Glenalmond College News      

Latest News 14 May 2012

Gold Crest Award

Glenalmond Upper Sixth Former Catriona Houston (H) has achieved a British Science Association CREST award at Gold level. These awards are considered to be the science and technology equivalent of a Duke of Edinburgh's award, and the Gold award requires at least 70 hours of independent research and the project must contribute something new to the field of study.

Catriona researched how salt levels affect diabetes, a dimension very poorly covered by existing research which tends to focus on the effects of sugar and carbohydrates. Catriona measured salt levels in butters and spreads, and produced an information leaflet to be distributed at surgeries and clinics, complete with suggestions for healthy eating. Her presentation was considered to be so good that her assessor, Lesley Weston of Aberdeen University, said that she "even exceeded the demands of the Gold level standard." As a result, Catriona has been asked to exhibit at the national Big Bang Science Festival in Perth.

We are currently seeking professionals in any field associated with science, medicine or engineering to become mentors for pupils in similar projects in the future.

Author Visit

The noted author Keith Gray visited Glenalmond College this week to inspire and encourage some of the school's younger pupils and pass on his love of reading and writing literature. A winner of numerous awards, Keith writes for teenagers and young people, and his novels include Creepers, Ostrich Boys and Malarkey.

A reluctant reader himself in his younger years, Keith is keen to encourage the younger generation, particularly teenage boys, to develop a love of reading and an interest in creative writing.

His visit formed part of a programme of talks and lectures designed to give Glenalmond pupils a wider appreciation of the subjects they are studying, with a focus beyond the limits of the classroom.

Confirmation

Over 30 pupils at Glenalmond College were prepared for Confirmation in a special service in the school's Chapel on Friday 11 May, making this the largest Confirmation Service in the Scottish Episcopal Church. The service was presided over by The Most Reverend David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, along with the Rev'd Philip Patterson, Minister of Methven & Logiealmond who welcomed pupils into the fellowship of the Church of Scotland. A further pupil was confirmed by the Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness, in St John's Church, Forres, on Sunday 13^th May.

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Opera Club

Last week the Opera Club saw Scottish Opera's production of Tosca at the Theatre Royal Glasgow, which they greatly enjoyed. The evening was particularly memorable for an outstanding performance by Robert Poulten as Scarpia, the sinister chief of police.

Latest News 7 May 2012

CCF Inspection

Wednesday 2 May was the CCF Inspection Day at Glenalmond and our Army, Navy and Air Force cadets put on an excellent show, led by the Pipe Band. The formal inspection was followed by a day of activities around the campus, which included tank and field gun demonstrations (no guns were fired!) and an inflatable assault course.

Field Day

While the CCF inspection was taking place, our third form pupils headed out for a day in the hills and the second form visited the Drummond Safari Park to see the huge variety of animals large and small.

Organ Recital

James O'Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers of Westminster Abbey, visited the school last week to give an outstanding organ recital in the Chapel. The recital was very well attended but the size of the audience didn't quite match up to Mr O'Donnell's most famous performance to date, when he directed the music at the wedding of the Earl and Countess of Strathearn (the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)!