Bannerman

Buzz
Bannermans No. 1 student magazine!
Bannerman at the
Commonwealth Games
The warm heart of Africa
Get to know: Your house
captains
Sports
And much more!
Autumn Edition
Dear All,
Welcome to our new look magazine, written and edited by a talented team of young journalists. Our
school is about our young people and having spent much of last session on pupil voice this seemed
an appropriate time for the young people to take over the newsletter.
Most of the articles feature the achievements of our pupils. Our school values are respect,
responsibility and ambition and you will see these demonstrated in the pages that follow. Our young
people embrace opportunities in and out of school and grow in confidence as they develop a range
of skills. Visitors to the school frequently comment on our friendly and polite pupils.
Last session saw the introduction of the new qualifications and our young people did very well. This
is a reflection on their hard work and the hard work of staff as well as the support of parents and
carers. Their results are in the table that follows. All figures are percentages and all are based on
the S4 roll. That means in S5 and S6 the figures include anyone who left in S4.
I am sure you will agree that our young people have had tremendous academic and personal
achievements and we are looking forward to another busy and successful session.
Yours sincerely
Ms Purdie
S4 5+ level 3 (N3) 5+ level 4 (N4) 6+ level 5 (N5)
Bannerman 91.7 83.5 36.5
Glasgow 83.4 71.7 24.6
S5 1+ level 6 (Higher) 3+ level 6 (Higher) 5+ level 6 (Higher)
Bannerman 44.6 24 10
Glasgow 41.6 20 8.5
S6 3+ level 6 (Higher) 5+ level 6 (Higher) 1+ level 7 (Adv. Higher)
Bannerman 37.2 26.1 14.6
Glasgow 31.7 20.3 11.5
A wordie from ms purdie
Hi!
Welcome to the first issue of the Bannerman Buzz and also to the
beginning another year at Bannerman. Though weve only been
back for a few weeks, those few weeks have been jam-packed with
so much activity across the school. We have had pupils all the way
to Africa, China and Switzerland while many stayed closer to home
with the Commonwealth Games over summer. We hope reading
about all the exciting and amazing things that pupils have been
getting up to inspires you to take on a challenge as well. Maybe
youll find yourself in next terms edition?
Anyway, see you again in the next issue!
She-Kei Wan (S6)
Editor
A note from the ed
Graphics
Abbie Chastey
Heather Marshall
Lorna Morrison
Writers
Christopher Kerr
Ryan Gardiner
Louise McGeachy
Nicola Moore
Toni McVey
Andrew Mulholland
Andrew Small
Craig Smith
She-Kei Wan
Photography
Cameron Murdoch
Heather Reid
Advertising
Eilidh Colquhoun
Rebecca Hyslop
Kirstyn Lawson
Fraser Mckie
Carli Robertson
Meet the
team
Meet Our New S1 pupils
Interested in writing, photography or graphic design?
Join the Bannerman Buzz Team!
Speak to Mr De Smith (English) or She-Kei Wan (S6) for
more information.
Get to Know:
An opportunity to get to know your house captains, they are more than just captains
We asked:
1. You receive a free plane ticket for anywhere in the world, leaving tomorrow. Where do you go and why?
3. What would your dream job be?
Name: Abigail Duff
1. Fraser Island in Australia because it has crystal clear waters,
amazing views, beaches and turtles
2. A superhuman memory (which would come in handy while
studying).
3. I would like to study immunology to pursue a career in this
4. I hope to achieve better interaction between all year groups in
Burns, to make sure we are progressing successfully as a house
collectively Make sure each individual has a voice within our
house.
Name: Blair Hughes
1. The Amazon Rainforest with Bear Grylls, to see if I can survive the
conditions and put my body to the limit.
2. To control time to fast forward/rewind/stop and start time. This
way I can predict the future, make investments and make money.
Also change all the mistakes Ive ever done.
3. An astronomer
4. Give the students a bigger voice to improve the school for all
years.
Name: Andrew Small
1. Rio de Janeiro because Ive always wanted to visit the favelas.
2. Either to fly, to mind-read or to teleport. If time travel counts then
probably that.
3. Travel the world.
4. What do I not hope to achieve?
Name: Craig Smith
1.The Galapagos Island because it is such a beautiful island with
unique wildlife.
2. To be able to teleport wherever I wanted, so I never need to be in a
rush and get lie-ins (If all else fails the ability to transform into
Beyonce).
3. A vet, and hopefully have my own practice.
4. Make sure everyones voice is heard with all of our ideas
incorporated into a formula for change and make sure our
achievements are celebrated so credit is recorded where it is due thus
creating a more powerful house with a greater bond.
Telford
Wallace
Burns
Mackintosh
Your house captains
Bannerman Buzz investigated and here is the lowdown on what the captains are really like.
2. If you could have one superpower would what it be and why?
4. What do you hope to achieve as a house captain for 2014/15?
Name: She-Kei Suki Wan
1. Hong Kong, a lot of my family live there plus they have the best
food.
2. Invisibility, so I could be as nosey as I like and bad hair days
wouldnt be an issue.
3. Journalism or international relations, I love to travel and meet
people from different countries and cultures!
4. I hope to be able to encourage others to take a more active role in
the school community and allow students to have their say in their
education
Name: Ellys Feather
1. New York so that I could have the biggest/best shopping
experience ever and visit the Friends Flat.
2. Invisibility so then Id feel like Harry Potter with his invisibility
cloak and be able to sneak up on people."
3. Dentist
4. Change things that bothered me in previous years in order to
make Bannerman better and more enjoyable for the younger pupils.
Also make things better for what pupils want in my year.
Name: Gillian McArthur
1.Italy for the atmosphere and food.
2. Super intelligence to confuse everyone with my amazing
knowledge.
3. Pharmaceutical development and investigation of drugs.
4. Make the school a better and friendlier place for all the pupils and
staff.
