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Lenzie Academy

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Lenzie Academy
Address
Myrtle Avenue,
Lenzie

Glasgow


Scotland,
G66 4HR
Information
TypeComprehensive School
MottoDitior Quia Doctior (Richer through learning)
Established1886
School districtEast Dunbartonshire
Head TeacherBrian Paterson[1]
Faculty101[2]
GradesS1 to S6
Number of students1269
Colour(s)   
YearbookLenzie Academy Yearbook
AffiliationsAuchinloch Primary School
Lairdsland Prmary School
Lenzie Moss Primary School
Lenzie Primary School
Millersneuk Primary School
WebsiteOfficial Website

Lenzie Academy is a co-educational comprehensive secondary school located in Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The catchment area covers the town of Lenzie, the village of Auchinloch and southern parts of Kirkintilloch.

Senior Management Team

The school is managed by a Senior Management Team, composed of the Head Teacher and six Depute Head Teachers, each in charge of a year group. The most recently published team membership was for 2012/2013 and consisted of:[3]

  • Mr Brian Paterson, Head Teacher
  • Mrs Heather McCall, Depute Head Teacher (S6)
  • Mrs Morag Elliott, Depute Head Teacher (S5)
  • Ms Jeanie Robertson, Depute Head Teacher (S4)
  • Ms Fiona Clyne, Depute Head Teacher (S3)
  • Mr Neil Farquhar, Depute Head Teacher (S2)
  • Ms Karrie Munro, Depute Head Teacher (S1)

School roll

The most recently reported school roll is 1296, taught by a teaching staff of 101.[2] The S1 intake cap is 240,based on an average annual first year intake of eight classes of approximately thirty pupils each, mostly coming from five associated primary schools, namely Auchinloch, Millersneuk, Lairdsland, Lenzie Moss and Lenzie Primary. Approximately 40% of the total roll are from outside the catchment area, attending as placing requests. The S1 rolls have slightly reduced in recent years and in Spring 2012 the reported 2012/2013 intake was 226 pupils, consisting of 125 from the zoned area and 101 through placing requests.[4] The total school roll has been falling every year for the last 9 years with the 2012/2013 figure of 1269 being 27 pupils lower than the previous years 1296 pupils.[5]

Table

School year School roll S1 intake S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 Placing requests Sources
2004/2005 1431 236 258 256 250 242 189 [6]
2005/2006 1387 237 238 260 253 227 172 122 [7]
2006/2007 1380 235 237 240 262 242 164 [8]
2007/2008 1362 239 232 240 236 244 171 [9]
2008/2009 1358 238 238 238 242 215 187 [10]
2009/2010 1334 235 237 238 233 217 174 109 [11][12]
2010/2011 1321 204 232 229 235 221 200 92 [5][13]
2011/2012 1296 103 [2][13]
2012/2013 1269 220 212 212 232 204 189 102 [4][14]

Alcohol/Drugs controversies

The school has attracted negative coverage in the press over drug taking/drug dealing at the school and at school events.[15] To quote one 1998 article for example: "It is not the first time the academy has been rocked by controversy. In 1996, during its Christmas ball, a 15-year-old girl was taken to hospital and seven others were suspended for drunken antics. In October 1995, two 12-year-old boys were suspended for dealing with drugs. It followed a string of other drug-related incidents. In 1994, a 16-year-old was expelled for drug dealing, then re-admitted. Also that year, four pupils were suspended over claims of drug taking, and a 15-year-old boy was arrested outside school and charged with possessing cannabis. " [16][17][18] 8 pupils who smoked cannabis on a school trip to Alton Towers were suspended for a fortnight following a disciplinary hearing at the school in June 1998.[19][20][21] These types of incidents increased in occurrence around 2010/2011 when one pupil was filmed in a town near Lyon, France while on a school exchange trip by a local news team who were creating a report on underage drinking. Several other incidents happened around this time including several S4 boys being suspended for use and possession of cannabis at school, as well as regular incidents of drug and alcohol use in and around the school grounds during school hours.

Bullying/Gang issues

The school has also received continuing attention for problems with gangs/bullying as well as knife crime. [22] [23] [24] As demonstrated in a 1999 Mirror article:

"Pupils were ordered back to their classrooms when the knife-wielding gangs of ex-pupils laid siege to Lenzie Academy, near Glasgow.

Rector Roderick McLelland ordered staff and pupils inside until police moved the youths on." [25]

The gang issues were again raised in a 2006 Mirror article:

"... Nicola had endured months of vicious bullying by a gang of 30 teenagers, known as "the Neds".

