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Inspirational Librarian scoops
prize at awards ceremony
16 June 2010
Northfield Academy librarian Mandy Wilson,
received the Inspirational Adult award for her Northfield Reads
project aimed at improving the literacy levels of some of the
school's pupils by encouraging them to read for pleasure and
develop reading as a habit. The project, which secured a £9,600
grant from Awards for All, included the design and installation
of a new reading area in the school library, new reading
materials, the installation of IT equipment for book reviews,
author visits and training for teachers and librarians. The end
result is a significant improvement in pupils' reading habits.
TIMES EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT SCHOOL AWARDS 2010
02 April 2010Northfield Academy has been
shortlisted for the 'Outstanding Staff Training/Development
Initiative' in the TES School Awards 2010 having competed
against hundreds of inspirational entries submitted across
the UK. The judges received a staggeringly high
quality of nominations and were not looking simply for schools
or initiatives rated outstanding by inspectors. "What we wanted
was that extra spark - creativity, originality and passion."
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STAFF PAVE WAY IN MENTOR SCHEME
17/02/2009
A total of 17 teachers at one city school have
received an accolade from the General Teaching Council of
Scotland.
The Northfield Academy teachers took a 12-month
course on mentoring new and student teachers.
This role enables new teachers to discuss any
problems they may be facing in the classroom and receive support
and advice from an experienced colleague. The
relationship also helps maximise the new teacher’s effectiveness
in the classroom.
Corporate Director responsible for culture and education John Tomlinson
was delighted the achievements.
He said: “Mentors have a key
role in supporting new and student teachers. The importance of
support for new teachers cannot be over-emphasised and the
wealth of experienced being passed on by the mentors will go a
long way to enhancing pupils’ and teachers’ classroom
experiences.
“This accolade is rightly deserved and I would like to pass on my
congratulations to all those concerned.”
The course, which was
based on a model for mentoring and coaching from the
University of Santa Cruz in California, was written and
developed by two teachers at Northfield Academy Mike Will and
Paul Rorie.
Mr Will said: “We are delighted that a significant number of our teachers
have achieved national recognition for their enhanced
professionalism which will impact positively on the teaching and
learning of our pupils to support them as successful learners.
“As a school
community, we are proud of the accomplishments and achievements
of teachers at our school and the fact that no other school in
the country can boast having a significant staff team who are
professionally recognised by the GTCS in the area of mentoring.
“This delivers a powerful message to pupils, parents and the community
about the high quality employees providing a high quality
service for young people in the city at Northfield Academy.”
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2008 |
NORTHFIELD PUPILS SCOOP AWARDS FOR YEAR OF SUCCESS
17/06/2008
PUPILS at Aberdeen’s Northfield Academy had their success
toasted in glittering awards ceremony at Aberdeen Music Hall.
Head teacher Sue
Muncer praised her pupils and said they deserved the recognition
after all the hard work they had put in throughout the year.
She said: “It was a very successful evening and
it’s always really good to acknowledge the hard work and
commitment of the youngsters in the school.
“This is the third year of the awards ceremony
and it’s a great way to celebrate everything they have done and
are capable of doing.
“It’s very important giving the publicity the school has
had recently.”
Special guests at the ceremony were Lord
Provost Peter Stephen, and former Northfield Academy pupil Tom
Smith, who is now managing director of oil and gas company
Nessco.
Mr Smith said: “I’m standing here today and this
could be anyone of the pupils from Northfield Academy in the
future. We want kids like
this to apply for jobs going in the oil and gas industry – they
are starting with some very lucky credentials coming from
Northfield.”
And
Lord Provost Stephen said: “It was a wonderful evening and it
says much for the teaching staff as well as the pupils. A
massive well done to the winners.”
Mrs Muncer said: “We’re looking to the future at
Northfield Academy.” |
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YOUNGSTERS STAGE MAJOR CONFERENCE
10 March 2008
PUPILS at a Northfield Academy held a major conference about respect for
one another with students sharing about initiatives that were
making a difference at their school.
More than 100
children from 10 secondary schools in Grampian and Tayside
attended the pupil-led conference at Aberdeen Exhibition and
Conference Centre.
Organised by Northfield Academy
students, presentations were also held at the conference on how
to make schools better places.
