Stirling High School
Encyclopedia
Stirling High School is a state high school for 11-18 year olds run by Stirling Council in Stirling
, Scotland
. It is one of seven high schools in the Stirling district, and currently has approximately 972 pupils attending. It is located on Torbrex Farm Road, near Torbrex Village in the suburbs of Stirling, previously being situated on the old volcanic rock where Stirling Castle
lies and on Ogilvie Road.
The headteacher of the school is Patricia Scullion. The school operates a house system
. The three houses are Douglas, Randolph and Stewart (Prior to August 2007, Stewart was a redundant House, with Snowdon instead being in its place), which are both for social and administrative purposes. Each house has a depute headteacher and a principal teacher for support teacher.
Each year, two senior students are selected by pupils and teachers to become Head Boy and Head Girl.
The school is the 3rd oldest in Scotland. Originally established for the training of ecclesiastics, it began as the seminary of the Church of the Holy Rude, founded in the reign of David I
in 1129. Both the church and school, along with those of Perth
, were brought under the charge of the monks of the Church of the Holy Trinity
of Dunfermline
in 1173.
Each faculty has a Principal Teacher of Curriculum. The system works as follows:
Board of Studies
Headteacher (Rector): Mrs P Scullion
Depute Headteachers: Miss L Allen (Head of Douglas House), Mr L Boyd (Head of Randolph House), Mrs M McLoughlan (Head of Stewart House)
School Resource Officer: Mrs K MacGregor
Pupil Support Three Principal Teachers of Pupil Support (one for each house)
Additional Support Needs (ASN)
Creative Art and Design, Music and Home Economics
Citizenship History, Modern Studies and Modern Languages
English and Communication English, Media Studies and Religious and Moral Education
Information Technology Computing, Business Education and Technical
Numeracy Geography and Mathematics departments
Physical Education and Health Physical Education and Health Awareness
Science Biology, Chemistry and Physics departments.
The school now operates from a new building on the former site of Williamfield Cricket Pitches, ex-home to Stirling County Cricket Club. The building contains PE facilities including a 25 metre swimming pool, Games Hall, Dance Studio, Fitness Suite and artificial Football Field. Also the school is home to an assembly hall, science and food technology labs, a music department including a recording studio and a number of fully equipped Computing Suites. As well as this the school has teaching facilities including innovative 'flexible learning areas.' Stirling High School had an official opening ceremony on 26 June 2008, which consisted of a ribbon cutting by former pupil, Kirsty Young
.
, which involves the current site being sold to developers. Over the following years, the developers then lease the school back to the council. This agreement see the school's facilities management being carried out by FES FM Ltd rather than Stirling Council. Teaching, Administration and Catering will continue to be provided by Stirling Council.
, richly habited and crowned bearing in her right hand a sceptre and in her left a book all proper between two trees of knowledge, to remind us of the remote 12th century, when a bishop of St. Andrews, in whose diocese Stirling was, gave to Queen Margaret's Church of the Holy Trinity
of Dunfermline the churches of Perth
and Stirling and their schools. The wolf, couchant gardant, at the Queen's feet is taken from the "Small" Burgh seal, and reflects the early interest in education taken by the magistrates of the Royal Burgh
, for later charters speak of scholam de Striuelin, and Scholam ejusdam ville, which suggest that the 'Church' school fairly soon became the town's school.
The Latin
motto Tempori Parendum translates to 'we must move with the times'.
The following is Mr Atterson's description of the window from when it was installed in the old school.
The Window has been proudly displayed in all incarnations of Stirling High School and was moved with care to be displayed in the new building along with a number of items from the School's rich heritage.
The High School of Stirling has been housed in numerous building over the course of its long history.
In 1856 the high school was housed in a specially created building on Spittal Street. This building housed the classrooms for Mathematics, English, Modern Languages, Art, Classics; as well as a Gymnasium, and an Observatory on the roof.
This school stayed open until 1962, long after the Education (Scotland) Act 1872 which made education compulsory for children aged 5 to 13 and dramatically increased the intake of pupils for the school, when the school moved from its place at the top of the town, to Torbrex - the previous position of the High School.
The building the old school was housed in has now been bought and turned into the Stirling Highland Hotel.
The school's home from 1962 to 2008 was located near the village of Torbrex.
Recently the School moved from its home since 1962 on Ogilvie Road, Torbrex to a new state-of-the-art building on Torbrex Farm Road. The site of the 'old' building has been developed by the contractors of the new building into housing.
Through the various relocations great care has been taken to ensure the history of the School has been retained. This has resulted in a dedicated 'Heritage Room' being included in both the 1960s and 2008 buildings. This room is managed by the Former Pupil Association and houses (amongst other items) the School Remembrance Book, various whole school photographs and oak panelling from the Rector's office of the Spittal Street Building. Also moved was the School War Memorial Window, Stained Glass Windows from the 1850s building and the School House Captain Board listing the recipients of the School Dux Award and the names of the Head Boys and Girls, all of these items are displayed in the main foyer of the school.
