Dingwall Academy
Encyclopedia
Dingwall Academy is the largest secondary school
in the Highlands
of Scotland
, with an enrollment of 1005 pupils as of November 2006. The Academy is situated in the centre of Dingwall
and brings in pupils from Conon Bridge, Maryburgh, Muir of Ord, Strathpeffer and the surrounding area.
Dingwall Academy prides itself on its inclusive approach to all pupils with a Gaelic Unit and an Integrated Special Unit. There is a wide range of extra curricular activities and a large number of pupils are involved in raising money for charities, both local and national.
The school's motto is the Latin "Salve Corona" which translates as "Hail the Crown"
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in the Highlands
Scottish Highlands
The Highlands is an historic region of Scotland. The area is sometimes referred to as the "Scottish Highlands". It was culturally distinguishable from the Lowlands from the later Middle Ages into the modern period, when Lowland Scots replaced Scottish Gaelic throughout most of the Lowlands...
of Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, with an enrollment of 1005 pupils as of November 2006. The Academy is situated in the centre of Dingwall
Dingwall
Dingwall is a town and former royal burgh in the Highland council area of Scotland. It has a population of 5,026. It was formerly an east-coast harbor but now lies inland. Dingwall Castle was once the biggest castle north of Stirling. On the town's present-day outskirts lies Tulloch Castle, parts...
and brings in pupils from Conon Bridge, Maryburgh, Muir of Ord, Strathpeffer and the surrounding area.
Dingwall Academy prides itself on its inclusive approach to all pupils with a Gaelic Unit and an Integrated Special Unit. There is a wide range of extra curricular activities and a large number of pupils are involved in raising money for charities, both local and national.
The school's motto is the Latin "Salve Corona" which translates as "Hail the Crown"
History
Originally built in the 1930s many additions to the school were made throughout the years. In 2005 it was decided a new £28 million school should be built through the PPP agreement as the old building was falling into disrepair and incurred high maintenance costs. The new school building is situated outside the current school in the old sports field. Building began in mid 2005 and a completion date of May 2008 had been agreed on. Dingwall Academy was officially handed over to Highland Council on 20 May 2008, and opened to pupils on the 9 June. The new school has a range of classrooms with specialist facilities and incorporates a number of state of the art community facilities such as a drama studio, all-weather pitches and a library which is used by both the school and the community.School Heads
| Rector | Mrs Karen Cormack |
| Depute Rector for Upper School (S5-S6) | Mrs Sandra Reid |
| Depute Rector for Middle School (S3-S4) | Ms Laura Gordon |
| Depute Rector for Lower School (S1-S2) | Mr Mario Di Carlo |
| Depute Rector for Learning Support | Mr Stephen Gaffney |
| Head Boy | Peter Tolmie |
| Head Girl | Ellen MacPhee |
| Deputy Head Boy | Nick Sutherland |
| Deputy Head Girl | Lois Atherton |
Faculties
The school provides a range of subjects in the following departments:| Department | Head of Department | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Computing | Mrs Mackie | Computing, Information Systems, Business Management, Administration, Accounting |
| Creative and Aesthetic | Mr Borland | Art and Design, Music, Woodwork, Metalwork, Graphic Design |
| English and RMPS | Miss O'Boyle | English, RMPS, Philosophy, Religious Studies |
| Health and Nutrition | Mr MacIntosh | Physical Education, Hospitality, Home Economics |
| Languages | Mrs MacKintosh | French, Gaelic, German, Spanish |
| Mathematics | Mrs Raeburn | Mathematics, Applied Mathematics |
| Sciences | Mr McKay | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Sciences |
| Social Sciences | Miss Tullis | History, Geography, Modern Studies |
| Pupil Support | Mr Gaffney | Social Education |
Houses
| House | Pupil Support |
|---|---|
| Tulloch | Mrs Parke |
| Novar | Mrs Merrell |
| Brahan | Mrs Easton |
| Fairburn | Mrs Carey |
| Wyvis | Mrs Fyfe |
School aims
The aim of Dingwall Academy is to enable all children to develop their capacities as successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to society by:-- Educating every pupil in accordance with age and ability in a caring and disciplined environment of equal opportunity.
- Developing the notion that learning is a lifelong process.
- Imparting a sense of respect both for ourselves and for others recognising the worth of each individual.
- Preparing the pupils for all aspects of their adult lives and to develop their skills in terms of good citizenship.
- Providing an all round education including aspects of education not directly related to the curriculum.
- Developing self discipline, independent thinking and those skills which will help pupils to reach their full potential