Sixth year Northfield student, Stuart Creighton, 18, said: “The
conference was organised for pupils, by pupils and we hope it
will benefit all schools. We have been planning it for over a
year. Bully busters are a big part of leadership and respect in
our school. There are 25 of us who help pupils in S1 to S4 who
might be being bullied or feeling miserable in their daily life
– we help them with problems whether they are at school or at
home.”
Head teacher Sue Muncer said: “Events like this
conference show what Northfield pupils are capable of doing with
the right kind of support and encouragement.”
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2007 |
ABERDEEN PUPILS HOPE
SONG WILL STRIKE A NOTE
25 April 2007
Pupils at
an Aberdeen high school recorded a song yesterday which will be
used to promote life choices to youngsters.
The piece will be broadcast through the internet and will also
be used as the opening act for this year's Choices for Life
event which is organised by Grampian Police.
About 5,000 pupils from throughout Grampian will be at the
two-day event in June.
It aims to inform primary-seven pupils about drugs, alcohol and
smoking so that they can make informed decisions when they go to
secondary school.
Northfield Academy was chosen to produce this year's song, and
27 pupils yesterday recorded the piece. Some of the S1 and S2
youngsters were already in the school's singing group and others
were asked to go along because teachers knew they could sing.
Three of them, Kieran Whitford, 12, and Alanna Luke and Chloe
Gribble, both 13, said yesterday they had enjoyed learning,
rehearsing then recording the song.
Chloe said: "I wanted to do something positive for the school."
Alanna and Kieran had both attended the Choices for Life events
when they were in primary seven. Alanna said: "It was good as it
taught you stuff about making you feel better about doing the
right thing.
Keiran said: "I found it quite good as it gave you a chance to
learn about what to do in certain situations."
BOOK CLUB LAUNCHED BY BUDDIES
2 March 2007
Book buddies at an Aberdeen school have launched a new website.
The Northfield Academy group, called Go Surfing Web Club, have
been working on the project since April last year.
The "I'm a Book, Get Me Out of Here" themed site was launched
yesterday to mark World Book Day.
Pupils Rebecca Finnie, Kelly Gordon, Lucy Mainwaring, Rebecca
Mainwaring, Alana Merson, Holly Skinner, Sarah Stuart and Tanya
Ritchie have been working with tutors from WhiteSpace - home of
Aberdeen City Council's arts development team - to create the
pages to encourage reading.
The website can be viewed at
www.bookbuddies.org.uk .
CELEBRATION OF ETHNIC DIVERSITY
1 March 2007
A Chance to learn about different cultures was being organised
by an Aberdeen school.
Tonight's event, called Aberdeen Together, was being hosted by
Northfield Academy along with Grampian Police and Islamic
Relief.
Visitors were set to enjoy singing, dancing and entertainment to
highlight the ethnic diversity in the city's communities.
The event was organised by Northfield Academy head teacher Sue
Muncer, Habib Malik, of Islamic Relief, and Pc George Craig, the
school's resident police officer.
Pc Craig said: "To our knowledge this is the first event of its
kind in Aberdeen and we are hoping that it will be rolled out
across the area at other schools.
"Pupils, parents, school teachers, councillors and the business
community have been invited along to Northfield Academy where
they will see and hear a wide variety of singing, dancing and
music performed by various ethnic entertainers."
TOP CLASS VISIT
22 February 2007
An Aberdeen school
has been given the royal seal of approval.
Youngsters at Northfield Academy had a special visit from the
Duke of Kent.
His Royal Highness, a first cousin to the Queen, was at the
school to help mark its 50th anniversary.
And pupils made the most of yesterday's hour-long visit, taking
a chance to showcase the school's alternative curriculum.
The Duke was given a tour of the purpose-built hairdressing
salon and newly refurbished library.
In the graphic communication room he spoke to some of the pupils
then, in the library, met some of the school's prefects.
He also had the chance to view displays including a Pop Idol
style contest, Scottish Youth Theatre workshops and educational
trips to the USA, Holland and Poland.
Before leaving he unveiled a plaque and was presented with a
book by pupils to mark the academy's 50 years.
The visit was organised by Northfield Academy's anniversary
committee.
