Newbattle Community High School
Friends of Newbattle Meeting
Wednesday 20th November 2013
Present
L Clarkson
L Corbett
S Cresswell
K Cunningham
T Keating
H MacLean
M MacInnes
K Mackie
P Oakes
J Robertson
D Wright
L Beattie
B Pottinger
R Forbes
S Wozniak
T Leach
C Taylor
C Burt
Parent
Parent
Parent
Parent
Parent
Parent
Vice Chair
Chair
Parent
Parent
Parent
Councillor
Councillor
Staff Member
Staff Member
Depute Headteacher
Advisor
Clerk
Apologies
C Beattie
MSP
Minute of the previous meeting – 23rd October 2013 agreed.
Table Sale
It was agreed that K Mackie, M MacInnes, C Taylor & P Oakes would organise
Teas/Coffees at the Table Sale on 23rd November 13. Door open 9 – 12 noon.
Mayfield / Easthouses Christmas Lights Celebration
8th December 2013 @ 2pm. K Mackie & M MacInnes to attend with stall for FON.
Christmas Concert
12th December 2013. K Mackie, M MacInnes & J Robertson agreed to attend and
organise raffle tickets and help with Tea/Coffee stall.
Funding Request
A letter had been received from Melanie Grieve, Teacher of Art in the school to buy
Mannequins for the Art Department for use through all years. The group agreed to
give a grant of £300.
A.O.C.B.

Councillor L Beattie had asked if anyone would be interested in organising a
bus to run on the new Borders Railway line before the first train leaves.
Members had a brief discussion and agreed it was a great idea and would give
it more thought to bring back to a future meeting.

It was discussed about FON gaining Charity status. K Mackie to check this
out.

Members discussed making connections with large businesses re funding etc.
It was agreed that the group would try to get word out to parents about this.
Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 22nd January 2014
Newbattle Community High School
Parent Council Meeting
Wednesday 20th November 2013
Present
L Clarkson
L Corbett
S Cresswell
K Cunningham
T Keating
H MacLean
M MacInnes
K Mackie
P Oakes
J Robertson
D Wright
L Beattie
B Pottinger
R Forbes
S Wozniak
T Leach
C Taylor
C Burt
Parent
Parent
Parent
Vice Chair
Parent
Parent
Community Member
Community Member
Parent
Chair
Parent
Councillor
Councillor
Staff Member
Staff Member
Depute Headteacher
Advisor
Clerk
Apologies
C Beattie
1.
Minute of the previous meeting – 23rd October 2013 agreed.
2.
Co-opted Members
MSP
It was agreed to co-opt Marion MacInnes and Keith Mackie to the Parent
Council as Community Members. They were nominated and seconded.
3.
Matters Arising
Newbattle New Build
Mr Taylor informed the members that there would be a meeting on 4th
December 2013 for Parent Council and ASG Parent Council members to
meet Architects, Builders and staff from Midlothian Council involved in the
project. He also stated that there were a number of community meetings
taking place over the next couple of weeks. The first meeting would take
place on the 28th Nov 10.00 – 14.00 in Newbattle High School and further
consultations were planned for Mayfield, Newtongrange & Gorebridge
Libraries. The final meeting will be held in Newbattle High School on 30th
November from 9.00 – 13.00. Detailed plans would be displayed at all
meetings.
Mr Taylor stated that the expected opening of the new school would be 2016
4.
Fourth Year Coursing
T Leach gave the members an overview of various curriculum models being
considered for 2014-15 S4 pupils. Members were given handouts and a
lengthy discussion took place. Members were asked for their views on how
many qualifications pupils should be taking in their senior years. It was
agreed that members should consider the papers in detail and the item should
be continued at a future meeting.
5.
Examination Results 2012 / 2013
Mr Taylor gave the group an overview of the results explaining there has been
a steady increase in attainment over recent years. Members were given a
handout to take away and Mr Taylor stated that he was happy to discuss the
results with parents and that they should contact him if they wished to discuss
the matter further.
6.
A.O.C.B.
Advanced Higher Subjects
Some members voiced concerns about travelling time for pupils going to other
High Schools to study for Advanced Higher subjects and asked if a video link
between schools would be possible. Mr Taylor stated that he would raise the
idea with central staff.
7.
Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday 22nd January 2014