Stirling
Stirling is a city and former ancient burgh in Scotland, and is at the heart of the wider Stirling council area. The city is clustered around a large fortress and medieval old-town beside the River Forth...
, 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...
. It is one of seven high schools in the Stirling district, and currently has approximately 972 pupils attending. It is located on Torbrex Farm Road, near Torbrex Village in the suburbs of Stirling, previously being situated on the old volcanic rock where Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. It is surrounded on three sides by steep...
lies and on Ogilvie Road.
The headteacher of the school is Patricia Scullion. The school operates a house system
House system
The house system is a traditional feature of British schools, and schools in the Commonwealth. Historically, it was associated with established public schools, where a 'house' refers to a boarding house or dormitory of a boarding school...
. The three houses are Douglas, Randolph and Stewart (Prior to August 2007, Stewart was a redundant House, with Snowdon instead being in its place), which are both for social and administrative purposes. Each house has a depute headteacher and a principal teacher for support teacher.
Each year, two senior students are selected by pupils and teachers to become Head Boy and Head Girl.
The school is the 3rd oldest in Scotland. Originally established for the training of ecclesiastics, it began as the seminary of the Church of the Holy Rude, founded in the reign of David I
David I of Scotland
David I or Dabíd mac Maíl Choluim was a 12th-century ruler who was Prince of the Cumbrians and later King of the Scots...
in 1129. Both the church and school, along with those of Perth
Perth, Scotland
Perth is a town and former city and royal burgh in central Scotland. Located on the banks of the River Tay, it is the administrative centre of Perth and Kinross council area and the historic county town of Perthshire...
, were brought under the charge of the monks of the Church of the Holy Trinity
Dunfermline Abbey
Dunfermline Abbey is as a Church of Scotland Parish Church located in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. In 2002 the congregation had 806 members. The minister is the Reverend Alastair Jessamine...
of Dunfermline
Dunfermline
Dunfermline is a town and former Royal Burgh in Fife, Scotland, on high ground from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. According to a 2008 estimate, Dunfermline has a population of 46,430, making it the second-biggest settlement in Fife. Part of the town's name comes from the Gaelic word...
in 1173.
School Structure
The school is divided into eight faculties each containing several departments.Each faculty has a Principal Teacher of Curriculum. The system works as follows:
Board of Studies
Headteacher (Rector): Mrs P Scullion
Depute Headteachers: Miss L Allen (Head of Douglas House), Mr L Boyd (Head of Randolph House), Mrs M McLoughlan (Head of Stewart House)
School Resource Officer: Mrs K MacGregor
Pupil Support Three Principal Teachers of Pupil Support (one for each house)
Additional Support Needs (ASN)
Creative Art and Design, Music and Home Economics
Citizenship History, Modern Studies and Modern Languages
English and Communication English, Media Studies and Religious and Moral Education
Information Technology Computing, Business Education and Technical
Numeracy Geography and Mathematics departments
Physical Education and Health Physical Education and Health Awareness
Science Biology, Chemistry and Physics departments.
New school buildings
Kirsty Young
Kirsty Jackson Young is a Scottish television presenter and radio presenter. She is the main presenter of Crimewatch and Desert Island Discs. She is married to millionaire club owner Nick Jones.- Career :...
.
PFI
The new school is being financed by the controversial Public Private Finance initiativePrivate Finance Initiative
The private finance initiative is a way of creating "public–private partnerships" by funding public infrastructure projects with private capital...
, which involves the current site being sold to developers. Over the following years, the developers then lease the school back to the council. This agreement see the school's facilities management being carried out by FES FM Ltd rather than Stirling Council. Teaching, Administration and Catering will continue to be provided by Stirling Council.
Location
The new school sits adjacent to St Ninian's Primary School. It was built on a greenfield site of the old cricket club, and the current playing fields are to be sold off to housing.Coat of Arms and Motto
The coat-of-arms shows Queen MargaretSaint Margaret of Scotland
Saint Margaret of Scotland , also known as Margaret of Wessex and Queen Margaret of Scotland, was an English princess of the House of Wessex. Born in exile in Hungary, she was the sister of Edgar Ætheling, the short-ruling and uncrowned Anglo-Saxon King of England...
