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PEEBLES HIGH SCHOOL TODAY
THE SCHOOL PREMISES
The original building, once called Bonnington Park Academy, dates back to 1858. Since that time, the school has seen many different phases of modernisation and much additional building. We are currently in the midst of the most comprehensive development and refurbishment programme in the school’s history.
The Millennium Wing is a new 2-storey extension to the school providing 33 new classrooms and a Learning Resource Centre. This building houses ICT subjects of Computing and Business Studies, Social Subjects; Geography, History and Modern Studies, Religious, Moral and Philosophical Education, English, Guidance, Drama and Home Economics. It has also provided a new atrium social area for our pupils.
Recent areas of refurbishment include the ‘1936 Block’, which has now been re-occupied by Modern Languages, the 1960’s Tower Block, which has now been re-occupied by Mathematics, the old Civil Defence building which now houses the Music Department and three new classrooms have been created to form new Physics labs. The accommodation for Pupil Support, including both learning and behaviour support, has been extended and new staff and pupil toilets have also been provided.
Over the next two years, we will see further refurbishment to Chemistry, Biology, Technical, Art departments, PE changing facilities and the administration area of the school. The main entrance foyer will be upgraded in addition to an extension of our current car parking facilities.
With the significant increases in pupil numbers over recent sessions as well as the pressing need for refurbishment of areas that have seen little of such activity for too long, we are gradually coming to the end of our major refurbishment programme, which will ultimately provide very good accommodation. In addition to the obvious benefits to staff of working in a good environment, the learning environment is a significant factor in improving levels of attainment as pupils are motivated, have access to good teaching resources and feel that they, and their education, is important and valued.
ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANISATION
The Senior Management Team, consisting of the Rector, Depute Rector, and three Assistant Rectors is the main policy making body in the school. In addition, the Principal Teachers meet regularly, as a full group or in ‘Faculty’ sub-groups, to discuss curricular and administrative matters while a number of Staff Working Groups also help to formulate policy and develop practices in key areas.
For pupils the school is divided into four Houses, each containing pupils from first to sixth year, and each in the charge of a Principal Teacher and Assistant Principal Teacher of Guidance. It is the task of these staff to maintain a close contact with the pupils in their care and to advise and guide them on all matters curricular and social as they progress through the school. Guidance staff organise a programme of Social Education for all pupils and are closely involved with their pupils at critical times such as the choice of new courses. A regular programme of individual interviews is established in addition to the group sessions. The Assistant Rector (Guidance) co-ordinates the work of the Guidance Team.
The content and methods of presentation of individual academic subjects are under the immediate charge of a Head of Department, usually a Principal Teacher (Subject). There are some 18 Department Heads, and Departments vary in strength from 2 to 10 teachers.
ROLL/STAFF (GENERAL)
The school roll has been rising steadily in recent years due to the extensive house building within the catchment area and to a steady influx to the area of families with school-age children. The roll in 2002-2003 is currently 1153 and is expected to reach 1200 next session.
Teaching staff will number about 80 FTE. Additional non-teaching personnel include an Admin/Finance Officer, three clerical staff, four school assistants (the majority of these posts are part-time), a librarian and a part-time library assistant, 3.35 FTE technicians and three janitors.