Head teacher Sue Muncer said: "As we mark 50 years of learning
and teaching this is a fantastic opportunity to highlight all
the good things we are doing to encourage our young people to be
the best they can be - and to make the most of the doors that
are open to them."
Northfield Academy opened to pupils and staff on August 27,
1956.
Then known as Northfield Secondary School, it welcomed 479
pupils and 34 staff when it first opened, under the leadership
of headmaster, James S M Eddison.
He was later awarded the OBE for his services to education.
A host of special events have been held to mark the milestone
year, including a staff dinner and a civic reception.
Pupils and teachers joined forces for their version of Oliver.
School librarian Mandy Wilson also compiled a book Northfield:
The First Fifty Years.
It includes information about the history of the school, as well
as tales and photographs from pupils through the years. |
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2006 |
NORTHFIELD ACADEMY LOOKS BACK ON 50 YEARS
11 December 2006
An Aberdeen school
celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching a book of memories
at the weekend.
Northfield Academy's 90-page book, entitled Northfield: The
First Fifty Years, was launched at the school's Christmas fair
on Saturday.
The book, compiled by school librarian Mandy Wilson, features
dozens of anecdotes and stories from lessons, teachers, school
trips through to tales of the school's construction.
Sue Muncer, the school's head teacher, and several S1 pupils
were joined by original students from the academy's opening year
of 1956, including the first school dux, Douglas Cook.
As well as celebrating the launch of the book, the school
organised carol singing, Christmas stalls and a Santa's grotto.
Early intervention officer at the school Helen Milne said: "It's
been a really successful day and I'm delighted with the way it
went. We haven't held one of these for quite a while now
and it was good to do it again. The turnout has been
excellent. So many people have turned out and that has really
added to the day. Mandy has put so much work into the book
and I think people have really enjoyed looking through it. It
gives a very detailed look at the school's history and that is
something a lot of people will really enjoy. It has been a great
way to celebrate this milestone. This whole thing has been
a real community effort with lots of people getting involved.
"I think we are all really pleased with how things have gone."
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'THREE YEARS AT
SCHOOL CAN SET YOU UP FOR LIFE'
11 December 2006
A Multi-million pound
businessman has praised a city school for setting him up for
success.
Former Northfield Academy pupil Tom Smith now employs more than
140 people around the world with his Aberdeen-based
communications firm Nessco. And when he heard about the
school's 50th anniversary this year, he was keen to get back in
touch.
He said: "There is this thing about the university of life.
Northfield was very much like that. The quality of
education we got there was a very good grounding. "We had good
literacy and numeracy and science - a good all-round education.
It was a crucial part of my development. Northfield gave me the
foundation stones."
Mr Smith, 54, left the school in 1967 and went on to set up
satellite communications firm Nessco. The company has offices
around the world including Westhill just outside Aberdeen, Baku
in Azerbaijan and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. And the Nessco
group of companies has an annual turnover of £22 million.
Tom grew up on Mastrick's Cairnwell Avenue. He now lives
in Belvidere Street with his wife Yvonne, an accountant.
He said: "I'm still very much an Aberdeen loon."
The have one daughter Lisa, 24, who graduated this year with an
MA honours in finance and management from Aberdeen University
and is also an accountant.
And Northfield Academy still has a firm place in Tom's heart.
He said: "Three years at Northfield can set you up for life. It
was a dynamic place to learn and there was a great community
spirit."
Tom hopes to encourage a new generation of youngsters into
successful careers. Tom said: "I am hoping to inspire the
current pupils to raise their self-esteem and recognise the
benefits of their school and community. I'm Northfield and
proud and I'm sure there are a lot of other success stories that
have come out of the school who feel the same way."
Tom was one of many former Northfield pupils who got in touch
with the school to mark 50 years.
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OLIVER EXPERIENCE IN STORE AT NORTHFIELD
ACADEMY
16/11/06
Northfield Academy pupils and staff will be
hoping the audience 'asks for more' as they take to the stage
next week to perform Oliver!
And part of the school will be transformed
into an atmospheric Victorian street to transport families and
friends back in time. As they step inside, they will be
able to browse stalls selling Victorian ware, watch jugglers and
other entertainers and listen to a Band of Hope singing
traditional hymns.
