Nicolson Notes

Academic update

Despite the best efforts of various storms, which closed the school for two days this month, all prelim examinations have taken place.

Pupils in S4, S5 and S6 will shortly receive a post-prelim report, identifying where they should concentrate their efforts before the SQA examinations in May.

The exam timetable is now available on the SQA website.

Many pupils will also be undertaking important assessments this term as part of their SQA examinations.

These include music performances and French and Gaelic speaking tests for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

For senior pupils sitting National 5 and Higher English, folio essays must be submitted using the SQA folio template.

To access these from home, visit: website

Parents’ evening for S2 pupils is an opportunity for parents to meet with pupils’ subject teachers.

Choice forms for personalisation in S3 have been issued to pupils.

To help with these important decisions, the school is holding a Careers Focus Day on Monday, February 22.

Pupils will listen to outside specialists and subject teachers talk about the opportunities available to them in the future.

In addition, on Tuesday, March 1, there will be a meeting for parents regarding personalisation in S3.

As well as senior staff, representatives from SDS (Skills Development Scotland) and LCC (Lewis Castle College) UHI will also be attending. S3 exams will start on Tuesday, February 23 until Monday, February 29.

Goalkeeping club

Since late October there has been a goalkeeper club in the school.

A group of up to 12 goalkeepers meet every Wednesday after school.

The club is open to all S1-S3 pupils who want to learn more about the position and develop their technique.

Anyone interested should speak to Mr Lamont in the PE Department.

French taster trip

The Modern Languages department is proposing to take a party of 30 pupils to Glasgow in May for a French Taster Experience.

Pupils will have the opportunity to sample a meal at a French restaurant, served by French-speaking waiters, spend the afternoon at the Alliance Française, participating in various activities, and watch a French film in the evening.

Could any pupil in S2 or S3 who is interested in the trip, please see any of the Modern Languages teachers for further information.

Colin MacLean

The late Colin MacLean, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 56, taught English at Shawbost Secondary School for 18 years until its closure in June 2013.

He then transferred to the English Department of The Nicolson Institute where he remained until his early retirement last summer.

Colin’s former pupils, of whom there were many at both services, held him in high regard and spoke of him with great affection.

Sympathy is extended to his son, also Colin, and the wider family.

Pictured are some of the pupils who currently take part in the Goalkeeping Club.