Name: Nicola Moore
1. Cabo San Lucas for the sunshine or Puerto Banus for the sunshine
and shopping.
2. Control time, Id like to be able to pause, fast-forward and slow
down life. Id also love to have a sneak peek at the future.
3. Forensic Pathologist, I would seriously love to do that! Or a zoo
keeper.
4. Make worthwhile changes to the school. Raise awareness about
interschool events and get more pupils involved with the house points
system. I also hope along with my fanoobulous other house captains
to give something back to the school.
Livingstone
Napier
Telford
Wallace
Bannermans own Rachel Plant visits the worlds largest particle physics laboratory
A Visit to Cern
CERN, the worlds largest particle physics laboratory
is a place of scientific discovery and wonder that has
been pushing the boundaries of physics and the
natural world on a regular basis with their
experiments. Rachel Plant (S6) got the chance of a
lifetime to visit the institute when she was one of
ten lucky applicants chosen to visit CERN in Geneva,
Switzerland for three days.
Though many know little about the institute, Rachel
made it clear that the work being done there will
surely have a profound impact on our future. She
described it as a huge particle physics institute with
all these different countries taking part in it
including the UK and theyre basically smashing
bits of particles and seeing what happens.The trip,
funded by the Odin Trust, allowed the students to
get a peek at the revolutionary experiments being
carried out at the moment. Rachel got the chance
to view the LHCB experiment up close which is
studying anti-matter and trying to find out what
happens when the beauty quark breaks down.
She told us: When youre standing there you
can see the entirety of it, all the different detectors
and I had this diagram
of it with me. I just
kept looking
back and
forth from
the diagram
and what
was in
front of me
because I
c o u l d n t
believe it
was just
right there.
It was
phenome
nal and so
cool to
see it
all.
The institute is a hub of discovery and scientific
advancement with many important names
having studied there. While Rachel didnt get to
meet the Nobel Prize winners that visited CERN,
their presence still left an effect: There were a
couple of Nobel Prize winners that had left just
before we had got there. Its a bit intimidating to
be sitting in this caf in the institute and being
surrounded by all these people who absolutely
know what theyre doing while Im sitting there
with my C in physics! I kept thinking Im nowhere
near qualified to be here or ask questions.
While she is modest about her physics
knowledge, we can see that the visit is just the
beginning of a promising career in the sciences
for Rachel as she tells us, If youd asked me
about working in science before I went to CERN
I wouldnt have been that bothered in all honesty
but now that Ive been there, yes completely.
I would love to be able to do something like
engineering, anything really thats near the
extent of CERN.
From the passion in her
voice, its clear that
CERN has left a lasting
impression on Rachel -
Being there has been
the most profound
thing Ive done in my
life.
Glasgow schools
symphony orchestra
The Glasgow Schools Symphony Orchestra has many talented Bannerman students performing in the
group: Toni McVey (S6), Louise McGeachy (S6) , Rona
Reyes (S5), Nicola McNeil (S5), Madeline Taylor (S5)
and Eilidh Colquhuon (S6). Toni McVey gives us a brief
look at the work of the GSSO.
Glasgow Schools Symphony Orchestra is the highest
level of the Glasgow Schools orchestras. It is held in
the Glasgow City Halls and made up of young classical
musicians from around Glasgow aged 12-18. We
played 3 concerts over the first 2 days of September
2014 for around 3,000 school pupils to try and
influence them into learning an instrument and
spreading interest of classical music.
The programme was made up of popular film soundtracks like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Harry
Potter in order to grab the interest of the young audience.
Toni McVey gives us a brief look at the work of the GSSO.
Si parents go back to
school
Parents felt they were really back at school as they
experienced lessons ranging from science to business
studies. The lessons allowed the parents to experience
learning as a
Bannerman pupil
and gave them
the opportunity
to ask questions
about the new
curriculum.
While a few were apprehensive about being launched back
into the schooldays of their youth, most took advantage of
the opportunity to relive the memories of their own education
and to step back into the role of being pupils for a period.
Bannerman had its annual Bring Your Parents to School Day for S1 pupils recently and the event
was a roaring success.
Some parents enjoying a biology lesson.
One talented parent remembering
her own home economics lessons.
A visit to the far east
What was the background of your trip to China?
Ms Sanchez: Since 2008, the Hanban Confucius
Institute (the organisers of the experience) has
made 12 hubs around Scotland, with Glasgow
being one of the hubs, and each year a small
number of students are given the chance to go
to China. The purpose of the trip was to allow us
to immerse ourselves into the Chinese culture,
learning the Chinese language and generally
promoting China.
So what did you get up to and what were the
main features of the trip?
Lauren: We went to lessons to learn Mandarin
and did other interesting things such as
attending cultural lessons where went learned
how to make Chinese fans and other similar
artistic stuff. It was kept interesting as we would
do something educational followed by an activity
related to it to keep it more active and
entertaining.
What was the most interesting part of the trip?
Ms Sanchez: For me it was learning Mandarin
but also getting to see things like the Great Wall
of China, Forbidden City and all of the other
landmarks.
Lindsey: I liked the sightseeing and I liked the
kung-fu lessons which were really fun!
Lauren: I liked visiting the school and spending
time with Helen, the girl who we were paired up
with from there. We got to go back to her house
and she showed us a more traditional Chinese
family meal and what their domestic life is like.
What made you want to go travel all the way to
China?
Lindsey: Ive always wanted to go to China
especially when I was younger like I just had a
love for China. I always wanted to go there one
In July this year, S6 pupils Lauren Docherty, Lindsey Brady and Rebecca Hyslop; along with modern
languages teacher Ms Sanchez spent two weeks in China as part of a Mandarin immersion experience along
with several other high school pupils around Scotland. Craig Smith was lucky enough to get to talk to
the girls about their once in a lifetime trip to the Far East:
day.
Rebecca: I think Ive always wanted to go as well
and Mulan was my favourite film for years so I
kind of developed the same interest for China.