More than 100 pupils and staff will be
involved on stage and behind the scenes. It is 10 years
since the school last produced Oliver! and to celebrate, the
Oliver Experience will include an additional song written by
music teacher Rhonda Scott. Some of the cast and former pupils
from Oliver! 1995 will return to take the stage to sing this
special commemorative song.
The show will be performed at Northfield
Academy over four nights, from November 21-24.
This is the latest in a series of events
organised to mark the school's 50th anniversary, including a
staff dinner, tree planting and a civic reception at the Town
House.
The celebrations will continue when Northfield
Academy opens its doors to the public next month for a festive
fair to mark the milestone anniversary.
A special book of memories about life in the
classroom will also be launched at the event, featuring around
100 pages of photographs and anecdotes about the school's
history.
The Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday,
December 9, from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Admission is just 50p or 20p
concession. Pupils are busy making produce, gifts and
cards to sell on the day and they will also help out on the
door, acting as tour guides and greeters.
There will be an indoor car boot sale and
anyone who wants to have a clearout before Christmas and sell
their unwanted items can book a table for £8 by calling the
school office on (01224) 699715.
The fun will also include carol singing by
members of local primary schools choirs, Santa's grotto, face
painting, magic tricks, refreshments and a seasonal BBQ.
Officers from Grampian Police – including the
underwater diving unit – and Grampian Fire and Rescue Service
are also hoping to stop by.
The anniversary book was compiled by school
librarian Mrs Mandy Wilson. It features dozens of memories and
amusing stories, from lessons, teachers, pranks, school trips
and events through to tales of the area before the school was
built and its construction.
One of the event organisers, Early
Intervention Officer Helen Milne, said: "The Christmas Fair will
be of great interest to local people and promises to be a
fantastic community event. Come along and visit the school while
picking up some unusual Christmas presents and helping to
celebrate 50 years of Northfield Academy."
Northfield Academy - known as Northfield
Secondary School until 1970 - opened its doors to pupils and
staff on August 27, 1956.
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TREES TO BE PLANTED AT NORTHFIELD
ACADEMY
03/11/06
Pupils and staff at Northfield Academy are
to each plant their own tree in the school grounds, as part of
the academy's 50th anniversary celebrations.
The idea came from the Grounds for Learning
team, which works alongside pupils to improve the environment
around the school building.
The team includes teaching staff, a
community youth worker and the school-based police officer
Constable George Craig.
Aberdeen Countryside Project donated the
funding for the trees, which will be planted throughout next
week.
They include hawthorn, hazel, dog rose and
elder trees and shrubs.
Pupils and staff both feel this is a fitting
way to commemorate and contribute to the next 50 years of
Northfield Academy, which opened its doors on August 27, 1956.
A host of special events has been held to
mark the milestone anniversary, including a staff dinner,
drama productions and a civic reception.
A book of memories and photographs about
life in the classroom will be launched at the school's
Christmas Fair and indoor car boot sale, which is being held
on Saturday, December 9 from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
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YOUNG SPORT LEADERS MEET BUSINESS LEADERS
07 September 2006
Sports Leaders at Northfield Academy are
appealing to local businesses to lend their support to community
initiatives that are designed to get kids fit and active.
The school's Sports Leaders class hosted a
presentation evening for local businesses last night (Thursday),
with Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of Sportscotland, as guest
speaker.
The senior pupils talked about their Sports
Leaders Award work, with the aim of generating support for
events they run.
The Sport Leader courses aim to get older
pupils involved in raising fitness levels and lowering obesity
in children aged between four and 12, through sport and games.
The Northfield pupils have successfully run Kids ‘n’ Condition
fitness sessions in local primary schools and organised
basketball tournaments. A number of the pupils have also
gone on to gain relevant coaching qualifications in football,
badminton, dance and basketball. As well as increasing the
teenagers' confidence and self-esteem, the nationally recognised
Sport Leader Award can often be used as a stepping stone to
employment or further education.
Northfield Academy PE teacher Tom Clark, who
oversees the Sports Leaders class, said: "Northfield Academy is
at the forefront of developments in the Sports Leaders Awards in
Scotland and we are very proud of the group's achievements so
far.
