Head teacher aiming for more success with community's support
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THE FORRES Academy student awards ceremony was on the evening of Thursday, June 20.
Head teacher Mrs Jan Sinclair spoke of her pride in the pupils' achievements.
She said: "As I end my first full session as head teacher of Forres Academy I have been able to reflect on the wonderful achievements of the young people - we have so much to be proud of.
"I wish you all every success in the year ahead and offer my personal congratulations. Your diligence, perseverance and hard work has paid off. I am honoured to celebrate with you."
Academy student and pianist David MacLean performed 'Somebody to Love' before the presentation of the fourth year prizes.
Mrs Sinclair said: "I would like to extend my congratulations to the nine S4 students who gained A passes in their six National 5 courses."
Academy pupil and Rotary Club of Forres young musician Edward Clark played 'La Foi' on cello before the senior prizes were presented.
Mrs Sinclair said: "Our examination results were as expected with some excellent individual and departmental results. Forres Academy remained above the Moray average in all levels of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.
"Congratulations also to the six S5 pupils gaining five A passes at Higher level and also to Duncan Hornsby in S6 for gaining three A passes in his Advanced Higher. The results were a testament to their hard work and the quality of support provided by both staff and parents.
The final musical interlude was from student Lydia Cameron who played piano and sang 'Light the Sky'.
The remaining cups, trophies and Dux awards were given out before a voice of thanks from S6 pupil Hannah Cox.
Mrs Sinclair also celebrated the school's extra-curricular achievements.
She said: "Success in a wide range of extracurricular activities has seen the shooting team winning Gold in the Scottish schools championships; the badminton team as the winners of the Moray secondary schools; the junior cricket team as Moray secondary schools champions; in tennis Millie Fraser and Jamie Fraser achieving gold with Isobel Howard and Scott Perry silver; and our girls swimming team, competing in the Scottish schools championships.
"There was individual and team recognition in the Moray Sports Awards for the orienteering team; Isobel Howard as junior sports athlete for Moray with other individuals such as Jamie Paterson being recognised for his achievements in power boating. That evening also saw 17 of our pupils being recognised for their commitment to sports with the award of Saltire certificates for volunteering."
Mrs Sinclair mentioned the school retaining the Sports Scotland Gold award, granted for putting sport at the heart of the community.
She said: "We are very committed to supporting all our students in whatever their pathway and qualifications might look like. Our young people are also awarded for the all-round effort and commitment they shown over the year, this being as equally important."
Students' wide-ranging achievements included:six pupils' Duke of Edinburgh Silver awards and 12 Bronze; the Young Engineers and Science club retaining the award of North of Scotland regional winners and junior pupils winning the robotic skills award before competing in the national finals in England; the young debating team winning the North of Scotland schools competition; the Our Accepting of All group being awarded the Anne Frank Award for Inclusion and Equality.
Finally, Mrs Sinclair recounted the community and charity work students had completed over the school year.
She finished: "I would like to thank the school community for the support they have shown and say how excited and privileged I feel to be looking ahead over the next school year. It is only by working closely together that we can move forward together on a positive road."
Cups, shields and trophies: Aspire to Inspire Award - Cameron Grigor and Rachel Mackenzie; Elite Award - Lucy Evans; Meritorious Sports Award (emerging Talent) - Ashley Donald; Half Colour Recognition - Ashley Donald, Isobel Howard, Rachel Mitchell; Full Colour - Emma Donald, Lucy Evans, David Scott; The Gordon Stables Memorial Award - Mairead Hammond; The German Consulate Prize - Marran Nicol, Hannah Cox, James Kennedy; The Jean Madders Trophy - Sophie McIntyre; The Nicolson Award -Rachael Ballingall; The MacIver Prize - Selena A’l;e, Michael Dufficy Trophy - Harriet Neall; The Sunbeam Shield - Robert McGhin; Developing the Young Workforce Shield - Keiron Pearce.
Academic excellence: The George Pirie Award for fourth year dux 2019 - Iona Duff; The Alan Grieve Memorial Award for Excellence in Science - Emma Donald; senior school dux 2018/19 - Emma Donald.
