N A CAD E Annan N M Y Academy - Dumfries and Galloway

AN ACADEANN Annan
Academy
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UT



Contents

Basic Information 4 Pupil Councils 31
Letter from Director 5 Travel to and from School 31
Rector’s Foreword 6 School Dress Code and Uniform 33
Aims of the School 8 Work Experience 33
History of the School 9
Contact Information 9 Responsibilities 34
Our School Day 10
Terms and Holidays 11 School Focus 35
Staff List 13 Accommodation 35
Parent Council Sports Facilities 35
14 Charities 36
Home and School Liaison 14 Curriculum 37
Attendance/Absence Procedures 15 Excursions 37
Discipline, Privileges and Sanctions 15 School Fund 38
Enrolment 15 Library and Resource Centre
Newsletters 16 38
School Website 16 Pastoral Care and Health Care 39
Reports Pupil Support System 39
Parents’ Meetings 17 Health Education 40
17 Religious Education 41
Pupil Focus 17 Physical Education 42
Insurance Cover 18 School Rules
Assemblies and Religious Observance 19 Transferring Educational Data about
Personal and Social Development 19 Pupils
Awards System 19
Bad Weather Arrangements 20
Intervals and Lunchtimes 20
Charges Made to Pupils 20
Instrumental Tuition 20
Employment of School Pupils 21
Exemption from Certain Subjects 21
Equipment 22
Homework 23
The House System 24
Additional Support Needs 25
The Isolation Unit 29
Meals 31
National Achievements by Pupils
Out of School Activities
Pupils’ Property

Annan Academy - Prospectus 3

Introduction

Letter from Director

Dear Parents,
Dumfries and Galloway Education Services is
committed to delivering a high quality education for
your child/ren. As part of Dumfries and Galloway
Council’s overall vision we aim to provide all children
and young people with a good start in life and
prepare them for adulthood and employment.
Education Services cannot deliver this alone for
children and young people but work together
with others and, as parents, you are one of our key
partners. The research tells us that when parents
are involved in their child’s education the child will
do better. The school handbook is one of the ways
in which we inform parents, not just about how the
school works, but also about how you can help us
help your children to succeed in school and life.
It gives me pleasure as Director, Education Services
to commend this handbook to you as an invaluable
source of information about your school and
Education Services.
Yours sincerely

Colin Grant
Director, Education Services

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Frank Davis Rector’s Foreword
Rector
At Annan Academy it is our aim to provide each
pupil with an appropriate and well-delivered
education. It is our intention to give each
individual a challenging and rewarding course,
stretching pupils’ abilities when appropriate and
providing help and support when required.

It is hoped to deliver this education within an
orderly, friendly and supportive environment, in
which the social and personal development of
pupils will be given full attention as well as their
academic progress.

Annan Academy has an excellent record of pupil
involvement in extra-curricular activities, and I
hope that all pupils will take full advantage of
the opportunities offered. It is important, more
than ever before, that an effective partnership
exists between school and parents. Parents
are always welcome in school, and should
not hesitate to make contact if they have any
questions or concerns.

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Aims/Values

Education Services Aims Annan Academy Vision and Aims
It is the fundamental vision of Annan Academy
Our Aim is to raise levels of attainment, to be a leading school in learning and teaching
achievement and participation in all our children and to ensure the personal, social and moral
and young people. welfare of the young people in our care. We
strive to work with students, parents and
Our Objectives the wider community to continually improve
opportunities for all learners, enabling each
1. We will ensure that children and young individual to achieve her or his potential.
people will be at the centre of our plans.
We aim that the school will:
This means planning by schools and support • encourage all students to achieve their full
from Education Services will be focussed on
delivering to all our children and young people potential
the entitlements embedded in Curriculum for
Excellence and Getting It Right for Every Child. • foster a welcoming, positive environment
for all students, staff, parents and the
2. We will improve our partnership working wider community

This means an emphasis on Cluster working, • provide a rich curriculum which caters for
training on Getting it Right For Every Child all students
themes, parental involvement, multi-agency
working, partnership with Community Learning • provide opportunities for quality learning
and Development (CLD); Professional Learning and teaching which motivate students
Communities and collaboration with Education to become successful learners, confident
Scotland, the Care Inspectorate and Further individuals, responsible citizens and
Education Colleges. effective contributors

3. We will encourage innovation, creativity, • offer effective support for all students to
collaboration and a culture of sharing and encourage health and well-being
learning in all our staff
• value and support its staff to enable
This means a focus on transformational them to provide opportunities to develop
leadership, professional autonomy and local students to their maximum potential.
solutions and building capacity in all our staff.

4. We will streamline our business processes

This means empowering our schools and staff to
find better ways of working, with an emphasis
on professional autonomy, local solutions,
developing leadership, capacity building,
effective Continuing Professional Development
and implementing Getting It Right for Every
Child processes.

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At Annan Academy we value: 3. the school community
1. the individual
• by respecting and caring for our
• by generating an ethos of fairness for all environment

• by creating a safe encouraging environment • by showing pride in our school
where young people feel respected and
valued through encouragement and praise • by developing strong partnerships with the
wider community and encouraging their
• by promoting a sense of self discipline and involvement in school life
responsibility for ourselves and others
• by including all members of the wider
• by nurturing an atmosphere of self-respect community in the policy making process
and respect for others
• by building the idea of learning as a lifelong
2. personal achievement process

• by celebrating the successes of students and
staff

• by helping individuals to participate and to
achieve success

• by creating an environment which promotes
confidence and support for others

• by maintaining high expectations of
attainment for all our pupils

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History

Our present School resulted from the building”. The more illustrious Annan Academy
amalgamation in 1921 of “Annan Academy”, was founded in 1802, and had as its first home
which had been a Burgh controlled school Bridge House, on the corner of Port Street and
which charged fees, and “Greenknowe Public High Street. This was the school where Thomas
School”, which was controlled by the Dumfries Carlyle was educated and taught. In 1820 the
Education Authority. The main site of this Town Council built a new home for the Academy
amalgamated school became the Greenknowe in Ednam Street. This building was extended in
building where the present school is situated. the 1890s, and was still in use for some classes
This may help to explain to confused visitors the as late as the 1970s. It is now used as local
rather complicated honours boards in the School government offices.
Library, which in fact relate to two separate
schools before the date of amalgamation. Beginning in the 1960s a series of new buildings
was erected beside the old at Greenknowe.
The history of the “Public School” can be Last year work began on a new Performing Arts
traced back to the 17th century, when the law Centre situated at the back of the site. This
required each parish to provide a school and outstanding facility will be up and running
schoolmaster. Eventually - in 1840 the Public during the year 2012/2013.
School moved to a new building in Greenknowe,
which was then replaced by a much larger
building in 1895 - which we know as our “old

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The School Day / Year

Office Hours

In term-time, the Office is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 4.30pm. In school holiday
periods, the school office hours of opening are generally 9.00am until 3.30pm.

Address

Annan Academy, St John’s Road, Annan, Dumfriesshire DG12 6AP

Telephone No: (01461) 202954

Fax No: (01461) 205955

School Roll: 983

Denominational Status: Non-denominational

Gaelic Speaking Status: Non Gaelic speaking

Rector: Frank D Davis

E-mail: [email protected]

The school operates a 6-period day (30 periods a week) as follows.

