David Innes

I heard an advert on the radio promoting teaching as a career.  Many people say they could not do my job but I can honestly say that I could not imagine a better job than the one I have.  As well as working with people who come into their work to improve things for young people I also get to play a part in helping these young people and families to realise their ambitions.  I hope many of our current crop of young people will consider teaching as a career as it is truly rewarding career.

Many people only think about the part of the job that takes place in the classroom but, important though that aspect is, life in a modern school is about so much more as my notes below highlight.

Regular programme of activities:  There are a wide range of over 50 activities taking place on a regular basis.  To find out more click here: https://harlawacademy.aberdeen.sch.uk/2019/09/17/wider-achievement-opportunities-shanarri/

Pupils can also be involved in a range of ‘one off’ activities.   Last week this included the following:

  • Some S3 pupils took part in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) event
  • Over 20 Seniors went on a Geography trip to the new harbour expansion site at Nigg
  • Around 15 S1 pupils, our top Star Readers, went to a film event at Belmont Cinema
  • Several seniors took part in the UK Maths Challenge
  • Our team of 4 pupils took part in the final stages of the schools energy quiz (to be broadcast nearer Christmas)
  • Our Leos group were selling Poppies

Looking forward to this week we have the following in the plans:

  • At around 7.00 am we will have a group heading off for a week at Loch Eil
  • At 11.00 we will fall silent as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in conflict
  • At around 12.00 we will welcome Inspectors to the school for the week
  • Over lunchtimes this week we will be showing the brilliant “They shall not grow old” in the Library
  • In the afternoon a group of S2s will head off for some outdoor activities with Adventure Aberdeen
  • At around 3.30 we hope to receive 4 new benches for the quiet playground
  • Mr Whyte is taking a group to a skills Conference on Tuesday
  • Mrs Strudwick is taking pupils to a STEM event on Wednesday
  • Also on Wednesday Victoria pupils will be selling items to raise money for their chosen charity CLAN
  • At the end of Wednesday there is the Senior school Parents evening 4.15-6.45

Modern schools are busy places with loads of opportunities for our staff and pupils.  I do hope some of our young people consider teaching as a career not only because it is a great job but also because so many of them would make really good teachers.