Aiden found out his results this week after the SQA released examination results on Tuesday 5 August, and after an anxious summer waiting to learn how he had performed, Aiden was delighted he secured top grades in Physics, Chemistry, English and Business at Higher level, alongside an A in Advanced Higher Maths. Aiden’s outstanding results reflect not only his academic ability but also a thoughtful and balanced exam technique. 

“I made sure to revise consistently,” he explained, “but it was just as important to take breaks and decompress. I found that gave me the clarity I needed to stay on top of everything. I remember, for example, sitting and watching football one of the nights before my exams to help me relax, I didn’t want to think about the exam too much and it helped me to feel much better about it.”

Since joining Albyn in 2017 Aiden has impressed staff and peers with his sharp analytical mind and passion for numbers. His top score in Advanced Higher Maths is a rare and remarkable achievement. 

“I’m really proud of my Advanced Higher Maths grade because I achieved 100% in that one,” Aiden shared.

Looking ahead, Aiden has set his sights on studying finance and or mathematics at a top university in England. 

“I’m going into sixth year now, and planning to do some more Advanced Highers. I’m hoping to study a finance and/or maths course.” 

He is currently aiming for the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics – two of the most prestigious institutions in the UK for his chosen fields. 

What advice would Aiden give to our new S5 cohort about to start their penultimate year? 

“The workload does get tougher, but if you put in the effort you will be fine. National 5 is obviously not as hard as Higher, there is a bit of a jump up but as long as you put in the work, and don’t burn yourself out, you’ll be fine.”

The Albyn School community is incredibly proud of Aiden’s achievements and looks forward to seeing where his talent and ambition will take him next. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, balance and believing in what’s possible. 

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Alvin joined Albyn in 2016 and has since grown into a dedicated, focused and ambitious learner, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and genuine passion for the sciences. 

We hear from Alvin about his feelings in the lead up to getting his results, and how results day unfolded for him…

• How did you feel about your exams in the lead up to today? 

“I was a little bit stressed overall but I thought I was going to do ok. I was waiting on the grades to see if I would get into the universities that I want to but beyond that I wasn’t too stressed, quietly confident I guess.”

• Is there one grade you’re especially proud of, and why? 

“I’m most proud of my maths grade, being an Advanced Higher I wasn’t sure how I would do but I did really well which I didn’t expect.”

• What helped you get through your exams?

“Studying with my friends really helped me a lot and reassured me in my abilities. I think when I study by myself I can overthink things so being with your friends puts things into perspective. I have a network of people who are very supportive and my family and friends really helped me through.”

• What advice would you give to the next S5 cohort?

“Ask your friends to study with you, even if they are not doing the same subjects as you. And don’t let stress get to you, it is very easy for that kind of thing to seep into your mind. It doesn’t have to be awful, there are ways you can make things easier on yourself, give yourself a bit more grace because ultimately it is an evaluation of your entire school year and hopefully you’ll get the results you want. And even if you don’t that’s ok, there are ways and other paths you can take to get to where you want to go.”

Alvin’s exceptional exam results mark an important milestone on his journey toward a career in medicine. He now sets his sights on applying to studying Medicine at the University of Aberdeen following his final year at Albyn…

“I’m staying on for S6 and will be taking four Advanced Highers; Biology, Chemistry, Mechanics and English, and beyond that I’m hoping to do medicine. The University of Aberdeen is the goal as one of the top universities for medicine but I’ll apply for a variety of different universities and I’ll see where I can go.”

And how will Alvin be celebrating his impressive results? 

“Me and my family are going to Nandos!”

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Ore is celebrating a remarkable achievement after receiving straight As in her Higher exams. This outstanding result is the culmination of years of hard work, commitment, and the supportive friendships she has built since joining Albyn in 2014. 

In anticipation of the day, Ore shared…

“I was so nervous, because I found National 5 easier, I was less stressed about my Nat 5 exams but with Highers I was worried about not getting the grades I had hoped for.”

Ore confirmed…

“I put in a lot of work and managed to get straight A’s in Maths, English, Chemistry, Spanish and Economics.”

Her academic excellence reflects her personal determination demonstrated after her prelim exams when she realised she hadn’t achieved the results she was hoping for… 

“I’m particularly proud of my Spanish result because in my prelim, I just scraped a B. I was late in picking up the subject because I dropped another one so, to be honest, the whole year I was struggling. I chose Spanish because I enjoyed it at National 5 level but at Higher it was a lot more difficult.”

“Before the exam I really studied hard, I was reading the dictionary and cramming in everything I could so it would go into my brain.”

Ore credits her supportive friends for helping her through the stressful parts of revision and the exam season. 

“My friends really helped me. We encouraged each other every step of the way. I’m not typically studious, I get easily distracted but this time I was going to the library with my friends. We were all in a big study group which really helped me to focus and get through it all.”

With her eyes now set on the future, Ore is determined to pursue economics at a University in England. Her passion for understanding the forces that shape our world, combined with her analytical skills and academic success, make her exceptionally well-suited for the subject.

“When I come back to school after the holidays I want to be more on it, I don’t want to procrastinate. I want to work hard on my maths and economics and make sure that I can get good grades next year as well as I’m hoping to get into University College London or the London School of Commerce.”

What advice would Ore give herself at the start of S5? 

“Don’t stress too much, if you work hard then you don’t need to be stressed about your grades. Make sure you’re still having fun along the way, have your days out, have Saturday’s to yourself. Balance is so important.”

Everyone at Albyn is incredibly proud of Ore’s achievements and wishes her every success as she continues her academic journey in S6. Her story is an inspiring example of what hard work, focus, and strong support can achieve. 

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At National 5, 98% of pupils achieved A-C grades marking a continued upward trend. This progression reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence and tailored support strategies for every pupil.

At Higher level, the school consistently achieves high pass rates with this year being no exception. 84% secured A-B grades across a broad range of subjects, with 92% achieving A-C grades. Adding to this, 35% of the cohort achieved straight As, an outstanding achievement.

These high standards are maintained at Advanced Higher level with 88% achieving A-C grades.

This year’s results reflect the continued commitment of Albyn’s pupils, teachers and support staff, with a strong proportion of candidates attaining top marks in National 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers. The school community is especially proud of the high number of A grades, demonstrating the determination, resilience, and academic ambition of its pupils. 

Head of School David Starbuck praised the achievements, saying: 

“We are incredibly proud of our pupils and their outstanding results this year. These achievements are not only a reflection of their hard work but also the dedication and support of our talented teaching staff and the partnership we foster between pupils, parents and the school.”

Behind the strong results lies a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals through a combination of academic rigour, co-curricular engagement, and personalised learning support. Pupils benefit from small class sizes, inspiring teaching and access to programmes that foster curiosity, confidence and independence. 

Mr Starbuck added: 

“At Albyn, success is not accidental. It comes from creating an environment where young people are challenged, supported and encouraged to explore their potential, inside and outside the classroom. We’re incredibly proud of what our pupils have achieved this year and equally excited about what lies ahead for them.”

Many Albyn pupils are now looking forward to taking their next steps in their academic and professional journeys, with university places secured at leading institutions across the UK including the University of Oxford, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen and the University of Glasgow.

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After an incredible 40 years in the classroom, Mrs Sandra Wisely, one of the most cherished and respected members of Albyn School is retiring – leaving behind a legacy that has shaped generations of young minds. As the longest serving member of staff in the school’s history, Mrs Wisely has been a constant, caring presence in the lives of pupils, families and colleagues alike.

Mrs Wisely first arrived at Albyn, not as a teacher but as a pupil in 1969 when she joined P7 and went on to spend her secondary years here.  Following her time at Albyn, Sandra qualified as a teacher then, in her words, spent the most exciting 4 years of her teaching career at Peterhead Primary due to the proximity of the prison and the fact that many of the children in the school were children of the wardens and every time a prisoner escaped the school it had to be locked down.

Looking for a life with less lockdowns Sandra returned to Albyn to teach P2 in August 1985 and she has remained here ever since. During her time at Albyn, Sandra has taught every stage in the Lower School, saw the school become co-educational- something she viewed with delight as “boys bring so much more energy to the classroom”, and has seen the school’s buildings and classrooms morph and change into what we recognise today.

Through all this change Sandra has continued to adapt her teaching to meet the needs of the differing cohorts of pupils over the years. Her intrinsic sense of fairness and genuine care for every child has been hugely beneficial to those who she has taught. Staff will remember her for her stories about Albyn past and pupils for her passion for art and craft, doing reading with dogs and the Junior Duke Award which she has run so faithfully for 7 years. 

Head of School David Starbuck paid tribute saying, “We can’t simply put into words what Mrs Wisely has meant to this school. Her dedication and compassion have left a mark on this community that will be felt for years to come.”

As Mrs Wisely steps into retirement, her legacy lives on in countless lives she’s touched, and the love of learning she’s sparked in thousands of pupils. We wish her all the best in her next chapter.

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• Could you tell us a little bit about yourself, and what is your connection with Albyn School?

I’m Marius Coste – husband, dad, charity runner in fancy dress, and proud parent to two beautiful girls. Our eldest daughter, Anna, and our Rainbow toddler Daisy are currently at Albyn School, and it’s been a place where they have flourished in every sense – as pupils, as musicians, and as young people.

The Albyn community has been incredibly nurturing and supportive – not just academically, but emotionally too. It’s a place that genuinely cares, and we’ve always felt that kindness. That’s why this means so much – because we’re not just sharing a story, we’re sharing it with people who have helped shape our lives.

• Can you describe the epic challenge you’ve taken on?

I’ve committed to running, cycling and/or walking over 25km every single week – in full fancy dress – for 78 weeks straight, from June 2025 through to the end of 2026. That’s over 18 months of dinosaurs, minions, gorillas, giraffes – you name it, I’ll run in it – all to raise money and awareness for Clan Cancer Support and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health).

It’s called “Miles of Smiles: The Costume Comeback Tour” – a title that captures both the light-heartedness of the costumes and the deeper purpose behind the journey. It’s a wild idea, but the heart behind it is very real.

As part of the physical and mental discipline of the challenge, I’ve committed to a 2-minute cold shower after every running, walking, or cycling session, and one 5-minute cold bath immersion each week. This isn’t just a physical reset – it symbolises resilience, discomfort, and pushing through mental barriers, all of which mirror the experience of living with mental health struggles.

Cold water therapy has become a powerful metaphor within the challenge: stepping into discomfort, controlling the mind, and coming out stronger. It’s another way of reinforcing the message that even small, repeated acts of bravery can lead to positive change – both physically and emotionally.

• What inspired you to choose this particular challenge?

The challenge was born from pain – and from hope.

In 2021, my wife and I went through something no couple should have to endure – three consecutive miscarriages. It was the darkest, most heartbreaking time of our lives. The grief was overwhelming. And yet, running became my therapy – my way of finding light in the darkness, purpose in the pain.

But the roots go even deeper. Years ago, while still a student, I was involved in a life-changing car accident. That moment taught me just how fragile life is. It sparked something in me – a drive to live fully, to give back, and to help others through their storms.

That year, I launched a challenge to run 36km every week for 36 weeks, in memory of the 36 people who die by suicide each month in Scotland. I ran in costume every week to spread smiles and start conversations, and managed to clock almost 3,000 km – raising over £7,000 for mental health support.

I actually kicked off that challenge by running dressed as a Minion along Aberdeen’s beach promenade. What started as a silly idea quickly went viral – with over 100,000 views and thousands of kind, encouraging comments from people from all walks of life. Local newspapers picked it up, and it brought so much-needed visibility to mental health at a time when so many were struggling – myself included.

It was during the pandemic, when we were all so restricted in what we were allowed to do, and people felt incredibly isolated. That Minion run, as funny as it looked, sparked something powerful. It reminded me – and many others – that joy, connection, and conversation could still break through even the hardest moments.

This new challenge builds on that spirit. It’s bigger, bolder – and even more personal.

• How did you prepare for it?

There’s no manual for running hundreds of kilometres dressed as a full-body inflatable Minion – I’ve checked!

Physically, I’ve kept consistent with my running and cold therapy (cold showers, cold water dips). But more than anything, this is a mental and emotional challenge – it’s about resilience, discipline, and showing up when it’s hard.

And, of course, I test the costumes! Some are surprisingly breathable. Others… not so much. But they all bring smiles.

• What’s been the hardest part so far?

The hardest part is showing up when life feels heavy.

Running when it’s raining sideways, or after a tough day at work, or when you’re mentally exhausted – those moments test you. But they also remind you why you started.

Every car horn, every child’s wave, every stranger who stops me and says, “Thank you for doing this” – those are the moments that carry me forward.

• Why did you choose to support Clan Cancer Support? What does the charity mean to you personally?

Cancer has touched my life in deeply personal ways.

I lost my grandfather to prostate cancer – a gentle, strong man who meant the world to me. And not long ago, I lost a dear friend and colleague, Jacqui, to pancreatic cancer. She was one of those people who could light up a room just by walking into it. Her loss still leaves a hole.

The harsh truth is that 1 in 2 of us will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in our lifetime. That’s not a statistic – that’s our mums, our dads, our friends, our co-workers.

Clan Cancer Support is there when people need them most – with empathy, practical help, and real understanding. Supporting them isn’t just about raising money – it’s about standing with every family that’s ever had to hear the words “It’s cancer.”

• How can people support or donate, and follow your progress?

If you’d like to follow the journey, cheer me on, or donate – I’d be so grateful. Every step makes a difference.

WEEK 4 STATS – MILES OF SMILES (78-week challenge-started on 01/06/25):

 340 km completed (run, walk, cycle)

 44 cold showers | 10 cold water immersions

 £400 raised for SAMH

 £325 raised for Clan Cancer Support

 Donate if you can:

• SAMH – justgiving.com/page/frompaintopurpose
• Clan Cancer Support – justgiving.com/page/hopeovercancer

 Follow the journey:

• Twitter/X: @SmilesRunner
• Instagram: @milesofsmilesrun
• TikTok: @smilesrunner
• Facebook & LinkedIn: Marius Coste

Images courtesy of Marius Coste and Kami Thomson (DC Thomson) 

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As excitement builds for the return of the Tall Ships Races to Aberdeen in 2025, we are thrilled to announce the Lower School adoption of the legendary French tall ship, Belem. This partnership is a natural fit for the school, which proudly hosts the Aberdeen French School, reflecting Albyn’s strong ties to French language and culture. 

The adoption forms part of the wider Tall Ships Races initiative, which encourages schools and community groups to ‘adopt’ visiting vessels. This helps foster international friendships, educational opportunities, and a sense of shared heritage. For Albyn Lower School pupils the adoption of Belem gave them the chance to learn about Belem and maritime history over the last few weeks of term, including the ship’s history and engaging with the crew.

Built in 1896, Belem is a 3-masted barque and is now over 120 years old. She started life as a cargo ship, ferrying goods across the Atlantic before becoming a private yacht for Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, and even sailing the seven seas under the ownership of beer baron Sir Arthur Ernest Guinness. Nowadays the Belem functions as a sail training ship. 

“We are incredibly proud to be part of this prestigious event and to adopt Belem. With our strong French connections through the Aberdeen French School, it felt like the perfect match. We hope our pupils and the wider community will embrace this opportunity to engage with history and celebrate international friendship,”  commented Nathan Davies, Head of Lower School. 

If you’re heading to the Tall Ship Races this weekend be sure to stop by Belem, snap a photo, meet the crew and experience a piece of living maritime history. 

Don’t forget to share your photos with us, tag @AlbynSchool on Facebook and Instagram.

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The day was a brilliant celebration of Albyn’s sporting spirit, bringing together pupils, staff, alumni, and families to honour the depth of talent, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that runs through our school community. With an electric atmosphere both on and off the field, our senior teams rose to the occasion and delivered outstanding performances across all three sports.

Hockey – 1st XI Claim a Narrow Victory
The girls’ 1st XI hockey team faced a determined FP side and produced a composed and disciplined performance to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win. A well-taken goal midway through the second half, combined with resolute defending, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested match played in great spirit.

Netball – Seniors Deliver a Commanding Display
The senior netball team controlled their match from the outset, displaying fast movement, slick passing, and excellent communication. Their dominant performance earned them a convincing 31-12 victory. The game was a superb showcase of the strength and depth of netball at Albyn.

Football – Goals and Glory for the Pupils
In an entertaining and high-tempo match, Albyn’s senior boys’ football team triumphed 5-2 over the FPs. With clinical finishing and a strong team ethic, the pupils took control of the game and maintained their lead throughout. It was a fitting finale to a memorable day of sport.

A Clean Sweep for the School
With wins in all three fixtures, Albyn took home the FP Challenge Cup with a 3-0 overall result — a clean sweep that reflected both the talent and dedication of this year’s senior athletes.

Thanks and Looking Ahead
A heartfelt thank you goes to ASPA (Albyn School Parents’ Association) for their hospitality throughout the day. Their teas, coffees, and sweet treats were appreciated by players and spectators alike and added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Events like the FP Challenge Cup are a true testament to the Albyn spirit — connecting past and present through shared pride in sport, community, and friendship. Congratulations to all who took part for their efforts, energy, and enthusiasm.

Save the Date – FP Challenge 2026
Next year’s FP Challenge Cup will take place on Saturday 23rd August 2026. We would love to see as many FPs involved as possible — whether on the field or cheering from the side lines. Please save the date and join us for another great day of Albyn sport and connection.

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Open Monday – Friday 2-3pm for the duration of the trail.

There will also be a prize draw to win a place at an Art Felting Experience on Tuesday 12 August 10-12.30pm at Albyn School for 9-14 year olds (primary pupils to be escorted by parents). To be in with a chance of winning, please enter the prize draw HERE.

The draw will take place on Friday 8 August 2025 – good luck!

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What makes this publication especially unique is that it is pulled together by our dedicated Magazine and Video Club, one of our thriving co-curricular groups. From collating the content to taking photographs that will feature, our pupil editors have taken full ownership of the process. Their passion, teamwork and eye for detail have brought this edition to life.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue. Happy reading!

READ HERE: 2024/25 Albyn Review Magazine

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Torrance is a pioneering figure in Scottish biology education. As the principal author of Biology textbooks at all levels from the early years of ‘O’ Grade to the current National 5 and Higher, his work has helped shape the understanding of countless pupils across the country and beyond. His clear, accessible approach to complex topics made Biology not just understandable, but genuinely inspiring. 

Our Principal Teacher of Biology, Elaine Johnston, shared the motivation behind the renaming to mark his 80th birthday:

“James Torrance is more than just an author, he’s an educator who transformed how Biology is taught and learned in Scotland.  I was also lucky enough to have him as my mentor in the early stages of my career and I learned so much from watching him teach and working with him to design courses.  Renaming our prize in his honour recognises the immense impact he has had on the education of Biology and reflects our commitment to upholding the standards of excellence he champions.”

The Torrance Trophy will continue to be awarded annually to a senior pupil who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, curiosity, and deeper commitment in Higher Human Biology. This year’s recipient will be announced at the School’s Closing Ceremony next week.

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Earlier this year Mr Swinton-Blancke, Teacher of Biology and Physics, held an assembly for the Upper School to raise awareness and spark conversation about the importance of representation within schools. 

Introduction

I want to talk to you today about representation—what changing my name represents, what marriage represents, what legal changes represent (or misrepresent), and how LGBTQ+ people have been represented in media and culture. Most importantly, I want to talk about what we, as individuals, represent through our words and actions.

You may have noticed that the name on my classroom door recently changed. Perhaps for a moment you wondered why. What does this represent? Whilst walking into that room may be your first step towards learning to be a rocket scientists, you don’t need to be one to guess correctly that I recently got married. On the 30th of December last year, I married my handsome, kind and intelligent husband, Robert. We have so much in common- our love of science and maths, our passion for the outdoors and importance we place on friends and family. We chose to change our names to symbolize our love and commitment to each other.

But marriage is more than just a personal milestone. It is also a symbol of progress, equality, and recognition—one that has been fought for over decades and is still not a reality for many LGBTQ+ people across the world. But representation is about more than laws—it’s also about the stories we see, the voices we hear, and the reflections we find of ourselves in the world around us.

A Global Perspective: The Fight for Marriage Equality

Perhaps you would expect this assembly to have taken place in February, when we as a school recognise LGBTQ+ history, but the rights of historically marginalised groups are something we should be aware of all year. I am talking to you now not just because I married another man, but because my husband is from Zimbabwe—one of 27 African countries where homosexuality is still illegal and punishable by imprisonment. While the law is rarely enforced, LGBTQ+ people in Zimbabwe face constant threats of violence and extortion. Holding hands, kissing or simply acknowledging a relationship can be dangerous.

In stark contrast, the neighboring country of South Africa, where I was born, became the fifth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2006. The first was the Netherlands in 2000, followed by Belgium, where my family name, Blancke, originates. Today, 38 countries have legalized same-sex marriage, with Thailand being the most recent in January this year.