9.00am - 9.50am Period 1
9.50am - 10.45am Period 2
10.45am - 11.00am Interval
11.00am - 11.15am Tutor-Time
11.15am - 12.10pm Period 3
12.10pm - 1.00pm Period 4
1.00pm - 1.45pm
1.45pm - 2.40pm Lunch
2.40pm - 3.30pm Period 5
Period 6

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The School Day / Year

School Holidays – Session 2013/2014

August School re-opens on the morning of Friday, 16 August, 2013
Pupils resume on the morning of Monday, 19 August, 2013

October Close on the afternoon of Friday, 11 October, 2013
Re-open on the morning of Monday, 28 October, 2013

Non-Pupil Days Thursday, 28 November 2013

St. Andrews Friday, 29 November 2013

Christmas Close on the afternoon of Friday, 20 December, 2013
Re-open on the morning of Monday, 6 January, 2014

Mid-Term Monday, 17 February, 2014

Non-Pupil Days Tuesday, 18 February and Wednesday,19 February, 2014

Spring Close on the afternoon of Friday, 4 April, 2014
Re-open on the morning of Tuesday, 22 April, 2014

May Day Monday, 5 May, 2014

Non-Pupil Days Friday 6 June 2014

Summer Close on the afternoon of Wednesday, 2 July, 2014
August 2014
School re-opens on the morning of Monday 18 August 2014
Pupils resume on the morning of Tuesday 19 August 2014

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School Organisation

Rector Mr F Davis Mr B Mahon
Depute Rectors Mr D Muir Mr D Muir (Depute Rector)
Mrs S Speight Mrs S Telford
Mr J Brown Mrs W Coombes
Ms S Brown Miss J Brockway
School Support Manager Mrs M Heughan
Science
Languages Mrs J Breakenridge (PT Curr)
Ms L Brown (PT Curr)
Biology
English Mrs J Breakenridge (PT Curr)
Mr N Wallace (PT Curr) Mr A Cowan (PT Pupil Support)
Mrs C Forrest Mr D LeVin (PT Pupil Support)
Mr G Cooper Mrs J Dinnell
Mrs G Craik (PT Pupil Support) Mrs K Anderson (acting PT Pupil Support)
Mrs C Johnston Mr J Brown (Depute Rector)
Miss L McCulloch Miss H Logan
Miss S Watson
Physics
Drama Mrs N Few (PT Numeracy)
Mr N Wallace (PT Curr) Mr A Evans
Ms M C Ferla
Chemistry
Modern Languages Mrs A Gibbard
Mr S Macanulty Mrs B Currie
Mrs A Chistyakova Miss J Martin (PT Pupil Support)
Mr A O’ Halloran Mrs C Campbell (acting PT Curr)
Ms S Brown (Depute Rector)
Social Subjects
I.C.T Miss L Heslop (PT Curr)
Mr I McMillan (PT Curr)
Geography
Computing Studies Miss J Clark
Mr I McMillan (PT Curr) Miss K Stewart
Mrs L Ferrie Mrs A Barclay
Mrs S Stainthorpe
Miss L Hutchinson History
Miss L Russell
Business Education Mrs S Galbraith
Miss A Clifford Miss K Stewart
Mrs G Law
Miss L Hutchinson Modern Studies
Mrs S Galbraith
Numeracy Faculty Mrs A Barclay
Mrs J McEwen (PT Curr) Miss H Wilson
Miss K Stewart
Mathematics
Ms E Macgregor Religious Education
Mrs S Speight (Depute Rector) Miss L Johnston
Mrs J McEwen (PT Curr) Mr A Johnstone (PT Numeracy)
Mr C McClune

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Health & Fitness Office Staff
Mr M Downie (acting PT Curr) Mrs D Holliday
Mrs D Leggett
Home Economics Mrs S McIntosh
Mrs L Cook Mrs E Rosado
Mrs S Edgar Mrs K Watret
Mrs I Wallace
Support for Learning Assistants
Physical Education Mrs C Bell
Mr C McCann Mrs L Close
Mr M Downie (PT Curr) Mrs D Grieve
Mrs E McCann (PT Pupil Support) Mrs E Jack
Mrs S Court Miss K Walker-Jones
Mr K Gallacher Miss L Mann
Mrs N Watson Mrs L Palmer
Mrs L Ritchie
Creative & Aesthetic Mrs S Smith
Mr J Brand (PT Curr) Mrs J Story
Mrs M Watson
Art & Design
Mr I Black Librarian
Mr C Neill Mrs B Turner
Mrs N Anslie
Miss A Gallacher Janitoral Staff
Mr I Bell
Music Mr D Copeland
Mr J Brand (PT Curr) Mr M Tully
Mr J Boardman
Miss F Chapman Technicians
Mr F Davis (Rector) Mr R Price
Mr D Scott Mrs A Flett
Mr G Hoffmann
Technical Education Miss C Myatt
Mr I Paterson Mrs P Paterson
Mr A Lamb Mr B Kelly
Mr B Jack Mr C Dawson

Additional Support Needs General and Classroom Assistant
Miss T Macartney (PT Curr) Mrs C Kirkpatrick
Mrs S Edwards Mrs S Armstrong
Mr L Fraser
Mrs S Duncan PT = Principal Teacher
Mrs C Ratnam
Mrs M Shearman

Behaviour Support
Miss T Macartney (PT Curr)

Support Staff

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Parent Council

The Annan Academy Parent Council was constituted on 1 February 2007. Its members take a keen
interest in many aspects of the school and the way it operates. For further information on the Parent
Council, a copy of the Constitution is on the school’s website, www.annanacademy.org.uk

Membership of our Parent Council is as follows:

Parent Members: Clerk to the Parent Council:
Barry Dale (Chair) Carolann Harrop
Vicky Keir (Vice Chair)
Kathleen McVeigh Treasurer:
Lorna Burgess Alison Macgregor
Elaine Bryson
Karen Conlan Rector:
James Hamilton Mr F Davis (Rector)
Helen McAnespie
Heather Sweeney Department for Education Representative:
Mrs Elizabeth Baxter
Co-opted Members:
Gerry Baxter Our Parent Council normally meets once per
Jeff Kerr month in term time. Its members are always
Sharon Ledger keen to hear your views and opinions on matters
Hugh Steele pertaining to the school.
Sonia Thomson
All communications to the Parent Council should
be sent to:-

The Chairperson
Annan Academy Parent Council
Annan Academy
St. John’s Road
Annan
DG12 6AP

or confidentially by email at

[email protected]

Annan Academy - Prospectus 13

Home and School Liaison

Attendance / Absence Procedures (b) Permission to be absent from school.
There is a legal requirement that each child must
attend school until the leaving date appropriate Requests should be made in writing and
to his/her sixteenth birthday. Responsibility for passed to the appropriate Depute Rector.
this lies with the parent (or guardian).
(c) Permission to leave school during school-
Where a pupil opts to return to school beyond hours (e.g. dental, or medical appointments).
this age, regular attendance is required at all
classes taken. Wherever possible, such appointments should
take place outside school hours. However,
Procedures regarding Absences where necessary, the school will release pupils
(a) The school has a dedicated absence on production of a valid appointment card,
which must be shown to the Tutor and School
telephone line – the telephone number for Office during registration. Pupils should
this is 0845 227 0336. report to their Class Teacher on returning to
school and inform Tutors of likely absences.
If your child is going to be absent from school
you are requested to dial the above number (d) Action regarding unsatisfactory attendance.
and leave the following information:-
Parents / Guardians are responsible for
– The Pupil’s name ensuring that children attend school
regularly and punctually. Where attendance
– Class is unsatisfactory, the Attendance and Liaison
Officer will visit the home and discuss the
– Reason for absence problem.

– When you expect them to return to scool Discipline, Privileges and Sanctions

NB Please do not phone the normal school The ideal at which the school aims is to instil
telephone number. in each pupil a sense of self discipline. To
accommodate the needs of all pupils, however,
You are requested to telephone this number certain behaviour management strategies
again should the absence extend beyond require to be imposed by the school and
your original expectations or if the pupil is supported by parents / guardians. The school’s
returning to school earlier than expected. policy is to stress the positive aspects behaviour,
i.e. giving common sense reasons for doing
Parents/carers must still send an absence things, rather than listing the things that pupils
note indicating the dates of the absence and should not do.
reason for it, with their daughter/son on
their return to school. Group Call, the School’s Texting Service, is
used to inform parents/carers of incidents and
Where a pupil is absent from school and a information relevant to their child(ren) eg
message has not been left on the absence notification of issue of annual reports, reminders
line, parents/carers will be texted/voice of parents’ evenings, behaviour concerns and
mailed on the first day of absence. performance in school worthy of particular
recognition.
In cases of long absence, the appropriate
Principal Teacher (Pupil Support) should be
contacted so that arrangements can be made
for school work to be sent home.

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Various sanctions exist to deal with pupils Enrolment in Our School
who behave in an unacceptable manner. In
general, the school will to act in a sympathetic Parents / carers of children transferring to Annan
and supportive way. However, where a pupil Academy, other than directly from our associate
is disruptive or uncooperative he / she may be primary schools, are advised, initially to contact
required to do extra homework, a punishment the school office. Arrangements will be made
exercise, lose certain privileges, or be placed on for them to visit the school and meet with the
detention. Detention takes place either during appropriate Depute Rector who will be able to
a part of interval (leaving pupils sufficient time provide them with full information e.g. facilities,
for a comfort break), lunch-break or at 3.30pm. courses, etc.
In the latter case, parents / carers will receive at
least 24 hours notice. Newsletters

Where discipline problems of a more serious At regular intervals, a news bulletin is sent
nature arise, parents / carers will be informed home, via pupils. This contains details of
directly. Their full support and co-operation is forthcoming events, special arrangements and
essential in creating and maintaining a good news-worthy items involving pupils and staff.
learning atmosphere in school. Additionally, parents’ letters are sent home as
and when the need arises.
Privileges
Annan Academy School Website
A good number of our pupils enjoy privileges
connected with extra curricular activities, e.g. www.annanacademy.org.uk
dances, discos, clubs, sports teams, outings
etc. These are organised and run by staff on This site includes up-to-date information,
a voluntary basis. The school reserves the providing a window into our community,
right to withdraw such privileges from pupils keeping you involved with school life and
whose behaviour in school has been less than providing a platform for the school to showcase
satisfactory. its best.