They threw stones, cans, water bombs and food at Nicola simply because she dressed differently to them."[26]

Again in 2011 where a gang targeted a 12-year-old boy for being "ginger" just after school had finished. "A redheaded boy of 12 was attacked by bullies over an internet campaign called Slap a Ginger Day. A gang targeted the lad at a local rail station after he left Lenzie Academy in Dunbartonshire."[27]

In 2001, Nicola Ann Raphael committed suicide due to bullying at this school.[28][29]

Further controversies

Alleged assault by teacher

In November 2000 William Boal, a teacher at the school, was suspended while being investigated by police for allegedly assaulting a partially sighted male pupil. "He said the teacher got angry with him after he packed his books before a lesson ended. He said Mr Boal pushed the chair down on him he said, 'Oops, did that hurt, Mark?'" Two months before the incident the same teacher had lost his temper with a 12-year-old female pupil and knocked a pen out of her hand, later apologising only after her parents complained.[30]

Fingerprinting

In 2007/2008 a controversial fingerprinting scheme was piloted at the school before being introduced to schools across east Dunbartonshire. Parents raised a number of concerns about the fingerprint identity scheme before it was rolled-out to other secondary schools. One father said: "Most people associate fingerprinting with suspected criminals...I'd like to know how much this is costing. Surely the money could be used for more important things." A mum also told the Herald that she wanted her daughter to be opted out of the scheme saying:"It seems like a 'Big Brother' scenario with pupils being monitored."[31] SNP MSP Gil Paterson also has questions about the system and is planning to raise the matter in Holyrood. At a parent council forum meeting in 2009, parents representing all six schools next in line for the scheme voted for caution, refusing to give the system their backing until a consultation process is carried out.[32]

Leavers' Ball

In 2010 parents of S6 pupils were left not knowing, even on the day before it was to take place, whether the 2010 leavers' dinner would go ahead after more than 100 pupils were excluded from the school on their last day for wearing shorts. The parents criticised the school for its treatment of their offspring, who were even barred from attending their leavers' presentation lunch, and said the school had not told them what took place. One parent said: "We feel as if we are being left in the dark. As a parent I still have not had any communication about what happened on the day or about the leavers' dinner...We have already paid 65 for my son to attend the leavers' dinner, but we are not sure if he can go." Over 100 pupils were prevented from entering the school gates on their final day of term on 7 May 2010, senior teaching staff in their cars then followed the students to guarantee they did not return. [33]

Music teacher campaign

In December 2011 pupils mobilised in an attempt to stop a popular music teacher Jennifer Hay being transferred to a new post at Boclair Academy. Over 500 pupils and parents signed the petition, "Let the Hay Stay", which was also posted online. One student spoke to the local newspaper: “Moving Miss Hay is going to be a huge loss for the music department. She’s an inspiration and is able to influence pupils to achieve their best in such a positive way. Miss Hay has had such a big impact on the school since she joined the academy.”[34]

Also in December 2011 local MP Jo Swinson lead calls to allow elected representatives the right to hold lunchtime surgeries for pupils in schools after a move to establish a midday meeting at Lenzie Academy was opposed. Swinson hit out at their refusal, and claimed that her younger constituents' rights were being suppressed:“Just because people under 18 cannot vote does not mean that they shouldn’t have a say in politics. While I’m always available to hear constituent concerns during my weekly surgeries, it‘s important that pupils have a chance to have their voices heard on their own ground, in an environment where they feel confident and assured.”[35][36]

School buildings

The current red brick Academy building was built in 1960 and a number of different extensions have been added to it over the years.[37][38] The original school building dating from when the Academy was founded in 1886 has since served as Lenzie Primary school.[39] More than 110 years after opening the school admitted its first physically disabled student in 1996 which mean the school had to install a lift and ramps to make the whole building accessible.[40][41][42] In recent years facilties from the 60s have been wearing out or needing replaced such as in December 2009 when all pupils had to be sent home due to the heating failing. Plans were announced for the heating system to be the replaced though until then staff went round the classrooms each morning with thermometers checking the temperature.[43][44] In 2008 the interior of the school had to undergo an overhaul costing over £1.7m[45]

In 2011 the school celebrated its 125th anniversary, a celebratory dinner/ceildh was planned but later had to cancelled due to low ticket sales.[46]

Head teachers

There have been ten head teachers of Lenzie Academy. For 125 years until 2011, the head teacher was referred to as Rector.

