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2 weeks ago

Stromness Academy

Duke of EdinburghWe’ve had word of a few pupils dropping DofE before we have started, stating that they are advised to focus on exams. DofE is a commitment, but pupils can choose an activity in each of the 3 sections (Physical, Volunteering and Skills) that they already do. For example:Physical – a pupil might already go to netball and the physical skill they can work is improving their passing or shootingVolunteering – they may already help with a sport at a primary school, or help a neighbour by cleaning, or cutting their grass. Skill – they already play a musical instrument or want to work on improving their drawing or painting. There are so many options and we can be flexible with things they already do. Other than keeping a quick log of what they do each week, and attending after school on a Monday, DofE doesn’t need to be a massive undertaking. Pupils can develop other skills, learn to work with others and get out and enjoy the landscapes around us. Exams are important, but DofE is seen as a very respectable qualification by many employers and further education institutes. It’s not too late to sign up! Send your child to Mr Grieve for more information, or a sign up sheet!

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Friday Activities

In the last period of every Friday since c. 1969-70, instead of a standard lesson, all pupils go to Activities. Originally this period was extended to 65 minutes in length rather than the standard 50 but since timetable restructuring, activities are now only 50 minutes. Activities is a chance to pursue various social interests within the school, which students pick from a list of 25-40 different options, making first, second third and fourth choices on their forms (Some options are over-subscribed). Activities change about four times in the year.

The activity list always included a study class, some sporting, some artistic, and some computer-based options, but what exactly these options are varies, as does the list of more miscellaneous options. Common features also include designing sets for musical events, the School Newspaper, Film Appreciation, Model Making and Swimming. More outlandish options have included Glass Painting, Fly Tying, Laminated Jewellery, Line Dancing, Role Playing Games and Subbuteo.

While the appreciation by pupils of particular activities varies, and a sense of experiment hangs over some new introductions, overall Activities is well-liked, providing enough variety for all and changing to meet demand. The new skills that pupils may bring away from Activities can serve them well in future life.

Previous Activities Booklets

S1-S6 August 2022 Activity Choices

School logo of a Viking longship

Stromness Academy Young Reporter 2024

Mental Health Resources & Support

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