The site also includes contact details including
staff pictures, departmental information, details
on the vast extra curricular opportunities pupils
are offered, letters home, quizzes, polls and
much, much more.

The site will be constantly updated and
continues to evolve as different aspects of the
site are developed. Check back regularly to see
improvements and updates.

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Reporting 2012-2013 Parents’ Meetings
Reports will be sent home as follows:-
These are held mainly on a year group basis,
S1 October (Tracking) to allow discussion on pupil progress with the
December (Tracking) appropriate teachers and advice will be given
March (Tracking) regarding future courses and option choices.
May (Full) Prior notification of these meetings will be
communicated by letter. Further consultation
S2 October (Tracking) with staff may also take place at mutually
February (Full) convenient times during school hours or
April (Tracking) immediately after school.

S3 October (Tracking) In the current session Parents’ Evenings have
December (Tracking) been arranged for all years, together with an
March (Full) information evening for the parents of P7 pupils.
May (Tracking)
Complaints Procedure
S4 October (Full)
December (Tracking) Parents/carers who have concerns regarding
February (Full) any aspect of their child’s education are asked
May (Estimate grades) in the first instance to contact the relevant
Pupil Support Teacher. If a matter remains
S5/6 September (Tracking) unresolved, an appointment should be sought
December (Full) with the Rector or the appropriate Depute.
March (Full) Serious concerns regarding the school should be
May (Estimate grades) addressed to the Director for School Services,
Woodbank, 30 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries,
DG1 1NW. A copy of the School’s complaints
procedures are available on request.

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Pupil Focus

Accident Insurance Cover for Assemblies and Religious
School Children Observance

Dumfries and Galloway Council provides Assemblies are held on a rota system as follows :-
insurance cover for pupils relative to its liability
for any acts of negligence. However, there are Week 1, 2 & 3
certain occasions when pupils may be more “at
risk” than others. These occasions arise not from Year Assembly (Rector, Depute Rector, Member(s)
“negligence” on the part of the Authority but of the Chaplaincy Team)
from non-attributable personal accidents, e.g.
during curricular or extra curricular sports or Information, Religious and Moral Issues.
physical activities.
Week 4
The Council’s insurance cover does not extend
to awards of compensation for damages as a House Assembly (Members of House Pupil
result of such accidents (unless negligence can be Support)
proved) and it is essential that you are aware of
this. Information, matters relating to House and
Whole School.
Insurance cover for pupils to guarantee
compensation for non-attributable personal End of Term Services
accidents is a matter for parental decision and End of term services are held immediately prior
arrangement. You may wish to seek further to the Christmas and Easter holidays. If you have
advice on the availability of such insurance cover any queries about such services, you are invited
from your personal insurance agent / broker. to discuss these with the Rector. You would also
be very welcome to attend such a service. If you
wish to withdraw your child(ren) from these
services you are asked to notify the school in
writing.

School Chaplains

The School has the services of a group of local
ministers, from all denominations and a wide
geographical area. Teams of chaplains have been
assigned to each year group, and are involved in
assemblies, services, and special events.

Personal and Social Development

The school’s Personal and Social Development
programme forms part of each child’s education
from S1 to S6. Spiritual, moral and cultural
issues may be discussed at Assembly or in Social
Education. These values also permeate the
curriculum.

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Awards System Certificates of merit are presented at special Year
Assemblies to which parents of award winners
The awards system within the school is designed are invited. Certificates of excellence and subject
to encourage and reward both academic prizes are presented at our Annual Prize-giving
achievement and endeavour. Merit certificates Ceremony which takes place late in June.
are offered in each subject throughout the
school and awarded for both categories. It is hoped that the system not only rewards,
Pupils who obtain merit certificates across the but also provides an incentive to all pupils in
curriculum are given further recognition with every year group. The school is grateful to many
an award for ‘excellence’. In the senior school, local businesses without whose sponsorship the
as well as the merit and excellence certificates, system could not continue.
subject prizes are available from departments
who present pupils at Higher Grade and
Advanced Higher levels.

Duxes 2011 - 2012

Josephine Chan, Bethany Kean and Bethany Patterson (Joint Senior Dux)

Eleanor Hope, Megan Golding and Saskia Ashdown (Joint Intermediate Duxes)

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Bad Weather Arrangements do so. When pupils remain on school premises
a rota of supervision by senior and volunteer
In adverse weather conditions, or other such staff is in operation – although it is not possible
emergencies, it is sometimes necessary to close to supervise every area of the site constantly.
the school early (e.g. to allow pupils to return Away from the school site, however, parents
home safely). To be prepared for such possible should be aware that supervision by staff
emergencies parent / guardians are asked to:- cannot be provided. If any parent does not wish
their daughter / son to be allowed to leave
(a) Provide school with an emergency address the premises at lunchtime they should inform
(and telephone number), to which children the appropriate House Head in writing – and
may be referred if their home is locked and arrangements can be made for the pupil to be
unoccupied (a nearby relative, or neighbour is kept on site under supervision.
usually quoted). The Group Call Texting Service
will be used to inform parents/carers. Charges In Certain Areas

(b) Inform school of any particular problems (i) Art: A charge is made to cover a proportion
where a child is “at risk” during emergency of the materials used in making pottery and
conditions (e.g. where pupil has a long walk for photography.
after getting off school bus and parent/guardian
would require to be telephoned to uplift child (ii) Clubs: The school usually operates a wide
from bus stop). range of clubs. Some payment may be
necessary to help cover costs.
(c) Impress upon pupils exactly what to do should
they ever be sent home unexpectedly. (iii) Games: Pupils representing the school
in away games are required to make a
During extremely bad weather, where children contribution to the cost of travel.
from outlying areas may not be able to travel to
and from school safely, parents / guardians can (iv) Health & Food Technology: Throughout the
exercise the responsible option of keeping them Region, charges are made for the materials
at home, and informing the school accordingly. used in Health & Food Technology. For
Where a child does set out for school in such cookery classes, a proportion of the cost of
conditions, he / she should be instructed not ingredients is charged.
to wait at road-ends for lengthy periods. If
transport does not turn up, he / she should (v) School Excursions: We organise a wide
return home. variety of outings both educational and
recreational. Many of these are subsidised,
Intervals and Lunchtimes e.g. Careers visits, trips abroad, German /
French exchanges, etc.
In common with most other secondary schools,
we do not allow pupils to leave school premises (vi) Technical Subjects: A charge, based on part
at morning interval or during teaching periods of the cost of materials used, plus cost of
(except for S6 pupils when they are not fitments, is made. No charge is made for
timetabled or pupils with appointments etc.) practice materials.

At lunchtimes, again like most secondary
schools, we do allow pupils who wish to do
so to leave the premises. If pupils do this it is
assumed – unless we are informed otherwise
by the parent in writing – that parents have
given permission for their daughter(s) / son(s) to

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Instrumental Tuition The hours during which a pupil may be
employed during term-time are as follows:-
Learning a musical instrument is beneficial for
the performer in many ways. Besides mastering a • only a total of two hours on a school day
new skill and taking part in fun activities, it has
been proven that other skills are enhance such as • usually no more than one hour before school
verbal, numeric and spatial skills, all helping the starts
learner to retain and recall information.
• you must not start before 7am, and must
There is an opportunity for pupils to learn a not work after 7pm, and never during school
musical instrument, through the Authority’s hours in term time
Instruction Service.
• During term time weekends you can work:
Tuition is given in string (violin, viola and cello),
woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe and - if you are 13/14 for 5 hours on Saturdays
bassoon) and brass (cornet, horn, euphonium, and 2 hours on Sundays
trombone and tuba) instruments as well as
guitar and bass guitar. There may be some spaces - if you are 15/16 (and under school leaving
in drum kit and percussion instruments. age) for 8 hours on Saturdays and 2 hours on
Sundays.
Please note as a result of budget savings the
council has decided to charge for instrumental These are part of your total 12 hours maximum
instruction lessons for session 2012/13. the lesson per week.
fees will be £130 per session. If you require to hire
an authority instrument the cost will be £47.15. Exemption from Certain Subjects
You will be invoiced at £32.50 per term with
instrument hire at £11.79 per term. Applications for exemption from certain subjects
should be made in a letter to the appropriate PT
There is no charge for lessons or hiring an Pupil Support Teacher. In the case of exemption
instrument if you are entitled to Free School from Physical Education / Outdoor Activities for
Meals and Clothing Grants. a period of over two weeks, a medical certificate
is required.
The Authority also runs a lease purchase scheme
allowing parents to purchase instruments over Equipment
two years. These come with an educational
discount and VAT free. Pupils are required to have certain basic items
of necessary equipment - pen, pencil, rubber,
When a pupil has reached a certain standard he / ruler, coloured pencils, school-bag, etc. You are
she will be encouraged to participate in Band or recommended not to purchase calculators until
Orchestra work organised on a school or area basis. advised to do so by the Mathematics Department.

