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Category: Pupils

Work experience opportunity with the Army (Residential)

Work experience opportunity with the Army (Residential)

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An opportunity for young people aged 14 – 18, interested in joining the army is available at the following Dates/Locations in the table below. There is no cost for the work experience but pupils would have to make their own way to the location.
Month Date Location Provision
February 2025 3rd – 7th Feb Dingwall Inverness
March 2025 11th – 14th Mar Broxburn Edinburgh
April 2025 31st Mar – 4 April Barry Buddon Dundee
May 2025 26th – 30th May Broxburn Edinburgh
September 2025 22nd – 26th Sept Barry Buddon Dundee
November 2025 24th – 28th Nov Dingwall Inverness
January 2026 26th – 30th Jan 2026 Barry Buddon Dundee
February 2026 23rd – 27th Feb 2026 Broxburn Edinburgh
March 2026 23rd – 27th March 2026 Dingwall Inverness

These courses get fully subscribed very quickly, so please speak to Mr Cookson if you are interested.

 

S3 Robotics PBL trip to Dean’s of Huntly

S3 Robotics PBL trip to Dean’s of Huntly

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On Tuesday 5th November our S3 Robotics PBL class went to visit Dean’s of Huntly to see how they used robots in the production of shortbread. The class got an interesting tour around the factory, seeing all the different stages involved in making and packaging shortbread. The pupils asked loads of interesting questions and couldn’t believe that a tonne of butter costs £5000. The visit gave pupils the opportunity to see what they had been learning during the PBL related to the real-world.
The behaviour of the class was brilliant and to top it all off they got a packet of shortie each to take home, although not sure how much of it actually got home!

 

University of Dundee – Taster session – Innovative approaches to Engineering, Computer Science, Maths, Physics & beyond

University of Dundee – Taster session – Innovative approaches to Engineering, Computer Science, Maths, Physics & beyond

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The University of Dundee is hosting over 30 undergraduate taster lectures, designed for students aged 16-18, to provide them with valuable insights into studying at university. Running until Thurs 28th November.

Our webinars will feature course information and activities hosted by our academics and current students, covering a range of subjects across our eight academic schools.

Our aim is to help attendees explore their interests, understand what university life entails, and ultimately assist them in deciding on their next steps after school and college. Additionally, students can use their attendance at these events to enhance their personal statements by showcasing their proactive approach to exploring their subject area of interest.

Registration is free and can be completed through the following link: University of Dundee Taster Lectures Registration.

Taster lecture spotlight:

 Date: From Mon 11th November

Around the World in 80 Lines of Code & More! Discover Innovative Approaches to Engineering, Computer Science, Maths, Physics & Beyond

Explore the university renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to technology, including the development of LCD flat screens and satellite stations, at our exciting taster lectures in science and engineering! Dive into our dynamic programs, industry placements, and innovative projects while participating in hands-on activities that students can highlight in their personal statement. Whether their interest lies in mathematics, physics, engineering, forensics, or computer science, this is a great opportunity to explore options and be inspired by a future in STEM!

S1 to S3 take on Bebras Challenge

S1 to S3 take on Bebras Challenge

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Good luck to all Alford Academy S1 to S3 Digital Education pupils taking part in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge this week.

The tasks are designed to allow every student the opportunity to showcase their potential, whether they excel in maths or computing, or not.  The UK Bebras Challenge is organised by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford.  Successful pupils will go through to the next round to be held late in the year.

     

U15 Girls Football : Aberdeenshire Cup

U15 Girls Football : Aberdeenshire Cup

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On Monday 7th October our U15 girls played Turriff Academy at home in the Aberdeenshire Cup. This was the first match for our S1-3 team and they started off positively. Turriff scored first but we fought our way onto level terms from a goal from Olivia R (S3). Abby (S2) had a superb match in goals for us and pulled off some fantastic saves. The girls worked hard in all areas of the pitch against well organised and physical opponents. Two of our S1 players had their first taste of secondary school football and coped well with the challenge. Olivia got a 2nd for us but the match finished in a 4-2 defeat although lots of positives to take forward into our forthcoming fixtures.

 

HeadStart Young Drivers 14+ programme – 2025 bookings now open!

HeadStart Young Drivers 14+ programme – 2025 bookings now open!

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HeadStart is an opportunity for young people thinking about driving lessons to get a chance to have tuition behind the wheel before applying for a provisional licence.