, richly habited and crowned bearing in her right hand a sceptre and in her left a book all proper between two trees of knowledge, to remind us of the remote 12th century, when a bishop of St. Andrews, in whose diocese Stirling was, gave to Queen Margaret's Church of the Holy Trinity
Dunfermline Abbey
Dunfermline Abbey is as a Church of Scotland Parish Church located in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. In 2002 the congregation had 806 members. The minister is the Reverend Alastair Jessamine...
of Dunfermline the churches of Perth
Perth, Scotland
Perth is a town and former city and royal burgh in central Scotland. Located on the banks of the River Tay, it is the administrative centre of Perth and Kinross council area and the historic county town of Perthshire...
and Stirling and their schools. The wolf, couchant gardant, at the Queen's feet is taken from the "Small" Burgh seal, and reflects the early interest in education taken by the magistrates of the Royal Burgh
Royal burgh
A royal burgh was a type of Scottish burgh which had been founded by, or subsequently granted, a royal charter. Although abolished in 1975, the term is still used in many of the former burghs....
, for later charters speak of scholam de Striuelin, and Scholam ejusdam ville, which suggest that the 'Church' school fairly soon became the town's school.
The Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
motto Tempori Parendum translates to 'we must move with the times'.
The School War Memorial Window
A stained glass window created by Mr James Atterson to commemorate the school's victims of the World Wars.The following is Mr Atterson's description of the window from when it was installed in the old school.
"This Memorial Window is built into the fabric of the School on the site of the town wall, which guarded our town in days gone by. In keeping with the School's ancient history and traditions, it is fitting that the medieval language of Chivalry and Heraldry should be used in the design.
This design is built round the Christian Symbol of the Cross - the Cross of Service, Sacrifice and Salvation. This Cross is formed by the central mullion and transom.
With shields in the upper portion are placed the emblems of the Services :-
The Royal NavyRoyal NavyThe Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
is represented by the anchor, symbol of faith and steadfastness.
The ArmyBritish ArmyThe British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
is represented by the firmly grasped sword of Justice, raised in defence of freedom and right.
The Royal AirforceRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
is represented by a wing issuing from a cloud, symbol of these gallant Knights of the Air who dared all in defence of our country.
The Merchant Service is represented by the trident issuing from a wave, symbol of the service which maintained our life-line throughout the seven seas at such high cost.
On the right lower portion of the window, is the figure of Queen Margaret, taken from our School badge, and at her feet the wolf of Stirling, traditionally associated with the ancient history of our town.
On the left, against a background of the old School and the Tree of Life and Knowledge, is the figure of a kneeling Knight in a Crusader's Cloak, offering his earth-won laurels in exchange for the Crown of Life.
Above the figure of Queen Margaret is the inscription, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life."
May this memorial give lasting form to the image each of us carries in our heart and mind of a "Verray parfait gentil Knight" who dared all, gave all, gained all."
The Window has been proudly displayed in all incarnations of Stirling High School and was moved with care to be displayed in the new building along with a number of items from the School's rich heritage.
Eco Club
The school runs a highly respected Eco Schools Club, run by senior technician Trudi Togneri. The school has recently received its third Green Flag which was presented by Sam Clark.The Old School
In 1856 the high school was housed in a specially created building on Spittal Street. This building housed the classrooms for Mathematics, English, Modern Languages, Art, Classics; as well as a Gymnasium, and an Observatory on the roof.
This school stayed open until 1962, long after the Education (Scotland) Act 1872 which made education compulsory for children aged 5 to 13 and dramatically increased the intake of pupils for the school, when the school moved from its place at the top of the town, to Torbrex - the previous position of the High School.
The building the old school was housed in has now been bought and turned into the Stirling Highland Hotel.
The school's home from 1962 to 2008 was located near the village of Torbrex.
Recently the School moved from its home since 1962 on Ogilvie Road, Torbrex to a new state-of-the-art building on Torbrex Farm Road. The site of the 'old' building has been developed by the contractors of the new building into housing.
Through the various relocations great care has been taken to ensure the history of the School has been retained. This has resulted in a dedicated 'Heritage Room' being included in both the 1960s and 2008 buildings. This room is managed by the Former Pupil Association and houses (amongst other items) the School Remembrance Book, various whole school photographs and oak panelling from the Rector's office of the Spittal Street Building. Also moved was the School War Memorial Window, Stained Glass Windows from the 1850s building and the School House Captain Board listing the recipients of the School Dux Award and the names of the Head Boys and Girls, all of these items are displayed in the main foyer of the school.
Notable former pupils
- Sir David BruceDavid Bruce (microbiologist)Major-General Sir David Bruce KCB FRS FRSE was a Scottish pathologist and microbiologist who investigated the Malta-fever and trypanosomes, identifying the cause of sleeping sickness....
KCB (1855–1931) - bacteriologist - Patrick ForbesPatrick ForbesPatrick Forbes was a late 16th century and early 17th century Scottish churchman. Born in 1564, he was the oldest son of Elizabeth Strachan and her husband William Forbes, Laird of Corse. He attended the High School of Stirling, the University of Glasgow and then the University of St Andrews...