If your child wishes to learn an instrument Physical Education Kit
he / she should see any member of the music
department or the instrumental instruction team Clothing is an important aspect of safe practice
who visit the school. in all forms of physical activity. In Annan
Academy we recommend the following items of
Employment Of School Pupils kit for participation in Physical Education:

The employment of young people who have Swimming
not yet reached school leaving-age is governed
by Bye-laws. Broadly speaking, a child must be • Swimwear that covers appropriate body areas
thirteen years of age before he or she may be and does not restrict movement
gainfully employed, and must obtain, through
the employer, a ‘Work Permit’. • Goggles made of unbreakable plastic or rubber

• Towel

20 Annan Academy - Prospectus

Outdoor Games Activities Homework

• Shin Guards that strap into position Homework is an essential part of a pupil’s
learning process. The reasons for homework /
• Personal mouthguard homestudy are:-

• Boots with studs that conform to current BS • to encourage individual pupil responsibility.
EN requirements
• to develop good habits of work and study.
• Tracksuit trousers / long-sleeved top in cold
weather • to encourage self-discipline.

• Shorts & T-shirt or long-sleeved top in warm • to develop skills in good planning.
weather
• to provide an opportunity for the teacher to
• Change of socks & underwear give praise.

• Towel in wet conditions • to allow work completion without direct
supervision.
Indoor Activities
• to encourage parental involvement in the
• Shorts & T-shirt or long-sleeved top educational process

• Change of socks & underwear and top Homework has a positive contribution to make
to a child’s education.
• Footwear that is close fitting with soles that
provide good traction A detailed school homework policy document
outlines the appropriate homework levels for all
Running pupils. Copies of this are available on request at
the school office.
• Footwear that is suitable for running on
grass, path and pavement All pupils are issued with a Student Organiser.
This allows pupils, staff and parents / guardians
• Shorts or tracksuit trousers to check on the frequency, amount and nature
of the homework issued.
• T-shirt and long-sleeved top that can be
worn in layers Parents / guardians are asked for their co-
operation in helping establish good homework
• Plain woollen hat and thin gloves habits with their children.

• Towel House System

All Activities The House System fosters identity with
the school. It also provides a framework
A small storage bag to secure any valuable items for developing qualities of leadership and
that your child may have when participating in responsibility among senior pupils.
Physical Education. This storage bag shoud be
clearly labelled with your child’s name. We have three Houses - Bruce, Douglas and
Solway. Each house elects representatives to
the various year councils. We also elect Sports
Captains who assist staff in the planning and
running of a calendar of sporting events. House
captains from S5/6 and Vice Captains are elected
by staff.

Annan Academy - Prospectus 21

Additional Support Needs If a young person has been identified as having
additional support needs in primary school then
Dumfries and Galloway Council is committed to this information would normally be transferred
the well-being and educational development of to the secondary before transition.
all learners. The process of inclusion requires all
involved in the business of learning and teaching What is Additional Support for Learning (ASL)?
to demonstrate commitment, innovation and
flexibility in order to ensure that all children and If your child needs extra help or support in
young people have access to quality learning addition to that which is usually provided in
opportunities and experiences. school they can be said to have ‘Additional
Support Needs’. Children may need additional
The Authority aims to meet the needs of support for short or long periods of time and for
all children with additional support needs a variety of reasons. The reasons can include:
through a range of provision from mainstream
classes(with or without support) to part-time or • Social or emotional difficulties
full-time provision in a school with a learning
centre or base. • Problems at home

This commitment to meeting the needs of all • Being particularly able
children is based upon the requirements of the
Education (Additional Support for Learning • A physical disability
) ( Scotland) Act 2004 amended in 2009 and
is translated into procedure and practice by • Moving home frequently
Dumfries and Galloway Education Services’ The
Framework for Support 2006. This Framework is • Behavioural difficulties
currently under review.
• Bullying
At Annan Academy, we provide support in
a number of ways, the list below gives some • A sensory impairment
examples:
• Communication problems
• Specialist input from a teacher on an
individual or a group basis. • Being a young carer

• Advice and support from specialist services • Being a young parent
such as EAL and Sensory.
• Having English as a second language
• Support in class from an ASL assistant or
Communicator. • A learning disability

• Use of resources and equipment. • Autism

• Consultation and advice for teachers. • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Referral to partner agencies. If you have any concerns about your child
you should speak to a member of staff in
• Support in SQA exams. the school in the first instance. There are a
number of ways in which concerns can be
• Assistance with adaptation to teaching followed up. This may involve the input of other
approaches. educational professionals such as Specialist
teachers (Additional Support for Learning
teacher, Educational Visitor, Sensory Impairment
Specialists) and Educational Psychologists. It may
also involve your child being referred onto staff
in external agencies such as health staff (Speech
and Language therapist, Occupational Therapist,

22 Annan Academy - Prospectus

Physiotherapist etc). As a parent you will be Parents may also access further support
closely involved in the whole process and your through mediation services provided
views sought throughout. If, after discussion by Common Ground Mediation http://
with all concerned, it is felt appropriate, your www.commongroundmediation.co.uk/
child will have an educational plan agreed which or advocacy support through People’s
will identify how they are to be supported. Advocacy Support Service (P.A.S.S. Direct ) or
Parents Inclusion Network (PIN) http://www.
Your child’s progress will be kept under review parentsinclusionnetwork.org.uk/ .
and any plans and support will be changed Parents are welcome to contact at any time
as necessary. As a parent you will be closely Miss Macartney, Principal Teacher of Additional
involved in any review process. There will be Support Needs or the relevant Pupil Support
several opportunities for you to discuss your teacher to discuss any concerns or questions they
child’s progress. This may be through informal may have.
discussion with the teacher or at Parents’ Nights
or it may also be through more formal, focussed The Isolation Unit
meetings with all agencies involved. You should
discuss and agree with the school how you This is a room within the school which
would like to be involved. is supervised by members of the school
management team. Pupils are sent to this area
At the moment a small number of children when they are preventing learning and teaching
will require a more detailed planning process from taking place in the classroom. There is a
which co-ordinates the input of education and very strict Code of Conduct which pupils must
other agencies to fully support the child. This follow whilst in this area.
plan is called a Co-ordinated Support Plan. The
Co-ordinated Support Plan process is managed AN ACADE
by Education Officers with responsibility for
Additional Support for Learning. FLUMEN SIC OPPI
ANN
Further information on all of the above is
available from the school or on the Council DUM
website MY

http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index. UT
aspx?articleid=10757 or from the following
sources:

• Enquire – the Scottish advice and
information service for additional support
for learning, a charitable body registered
in Scotland under registration number
SC003527 http://enquire.org.uk/

• Scottish Independence Advocacy Alliance, a
charitable body registered in Scotland under
registration number SC033576 http://www.
google.co.uk/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=
Scottish%20Independent%20Advocacy%20
alliance; or

• Scottish Child Law Centre, a charitable body
registered in Scotland under registration
number SC012741 http://www.sclc.org.uk/

Annan Academy - Prospectus 23

Meals Morning Break

For the past 8 years Dumfries and Galloway The canteen provides fruit juices, home baking,
Council’s school meal service has taken steps to fresh fruit etc.
improve the nutritional quality of school meals.
NB. The use of the Dining Hall is restricted to
This has been influenced by the introduction those using the canteen facilities at this time.
of both “Hungry for Success” and “The Schools
(Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act Lunches
2007” which:
A cafeteria system operates where pupils may
• Places health promotion at the heart of purchase from a wide choice of foods. Our
school activities Catering Supervisor is aware of the requirements
of healthy eating, and such foods are well to the
• Ensures that food and drink served in schools fore. She would particularly mention to you that
meets nutritional requirements a meal deal lunch costing £1.80 is available every
day, representing excellent value for money and
• Ensures local authorities promote the a balanced diet. There are three service points
uptake and benefits of school meals and, in in the Dining Hall - two supplying all items
particular, free school meals available and the other deals with “take-away”
foods, e.g. filled rolls, hot pies, sausage rolls,
This has resulted in a service which provides and pizzas, hot-dogs etc. and healthy eating bar.
promotes healthy food choices with a restriction
of certain foods high in fat, salt and sugar. A rota system is operated at school lunches,
starting with First year in the first week of the
Dumfries and Galloway Councils current uptake session. Pupils queue up outside (under cover).
of school meals is at a six year high, we would
like to thank you for your continued support in Supervision in and around the Dining Hall is
encouraging your child to have a school lunch. provided by Dining Hall Attendants and Senior
Members of Staff.
For more information call on 030 33 33 3000 and
ask for DGFirst, Facilities Management (catering). Packed lunches may be eaten in the Dining Hall.