Lauren: Well I wanted to learn the language
itself because China is such a growing nation and
power and I think the language itself to learn
would be very useful.
Would you say that Mandarin was a lot more
complex in comparison to European languages?
Lindsey: Definitely, because there is not an
alphabet but in a way it is quite simple. The letters
are based on pictures and there is a story behind
each of the characters which also makes it easier
to remember them. What made me fascinated
was the number of ways of saying thank you just
from (Xi Xi) but the pronunciation is
very important when speaking the language.
Were there any surprising things you learnt/saw
while you were in China?
Rebecca: We didnt expect to be stared at as
much by the local people [laughs] like even at
the first day at the zoo we were the attractions.
It was also funny when there were people who
would discretely try to take photos while others
would blatantly bring their camera out and then
try to quickly run away.
The Beijing National Stadium at Night.
Lindsey: Another thing is that its totally different
from what you see in pictures. Sometimes on
the news and media they make it look very
smoggy and heavily congested but it wasnt
really at all when we went. The Great wall is so
much different from the pictures its gigantic.
What were the local people like in China?
Ms Sanchez: They were very welcoming and they
would always greet you. The family we stayed
with as well were lovely and so kind to us and all
of them took part in making us feel at home like
when the Granddad made us dinner.
Was the cuisine very different to our idea of
what a Chinese meal is i.e. was it different to
takeaway food?
Lauren: [laughs] Yes, very different, that idea is
very Americanised. The only dish we saw that
was similar was sweet and sour chicken which
we didnt even expect to see. We ate a lot of
rice dishes along with vegetables which were all
very delicious.
So to wrap things up, what did the experience
teach you about China and Mandarin culture?
Lindsey: It made us more open minded. There
are so many things we appreciate more like the
freedom in public spaces obviously its a lot
busier in China. Over in China, we were exposed
to much more diverse environments.
Lauren: Wed definitely encourage anyone to go
on this trip in the future, as it was a great
experience and honestly a once in a lifetime
opportunity. You could go to China just on an
ordinary trip but you wouldnt get the same out
of it because you arent as likely to immerse
yourself in the culture like we got to by learning
Mandarin and taking part in cultural activities
and lessons.
Ms Sanchez: It would be great to see a greater
focus on Mandarin in schools so we are able to
broaden our horizons and gain a greater
understanding of a growing global powerhouse
and a, sometimes, under-appreciated and
beautiful nation.
Left to Right: Lindsey, Lauren, Helen, Rebecca
and Ms Sanchez.
The Forbidden City in Beijing.
China Fact File
Country: The Peoples Republic of China
Capital City: Beijing
Population: 1.35 billion
Official Languages: Standard Chinese/Mandarin
Fun Fact: Contrary to popular belief, fortune
cookies are not a Chinese invention they were
invented in San Francisco in the early 20th
Century.
Mandarin boasts the largest number of native
speakers of any language with 960 million, many
have proclaimed the Chinese language to be the
language of the future. Bannerman is one of the
few Scottish schools that teaches the language
with links to one of the 12 Confucius Hubs that
aim to link Scotland and China through
education. Next year will see many more
opportunities to explore Chinese culture with
trips to China being ran by the modern languages
department.
Bannerman at the
commonwealth games
The Commonwealth games took over Glasgow during the Summer of 2014. Bannerman pupils did
not hesitate to get involved in the action with many of them volunteering as Host City
Volunteers with others, reporting live from the games and we even had our very own baton
bearer! We have a special feature for our readers to hear about the Games from 4 unique
perspectives.
The baton bearer
Q: So can you tell us about your role at
the Games?
Kirsty: I was one of the baton-bearers for
the Games.
Q: How did you feel when you found out
you were chosen?
Kirsty: I was actually surprised I got picked to
be a baton bearer since so many people applied
but it was really good. I was really excited when
I found out!
Q: How did you feel seeing the baton youd
held on TV next to the Queen?
Kirsty: I was quite excited because Id never
realised it was such a big thing before.
Q: What was the best part of the
experience?
Kirsty: I think it was seeing all my friends
and family cheering me on when I was
holding it. I thought there was only
going to be a few people there but
there were loads!
Q: What have you took away from
your experience?
Kirsty: I think its inspired me to take part
in more things and to go further.
Q: If you had to sum up your
experience in one word, what would it
be?
Kirsty: Exciting!
Q: So what did you get up to during the
Commonwealth Games?
Toni: I was selected to play marching drum for
a secret project Nicola Benedettis Flash
Mob. We spent a whole day rehearsing as an
orchestra and the following day we headed off
to perform. The first perfor
mance was inside Kelvingrove Art
Galleries, followed by one
outside then finally we
performed on the steps
of the Royal Concert
Hall.
Q: How did people
react to the
performances?
Toni: Everyone seemed
shocked and amazed that
so many young
people from ages 8-16 were playing alongside
the world famous Nicola Benedetti!
Q: What was Nicola like?
Toni: Nicola was really fun and so easy to talk
to, she was approachable and spoke to us all
and spent lots of her time giving us tips.
Q: Overall, what did you think of the
music/culture events during the Games?
Toni: I thought it really gave a lot of
people a chance to be involved in the
Games even if they werent sporty. It gave
people a lot of variety as well as there was
definitely something for everyone.
If you could sum up your Glasgow 2014
experience in one word what would it be?
Toni: Amazing!
The musician
Toni McVey was one of a group of talented young musicians that were recruited to perform with
Nicola Benedetti at a series of secret concerts around Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games. Nicola
Benedetti was the solo violinist who performed during the Opening Ceremony of the
Games, read about Tonis experience below:
Kirsty MacIntyre played a very special part in the games by carrying the Queen baton for part of its
relay around the commonwealth countries. Kirsty told us all about her special experience
which you can read about below:
The world-class athletes and all the enthralling
events in the city during games time were certainly
things to get excited about, but how could the
people of Glasgow get involved?