“The presentation evening was fantastic and a
great opportunity for the young people of Northfield to make
strong links with the business and professional community,” he
said.
Sports Leaders Award courses are run in
schools, community centres, halls and so on, and incorporate
both practical learning sessions and a period of volunteering in
the local community. The emphasis is always on practical
experience rather than on written work. The benefits to
senior pupils include:
Personal Development – increase in confidence,
self-esteem and self-management
Obtain relevant skills and experience that can be transferred
into a variety of situations and environments
Sports Leaders are well respected in their
community and welcomed by clubs and organisations who need
volunteers to operate. An Award often encourages people to
undertake further training/education courses to help achieve
long term goals, careers and ambitions.
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NORTHFIELD ACADEMY CELEBRATES ITS 50th
ANNIVERSARY
28 August 2006
Northfield Academy is celebrating 50 years of
learning and teaching, after opening its doors to pupils and
staff on August 27, 1956.
A host of special events has been organised to
mark the milestone anniversary, including a staff dinner, drama
productions and a civic reception.
The oldest and youngest boys and girls will
join headteacher Mrs Sue Muncer for a photo opportunity this
afternoon (MONDAY).
David Wilson and Lisa Taylor are both aged 17
and in S6, while Jamie-Lee Greer and Matthew Rae are aged 11 and
have just started their first year at Northfield Academy.
Northfield Secondary School welcomed 479 pupils and 34 staff
when it first opened, under the leadership of its first
headmaster, James S M Eddison, who was later awarded the OBE for
his services to education.
The school is now compiling a book of memories
about life in the classroom, and staff are also keen to find
anyone who still has an old school tie and blazer from
Northfield Secondary School, as it was known until 1970.
Headteacher Mrs Muncer said: "This is an exciting time for the
school and everyone is involved in the events we've organised to
mark the 50th anniversary. However, we have not been able to
trace an actual school uniform - tie, blazer with badge and
scarf - from the 1960s.
“We know one did exist as there is evidence
in photographs and school magazines from that time. It would be
fitting if the school could find a surviving uniform to preserve
as history for future generations.
"In particular the school would be delighted
to find anyone who still owns any items using the old school
badge. If you can help, please get in touch!” The
Northfield uniform changed in the 1970s to take account of the
name change to Northfield Academy.
To celebrate the milestone, current and former
members of staff attended an anniversary dinner at Elphinstone
Hall on Friday evening.
Other events include a school production of
Oliver in November – last performed at the 40th anniversary in
1996 – a civic reception at the Town House and a special
Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 9.
The Christmas Fair will also see the launch of
the anniversary book on the history of the school, including
memories and photographs of schooldays from 1956 to 2006.
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NUGGETS OF NEWS FROM
NORTHFIELD ACADEMY
03 June 2006
Staff and pupils at
Aberdeen's Northfield Academy can now "read all about it" by
picking up a copy of Northfield Nuggets, the school's very own
newspaper.
The free newspaper has already proved to be a big hit,
particularly as the academy had been without a school newspaper
for 13 years.
The next issue is due out this month and everyone is eagerly
awaiting the latest news, music, film and book reviews,
competitions and sports updates.
Following suggestions from pupils and staff, probationary
teachers Gemma Corby and Kirsty Hay set up a newspaper group
last November.
The group successfully applied for funding from Aberdeen City
Council's small grants fund, which covered printing costs, a
laptop computer, digital camera, memory stick and competition
prizes.
Weekly meetings are now held every Tuesday lunchtime, when
pupils discuss possible articles and then research and write the
stories.
Miss Corby and Miss Hay chair the weekly meetings and edit the
final edition.
A guess-the-teacher competition proved to be extremely popular
as pupils had to guess which teacher was which by looking at
photos of them as children.
Miss Corby, a geography teacher, said: "The students have been
really enthusiastic and committed to the newspaper group.
"They have produced some excellent articles and they have had
positive feedback from staff and from other students."
Rebecca Finnie, 13, one of the student journalists, said: "The
newspaper is a good way to meet people from other years.
"Writing stories for the newspaper is fun and gives young people
something to do."