“The Young Scot Cashless Catering system
operates in the Cafeteria/Dining Hall. All pupils
have access to this facility through their Young
Scot Card.

Pupils who lose their card are issued with a
replacement free of charge but if they then lose
the replacement card they are required to pay
£5 for any further replacement. Pupils on Free
School meals who lose their Young Scot card
should see Mrs Hazel Quinn (Canteen Superviser)
as soon as possible to get a new card.

24 Annan Academy - Prospectus

Achievements

National Achievements by Annan Scott Wortley (Former Intermediate and Senior
Academy Pupils Dux)
Achieved a 1st Class Honours at Edinburgh
Andrew Smith (Swimming) University and was awarded Joint Class Medal
Represent Scotland in 100m Front Crawl - 1993. for best Law Graduate of 1994.
Scottish Junior Champion 100m Freestyle - 1993.
Scottish Junior Mens Champion - 1993. Vicky Johnstone
Scottish National Junior Record Holder 100m Scottish Schools Hockey Internationalist Under
Freestyle - 1993. 16 - 1994-95 and 1996-97.

Mark Greenhalgh / Andrew Greenhalgh (Sailing) Michael Steele / Craig McCann / Scott Hardie /
Represented Scotland in Mirror Class - 1993. Andrew Eggleton / Michael Williamson / Sean
Bell
Graeme Reed / Stewart Reed Scottish Schools Cross-Country Champions (Boys
Mathematical Challenge Competition run by the under 14) 1997.
Scottish Mathematical Council.
Winners in 1993. Lisa Smith / Ashley Legg / Amy Myatt / Christine
Somers / Elizabeth Thomson / Lee Templeton
Steven Toal Scottish Schools Cross-Country Championships
(Football) Gained a Scottish Cap against Holland (Girls under 14) 1997.
- 1993.
Gained Caps against France and Switzerland - First Year Girls Basketball Team
1994. Scottish Schools Basketball Championships (Girls)
1997.
Claire Edgar (Working Hunter Pony)
British Points Champion 1993. Lisa Smith / Gemma Weild / Ashley Legg
Scottish Points Champion 1993. Scottish Schools Cross-Country Road Relay
Championships 1997 / 98.
Louise Anderson (Highland Dancing)
United Kingdom Champion 1993. Kelly Jamieson
2004 Scottish Ladies FA under 17
Stephen Rae
(Senior Scottish Decathlon Cap) 1993 Ross Newton
Winner of the 50m Breaststroke in Scottish
Lynn Dunlop Schools Swimming Championships 1995.
(Former Intermediate and Senior Dux)
Gained First Class Honours at Cambridge Andrew Mayor
University - won P.D. James prize for Creative Winner of the 50m Breaststroke (under 12) in
Writing 1994. the Scottish Swimming Championships 1998

Ewen Setti Year 2000 1st place 100m Breaststroke - at
1st Class Honours in Engineering at Heriot Watt Scottish Schools in Edinburgh
University. Winner of Watt Club Medal, Royal
Scottish Art Prize and F.B. Waldron Prize 1994. 1st place 50m, 100m, 200m Breaststroke - at
Inverness

Annan Academy - Prospectus 25

1st place 100m, 200m Breaststroke - Scottish 1998 : British Champion - Home Produced Show
Nationals at Edinburgh Pony

1st place 100m, 200m Breaststroke - Scottish Under 15 Girls
Winter Nationals at Tollcross Scottish Schools Cross Country Championships
1998.
1st place 100m Butterfly at Tollcross in Scottish
Nationals Duncan Smith / Lee Henderson / Cameron Bell /
Cameron McKay
Robert Mayor Scottish Schools Athletics 4 x 100m Relay
Year 1997 1st place 200m Breaststroke - Scottish (Boys under 14) - Gold medallists and Record
Nationals at Edinburgh Performance.

1st place 200m Breaststroke - Scottish Nationals Melissa Irving
at Tollcross Gold Medallist - Scottish Schools Athletics, Group
D Girls Hurdles 80m
Year 1999 1st place 100m Breaststroke - in 15 / 16
age group at Edinburgh Liam McDougall
2001/2002 Scottish Schools Football (under 18s)
Iain Russell
Scottish Schools Football Internationalist (15 David Hamilton
years old) 1997. 2003 Member of the National Youth Orchestra of
Scotland.
Dean Little
Scottish Schools National Tennis Championships Andrew Gibson
Tennis (under 18) 1996 / 97. 2005 Member of Scottish Schools Athletics
Squad.
Danny Mills
Member of the Dumfries and Galloway 2006 Scottish Schools Cross Country Team
Schools Team which won the Scottish Golf Member
Championships 1997.
2007 Scottish Schools Cross Country - 5th
Stuart Barbour
Dumfries and Galloway Ploughing Champion 2007 Chosen for Scottish Schools International
(Junior) 1997. Cross Country (Scotland)

Paul Johnston 2007 Chosen to represent Scotland for UK
Second in Britain ACU British Youth Clubman Schools for 1500m
Championships (Motocross) 1995.
2007 Chosen to represent Scotland at U18 Celtic
David English Games for 1500m
Scottish Schools Swimming Team for the Visually
Impaired, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999. Andrew White
2007 Scottish Rugby Under 18 Squad.
Judith Barbour
1997 : Represented Scotland in the Pageant of Amy Lindsay
the Horse (British Tae Kwando Championships)

26 Annan Academy - Prospectus

1st place in Sparring coloured belt level Scottish Junior Girls Golf Performance Squad

2nd place in Patterns Age 10+ Kirsty Hamilton
Represented Scottish Schools Cross Country Team
Colette Irvine (Athletics) 2005
2006 Scottish Athletics U14 Girls Shot Putt Silver
Medal Steven Black
Represented U18 Scottish Schools Football Team
2006 Scottish Athletics U14 Girls Discus Gold 2009
Medal
Scott Wightman
2006 Scottish Schools Under 17 Indoor Shot Putt Member of Dumfries and Galloway Schools Golf
Silver Medalist Team who won the National Team Championship

2006 Scottish Schools Under 17 Discus Silver Gavin Reilly
Medalist Member of Dumfries and Galloway Schools U18
Football Team who won the National Team
2006 Scottish Schools Under 17 Javelin Bronze Championships 2010.
Medalist
Anthony Ryan
2006 National Athletics Squad Will be representing Annan Academy at Scottish
National Swimming Championships in January
Josh Crawford (Athletics) 2011 in 200/400m individual medleys.
2006 Scottish Schools Under 17 Indoor 400m
Gold Medalist Emily McCall
Member of the 2010/11 Royal Yachting
Sam Pattinson (Swimming) Association of Scotland National 420 Sailing
British Down Syndrome National Championship Squad.

25m Front Crawl Silver Medalist

25m Back Crawl Bronze Medalist

“Speeding Ticket” 50m Front Crawl

Represented Great Britain at the Downs
Syndrome World Swimming Championship in
Portugal

Claire Towers (Table Tennis)
Scottish Schools Under 16 & Under 18 Table
Tennis

Zara Awde (Dance)
2nd place in National Dance Competition

Chloe Slater
Scottish Junior Show Jumping Team

Katie McCracken

Annan Academy - Prospectus 27

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

The DofE Award was reintroduced into Annan
Academy in 2005 and there are around 100
pupils from S3 to S6 taking part. Almost three
hundred awards have been achieved in the first
seven years; presentations have been made at
the annual ceilidh where family and friends are
invited to join us in celebrating the success of the
participants. Gold Awards have been presented
to Annan Academy pupils at Holyrood palace
each year since 2010.
The continuing success of the Award in school
depends on the voluntary involvement of adult
helpers (staff, parents and members of the
community) who are prepared to share their
expertise, enthusiasm and time to help the
participants through the various sections of the
Award. The school is always happy to hear from
such people.

