophie & Gerry led the remembrance ceremony at KGS with their heartfelt words and a reading of 'For the Fallen' . S6 pupil Jamsie played the Last Post leading the school into the two minute silence.
S3 Historians who have been learning about WW1 went down to the memorial at St Magnus Cathedral to observe remembrance and hear some WW1 poetry. All were very respectful and a credit to the school.
S3 Historians who have been learning about WW1 went down to the memorial at St Magnus Cathedral to observe remembrance and hear some WW1 poetry. All were very respectful and a credit to the school.
U15 Football Team Through to Quarter Finals
Our under 15 football team has progressed to the quarter finals of the North of Scotland Schools' Cup after winning their match against Fortrose Academy on Wednesday! They won against a tough opposition following a lengthy battle. After a 1-1 draw they qualified after a nail biting penalty shootout.
It was another great performance from our boys who played with great tenacity and passion. The school community can be proud of their achievement. They will now travel to the mainland at the end of the month to play Inverness Royal Academy in the next round. No doubt our players will try their very best to reach the last four!
The boys would once again like to thank Galliford Try who provided the squad with training tops. We would also like to thank the Fortrose Academy players and staff for travelling and for offering the spectateurs such a fantastic spectacle.
Well done boys!
It was another great performance from our boys who played with great tenacity and passion. The school community can be proud of their achievement. They will now travel to the mainland at the end of the month to play Inverness Royal Academy in the next round. No doubt our players will try their very best to reach the last four!
The boys would once again like to thank Galliford Try who provided the squad with training tops. We would also like to thank the Fortrose Academy players and staff for travelling and for offering the spectateurs such a fantastic spectacle.
Well done boys!
SQA - Your National Qualifications
The SQA booklet "Your National Qualifications" has been released by the SQA. It contains really important information on completing course work and preparing for exams and can be downloaded here: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/112068.html.
There is also a short video available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwzR2d17FuE
There is also a short video available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwzR2d17FuE
KGS Debate Team Trip to Thurso High School
Members of the KGS Debate Team visited Thurso High School this week to attend a workshop led by Jordan Pfotenhauer, the Young Speakers Scotland national coach. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed their time at the workshop and found it extremely valuable for assisting with their debating skills. Thanks to Thurso High School for hosting and to Northlink Ferries for their sponsorship.
Netballers Win Scottish Schools Cup Group Stage
We hosted Stromness Academy, Anderson High School, and Brae High School for our Senior Scottish School Cup group stage games. Our girls won their games against Stromness 43-19 and Brae 72-16. The game against Anderson High school was goal for goal with some excellent play from both teams. The final score was 45-40 to KGS meaning we will advance to the cup stage of the competition. Oppositions player of the match was Emily. Thank you to all the lasses who brought in food for our visitors, the PE department for letting us use the hall, all the pupils that helped score throughout the day and our brilliant staff team members who helped support the teams. Thank you to our Shetland neighbours for travelling and playing in a great day of netball!
Cooke Scotland Supporting Numeracy Progression
Cooke Scotland is generously supporting Numeracy progression by providing funding for a 3-year subscription to Dr Frost. The Maths department has successfully used Dr Frost to improve attainment in senior phase with regular retrieval homework and courses set up for personal revision. To support improvement and progression in BGE, the department is starting to use Dr Frost for regular numeracy assessments which will provide more informed tracking and allow learners and their families to see specific topic areas for development with revision courses provided. A huge thank you for this incredible support!
Thurso High School v KGS
Our under 15 football team has progressed to the next round of the Scottish Schools' Football Association Shield. They won their game against Thurso 4-1 on Wednesday. It was a great performance from our boys who played with great desire and intensity. They can be very proud of their achievement. They will now play Ellon Academy in Kirkwall in the next round. No doubt our players will try their very best to qualify for the next round. The boys would once again like to thank Galliford Try who provided the squad with training tops and Northlink Ferries for their continuous support. We would also like to thank the Thurso players and staff for hosting us.
Anti-Racism Group Create Animated Video
Members of the Kirkwall Grammar School Anti-Racism Group, along with Theo Ogbhemhe and Joy Idoko (Author), are delighted to share the animated video that they have written and created to celebrate the beauty in Unity and Diversity.