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NORTHFIELD ACADEMY TO CELEBRATE SUCCESS
02/06/06
The achievements and successes of pupils and
staff at Northfield Academy will be celebrated on Monday night
(June 5).
The school is holding its inaugural
Celebration of Success evening at Aberdeen's Music Hall.
The prize-giving evening organised by members of the school's
Ethos Committee will recognise the achievements of pupils who
have excelled in a variety of fields.
Chairman of the Ethos Committee, Mike Will
said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to show case the very
best of what our pupils have achieved throughout the year and
celebrate this success with parents and staff".
Departments have nominated senior pupils to
receive an award in recognition of the effort, progress and
achievement gained in that subject over the past academic year.
Pupils from S1-S3 will be given Endeavour Awards, nominated by
their guidance teacher. Special awards will include the
school football team's Player of the Year awards and a Community
Award sponsored by Exxon Mobil, while Celebration Awards will be
presented to pupils for achievements both in and out of school.
Also being rewarded is cleaning supervisor
Irene Mathieson for 20 years' service, and guidance teacher Ken
McKenzie, who retires this summer after more than 30 years'
service at Northfield Academy – without any days off sick!
Entertainment for the evening – which is
invitation only - will be provided by the school's Rock
Challenge group.
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SEEKING WORLD
UNDERSTANDING - RELIGIOUSLY
31 May 2006
With recent reports that young Moslem
women in Scotland are being subjected to an increasing number of
racist insults and attacks, Caroline Brodie of the Press &
Journal finds out more about what youngsters are being taught in
school about religion, racism and prejudice
Religious education has taken on a new relevance for many pupils
in a post-9/11 world in which religion is increasingly on the
global news agenda.
In Scotland's schools, it has emerged as a subject which
incorporates aspects of religion, history, modern studies and
politics, and even philosophy in some schools.
There has also been a steady increase in the number of pupils
taking exams in religious and moral education (RME) in the past
five years.
According to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), the
number of pupils sitting Intermediate 2 has risen from 275 in
2001 to 798 in 2005. The figures for Intermediate 1 rose from
146 in 2001 to 816 in 2005 and in Higher from 1,403 in 2001 to
1,685 in 2005.
An SQA spokesman said the authority strives to ensure RME, like
all other subjects, reflects the "world in which we all live"
and added: "The general direction of the course is to try to
make pupils as aware of everything in the global situation,
rather than just looking at Christianity, which was done in the
past."
Like any other national curriculum subject, the Scottish
Executive sets guidelines as to how it should be taught. But an
executive spokeswoman stressed that it was up to teachers to
decide exactly what they teach in keeping with their own pupils.
She said: "The guidelines we give are not designed to be
prescriptive. They rely on the professionalism of teachers to
decide what is appropriate for their pupils.
"We have a very professional workforce and teachers are very
capable of making decisions about what is right for their pupils
and making sure they are equipped with the skills to make sense
of life."
Paul Rorie, principal teacher of religious and moral education
at Northfield Academy, Aberdeen, says the key is to keep the
subject relevant by bringing current affairs and world events
into the mix to help pupils gain a real understanding of
important events spanning back through time.
He considers the real benchmark for success in RME is teaching
pupils to think for themselves and to learn to form their own
opinions of important world events - skills they will use in
everyday life once they leave school.
The subject is compulsory for all pupils in secondaries one to
four across Scotland, and the focus, in the early years, is on
teaching pupils about the major world religions - Christianity,
Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and Sikhism.
Pupils also explore what it would be like for a Hindu or Moslem
to live in Britain.
The course is delivered in as objective a way as possible and
pupils are not asked about their own beliefs or religion.
In fact, fellow Northfield Academy RME teacher Adam Stalker said
many of his pupils were from agnostic backgrounds, but still
managed to find the subject relevant.
Once pupils move into secondary three and four, RME takes on a
different slant, becoming more of a fusion of history, modern
studies and politics.
Mr Rorie said: "We really do cover cross-curriculum stuff.
"We get some kids who have done Martin Luther King or the
Holocaust in history or modern studies and they come to us and
look specifically at the prejudice side of things.
"It helps pull a lot of things together for them.
"Then sometimes they will go to modern studies and do a subject
they have covered here and go into it with a better
understanding."