28 Annan Academy - Prospectus

Out of School Activities

A wide variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities are offered. These are organised by staff and
take place either at lunchtimes or after normal school hours.

These include:-

Glee Club Badminton Basketball
Netball
Football (Boys & Girls) Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Hockey
Study Facility
Photography Golf Young Enterprise
Athletics
Swimming Rugby (Boys & Girls)

Yearbook Production Table Tennis

Running Dance

Cheerleading dance Cheerleading

stunts Gymnastics

Other extra curricular opportunities including
Summer Band, Senior Band, Jazz Group, Junior
Show, Senior Show, String Group, Percussion
Group and a variety of residential trips and day
excursions.

These groups participate in various activities
throughout the academic year.

Annan Academy - Prospectus 29

30 Annan Academy - Prospectus

Pupils’ Property additional responsibility of ensuring effective
communication takes place between these
1. No property should be left in corridors, etc. two tiers of the Council System. These two
Year Representatives will be accompanied by
2. All items of clothing should have some their link Vice-Captain to Pupil Council.
means of identification, such as a name
tag. Remember there may well be several Pupil Council
hundred pupils wearing similar items and
it can be extremely difficult to establish • The Pupil Council consists of representatives
ownership. Equipment should also be labelled of all year groups, chaired by the School
and, where appropriate (e.g. an electronic Captains, attended and advised by the
calculator), its serial number should be noted. Depute Rector. The School Captains act as
representatives of the pupils on the School
3. Articles of value should never be left in a Council.
cloakroom.
Travel To and From School
4. All coats, books etc should be taken home
each night. By Bus

5. Whilst it is accepted that most pupils carry Where appropriate, the Education Authority will
such devices these days it should be noted that provide bus season tickets for pupils to travel
these must be switched off in school and must to school. At present, those who live more than
not be used during class time. Pupils operating three miles from school are entitled to free
phones during lesson times will have them transport to and from school. Parent / carers are
confiscated and returned at the end of the reminded that the behaviour of their children on
school day. Neither the school nor Dumfries buses is very much their responsibility and that if
and Galloway Council accept any responsibility a pupil misbehaves he / she may have his /her bus
for the theft or damage of such equipment. pass withdrawn.
Accordingly, our advice to pupils is that they
should not bring such equipment to school. To ensure equal loading of buses from the
Gretna / Eastriggs area, pupils will be given a
Year Council numbered bus pass and must travel in the bus
bearing that number.
• Each tutor group in any given year group
elects a representative. This group of pupils Anyone who alters, or attempts to alter, the
constitutes the Council for that Year Group. number on the pass, will be deemed to have
Class Representatives are expected to ensure defaced that pass and will require to purchase a
a two-way flow of information between replacement.
Council and classmates.
Occasionally, the school transport may not arrive
• The Year Council meets regularly, attended due to unforeseen difficulties. The Education
by the relevant Depute (and the Rector Authority will, after notification, make every
whenever possible), to act in an advisory role. effort to provide another bus. However,
It is also attended by one of the School Vice- after a reasonable time, if the bus has not
Captains. Each Year Council will discusss and arrived, parents / carers should decide what
agree which member(s) will be responsible arrangements they wish their child to make for
for chairing and taking minutes of meetings. getting to school.

• Each Year Council will elect two
respresentatives to go forward to the Pupil
Council. These representatives will have the

Annan Academy - Prospectus 31

At present when a bus does not turn up in the By Bicycle
evening the school:- Pupils are permitted to leave bicycles in a
specially-designated area in the school grounds.
1. Informs the relevant bus company They are strongly advised to lock their cycles.
This privilege is granted on the understanding
2. Tries to contact parents regarding possible that :-
late arrival home
1. cycles are roadworthy;
3. Offers supervision and shelter to pupils.
2. the cyclist concerned obeys the rules of the
NB only pupils with valid Bus passes can use the road;
school buses. The only exception to this is for
pupils who require to stay away from their home 3. no cycling is allowed anywhere within school
address for Care and Welfare reasons for a short grounds in the interests of the safety of all
period of time. pupils.

Temporary bus passes will only be issued on
receipt of a note from parents/carer when these
circumstances arise.

AN ACADEANN

FLUMEN SIC OPPIDUM
MY
32 Annan Academy - Prospectus
UT

School Dress Code There should be no:

We believe that it is the joint responsibility • Visible underwear
of school and parents to encourage young
people to establish suitable habits in dress and • Excessive fashion accessories
appearance. This habit will stand them in good
stead for adulthood. By adhering to our School • Non-white T-shirts worn under shirts
Dress Code we feel that pupils will develop such
habits and identify more closely with the school. • Jackets, caps, hats or scarves worn in
By following these recommendations we hope classrooms or teaching areas
that pupils enhance their own, and the Schools,
standing in the eyes of the community. Work Shadowing

The success of the dress code depends largely on All pupils in S6 are given the opportunity to
the joint will and help of all parents and, to this participate in our Work Shadowing Scheme
end, we ask for your co-operation. within the school and this is initiated by the
pupils themselves.
The uniform code for Annan Academy is:
Work Experience
• A plain white or black shirt with either long
or short sleeves All pupils in S4 are given the opportunity to
participate in a Work Experience programme
• Our school tie which involves close co-operation between local
employers and our staff.
• A black V-neck jumper or cardigan, hooded
tops are not acceptable indoors

• Comfortable dark footwear, avoiding
excessively high heels

• Black trousers or a black skirt of reasonable
length

• Black dress shorts of reasonable length

• Jacket – dark (optional)

Our school uniform code extends beyond what
our students wear to how our uniform is worn.
Students are expected to look smart, what this
means in practical terms is that in school:

• Shirt collars should be worn down

• Ties should be worn properly with the knot
near the collar

• All outdoor clothing should be removed in
classrooms or teaching areas

Annan Academy - Prospectus 33

Responsibilities

We have a duty to provide education for Pupils
children of secondary school age in our
catchment area. 1. To attend school regularly, on time, ready to
learn and take part in school activities.
However, each child’s education starts at home
and is continued as a partnership between home 2. To aim at the highest standards in all aspects
and school. To enable this partnership to give of school life.
every child the best possible chance of success,
the partners should be clear about what each 3. To co-operate with the school staff and to
can reasonably expect of the others. accept the authority and rules of conduct of
the school.
Parents
4. To consider and respect the feelings and
1. To show, by example, support for the school property of other people both in school and
in setting the highest standards. in the wider community.

2. To make sure that children attend school 5. To care for the grounds, buildings, furniture,
regularly, on time, refreshed, alert, equipment and books provided for the
appropriately dressed and ready to work. school.

3. To take an active and supportive interest in School
children’s work and progress.
1. To develop each pupil’s talents as fully as
4. To support the authority and discipline of possible in accordance with the aims of school
the school, thus helping children to achieve and to prepare each child for his / her role in
maturity, self discipline and self control. current adolescent and future adult societies.

5. To control the development of children’s use 2. To teach effectively and to set the highest
of leisure time activities and entertainments standards in work and behaviour.
in so far as it affects their progress at school.
3. To care for each child as would a good parent
of a large family.

4. To establish regular communication with you
as a basis for close co-operation between
home and school.

34 Annan Academy - Prospectus

School Focus

Accommodation Charities

During the past 20 years our school has been Charities supported By Annan Academy are as
rebuilt in phases. There are now 30 General
Classrooms, 11 Science rooms, 4 Home Economics follows :-
rooms, 3 Business Studies rooms, 5 Technical
rooms, 4 Art Rooms, 2 Computer rooms, 4 Children in Need, Comic Relief, Goodwill
Specialised Language rooms, a Guidance Suite, Children’s Home - India, Cancer Research - Billie’s
a Gymnasium, a Games Hall, a Swimming Pool, Crusade, Shoe Box Appeal - Eastern Europe,
a Library, an Assembly Hall. There is, of course, Malawi Appeal - in connection with Annan’s
a staff room, a Sick room, 1 Conference room, a Rotary, Fairtrade Fortnight, Annan’s Academy’s
Learning Support Suite and several departmental General Committee - to name but a few. We
bases. Two fully equipped flexible learning also donate to topical or current fundraisers
units have been set up for Information and throughout the year.
Communications Technology (ICT). A Video
Conferencing Suite has also been established
in this area. Sports fields, extending to eleven
acres, adjoin the school.