You may be wondering where the UK fits into this trend?

• Although there has never been a law against homosexuality between women, homosexuality between men had been punishable by death until the mid-1800’s.
• It was decriminalized in 1967 in England and Wales but took until 1980 in Scotland and 1982 for Northern Ireland to follow suit.
• Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013 in England and Wales, 2014 in Scotland, and finally, in 2020 in Northern Ireland—making the UK the 27th country to fully recognize marriage equality.

These changes in law seem to suggest a smooth progression toward equality. But the reality is more complicated. Laws don’t always reflect public opinion, and even where rights exist on paper, discrimination can persist in daily life. Even in countries where LGBTQ+ people have legal equality, social acceptance is shaped by representation—by the mirrors and windows we grow up with.

LGBTQ+ Representation: Mirrors and Windows

Growing up around the turn of the millennium, a time when homosexual relationships were neither criminal nor had they yet been granted the same legal rights or recognition as heterosexual relationships, I didn’t see people like me in my family, my community, or even in public life. There were very few openly gay politicians, scientists, athletes, or business leaders. Homosexuality was rarely discussed—it was something hidden, even shameful.

This lack of representation can be isolating. It makes people feel like they are the only ones like them—or worse, that there is something wrong with them.

In education, we often talk about mirrors and windows in storytelling:

• Mirrors reflect your own background, culture, or experiences, reinforcing a sense of belonging.
• Windows allow you to see perspectives different from your own, helping to build understanding and empathy.

But when I looked for a mirror—a reflection of what my future as a gay man could look like—I couldn’t find one. The idea of two men or two women in a loving, committed relationship simply wasn’t visible. Homosexuality wasn’t discussed at school, and if it was mentioned at all, it was usually as a punchline or an aspersion. Even the word “gay” had been transformed from meaning lighthearted and carefree into an insult meaning foolish or unimpressive. With no positive role models to counteract that, it’s easy to see why many young LGBTQ+ people struggle with self-acceptance.

Finding a Mirror: The Power of Storytelling

With no real-life role models, I found mirrors in unexpected places—like X-Men comics.

When X-Men first debuted in 1963, it was intended as a metaphor for the Black civil rights struggle in the USA. The two central figures, Professor Xavier and Magneto, reflected the real-life approaches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X—one advocating peaceful coexistence, the other resisting oppression more forcefully. But progress can be slow even for a pioneering title like the X-men and it took more than ten years to transition from allegory to literal depiction when the first black character, a woman codenamed Storm, joined the team in 1975.

By the late 1970s, this metaphor expanded to include the LGBTQ+ community. Unlike other superheroes who gained their powers through accident (Fantastic Four), sacrifice (Captain America), or divine providence (Thor), X-Men characters were different simply because they were born that way. Their powers typically emerged during adolescence, just as people begin to understand their own sexuality and identity.

The mutants in X-Men were feared, misunderstood, and often forced to hide their true selves—something that deeply resonated with many young LGBTQ+ readers, including me.

However, explicit LGBTQ+ representation in comics was slow to emerge and it took until 2014, more than 50 years after his first appearance in issue number one, for Iceman, one of the original X-Men, to came out of the closet.

This was not a perfect mirror of my life, but it was a window—a story that reflected the experience of feeling different, of struggling for acceptance, of hoping for a world where people like me could live openly.

While comics have made progress, the more mainstream MCU has lagged behind.

For decades, Hollywood followed the Hays Code (1930–1968), which banned any depiction of homosexuality. Writers could only hint at a character’s sexuality—so long as they were villains, tragic figures, or comic relief. Even after the ban was lifted, these tropes persisted:

• The flamboyant comic relief, like Kenneth Williams in Carry On films.
• The bitter, lonely villains, like Jaffar in Aladdin and Scar in the Lion King.
• The tragic AIDS victims, as seen in Philadelphia and Angels in America.
• The tormented, closeted lovers, like the cowboys on Brokeback Mountain.

LGBTQ+ characters were rarely allowed to be happy or fulfilled. If they existed, their lives were defined by suffering, loneliness, or death.

However, these depictions did serve a purpose, they exposed the wider public to members of the LGBTQ+ community and helped people become more comfortable with what was unfamiliar. They opened the door for more relatable characters. The “gay best friend” became a staple in romantic comedies—always present to support the main character but rarely shown having a love life of their own. Similarly, drag queens in films like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert were portrayed as bold and defiant—but also isolated and emotionally unavailable, often using humor as a shield against a world that rejected them.

Looking back, I realize that many of these portrayals reflected real aspects of LGBTQ+ experiences, but as a young person searching for a mirror of my own identity, I found them difficult to connect with. I was looking so hard for a perfect reflection that I failed to see these portrayals for what they really were—not mirrors, but windows into the lives of others.

More recently, shows like Brothers & Sisters and Heartstopper have started to normalize LGBTQ+ characters. They have families, careers, and relationships that aren’t defined solely by their sexuality.

This shift is vital—it shows young people that they can have full, happy lives, just like anyone else.

Conclusion

Yes, we’ve made progress, but history shows that progress isn’t guaranteed—it even can be reversed.

Today, 64 countries still criminalize LGBTQ+ people, and in 12 of them, the death penalty is still possible. Even in the UK, LGBTQ+ rights rankings have fallen from #1 in Europe in 2015 to #17 in 2023, largely due to increased hostility toward transgender people.

Representation is more than just media—it’s the way we show up in the world. It’s in the mirrors we hold for others and the windows we open.

Although I never saw a likeness of the happy committed loving marriage between two men that I had always dreamed of, my dream has come true. Dreams can and do come true. But it would not have been possible without the men, women and non-binary people who have fought and campaigned for equality, to whom I am very grateful and whose courage inspires me to do my part to represent equality and tolerance. Whether as a mirror or a window, I hope that by holding my husbands hand as we walk down there street and by speaking to you today, I can help you to see a broader, more inclusive world.

The fight for equality is far from over. What role will you play in the promotion of tolerance freedom and acceptance?

-by Mr Swinton-Blancke, Teacher of Biology and Physics

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This vibrant celebration is a new addition to the school calendar for 2025, to showcase the incredible musical talents of our pupils across all year groups. From soulful solo performances to dynamic ensembles, audiences can expect a captivating mix of classical and contemporary, and choral music in a setting that brings out the very best in acoustic sound.

Throughout the day, Fountainhall Church will come alive with performances that reflect the dedication, creativity and passion of Albyn’s young musicians. Whether it’s the energy of our jazz band, or the harmonies of our choirs, each act will contribute to the powerful display of the school’s musical spirit.

What to expect:

From 12.15 – 1.30pm or 2 – 3.15pm – Performances from Lower and Upper School musicians

• A variety or genres and instruments
• Soloists, duets, ensembles and choirs

6 – 7.30pm – Musician of the Year and Sherriff’s Cup Final

We warmly invite you to join Albyn School in celebrating our pupils’ hard work and musical journeys.

When: Tuesday 10 June

Where: Fountainhall Church, Aberdeen

Admission: Free and open to all

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Emon achieved a remarkable score of 149, a result placing him well above the 98th percentile and qualifying him for membership in the prestigious organisation. For context, to qualify for MENSA you need to score over 132 putting Emon’s intelligence on a par with some of the greatest minds.

“My dad told me about MENSA. We did a test at home initially before being invited to do a supervised exam. I was nervous at first as I got a little confused in the exam but managed to work my way through it,” Emon shared.

According to his teachers, Emon has shown exceptional aptitude for learning since he joined Albyn School in Primary 1. “He has this intense focus and incredible memory. Emon’s talents are far beyond his years,” said Mr Davies, Head of the Lower School. 

Emon is the first pupil from the Lower School to be invited to join the elite society and his recent acceptance into MENSA has opened new doors for him, including access to resources, events, and a community of like-minded individuals. 

“My dad is really proud of what I’ve achieved and my little brother now wants to follow in my footsteps,” Emon revealed.

Albyn School is committed to nurturing individual talent and fostering a love of learning in all pupils from an early age. The school firmly believes that the teaching methods and support systems in place throughout allow its dedicated teachers to discover, nurture and encourage the potential in every child.

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Hugo Denniel (S6) is taking on his very first half marathon in aid of Clan Cancer Support after his school partnered with the charity as Education Partner for the BookBench Trail.

“We’ve been learning more about Clan and its services through the school’s partnership and I was immediately inspired to get involved with my own way of fundraising. Cancer affects so many families so I hope whatever I can raise will help to make a difference.”

Hugo has set himself the challenge of completing the upcoming Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month, aiming to raise both awareness and vital funds for the cancer charity. Clan provides free support to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis across the North-East and the Northern Isles.

Training several times a week after school, Hugo has shown great commitment to his goal, even encouraging his friends to join him on short runs to stay motivated. 

“I have always been very active and love running so when I decided to support Clan I thought that setting myself this challenge would be the perfect way to raise money for an incredible cause whilst pushing myself physically,” he shared.

Hugo’s efforts coincide with Albyn School’s commitment to supporting the charity with a number of pupils and staff organising events to raise awareness and funds. Staff member Kelsey Furniss was inspired to take up running and is also competing in the Edinburgh Half Marathon, whilst a group of Albyn pupils organised a ‘Fundraising Day’ last month which included a bake sale, ‘pie a teacher’ challenge and games to encourage donations.

With a target of £1,500, Hugo has got off to a great start with over £300 raised to date through his JustGiving page. The half marathon takes place on 25 May 2025.

To support Hugo and his fundraising campaign, donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/page/hugo-denniel-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL 

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After experiencing her own battle with thyroid cancer in 2022, Kelsey is now on a mission to help others facing the same challenges. Her fundraising efforts will support Clan’s vital services, which provide emotional and practical support to individuals and families affected by cancer across the region.

“Clan was the only charity that I was going to fundraise for. They helped me when I was going through my cancer diagnosis and I could not have had a more welcoming experience. They supported not only me, but also my family and friends who were going through it with me,” Kelsey shared.

“When I heard Albyn School were partnering with Clan for the BookBench Trail, it was the motivation I needed to set my running goals and sign up for the half marathon. I will be forever grateful for those hours the Clan team sat and listened, and I hope by doing this I can give them something back.”

Albyn School was named as Education Partner for The BookBench Trail with Clan last year, supporting the trail’s engagement programme which encourages schools and community groups to get involved in the project by designing their own mini BookBench sculpture. Clan chose the BookBench sculpture, which depicts an open book, because of its lifeline listening support service which enables anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis to open up and tell their story.

Kelsey has been training hard for the race after only taking up running last year as part of the ‘Couch to 5K’ programme. Having never run a 5km race before, she has challenged herself both physically and mentally to move from running short distances at one minute at a time to reaching 21km. 

“Running a half marathon is mentally a lot easier than what I’ve been through recently, so I know I can do it despite being so new to running,” said Kelsey.

She has received an outpouring of support from colleagues, friends and family who are rallying behind her fundraising goal. 

The Head of Albyn School, David Starbuck, praised her efforts: 

“We’re incredibly proud of Kelsey and are inspired by her determination. Taking on a challenge like this can be daunting when going out of your comfort zone but Kelsey is a fantastic example to us all of how by displaying resilience and initiative you can make a real difference.”  

Kelsey has already smashed her fundraising target of £600. Training has been heating up with 16km accomplished so far, Kelsey’s furthest run to date, and she has an intense schedule to ensure she reaches the full distance before the race next month.

With lasting effects from her own cancer diagnosis that act as a daily reminder of what she went through in 2022, Kelsey hasn’t let that stop her from achieving her goals to support a cause that gave so much to her at her most vulnerable time. 

Kelsey reflected: “With fundraising, I’m hoping to show that even the smallest amount of money can make a massive difference. People have fundraised for Clan before me, and their support directly helped me when I needed it the most. I’m hoping to give this back in my own way.”

The Edinburgh Half Marathon will take place on 25 May 2025 and donations can be made via this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kelsey-Furniss?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL 

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Owen was encouraged by friends to complete an application to take part in the charity fashion show and got the call in January to say his application had been successful. Owen underwent treatment for prostate cancer in 2023 after becoming unwell whilst on holiday in Italy. Initial tests revealed his diagnosis as being aggressive with samples coming back as stage 4 and 5.

Reflecting on his journey, Owen shared how important Friends of ANCHOR have been in his recovery: “My medical team have been amazing throughout my cancer journey, which I am still on, and Friends of ANCHOR were there when I needed them the most. They are volunteers that provide essential support services, including smiles, when we are at our lowest.”

The ‘Brave on the Catwalk’ fashion show, held annually in Aberdeen, honours and empowers men who have experienced cancer by giving them a chance to share their stories whilst taking centre stage in style. 

“This is very out of my comfort zone,” Owen shared, “but I know deep down it is a chance to represent not only myself, but every man who’s gone through the shock, treatment and recovery.”

The event aims to highlight courage, resilience, and hope – qualities Owen has demonstrated throughout his cancer journey.

The school community is rallying behind him in full force with many colleagues getting tickets to the fashion show to express their support.

“We’re incredibly proud of Owen. He’s showing what it means to face adversity with strength and grace. The whole school will be cheering him on,” said David Starbuck, Head of Albyn School. 

The fashion show will take place at the P&J Live on 8 and 9 May and will show off an array of casual, formal and occasionwear provided by local retailers. Proceeds from the event go directly to Friends of ANCHOR.

Tickets for the ‘Brave on the Catwalk’ event have already sold out, however donations to support Owen’s campaign can be made here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/owen-somerville-25 

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Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday 27 May 2025
• Time: From 10am – 3pm
• Location: Aberdeen Sports Village
• Cost: £5 per event or £50 per school
• Age groups on 31 August 2025
  • U14 (S1-S2)
  • U16 (S2–S3)
• Events: 100m, 200m, 800m, Long Jump, Shot Put, and Mixed Relay 
• Initially maximum of 2 runners per event:  We may be able to increase this depending on the number of entries. There will be heats and finals for 100m, 200m & 800m. 

Entry Information:

• Entries must be made via Scottish Schools Athletics 
• Entry window closes on 13 May 2025

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Established in 1994 by Ronnie Watt OBE OSS, the esteemed award ceremony celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields embodying the spirit of excellence and cultural exchange between Scotland and Japan. Held at Broomhall House, the ancestral home of King Robert the Bruce and his family, the event was graced by guests including dignitaries such as HRH Prince Mayolein MacDonald OSS Taisho, HRH King Temple MacDonald Jamala II OSS Great Taisho, Dr Joseph Morrow Lord Lyon King of Arms and Charles Edward Lord Bruce OSS Grand Marshal. 

The afternoon culminated in Angus and Aurelien each receiving ‘Order of Scottish Samurai Cadet’ awards for their services to Scottish culture, followed by a captivating piano and violin ensemble that celebrated Scotland’s rich traditions. The young musicians expertly fused tradition, innovation and maturity with their performance and were met with enthusiastic applause from their audience. 

This remarkable opportunity follows a triumphant time for creative arts at Albyn School, with Angus recently achieving 1st place for instrumental at senior school at the Burns Federation National Final and Aurelien currently holding the Albyn School ‘Young Junior Musician of the Year’ award.  

These unique opportunities celebrate emerging talent and help to build confidence, teamwork and ambition in pupils, just some of the key qualities that Albyn School seek to instil within their pupils. This well-rounded development fosters leadership, resilience and a deep appreciation for heritage and the arts, qualities that empower them to embrace challenges and excel in prestigious platforms like the Scottish Samurai Awards.

 You can find out more about Albyn School’s Creative Arts programme at their next Open Morning on 23 May. Visit www.albynschool.org/admissions/open-morning to register your interest.

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Rosie attended Albyn School from 1992-1998 and is now a freelance Editor and Project Manager in Publishing. We hear from Rosie about the editing process so far and what we can expect from this highly anticipated book told through the eyes of our former pupils….

What’s your connection with Albyn School? 

I was at Albyn from U1 to U6 (S1 to S6) from ‘92-’98, following on from my grandmother who taught there in the 1940’s, and my mother who attended the school as a small girl. During my time there I was also Deputy Head Girl.

What’s your involvement in the Queen’s Road 100 book? 

I’m working with the School on putting the book together, so I’m looking through the archives and the former pupils reminiscences, and choosing the photos and trying to identify who’s who in each one!

What inspired you to get involved in this book?

The School put out an appeal for any former pupils who worked in publishing to get in touch, and it turned out they were planning this book and wanted someone to work with them on it. I’ve worked with the publisher, Profile Editions, before so it seemed like a good fit to work with them, and the School, to produce the book. So now I’m somewhere between client and supplier, helping the School to make the book really unique while also sharing my knowledge of the publishing process and keeping things on track with the publisher.

What can readers expect from this book? 

It’s full of interesting stories, some of them surprising or mischievous, others nostalgic. We’ve organised it around themes like ‘In Class’ and ‘Lasting Friendships’, and within that we’ve tried to cover all aspects of life at the school, including boarding, sports, music, art, rules, and subjects etc.

What aspects of the School’s history or culture do you find most fascinating? 

Daily life, especially for the boarders, because there were none left by the time I was at the school and I always wondered what it would be like to be at a boarding school. There are some elements of my life at the school that now seem very out of date, which makes me realise just how long ago it was. But also things that seemed strict at the time are nothing compared to the rules and regulations of the 1940s, 50s and 60s, it turns out. 

What do you hope readers take away from this book?

Unexpected stories and memories that will prompt their own recollections. And groans at the hairstyles of previous decades!

If you could describe the book in 3 words, what words would you use? 

Entertaining, nostalgic, irreverent.

‘Albyn School: A Century at Queen’s Road’ is available for pre-order now. Secure your copy at a discounted price* whilst stocks last, visit: https://profileeditions.com/product/albyn-school-a-century-at-queens-road/

*Offer ends 29 May

* Cover for illustrative purposes only

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On Friday 14 March, participants from state and independent Primary and Secondary schools tackled a challenging course set in and around the scenic grounds of Balgownie Playing Fields, Bridge of Don. With participants traveling from as far as Peterhead, Elgin and Dundee, this annual competition has grown to become a key fixture in schools’ athletics calendars, providing pupils of all abilities with the opportunity to showcase their running prowess and competitive spirit.

Albyn School’s Head of PE and Sport, Jimmy Lamont, expressed the importance of having such a significant event in the calendar: ‘Cross country running is a fantastic test of resilience and teamwork, and we are delighted to welcome so many talented young athletes to compete. This event is not only about performance but also about encouraging participation and fostering a love for sport among pupils, areas in which Albyn School excels.”

With categories spanning various age groups, the competition featured both individual and team races with the top three finishers from each school contributing to the overall team score.

Primary Team Results:

Secondary Team Results:

There were notable individual performances by Jessica Davidson (Albyn School) and Emily Birnie (Banchory Academy) who were separated by mere milliseconds at the finish line in the Girls P6 category. Millie Glass Park from Dunecht Primary stormed ahead of her field in the Girls P7 race to finish a remarkable 19 seconds ahead of her peer Coco Czekalowska of Albyn School. Nathan Lawson, also from Albyn School, was victorious in the Senior (S4-S6) Boys race with Hania Czebreszuk from Lathallan taking first place in the Senior (S4-S6) Girls category. 

Events like these have established Albyn School as a leader in school sports, consistently hosting and participating in large-scale competitions, and highlighting the school’s influence in the national sporting community and its drive to inspire the next generation of athletes. 

Find out more about Albyn School’s sport programme at their next Open Morning on 21 March. Visit www.albynschool.org/admissions/open-morning to register your interest.

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The annual competition, which celebrates Scottish culture, took place last weekend at Portlethen Academy, and saw talented young competitors from schools across the region showcase their skills in recitation, singing and instrumental performances.

We send a huge congratulations to: 

• Angus D (S1) – 1st place for instrumental (senior school)
• Sabi B (S4) – 3rd place for verse (senior school)
• Harper L (P6) – 1st place chanter (primary school)
• Miranda S (P5) –  1st place P4/5 singing and best overall Burns Musician in NE Scotland.

Faculty Head of Creative Arts, Laura Sinclair, expressed her immense pride in the pupils’ achievements, stating: “We are unbelievably proud of them for representing Albyn and showing the utmost confidence performing in the competition and auditorium at Portlethen Academy.”

Their achievements not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect our commitment to promoting Scottish culture and the arts. 

The pupils will now have the opportunity to build on their success, with some being invited to perform at other events in Aberdeen in the near future. Angus, Harper and Miranda also progress to their respective national finals taking place later in the year and we wish them all the best! 

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Albyn School’s Faculty of Creative Arts is celebrating a thriving season with a dynamic line-up of performances, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of its pupils.

With a busy calendar of events, the school is bringing both classic and contemporary productions to life, including The Great Gatsby and Matilda Junior the Musical.

