Meldrum Academy Parent Council

Meldrum Academy Parent Council

Session 2013-14, Meeting 2, 2nd October2013

Parent Members: David Mutch, Heather Mullan, Elaine Rodgers, Pam Marr, Jon Edwards, Susan Wareing, John Malster, Gary Wade, Audrey Massie, Hayley Cowie, Anne Havlin, Carolyn Davidson, Alan Marr,

Head Teacher: Andrew Travis

Co-opted Teacher Reps: Liz Prosser

Co-opted Members: Ray Walker

Councillors: Paul Johnston

Apologies: Rebecca Jackson, Lorna Reid, Hazel Cummine, Alison Jaffery

1. Welcome and Introductions

·  Elaine welcomed all present to the second meeting of the 2013-14 session. All present were invited to give a brief introduction.

2. Attainment Summary (Sandy Smith)

·  The academic challenges for the year 2012-13 were outlined – to ensure that the current S6 performed as well as in S5, that the grades predicted by MIDYIS scores in S4 & S5 were achieved and that pupils were targeted for extra support when they needed it.

·  Andy and Sandy explained MIDYIS. It is a test taken in S1 to predict the potential (not grades) of pupils and allows weak areas of performance in students to be identified quickly.

·  Examples of attainment from last year were identified and explained. Overall, S4 pupils, last year, had a lower than average MIDYIS score. After the prelims, the MIDYIS scores were used to identify forty pupils who were underachieving. These pupils were mentored by a teacher volunteer. As a result, a collective improvement of one hundred and seven grades was obtained. The focus here was on specific exam skills, not subjects (e.g. revision timetables).

·  In 2012, 43% (post appeal) of pupils were shown to have achieved 5 or more level 5 passes (Credit or Intermediate 2) or more. In 2013 only 41% (pre-appeal) achieved this. Factors surrounding this drop were explained, e.g. 5 pupils left after Christmas but featured in the statistics and pupils who choose to do an exam level not recommended by their teachers. The S4 appeal results will arrive at the end of October. Sandy predicted that the 2013 post appeal figure for this measure would be similar to 2013.

·  The outgoing S6 performed very well – over 50% had three or more Highers, and there was an increase in the number of Advanced Highers gained.

·  Sandy discussed the system within the school to review the exam data on a faculty basis. The outcomes of these meetings could was to raise attainment at classroom level.

·  The system of Monitoring and Tracking was described. It uses several initiatives to improve academic performance e.g. sending out alert letters, completing NABs, February estimate exams and using the MAAPs (Meldrum Academy Attainment Portfolios) to record grades. Sandy explained the importance of the relatively new system of using MAAPs and said that they were to become an integrated part of school life.

·  Sandy concluded by saying that the year had had a positive start, with teachers focusing hard on issues such as gender and teaching methods. The statistical evaluations will be completed by October.

3. Approval of Previous Minutes

·  Approved by John

·  Seconded by Pam

4. Auditing Account

·  Gary to speak to Dave. Action GW and DM

5. Calendars and bookmarks

·  Heather said that there is one sponsor that she is waiting on for the calendars. The cost will come to £430.80 – this is £73.80 less than last year.

·  Heather to reorder 1000 bookmarks for future events at a cost of £129.60. Action HM

6. Phil and Aly Concert

·  Gary reported financial outcome – After outgoings the parent council raised £2430.

·  After the success of the night, it was agreed by members that Phil and Aly are to be booked for a Saturday night at Meldrum Academy next year, along with the Davidson brothers. Action ER

·  Andy suggested that seating is altered for next year – a row of seats to be taken out to increase leg room but the rows to be extended to maintain capacity.

·  The question of another Scottish-themed instrumentalist for the concert next year was raised. This to be decided nearer the time.

·  As 5/6 reserve tickets were uncollected at the concert, Elaine suggested that a date/time deadline is implemented to avoid ticket wastage.

·  Gary raised the question of holding the raffle before the concert the pros and cons of this were discussed.

·  Andy said that leftover ice creams from the night had been sold in school and that the funds from this had gone towards the Gambia trip for S6 pupils at the end of the school year.

·  It was suggested that tea and coffee was organised differently next year to combat the long queue. Pam suggested that signage was placed to show where things were to avoid confusion. Approximately £100 was raised in donations for teas and coffees.