From November 2012, accommodation at
Annan Academy will be significantly enhanced
through the opening of the new ‘Performing
Arts Centre’. This purpose-built facility will
include Dance studio, Drama studio, two Music
classrooms, Media Studies room, recital room,
Drama workshop area and four music practice
rooms.

There are three sets of boys’, and three sets
of girls’ toilets situated in various areas in the
school.

Sports Facilities

On site we have a games hall, swimming pool,
gymnasium, a dance studio, fitness room, and
extensive playing fields. All these facilities are
utilized fully both during the school day and
in the evening by the community. Use is also
made on a regular basis of the Council tennis
courts situated at Seaforth Avenue, together
with the Council facilities at the Everholm. The
close proximity of the river Annan has allowed
canoeing to be developed within the school.
All PE changing areas have been recently
refurbished.

Annan Academy - Prospectus 35

Curriculum • There are changes to assessment and how
progress is reported to give learners, parents
Curriculum for Excellence is bringing learning and employers better information on
to life in the way education is delivered for all potential and achievement.
3-18 year olds – in nursery, primary, secondary,
at college, workplace or community learning. • There are new qualifications from 2013 and
It takes a fresh approach to what, how and more flexibility in how young people take
where young people learn. It aims to raise qualifications
standards, improve knowledge and develop
skills, closing the gap between the lowest At Annan Academy
and highest performers. Ultimately it aims to
nurture young people as successful learners, S1-3, the Broad General Education. All pupils
confident individuals, effective contributors and follow a Broad General Education from S1 to S3
responsible citizens. before progressing into the Senior Phase from S4
to S6.
How does Curriculum for Excellence Work?
In S1 and S2 all pupils have classes in English,
• Learners will experience a broad, deep, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies,
general education to S3, with options in the (Geography, History and Modern Studies), a
senior phase (S4 – S6) to specialise, go on to Modern European Language (French, German
further study, improve skills and get work or Spanish), Expressive Arts, (Art, Music, Drama),
experience. Health and Well-Being (Health and Food
Technology, Physical Education), Personal and
• The ‘learner journey’ will be joined up from Social Education (PSE), Technologies (Technical
3-18 to avoid gaps and overlaps in learning Education, Information and Communications
and to make the most of achievements Technology) and Religious Studies. Pupils have
outside school. opportunities for personalisation and choice,
when appropriate, in the activities within their
• Learners will work at a pace that suits, with classes.
enough challenge and support to stretch
them. In S3, while a Broad General Education is
maintained pupils have greater opportunity for
• Lessons will be more engaging, inspiring personalisation and choice through choice within
and relevant to everyday life. curricular areas and a range of short courses.

• Teachers will make connections between S4-6, the Senior Phase. Pupils have the
subjects, helping children make sense of the opportunity to follow a range of courses leading
world. to exam certification at appropriate level from
National 2 to Advanced Higher. These courses
• Children will learn how to learn and how will be selected based on a pupils intended
to use their learning, not just memorise pathway towards their destination post school.
information to pass tests. This will help
them adapt in an uncertain future with the Choice – pupils will choose their courses at the
ability to think for themselves, make sound end of S3 and then every year thereafter. This
judgements, challenge, enquire and find will be done through a dialogue with parents,
solutions. teachers and PT Pupil Support.

• There’s more focus on knowledge and skills Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Well-being
– including vital skills: literacy and numeracy, will be covered by all subjects, reflecting the
which underpin all learning and are critical central importance of these 3 areas to every
in life. young person’s education.

36 Annan Academy - Prospectus

Excursions Fund (School)

a. At Home We have a School Fund which is administered by
The value of learning outwith the classroom is a General Committee of staff and pupils in line
recognised and encouraged. with the procedures laid down by the office of
the Scottish Charities register.
The following are regular events :-
Concert and Theatre visits This Committee’s objectives are :-
Museum visits
University Open Days (i) To regulate the extra curricular activities of
Visits to Local Industry the school.
Botanic Garden visits
Conferences and lectures (ii) To initiate, encourage and support such
. . . The list is endless. activities.

b. Abroad (iii) To administer, in a General Fund :-
Annan Academy is renowned for the high
standard of its excursions abroad. While a trip (a) All grants, donations and subscriptions
may be organised by a particular department, to the school for social, sporting or cultural
party leaders seek to maximise the learning activities.
experience by adding an international dimension
to pupil understanding in a range of areas. (b) the income of school organizations.

(iv) To consider requests from individual staff
and pupil organisations within the school
for grants from the General Fund. However,
essential educational courses or directives
cannot be supported from the Fund. Such
funding must come from the Education
Authority. It is general policy that travel is
not free but may be subsidised.

Annan Academy - Prospectus 37

Library / Resource Centre Pastoral and Health Care

The school library is open from 8.45am until Pupil Support System (under review)
3.45pm. This gives pupils the opportunity to
exchange books and other items both before Pupil Support Staff have the specific duty of
and after the school day as well as during getting to know a particular group of pupils
morning interval and lunchtime. from the Primary 7 stage onwards, monitoring
their progress and development and arranging
First year pupils, after an initial introduction to help and advice on matters relating to curricular,
the library, follow a library skills course within personal or vocational guidance. Specific
their English timetable. This aims to enable questions on careers are dealt with by our local
them to make full and efficient use of library careers officer, who organises interviews and is
resources. Pupils throughout the school carry present in school on a regular basis. Principal
out independent research as part of their Teachers of Pupil Support have additional
coursework. organisational duties relating to different areas
of school life.
The library maintains a wide range of books,
music and story tapes which pupils may borrow On arrival in school in first year, each pupil is
for a period of up to a fortnight. There is a fine assigned to a Pupil Support teacher who retains
on overdue items. The library also contains a pastoral responsibility for the pupil throughout
reference section and careers section and carries his or her school life. The Pupil Support teacher
a range of magazines and newspapers for both is the main means of communication between
leisure reading and to supplement class work. A the school and the parent.
number of computers are situated in the library.
These are used to access a wealth of current
information. There is also a microfiche reader
on which it is possible to peruse old issues of
local newspapers and the 1851 census for the
Dumfriesshire area.

The Resource Base is an area where staff and
pupils can get to grips with the latest technology
provided to support the curriculum.

Mr Davis
Rector

Douglas Bruce Solway

Mr Muir Ms Brown Mrs Speight Mr Brown
(Depute Rector) (Depute Rector) (Depute Rector) (Depute Rector)

Mr Le Vin (PT) Mr Cowan (PT) Mrs McCann (PT)
Miss Martin (PT) Mrs Craik (PT) Mrs Anderson
(acting PT)

38 Annan Academy - Prospectus

How Pupil Support is Organised Tetanus and Polio vaccination. There is no
resident nurse at the school but there is a school
Each pupil entering S1 is allocated to one of nurse “on call” who is always willing to advise
three Houses (Bruce, Douglas, or Solway), and pupils on issues concerning personal health and
within that House, to a Principal Teacher (Pupil can be contacted directly, or via Pupil Support
Support). The pupil will remain under the Staff. The school nurse (R Henderson) visits
Pastoral Care of that Principal Teacher (Pupil school one day per week.
Support) until he / she leaves school. This allows
the Principal Teacher (Pupil Support) to monitor In cases of pupils feeling unwell, initial help is
all aspects of the pupils school life. Each session, given by a First Aid Assistant.
the Principal Teacher (Pupil Support) will meet
with each pupil on an individual basis. Pupil Religious Moral and Philosophical
Support Staff are available for consultation by Studies
both pupils and parents at mutually convenient
times during or outwith school hours. Courses in Religious Education are prepared
for various stages in a pupil’s career in school.
The Primary / Secondary liaison between us and The theme of these courses is Education (not
our Associate Primary Schools is excellent and instruction) and their purpose is to show the
this helps greatly to ensure that the transition part played by religion in man’s existence and to
from P7 to S1 is smooth and enjoyable. Pupil make pupils aware of the beliefs in the various
Support Staff visit the primaries prior to transfer Faiths. If you wish to withdraw your child from
to answer pupil questions and hand out booklets these courses you should notify the school, in
informing pupils and parents about various writing.
aspects of life at our school.
Religious and Moral education is concerned with
Pupils also have the opportunity of a 3.5- the development of the pupil in relation to self-
day “induction” where they follow a normal awareness, relationships with others, concern for
timetable in the secondary with their new class others, beliefs, values, attitudes and practices.
prior to summer vacation. A Parents’ evening
after the 3.5-day visit allows discussion with At our school the aims of Religious and Moral
Pupil Support Staff on any aspects of school life Education are :-
which may affect your child.
a. To help pupils identify the area of religion in
Health Education and Health Care terms of the phenomena of religion and the
human experiences from which they arise.
Part of the Social Education Programme is given
over to Health Education. The syllabus “Health b. To enable pupils to explore the nature and
Education in Secondary Schools” has been meaning of existence in relation to the
approved by the Council’s Education Committee questions religions pose and the answers they
and covers a broad range of health topics, propose.
including Adolescence and Human Reproduction.
‘Syllabus under review’. c. To encourage pupils to develop a consistent
set of beliefs, attitudes and practices which
Health Care is the responsibility of the are the result of a personal process of
Department of Community Medicine of the growth, search and discovery.
Dumfries and Galloway Health Board. All S2 girls
are offered the HPV vaccination and all S3 pupils Religious Education should help the pupil to
are offered the Diptheria, become aware of his / her own commitments
and to test them in the light of reason and
experience and the evidence of the great
religious traditions.