Pupils across year groups in both the Lower and Upper School have been working tirelessly to perfect their performances, demonstrating the school’s strong commitment to the arts.

“Our pupils continue to amaze us with their creativity, enthusiasm and dedication to the performing arts,” said Laura Sinclair, Faculty Head for Creative Arts at Albyn School. “This season is particularly special as we are able to bring such a variety of productions to the stage, each offering unique opportunities for our young performers to shine.”

The highly anticipated adaptation of The Great Gatsby was showcased at the school last week and enticingly transported the audience to the glamour and excess of the Roaring Twenties.

Working closely with the Glasgow-based dance company Curious Seed, the talented cast of eleven used stylised movement, sound and projection to convey the spiritual emptiness that lies beneath the glitz and glamour of the 1920s in New York.

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Christine brings her extensive knowledge and experience to the cast to devise movement for some of the iconic locations in the play; exploring the excess of Gatsby’s mansion and his famous parties, as well as the industrial waste land of the Valley of Ashes. We caught up with Christine to hear how her involvement will help inform the final production…

How have you been involved in The Great Gatsby rehearsals? 

I worked with the ensemble right at the very beginning, even before rehearsals had really started. I worked with Jane Williams in terms of wanting to pull out and explore the physicality of the work, but we also had an intense weekend of working with the ensemble to try and bring them into how it feels to work as an ensemble. They didn’t all know each other well at that point, and for the young people to explore their own physicality and to get comfortable with their own physicality so that they could carry on as rehearsals developed.

I then dropped back into rehearsals about three quarters of the way through and that was great. The cast were on stage at this point and most of the set was there. They were completely into the play and were really on top of their lines. 

There was still a lot of work to do at that point but I was able to look and make even small suggestions around things they had come up with. I was able to help with getting them to go into their physical expression and move beyond ‘Great Gatsby’ the film. A lot of us know the film really well, and I would expect maybe these young performers know the film but actually we’re not making a film, it’s a theatrical production so everything about this has to be bigger, emphasised, a different kind of acting, a different kind of physical expression.  That was exciting for me to see where it was at and how I could feed into rehearsals then.

What are you most excited about with the production?

Seeing the young ensemble get on that stage and show all the hard work that they’ve been doing. I’m really excited about seeing how everything comes together, that’s always an exciting stage of any production and seeing how the audience responds to the work the young ensemble have done. 

What’s been the biggest challenge you/the cast have faced to date? 

I think it’s the relevance of this work today and how do we make it comfortable for a young ensemble to play it meaningfully and with authenticity. It goes beyond just pretending to be these characters, but to really find something that’s relevant for them and that’s relevant for the audience today.  That has been a challenge but I think they are absolutely coming up to that challenge and I can’t wait to see them share that.

If you could sum up the performance in three words, what three words would you use? 

Fresh, contemporary, fun.

The Great Gatsby performance will take place on 27 and 28 February and tickets are on sale now: www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/78705

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Can you summarise what The Great Gatsby ‘deconstructed’ is all about? 

I think the first thing that comes to mind when people think about The Great Gatsby is the art deco glamour of the 1920s.  Gatsby is known for his huge, theatrical parties and the excess synonymous with the Jazz Age.  Anyone who has seen Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film version will know what a treat it is to see that world brought vividly to life.  However, in our production, we focus less on a naturalistic depiction of the parties (although I can promise a food fight and partygoers in Gatsby’s fountain!) and instead have chosen to use stylised movement, sound and projection to convey the spiritual emptiness that lies beneath the glitz and glamour.  These are essentially unhappy – and as F. Scott Fitzgerald states in the original novel – careless people using wealth and each other to survive within a world which is not designed for meaningful human interaction.   The themes we have chosen to focus on, particularly the cost to the individual of being caught up in all of this, are so universal that we did not want this to just be a piece about 1920s New York.

How are rehearsals coming along?

It’s a collaborative process, with everyone pitching in ideas which is fantastic.  Our Movement Director for the production is Christine Devaney from Curious Seed, a dance company based in Glasgow.  From our early work with Christine, the cast and I have had a shared movement vocabulary which we have drawn on throughout the rehearsal process.  The cast have shown great commitment and attention to detail, taking on a vast array of characters.  During these final weeks we are fine tuning the actors’ voice and movement choices to really bring those characters to life and create the shifting moods of the piece, particularly as it reaches its dramatic conclusion.

What are you most excited about with the production?

It’s always amazing to see the actors finally perform to an audience after months of careful and challenging work.  I am also really looking forward to seeing how the various design elements come together to complete the experience for the audience.

What’s been the biggest challenge you/the cast have faced to date? 

Not all of the characters in the play are likeable and their behaviour can be uncomfortable to portray.  We wanted to be true to the story but in a way that felt safe and appropriate for the young people in the cast.  We decided to focus on the cast members as storytellers, stepping in and out of character as required, but sometimes just observing the action.  This has helped to give a sense that we are all evaluating and critiquing the behaviour we see as opposed to accepting it at face value.

If you could sum up the performance in three words, what three words would you use? 

Surprising.  Ambitious.  Relevant.

The Great Gatsby performance will take place on 27 and 28 February and tickets are on sale now: www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/78705

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Today the school community was celebrating our first Feel Good Friday of the year, ‘Feeling Charitable,’ and as part of this we found Georgia setting up her bake sale to raise money for a wheelchair access swing in Duthie Park.

When Georgia learned about the lack of wheelchair accessible equipment at Duthie Park she decided to explore ways of how she could help.

“My dad is a member of the Bon Accord Rotary Club and they were raising money for the same cause so that’s how I found out about it and I thought it was a really great idea. Going on the swings when I was younger was my favourite thing and I think everyone, no matter what their ability is, should be able to enjoy that,” she shared.

“At the moment there is not a lot of equipment available for wheelchair users so I’m trying to raise money to allow children in wheelchairs to have fun in the park as well.”

This isn’t the first time Georgia has organised a fundraiser within the school community…

“I’ve been doing a couple of different things to raise money. Before Christmas I went to the ASPA Christmas Fair at the school. I had made my own Christmas baubles and was selling them to raise money. I’m now organising a bake sale in school this week, and will see what else I can do beyond that.”

Georgia’s bake sale highlights that even small acts of kindness can help to make a big difference. We wish her well with all her fundraising efforts and the school will support her in any way we can.

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David brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having played a pivotal part in shaping Albyn’s academic credentials and cultivating its positive, can-do culture. He has been a valued member of the Albyn School community since 2013 serving as Deputy Head, Senior Deputy Head (Academic) and most recently as Acting Head. Beyond his professional expertise, David is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and community engagement.

“I am deeply honoured and delighted to take on the role of Head of Albyn School. Albyn holds a special place in my heart as a community that embodies ambition, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing young people. Together with our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and inspiring current and former pupils, I am excited to lead Albyn into its next chapter – building on its proud traditions while embracing opportunities to ensure we remain a leading community of learners and an enduring force for good in the Aberdeen community.”

Albyn School’s commitment to the wider community is exemplified by its current Official Education Partnership with Clan Cancer Support Charity and the Bridge Programme Partnership run with Holy Family School. In addition, David is looking forward to August 2025 which will mark the beginning of a busy year commemorating 100 years of Albyn School on Queen’s Road.

Jennifer brings her extensive and wide-ranging expertise to the Board of Albyn School. She is a passionate advocate for the north-east, having attended school in Newmachar and Dyce, before being the first in her family to attend University in Aberdeen where she studied law. 

After training in Edinburgh and working in Glasgow as a lawyer specialising in construction law, Jennifer returned to her hometown to join Ledingham Chalmers where she has been a partner since 1999. After eight years as chair, she became managing partner in June 2020 overseeing strategic planning, governance, people and business development and client management, as well as income generation. In November 2024 she stepped back to a more client focussed role as an accredited specialist in construction law. 

Jennifer is an Honorary fellow of The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and has held numerous Board appointments across Scotland as well as having previous governorship experience in education. Her knowledge and skills will be a hugely valuable addition to the Board of Governors. 

“Joining as Chair is a great opportunity to give something back (a Ledingham Chalmers core value) to a place that plays an important role in my family’s life. As a parent, I’ve seen how the School’s values and culture make a real difference, not just to its pupils but to the wider community. In short, institutions like Albyn School are crucial when it comes to helping cities like Aberdeen thrive. I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Governors and David who brings impressive experience as someone who has been a pivotal part of shaping Albyn’s academic credentials and cultivating its positive, can-do culture.”

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Whether you are preparing for your National 5 or Higher exams in April/May 2025, our Revision Camp provides expert guidance, proven study techniques and a supportive environment to help your child succeed.

Why choose our Easter Revision Camp? 

• Sessions will be led by our specialist subject teachers
• Interactive learning
• Exam focused
• Enhanced exam skills
• Boost exam confidence
• Class sizes of no more than 12

We offer comprehensive revision sessions for:

• English (National 5 & Higher)
• Maths (National 5 & Higher)
• Biology (National 5)
• Human Biology (Higher)
• Latin (National 5 & Higher)
• PE (Higher)
• Chemistry (National 5)
• French (National 5)

Camp Details

Dates: Week 1 (from 1 –  3 April 2025) | Week 2 (from 8 – 10 April 2025)

Location: Albyn School

Time: Morning session 9am – 12pm | Afternoon session 1pm – 4pm

Each revision course consists of 9 hours (3 x 3 hour sessions) of tuition

Cost: £150 + VAT per course

What’s included?

• Daily revision sessions with subject experts
• Study materials and practice papers

Sign up today

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now! You don’t need to be an existing pupil to join, our Revision Camp is open to everyone.

Complete our registration form HERE.

Please note: if you are booking for more than one pupil, please complete a separate form for each pupil you are booking for.

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Since April 2024, Albyn’s Esports club has been helping pupils develop crucial life skills through competitive gaming. Recently, I had the privilege of sharing our innovative approach at Code The City, an Aberdeen-based charity that promotes the use of open data for public benefit while advancing Computing Science education in the community.

The purpose of Albyn’s Esports club is to provide a space for pupils to enhance their performance in popular Esports titles while developing their emotional intelligence. The capacity to be aware of and learn to control their emotions and decision making when under pressure is an increasingly important leadership life skill which also enhances communication and interpersonal skills.

To assist supportive conversations and to allow club members to choose to track their own progress I created a leaderboard which summarises data gathered from freely available online game trackers. The pupils choose to join the leaderboard by sharing their gamer tag and are able to remove themselves from this at any time. There is no personal data recorded to associate pupils with their gamer tags and, at present, I chose to focus solely on Fortnite given its popularity amongst club members.

My presentation at Code The City revolved around the development of the leaderboard but also the surprising insights that the data gathered offered. For example, it was clear that some players only gamed on the weekend whereas others played weekday evenings (perhaps after the homework and chores were completed!) Sudden unusual increases in gaming activity can also highlight a need for a supportive conversation as pupils attempt to work through a stressful situation by gaming. The leaderboard has also been a conversation starter and you can often find players from across the year groups discussing tactics and making arrangements to meet up later for squad games.

The talk took around 40 minutes but was eclipsed by the length of the Q&A session afterwards. The audience of software development professionals were incredibly supportive and some shared their data science expertise to suggest ways to store and use data more effectively. One such idea has already been implemented to show pupils a heat map of their games played, highlighting longer gaming periods in a darker colour. This was so popular with the Esports club that the pupils immediately suggested ways in which it could be improved to celebrate success by banding these darker coloured boxes in gold when they achieved a win.

The basic leaderboard created as a small addition to highlight the improvements of each club member has already added value to the club as a whole. While it has been important as a tool for skills development, its true purpose is becoming clear: to prepare pupils for their future beyond school where resilience, good relationships and increased self-regulation is essential.

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The event is open to schools across the North East (from P5-S6) providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their endurance, teamwork and sportsmanship. We hope to see as many of you there as possible!

Event Details:

• Friday 14 March 2025
• Balgownie Playing Fields

Registration 9.00am for Primary School Races

Registration 11.00am for Secondary School Races

Each school may enter a maximum of 10 runners per race.

Cost to enter:

£10 per runner or £50 per school entered. 

Payable – Albyn School addressed to Mr J Lamont, Albyn School, 17-23 Queens Road, Aberdeen, AB15 4PB. 

Please note:

Each school must provide a helper/parent who will be willing to officiate on the day in order for the event to run smoothly (no experience needed). If you cannot supply an official then unfortunately your school cannot take part. 

How to register:

All entries to be submitted through the Scottish Schools website. Unfortunately, no late entries will be accepted.

Please note the closing date for entries is Friday 7 February 2025.

See you at the starting line!

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The initiative is designed to infuse a sense of community, wellbeing and joy into our school environment, providing pupils and staff alike the chance to reflect, connect and re-energize. With the pressures of course work, exams, social responsibilities and future planning it can be easy to become overwhelmed and allow stress to build up throughout the week. Feel Good Friday aims to counterbalance that by making wellbeing a priority, bringing everyone together for activities that promote both mental and physical wellbeing. 

The Importance of Wellbeing in Schools

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of wellbeing, especially in schools.

Research shows that when pupils and staff prioritise mental health, they experience improvements in learning outcomes, resilience and overall happiness. Feel Good Friday is our way of reminding everyone in our school community that their health and happiness are essential and valued. 

How Feel Good Friday Works

Feel Good Friday offers a range of activities, ensuring that there is something for everyone from Nursery through to the Upper School to enjoy and benefit from. 

Feeling Cultural 

This event celebrates diversity. Pupils and staff are encouraged to wear traditional cultural attire or colours of their national flag(s). In the Nursery and Lower School, pupils enjoy class based activities to explore and appreciate our rich diversity. In the Upper School we host an international food fair with traditional dishes prepared by our school community, representing over 30 nationalities.

Feeling Active – Clan Dancercise 

This event encourages teamwork, physical activity and collaboration across the year groups. Pupils and staff are encouraged to wear activewear. The day encompasses the highly popular Clan Dancercise which is an annual competition where each of the School’s Clans performs a dance routine, choreographed by pupils, to the rest of the school and nursery. Open to S1-S6, pupils of each Clan work together to create an unforgettable routine. In the Nursery and Lower School, pupils get involved in yoga and dancing activities in the playground.

Feeling Festive 

Bringing joy, connection and a generous dose of festive spirit to our community, everyone is encouraged to wear festive jumpers and take part in Clan singing. There are impromptu music concerts in the morning, with festive singing and playing from staff and pupils. We also support the Instant Neighbour Gifting tree appeal and have a selection box collection. In previous years we have collected over 300 selection boxes which have been donated to a range of local charities.

Feeling Charitable 

A day dedicated to giving back, fostering kindness and building a sense of community. We host an annual food bank drive for our chosen charity. 

Feel Good Friday is not just for pupils; teachers, support staff, parents and guardians are all encouraged to participate. By setting time aside to recognise our wellbeing we are doing more than just adding fun to the end of the week, we’re building resilience, fostering connection and reinforcing positive habits that extend beyond the school.

Prioritising mental health is more important than ever and initiatives like Feel Good Friday remind us that wellbeing is not just a goal, it’s a way of life.

Annual dates:

Feeling Active – October 

Feeling Cultural – November 

Feeling Festive – December 

Feeling Charitable –  January 

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We are seeking parents/guardians of Albyn pupils (past and present) to join our Board of Governors in a voluntary capacity as part of our ambitions to bolster and grow our complement of skills and experience.

Volunteers with the following skills/experience are of particular interest:

• Pastoral and safeguarding
• Wellbeing
• Educational
• Health and safety
• General business/commercial
• Fundraising

Governors are usually required to attend four board meetings per school year and one annual general meeting, as well as chair quarterly committees in their area of expertise, providing leadership, governance and guidance. As part of the role, governors should dedicate time to preparing for meetings, participate in training as required, and attend various school events during the year.

If you would like to be considered, please let us know by sending a copy of your CV and a letter covering why you would be an ideal governor to governors@albynschool.org

Closing date is Friday 10 January 2025.

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The event, held at the Music Hall in Aberdeen on Saturday 16 November, brought together an eclectic mix of speakers, but it was Mirabel’s youthful perspective and confidence that captivated hearts.

The theme of this year’s TEDx Aberdeen was identity. Speaking alongside two other young participants, Mirabel focused her talk on how human identity is built around us and how we let it evolve. 

“I really enjoyed the experience, it was so fun and I met a lot of people. It was a great opportunity to be involved in” she shared.

“I was nervous before the event and had been tripping over my words when I was rehearsing but when I actually got on to the stage it went really smoothly and thankfully nothing went wrong.”

The journey to the TEDx stage began months earlier, when Mirabel was taking part in a Ted-Ed event with her school. TED-Ed Aberdeen is an initiative created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to inspire, educate and share “ideas worth spreading.” The event was open to applications from all S3-S6 pupils across the North East of Scotland and proved highly popular. A select number of participants were invited to give a talk on the theme of STEM and it was on the back of this event that Mirabel was selected to join Tedx Aberdeen.

Mirabel heard the news last month that she had been selected to take part in Tedx Aberdeen and after dedicating countless hours to writing the talk and rehearsing she took to the stage over the weekend to deliver her message. 

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity as it helped me greatly in many areas. I not only learned how to put together a talk that will keep people interested, but I also improved greatly in my public speaking and can now give talks confidently while keeping the audience engaged with props and humour.”

“I would definitely do it again, it was an amazing experience!” 

Mirabel is currently doing her Advanced Highers and hopes to pursue a career in medicine however plans to continue her new found love for public speaking,

“I found I’ve really enjoyed public speaking so I think I’d like to do more of it. I want to go into medicine so maybe I’ll join a debate club or something!”

Photo credit: Official photos from TEDx Aberdeen

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The Best Young Content Creator Award honours creators who demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, and a positive influence on their audience. Aaron is one of a number of nominees from across the UK in this highly competitive category.

Aaron began his content creation journey in 2019:

“I started my Youtube channel in 2019 however it was slow to start due to COVID with matches being played behind closed doors so it was really in 2021 before I was able to consistently vlog and it just became better and better and more popular.”

Aaron documents his passion for football and Aberdeen Football Club in engaging videos taking viewers pitchside and directly into a supporters seat. Aaron’s channel has grown steadily over the past few years with his followers reaching nearly 6500 in recent days.

“I think the channel has been so successful because I cover Aberdeen Football Club content and fans of the team like that. I travel around Scotland vlogging their team so it gives fans an insight if they can’t be there at the game themselves.”

Taking his passion for football beyond spectatorship, Aaron is also a keen sportsman and plays for the Albyn School football team. 

The awards ceremony takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on 21 November, where Aaron will be up against other talented young creators from across the country. Regardless of the outcome, he has already made his school and community incredibly proud. 

“I’m very excited for the event, it should be a good occasion whatever the outcome.”

Wishing you the very best of luck Aaron! 

If you want to check out Aaron’s football vlogs, head over to his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@aaronjonesfootball

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Albyn School is marking a monumental milestone next year, it’s 100 year anniversary of the school being located on Queen’s Road. 

To celebrate a century of education, growth and community spirit at Queen’s Road, the school has planned a number of festivities including the launch of a commemorative book that captures its rich history. 

The book, titled ‘Albyn School: A Century at Queen’s Road’, offers readers a unique insight into what life was like at Albyn, told through the eyes of their former pupils through vivid stories, pivotal events and influential characters.  It includes rare documents and newly discovered photographs to enrich the reader’s understanding of each era covered.

Founded in 1867, Albyn School moved to Queen’s Road in 1925, joining the existing boarding house, to establish a campus that has become an integral part of the area. Over the decades the school has expanded, adapted, and grown, with generations of pupils passing through its doors. Former pupil Valerie Lowe (nee Kemp) described the book as ‘a true autobiography’ that ‘very much focuses on the memories of the school’s former pupils.’

Due to officially be released in September 2025, it is now available for pre-order. 

WHY SHOULD I PRE-ORDER?

By pre-ordering, readers will be among the first to receive their copy when it’s officially released next year. You can also secure a limited ‘early bird offer’ price of £33 per copy instead of the full price of £40.

This is a must-read for anyone passionate about Albyn School and its rich history. Don’t miss out on the chance to be one of the first to explore this captivating narrative. 

HOW TO PRE-ORDER 

The book is available now to pre-order via our publishers website:  

 https://profileeditions.com/product/albyn-school-a-century-at-queens-road/

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Taking place on Saturday 2 November, from 9am, the event is open to families who are interested in admissions for Nursery, Primary and Secondary level, allowing attendees to tour facilities and engage with staff and current pupils. We are also home to the Aberdeen French School, which offers a hybrid curriculum, and you can find out more about Scotland’s only accredited French School.

What you can expect

During the Open Morning families will have the opportunity to:

● Tour the campus
Families will be taken on guided tours around the school and nursery to allow a fully immersive experience into life at Albyn. Step foot into our innovative classrooms, fitness suite and libraries, explore the state-of-the-art Engineering and Science Centre where pupils can learn CAD software and 3D printing, and browse around our brand new music rehearsal rooms and recording studio.