The pupils also learn about world justice, social responsibility
and find out more about developing countries and the world's
rich and poor. They cover labelling and stereotyping and learn
all about making moral decisions by exploring the realms of
racial prejudice, capital punishment and freedom of speech.
Mr Stalker said: "It is all about them learning life skills, and
teaching pupils how to form their own opinions and to start to
build their own views on things."
He said pupils had a very strong sense of injustice and could
relate well to subjects such as the Holocaust or the Palestine
and Israel situation.
"Kids want to find out why people were treated so unfairly," he
said.
But Mr Rorie says pupils are anything but preached at. Rather
than being told racism is wrong, they explore the reasons why it
might be wrong and why it exists and come to their own
conclusions.
He said: "I have never had a kid walking out of the classroom
saying racism's a good idea, but people do walk out of the class
understanding it a bit more."
Asked if the way his subject is delivered has changed in a
post-9/11 world, amid the War on Terror, Mr Rorie admitted there
had been a serious debate initially about whether or not Islam
should be taught in the wake of the disaster.
He says he often introduces discussions about Islam by posting
images of terrorism and asking pupils if they agree the two are
connected. He says the more informed pupils realise this is a
stereotype and that the majority of Moslems have no connection
whatsoever with terrorism.
Talk of religious racism is also something which has begun to
creep into classroom discussions.
Mr Rorie said pupils sometimes raised the issue of religious
prejudice, having seen something on the news or read something
in the paper.
He said: "Kids tend to come in here and say: did you hear what
someone said on TV.
"Society moves and religious education changes depending on
that."
In that way, the Catholic and Protestant situation would have
been at the forefront 20 years ago, or sexual equality a decade
ago.
Now, with momentous events such as 9/11 and 7/7, the focus has
changed again, but Mr Rorie said they were more likely to look
at the reasons such events happened, rather than talk about the
events themselves.
He also believes that the world becoming a more global place -
where people can sit back and get a bigger picture through a
host of media channels - has done a lot for religious studies.
"It has changed the focus," he said.
"It used to be modern studies that dealt with these issues.
Religion, whether you believe in it or not, affects you somehow,
at the moment.
"That has made RME more important and the kids can now see that
everything we teach has relevance."
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COUNT PUPILS IN AS
COMMUNITY CITIZENS
30 May 2006
Pupils from a city
school moved to the Gordon Barracks for a day to take part in
some exciting events.
The first-year youngsters from Northfield Academy were there for
the Count Me In event based on a citizenship theme.
A number of workshops were arranged for the children on topics
including road safety, fire and rescue, drugs action and the
Cyrenians.
The nationwide initiative Heartstart was also there along with
health professionals and teachers running basic first aid and
CPR workshops.
In the afternoon parents were offered the opportunity to attend
adult workshops which related to drugs and mental health.
The day was supported by Exxon Mobil with First in Aberdeen
providing free transport forpupils.
The multi-agency team was made up of school based police officer
Keith Mulloy, school counsellor Sandra Mojsiewicz, children's
officer Lyn Cullum, school youth worker Melanie Garrick,
home-school liaison officer Donny Gardiner, school nurse Jillie
Mackie, acting depute head teacher Ali Dow and art teacher Shona
McCracken.
Pc Mulloy said: "The aims for the day were to encourage young
people to be responsible citizens, effective contributors,
confident individuals and successful learners. Count Me In
reflects the importance for us all to get involved more around
school and in the wider community.
"It was a fantastic day and all the kids seemed to really enjoy
it.
"It was a big success and we are hoping to make it a regular
feature on the school calendar."
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PUPILS GET PUMPED UP
FOR BALLET INITIATIVE
15 May
2006
Children from four Aberdeen schools are being given an
opportunity to learn their steps with dancers from the Royal
Ballet. The dance initiative will take place next week as part
of the BP Summer Big Screens.
Four schools from the BP Schools Link Scheme - Ferryhill
Primary, Broomhill Primary, Northfield Academy and St Machar
Academy - are taking part in workshops designed to explore
different areas of ballet.
They will study ballet as an art form along with technique and
composition and will step inside The Sleeping Beauty and develop
their own interpretations of some of the themes from the ballet
in preparation for their attendance at the BP Summer Big Screens
performance.