Head Teacher Start of office End of office Duration (years) Comments Sources
Alexander Buchanan M.A. 1886 ? First head [47][48]
George Murray ? 1934 [49][50][51]
Charles Farquharson 1935 ? [49][52]
George Young [53]
Colin M. Brown 1978 1997 19 Eighth Head [54]
Roderick J. McLelland 1997 2011 14 Ninth to hold the role. He entered early retirement on Friday 24 June 2011 after being in the position since May 1997 and Dr James R Melrose was acting head until the replacement was appointed. [3][55]
Brian Paterson 2011 Tenth head teacher and first to dispense with the term "rector".He was appointed and took up his post in September 2011 after serving as Head Teacher of Abronhill High School in nearby Cumbernauld. [1]

Notable people educated at Lenzie Academy

Rankings

The school was ranked 36th in STV's league table of Scottish state schools.[70] The school was ranked 30th in The Herald's School Exam Performance 2011 table based on the percentage of pupils obtaining 5 or more highers at bands A-C. This placed the School sixth among the eight comprehensive secondary schools in East Dunbartonshire.[71] This represented a fall in ranking compared to previous years such e.g. 25th place in the 2009 Herald league tables.[72]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/Parent%20council%20oct%202011.pdf
  2. ^ a b c http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/S%20and%20Q%20Report%202010-11.pdf
  3. ^ a b "Lenzie Academy - Senior Management Team". Lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk. Retrieved 2012-09-22.
  4. ^ a b http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/users/alisonferguson/spring_2012.pdf
  5. ^ a b http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/newsletters/autumn%202010%20newsletter.pdf
  6. ^ "HOW DID YOUR SCHOOL DO. - Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. 2005-12-15. Retrieved 2012-10-06.
  7. ^ "District's schools bombarded with placing requests - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2005-08-16. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  8. ^ http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/newsletter_aug_06.pdf
  9. ^ http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/newsletter/newsletter_autumn_07.doc
  10. ^ http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/newsletter_autumn_2008.pdf
  11. ^ "Newsletter Autumn 2009" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-09-22.
  12. ^ "Big demand for Lenzie school - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2009-08-26. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  13. ^ a b "Lenzie schools are top of the pops for placing requests - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2011-10-27. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  14. ^ "Hundreds of children apply for places at schools in Lenzie, Briggs and beyond - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2012-10-28. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
  15. ^ Peter Samson (1996-01-21). "20th Century Plague; Junkie scandal of the lost kids. - Free Online Library". thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  16. ^ From the archive (1998-06-08). "Academy pupils face cannabis allegations - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  17. ^ Anna Smith (1996-12-17). "Kids go on a bender at school ball; Hospital for girl, 15. - Free Online Library". thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  18. ^ "Record View; Tragic cost of alcohol. - Free Online Library". thefreelibrary.com. 1996-12-17. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  19. ^ Gavin Madeley (1998-06-09). "Eight punished for school trip drugs - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  20. ^ Drugs pupils will be seen as heroes'; OUTRAGE AS SCHOOL PLAYS DOWN CANNABIS SCANDAL. - Daily Mail (London) | HighBeam Research
  21. ^ Grace McLean (1998-06-08). "Pupils Smoke Dope On Outing To Theme Park. - Free Online Library". thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  22. ^ From the archive (1991-06-12). "SCHOOL PROBES KNIFE INCIDENT - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 2011-10-25.[dead link]
  23. ^ Keith Sinclair (1993-03-09). "Pupil is charged with knife offence - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  24. ^ Martyn Mclaughlin (2006-06-15). "Primary pupils ask parliament for more police in their area - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  25. ^ "KNIFE GANGS LAY SIEGE TO SCHOOL. - Free Online Library". thefreelibrary.com. 1999-03-06. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  26. ^ Emily Miller (2006-03-20). "Exclusive: My Nicola'S Death Saved Jack'S Life". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  27. ^ Duffy, Gerry (2011-02-25). "Ginger slaps from redhead hate mob | The Sun |Home Scotland|Scottish News". The Sun. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  28. ^ "Suicide Pupil Was Bullied at School for Three Years ; Teacher's Damning Note May Hold the Key As Heartbroken Family Fight for Justice - mail on sunday - October 19, 2005 - Id. 62494029 - vLex". Mail-on-sunday.vlex.co.uk. 2005-10-19. Retrieved 2012-10-04.
  29. ^ "Dealing with bullying - News". Scotsman.com. 2001-10-25. Retrieved 2012-10-04.