● Meet the teaching staff
Albyn’s teachers are known for their passion, expertise and dedication. Families can meet teachers across all year groups and learn more about the curriculum and enrichment programmes.

● Discover co-curricular activities
We offer a diverse range of co-curricular activities from sports teams and music ensembles, to language clubs, Formula 24, and arts and crafts. The Open Morning gives visitors the opportunity to see the Combined Cadet Force in action and enjoy performances in drama, music and debating, allowing prospective families to experience first-hand the activities they could be involved in.

● Speak with current pupils

One of the best ways to learn about the school is through conversations with current pupils. Pupils will be on hand to share their personal experiences and highlights to date.

● Explore nursery facilities
For parents of younger children, our Nursery facilities will be open for exploration and play. With its nurturing environment it is specifically designed to foster curiosity and a love for learning in our youngest pupils.

● Bursary Awards
We support a range of Bursary Awards for children who might not otherwise be able to attend. The Open Morning offers a dedicated talk on bursaries so you can fully explore these options.

Why choose Albyn School?
Known for our high academic standards, we place a strong emphasis on creativity, resilience, community and wellbeing. Whether your child is just starting in early years or preparing for senior school,  Albyn School offers a supportive environment designed to bring out the best in every pupil.

To reserve your place on 2 November, register here , or if you can’t make this weekend check out our other Open Morning events on 15 November and 13 December.

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> When? Friday 1st November, gates open at 6.15pm with the firework display at 7.30pm

> Where? Milltimber Playing Fields

> What do I need? Anyone who attends will need a ticket and these can be bought online in advance. Tickets are £7.50 each. No entry on the night without a ticket.

There will be stalls selling burgers, wraps, fresh pizza, creamy hot chocolate, coffee, a tuck shop and glow sticks!

Are you ready for a night of sparkle and fun? Secure your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/69316 

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The camp, hosted in September, offers a week of intensive sessions designed to challenge and inspire pupils who have demonstrated exceptional mathematical ability. It gives pupils a taste of what it’s like to study maths at an advanced level, and prepare them for future opportunities outside of the UK, including the International Mathematical Olympiad where you represent your country. 

Hop has shown exceptional skills in mathematics for his age and is amongst one of the youngest pupils to attend the UKMT training camp this year. He participated in lectures led by Cambridge and Oxford University professionals tackling complex mathematical problems whilst giving the opportunity to meet with other like-minded pupils across the UK.  

Reflecting on the camp Hop shared…

“I really learnt a lot from the camp, and made a lot of friends who I keep in touch with. We often share any difficult maths questions between us to get another perspective.”

With a bright future ahead, Hop has already set his sights on the next UKMT challenge….

“I got into British Maths Olympiad 2 last year, and I want to improve on this so I get invited to another training camp in Cambridge in the Spring which is for people who are preparing for international maths. They select six individuals from this camp to attend an international selection camp so I’m hoping to get into the international team next year.”

His academic year is off to a great start as he recently took part in the Senior UKMT Maths Challenge, aimed at S5 and S6 pupils, and achieved full marks. 

Keep up the good work Hop! 

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Young Writers have been running competitions with primary schools across the UK to promote poetry and creative writing since 1991 and aim to inspire kids everywhere to become confident and passionate writers. This competition encouraged pupils to write a poem or story inspired by their dreams. 

Noah’s poem, titled ‘The Pre-Battle,’ impressed judges with its imaginative theme and unique use of language. The book has been released today with a copy remaining in the National Archives of the British Library forever! 

Well done Noah!

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The Albyn Green Arrows Formula 24 team has once again made history, securing the title of International Champions for a second consecutive year in the Greenpower International Finals.

After months of hard work, determination, and strategic thinking, the team has demonstrated they are a force to be reckoned with in grassroots motorsport.

On 13 October the Albyn Green Arrows team headed to the International Finals at the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit in Chichester. The yearly competition is organised by Greenpower Education Trust which is a UK-based charity that aims to encourage young people to become enthusiastic about science and engineering by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car.

A group of 14 pupils across various year groups took part in the kit car competition in which Albyn entered two cars. The team was met with some challenging conditions from the outset…

“We went through many difficulties, from our car using up our battery at a quicker rate than usual, one of our helmets being stolen, to a long red flag bringing one of the races to a complete stop for almost half an hour,” shared F24 Team Captain, Esther (S6). “I am very proud of how well our team handled these challenges, with perseverance and determination everyone stayed together and continued to push through until the end.”

The team fought off tough competition from opponents who had travelled from all over the UK and Europe to race.

Winning international champion status once is an impressive feat, but to do it two years in a row speaks volumes about the Team’s dedication to continuous  improvement and innovation.  Their journey from concept to champion has inspired many others within the school community to take up the sport with the co-curricular club being one of the most popular the school has on offer.

“We have been preparing for this moment for a long time, and due countless hours and huge effort put in by all the members of the team, we won first place! I am so proud of everyone as they have worked so hard and are so deserving of this” Esther reflected.

All of this progress would not be possible without the support of team sponsors, OEG Energy Group and Resonance Asset Management.

Learn more about the Albyn School’s co-curricular offering and unique opportunities by attending one of our upcoming Open Mornings on Saturday 2 November, Friday 15 November or Friday 13 December. Register via www.albynschool.org

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The Hall was filled with excitement as pupils, parents and staff gathered for the highly-anticipated Autumn Concert organised by our Faculty of Creative Arts. The event was an insight into the hard work and talent of pupils transforming the school into a vibrant hub of music and creativity.

We had over 160 pupils taking part from P3-S6 showcasing a bundle of talent, energy, creativity, teamwork and joy. The sell out concert featured an array of solo, small group and large scale performances including the Upper and Lower School choir, covers band, orchestra and we were even treated to a sneak peak of our School musical this year…Matilda Junior!

In the words of one proud parent: ‘What a lovely showcase of the talent you have across the school. It was uplifting, relaxing and fun – as music and arts should be. We loved our first concert, looking forward to many more. Well done on an extremely well organised and enjoyable evening.”

A huge well cone to everyone involved on stage and behind the scenes, and a special thank you to our Faculty of Creative Arts for organising such an impressive show!

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Packed with insightful articles, captivating stories and stunning photographs and artwork, our Review Magazine showcases the vibrant spirit of our school community.

READ HERE: 2023/24 Albyn Review Magazine

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The day kicked off with a senior school assembly where Acting Head Mr Starbuck taught our senior students the history of Albyn during Headmaster Alexander Mackie’s time. We learnt the importance Albyn School had in pushing the suffrage movement and its support of women rights in the late 19th century.

At breaktime, the newfound tradition of cutting the special Founders Cay cake was continued. Our School Captains and representatives of the Lower School sliced pieces of the cake that was given to all staff and pupils at lunchtime.

Written by Albyn School Magazine and Video Club.

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The leading north-east cancer charity, in partnership with Wild in Art, will exhibit BookBench
sculptures across the north-east, Moray, Shetland and Orkney as part of The BookBench Trail
sponsored by Bilfinger and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

The partnership is a natural fit for Albyn, as it aligns with the School’s values; fostering a sense
of community and social responsibility among pupils and staff.

As part of the agreement, the School will support the trail’s engagement programme which
encourages schools and community groups to get involved in the project by designing their own
mini BookBench sculpture. Leading up to the trail, the Albyn School community will coordinate
their fundraising efforts to support Clan as well as being involved in educational events.

An information event about the project’s engagement programme is taking place at Clan House
on Thursday, September 12 from 4pm-6pm with schools and community groups invited to
attend for more information on how they can design their own small sculpture for the trail.

Frances Loughrey, Development Director from Albyn School, will be speaking to attendees on
the night.

“We have a rich history in Aberdeen and want to continue to play our part in ensuring our city
thrives and providing our pupils with meaningful opportunities for giving back. Albyn is
delighted to be working with Clan over the coming year.”

As a major sponsor of the project, Albyn School will have one large sculpture featured in the
trail and a mini BookBench sculpture.

The small sculptures will go on public display during the trail and will be returned to the school
or community group at the end of the project, while the larger BookBench sculptures will be
sold at auction to raise money for Clan Cancer Support.

Artists are due to be invited to submit their designs for consideration for the larger sculptures
this autumn, while schools and community groups will begin working on their designs in the
new year.

Lee-Ann Stewart, Clan’s sculpture trail project manager, said: “We’re delighted to have Albyn
School on board as our Education Partner for The BookBench Trail. Engagement with local
schools and community groups across our geography is a key part of the project so we are
extremely grateful for their expertise.

“Our BookBench sculptures are the perfect canvas for people of all ages to share their
experiences, hopes and their favourite moments in literature through art and we look forward
to seeing these designs being brought to life on the trail next summer.”

Clan chose the BookBench sculpture, which depicts an open book, because of its lifeline
listening support service which enables anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis to open up and
tell their story.

The charity hopes the sculpture, which is 1.4 metres wide and can seat two adults, will
encourage people to take time to reflect on their wellbeing as they enjoy discovering artwork
on the trail when its live from July – September next year.

The project is the charity’s third art trail with Light the North (2021) and The Big Hop Trail
(2023) raising a combined total of more than £520,000 for Clan services.

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What to Expect

During your visit to Albyn you will have the chance to:

• Take a guided tour of our historic buildings: Admire the architecture of 17-23 Queen’s Road, including our library and FP Centenary Hall.
• Explore the rich history of Albyn School: Learn how the School was founded and why we focused on educating women for entry to university in the late 19th century.
• Meet with current pupils: Hear first-hand from our prefects about their journey at Albyn School to date.

Our guided tours will run at 10am, 11am and 12pm. No advanced booking necessary.

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Rhys was delighted to secure three A’s in his Advanced Highers last week in Maths, Mechanics and Chemistry, after achieving straight A’s in his Higher exams last year.  He admitted the pressure was off in his final year at school after he secured his place at university after S5, however credited his parents for keeping him grounded. 

“I definitely leaned on my parents to keep me motivated for my final year. They kept me focused.” 

Rhys is heading to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque next month on an academic scholarship to study Chemical Engineering. The university has been home to the likes of Team GB athlete Josh Kerr who recently achieved a silver medal in the 1500m at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 

 On choosing a university across the pond rather than staying closer to home, Rhys shared:

“I think the sports programmes are a lot better over there and the university structure is based around the sports which I like.” 

A keen sportsman, Rhys has excelled in sport throughout his time at Albyn and has thrown himself into football, cricket and athletics. Recognising his talents he pursued his passion for athletics and competed in multiple regional and national competitions, with his most recent success being crowned as the U20 Scottish School 800m track champion.

Rhys is following in the footsteps of his brother, Kai, who left Albyn School in 2022 to pursue further education at the University of Alabama on an academic scholarship.  Kai is also a talented athlete who is an integral member of the Alabama Track and Field team.  

Rhys has spent his whole educational life at Albyn after joining the nursery in 2009. Reflecting on his time at school he recalls:

“The sporting aspect of school has been a big highlight, but if I was to pick another highlight away from sports it would have to be the Lip Sync event the school hosts. I was out of my comfort zone but really enjoyed it.”

Thinking about the advice he would give to his younger self he shared:

“My advice to my younger self would be to relax, everything will take care of itself.  Keep working hard but have fun along the way!”

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Reflecting on her results she shared:

“I am really pleased with my results.  I was a bit nervous but I’m really happy with how it went.”

St Andrews is a dream destination for many students seeking a top-tier education. Anna’s stellar academic record and passion for learning make her a perfect fit for the rigorous academic environment at St Andrews. A joint honours degree allows individuals to study multiple subjects throughout their degree, broadening perspectives and approaches, whilst also helping to expand career options after university.  

Anna joined Albyn School in 2008 and has thoroughly enjoyed the music activities on offer at the school.

“A highlight would have to be any of the music activities on offer, so I take part in music as a co-curricular but also outside of school as well which I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve been involved in choirs and ensembles.”

As Anna sets off on her new adventure, she shares some sound advice for her younger peers:

“Don’t stress as much, everything will work out.”

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“I’m hoping to get into university to do engineering. In my final year at school I’m taking Maths, Mechanics, Physics and Engineering so it’s all engineering focused for that reason!”

Reflecting on her exam results Esther shared:

“I woke up really early and I just couldn’t get back to sleep.  I got my text just after 8am so was nervously waiting for them to come through. I was expecting to do well but you just never know so I’m very happy I managed to get what I did.”

Esther is a budding engineer and has thrown herself into STEM subjects and co-curricular activities at school.  

“A highlight of my time at Albyn so far definitely has to be the Formula 24 club. Winning the World Championships last year was a great moment! We put a lot of work into that.”

The Formula 24 club seeks to inspire young people to get involved in STEM subjects through the help of motorsport. The team design, build and race an electric car proving an invaluable experience for pupils.  

“I was leading the team and have since been picked as Captain so it comes with a lot of responsibilities, from reaching out to different companies and sponsors, to planning what we do each week.”

Looking ahead, Esther is excited to get the club back together after the holidays with an exciting year on the horizon:

“I’m looking forward to the finals again this year.  We’ve also entered into the 16 and over category which is mainly universities and colleges, so we’re in the finals for both F24 and F24+.” 

Esther joined Albyn in S1 and has this piece of advice for anyone starting school this year:

“Ask questions and put yourself out there.  Don’t be afraid of speaking out and don’t feel stuck.  It’s really important you’re not just sitting there silent if you have a question that can easily be answered. A lot of your questions can lead to discussions and you can often learn a lot from others.”

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Aayaan achieved three A’s at Advanced Higher level this year, having previously secured five A’s at Higher, and therefore cementing his place at the prestigious university. 

How were you feeling about opening your results last week?

“I was hoping for good results! I already had an unconditional so there wasn’t the added stress this time round but I’m really proud of how I’ve done.”

How did you stay motivated for your final year at school despite already securing a place at university?

 “There was no point in taking my foot off the gas for one year. I knew if I worked hard I would get the results so I kept pushing.”

What’s been a highlight of your time at Albyn? 

“One of my favourite memories in recent times is competing in the Lip Sync competition that the school host every year. I’ve got really good memories of it.”

What advice would you give your younger self?

 “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice it would be to keep on working, and if you put the work in you will get the results. You have to try your hardest and you will get what you want.”   

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Selecting to study Higher Maths, English, Human Biology, Chemistry, Latin and Business Studies in S5, Phoebe set the bar high but rose to the challenge on all accounts, achieving an incredible six A’s at Higher level.  

“I wasn’t expecting these results at all. I was confident in a few of them but I thought my assignments may have brought me down, I didn’t expect to do so well in them.” 

Considering her future, Phoebe hopes to pursue a career in the field of healthcare:

“I’m hoping to do pharmacy or medicine. I haven’t decided which or whether to apply for both so it’s something I need to think about over the next few months.”

With a busy academic schedule it is hard to comprehend how Phoebe has any spare time however she is heavily invested in netball at Albyn and plays for the A team:  

“I do a lot of netball so I’ll definitely continue with this in my final year at school. I love playing at Albyn and would hope to play at university as well.”

Thinking of what advice she would give herself if she was to start school all over again…

“Literally the best you can do, is the best you can do, there is nothing more you can do and I’ve definitely realised that afterwards.  I did my best and I got what I deserved.”

Phoebe joined Albyn School in 2012 and has recently been named School Captain for 24/25.

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Prior to opening his results Philip was keeping positive about how he had performed:

“I was a little bit nervous as you naturally are but I had a good feeling coming out of the exams so I was quietly confident.”

“Next year I’m taking Maths, Economics and Statistics at Advanced Higher, so I’m looking forward to getting started and hopefully getting the same level of results for those as well.”

Thinking further ahead Philip is keen to explore a career in economics or finance and now with his Higher results secured he’s considering his options for university and where to study.  

Looking back at his time at Albyn so far, Philip credited the friendships he has made as a reason as to why he has enjoyed his time at the school so much. 

“It would have to be the friends I have made here. My year is very close to one another, I feel like the bond we all have is so beneficial, not just with the social aspect but academically as well, we thrive off each other. We bounce off each other’s abilities and we push each other to work harder.”

Alongside his academic talents, Philip is also an integral member of the football team which he’s been a part of for a number of years. He also joined the Young Enterprise club to develop his entrepreneurial skills.

What advice would he give to his younger self? 

“Work hard and focus…but equally enjoy the days off, enjoy the rest periods. Make the most of them because the one thing you don’t want to do is burn yourself out. So work hard, but couple that with resting hard as well.”

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On Tuesday 6 August, Hope received her Higher exam results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and was delighted to achieve an A in Higher Geography, three B’s in Higher Human Biology, Sociology and Photography respectively, and a B in National 5 Maths.

After experiencing nursing care first hand she was inspired to pursue a career in nursing and has achieved the grades to accept a place at Robert Gordon University this September, studying a dual degree in Children and Young People and Mental Health Nursing. Reflecting on why she chose the nursing profession:

“My mum had cancer, I looked after her up until she died and I was inspired by how much the nurses helped her and so ever since then I’ve wanted to be a nurse,” she bravely shared. “I’ve been accepted into Robert Gordon University and I can’t wait to get started.”

In advance of getting her results Hope preferred to keep her expectations low:

“I was excited to get my results. I wasn’t sure how I would do, I tend to keep my expectations really low so then it’s better when I open them and find out.”

Alongside managing grief, Hope has also endured mental health issues and autism which impacted her day-to-day life and way of learning.  Receiving the full support of staff at Albyn and adapting learning methods to suit Hope, it enabled her to thrive at Albyn, achieve her Higher grades and overcome the odds. 

Reflecting on more positive memories, after joining Albyn in S1 she fondly remembered one of her highlights of her time at school:

“One of my highlights is definitely the Geography trip we went on earlier this year. We went to the Lake District and carried out land use surveys and river studies which was really interesting.”

Aside from her academic studies, Hope is also a keen climber after taking part in the sport in S5. 

“I’m part of the climbing club at Albyn and hope to continue it at university as well. I enjoy the challenges it presents.” 

Whilst enduring a difficult few years, Hope continued to believe in herself and was always determined to pursue her dreams:

“If I could give myself one piece of advice it would be to keep being myself throughout and stay true to myself.  And continue to work hard.” 

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Magnus joined Albyn in Primary 4 and has excelled academically and socially. After achieving straight A’s in his Higher exams last year, Magnus placed himself in a good stance for a place at university and subsequently secured a spot at the University of Strathclyde to study Aero-Mechanical Engineering where he will start next month.   

What’s been a highlight of your time at Albyn? 

“A highlight of my time at Albyn would have to be Activities Week last year, we were lucky enough to go to Barcelona, Spain.  It was a lot of fun, we went with the PE department staff who were great! We took part in water sports and explored the city, a definite highlight.”

What advice would you give your younger self?

“Try everything. Give everything a go. If an opportunity comes up just take it and go with it.”

What other activities have you been involved with at the school? 

“I’ve been involved with the Albyn School Combined Cadet Force (RAF) club and Laser Run events which I’ve really enjoyed.” 

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S4 pupils excelled with a 96% pass rate (A-C) at National 5, with 89% of those grades at A or B level, surpassing the standard set last year.

In S5, the pass rate (A-C) for Highers is 93%, with 84% of pupils receiving A-B grades. 39% achieved all A grades across their 5 Higher exams, with 77% of pupils gaining 5 or more Highers.

The S6 cohort also attained outstanding results preserving these high standards, with 78% of pupils receiving A-B grades at Advanced Higher level.  Institutions pupils have been accepted into include the University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen, University College London and the University of New Mexico in The United States of America, with courses ranging from medicine to engineering and law.

The hard work, dedication and commitment of both students and staff have culminated in impressive performances across various subjects. The success is testament to the culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of life at Albyn School, as pupils are encouraged to dream big, work hard and never settle for anything less than their best.  

David Starbuck, Acting Head of Albyn School, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to this year’s cohort:

“The exceptional results released today demonstrate the hard work and determination of our pupils and teachers.  By instilling a mindset of ambition and striving for success, we help our pupils achieve their aspirations and excel, and the results today reflect that. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and send our congratulations to each and every pupil.”

He added: “Of course these results would not be achievable without the dedication from the staff here at Albyn and so my sincere thanks goes to them for their commitment in delivering such a high quality of teaching.” 

Alongside academic excellence, Albyn School places emphasis on educating for life and nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life beyond the classroom.  

“Our class of 2024 have flourished into remarkable young adults.  We hope they leave Albyn prepared for the next chapter and wish them all the best in their future endeavours,” said Mr Starbuck.

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The Scottish Space School, delivered by the Engineering department at the University of Strathclyde, is a one-week residential programme for S5 pupils from across Scotland that seeks to inspire this generation to consider careers in engineering and technology. The immersive experience exposes pupils to a number of engineering-based activities and is delivered by leading academics, researchers, NASA astronauts and engineers, giving pupils unprecedented access to a wealth of knowledge and skills.  