Annan Academy - Prospectus 39

Because all the major religions of the world The department objectives are to:-
stress the importance of morality, moral
education has traditionally been associated with • set high expectations of what each individual
Religious Education. The Religious Education child and young person and the whole school
syllabus for all pupils at Annan Academy can achieve in and through PE and school
therefore includes Moral Education. sport;

We consider Moral Education to be an area of • share with children and young people what
the curriculum which is not confined to the area they are expected to achieve in a way that
of Religion. they can understand;

Moral Education is a function of the whole • take into account what children and young
school and is found in all subject areas. It is people have already learnt within and
transmitted by example and precept through beyond school;
the relationships which exist in the school
community as well as through the curriculum. • identify the next steps in progression and
communicate these to children, young people
A sound moral education will encourage our and their parents/carers;
pupils to appreciate and develop values such as
honesty, liberty, justice, fairness and respect for • give each child and young person relevant
others. learning activities and authentic context that
interest, challenge and motivate them;
Physical Education
• provide opportunities for children and young
Physical Education provides learners with a people to analyse, assess and evaluate their
platform from which they can build physical own and others’ work;
competences, improve aspects of fitness, and
develop personal and interpersonal skills and • give children and young people time to think,
attributes. It enables learners to develop the reflect and make decisions and choices for
concepts and skills necessary for participation themselves;
in a wide range of physical activity, sport, dance
and outdoor learning, and enhances their • allow children and young people time to
physical wellbeing in preparation for leading a solve problems, while giving appropriate
fulfilling, active and healthy lifestyle. feedback and support to advance learning
and avoid frustration.
They encounter a variety of practical learning
experiences, including working on their own, The Scottish Government expects schools to
with a partner and in small and large groups, continue to work towards the provision of
and using small and large equipment and at least two hours of good quality physical
apparatus, both outdoors and indoors. education for every child, every week. Therefore,
all pupils are expected to be prepared, with kit
The aim of the department is to provide a high (1), for all PE lessons.
quality PE programme that will include learning
to move (learning the skills, techniques and
understanding required for participation in
physical activities and sport) and moving to learn
(physical activity as a context and means for
learning)

40 Annan Academy - Prospectus

Physical Education Kit 5. Pupils are forbidden to leave the school
grounds during the morning or afternoon
Clothing is an important aspect of safe practice sessions without permission.
in all forms of physical activity. In Annan
Academy we recommend the following items of Behaviour
kit for participation in Physical Education. 6. Pupils when travelling to and from school,
must not behave in such a way as to bring the
Dress school into disrepute.

As described on page 20 and 21. 7. Smoking and gambling are not permitted, in
or near the school.
Exemption from Physical
Education 8. Bullying, fighting and other forms of anti-
social behaviour such as spitting, etc, will not be
All pupils in S1 to S4 are timetabled for 2 periods tolerated.
of Physical Education each week. Because of the
compulsory nature of the subject, all pupils are Movement around the School
expected to participate in the subject. Pupils 9. Pupils must walk quietly on the left along
wishing to be excused from Physical Education corridors and on stairways.
because of injury, sickness etc should bring
a note signed by a parent / guardian. Pupils 10. Pupils must not loiter in corridors, stairways,
seeking long-term exemption from the subject toilets cloakrooms and other prohibited areas at
must provide a Medical Certificate from their any time.
own doctor and may be asked to undertake a
Medical Inspection by the School Doctor. 11. Eating crisps, sweets etc, on the way to and
from class or in class is not permitted.
School Rules
Care of Property
School Rules must be reasonable, enforceable a. Personal
and justifiable. The reasoning behind them must
be easily understood by pupils. 12. School bags and valuables must not be left
unattended except in lockers. All pupils must
Our rules are straightforward and based on accept full responsibility for the security of
common sense, courtesy, personal safety and personal property and make sure that all books
protection of property. and equipment in their possession are properly
cared for.
General
1. Pupils are expected to be regular and punctual b. School
in their attendance both for school and for
classes. 13. Pupils must not tamper with, or damage,
fitments in classrooms, corridors, cloakrooms or
2. Each absence must be explained by a signed toilets.
note from you.
14. All litter must be placed in the litter bins.
3. Pupils are expected to be dressed for school in
accordance with established guidelines. 15. Graffiti on books or walls will not be
tolerated.
4. Pupils must come properly equipped (for all
classes i.e. with pen, pencil, rubber school bag
and all necessary books and equipment.

Annan Academy - Prospectus 41

Transferring Pupil Data

Transferring Educational Data is exploited as a valuable corporate resource,
About Pupils subject to confidentiality restraints. As part of its
data policy, Scottish Government will not publish
The Scottish Government and its partners or make publicly available any information that
collect and use information about pupils to allows individual pupils to be identified, nor will
help to improve education across Scotland. This data be used by Scottish Goverment to take any
note explains why we need this information, actions in respect of individuals. Data is held
how we use it and what we do to protect the securely and no information on individual pupils
information supplied to us. can or would be made publicly available by
Scottish Government.
Why do we need your data?
In order to make the best decisions about how The individual data collected by Scottish
to improve our education service, Scottish Government is used for statistical and research
Government, education authorities and other purposes only.
partners such as the SQA and Careers Scotland
need accurate, up-to-date data about our pupils. Your data protection rights

We are keen to help all our pupils do well in The collection, transfer, processing and sharing
all aspects of school life and achieve better of ScotXed data is done in accordance with the
examination results. Accurate and up-to-date Data Protection Act (1998). We also comply
data allows us to: with the National Statistics Code of Practice
requirements and other legislation related to
• Plan and deliver better policies for the safeguarding the confidentiality of data. The
benefit of all pupils, Data Protection Act gives you the right to know
how we will use your data. This note can give
• Plan and deliver better policies for the only a brief description of how we use data.
benefit of specific groups of pupils, Fuller details of each individual ScotXed survey,
including the purpose of each and the published
• Better understand some of the factors that data, can be found on the ScotXed website
influence pupil attainment and achievement, (www.scotxed.net).

• Share good practice, Scottish Government works with a range
of partners including HM Inspectorate of
• Target resources better. Education, Careers Scotland and the SQA. On
occasion, we will make individual data available
Data policy to partners and also academic institutions and
Information about pupils’ education is collected organisations to carry out research and statistical
in partnership between the Scottish Government analysis. In addition, we will provide our
and Local Authorities through the ScotXed partners with information they need in order to
programme which aims to help schools and Local fulfil their official responsibilities. Any sharing
Authorities by supporting efficient collection, of data will be done under the strict control of
processing and dissemination of statistical Scottish Government, which will ensure that no
information. The Scottish Government then individual level data will be made public as a
provides analysis of the data to support research, result of the data sharing and that these data
planning, management and monitoring of will not be used to take any actions in respect
education services as well as to produce National of an individual. Decisions on the sharing of
Statistics publications. data will be taken in consultation with relevant
colleagues and individuals within and outwith
Education data within Scottish Government Scottish Government.
is managed effectively by secure systems and

42 Annan Academy - Prospectus

Concerns
If you have any concerns about the ScotXed data
collections you can email the Senior Statistician,
Peter Whitehouse, at Peter.Whitehouse@
scotland.gsi.gov.uk or write to The ScotXed
Support Office, Area 1B, Victoria Quay, Leith,
EH6 6QQ. Alternative versions of this page are
available, on request from the ScotXed Support
Office, in other languages, audio tape, Braille
and large print.

Annan Academy - Prospectus 43