As soon as I learned about the Host City Volunteers
programme, I was eager to sign myself up as it was
an opportunity that I could not have missed to be
a part of the games when they arrived in the city.
A few weeks or so after signing up, I attended the
orientation event at the Glasgow Royal Concert
Hall. This included all sorts of entertainment from
live music, to inspirational speakers, to a
drumming duo. It also gave the soon-to-be
volunteers a first look at their new uniform. Rather
than the rather familiar red and white of the
Clydesiders, it was a seemingly not-so appealing
green and black like an Asda uniform, you might
say. Nonetheless, there were no complaints and
the new uniform was actually quite popular! Once
the night was over, we all left the building looking
ahead to the next few weeks our training was up
next.
My training session was not long before the games
actually began, in Glasgow Caledonian University
a possible destination for many in the upper
school when they leave. I didnt actually need to
take part in this session as much as I had expected
to, as most of it was simply the HCV team
informing us of our duties and
responsibilities on shift. That did
not hinder the excitement,
however, as I left at the end of
the session knowing I was
soon to be a part of the
biggest sporting event
Glasgow has ever seen.
The morning had arrived.
My first shift as a Host City
Volunteer. Was I stationed at Hampden? The
Hydro? No, actually, Bridgeton Cross exciting,
I know. It wasnt exactly as spectacular as the
previous nights opening ceremony, but it was
still a highly enjoyable day. I had the chance to
speak with many of the visitors to the city about
the games, the city, and which event they were
going to. Giving out maps and directions to the
Emirates Arena were the two things that I
repeatedly had to do, but it didnt bother me at
all.
My final shift was in Glasgow Green. Of course,
it wouldnt be a sporting event in Glasgow
without a bit of Scottish weather, would it? The
rain was relentless for the whole day, but it didnt
stop me and my team from doing our job. We
braved those few hours in the rain, and it was
worth it as the anticipation was running high for
the closing of the games the following day.
Once it was all over, I had mixed feelings. A part
of me was relieved that my travel needs would
not be interfered with any longer, but another
part of me was a little bit down in the dumps
about the games being over. My volunteering
experience was one I will not forget any time
soon. Through it, I had the chance to meet some
wonderful people, both from the programme
and from the public. It gave me a real look into
the culture of not just our wee country, but also
the cultures of the countries across the
Commmonwealth.
The Host City
V o l u n t e e r s
p r o g r a m m e
allowed me to be a
part of the legacy of
the biggest sporting
event to ever come
to our city, and I
would gladly do it
The Volunteer
As one of the volunteeers at the commonwealth games, Ryan Gardiner had a unique perspective
on the events
Even more unique than most are the experiences of the commonwealth athletes, Bannerman Buzz
got an exclusive interview with Kirsty Gilmour, Team Scotlands silver medal winning badminton
star.
Q: How did it feel to be competing as an
athlete for the host nation?
Kirsty: "There was definitely some added
pressure. There was also a huge sense of relief
that the four-year build up from the Delhi
Games was all worth it in the end. Its sad now
that its over but good to get through it."
Q: What was your personal highlight of the
Commonwealth Games?
Kirsty: "The womens badminton semi-final, it
felt like my final. I had done something that was
almost unheard of in badminton. I was 19-11
down and I won 10 straight points to win 21-19
but if I had had a heart rate monitor it wouldve
gone through the roof! So that was my definite
personal highlight."
Q: What was it like having your home city as
the focal point of the Commonwealth Games?
Kirsty: "Ive never seen the city
like this! It was just
unbelievable and nothing
brings people
The Athlete
together like sport does when people have a
common cause to cheer for. I think it
really brought the city together.
It was absolutely buzzing."
Q: Do you have any advice for
aspiring young athletes that
hope to be in your position
one day?
Kirsty: "I think theres
no set way to get
from total beginner
to playing world-class sport. Obviously hard
work and the right attitude are huge parts of it
but you can start at local clubs, local lessons
with a coach or apply to the Glasgow School of
Sport, which is a really great outlet for world-
class athletes. There are loads of different ways
but you cant do enough sport, just get going
and youll reap the rewards of it."
Q: Finally, if you could sum up your Glasgow
2014 experience in one word, what would it
be?
Kirsty: "Awesome."
Future News 2014
Four Bannerman Students got the unique opportunity to experience life as a journalist during the
Commonwealth Games, Louise Mcgeachy writes about her experience at Future NEws.
After a 3 day conference at the Mitchell Library
in April, four young journalists from Bannerman
were ready and set for reporting on Glasgows
Commonwealth Games.
For Louise McGeachy, Suki Wan, Paige Beresford
and Andrew Small the journey began with a
keynote from Paul Ingrassia, of Reuters.
Young journalists from across the city and as far
flung as South Africa met every day at the live
newsroom at the Mitchell Library to report and
react on not just sporting events but cultural and
general news stories.
With visits from Johann Lamont, Alex Salmond
and Fiona Hyslop Future News was the place to
be during the games.
Reporters from Bannerman attended
weightlifting, track and field, swimming, the
opening ceremony and much much more it was
simply a magnificent and an inspirational 2
weeks.
It was sad to see the end of the games Future
News will however live on.
Bannerman Buzz and Future News reporter
Louise McGeachy interviewed fellow journalist
Andrew Small to get the lowdown on Future
News:
What is Future News?
Andrew: It was an opportunity for young
journalists to experience what it is like as a
modern day journalist.
What motivated you to take part in Future
News?
Andrew: TV series called Ross Kemp: Extreme
World. Liked the idea of the ability to report on
world affairs far and wide
How did you find the atmosphere in Glasgow this
summer?
Andrew: Everybody was so much happier and
friendlier. Really exciting to see as its where we
grew up. Glasgow turned into a global
phenomenon.
What was your favourite moment of Glasgow
2014?