Recognising his talents and abilities in physics, Jacob was encouraged by staff at Albyn to apply to the programme. Proving incredibly popular, it received over 600 applications this year from budding engineers from around the country. The application process involved an online application with a personal statement and teacher references. Jacob was one of eighty candidates invited to Glasgow to take part in a mix of lectures, labs and workshops, all adhering to the space theme. The selection is testament to the hard work and dedication from Jacob throughout his time at school. 

Whilst the programme delivered a packed week of engineering activities, it also gave S5 pupils a taste of university life. They spent the week in university halls, attended social events in the evening with others on the programme and they also had the opportunity to meet with current university students who act as ‘mentors’ on the programme, and who themselves attended the Space School, providing valuable insight and guidance. 

Beyond the activities and socialising there is a further purpose of the programme, to identify standout participants who are invited to the Johnson Space Centre in Houston later in the year. Staff and mentors assess pupils through the week reviewing team work, leadership and communication skills. Jacob was one of thirty candidates invited back to Glasgow for the final selection and despite not making it through to the final eight individuals, he is able to hold his head high knowing that he fought off some tough competition to reach the final thirty. 

“I was very inspired by the programme and astronauts,’ Jacob shared.  ‘I learned a lot about engineering and university life. It was an incredible experience to be a part of.”

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A huge thank you to all our former pupils who shared their memories with us! Find these stories, and much more, on Facebook and Instagram .

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Jessica secured her place on Team GBR by coming first in the World Laser Run Trials, held at Leweston School in March. This victory earned her the opportunity to compete at this prestigious international event, organised by the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM). Jessica, who is now 10 years old, began her journey in laser run about two years ago.

She said: “I was training for a pentathlon and doing pistol shooting, swimming and running. I got really good at my running and then I got into laser run afterwards.”

Recalling the trials, Jessica said: “It was quite scary because there were a lot of people in my group.”

Jessica, who frequently travels for competitions, also participated in last year’s Laser Run World Championships in Bath. She is now really looking forward to the Laser Run World Championships in Zhengzhou from June 9 to 16.

She said: “I am really excited to go to China. This will be my first time in China. I will be travelling with my mum and dad. We are going for nine days.

“I am also in the mixed relay competition so I am excited for that too.”

After the world championships, Jessica is looking forward to attending Albyn School’s Laser Run Summer Camp in July. Having joined Albyn School in February, she enjoys the sport activities the school offers. Her laser focus also pays off in Maths, which is her favourite subject.

Nichola Crawford, Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Albyn School who runs the Laser Run Camp, said: “The entire Albyn School community is incredibly proud of Jessica. We will be cheering her on and we eagerly look forward to hearing all about her experience at the competition during our summer camp.”

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This is Kirsty’s fourth hair donation. Her journey began at just 8 years old, when she had her hair cut at the school Christmas fair. Since then, she has donated her hair and fundraised at ages 10, 12, and now 15. Over the years, Kirsty has raised thousands of pounds for various charities through her generous hair donations.

This time, Kirsty is raising funds for The Little Princess Trust, which creates real hair wigs for children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other conditions, and Duchenne UK, the leading for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

So far, Kirsty has raised an amazing £695 for Duchenne UK and £100 for The Little Princess Trust! Well done!

You can read more Albyn School news here.

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Visitors were treated to a wonderful performance by our P4 pupils who sang one of the songs they rehearsed for Aberdeen Big Sing that took place at Duthie Park earlier this week.

A special thank you goes to our pupils and staff for showing families what an Albyn School education can offer children aged 2-18.

You can find more information on how to apply on our website or email our admissions team on admissions@albynschool.org who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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We hear there was a record-breaking number of participants from all Scottish football clubs, so it is even more impressive that Melissa was picked for this year’s international squad. She will now attend five training sessions at Kinross High School to train for the match.

What a fantastic achievement! Well done, Melissa.

Photo credit: Scottish Schools’ Football Association

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Traditionally reserved for older Lower School and Upper School pupils, the labs have opened their doors to the school’s Nursery children under the guidance of Albyn School’s Head of Chemistry, Mrs Imlah.

This initiative aims to inspire early interest in STEM subjects by allowing the youngest members of the school community to explore basic concepts in Physics and Chemistry through age-appropriate experiments.

Pamela Edmonstone, a Deputy Manager at Albyn School Nursery, who has been dedicated to the school for two decades, expressed her enthusiasm for these sessions: “When the children come back to Nursery, they tell us all about the things they learnt in the science labs. They do different experiments, learning about sound, chemistry, and electricity. They also made bath bombs.”

Preschool children at Albyn School have recently visited the science labs.

In addition to these specialist science classes, the Nursery children also benefit from music and PE lessons conducted by specialist Albyn School teachers. The success and popularity of these sessions have prompted the Nursery team to consider expanding the range of specialist classes available in the future.

Albyn School’s Nursery programme is divided into two stages: Toddlers (2-3 years) and Preschool (3-5 years). With emphasis on the importance of play, the children build a strong foundation for future learning.

Our Preschool children are automatically enrolled into the school’s Early Excellence Phase ensuring a smooth transition to Primary 1 and the next phase of their education journey. Albyn School introduced the Early Excellence Phase this academic year to allow Primary 1 and 2 children the opportunity to grow the skills and knowledge to unlock their academic potential while enhancing their social and emotional development together.

Preschool children at Albyn School have enjoyed the science lessons.

To facilitate this transition, Preschool children who are moving on to Primary 1 in August also visit Early Excellence classes twice a week in the summer term. These sessions allow our children to acclimate to their new environment, meet their future teachers, and interact with current Primary 1 pupils who are buddies with them and will be their classmates next year.

By fostering curiosity and a love for learning from an early age, Albyn School aims to equip its pupils with the essential skills for future success.

The introduction of these science sessions and the seamless transition to the Early Excellence Phase highlight Albyn School’s commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating educational environment.

Thank you, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce for covering the story.

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Toni made her Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020, winning bronze in the 400m Freestyle S9. A year prior, Toni set the world record time for the S9 200m butterfly.

Good luck in Paris, Toni! The whole Albyn community is very proud of you.

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Hearing all your news, updates, and stories was truly heartwarming. The sense of community and shared memories made the day very special for everyone involved.

We were also especially thrilled to have former headmistress Norma Smith join us for an afternoon tea in the room named after her.

Thank you to everyone who came and made the event so special. We look forward to more gatherings and hearing more of your wonderful stories in the future.

Our next event for Albyn School former pupils – Albyn in the City – will take place on Saturday 29 June in Edinburgh and Wednesday 3 July in London. Register for the events here.

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Organised by Albyn School Parents’ Association, Albyn School Summer Fair will take place between 12.30pm and 3.30pm in the School’s playground.
It promises to be a great day packed with exciting activities, delicious food and an atmosphere buzzing with laughter and joy.

Tickets cost £2.50 for adults, £1 for children, with children under 3s going free. Children can enter for free by bringing donations for Somebody Cares charity.

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This is a Maths competition where one of the questions is given in four European languages (French, German, Spanish and Italian), and pupils are asked to present their solution in one of these languages.

Pupils compete in classes, and this year, Mr Williams’ S3 class came first in the Junior competition (National 5 level).This was the first year we entered, so to come first is a fantastic achievement.

On top of this, the team name (The Pioneers) also received a mention in the best Team Names. Well done!

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Schools from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray took part in the popular event which celebrates books and reading. Our pupils have been reading the six shortlisted books all year and they were keen to meet four of the authors – Alex Bell, Ravena Guron, Tom Palmer and Sue Wallman.

They soaked up insights into the authors’ backgrounds, creative processes, and even received helpful writing tips. Tom Palmer’s book Resist, based on Dutch resistance during World War II, was voted the winner. Resist, along with the other shortlisted titles, are available in the school’s Mackie Library.

Albyn School Librarian Mrs Macpherson said: “Taking part in the GCBA was a rewarding experience for our pupils. It is rare for Young Adult authors to visit Aberdeen, so seeing them in person and witnessing their passion for reading and writing made an impression on our pupils, giving them confidence in their own work and creativity.”

Albyn School pupils met authors at Grampian Children’s Book Award.

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Three distinct scenarios were presented to them, serving as challenges to assess their organisational acumen and decision-making abilities. These “command tasks” required our cadets to collaborate as an ad hoc team to tackle complex problems within tight timeframes.

Each task demanded swift team formation, thorough problem assessment, brainstorming of potential solutions, and rapid execution. Subsequently, as part of their training progression, cadets had the opportunity to be assessed for the Blue, Bronze, and Silver Leadership Badges.

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With the help of Scottish Opera, they told the story of magic and mystery, and learnt that by working together they can weather any storm.

We would like to thank the talented Scottish Opera actors and our supportive teachers for rehearsing with our pupils, as well as members of our Albyn community for attending the special performance.

Finally, a big well done goes to our Lower School pupils who put on a great show!

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His pieces included “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath and his favourite “The Spirit of Radio” by Rush because “this piece kept changing rhythm so it felt like multiple songs in one”.

Jonny, who has been playing drums since he was six years old, is an active member of Albyn’s music department, playing in Senior Orchestra and Covers Band. Well done, Jonny!

Click here to read more of our news.

Albyn School pupil Jonny achieved Trinity Grade 8 in drums.

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The pupils were asked to answer the following brief in 100 words: A sudden shift, a twist of fate, and bam! Everything changes! Let imaginations run wild and create confident writers as your students consider the consequences of The Glitch. What happens when an ordinary day turns extraordinary? What are the effects on the world if one thing is changed forever? What thrilling or terrifying outcomes are unleashed if one mishap alters reality?

There will be a prize for the best story which will be announced next month.

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This accomplishment is remarkable, especially following the selection of our S2 boys – Cameron and William – for a District Hockey team as well.

After enduring four rigorous selection days, the girls secured their spots in the final squad. They will proudly represent the North of Scotland at the upcoming national finals later this year.

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He achieved a fantastic score of 57 out of 60. This is an exceptional achievement which recognises Hop’s hard work, dedication and his problem-solving ability.

Well done, Hop! The whole Albyn School community is very proud of you.

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The North East team came second in the Under 12 and Under 16 categories, and picked up the overall trophy at the Championships that took place at Strathallan School in Perth.

Matteo, who started playing tennis when he was just three years old, was excited to join the North East team last October. We wish him the very best as he prepares for his upcoming tournament in Stirling!

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Our class of 2024 made the most of the day and spent their break signing their classmates’ shirts, posing for pictures and making memories they will treasure after their journey at Albyn ends.

We would like to wish the very best of luck to all those sitting their exams in the coming weeks.

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The pupils used their mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills to participate in a series of competitions, including a poster challenge, round table challenge, team challenge, strategy game and a relay challenge.

We are proud to share that Albyn School pupils secured the first place in the overall challenge, taking home the Challenge Trophy! Well done, boys!

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All children had the opportunity to try out the glitter bug, which highlights how well – or not so well – we wash our hands.

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The deserving charity, which provides support for families of pre-school children who have additional support needs and/ or disabilities, has been given the funding thanks to the efforts of S3 pupils Gemma, Goodness, Katherine, Summer and Lucie.

The much-needed funds were secured through the school’s participation in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI). Established by The Wood Foundation, YPI is an active citizenship programme which empowers young people to make a difference in their communities.

Each school is responsible for directing a grant of £3,000 to a local charity championed by its pupils through a programme of teamwork, research, and competition. Working in groups, 15 Albyn School teams created pitches, highlighting why their chosen charity would benefit from the funds the most.

We were very impressed by the standard of presentations by all our pupils. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank YPI representatives and our judges – Albyn School Captain Magnus, founder of Repair What You Wear Rosalind Studd, and former pupil and Head of Compliance at Cornerstone Suzanne Park – who had the difficult task of choosing only one winner.

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The snow conditions are amazing right now, and they have been making remarkable progress with their skiing skills. In between hitting the slopes, they have also had a blast at quiz night and indulged in delicious pizza.

For more photos and daily updates, head over to the school’s PE Instagram @albynschool_peandsport

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Not only was our highly anticipated Lip Sync Battle a massive hit, but as a school community, we also raised more than £1,000 for our four deserving Clan charities – Charlie House HQ, Maggie’s Aberdeen, AberNecessities, Cancer Research UK.

Huge congratulations to all the incredible acts who rocked both the semi-finals and finals, with a special shout out going to our winning S6 girls. Their “Aca-scuse Me” performance was outstanding, with the girls channelling Pitch Perfect flawlessly. From costumes to choreography, all participating pupils put a great effort into their numbers and should be very proud of themselves. Thank you to Trophies International for the lovely trophy!

One of the highlights of the event, which was organised by Clan Douglas, was certainly the “Radical Rejects” act, with many Albyn teachers taking to the stage for an applause-worthy performance. And who could forget Mr Williams’ moving closing number?

We would also like to thank our presenters Dr Girdwood and Mr Lamont, and our three judges: Albyn parent and Charlie House volunteer Marianne May, Lauren Mitchell from Northsound 1 and Rebecca Stewart, Maggie’s centre fundraising organiser.

Last but not least, a massive thank you goes to our Modern Studies teacher Mrs Milne for putting together such an unforgettable event!

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As part of their cadet journey, they got to glide in the Viking TX1 glider. Gliding is an adventure sport, requiring the pilot to harness the power of nature to stay airborne. Each cadet had not one but two flights, lasting about five minutes each. During the flight the pilot performed simple aerobatics and allowed the cadets to assume control and fly the glider!

The cadets learned how the glider flies and stays aloft as well as emergency procedures should a problem arise. Albyn RAF Cadets have the opportunity to fly many times during the year, with the next session taking place in May.

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Ce vendredi 22 mars, les parents de l’École Française, pour célébrer la semaine de la Francophonie, ont offert à tous les élèves et toute la communauté d’Albyn School, une crêpe au sucre.

Cet événement est devenu une tradition puisqu’il avait déjà eu lieu l’an dernier à la même période.

Merci mille fois aux parents pour ce délicieux et convivial moment et qui ont préparé plus de 800 crêpes.

Un bien belle manière de pratiquer la “Langue Française” puisque tous les élèves devaient s’exprimer ou faire l’effort de parler en français.

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Kirsten Burnett, Albyn School’s Head of Support for Learning (SFL) and English as an additional language (EAL), said: “Neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected along with all other human variations. Depending on how our brains are wired, we think, move, process information, and communicate in different ways.

“Many people in our community are neurodiverse and we celebrate this as an ‘umbrella term’ used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD.

“Regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. Approximately 15-20% of the population has a neurological difference. Using the term neurodiversity means that instead of labelling people with deficits, disabilities or disorders, we are taking a balanced and holistic view of every individuals’ unique strengths and challenges.”

We would also like to thank our S6 pupil Hope for putting together a display about neurodiversity.

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The evening was filled with amazing performances from our P3-S6 pupils who showcased their talents in various creative arts activities. From solo acts and the Junior Guitar Ensemble to contemporary and Highland dancing, we were blown away by our pupils’ skills.

The art display as well as the theatre and gymnastics segments were also incredible, with a special shoutout going to our Boomwhacker Boys whose rendition of Dance Monkey by Tones and I put a smile on everyone’s face.

A big thank you goes to all our pupils and dedicated teachers for making this event such a success!

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Despite the challenging weather with rain and mud, we were thrilled to welcome 1,500 enthusiastic pupils who showed incredible dedication and resilience.

A huge congratulations to every participant, from those who clinched victory to those who courageously tackled the course. Your commitment to pushing through despite the conditions is truly commendable and sets a wonderful example for us all.

We are immensely proud of each and every one of you for showcasing sportsmanship, determination, and teamwork throughout the event. Thank you for making today’s championships such a memorable and successful occasion!

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Throughout the morning, the Headmaster shared valuable insight about the School and our talented musicians treated visitors to a moving performance of Suddenly, Seymour from the school’s recent production of Little Shop of Horrors.

A special thank you goes to our pupils and staff for showing families what an Albyn School education can offer children aged 2-18.

You can find more information on how to apply on our website or email our admissions team on admissions@albynschool.co.uk who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Our next Open Day takes place on Friday 24 May.

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Our young historians delved into the Victorian era with an immersive trip to Tarves Heritage Centre.

From trying on the Dunce’s cap to experiencing the strict discipline of a Victorian classroom, they truly immersed themselves in history! But the adventure did not end there – they also ventured to Haddo House, where the opulent lives of the wealthy contrasted starkly with the struggles of the working class.

Decked out in their finest Victorian attire, both pupils and teachers embraced the role with gusto. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and a touch of Victorian charm. So many great memories to cherish!

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It was great to see pupils embrace the theme of “Feeling Cultural – Unity in Diversity” and wear their cultural dress to school to mark the occasion.

In the Nursery and Lower School, pupils celebrated within their classes and year groups by learning more about different cultures.

Meanwhile, the Upper School turned the Hall into a culinary adventure with our International Food Fair at lunchtime. With nearly 20 nationalities represented, we all enjoyed delicious dishes from around the world. Admission to this flavourful feast was just £4 – we are pleased to share we raised £800 which will be donated to our deserving Clan charities.

Our theme of celebrating “Unity in Diversity” continues into the following week, with Albyn’s first Iftar taking place on Tuesday 12 March.

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At Albyn School, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible women who have been a part of our journey since Albyn’s inception as an all-girls school in 1867.

From our visionary founder, Harriet Warrack, to pioneers like Isabella Asher, the first woman to achieve MA honours at the University of Aberdeen, to the exceptional female teachers and pupils shaping our community today – we honour their achievements and enduring impact.

Here’s to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere!

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Albyn School was buzzing with excitement as our staff and pupils dressed up as their beloved book characters for World Book Day (7 March). What a fabulous day!

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Alex, who started flying back in 2022, said: “I completed my training and my instructors let me go up on my own in mid-August 2023, only two months after my fourteenth birthday. Yes, you can get a flying licence before a driving licence!

“On my first solo flight I managed to gain over 5,500 feet of height unpowered and stayed up there for well over an hour before the ground crew told me to come down. This was great as most first solo flights only last 10 to 20 minutes. Overall, I have had an amazing experience flying so far.”

Well done, Alex!

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From the moment the lights dimmed, the stage came alive with an explosion of talent, enthusiasm, and sheer joy that captivated us all.

Bravo to the phenomenal cast and the dedicated team behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to bring this masterpiece to life. A standing ovation is in order for Mrs Sinclair and Mr Cowling whose guidance and commitment shone through every scene.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Phil and Craig from Lawsound for helping us with audio production, and everyone on and off stage – you all did such an amazing job. And let’s not forget the countless hours put in by staff and pupils who brought the set design and costumes to vivid reality.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone in our Albyn community for supporting and celebrating the talent that we have here at Albyn School.

There are a few remaining tickets available for tonight’s and tomorrow’s Albyn School performances of Little Shop of Horrors which can be booked here.

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We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lower School teacher and the show’s director Mrs Sinclair and Music teacher Mr Cowling who have done a fabulous job rehearsing with our pupils.

We hope everyone in the Albyn community will enjoy our take on the funny musical!

Do not miss Albyn School’s Little Shop of Horrors from 28 February to 1 March. Some tickets are still available and can be booked here.

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Together, we raised vital funds for the Charlie House ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign which was launched to help raise £1m for its Big Build Appeal, an initiative to develop a dedicated support centre in Aberdeen for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.

With your help, we were able to raise £360! Combined with the proceeds from our Christmas Fair, we were able to purchase two virtual bricks for Charlie House in Albyn’s name. This contribution will go a long way in bringing comfort and support to those who need it most.

Thank you very much for your support and generosity.

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Chat with fellow parents and teachers, share experiences, and build a strong school community. Refreshments will be provided. We cannot wait to see you there!

Please RSVP here.

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Their adventure began by walking down to the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument to watch the sunset over the City of Seven Hills. They also visited the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and more. Taking a break from sightseeing, our Upper School pupils also enjoyed ice cream at the Circus Maximus, the greatest chariot racing stadium of the ancient world.

Albyn School pupils then ventured out to Vatican where they marvelled at Raphael’s painted rooms and Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel before heading into St Peter’s Basilica.

Dr Girdwood, Head of Classics, added: “Wednesday saw us travel down to the Bay of Naples where we began to learn about Roman private life from the archaeological site at Herculaneum. On Thursday, we climbed to the summit of Mount Vesuvius itself before spending the afternoon in the ruins of Pompeii. All in all it was, in the words of one member of the party, ‘life-changing’.”

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The motion “This house would ban examinations in schools and universities” sparked thought-provoking discussions, showcasing the impressive argumentative skills and critical thinking of our pupils.