- 17th century Bishop of AberdeenBishop of AberdeenThe Bishop of Aberdeen was the ecclesiastical head of the Diocese of Aberdeen, one of Scotland's 13 medieval bishoprics, whose first recorded bishop is an early 12th century cleric named Nechtan... - Rev. Professor Allan Galloway (1920–2006) - theologian
- Linda GilroyLinda GilroyLinda Gilroy is a British Labour Co-operative politician who was the Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton from 1997 until her defeat at the 2010 general election by the Conservative Party candidate, Oliver Colvile.-Early life:...
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and Co-operativeCo-operative PartyThe Co-operative Party is a centre-left political party in the United Kingdom committed to supporting and representing co-operative principles. The party does not put up separate candidates for any UK election itself. Instead, Co-operative candidates stand jointly with the Labour Party as "Labour...
Member of ParliamentMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,... - John GriersonJohn GriersonJohn Grierson was a pioneering Scottish documentary maker, often considered the father of British and Canadian documentary film. According to popular myth, in 1926, Grierson coined the term "documentary" to describe a non-fiction film.-Early life:Grierson was born in Deanston, near Doune, Scotland...
(1898–1972) - filmmaker - Robert HenryRobert HenryRobert Henry was a Scottish historian.Born into a farming family at St. Ninians, Stirlingshire, Henry was educated at Stirling High School and the University of Edinburgh. After teaching at Annan, he entered the Church of Scotland, becoming minister at New Greyfriars in Edinburgh in 1768...
- historian - Allister HoggAllister HoggAllister Hogg is a Scottish Rugby Union player who plays rugby union at either flanker or number eight for Newcastle Falcons and formely for Scotland.-Career:...
- Scottish International Rugby Player - James MacLarenJames MacLaren (architect)James Marjoribanks MacLaren was a Scottish architect associated with the Arts and Crafts movement and the development of Scottish Vernacular architecture...
- architect - Norman McLarenNorman McLarenNorman McLaren, CC, CQ was a Scottish-born Canadian animator and film director known for his work for the National Film Board of Canada...
(1914–1987) - animator and film director - Muir MathiesonMuir MathiesonJames Muir Mathieson was a Scottish conductor and composer. Mathieson was almost always described as a "Musical Director" on a large number of British films.-Career:...
(1911–1975) - conductor - Sir John MurrayJohn Murray (oceanographer)Sir John Murray KCB FRS FRSE FRSGS was a pioneering Scottish oceanographer, marine biologist and limnologist.-Early life:...
- oceanographer - Craig OliverCraig Oliver (media executive)Craig Stewart Oliver is a British news editor, producer and media executive, and the current Head of Communications for British Prime Minister David Cameron...
- Former BBC media executive and Downing Street Director of Communications - Sir Craig ReedieCraig ReedieSir Craig Reedie, CBE is a British sports administrator, noteworthy as a former Chairman of the British Olympic Association and still a serving representative on the International Olympic Committee.- Background :...
- Chairman of the British Olympic AssociationBritish Olympic AssociationThe British Olympic Association is the national Olympic committee for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It was formed in 1905 in the House of Commons, and at that time consisted of seven national governing body members from the following sports: fencing, life-saving, cycling, skating, rowing,... - Professor Sir Gordon Robson (1921–2007) - President of the Royal Society of MedicineRoyal Society of MedicineThe Royal Society of Medicine is a British charitable organisation whose main purpose is as a provider of medical education, running over 350 meetings and conferences each year.- History and overview :...
- John Sawers (1842–1906) - Australian banker
- Sir Josiah SymonJosiah SymonHon Sir Josiah Henry Symon KCMG , Scottish-Australian lawyer and politician, was a member of the Australian Senate in the First Australian Parliament, and an Attorney-General of Australia.-Biography:...
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- Attorney-General of AustraliaAttorney-General of AustraliaThe Attorney-General of Australia is the first law officer of the Crown, chief law officer of the Commonwealth of Australia and a minister of the Crown. The Attorney-General is usually a member of the Federal Cabinet, but there is no constitutional requirement that this be the case since the... - John Watson (1850–1907) - novelist
- Gregor TaitGregor TaitGregor Tait is a Scottish swimmer. He was the Commonwealth Games 200 m backstroke and 200 m individual medley champion at the 2006 games in Melbourne....
- Scottish International Swimmer and reigning Commonwealth Games 200m backstroke and 200m individual medley champion - Kirsty YoungKirsty YoungKirsty Jackson Young is a Scottish television presenter and radio presenter. She is the main presenter of Crimewatch and Desert Island Discs. She is married to millionaire club owner Nick Jones.- Career :...
- television journalist