Andrew: Usain Bolt arriving in Glasgow.
Have you got advice for other young journalists?
Andrew: Dont be nice. Put yourself first.
Andrew with the South African delegates of
Future News.
Louise and She-Kei interviewing the Head
of the Australian Sports Commission
Read their reports at futurenews.org.uk.
Interview witha european champion
The Bannerman Buzz grabbed an exclusive interview with Emily McKibbin, Bannermans very own European
championship weightlifter. Read what she told us about her sport below:
How did you get into
weightlifting?
Emily: Well it came to my
primary school and I thought,
no I am not going to bother,
but then my friend told me to
go along, so I got picked to go
along and I really enjoyed it, so
I went up to the club.
How heavy can you lift?
Emily: Above my head I can do
53kg!
Do you find that quite easy?
Emily: Well I just need to keep
practising and then it becomes
easy, but once I do it the first
time its sometimes quite
difficult.
How many titles do you have?
Emily: Ive got Scottish under 18s,
Ive held a British title for three years
now, I am Scottish champion andI
cant remember, theres a few others
but I cant remember.
What is your favourite part of being
a weightlifter?
Emily: The trips I get to go. Ive been
to Austria to compete in an
international competition where I
came fourth. It was really good;
there was lots of atmosphere from
everybody around and its just a
great competition because it makes
all other competitions look easy
because its such a big one.
A snapshot of success
Blane Anderson (S6) wins the 2014 Shutterbug Goes Gold photography Competition
Showcasing a hidden talent, Blane Anderson (S6) claimed first place in the secondary pupil category of the
2014 Shutterbug Goes Gold photography competition with a stunning snapshot of the BMX scene.
The nationwide competition ran by General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS), in collaboration with Game
On Scotland for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, was about capturing activity in action.
Blane tells us: This photo was taken at Ekpark Skate Park, this shows great skill and the unrecognised BMX
scene. Its one of my best photos!
Head of GTCS, Ken Muir and Steven Kidd from Game On came along to Bannerman to personally
congratulate Blane on his achievement.
Blanes winning photo. Blane with Ms Purdie, Ken Muir and Steven Kidd.
Emily competing at the
championships in Austria.
The warm heart
Q: So can you tell us a bit about why you travelled
to Malawi in June?
Jodie: It was part of our partnership with Masalani
Day School in Malawi, the visit was really to see
what life is like there and meet the schools pupils
and teachers.
Q: What sort of things did you get up to?
Matthew: We did a lot! We got to go to an
orphanage, see a lot of the historic places in
Malawi, climb Mount Mulanji
Q: What were
your personal
favourite parts
of the trip?
Matthew: I
really enjoyed
just being with
everyone. We
got to hang out
at night and
wed just sit
and talk as we
didnt have our
phones to
distract us.
Jodie: I quite
liked going into the school classes and just making
conversation with the Malawian pupils. Its so
interesting the things that they ask you. I got asked
things like what religion I followed and I thought
that was a bit different.
Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced?
Matthew: The showers! There were never any hot
showers. I thought it was also really hard not being
able to communicate with people instantly like we
normally would with our phones. You just realise
how much you actually have in comparison to
them. Just seeing the poverty and how much we
take for granted was difficult.
Q: What were the most unexpected things you
saw?
Jodie: I wasnt expecting there to be so many
people in their classes. There were just loads of
them packed into the one room. Some of them
didnt even have paper or pencils to write with.
Q: What were the biggest cultural differences
between Scotland and Malawi you
experienced?
Matthew: I think its just how they do so much.
Jodie: I agree. A lot of them get up really early
and do chores for their parents, collect
food for their family and then go to
school. Some of them walk such a long
distance to get to school. One of the
pupils walked about three hours to get to
the school.
Q: What do you think your experience
has taught you?
Jodie: That we take a lot of things for
granted, were complaining about how
our showers were cold but when you
think about how a lot of the Malawians
might not even have proper showers so
you have to think about that.
Matthew: It really makes you think about
the bigger picture when we get so caught up in
the little things.
Zikomo Kwambiri (Thank you) Jodie and
Matthew for speaking to us!
Keep an eye out in October/November for
visitors from Masalani Day School, our partner
school in Malawi. Four pupils and two teachers
will be coming over to visit Bannerman as an
exciting new chapter in our partnership with
them!
As part of our partnership with Masalani Day School in Malawi, S5 pupils undertook their yearly trip to
Malawi for two weeks in June. We got the chance to speak to Jodie Harrison and Matthew Currie about
their experience in the African country.
OF AFRICA
Malawi Fact File
Country: Malawi
Capital City: Lilongwe
Population: 15.91 million
Official Languages: Chichewa, English
Fun Fact: The tiny country has been nicknamed
The Warm Heart of Africa
A school leaver writes
Leaving School can be a confusing time for everyone, Paige Beresford gives us her insight into life as a
school leaver.
Its a weird feeling to leave high
school, it stirs a feeling in your
chest, warm and curious.
No one can really prepare you for
it. The responsibility of having to
be independent and to take it
upon yourself to make your own
mark on the world is initially
daunting, frightening, but a little
exciting, too, because its the first
time youve really felt free to do
whatever you would like to do.
On my last year I decided I wanted
to be a journalist. I wasnt like the
majority of people who always
knew growing up what they were
going to do with their life. I had to
toss to and fro between different
ideas before I found something
that made me feel like I was doing
something worthwhile.
My life had turned itself around in
my last year and it has led me to
what I do now that I have left. On
1st of September I started my first
day at my new job as a journalist
for BBC Scotland.
It was part of the 2015
Apprenticeship Scheme and I had
to defer my placement at
Edinburgh Napier University in
the Journalism honours course
until next year.
In the next year I will be working
and training in ten different
departments of the media
including: music and topical
radio, Gaelic stations, factual
departments, childrens
television shows, learning and
teaching out with the BBC, media
central where the editing takes
place, news and sport coverage
and marketing within the
industry.