A big well done goes to all the participants for their hard work and dedication in this S1-S3 competition, with a special shoutout to Evie (S4) who won the floor debate.

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The show follows florist Seymour who discovers a mysterious plant that has a craving for human blood and flesh. As the plant, named Audrey II, grows and gains popularity, Seymour must balance his newfound success with the increasingly sinister demands of his carnivorous companion.

See how the story unfolds at our production of Little Shop of Horrors (28 February – 1 March).

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased here.

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From the giggles to the sticky fingers, it was a day filled with fun and culinary creativity.

Here’s to many more fun-filled moments and creating sweet memories together!

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They explored the lives of great pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, unravelling the mysteries of pyramids and the fascinating Valley of the Kings.

Discovering the pantheon of gods that the Ancient Egyptians believed in added an extra layer of excitement to their learning journey. What a wonderful start to the IPC Unit Temples, Tombs and Treasures.

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They had lots of fun creating coloured solutions which they then used to demonstrate capillary action. Using their knowledge of colour mixing, the class created a rainbow of moving colours. What a fun experiment!

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With a definite change of tone from The Sound of Music and Annie, Little Shop of Horrors promises to bring pop, R&B and soul as well as a good measure of attitude from our Audrey II, played by S1’s Sanjay.

With a cast, crew and band spanning from P6 to S6, totalling more than 50 members, we cannot wait to bring this blood curdling plant to life on stage.

Do not miss Albyn School’s take on Little Shop of Horrors from 28 February to 1 March. Tickets can be booked here.

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In January, Sanoja and Catherine debated against St Margaret’s School for Girls, Broxburn Academy and Lornshill Academy on the motion “This house would legalise assisted dying in the UK”.

After another fantastic performance, they have now made it through to the semi-final of the event which will take place in March. This is a great achievement and we wish them the very best of luck for the next round! #albynschool #educatingforlife

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With class sizes of no more than 12 and delivered by Albyn’s highly qualified and experienced teachers, pupils will receive individual attention to assist them in boosting their grade.

The following subjects and levels are available: Biology (National 5, Higher), Human Biology (Higher), Chemistry (National 5, Higher), Maths (National 5, Higher), English (National 5, Higher).

If you are interested, please fill in this form by Friday 15 March.

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Tying in with their topic of food, P5 pupils enjoyed learning about the ingredients and process of making crêpres in French.

Chandeleur, or Candlemas, is a holiday celebrated on February 2, 40 days after Christmas. The name “Chandeleur” comes from the French word for candle – chandelle – referencing the tradition of blessing candles on this day. The celebration is also linked to light. It is thought that the shape of the crêpe looks like a solar disc or the sun symbolising the return of spring.

In France, it is customary to make crêpes on Chandeleur, and there is a belief that if you can flip a crêpe with a coin in your hand and it lands successfully back in the pan, you will have good luck for the year.

Thank you very much to Madame de Cacqueray and Madame Poupard for coming in to give our pupils this experience.

The post Albyn School celebrated La Chandeleur in French class appeared first on Albyn School - Aberdeen, Scotland.

As a school community, we collected a whopping 495kg of food which was donated to Instant Neighbour’s Food Bank. The deserving north-east charity provides emergency food parcels to those in need.

In addition, our S3 pupils took part in a Charity Fair as part of The Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) which has been run in the school since its inception with the Wood Foundation in 2008.

Each year, S3 pupils engage with a local charity and attempt to win £3,000 (funded by the Wood Foundation) for that charity. Today, our pupils met representatives from local charities including Mental Health Aberdeen, Aberdeen Cyrenians, and Calico. It was great to catch up with former staff and pupils who support the charities!

Working in groups, 15 teams will create a pitches to be presented on 20 March with the aim of winning the £3,000 grant for their chosen charity.

Thank you for your generosity and making this Feel Good Friday so special.

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The school organised a Computing event with the aim of re-energising the networking opportunities for Computing teachers between schools in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Taking place on Monday (22 January), the inaugural event particularly sought to provide support for Computer Science teachers who are working in small or single-person departments.

We were pleased to host teachers from local state schools including Aberdeen Grammar School, Bridge of Don Academy, Dyce Academy, Harlaw Academy, Banchory Academy, Cults Academy, Portlethen Academy, independent school Robert Gordon’s College as well as the University of Aberdeen.

Ian Simpson, Albyn School’s Head of Computing, said: “During the meeting we discussed the National 5 and Higher assignments for this year and worked in teams on different aspects of the tasks to generate working solutions and identify areas where there might be queries or misunderstandings.

“The plan is to continue to meet regularly across the school sessions at different venues to maximise the reach of the networking group.”

Albyn School consistently engages in knowledge and resource sharing initiatives with other schools in the region. In the previous year, we opened our science labs to 24 teachers from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to host our ‘Call Me a Chemist’ event, with the aim of inspiring local primary school teachers who are not specialist science teachers.

Albyn School’s Head of Chemistry, Catherine Imlah, who organised the event, said: “I wanted to help support science education in all schools and help teachers gain inspiration and confidence by offering a personalised experience and time to practise the experiments themselves.”

Each teacher was provided with a resource pack containing worksheets for pupils. Additionally, they received a teacher information sheet providing detailed instructions for various experiments, along with additional suggestions to expand the activities. The pack also included links to supplementary resources, as well as information on science outcomes and benchmarks.

Following overwhelming demand, Albyn School will host another series of ‘Call Me a Chemist’ events, with the next session taking place in February 2024.

Headmaster, Stefan Horsman, said: “Albyn School’s commitment to fostering collaboration between state and independent schools in Aberdeen is part of our educational mission. These events for Computing and Chemistry exemplify our dedication to creating a supportive ecosystem where educators can share expertise, resources, and inspiration. We believe that by working together, we can enhance the quality of education for all pupils in the region.”

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Last year, we introduced our rainbow staircase as a symbol of inclusivity, diversity and belonging. As a school, we are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community.

We live in a time when the world is moving so quickly but our commitment to stamping out prejudice through education remains steadfast.

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Enjoy these behind the scenes shots and stay tuned for the film’s premiere in late February, following the results announcement.

***

Organisé par le ministère de la Culture et la Délégation générale à la langue française et aux langues de France (DGLFLF), en partenariat avec le ministère de l’Éducation nationale, « Dis-moi dix mots » a pour objectif de sensibiliser le public à la langue française.

Le concours dédié invite les élèves français et francophones des établissements français à l’étranger à réaliser une œuvre collective, artistique ou littéraire à partir des dix mots choisis: Adrénaline, Prouesse, Échappée, Faux départ, Mental, S’encorder, Collectif, Hors-jeu, Champion, Aller aux oranges,

L’école française d’Aberdeen, sur une idée originale des élèves du collège, a réalisé un film de trois minutes pour participer à ce concours. Le film vous sera présenté fin février après l’annonce des résultats.

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Albyn School’s delegation represented India in a range of committees and at the general assembly. Sophie (S6), Evie (S4), Adwait (S3), Ethan (S3), and Michas (S2) discussed topics ranging from the conflict in Kashmir to worldwide deaths caused by tuberculosis.

Michas and Evie took to the stage in front of more than 100 delegates to submit an amendment to a resolution regarding conflict in the South China Sea.

Michas received the Outstanding Delegate award for his committee (SPECPOL). This is a fantastic achievement and even more impressive as this was his first Model UN conference. Well done to all involved!

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Your child will have a chance to participate in both creative and sport activities as well as go on exciting local trips.

The School’s holiday club, which is for P1 to S2 pupils, costs £225 for one week, £50 per individual day, and the price includes trips and visits, transport and two healthy snacks per day.

The deadline for applying is Friday 9 February. If you are interested, please fill in this form.

If you have any questions or require more information, please email holiday.club@albynschool.co.uk

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We would also like to thank our talented S1 pupil Anna for her wonderful violin performance which was enjoyed by all in attendance.

During lunch, our little ones also had a chance to try haggis, neeps and tatties.

In other news, Albyn’s P5-7 pupils were treated to Burns Supper and ceilidh.

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After a stellar welcome from our talented S5 piper, we kicked things off with a traditional Burns Supper and “Address to a Haggis” by our very own Mr Lamont.

The night continued with our pupils showcasing their moves and enjoying traditional Scottish country dancing, paired with fantastic musical performances that added the perfect rhythm to the celebration!

A big thank you goes to our PE department for organising such a great event.

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We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the stylish cocktail bar The Alchemist in St James Quarter. Even though it is an Edinburgh event, all former pupils are welcome to attend this annual get-together. We would also like to extend this invitation to any former staff who would like to come along.

If you are interested, please register for the event here.

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From having fun with Piglet and Eeyore colouring sheets to dancing around like Tigger, our little ones embraced the whimsical world of Hundred Acre Wood.

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” – Winnie the Pooh

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The musicians invited our children into the wonderful world of fairy tales including Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. The duo mesmerised our attentive audience – our pupils were particularly impressed by Geoffrey’s ability to play blindfolded!

B!z’art also invited Albyn School musicians An (P7) and Sophie (P5) to perform a song as part of Tuesday’s event. Bravo!

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Their laughter echoed through the frosty air, turning the snow-covered landscape into a magical playground.

These moments remind us to find beauty in simplicity, cherishing the innocence and laughter of our little explorers. The heart-warming magic of an ordinary snowy day turning into an extraordinary memory is something truly special.

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Les rois et les reines pour l’occasion sont Amelie, Martin, Marin et Adrien et Danica d’Albyn school!

Our Aberdeen French School pupils enjoyed galette des rois (King Cake) earlier today. Usually served on 6 January (Three Kings’ Day), the tasty cake is made of puff pastry and “frangipane” which is a cream made from almonds, butter, eggs and sugar.

Our pupils were eager to find a small charm hidden inside the cake because the person who finds it in their slice is crowned the King or Queen!

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Our P7 Transitus year provides a bridge between Lower and Upper School, supporting a seamless transition into S1 the following year. If you would like your child to join Albyn School in P7 next academic year, you can learn more about the Transitus stage on our website here or contact the Admissions Team on admissions@albynschool.co.uk or 01224 322408.

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He has achieved a distinction in Round 1 and a qualifying score for Round 2 of the BMO which will take place later this month.

As well as challenging high-scorers from the BMO Round 1, the Round 2 is an entry point to the training and selection programme for international competition.

Hop, who is always keen to represent the school’s Maths department, said he was “quite proud” of himself as this was the first time he made it to the second round.

What an incredible achievement. Well done and good luck in Round 2!

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Royal Air Force (RAF) Cadets of Albyn’s Combined Cadet Force really enjoyed taking part in the RAF’s Air Flight Experience at RAF Leuchars last term.

Eight cadets paired up with an experienced pilot in a Grob Tutor T.Mk 1 aircraft for 20-minute flights.

During these flights, the pilots performed numerous flight manoeuvres which included flying upside down and barrel rolls. What an amazing experience!

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We are always keen to learn what our FPs get up to after leaving Albyn School. If you are an FP, you can join the School’s online community here.

It is a great way to reconnect with old friends, look through our photo boards, and find out about our latest news and events.

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Model United Nations encourages pupils to learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions, while helping them develop public speaking, writing and research skills.

Prior to the event, each delegate was tasked with producing position papers which stated their country’s stance on sustainable cities. Australia were chosen to present their resolution in front of the rest of the delegates, which was passed after amendments from France and Russia.

The second half of the conference consisted of an emergency. Santa’s sleigh had crashed on the Finnish border and Saint Nick had been taken as a political prisoner. It was the job of our international community to then debate this and come up with solutions for this issue. Delegates came up with several brilliant and creative clauses and debated these; however, none were able to be passed after not achieving enough votes.

The event ended with the best position paper prize being awarded to Thailand, South Sudan, Qatar and Chile. The commended and highly commended awards went to Australia, France, Pakistan and Finland.

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The local charity supports families who are unable to afford to buy Christmas gifts for their children.

Members of the Albyn School community were able to pick a gift tag for a child referred to the appeal, purchase a gift for them and bring the gift to school with the tag attached. All presents were then collected by the charity and will be delivered to deserving families.

Our involvement with this charity serves as a powerful educational tool for our pupils. By actively participating in charitable causes, our children learn the values of compassion, kindness, and social responsibility.

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A tremendous well done and thank you are extended to all the pupils and staff who played integral roles in orchestrating such a splendid event.

Today also marks the end of the Autumn Term, so we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a great break. We will share photos from our festive events and activities over the next few days.

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They performed seven festive songs, spreading joy to all staff and families in attendance.

A big thank you goes to our dedicated staff, in particular, Ms Addison, our Acting Director of Music, for working with our children and organising such a lovely performance!

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We hope the performance, complete with narrators, sheep, shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph, and a very grumpy donkey, brought a smile to everyone’s face.

Thank you to our amazing pupils, staff and our Acting Director of Music, Ms Addison, for putting on such a wonderful performance.

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Scouts spotted Melissa – who is an integral member of Albyn School’s newly formed Girls U15 Football team – play in a very successful Girls Tournament and closely watched her play for her club.

She was one of the 35 girls selected for the final SSFA trial that took place yesterday (18 December) in Glasgow, and one of 18 that made the final squad. Melissa can now look forward to playing in the Bob Doc Tournament in Athlone, Ireland, next year.

Melissa, who started playing football when she was only seven years old, said: “Scouts came to some of the games, looking for people to select for the international team. I got an email that I should come to Glasgow for the trial. I think the trial went really well for me.

“I feel very good about myself. I think I want to pursue football in the future.”

Well done, Melissa! We cannot wait to see you shine in the Bob Doc Tournament!

Photo credit: Scottish Schools’ Football Association

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After an impressive second-place finish in the Independent Schools heat in September, team Albyn showcased skill and determination in the national final which took place at the Glasgow Science Centre.

The competition – featuring four rounds with intricately designed problem-solving questions – culminated in a relay round which saw pupils attempting to complete as many questions as possible in a set time.

Team Albyn’s stellar performance earned them a commendable ninth place out of 52 participating teams from across Scotland. We are all very proud of your achievement!

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We loved seeing so many of our staff and pupils dressed up in festive jumpers and rocking jolly accessories.

Thank you to everyone who bought tasty cakes at Albyn School’s bake sale – all profits will be donated to our deserving Clan charities. We also collected many chocolate selection boxes which will make their way to local charities.

Staff and pupils were also treated to a fabulous holiday lunch!

The highlight of the day was our Clan Singing when our four Clans took to the stage to belt out festive classics. Congratulations to Clan Douglas who were crowned the winners of the festive extravaganza!

Thank you to everyone for making this Feel Good Friday so special and memorable.

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Throughout the morning, the Headmaster shared valuable insight about the School and our talented musicians treated visitors to a fantastic festive performance.

A special thank you goes to our pupils and staff for showing families what an Albyn School education has to offer.

You can find more information on how to apply here or email our admissions team on admissions@albynschool.co.uk who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Please note that our Fee Assistance application portal closes on 19 December, and our assessment days take place in early 2024.

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We hope many of you will be able to join us for a festive drink on us. We would love to find out what you have been up to since leaving school.

Please see the event details below:

What: Festive Fizz for recent Albyn School leavers (2018 onwards)
When: Monday 18 December from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Where: Albyn School

Register for the free event here.

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They invited our P5 pupils to watch their insightful presentations and showcased their findings in a marketplace-type environment.

Our children also had the chance to play educational games aimed at raising awareness of environmental sustainability.

A big well done goes to our S3 pupils for putting on such an excellent event and to our P5 children for being a great audience.

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The annual event is designed for teams of pupils to compete in a realistic project set within the energy industry. This year, they were tasked with creating an oil field development plan.

The Albyn team were sponsored by BP and worked through complex engineering calculations to be able to create their final proposal. Our pupils were commended on their excellent presentation and understanding of the financial implications as well as the environmental concerns.

While they did not have success in winning the project, they gained valuable skills in communication and an insight into the world of engineering.

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It was heartening to witness families exploring their child’s learning space, gaining insights into their little one’s educational journey, and celebrating their hard work.

Ailey Smith, Deputy Head of Lower School (P3 ‑ P7), said: “Each academic year, the school term seems to fly by and some children are too busy or too tired to fully communicate what they have been learning and experiencing and, for parents, it can lead to an air of mystery about what has been going on in school.

“Open Classroom helps to demystify this and bridge the gap between home and school. Allowing parents to be active participants in their child’s educational journey is beneficial to all.”

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Do not miss our festive event on Tuesday 19 December at St Mark’s Church in Rosemount. We would encourage you to secure your spot soon as tickets are limited to two per family due to limited space.

We are excited to share the joy of the season with you all!

Tickets can be secured here.

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From Santa’s Grotto and live music, to great products and delicious food on offer, it was a day filled with festive delights. A big thank you goes to our dedicated Albyn School Parents’ Association (ASPA) for organising such a fabulous event!

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Our talented S3-6 pupils delighted the crowd with enchanting renditions of Rudolph and Holly Jolly Christmas at the Evening Express Carol Concert. This beloved annual event has been uniting schoolchildren from across the north-east since 1967 to mark the start of the festive season in style.

Performing at P&J Live, which previously hosted the likes of Elton John and Rod Stewart, was an incredible experience for our pupils – one they will treasure for years to come.

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Our children had been developing their letter-writing skills and wrote letters to Mr Flynn, expressing their concerns about the increasing level of plastic waste in our oceans. They were delighted he decided to come answer their questions in person.

Mr Flynn said he shared their concerns and talked about what action is being taken. Our pupils also used this opportunity to quiz him about the life of an MP.

Following the Q&A, Headmaster Stefan Horsman took Mr Flynn on a tour of the school, highlighting the fantastic opportunities an Albyn School education can offer children.

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Following the success of last year’s event, our Maths department hosted 45 enthusiastic P6 and P7 pupils from five local primary schools (Crombie Primary School, Ferryhill Primary School, Holy Family RC Primary School, Skene Square Primary School, and St. Joseph’s R.C. School) as well as from our own Lower School.

Pupils were placed in teams of five, working with pupils from other schools. While there was an element of competition, the emphasis was on working together and having fun with maths. There were several rounds, including some group tasks, a number game and a relay race.

The atmosphere was fantastic and we cannot wait to host next year’s event!

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Our team debated against St Margaret’s School and Lathallan School on the motion “This house would allow the use of performance enhancing drugs in sport”.

This was a great achievement for Sanoja and Catherine in their first full competition. There were also some excellent floor debate contributions from our Debate and Public Speaking members on the night.

Well done and the very best of luck!

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L’atelier est animé, tous les lundis, par Madame Alexandra Souchot, enseignante à l’Ecole Française.

La webRadio, nouveau média scolaire vient compléter les vertus pédagogiques de la radio traditionnelle et permet aux élèves de s’engager dans le métier de l’information et de la communication. De nombreux établissements diffusent leurs émissions de radio sur Internet ou sur leur site.

Outil médiatique complet de l’apprentissage, la radio conjugue le travail sur les différents modes d’expression que sont l’oralité et l’écriture avec celui des techniques de création, de production et de diffusion en ligne. La Webradio développe aussi la curiosité, l’ouverture d’esprit, l’esprit critique et permet d’acquérir toutes les compétences techniques liées à la création d’une émission radiophonique.

Nos trois journalistes créent de bout en bout les podcasts, depuis la rédaction des articles, les enregistrements, le choix et la création des musiques, les arrangements de la bande son et le montage final qui sera diffusé.

Je vous présente ici la première émission de cette année 2023-2024, qui sera bientôt suivi d’un podcast, ayant pour thème « Noël »: https://on.soundcloud.com/uwqqz

Cet atelier est ouvert aux élèves d’Albyn School.

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Joining hands to bring smiles to disadvantaged children and adults in Eastern Europe, the boxes serve as presents in orphanages, homes as well as hospitals.

Albyn School’s RotaKids ACE group also helped us transport the boxes to the van for collection. Thank you to everyone who supported the worthwhile project.

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CyberSafe Scotland, a non-profit organisation, specialises in creating and providing tools to empower vulnerable children to navigate the online world safely. Working with schools, parents and local authorities, they aim to safeguard children in their online experiences.

Our next Breakfast Briefing, which will take place on Friday 8 December, will be focused on study skills. We are looking forward to sharing valuable tips on how you can help your child focus and plan for their exams.

If you would like to join us for coffee and a croissant and to learn more, please sign up to this event here.

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Model UN instigates the pupils’ critical thinking, develops their ability to solve problems with efficiency and strengthens their comprehension ability. It also improves their communication skills in a way that they are able to make their thoughts known and understood.

The club is all about carrying out simulations of the many committees which make up the United Nations. In those, real life geopolitical world issues are debated and argued for or against, with each student representing a country and giving statements about the topic based on what favours the interests of their nation.

The pupils are responsible for studying the conflict being dealt with and the position of all other countries to which it and its possible consequences may be of concern. The goal is to, alongside the other delegates, write up a resolution proposal which benefits the countries while also resolving the issue.

