Welcome to

Kilmarnock Academy's

The accommodation in the school consists of three main teaching blocks, all linked by internal corridors. In addition there is a separate P.E. block.

The School Sports Field is located one mile from the school and bus transport is provided.

Access for physically disabled pupils is currently limited. There are ground floor toilet facilities but only one of the teaching blocks has a lift. Wheelchair access to some areas is difficult but alternative arrangements can be made.

A varied program of activities is on offer at Kilmarnock Academy, run on a voluntary basis by members of the teaching staff. Parents are asked to encourage their children to take up at least one of the activities on offer. Examples of these activities include Athletics, Chess, Cross Country, Dance Club, Darts, Debating Societies, Football, Golf, Hill-Walking, Hockey, I.T., Netball, Orchestra, Rugby, Volleyball, Brass Ensemble, Choirs (Junior and Senior), Scripture Union. The activities on offer may vary from term to term so pupils should check with staff which ones are available.

Given that there is substantial parental and public approval of uniform, schools in East Ayrshire are free to encourage the wearing of school uniform. In encouraging the the wearing of uniform, account must be taken in any proposals to prevent any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race or gender. Any proposals will be the subject of widespread consultation with parents and pupils. Against this background it should be noted that it is the policy of the Education Committee not to insist on pupils wearing uniform or having specialist items of clothing as a prerequisite to their attending and engaging in all of the activities of the curriculum. In the interests of security, practicality and the encouragement of a positive working attitude we strongly support the wearing of school uniform.

• potentially, encourage faction (such as football colours);
• could cause offence (such as anti-religious symbolism or political slogans);
• could cause health and safety difficulties, such as loose fitting clothing, dangling earrings, are made of flammable material for example shell suits in practical classes,
• could cause damage to flooring;
• carry advertising, particularly for alcohol or tobacco; and
• could be used to inflict damage on other pupils or be used by others to do so.

East Ayrshire Council supports the wearing of school uniform, however, under no circumstances will pupils be deprived of any educational benefit as a result of not wearing uniform and, in particular, pupils will not be denied access to examinations as a result of not wearing school uniform but in interests of hygiene pupils MUST have a change of clothes for Physical Education.

Parents receiving income support, family credit, housing benefit or council tax rebates will normally be entitled to monetary grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Approval of any requests for such grants made by parents in different circumstances is at the discretion of the director of education. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools, local offices and the Education Department, East Ayrshire Council Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock.

East Ayrshire Council is concerned at the level of claims being received regarding the loss of pupils' clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing are not brought to school. Parents should note that the authority does not carry insurance to cover the loss of such items and any claims submitted are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to be negligent.

P.E. Kit

All pupils must bring a change of clothing for physical education classes.

The P.E kit consists of:

white top
maroon shorts
clean trainers

Pupils going to the sports field may wear warm tops, tracksuit bottoms and football boots

The aim of the school is to provide a wide range of courses to suit the age, abilities and aptitudes of all pupils.

All courses are open to both boys and girls.

The course options mentioned are only those currently available and, should the roll fall, the same range of subjects may not be available when a first year pupil reaches S3 or S5.

S1 & S2

All pupils in First and Second Years are taught in mixed ability classes, except in Mathematics and French, and follow a common course consisting of a very wide range of subjects.

ART HOME ECONOMICS PHYSICAL EDUCATION
ENGLISH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
FRENCH MATHEMATICS SCIENCE
GEOGRAPHY
MUSIC TECHNICAL SUBJECTS
HISTORY
MODERN STUDIES

Subject content and methodology are determined in line with the 5-14 report and in consultation with the associated primary schools.

In Mathematics a system of broad banding exists in 1st Year, based on Mathematical attainment in primary school. This continues into 2nd Year. In French broad banding is introduced in S2. More able pupils will be offender faster course in S2.

In S1, cooperative teaching takes place in English and Mathematics. The class teacher is assisted by another member of the same department or a Learning Support specialist to provide more effective help for pupils with learning difficulties.

When your child is in S2, the Guidance Staff will discuss the subjects which your child wishes to study in S3 and S4, and the most suitable levels at which to study them.

S3 & S4

Pupils in S3 and S4 will study 8 subjects at Standard Grade. There are three levels of courses within Standard Grade - Foundation, General and Credit levels. Foundation is the most basic. General is suited to those in the middle range of ability and Credit is the most advanced award.

STANDARD GRADE AWARD BAND SYLLABUS LEVEL

1 Credit
2 Credit
3 General
4 General
5 Foundation
6 Foundation
7 Course Completed

Most pupils will generally attempt Standard Grade at two levels in each subject at either Credit and General, or General and Foundation.
In addition, pupils will study Religious and Moral Education, Physical Education, and Personal and Social Education.

S5 & S6

Compulsory education ends at the end of 4th Year for some pupils, but the majority stay on at school for a 5th or 6th Year. Courses in S5/6 are currently offered at these levels:

Higher
Intermediate 2
Certificate Of Sixth Year Studies

SQA UNITS

Students will therefore be able to take a range of courses to suit their abilities and aspirations.

Advice on curricular matters is available at all times through the school guidance system, but special measures - talks to pupils, parent's meetings. Course handouts and options booklets - are provided at various times when important curriculum choices have to be made.

The implementation of Higher Still from August 1999 has had and will continue to have an impact on courses in S5 and S6. Parents and pupils will be kept informed of developments.