7. Head Teacher

·  Andy gave an update on the forthcoming school inspection (wk beg. 4th November). It will also feature a CLD Inspection and Health and Nutrition Inspection

8. Dragons Den

·  Liz reported three bids so far, including one from Riding for the Disabled. Posters have been displayed and a bulletin notice organised for after the October holidays.

·  Ray raised a question over how much money would be allocated. Liz suggested around £200 per group up to £2000 and Gary said more could be allocated if necessary.

·  This year’s dragons: Andy, Dave, Gary, Pam and Alyx Harrison (depute head girl)

·  Dave commented on his efforts to publicise the event at the S1 open afternoon.

·  Gary raised the idea of bringing back successful bidders from last year to speak about their success when the Dragons are making their decisions on the evening. Action AT/LP

9. S1 Open Afternoon

·  Parental involvement. Feedback for this from parents attending was very good. In particular they said that they had a better understanding of the nature of learning at the academy. There was particular praise for the S6 guides who talked about their own experiences of the school, their learner journeys and what they hoped to do next. It was agreed that Friday afternoon is a good time for this event. Andy said that some parents would have liked to have spent more time in classes but visit fewer rooms, parent council members agreed that this was better and so will be changed for next time. A similar event is to be held for S2 and S3 parents. Action AT

·  The tea and coffee was seen to be a good way to meet new parents and so build up a sense of the school as a community. It was suggested that more parents then came to the S1 parents evening the next week and they were more confident about the layout of the school

10. Seniors preparing for further study/work

·  There is an offer from PC to act as interviewers for senior pupils. Action AT. Dave will present at the S3 Profiling Event on Thursday 14 Nov.

·  Andy updated the council on the UCAS talk. He said that there would not be an individual talk organised but that SAAS (Student Finance) would be present at the Careers Convention to answer questions. The senior pupils have attended UCAS statement writing workshops and information and web links will be placed in the newsletter

11. CEOPS Event

·  This is to be organised by Meldrum Welfare and Health Improvement Group (WHIG) in March. The PC will allocate £400 to support this event.

12. Legal Highs Awareness Evening

·  A very good and informative presentation by Drugs Action Aberdeen had been organised by the Meldrum WHIG. The school intends to work with Drugs Action on an Overdose Prevention programme that has been successfully delivered in other schools. Action AT

13. Letter About S5 Work Experience

·  An email containing a concern about S5’s catching up on schoolwork after work experience was written to the parent council. Andy forwarded this email onto the relevant pastoral care teacher for action. Andy said that this had seniors out of class and the catching up had been a topic at the staff forum. The PC understood that these experiences were valuable to seniors but as they took them away from their studies the senior pupils had to take responsibility for doing the work in advance of any absence so that they did not fall behind. It was agreed that managing time and conflicting demands was an essential skill for all and planning was essential. The importance of communication between the pupil and their teachers was also key.

·  Andy said that attendance at some university open days had an increasing importance as registration lists were scrutinised by universities and that being present and then applying to that university had the potential to influence the outcome of your application. Paul suggested that this might breach the Equality Act and that if there were any firm reports of this then he would look into this.

·  Andy reminded the parent council that an extra S4 information evening on new qualifications will place between after the October holidays and Christmas,

·  Andy warned of the significant changes to the appeals process, which will be implemented along with the new exams. There is an article on this in the Term 1 newsletter. He also reminded parents that this year’s prelims will take place in February.

·  John M asked about the lack of past papers for the new National exams. Andy informed the council that additional money had been allocated to each department for CFE and some will be spend on new textbooks and that the SQA had promised more material.

14. Website

·  The school website continues to be updated. Paul said that parents could use a weblink to register to the site to receive updates. Paul will send details to the school. Action PJ

15. Duke of Edinburgh Award

·  A query was raised about the £50 cost for Duke of Edinburgh Award and if this put anyone off joining. Andy said that support for individuals was available through the school if needed. The Pitmedden Wind Farm Trust could also be a source of support to the award scheme. Pam and John M put themselves forward as Duke of Edinburgh volunteers. Andy to contact Penny Shepherd about this. Action AT

·  AT told the council about the changes to the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. The Gold Award can now be started in 5th or 6th year to increase completion rates while still at school. This year there will be twenty pupils going on the Gambia trip, fifty-six on Bronze and forty two pupils undertaking the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Next Parent Council Meeting – 27th November