With the guidance of Mr Currie and Mrs Milne, the pupils gather during Monday lunchtimes to practise and develop their abilities to solve the conflicts as quickly as possible, while also getting the chance to gather even more knowledge about current world affairs – which is greatly useful when they attend Model UN events in other schools.

Above all, Model UN is a club about having fun and engaging with others while also gaining knowledge on the most important events that are happening or have happened in world history.

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We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the families who took the time to visit us and learn more about our forward-looking, forward-thinking and progressive school.

A special thank you goes out to our dedicated staff for their efforts in providing a comprehensive overview of the unique educational experience offered at Albyn School, as well as our Lower School choir for treating attendees to such a wonderful performance.

Throughout the morning, our Headmaster shared valuable insights into the expansive range of more than 100 co-curricular activities our pupils can choose from. Additionally, our S1 pupil Beatrix delivered an inspirational speech on the theme of confidence – one of Albyn School’s six key qualities.

You can find more information on how to apply here or email our admissions team on admissions@albynschool.co.uk who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you were not able to join us today, we hope you will consider coming to our next Open Day on Friday 15 December.

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The School Captains shared the stories of some of Albyn’s earliest pupils who served during the Great War. The Last Post was delivered and followed by two minutes’ silence observed by all in attendance.

Albyn School’s Combined Cadet Force stood to attention as a mark of respect; they will also take part in the Aberdeen City Remembrance Parade on Sunday 12 November.

Lest we forget.

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It was great to see so many captivating performances by our Senior Orchestra, Lower School Choir, Senior Choir, Drama students, dancers as well as soloists. The event was a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the breadth of talent we have here at Albyn School.

We would also like to thank all attendees for being so enthusiastic and supporting our wonderful pupils who have the courage to create.

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As part of their Space IPC topic, the class used their knowledge of chemical reactions to launch their mini rockets. They evaluated their methods after the first launch and changed either their volume of water, temperature of water or particle size of their compound. Some of the rockets nearly landed on the roof!

To coincide with Chemistry Week, Mrs Imlah, Head of Chemistry at Albyn School, is also pleased to share that following overwhelming demand and thoroughly positive feedback, she will once again host a series of ‘Call Me A Chemist’ events in early 2024.

Back in January 2023, Albyn School welcomed 24 primary school teachers from across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire into our science labs to inspire local primary school teachers who are not specialist science teachers. We cannot wait to open our doors again and help support science education in all schools.

Call Me a Chemist event will return in 2024.

Read more about the Call Me a Chemist events on the HMC website here.

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The focus of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week is the resounding call to “Make a Noise about Bullying”. Over the course of this week, there will be various activities related to this topic for the children to take part in.

For instance, our wellbeing ambassadors delivered an anti-bullying assembly to our Upper School and Lower School pupils earlier today. We also organised a board games club, which focused on friendship and kindness, for our P6 and P7 pupils.

(As a school, we are observing Anti-Bullying Week a week earlier as our S4 pupils will be on exam leave from the following week.)

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Our pupils and staff had a great time showing families what an Albyn School education has to offer.

You can find more information on how to apply here or email our admissions team on admissions@albynschool.co.uk who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you were not able to join us today, we hope you will consider coming to Albyn School’s next Open Day on Friday 17 November.

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Our S3 pupil Jonathan, who is the marketing manager of the School’s Formula 24 club, wrote the below blog about the achievement.

On 8 October, a group of 14 pupils from across multiple year groups took part in the international final of the Goodwood F24 competition, taking two cars. During a trip to the south coast of England spanning four days they came away with an incredible result – victory in the kit car category, against teams from not just the UK, but all across the globe, including competitors from the US, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal.

The event itself is held annually at major motorsports tracks, usually in the Sussex area, with this year’s event being held at the Goodwood Motor Circuit itself. A distance race in format, teams had to switch drivers quickly and efficiently during the race while utilising their batteries to the absolute maximum to obtain the longest distance. However, much of our team, though experienced drivers and pit crew in regional qualifiers, had never been on the team for a Goodwood trip before.

This follows on from a period of massive change at the club, where pupils have been taking on a much more active role. Since the beginning of last year, we have had club roles introduced and looked to develop all aspects of the club, from racing, mechanics, equipment and useful knowledge for when on the track to writing letters to sponsors, and by the end of this season at the latest, we hope to have a third car on the track. A grassroots-type transformation has taken place for the team. Last year, almost all the work was put in by the adults on the trip. This year, the exact opposite was true.

Our thoughts were simple: we knew we were better than fourth, and with a better all-round knowledge of the teams facing us, the cars, and the race itself, we were aiming for the podium. We had analysed and knew beforehand our strengths and weaknesses, and with one of the best enduring cars in the kit division – aptly named GA1 after the club name, Green Arrows – we knew pit stops would be our main stumbling block.

So from meetings in school to practices before the trip, we were drilled and race-ready, culminating in some of our best and fastest ever driver changes. With what I think all our club members would say we showcased the absolute best of our incredible drivers and amazing pit crew, as well as some quick thinking, good communication and great teamwork on the part of the team as a whole. We were able to pull off a fully deserved win (and with a not insignificant lead at the finish), meanwhile setting the longest ever distance in Goodwood’s competition – as they themselves published just a couple days ago.

Thank you from all of us to the incredible teachers, other staff and volunteers who brought us this far, and hopefully we will have a similar story to tell next year!

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For centuries, our education system has been fairly narrowly focused on ‘filling the pail’ – the acquisition of knowledge and the relentless drive towards passing exams – at the expense of critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity. With the advent of AI, a rapidly-changing workplace and potentially significant changes to the educational landscape, all that may be about to change. For too long, we have viewed education through a purely academic lens with a singular focus on exam success. And whilst exam success is undoubtedly a necessary stepping stone in the journey to a good education, it is by no means sufficient on its own.

Of course, many who achieve strong academic grades in their exams do go on to further success and to lead happy and fulfilled lives, but there are also a number who, despite stellar exam results, do not find happiness or success beyond school. At the same time, we can all point to examples of people whose exam results were less than stellar, but who have, nevertheless, gone on to great things and to lead fulfilled, productive and ‘socially useful’ lives. As Harvard University Professor David Perkins puts it, ‘A high IQ is like height in a basketball player. It’s very important, but there’s a lot more to being a good basketball player than being tall’.

Here we are getting into a debate between raw intellectual horsepower (IQ) versus Emotional Intelligence (sometimes called EQ). It is my belief that it is these so-called ‘soft skills’ that are equally as important as, if not more important than, IQ. In fact, employers are very clear about the skillsets, aptitudes and attitudes they are looking for in the workforce of the future, many of which would fall into the category of ‘soft skills’. Take, for example, the list below of the World Economic Forum’s Top 10 Skills from their Future of Jobs Report:

Many of these skills are developed within the classroom, but many more are developed outside it: on sports fields; in concert halls and theatres; or on mountains. For example, just think about what our youngsters experience when they perform on stage: creative thinking; resilience, flexibility and agility; motivation and self-awareness; curiosity and lifelong learning; dependability and attention to detail; empathy and active listening; leadership and social influence. And that’s just the skills on the WEF’s list (seven of the ten) not to mention their ability to deal with pressure, learn from mistakes, work effectively in a team, and much more besides.

The reality is that the skillsets and mindsets our children will need for the future will be developed both inside and outside the classroom. If we are serious about ‘educating for life’, we must provide the platforms and experiences for our children to develop these future-focused aptitudes and attitudes in all areas of school life which is exactly what we are doing at Albyn and is one of the clear and intended outcomes of our Strategic Vision launched in the last few weeks.

Above all else, our Strategic Vision is focused on ensuring our pupils are prepared for the fast-changing world beyond our granite walls, ensuring that they have the attitudes and values needed to make a positive impact in the communities and workplaces in which they will go on to in their adult lives.

We recognise that the world is changing very fast, and as much as this is a challenge it is also an exciting landscape of opportunity and possibility. Our Strategic Vision and our key refrain of ‘educating for life’ is, therefore, a vision rooted in the imperative for education to be about lighting fires in our youngsters: fires of awe and wonder; fires of confidence; fires of innovation; fires of imagination. With the right kindling and careful tending of the flames, we have the opportunity to let our youngsters blaze brightly, boldly, and brilliantly.

So, let’s throw out those pails, and start lighting some fires!

– Stefan Horsman, Headmaster

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The sale will run online from Wednesday 1 November until Wednesday 8 November. Keen readers will be able to buy many books for £2.50. All books ordered will be delivered to school and distributed to your child.

The book sale will also boost the range of books in our school library. For every five books purchased in the sale, we will earn a new book for our school library.

Do not forget to use the special Albyn School promo code (which you can find on the website).

Join Albyn School’s Book Mama virtual book sale here.

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Join us for a night filled with captivating performances by the Senior Orchestra, Lower School Choir, Senior Choir, talented drama students, amazing dancers, sensational soloists and so much more next Tuesday (7 November) from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Free tickets can be booked here.

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“We began the day looking at what makes a good story,” said the performer.

“The pupils were challenged to create flash moments of theatre inspired by an object that they brought with them.”

The purpose of the exercise was to show Albyn pupils that stories are everywhere around them.

Ms Young added: “Since we watch a lot of TV and film, we can forget that there is so much more different language available in theatre such as mime and puppetry.

“The pupils were asked to take one ‘theatre language ingredient’ and one ingredient from what they think makes a good story to create something spontaneous to show the room.

“What I wanted to achieve was for each of the pupils to have an experience of performing, being seen and having something they made celebrated to have the confidence to go out and make something a more long-form in the future.”

Ms Young took a break from touring to teach the one-day theatre workshop at Albyn School. Following a successful Edinburgh Fringe run, she will bring her ‘An Evening Without Kate Bush’ show to Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre later this month.

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We believe this is important for our school community because it provides a dedicated time to recognise, celebrate, and reflect upon the rich and diverse contributions of Black individuals and communities to our society.

Senior Deputy Head David Starbuck said: “This also highlights that we are a school that recognises and celebrates its own diversity, not just in October but at other times in the year – such as our Feeling Cultural day in March. We are committed to creating and delivering a curriculum that all pupils can recognise themselves in, and are taught to actively seek to stamp out prejudice in our society.”

The poet and activist Maya Angelou once said “How important it is for us to recognise and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”

This year’s theme is Saluting Our Sisters, Angelou’s “she-roes”, highlighting the achievements of Black women in all areas of our society. Women such as Marian Croak, who was one of the people highlighted in the Upper School assembly this week. She invented Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology which helped make apps like Facetime or Zoom possible, and is currently a Vice President of Engineering at Google. Lessons across the curriculum in the Lower and Upper Schools have covered a variety of topics, from African Francophonie in languages through to finding out about Black scientists in STEM classes.

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The prestigious Morea Associate Programme offers college-level professional training with exceptional lecturers and seasoned artists. Beatrix’s dedication and talent shone bright during the Summer Residential School, earning her an invitation to join the programme.

Our talented pupil recently received her SQA certificate for passing the National Progression Awards in both Jazz Dance and Choreography which she completed in P7. Beatrix’s goal is to complete Ballet and Contemporary qualifications this year.

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The trip was organised to enhance the School’s Geography curriculum and provided pupils with a chance to immerse themselves in Iceland’s breath-taking natural wonders. From geothermal springs to cooled lava flows, stunning waterfalls, and awe-inspiring glaciers, they explored it all!

They stayed in the Guesthouse Húsið (home) – not far from Eyjafjallajokull volcano that erupted in 2010 – and they also sampled traditional Icelandic food.

Mrs Webb, Head of Geography, said: “We searched the skies every evening for the Northern Lights but we were unlucky – we will need to go back!”

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Our entire Albyn School community was buzzing with energy and we were all “Feeling Active” today! While our Lower School pupils grooved and danced in the playground before classes, our Upper School sport captains led an energetic aerobics session during lunch.

The highlight of the day was our much-anticipated annual Clan Dancercise competition. From High School Musical to Bruno Mars and Beyonce, our talented students chose some of the catchiest tunes and showcased their dance skills.

Congratulations to Clan Gordon for taking home the victory. They wowed the judges with their performance to the Barbie soundtrack, featuring Dua Lipa’s Dance the Night and Ryan Gosling’s I’m Just Ken. And their Dinosaur stole the show!

Thank you to everyone for making this Feel Good Friday so special.

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“I am still in shock because we have been building up to it for so long,” said S5 pupil Esther.

“I have been part of the Formula 24 club since I was in S1. We were aiming for a third place because for the past few years we were finishing fourth, so we just really wanted to get a podium position. We could not believe that we won. It still does not feel real.”

The yearly competition is organised by Greenpower Education Trust which is a UK-based charity that aims to encourage young people to become enthusiastic about science and engineering by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car.

The Formula 24 club is extremely popular at Albyn School, with more than 50 pupils taking part throughout the year. Due to high demand, Albyn pupils are split into two teams – Green Arrows 1 and 2 – and the School entered a car built by each team into the prestigious competition.

“People from all over the world were tasked with building the cars according to the same regulations,” explained Esther whose Green Arrows 1 team emerged victorious last weekend.

“Over the year, there are a lot of different mini competitions where you can qualify for the final round.

“It is a distance race – whoever goes the furthest distance in 90 minutes wins. We also set the fastest lap time at this year’s championships of four minutes and 56 seconds.”

Team Albyn also set the record for the furthest distance (40.3 miles) travelled by a kit car in the history of the competition.

Esther, who hopes to study engineering at the University of Cambridge, believes it was the team spirit and everyone’s determination that pushed team Albyn over the finish line.

She said: “What brought us up from the fourth place were not just the modifications we did to the car, it was the teamwork. There were quite a lot of difficulties along the way, but everyone worked really well together and everyone knew what they were meant to do.”

Esther said it was amazing to see pupils from all over the world, including from Portugal, Spain and Germany, take part in the competition.

Adam Douglas, Albyn School’s Head of Engineering, Design & Technology, said: “Over the last year, the club has moved to be more pupil-led. This fantastic result shows what our pupils are capable of when given the opportunity.”

Headmaster Stefan Horsman commented: “As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we are reminded that the power of determination and teamwork can propel us to unprecedented heights. This win solidifies Albyn School’s commitment to nurturing potential and is a testament to the dedication, hard work and ingenuity of our talented pupils.”

Learn more about the fantastic opportunities Albyn School can offer your child at our upcoming Open Days on Saturday November 4, Friday November 17 or Friday December 15.

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Our pupils embraced the challenge of constructing a tower of Columbus Cubes and tackled a variety of maths problems throughout the day. Their shining moment came in the final round when, working in pairs, our S3 and S4 pupils managed to get through all 32 questions within the allotted time.

Team Albyn has earned their spot in the national final, where they will compete against schools from all corners of Scotland next month. Very well done and good luck!

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She is delving into the world of abstract screen printing to create a captivating collection of deconstructed shirt designs.

Screen printing is a relatively new addition to our Art department, and Lauren is embracing the excitement of exploring this technique, relishing in the delightful unpredictability it brings to her creations.

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Our Drinks in the City event in Glasgow has been rescheduled. We hope many of you will be able to join us on Thursday 23 November.

It will be a great opportunity to meet up with your fellow schoolmates, share memories and enjoy a glass of wine and a few canapes.

For more details and to secure your spot, register for the free event here.

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Our S4 pupil Anna, who is part of the Albyn School Magazine and Video Club, wrote the below blog about the School’s Founders’ Day.

Last Friday, Albyn School commemorated Founders’ Day and celebrated the School’s 157th anniversary. Pupils were greeted with a fabulous green balloon arch, welcoming them to a decorated school.

The school day began with a special assembly, with the entire Upper School gathered in our Hall, listening to the Headmaster’s speech educating the school on Albyn’s history and founders. We heard a few words from the School Captains reflecting on the importance our founders had in shaping the school today. Later, the whole school joined together to sing the Albyn School song.

We remembered our founders, Miss Harriet Warrack and Mr Alexander Mackie, who formed what was known before as the Albyn Place Ladies School. Over the years,  Albyn School evolved into that we know today. However, its virtues remain the same.

Albyn School decided to commemorate Founders’ Day with a special cake made by a former pupil, representing the development of Albyn School and its progress throughout the years. With three tiers and lots of colour, this cake brought awe to many students and staff. A small crowd gathered with everyone waiting in anticipation as P2 Vice Captains and our School Captains slowly cut the cake. One pupil said the cake, which was served to pupils during lunchtime, looked “yummytastic”.

The Lower School held their own assembly to honour Albyn’s founders, with all primary pupils singing together and learning about their school’s history.

Our Lower School pupils got creative the week prior and created a few portraits of our former headmistress Miss Harriet Warrack. The artworks were proudly displayed in the Warrack Library. The School also took the opportunity to open the Norma Smith Room at lunchtime to showcase some of Albyn’s history to any curious pupils.

Recently, we interviewed Headmaster Stefan Horsman to learn more about Founders’ Day as an annual event for the school. Mr Horsman said we would celebrate Founders’ Day yearly, and to everyone’s relief, there will always be cake. 

He said: “The aim is to have another Founders’ Day next year and make it an annual event. We are also gearing up for our key celebration in two years’ time. In 2025, we will have been on Queen’s Road for 100 years.”

We hope you also enjoy the video our Albyn School Magazine and Video Club put together to commemorate the School’s Founders’ Day.

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Your child will have a chance to participate in both creative and sport activities as well as go on exciting local trips. The School’s holiday club, which is for P1 to S2 pupils, costs £450 for two weeks, £225 for one week, £50 per individual day, and the price includes trips and visits, transport and two healthy snacks per day.

If you are interested, please fill in this form. The deadline for applying is Tuesday 10 October.

If you have any questions or require more information, please email holiday.club@albynschool.co.uk

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Mr Cameron, who is also His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen, learned more about Albyn’s Combined Cadet Force and presented our School Captain Magnus with his Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet certificate in front of our cadets.

The Lord-Lieutenant is the King’s official representative and the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet is an aide and representative of the cadet forces to the British royal family and the Lord-Lieutenant.

Albyn’s Cadet Flight Sergeant Magnus officially began his year-long appointment on Armed Forces Day in June. Congratulations again, Magnus. What a great achievement!

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Mrs Lamont, Head of Modern Languages at Albyn School, on why she thinks languages are key to unlocking the world: 

Language classes are rarely quiet. Whenever you walk through any modern languages department, you should find them full of life, games, laughter and engaging stories. Time spent discussing sports, music, artists, history, travel, customs and traditions in other countries is never time wasted.

Languages foster diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding. They bridge cultural gaps, promote empathy, tolerance and open-mindedness in our young people. 

When it comes to the job market, learning a language checks all the boxes. Studies demonstrate that people who speak more than one language have better critical thinking skills, improved memories, better problem-solving abilities, greater creativity and multitasking capabilities.

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful teamwork. The language classroom requires pupils to talk, write, read for understanding and draw inferences from texts. Good communicators are successful team players, and pupils in our modern language classrooms are taught to listen attentively and decipher social cues, skills they carry with them into their future careers and travels.

As educators, we recognise that learning a new language is a lot of hard work. At times, the complexities and seemingly contradictory rules can be discouraging. However, we always motivate our pupils to persevere, because in the journey of mastering another language, they gain a deeper understanding of their mother tongue.

Yet, despite the numerous advantages of language proficiency, languages seem to be losing their appeal in Scotland.

This year, only 505 students sat for the Higher German exam, and the number of French and German teachers has declined by more than 40%. So, what is the root of this issue? While most adults clearly see the benefits of embracing new cultures and fostering intercultural understanding, the average teenager may respond with a shrug, stating that “everyone speaks English” or that they can rely on Google Translator and, more recently, AI for translation.

Mrs Lamont, Head of Modern Languages at Albyn School.

Fortunately, at Albyn School the importance of learning a foreign language is all around us. If you ask Primary 1 pupils why they are learning French, their answer is simple: to speak to their French friends in their own language.

At Albyn, the TotalEnergies French School offers a hybrid curriculum for French native speakers. Families can choose either to follow Albyn School’s existing curriculum or follow a hybrid curriculum with French, History, Geography and Mathematics taught through the French language medium while other subjects are taught in English.

The benefits are not only felt by native French pupils. The beautiful sounds of the French language resonate with everyone as pupils chat to one another in the corridors between classes. 

Understanding the importance of language learning starts with demonstrating that languages are all around us. We should embrace the diversity already present within our schools and foster its inclusion within class discussions. We should encourage pupils to use languages they speak at home and ask them to contribute their language and cultural knowledge to everyone.

When native or near-native speakers take pride in their bilingual abilities and have the opportunity to showcase the sounds and cultures of their heritage, we not only promote respect for our differences but also inspire our monolingual pupils to follow suit and embark on their own language-learning journey.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we nurture equality, diversity and inclusion within our schools, and embracing other languages is an integral part of this process. In doing so, we unlock the vast world of opportunities and connections that languages offer.