We have just scheduled in our 2025 programme, again at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford, please see more information in the links below.

Full information can be found on our website:

https://roadwisedrivertraining.co.uk/learners/headstart/

And bookings can be made on our shop:

https://shop.roadwisedrivertraining.co.uk/products

Horizons – S6 Driving awareness and safety

Horizons – S6 Driving awareness and safety

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Tuesday 25th June – S6 Driving awareness and safety

Today we had a very successful Horizon event for our S6 students. The theme today was for young drivers and focussed on:

  • Driving Safety – a session delivered by the Fire service and Police Scotland with a hard hitting message regarding dangerous driving.
  • DVLA – Highway code theory test delivered by local driving instructor
  • Car  Maintenance –  a practical session from John Reid, working on a car: Changing a tyre, looking at brake pads, oil filter, how to fill your car with petrol.

All the sessions were very informative and the pupils recognised the relevance to them as they think about or have started driving lessons.

An S6 pupil who attended the sessions shared:

The fire service delivered a presentation to us about staying safe on the road. We participated in group discussion identifying which factors may contribute to collisions and how these may be avoided. For example, we identified the reasons that people may speed to be; you could be running late, you could be trying to impress someone, or you could be seeking an adrenaline rush. We watched a case study and listened to the story about a road accident in Ayrshire. We learned about common hazards on the road and how exceeding the speed limit can have worse consequences than expected.

We participated in an activity with Jim Reid car sales and services. This saw us learn about the basic maintenance of a car and take a hands-on approach, getting involved with the changing of a tyre and being shown the essential parts of the engine such as the windscreen wiper fluid intake. Jim explained that for a car to remain in good condition its engine must be maintained and checked often. This includes monitoring the oil, coolant, and brake fluid level. Jim and Craig were very friendly and our active participation kept everyone eager to learn more.

We also talked to a driving instructor about theory and practical tests. He gave us tips and explained the necessary components for someone to receive their licence. He talked us through what we could expect in a driving lesson. As well as resources we could use to prepare ourselves for our theory tests. We enjoyed taking an online mock theory test, which turned out to be more difficult than most of us were expecting.

 

S1-3 Activity Days 2024 : Day One

S1-3 Activity Days 2024 : Day One

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We’ve had a great start to our activity days. Our residential trips to Aviemore, London and Edinburgh have now all departed and our in-school activities have begun. Today saw our pupils undertake a range of experiences and visits that will encourage them to develop new skills, challenge themselves, interact with others and have fun!

The weather tomorrow is looking less favourable so please ensure that your child is equipped with appropriate waterproof / outdoor clothing,  a change of clothing and warm layers if they are participating in an outdoor experience.

 

     

U15 Girls Football

U15 Girls Football

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The U15 girls travelled to Banff Academy for a league fixture on Monday 22nd April. Weather conditions were challenging but the team made a strong start and were 3-1 up at half time, however Banff scored two quick goals early in the second half to even things up. Banff then took the lead but the Alford players worked hard to take back control of the game and turned possession into goals, winning the match 8-4.

Scorers :

Olivia (S2) = 4

Amy (S1) = 2

Leia (S1) = 2

 

Preparing for Higher Exams in Maths and Science – NESCol

Preparing for Higher Exams in Maths and Science – NESCol

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NESCol are offering a series of short courses available to assist those preparing for end of year exams in Higher Sciences and Maths.

Over seven evening sessions in the weeks leading up to the final exam, learners will work in small groups with other candidates to practice exam-style questions. Coaching during the class will help them improve the way they approach a range of questions. We will also cover aspects of the curriculum which have been identified as poorly answered in previous exams.

All classes are 18.00-21.00 and run at our Aberdeen City Campus (Gallowgate). Further details of the courses is available through the links below:

Preparation for Higher Biology – commencing 4th March

Biology – North East Scotland College (nescol.ac.uk)

Preparation for Higher Chemistry – commencing 20th  March

Chemistry – North East Scotland College (nescol.ac.uk)

Preparation for Higher Maths – commencing 13th and 14th March

Maths – North East Scotland College (nescol.ac.uk)

Preparation for Higher Physics – commencing 27th February

Physics – North East Scotland College (nescol.ac.uk)

Preparation for Higher Computing Science – commencing 30th March

Computing Science – North East Scotland College (nescol.ac.uk)

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