The project was funded by the Scottish Government's Children and Young People-led Anti-Racist Action Small Grants Fund to support individuals, whole school or youth settings and the wider community, to experience challenging racial discrimination and prejudice that creates injustice in the world.
The project was funded by the Scottish Government's Children and Young People-led Anti-Racist Action Small Grants Fund to support individuals, whole school or youth settings and the wider community, to experience challenging racial discrimination and prejudice that creates injustice in the world.
KGS U15 Football Team Win Against Stromness Academy
The KGS U15 football team started the new season with a stunning win against Stromness Academy last Friday. They won the friendly fixture comprehensively 11-1. The boys are now looking forward to their first competitive game against Thurso High School on Wednesday. Hopefully, it will be the start of a successful campaign.
Ahead of the season, the squad would like to thank Northlink Ferries and Galliford Try for their very generous sponsorship.
Ahead of the season, the squad would like to thank Northlink Ferries and Galliford Try for their very generous sponsorship.
Local MSP Visits Modern Studies Pupils
On Monday, MSP for Orkney, Liam McArthur accepted an invite from National 5 Modern Studies pupils to speak to them about the work that he does in the constituency and in Parliament. He spoke about his role as an MSP and the work the parliamentary committees do. The pupils were delighted that they have local examples that they can use in their SQA exam.
Special Effects Workshop
Some of our senior pupils took part in a special effects make-up workshop where they learned how to create moulds, and fashion and apply their own prosthetics!
The workshop was funded by Screen Scotland and presented by Callum MacDonald, a professional special effects artist who has worked on projects for BBC Scotland, BBC Three and STV. An amazing opportunity for our young people! Well done to all those who took part, looks too real!
The workshop was funded by Screen Scotland and presented by Callum MacDonald, a professional special effects artist who has worked on projects for BBC Scotland, BBC Three and STV. An amazing opportunity for our young people! Well done to all those who took part, looks too real!
Safe Islander 2024
Our S1 pupils took part in Safe Islander, an educational programme where participants learn life skills that will help to keep themselves and others safe in the future. Small groups of pupils rotate around workshops and participate in activities designed to help them become more aware of personal safety, learn how to react appropriately to dangerous situations, and to understand the role of emergency services and how and when to contact them to avoid becoming a victim of an accident or crime. Workshops were run by Casey Construction, National Farmers Union, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, RNLI, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). A huge thank you to all of the presenters, as well as everyone behind the scenes who organised the event and helped it to run so smoothly!
Safe Drive, Stay Alive
On behalf of Orkney’s Road Safety Forum (partner agencies: Orkney Islands Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service) I am delighted to inform you that our Pre-Driver Education Programme, Safe Drive Stay Alive, is being presented at The Orkney Theatre, Kirkwall Grammar School on the morning of Tuesday 17 September 2024 for S5 pupils from Kirkwall Grammar School and Stromness Academy and S4 pupils form Sanday and Westray Junior High Schools.
Based on national statistical publications, young novice drivers (17-24 year olds) are at a higher risk of being killed and seriously injured than any other category of road user. Therefore, we consider pre-drivers to be a group considered worthy of attention and intervention and Safe Drive Stay Alive aims to educate young drivers on all aspects of driver responsibility at a time they need it the most.
The format is a film developed and produced by Aberdeenshire Council, and depicts youngsters involved in a fatal Road Traffic Collision (RTC). The film is interspersed with live speeches from our local emergency personnel ie Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service giving their account of the procedures used when arriving at a RTC along with detail of their own experiences. This is followed by a recorded talk by Laura Torrance, Spinal Injuries Scotland who was 16 years old when she was a involved in a RTC leaving her with a severe spinal injury.
Our pre-driver education initiative, Safe Drive Stay Alive, has been delivered to senior secondary pupils since 2018 and has been well received by the students and teaching staff, however, it should be noted that the presentations are hard hitting, therefore, there is an opt-out opportunity that should be discussed with school management.
If you require any additional information please do not hesitate to get in touch with your school or Yvonne Scott, Road Safety Officer, OIC at [email protected].