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The kind-hearted nine-year-old has recently donated 33cm of hair to The Little Princess Trust charity which creates real hair wigs for children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or another condition. 

This is the second time Iona, who had her hair cut at a hair salon in Bieldside, has donated her hair in less than two years. In November 2021, she donated 35cm of hair and raised more than £1,400. 

“I just turned seven when I first donated my hair,” said the P5 Albyn School pupil who is already re-growing her hair so she can donate it again in the future.

“My mum said that my hair was too long and that I needed to cut it. So I said, ‘Why don’t we donate it? I have a lot of it!’. I did not want it to go to waste.

“The hairdresser put my hair in little bunches that were all level and then cut it.

“They then sent the hair to someone who makes wigs.”

Headmaster Stefan Horsman said: “Our whole Albyn School community is proud of our pupil Iona whose thoughtful act demonstrates the empathy and social responsibility we strive to instil in our pupils. Her gesture reminds us all of the positive impact one individual can have on the world, regardless of their age.”

The Little Princess Trust has provided more than 15,000 wigs to children and young people with hair loss since it was established in 2006. The charity has also invested £23 million in childhood cancer research. So far, The Little Princess Trust has funded 128 research projects searching for kinder and more effective treatments for all childhood cancers.

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The gifted actor and educator, who joined Albyn School in 2008, brought her thought-provoking one-woman show to the world-famous festival for two weeks during the summer break.

Inspired by T. S. Eliot’s poem The Waste Land, Miss Williams aimed to create a dialogue between the 1922 poem and her own experiences.

The show’s name – What the Thunder Said – is the title of the final section of the poem.

“The Thunder, to me, is a metaphor of all external factors and what is going on in your brain,” said Miss Williams who previewed the show at Aberdeen Arts Centre.

“The piece ends when everything seems to calm down but then the thunder starts again. However, this time it is different. I can just stand and be resilient in the midst of it.”

Some of the reviews described the show as “mischievous, deep and unflinchingly honest” – which the Albyn School teacher thinks is a fitting summary of her performance.

She added: “The show is very honest and it has been a very healing experience. The main lesson I have learned is that creativity is a really powerful resource that we all have and if you can do something creative, it can be a very empowering and healing tool.”

Miss Williams was delighted to see some familiar faces, which included a few former pupils of Albyn School, in The Banshee Labyrinth audience.

The Head of Drama is passionate about staging “different and ambitious” productions at Albyn School. Miss Williams previously worked with pupils to put on performances including Animal Farm, The Women of Troy – a timely feminist retelling of The Iliad – and Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

She said: “The ambition is for every show to be a little more than a school play. For instance, The Women of Troy was a really complex text but we also had movement work and an aerial element.

“I try to offer pupils a really fulfilling experience in both curricular and co-curricular drama because I see drama as a way to open up pupils’ creativity and confidence.”

Miss Williams concluded: “Being able to create my own work and bring it to the audience complements a lot of what I am doing at Albyn School. I am going through the same process that I am asking our pupils to go through and I know the hurdles and the rewards. I feel fortunate that I can be in a position to combine both teaching and acting because they help feed one another.”

Headmaster Stefan Horsman said: “Miss Williams’ dedication to drama and her ability to translate that passion into inspiring performances for our pupils is truly commendable. Her creative endeavours mirror the ethos of Albyn School where we encourage our pupils to embrace challenges and strive for excellence in all they do.”

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Their adventure started at the iconic London Bridge where they could not resist playing the station’s famous public pipe organ. From there, they made their way to Bloomsbury for a self-guided tour of the University College London campus.

The group then split into two. While some pupils headed to the Strand Campus of King’s College London (KCL) for a tour of the facilities lead by current students, others went to see the KCL Medical School at Guy’s Hospital.

The following day, Albyn School pupils attended the Cambridge University Open Day. Surrounded by centuries of academic tradition and excellence, they glimpsed the boundless opportunities that awaited them before catching their flight back to Aberdeen.

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Their faces lit up with joy when they found out the School received a heartfelt reply from Buckingham Palace over the summer holidays. The letter said that The King was “deeply touched” by their “thoughtful messages”.

Head of Royal Correspondence said: “The King has asked me to thank you for your very kind letters, sent in celebration of Their Majesties’ Coronation.

“The King was deeply touched that you should have taken the trouble to write, and would have me convey his warmest good wishes to all of the pupils and staff at Albyn School.

“I am to thank you once again for your thoughtful messages at this time of celebration.”

You can see some of the letters our children wrote below:

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We will open our doors from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 3 September with displays on the history of the School dating back to 1867.

This is a unique chance to learn how the School was founded and why it focused on educating women for entry to university in the late 19th century.

Albyn School will also offer guided tours at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

We hope you can join us to find out more about the School’s interesting history and the fantastic opportunities we currently offer our pupils.

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We would like to invite the classes of 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013 to the School to mark these momentous occasions.

We hope you can join us for a nostalgic journey down memory lane as you step back into your old classrooms, reconnect with your fellow classmates and uncover the exciting transformations at Albyn School since you left.

As part of our reunion, we will also be holding a special event for all Ashley van Grondelle Prize winners. If you won this award but you have not received your invitation yet, please email formerpupils@albynschool.co.uk

For more details and to secure your spot, register for the event here.

For those of you who might be traveling and thinking of making a weekend of it, we will also be holding our Aberdeen Drinks in the City event on Friday 29 September. Please register for Drinks in the City here.

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Reflecting on her journey, Hazel said: “My prelim results were not as good so I was quite surprised but happy. I was with my mum when I found out and she was really happy as well.”

As she sets her sights on a career in medicine, Hazel is in the process of deciding which university would be the right fit for her.

In addition to her academic achievements, Hazel is also part of the School’s Netball and Hockey teams.

Hazel, who joined in S1, has really enjoyed her time at Albyn School.

She said: “Teachers here help out whenever you ask. They always check up on you.”

She also cherishes the friendships she made at Albyn School.

“I have many many good friends at Albyn. We are very close,” said Hazel.

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Expressing his aspirations, Aayaan shared: “My hope is that I can get into a good English university. I am thinking about applying to either Oxford or Cambridge and then probably also Imperial College London and a few others.

“I hope to go on and study either mechanical or aeronautical/ aerospace engineering.”

Having been a bright student since his early days at Albyn, Aayaan is “quite excited” to become the School’s Vice Captain.

Reflecting on his journey at Albyn, he said: “I have been at Albyn for all of my school life and it has been really good.

“I think the main good thing about Albyn School is its community feel. As it is a smaller school, it has a tight-knit community which I think everybody here enjoys.

“Teachers at Albyn are always really nice and supportive.”

Outside of his academic pursuits, Aayaan indulges in sports as well.

He said: “Right now, I play football for the School and I ski too. Throughout my time at Albyn, I tried just about every sport with the School.”

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“I am very happy with my results – they are better than I expected,” said the gifted pupil who received A’s in Chemistry, English, Geography, Human Biology and Mathematics.

Sanoja, who would like to study medicine, is currently preparing for her UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) exam which is a standardised assessment designed to evaluate students’ ability to interpret numerical and written information presented in various formats. The exam is used by a number of UK and international universities to help them select applicants for medical and dental degree programmes.

She said: “I am going to be the House Captain for the Forbes Clan. I am really looking forward to working with my Clan and along with Mrs Pratt.

“I have really enjoyed the many opportunities here at Albyn and I have made a lot of friends.”

Sanoja has thoroughly enjoyed her time at Albyn, with one particular teacher making her experience particularly positive.

She said: “Mrs Prentice has been so caring ever since I first joined Albyn School three years ago.”

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“I am really happy with my results. I was confident I did the best I could,” said Emily who joined Albyn School in P7.

The talented pupil, who performed with the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland last month, plays the flute, piccolo as well as the piano.

“I have been part of the orchestra for a few years, progressing through different levels,” said Emily whose main instrument is the flute.

Emily has just returned from European Youth Music Week – an annual summer course for advanced young instrumentalists where she had the unique opportunity to work with top orchestral conductors.

She said: “It was really fun and there were people from many different countries.”

Once her Albyn journey concludes, she would love to study music.

Emily said: “I am thinking of applying to conservatories. If that does not work out, then I will want to study music at university.”

Emily, middle, was named Albyn School’s Upper School Musician of the Year in June 2023.

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Our soon-to-be S6 pupil Rhys was pleased with his Higher exam results, receiving A’s in Chemistry, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Physical Education.

“Teachers here are very supportive and encouraging,” said Rhys who joined Albyn School in Nursery.

“I also really like the many co-curricular activities on offer. When I was younger I was on the football and cricket teams.”

Apart from his academic studies, Rhys now also focuses on athletics. He won the under-17 boys’ 800m title at the Scottish Schools Indoor Championships in January.

He also represented Scotland in the mixed relay at the 2023 SIAB Schools’ Cross-Country International championships in Liverpool. Rhys – whose team finished first – also clocked the fastest time, completing a lap in four minutes and 29 seconds.

In June, Rhys became the Double Scottish Schools U17 Champion (800m and 1500m).

For his achievements in athletics, particularly for the “most meritorious performance” by a boy at the outdoor Track & Field Championships, Scottish Schools Athletics Association (SSAA) awarded him the Eric Liddell Memorial Trophy.

Eric Liddell was a Scottish sprinter, rugby player and Christian missionary. He represented Scotland in the 1920s and set national records at shorter sprints. He is known for withdrawing from the 100-metre race at the Paris Olympics because the event was set to take place on a Sunday. Instead, he spent months training for the 400-metre race held on a weekday, a race he ended up winning.

Following his death in 1945, his church and friends set up the national fund, part of which went towards the trophy presented to SSAA.

Rhys, who works part-time as a lifeguard, hopes to study in America.

“I would like to go to university somewhere in America and develop sports a bit more and the academic side as well,” he said.

“I think the sports programmes are a lot better over there and the (university) structure is based a lot on the sports.

“I would like to study chemical engineering.”

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The Men’s Rugby 7s team made history at Trinbago 2023, as they became the first Scottish team to win a rugby medal of any kind at either Commonwealth Games or its younger athlete iteration.

The Youth Commonwealth Games in Tobago witnessed an intense battle of skill, determination and sportsmanship, and Ben’s exceptional performance on the field was nothing short of inspirational.

Ben, who played youth rugby at Deeside RFC until moving to Gordonians RFC at the beginning of last season, was thrilled to be part of the first Scottish team to pick up a medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games.

He said: “I am really honoured to be part of a history making team. I cannot really put it into words how proud I am of all the boys in the squad for the effort we have put in over the past few weeks.”

Team Scotland produced a great performance in the final game, defeating Fiji in extra time on Tuesday (8 August).

After an early try by Mariko Ravuiwasa, Scotland hit back through Robbie Mitchell. A yellow card for Fiji’s Josaia Ralulu afforded the young Scots team a player advantage, scoring through Albyn’s Ben.

Jimmy Lamont, Albyn School’s Head of PE and Sport, said about the game: “Fiji started strongly taking an early lead but the Scotland team pulled two tries back, one scored by Ben to level the score 10-10 at halftime.

“The game edged to Scotland’s favour as Fiji went down to six men for the remainder of the game early in the second half. However, the Fijians fought hard and at full time, the game was tied at 20-20.

“The match went in to extra time where the first team to score a try would win. Luckily for us, the Scottish team started quickly and finished off a flowing move to win the match and be crowned Rugby 7’s Youth Commonwealth Games champions.”

Ben was previously selected to play in the Caledonia Reds and Blues matches against Wales at Murrayfield Stadium. He was then invited to be part of the National U18 squad and he was also selected to represent Scotland at the U18 level against Wales in Swansea.

In addition to his intensive training regimen, Ben was concurrently preparing for his S6 exams. The Albyn pupil, who received B in Advanced Higher Geography and A in Higher Physical Education, will soon commence his academic journey in Physiology and Sports Science at the University of Glasgow.

Headmaster Stefan Horsman said: “We are immensely proud of Ben’s exceptional achievement at the Rugby 7’s Youth Commonwealth Games. His dedication and hard work exemplify the values we uphold at Albyn School. We would like to congratulate him on this outstanding feat and wish him the very best as he pursues his academic studies too.”

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“I am very happy with my results – I definitely feel like my hard work has paid off,” said Magnus who joined Albyn in P4 and is looking forward to becoming the School Captain in the coming weeks.

“I am proud and I am glad that my dedication and commitment have shown and I am excited to take on the role,” he said.

Magnus, who joined Albyn School CCF (RAF) Section in August 2019, has also recently been appointed to the prestigious role of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for the city of Aberdeen. The Lord-Lieutenant is the King’s official representative and the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet is an aide and representative of the cadet forces to the British royal family and the Lord-Lieutenant.

His year-long appointment began on Armed Forces Day (24 June 2023).

Photo courtesy of Aberdeen City Council.

Magnus has also participated in and won several regional and national rowing competition and he has also represented Albyn School and country at Laser Run events.

The talented pupil would like to study either mechanical or aeronautical engineering at university.

To learn more about the industry, he has signed up for TechFest’s STEM in the Pipeline which is designed for teams of pupils to compete in a realistic project set within the energy industry. Each part of the process allows participants to advance their knowledge of STEM subjects. Teams will receive help from an industry professional, acting as a mentor, who can provide advice and support.

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Drawing inspiration from her parents’ professions, Brenda-Jane’s dedication and adaptability have propelled her to achieve exceptional academic results.

The gifted pupil overcame the odds by receiving five A’s and one B at Higher level, an accomplishment made all the more impressive by her unique journey.

Having relocated from Brazil to Aberdeen just last year, she swiftly integrated into the Albyn community during her S5 year, but it was not without its challenges.

Brenda-Jane, who is delighted with her results, said: “I did not expect such good results because I just moved here from Brazil. Scotland has a completely different educational system. It was hard.

“I was smart in Brazil – I was at the top of my class, but coming to a different place was difficult, both socially and in school. Everything was different – the people, the culture, the system, as well as the subjects themselves.

“It was overwhelming. I never took National 5 exams so I just crashed Highers.”

Brenda-Jane, who received A’s in Chemistry, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Spanish, and a B in English, hopes to study medicine at university. Her ambition is driven by a desire to follow in her parents’ footsteps and combine their noble callings.

She said: “I want to be a medical officer in the armed forces and you need to go to medical school for that.

“My mum is a nurse and my dad, who is now a veteran, was in the army for nine years.

“When you grow up, you get inspired by the stories your parents tell you. You look up to them.

“I always had the adventure spirit and I am the eldest so I understand taking care of someone. So I just combined them both and I thought I could become a medical officer. It is something I have been thinking about for about two years now.”

Headmaster Stefan Horsman commented: “Relocating to an entirely new culture is an extraordinary challenge that demands resilience and determination. Brenda-Jane’s remarkable accomplishments underscore her unwavering dedication, filling us all with immense pride. We hold every confidence that she will continue to flourish and ultimately realise her noble ambition of serving as a medical officer.”

You can also read Brenda-Jane’s story in:

The Press & Journal

Aberdeen Live

Aberdeen Business News

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This exceptional accomplishment follows Rachel’s outstanding academic performance, reflecting her dedication and flair.

Earlier this year, Rachel received a conditional offer from Mansfield College, Oxford. Her acceptance was contingent upon meeting the university’s entry requirements, a challenge she not only embraced but surpassed.

The Albyn pupil was over the moon when she learned she received four A’s at Advanced Higher level in Economics, English, French and History.

This achievement underscores her commitment to academic excellence across a diverse range of subjects.

“The offer has not been confirmed yet but I have got the grades so I think it will come pretty soon, which is exciting,” said Rachel who cannot wait to start her Oxford journey.

“Oxford is my first choice. Nobody from my family has gone to Oxford before.”

The talented young woman will start studying Law with French Law in October 2023.

Rachel said: “I am really interested in law and I think it is something that I will be good at. It appeals to my interests. I like understanding society and its regulations and how it all works together.

“I like to think about all the different aspects of moral issues as well as law’s practical implications. I think the way law influences everything in life is really interesting.”

The reason why she decided to also study French Law reflects Rachel’s commitment to excellence.

She said: “I want to study French because I have been learning French for 10 years and I am still not fluent and I am not going to stop until I am.”

Headmaster Stefan Horsman commented: “We are all very proud of Rachel. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to the entire Albyn School community, highlighting the rewards of perseverance and determination in the pursuit of higher education.”

Rachel, who joined Albyn School in 2008 when she was three years old, said the independent school creates a welcoming learning environment.

“Albyn School has a really nice community. I have made very good friends and I have felt very supported by all the teachers and support staff too,” shared the recent leaver.

During her time at Albyn, Rachel said she did “quite a lot”.

“I was the president of the Debating Society this and last year, which was great. I really enjoyed that.

“It allowed me to interact more with younger years too. Along with that, I also attended Model UN and I was part of the Newspaper Club. I have also contributed to other academic clubs from my first year so it was great to see my School and the clubs develop as well.

“I also played hockey for the School – it was just something different for me to get involved in and push myself.”

You can also read Rachel’s story in:

The Press & Journal

Aberdeen Live

Aberdeen Business News

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Results published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) show that in S4, our pupils have achieved a 94% pass rate (A-C) at National 5, with 88% of grades at A or B level.

In S5, the pass rate (A-C) for Highers is also 94%. We are pleased that 85% of pupils received A-B grades at a Higher level, with 28 pupils (44% of the S5 year group) gaining all A grades in their 5 Higher exams.

At Albyn School, we are also proud that 75% of pupils received A-B grades at an Advanced Higher level, the gold standard for entrance to the top UK and overseas universities.

“I am delighted to see the hard work, commitment and endeavour of Albyn pupils shine through in their excellent results today,” said Headmaster Stefan Horsman.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2023 who can hold their heads high as they achieved such impressive results.”

Almost all Albyn pupils have been accepted to their first-choice of university or have previously accepted an unconditional offer.

“To see our young adults heading on to the next stage of their educational journey happy and successful is an absolute pleasure for us,” said Mr Horsman who is confident all Albyn pupils will continue to flourish in their chosen disciplines.

He added: “I am very grateful to our dedicated teachers who work tirelessly to help each of our pupils thrive and achieve their potential. It is a fantastic day for everyone in the Albyn community.”

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We would like to invite the classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013 (and any other year ending in a ‘3’!) to the School to mark these momentous occasions. Any former staff who wish to attend will also be made most welcome.

Come and relive those cherished memories as you revisit your old classrooms and explore the exciting changes at Albyn School since your graduation.

Catch up with your classmates and find out what they have been up to since you last saw them. Do not miss the chance to see our archives display and indulge in some tasty afternoon tea.

For more details and to secure your spot, register for Albyn School Decades Reunion here.

For those of you who might be traveling and thinking of making a weekend of it, we will also be holding our Aberdeen Drinks in the City event on Friday 29 September. Please register for Drinks in the City here.

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Throughout their week-long stay in Germany, the students not only refined their German language skills but also gained valuable insights into the daily life of a German family. They had the opportunity to sample traditional German cuisine and immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture.

As part of their itinerary, Albyn pupils visited a local German school, allowing them to witness first-hand the differences and similarities in the educational system. Additionally, they hiked up the scenic Hochgrat mountain in Bavaria, soaking in breathtaking views along the way. Exploring the picturesque city of Konstanz, situated adjacent to the Swiss border, was yet another highlight of their visit.

To add to the excitement, our pupils concluded their trip with a fascinating tour of Pfahlbauten, the unique houses built on stilts in Lake Constance. A refreshing swim in the lake provided a perfect opportunity to cool off and relax. The students also attended a vibrant festival, took a dip in the Schloßsee, and enthusiastically participated in their partner’s activities, including orchestras and training sessions for sports like handball and volleyball.

Albyn pupils thoroughly enjoyed every moment of their German adventure, forging lasting friendships along the way. They are now looking forward to hosting their partners in Aberdeen next June.

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We are incredibly proud of Ben’s achievement, and we will be rooting for him every step of the way. His selection is a well-deserved recognition of his skills on the rugby field and his commitment to the sport.

He said: “I am really excited and very lucky to have this opportunity to travel to such an amazing destination and represent Scotland in the Rugby 7s at the Youth Commonwealth Games.

“It makes all the hard work over the last couple of years worth while and I am looking forward to meeting the other athletes from around the world.”

Congratulations Ben! The entire Albyn School community wishes you the very best of luck!

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The task is simple: Find the most unusual place to read a book and take a photo of yourself there. It could be a peaceful spot up a tree, a cosy corner on a farm, or even a serene moment by the sea.

Once you’ve found your perfect reading spot and snapped a photo, please email it to h.macpherson@albynschool.co.uk Happy summer reading, everyone!

Let’s make this a season of thrilling stories, endless imagination, and unforgettable discoveries.

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