1
Bellahouston Academy
Parent Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday, 21st September 2011
Present:
Chair, Harris Yousaf; Ian Anderson, Head Teacher, George Thomson, Principal
Teacher Communications and Partnership Working; Bineu Marius; Ana MunozPerez; Shama Yusuf; Zulfqar Khan; Susan Amour; Angela McIlroy, Minutes.
Apologies:
Cllr Iris Gibson; Gerry Hamilton; Vanda Thomson, Treasurer.
Mr Yousaf opened the meeting by welcoming some new parents. Mr Yousaf
then indicated that the meeting of 9th June was not quorate; however, a note
of the meeting was taken for information purposes. .
Mail
1. Parent Council Quorum – Mr Anderson to provide a copy of the original
constitution for the parent council to facilitate a discussion around the quorum.
2. Insurance – no requirement for extended liability Insurance as Glasgow City
Council insurance is in place.
3. Scottish Parent Teachers Council – nominations for Board of Directors is
underway. They run various seminars and it would be good if a
representative from Bellahouston Academy Parent Council was at these
events.
4. National Parent Forum of Scotland are running a Curriculum for Excellence
seminar on 1st October 2011 at Bishopbriggs Academy from 9.30-3.30 should
anyone wish to attend.
5. Scottish Parent Teacher Council are running a workshop “Making Sense of
Change” in St Mary’s St, Edinburgh Training and Conference Centre on 12th
November 2011 from 10.30 to 3.50. There is a delegate fee of £10 per
person which we may be able to reimburse should anyone wish to attend to
represent Bellahouston Academy Parent Council. Names to Mr Yousaf by
30th September 2011.
6. Backchat – the latest copy is on the SPTC website.
2
Communications and Partnership Working Information
1. A number of parents/carers will be going to Wheatley House on 28th
September 2011, in order to complete Protection of Vulnerable Group (PVG)
paperwork in order to be able to assist with school activities. There is no cost
to the parent/carers; however, they require to bring relevant documentation.
Transport provided.
2. Parents/carers were recently asked to assist with walking children to
swimming which was very successful.
3. Duke of Edinburgh Award – the school would like to request funds to support
this Award for 10 pupils undergoing the Silver Award after completing their
Bronze Award. Mr Thomson requested that the Parent Council match the
award given by Govan Rotary of £300. One parent suggested that Amazon
may donate when their receive orders from customers associated with the
school. Parent Council agreed in principle to the £300 being donated, but
would have to check their funds (Treasurer not at meeting).
Head Teachers Report
1. SQA Attainment S4 to S6 – statistics are still being analysed. Senior
Management Team have a performance review meeting next week which will
cover qualifications, exclusions etc. There is improvement on last years
attainment – Standard Grade credit is up by 6% from last year. Further
details to be provided. There is a percentage of pupils studying English and
Maths who have not attained at Standard Grade. Mr Anderson is confident
that the reasons for this are known and that the management team will work
on this to raise attainment in these areas with the Director of Education.
2. School Implementation Plan
a. Raising Attainment – there are areas to work on and will be
communicated to parents very soon. Staff will be given a draft next
week.
b. Curriculum for Excellence – Bellahouston is progressing well and more
information will be shared on how the school is doing.
c. Meeting Pupil Needs – support networks are set up to assist with this.
d. Self Evaluation – is to be undertaken by staff in how they are going
about their work. This will also be used for pupils.
e. Reporting and Assessment – Curriculum for Excellence impact in terms
of how school reports are given to parents and is meaningful. The
assessment for 5-14 is now away and how pupils progress is
measured and school reports will change. More detail to come.
3. Uniform – a letter was sent out during July restating the policy, which included
no black denims being the only change affecting the whole school. Senior
pupils change relates to the prefects tie (now gold) and a braided blazer for all
3
seniors – approximately 40 pupils are wearing this. Mr Anderson would like to
encourage Senior pupils and parents to order blazers before Christmas. Mr
Khan indicated that cost may be a reason for only 40 pupils having the blazer.
Mr Anderson advised that there are various reasons, cost being one of them.
Mr Anderson advised that the blazer may be rolled out to other year groups in
the next academic year. Pupils are also being encouraged to wear their tie at
the neck and the requirement for the length of girls skirts has at present not
been successful, but will be addressed sensitively. A brief discussion ensued
regarding patterned tights. Mr Anderson requested the support of the parent
council for the wearing of the correct school uniform.
There were no more issues to be discussed and the meeting was brought to a close.
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, 23rd November 2011 at 7pm.