To say it is an opportunity of a
lifetime is an understatement.
Theres nothing else better do if
youre serious about getting into
the industry.
Its undeniable that leaving
school is difficult, but my advice
for young people leaving this
year would be this: if youve
decided what you want to do
when you leave school, ask
yourself, How much do I want
it? because if you really want it,
then give it all youve got, and
give it all the time.
Theres nothing to stop you being
whoever it is you want to be, if
you want it, fight for it.
Even if you didnt get the results
you wanted, at least you had the
courage to go for it. So many
people let the fear of failure
prevent them from trying to do
anything in the first place, but
courage is not the absence of
fear; it is feeling the fear and
taking action anyway.
Having missed an opportunity
once makes you stronger,
because you learn from your
mistakes and you get a burst of
determination and strength if
purpose to try again.
If you run into a wall and find
that you cannot go through it,
you learn that the only way
through is to build a door. But
until you make that initial
mistake, you cant come to the
right answer. Failure is not a
setback - it is a motivation to
push you forward.
Paige with She-Kei Wan at Future
News 2014
Paige with her colleagues at
the BBC
Teachers Debate
This term we asked the teachers
Art VS Science : Which is more important to society?
Without the arts we are merely a
species like any other.
Mrs Perry (English)
Everything is science,
including the arts.
Mrs McGrellis
They are two wings of a dove,
they compliment each other.
Ms Martin (Social Science)
I believe that art, culture,
literature, is what makes us
human.
Mr Gardiner (English)
Its in the eye of the beholder to
realise what they are looking at.
Mr Jones (Tech)
I think its a false
opposition.
Mr Ogilvie (Science)
I believe the medical
advancements science can
provide are vital.
Mr Pattison (PE)
The arts allow people
to express their
emotions.
Ms Ahmad (PE)
You cant eat art.
Mr McGhee (Science)
Science helps us understand
the world. Art helps us
appreciates it.
Mrs McBrier (Art)
Science and art dont
need to be polarised.
Mr Boyle (Social Science)
I would use English
more in my daily life.
Mr Reynolds (IT)
They go hand in hand,
like yin & yang.
Mr Boyle (IT)
Science is yesterdays
tomorrow.
Mr Russell (Tech)
Without science you
could not have art.
Mrs Shah (Science)
Science has changed
our future.
Mr Creighton (Tech)
Earth without art is
just Eh.
Ms Brooks (Art)
Science leads to technology
which leads to change and
progress. Progress is what we
strive for.
Ms Morin (IT)
Science gives art the
structure to build on.
Mr Marshall (Tech)
Science explains life; art makes it
worth living.
Mrs Gardiner (Fashion)
Science provides us with
cures for once incurable
diseases.
Ms Mulholland (PE)
One could not be
without the other.
Mr Swann
What would society be
without both?
Miss Doran (English)
The arts allow us to
reflect on being human.
Ms Taggart (English)
Science could lead to
our own downfall.
Ms Cairney (English)
You cant have one
without the other.
Mrs Reid (Social Science)
Equally important, extremes
at the end of a spectrum.
Mr Beck (Science)
For a representative
society you need both.
Ms Purdie
Scientists would not be inspired
to imagine without art.
Ms Gavenias (Science)
All equally important.
Ms Scott (Art)
Life imitates art.
Mrs Gardner (English)
Mrs Bennet (Social Science)
Imagination is more
important than knowledge.
There is beauty in both
of them.
Mr Breen (Tech)
The #BigBigDebate
A week before Scotlands #IndyRef Bannermans Modern Studies pupils delved into the world of politics
at the #BigBigDebate event at the SSE Hydro.*
*(The referendum was yet to take place at time of publication so while you now know the results, our
writer didnt!)
From all across Scotland, 7,500 secondary
school students crowded into the huge hall of
the Hydro to hear politicians battle it out for the
support of young people in the Independence
Referendum.
Specially selected pupils were sat on the main
floor to ask questions; air their opinions and
represent the other 7,000 watching in the
audience.
Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and co-
convenor of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie
led the charge for the Yes campaign. Ruth
Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives
and Respect MP George Galloway represented
the Better Together campaign.
The biggest concerns affecting young people
were found to be university tuition fees; the
future of the NHS; Scotlands oil industry and
how graduate employment could be affected by
the result of the referendum.
The politicians fielded questions from the wide
range of topics, with some answers met by
applause while others were shot down by
intelligent rebuttals from the 16-17 year olds.
40 Bannerman pupils from S5 and S6 attended
the event with a strong mix of opinions from all
sides of the debate in the group. The debate
swayed the views of some while others resolutely
stood their ground with an unchanged decision
still clear to them.
In an attempt to reach out to Scotlands almost
100,000 16-17 year olds, the debate allowed
them to take part in various new ways such as
tweeting with the hashtag #BigBigDebate with
some audience members having their tweets and
comments posted onto the large screen on the
stage.
Though the Referendum has now passed and the
result is known, it would be interesting to know
just how much did the debate affect Scotlands
future?
Thats up to you to decide.
You can see 3 Bannerman pupils being
interviewed by the Daily Record after the debate
at:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/geor
ge-galloway-slams-patrick-harvie-4206494
Some of the 7,500 young people in the Hydro.
The social sciences students from Bannerman..
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Undecided
No
Yes
Should Scotland Be an Independent Country?
GENERATION 2014
This is how Bannerman pupils felt after the debate. Do you think the Big Big Debate influenced
Scotlands decision at the poll?
For the past year Eloise Reinhardt (S5) has been taking a exciting look into the world of politics and the
media through a project called Generation 2014, we found out all about the project.
Since the legislation passed allowing 16-17 year
olds to vote in the Scottish independence
referendum, the debate on whether young
people are informed enough to vote has been a
heated and on-going topic of discussion. Eloise
Reinhardt is one of those 16 year old voters but
anyone listening to her talking about the
referendum would find it difficult to call her
uninformed.