Based on national statistical publications, young novice drivers (17-24 year olds) are at a higher risk of being killed and seriously injured than any other category of road user. Therefore, we consider pre-drivers to be a group considered worthy of attention and intervention and Safe Drive Stay Alive aims to educate young drivers on all aspects of driver responsibility at a time they need it the most.
The format is a film developed and produced by Aberdeenshire Council, and depicts youngsters involved in a fatal Road Traffic Collision (RTC). The film is interspersed with live speeches from our local emergency personnel ie Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service giving their account of the procedures used when arriving at a RTC along with detail of their own experiences. This is followed by a recorded talk by Laura Torrance, Spinal Injuries Scotland who was 16 years old when she was a involved in a RTC leaving her with a severe spinal injury.
Our pre-driver education initiative, Safe Drive Stay Alive, has been delivered to senior secondary pupils since 2018 and has been well received by the students and teaching staff, however, it should be noted that the presentations are hard hitting, therefore, there is an opt-out opportunity that should be discussed with school management.
If you require any additional information please do not hesitate to get in touch with your school or Yvonne Scott, Road Safety Officer, OIC at [email protected].
Safe Islander 2024
Safe Islander is an educational programme where participants learn life skills that will help to keep themselves and others safe in the future. Small groups of pupils rotate around a number of workshops that are hosted by various agencies and businesses. They are presented with potentially hazardous situations and are encouraged to participate in a range of simulated practical exercises. Safety messages and advice are given by the presenters.
All S1 pupils in Orkney are invited to attend Safe Islander.
There are 8 work stations
The activities are designed to help young people ;-
This year’s event will take place during the school day on Thursday 19th September at Kirkwall Grammar School.
All S1 pupils in Orkney are invited to attend Safe Islander.
There are 8 work stations
- Casey Construction - safety on building sites
- National Farmers’ Union – farm safety
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - fire safety
- Police Scotland – e-safety
- OADP Orkney Alcohol and Drugs Partnership – the dangers of alcohol
- RNLI Royal National Lifeboat Institution - sea safety
- Scottish and Southern Energy - safety around electricity
- SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency – flooding issues
The activities are designed to help young people ;-
- become more aware of personal safety;
- react appropriately to dangerous situations; and
- understand the role of the emergency services and how and when to contact them avoid becoming a victim of an accident or crime
This year’s event will take place during the school day on Thursday 19th September at Kirkwall Grammar School.
Science Festival 2024
We were very lucky to have lots of amazing events happening as part of Orkney Science Festival this year!
The Festival got started with an excellent session on the expansion of the universe for our N5 and H Physics students with Prof Martin Hendry from the University of Glasgow. Day 2 saw Prof James Clark from York University talk to a group of students about the use of waste materials to produce chemicals that are better for the environment. The atmosphere was Electric for Day 3 with Physics students enjoying Gravity synth - looking at waves from space and in music.
All S1 and S2 pupils were treated to a hair raising and electrifying performance from Ken and Janet celebrating 100 years of electricity in Orkney. The spectacular show ended with a huge Tesla coil and Faraday cage. On Day 4 our S3 pupils were entertained by tales of the elements by Jamie Gallagher with one of the highlights being a demonstration of the reactivity of hydrogen. And on the final day KGS went CSI! Classes had a session with University of Dundee where pupils learned what it was like to be a Forensic Scientist and helped gather evidence to solve a crime.
What a week! A huge thank you to everyone that took the time to come in to school and to all the staff that have helped make it possible. See you again in 2025!
The Festival got started with an excellent session on the expansion of the universe for our N5 and H Physics students with Prof Martin Hendry from the University of Glasgow. Day 2 saw Prof James Clark from York University talk to a group of students about the use of waste materials to produce chemicals that are better for the environment. The atmosphere was Electric for Day 3 with Physics students enjoying Gravity synth - looking at waves from space and in music.
All S1 and S2 pupils were treated to a hair raising and electrifying performance from Ken and Janet celebrating 100 years of electricity in Orkney. The spectacular show ended with a huge Tesla coil and Faraday cage. On Day 4 our S3 pupils were entertained by tales of the elements by Jamie Gallagher with one of the highlights being a demonstration of the reactivity of hydrogen. And on the final day KGS went CSI! Classes had a session with University of Dundee where pupils learned what it was like to be a Forensic Scientist and helped gather evidence to solve a crime.