Tim Smith, BP's external affairs director, Scotland, said:
"Building on the success of last year's event, we're delighted
to be able to bring another spectacular ballet performance and
the first live relay opera to Aberdeen this summer.
"We've been able to offer a unique and exciting opportunity for
local children to experience dance first hand with the Royal
Opera House." |
PUPILS HEAR HISTORY OF THE PLAGUE
28
April 2006
Schoolchildren from across the North-east have been learning
about diseases.
Advanced Higher Biology students had a lecture on Plagues,
Pestilence and People at the University of Aberdeen.
Pupils from Aboyne, Bridge of Don, Kemnay, Meldrum, Northfield
and Turriff academies and Milne's High School attended the talk.
Prof Joanna Verran of Manchester Metropolitan University told
the history of infectious diseases and gave examples of medical
science relating to them.
Diseases she highlighted which were prevalent in the past
included plague, leprosy and TB.
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MARKS WITH EASTER
REVISION
05 April 2006
Students from across
the north-east have been getting a helping hand with their
Easter revision from Aberdeen University.
The university has been holding two days of revision workshops,
study sessions and other activities, aimed at local standard
grade pupils.
But as well as helping them study for this summer's exams, the
intention has also been to give young people a taste of what
life at university is like.
The Easter revision school has been organised by the
university's Aim 4 Uni scheme, which tries to encourage people
to consider going into higher education no matter what their
background. This is the fifth year that the revision days have
been run and almost 90 pupils from Northfield, Torry, Kincorth,
St Machar, Peterhead, Portlethen and Bankhead Academies, took
part.
The classes were led by teachers, but with help from current
university students.
Seema Miah, who organised the event, said: "It is proving to be
an increasingly popular choice of revision activity for many
young people and we are really pleased at the numbers attending
this year.
"Supporting young people in achieving better grades and
providing them with the opportunity to come into a university is
one way of encouraging them to view university study as an
option for their future.
"We want to ensure that young people have choices and see
themselves as having choices to study at higher levels."
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SOCCER GIRL RACHAEL
LEADS LADS TO VICTORY
28
March 2006
Rachael Small really is Captain Courageous.
The 14-year-old skippers both her school and juvenile team, both
of which are packed full of boys.
In fact Rachael is one of Northfield Academy's star players and
has been nominated for the Chris Anderson medal.
She also helped to inspire club team Northfield FC to victory in
the Eddie Mannall Trophy.
The defender was presented with the player of the match trophy
at the end of the final.
Rachael has been put forward for the Aberdeen schools under-15
select trials, which is only usually attended by boys.
In 2005 she was also selected to represent the Scottish
schoolgirl under-15s despite being only a few days short of
qualifying for a younger age group.
Rachael is also part of the Scottish under-15 Elite Scotland
training squad and could even be offered the chance of a
scholarship in America.
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THE STEAMIE IS THE
TALK OF NORTHFIELD
14 February 2006
The drama studio of Northfield Academy in Aberdeen is being
transformed into an old Glasgow laundry room this week as
members of staff take to the stage as part of the school's 50th
anniversary celebrations.
Four staff members and a senior pupil have been busy with final
rehearsals for their version of the classic comedy The Steamie,
written by Tony Roper.
During the performance the audience are invited to listen in on
the gossip and the women's banter as they do their laundry one
Hogmanay night in the 1950s, sharing their hopes, fears, dreams,
tears and laughter.
The small cast is made up of sixth-year student Laura Rodgers,
drama teacher Hester Beattie, student counsellor Sandra
Mojsiewicz, deputy head Moira Pollock and art teacher Barry
Watt.
Mrs Beattie and Mrs Pollock were both involved in an earlier
version of the play, in collaboration with amateur drama group
The Midmar Players. The Steamie is a Scottish contemporary text
for students - including Lauren - who are studying Higher drama
at Northfield Academy.
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Northfield Academy, Granitehill Place, Aberdeen,
AB16 7AU, Scotland (UK) |
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tel: +44 (0)1224 699715 |
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fax: +44 (0)1224 685239 |
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email:
enquiries@northfield.aberdeen.sch.uk |
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© Northfield Academy - All rights reserved. |
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