For the past year Eloise has been one of the 50
Scottish 16-17 year olds taking part in
Generation 2014, a BBC project that allows
people to see the prospect of independence
from a young persons view. As Eloise describes
it, The BBC have taken snapshots of our lives
leading up to the referendum and weve been
involved with debates with politicians over the
year weve been on the radio, television and
some of us have been writing for the blog.
Eloise tells us, Its given me a lot of experience
especially talking and debating with people and
an insight to the world of journalism.
What are Eloises views on young people and
politics?: I think its an amazing opportunity that
we get to vote in the referendum. I dont think
its a thing that any 16-17 year old should let pass
by.
Eloise appearing on a BBC webcast.
The No-tional Anthem of
Scotland
A fact unknown to many Scots and other residents
of the nation is that we have no national anthem.
While Britain as whole has, God save the Queen
as her national anthem, Scotland has no official
anthem of her own. However we do have various
unofficial national anthems. What many think to
be our countrys anthem-Flower of Scotland is
in fact one of many unofficial anthems. O Flower
of Scotland was written by Roy Williamson, one
half of folk singing duo, The Corries. The song
has been used by the Scottish rugby team since
1990, the Scottish football team since 1993 and
Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games since
2010.
Another of the unofficial anthems is, Scotland the
Brave, the lyrics of which were penned by former
Eastbank pupil, Cliff Hanley for the Scottish tenor
Robert Wilson. This particular song was used as
the national anthem for Scotland during the 1982
and the1986 world cup and by the Scottish rugby
team until 1990. Another favourite is, Highland
Cathedral, a popular bagpipe piece composed by
two Germans for the 1982 highland games which
was held in Germany. Two Burns songs are also
used as unofficial anthems, Is There for Honest
Poverty and Scots Wha Hae. Rabbies 1795
song, Is There for Honest Poverty praises the
idea of the equality of man and is quoted on the
SQA crest.
Scots Wha Hae, meaning Scots who have, was
used for a long time as the main unofficial anthem.
Burns wrote the song in the form of a speech
delivered by King Robert the Bruce before the
battle of Bannockburn. According to legend, the
tune used by Burns was played by the Scots at the
battle. It is also the party song of the SNP and sung
at the end of their annual conference.
Christopher Kerr discusses Scotlands National Anthem or lack of it
Other songs have also been suggested but are not
as popular in the role of national anthem for
Scotland. These include a song written for The
Corries called Scotland Will Flourish which is the
anthem choice of our First Minister Alex Salmond.
The Corries record paints an optimistic and
hopeful view of Scotland as a land of freedom and
opportunity which has learned to forgive and
forget our bad history with England and get on
with them. A Facebook campaign was launched to
make the tune our countrys anthem saying,
Scotland will Flourish is a song that looks towards
the future, and is also a very spirited and
passionate. Too long have we been bitter about
the English. It is now time to forget this bitterness
and move on to whatever we want Scotland to
be. Burns world famous, Auld Lang Syne
usually sung at Hogmanay, is recommended by
some to be Scotlands song. Others have
suggested Hamish Hendersons, Freedom Come-
All-Ye a tune which criticises Scotlands role in
British colonialism and envisions a fair and multi-
cultured Scotland.
Play the
National
Anthem!
We dont
have one!
A Scottish Pipe Band attempting to play the
National Anthem
These young people are the best sports leaders
the school has produced. This year the senior
Young Ambassadors are Lauren Kelly and Rachel
Young, of S6. Lauren and Rachel were selected not
only for their sporting talent but their
commitment and immense ability as leaders and
volunteers.
The Young Ambassadors have multiple roles. They
are challenged with increasing participation in
sport and promoting a healthy lifestyle. They are
also asked to promote the Commonwealth,
Olympic and Paralympic values. They are the voice
of PE and sport within the school and community.
Most importantly they are role models and
advocates for the participation in sport. Rachel
said: our role focuses a lot promoting sport.
They are not alone in their duties. Rachel and
Lauren have an Ambassador team. S5 pupils Jay
Norwood and Same Bari are on the team.
As are S4 pupils Alana Jackson and Caitlin Stewart.
Last month Rachel, Lauren, Jay, Same, Alana and
Caitlin attended the first city wide conference at
the City Chambers. Their projects are going to be
off to a flying start. Rachel said regarding the
teams plans for the year: Our plans range from
taster sessions, to mixed sports days for all the
years. Plus getting Bannerman involved with other
local schools for competitions.
Rachel went on to speak about the goals of the
project. She said: Our main goal is certainly to get
absolutely everyone involved in some form of
sport. Hopefully, with these plans we can involve
everyone through our encouragement to get
involved and join in.
Congratulations and good luck to all the Young
Ambassadors for 2014-2015.
The Young Ambassadors programme allows the development of excellent young leaders who raise the
profile of sport in school.
THE DANCE AUDITIONS
The dance studio, lined with mirrors on two of the
long walls, can be an intimidating environment for
any level of performer but the 75 auditionees
didnt let that scare them.
The pupils each learnt a street dance routine and
performed in groups of 3 in front of judges. 30 of
the applicants were successful and will form the
junior dance team of 2014/15
Ms Ahmad, leader of the dance teams, was
impressed with the skills on show: The talent was
exceptional and pupils were given the opportunity
to showcase their own tricks which were very
impressive.
We spoke to Louise Hunter (S1) and Blayne Leitch
(S2), two of the successful dancers, to get some
insight into the auditions:
How did you feel when you were auditioning?
Blayne: I felt nervous and scared in case I forgot
anything! Everyone was trying their hardest. I
knew the dance well so that gave me the
confidence I needed.
On the 28th of August, 75 dancers from S1/S2 stepped up to the plate to audition for a place on
Bannermans award-winning dance group, we got the details behind their nerve-wracking experience!