What a week! A huge thank you to everyone that took the time to come in to school and to all the staff that have helped make it possible. See you again in 2025!
S4 Values in Action
As part of their Values in Action award, last session our fantastic S4 RMPS students raised an amazing £268.50 for Women’s Aid Orkney through bake sales and dress down days! Some of the students involved met with representatives from Women’s Aid Orkney to hand over the cheque today. What a brilliant effort and contribution to an important local charity, well done everyone!
Brodgar Trip
In July, History classes were given the opportunity to attend the Ness of Brodgar as part of Historic Environment Scotland's schools’ week. This involved pupils being given a tour of the working archaeological dig and taking part in hands-on workshops.
Despite the mixed weather, this was a fantastic chance for young people from KGS to engage with local history!
Despite the mixed weather, this was a fantastic chance for young people from KGS to engage with local history!
S3 Wider Achievement Viking Studies
Last session, 36 pupils achieved their Heritage Hero Bronze Award from Archaeology Scotland for their work in S3 Wider Achievement Viking Studies. To achieve this award they successfully did projects on local sites of Viking heritage in Orkney. Well done all!
Last Day Awards
SQA Results Day Support
This year's results day is Tuesday 6th August.
Exam Support @KGS August 2024
This year SQA results will be sent to pupils on Tuesday 6 August. To support pupils as their exam results come out, and to help those who are looking to recourse or have questions about career paths, there will be the following help available in school:
Mr Ewing – SQA Coordinator:
Tuesday 6 August 9am to 1pm
Wednesday 7 August 9am to 1pm
Thursday 8 August 9am to 1pm
Guidance Team:
Tuesday 6 August
Mrs Firth -Guidance Manager 9am to 1pm
Ms Taylor- Principal Teacher of Guidance 9am to 1pm
Guidance Appointments:
Guidance staff will be taking appointments where arrangements and discussions over change of courses can take place on the afternoon of Monday 19 August. Appointments for Guidance staff can be made by contacting the school office from Tuesday 6 August onwards.
Skills Development Scotland:
Exam results support is available from SDS Careers Advisers in local careers centres. The Kirkwall centre can be contacted on 01856 872460 on Tuesday 6th August. Pupils can also drop into the Kirkwall centre at 2 Albert Street between 2pm and 4pm
There is also a national helpline staffed by trained careers advisers on 0808 100 8000
SQA Appeals 2024:
Appeals 2024 is a free service that pupils can use if they have concerns about a grade (or grades) on their results certificate. Pupils can appeal directly to us or ask their school to do this for them.
The service will open on Results Day, Tuesday 6 August at 9am, and the learner direct submission deadlines are:
Tuesday 13 August at 11:59pm for priority appeals
Tuesday 27 August at 11:59pm for all other appeals
An appeal can be prioritised if a pupil has a conditional place at university or college, or in training or employment that depends on their grade.
What is Appeals 2024?
If a pupil appeals their grade, a senior marker will carry out a marking review of their SQA-marked assessments.
This is not a re-mark.
A marking review checks that:
all parts of your SQA-assessments have been marked;
the marking is in line with national standards;
the marks given for each answer have been totalled correctly; and
the correct result has been entered on our system.
Please note that after being reviewed, results could stay the same, go up or go down.
There is also a national helpline staffed by trained careers advisers on 0808 100 8000
Creative Writing Competition!
Follow @ScottishWildlifeTrust for updates and writing prompts! 🌿📝
- 🎓 Students, young writers and teachers, celebrate Scotland’s wildlife and wild places by entering the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s #WordsOfTheWild nature writing competition! Share your nature-inspired writing for a chance to win great prizes. Submit by 31 August 2024. Details at
Follow @ScottishWildlifeTrust for updates and writing prompts! 🌿📝
Social Subjects Pupils Involved in Development Consultation
Pupils from KGS were given the chance to be part of the consultation on the plans for the new development taking place on Bridge street. They were shown images of the plans for the new bowling alley, arcade and nightclub and outdoor space. The pupils were keen to give their opinions on the plans and how they could see themselves and other young people in Orkney using the space.