  30. ^ James Moncur (2000-11-16). "TEACHER ASSAULT PROBE; He is suspended over eye boy's claim. - Free Online Library". thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  31. ^ "Concerned parents hit out at school fingerprint scheme - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2008-08-22. Retrieved 2012-07-16.
  32. ^ "Fingerprint row rumbles on at schools - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2009-02-04. Retrieved 2012-07-16.
  33. ^ "Pupils in the dark over dinner - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2012-07-16.
  34. ^ "Please don't take away our music teacher, plead pupils - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2011-12-21. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  35. ^ "JO FIGHTS PUPILS' BAN - Local Headlines". Milngavie Herald. 2011-12-19. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  36. ^ "MP Jo Swinson in bid for school surgeries - Local Headlines". Milngavie Herald. 2012-01-10. Retrieved 2012-01-11.
  37. ^ "Threat by teachers in class safety bust-up. - Free Online Library". thefreelibrary.com. 1997-08-20. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  38. ^ "Lenzie Academy to get £1.6m upgrade - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2008-02-26. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  39. ^ http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/sq_report__final_version.pdf
  40. ^ "Herald reporter Fiona McLelland talks to young disabled actor Robert Softley - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2004-06-01. Retrieved 2012-07-16.
  41. ^ "Robert Softley | Biography". Softley.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-07-16.
  42. ^ http://www.softley.co.uk/other/evetimes.pdf
  43. ^ "Parents steamed up over heating - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2009-12-15. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  44. ^ "Plans down the pan - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2009-01-21. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  45. ^ "£1.75m Lenzie upgrade going ahead - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2008-04-15. Retrieved 2012-07-16.
  46. ^ "School birthday celebrations - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2011-08-30. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  47. ^ "East Dunbartonshire Online". Dbs.eastdunbarton.gov.uk. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  48. ^ Scotland (2009-06-12). "University of Glasgow :: Story :: Biography of Alexander Buchanan". Universitystory.gla.ac.uk. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  49. ^ a b "Lenzie Academy - Alex. Graham's account of the Academy". Lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  50. ^ The Glasgow Herald - Google News Archive Search
  51. ^ The Glasgow Herald - Google News Archive Search
  52. ^ The Glasgow Herald - Google News Archive Search
  53. ^ Evening Times - Google News Archive Search
  54. ^ "Lenzie Academy - Colin M. Brown (Lenzie Academy Magazine, 1998)". Lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk. Retrieved 2012-03-08.
  55. ^ http://www.lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/_files/newsletter/summer%20newsletter%202011.pdf
  56. ^ "Video – G66+ Live Kirky Street Party - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  57. ^ "Jane Duncan may be out of print for 40 years but she is about to be heard again - Reviews - Scotsman.com". news.scotsman.com. 2010-05-16. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  58. ^ Whitelaw, Katy (2008-10-10). "This week reporter Katy Whitelaw talks to former Lenzie Academy pupil Andy Dunlop". Kirkintilloch Herald. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  59. ^ "Andrew Henderson". Glasgow Warriors. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  60. ^ "Lenzie Academy - Tom Johnston, 1881–1965". lenzieacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  61. ^ Evening Times - Google News Archive Search
  62. ^ a b "East Dunbartonshire Council - News". Scotsman.com. 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2012-04-08.
  63. ^ "Ian is Labour's top man - Local Headlines". Kirkintilloch Herald. 2003-04-08. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  64. ^ The rise of little big man - The Herald | HighBeam Research
  65. ^ Rice, Karen (2002-03-17). "'May God forgive these bullies... because I never will' – Kirkintilloch Today". kirkintilloch-herald.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  66. ^ "Abuse Was Too Much For Nicola". The Daily Record. 2007-03-22. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
  67. ^ Stewart Paterson (2006-06-24). "Bullied girl's mother sues council - Herald Scotland | Sport | SPL | Aberdeen". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
  68. ^ "Michael Shea". Telegraph. 2009-10-19. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  69. ^ My School Days Dr Michael Shea - The Scotsman | HighBeam Research
  70. ^ "School league tables | STV News". news.stv.tv. Retrieved 2012-01-01.[dead link]
  71. ^ "School Exam Performance 2011". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 2012-01-01.
  72. ^ "School League Tables 2009". Herald Scotland. 2009-12-20. Archived from the original on 2009-12-20. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
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