Louise: It was nerve wracking! I didn't think I would
get in because there were so many people
auditioning.
What made you try out for the dance team?
Blayne: I really enjoyed it in S1. I enjoyed doing
the shows and I just enjoy dancing in general.
Louise: I go to another dancing outside school with
Blayne and she told me about the dance teams
and it made me want to go!
How did you feel when you found out youre on
the team?
Blayne: I was glad because its my 2nd year in the
team and I'm really looking forward to it.
Louise: I was really happy because I didnt expect
to get in!
What is it like to be part of the dance team?
Blayne: I'm really proud to be in the team and
glad to be in it a 2nd time. It's good because I
only do one style at my other dancing and at this
we get to do loads of different styles.
Louise and Blayne in the Dance Studio. Last years Junior Dance Team.
Bannermans Senior Girls Netball Squad were
given the chance to see the Scotland vs Ireland
netball game at the Commonwealth Games this
summer.
The team were lucky enough to receive free
tickets from Game On
Scotland to see the
athletes in action.
They enjoyed their day out
as Ms Cook says. The city
and the SECC was buzzing
and it was a great day out!
Scotland were
unfortunately beat on the
day but we loved the
atmosphere.
Netball team visits
Commonwealth Games
Team of the year returns for
new season
Bannermans Girls Football Team returns for their new season with high hopes and expectations.
The winning team of the Year at Bannerman
Sport Awards Millennium hotel
Bannermans junior girls football team returns
for an exciting new season. After winning team
of the year at the Bannerman Sports Awards
and successfully reaching the the final on the
Under 15s Scottish League, the team are
definitely one to watch.
Their next match will be on the 21 of October
in the Toryglen League, be sure to come along
and support them!
For more information on the team see Mrs
Reid (Geography) for details.
Surname Forename Inst Name Course Placed
Adam Ryan EHU Dance and Drama with Physical Theatres
Adams Victoria Hannah GLASG Mathematics
Anderson Ross Peter GCU Radiotherapy and onocology
Arbuckle Magan GCU Accounting
Barclay Andrew GCU Mechanical Electronic Systems Engineering
Beresford Paige ENAP Journalism
Blackwood Rhona Ellen STRAT Marketing and Psychology
Bothwell Allan Elliot STRAT Computer Science
Brodie Rebecca GCU Law
Buchan Jack DUND Architecture
Burns Luke Grant GCU Finance, Investment & risk
Cullen Lewis ENAP Popular Music
Cunningham Scott ENAP Popular Music
Currie Jennifer Catherine GCU Business Managment
Davis Lee Charles STRAT Product Design Engineering
Findlay Fiona GLASG Computer Science
Hay Kirsty STRAT Primary Education
Henderson Lee David STRAT Economics
Hill Alexander UWS Product Design & Development
Hiw Joshua GLASG Veterinary Biosciences
Johnston Andrew Robert UWS Mechanical Engineering
Kane Cameron Macleod GLASG Law
Lau Yen Ping GCU International Business and Economics
Lindsay Jamie R STRAT Aero-Mechanical Engineering
Lister Rachel GLASG Accountancy with Finance
MacIntyre Claire UWS Education
Malik Ammaarah GCU Biomedical Science
Man Carmen STRAT Accounting
McCluskey Emma Trotter STRAT English and Psychology
McFarlane James GLASG Law
Bannerman leavers
Bannerman High School is very proud
of you all.
ABRDN Aberdeen University EDINB Edinburgh University ENAP Edinburgh Napier University
EHU Edge Hill University DUND Dundee University GLASG Glasgow University GCU Glasgow Caledonia University
Surname Forename Inst Name Course Placed
McFarlane Jon STRAT Psychology
McGeachin Jack GCU Physiotherapy
McLauren Ross STRAT Pharmacy
McNulty Jade STRAT English and French
Mehmet Dale GCU 3D Computer Animation
Munro Amy STRAT Primary Education
Munro Holly Louise STRAT History
Pollock Rebekah STIRL Psychology
Pyper Emma STRAT History
Quinn Cameron STIRL Sport and Exercise Science
Rennie Melissa UWS Business
Reyes Alren DUND Architecture
Riccomini Emma GLASG Physiology
Simpson Grant STRAT International Business
Sinclair Lauren Elizabeth GLASG Psychology
Smith Cameron STRAT Law (Scots)
Smith Craig R STRAT Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Stevenson Mairead Ailis GCU International Business and HRM
Stewart Lucy Agnes GLASG Film & Television Studies/Theatre Studies
Still Louise Amy GCU 3D Computer Animation
Strachan Cameron UWS Filmmaking amd Screen Writing
Tedeschi Molly Anne GLASG M.Educ with Teaching Qualification (Primary)
Thornton Kayleigh EDINB Physical Education
Tong Luan STA Medicine
Topping Hazel Marie STRAT Econonomics and Finance
Tsang Nicole SHEFD Korean Studies
Walker Georgina STIRL Business Studies and Economics
Wallace Matthew STIRL Criminology and Politics
Watson Sarah Megan GLASG M.Educ with Teaching Qualification (Primary)
Willows Grant Andrew GCU Business Management
Our s6 successes 2014
We wish you every success in
the future.
HW Herriot Watt University RGU Robert Gordon University SHEFD Sheffield Uinversity STA - St Andrews University
STIRL Stirling University STRAT Strathclyde Universityq UWS University of West of Scotland
Contacts
Headteacher: Ms Purdie
S1/6: Mrs Belford
S2: Miss Black
S3: Ms McConachie
S4: Miss Smalls
S5: Mrs van de Gevel
Burns: Mrs Peoples
Livingstone: Mrs Shah
Mackintosh: Ms Morton
Napier: Mr Gardiner
Telford: Mr McGillivray
Wallace: Mrs Guile
Glasgow Road
G69 7NS
0141 582 0020
www.bannermanhigh.glasgow.sch.uk
@BannermanHigh