As a pupil, a parent or a visitor to Linlithgow Academy I hope that this prospectus will be both useful and informative. It will endeavour to answer all the questions which are posed by prospective entry to a new school, but it is never intended to replace the personal contact upon which the co-operation between home and school should be based.

For new pupils the Academy will be an exciting and challenging opportunity - perhaps daunting at first, but despite its size it will soon become friendly and familiar.

If as a school we are successful and effective then our pupils should achieve the highest academic standards of which they are capable. Their personal development will be fulfilled by encouraging self-discipline and independence, and by taking responsibility. Sport, music, drama, leisure activities, educational visits and exchanges all add further towards making the most of a young person's talents.

School experiences and achievements should prepare pupils for the world beyond the Academy - as we try to ease arrival here from primary so we shall try to ease departure; the one by sound primary-secondary liaison, the other by encouraging links with the local community, with the industrial and commercial world and with Further and Higher education. Working with parents and pupils, we hope to meet these aims, while acknowledging all the influences on young people from outwith school.

It is ten years since the school was significantly refurbished and work is currently going on to increase and improve some of our accommodation, while at the same time easing problems of circulation. Efforts are sustained to maintain our facilities and the school is well equipped to move forward in this millennium.

As the pupils simultaneously move forward with us it is hoped that they will fulfil their potential and that a rewarding relationship is established between the school and yourself.

Yours sincerely
R Ferguson
Rector

Our 5 years at Linlithgow Academy; a life changing experience. It has shaped us as academics, as people, as future professionals and has allowed us to form lasting relationships. Linlithgow Academy has always been a welcoming and vibrant place to study and work. Something which has grabbed our attention is the excellent bond between teachers and pupils which contributes to the great atmosphere surrounding the Academy.

Linlithgow Academy is well recognised nationwide for its outstanding academic reputation. This has surfaced from a lot of hard work over many years from pupils, parents, teachers and the senior management team. To demonstrate the commitment shown by teachers to the students they, in their own free time, run homework clubs and revision classes which helps to raise the attainment and confidence of the students to allow them to reach their goals. Linlithgow Academy is a great believer of peer education which goes on to benefit students going on to study at University or College and those who are contemplating going into full time work.

6th year pupils also take some responsibility in aiding the learning of the younger pupils who benefit from this help. They are known as Learning Support Buddies and their duties can range from helping a single pupil to helping with a whole class.

Linlithgow Academy offers an extensive extra-curricular programme including clubs such as: the comedy club, a variety of sports clubs and dance classes, to name just a few, and these help to maintain the reputation of the school. The school has been represented abroad by the hockey and rugby clubs who have competed in Canada and by pupils on the Scottish Space School Programme along with a variety of educational excursions organised by many different departments throughout the school giving everyone the chance to find something that suits them.

We are looking forward to another great year which will be filled with many changes which will undoubtedly continue the excellent working atmosphere of the school. This is also a time of transition for Linlithgow Academy as our former rector John G Low retired at the end of last session and a new management team is now in place.

This year, as captains of Linlithgow Academy, we would like to repay the school for all of the opportunities they have provided for us.
Good luck to everyone for this session.

Georgina Clapham (Head Girl)
Kenneth Gilmour (Head Boy)

Transfer from Primary to Secondary School:

Procedures for transfer are initiated in the Primary Schools during November and December of a pupil's P7 class. The Pupil Placement Section will indicate to parents the catchment area secondary school for their home address. The letter asks parents to confirm their transfer intentions. However, in accordance with the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, parents will also be advised of their right to make a placing request to an alternative secondary school. Relevant information is available from Pupil Placement Section, Lindsay House, Bathgate. The deadline for such a request is 31 December. All applications will be acknowledged within 14 days.

In the event of applications for admission exceeding any capped limit it would be necessary to apply the procedures detailed in the "Placing in Schools - Guidelines". All applications would be referred to the Special Sub-Committee on Pupil/Student Support. The capacity for the August 2002 intake into S1 is 220.

Transfer to Secondary at all other stages:

The Rector is responsible for the admission of pupils at all stages other than the commencement of S1. Placing requests should be made directly to the school.

Roll

The roll at 1 November 2003 was 1216, distributed as follows:-

Year	Pupils
S1	220
S2	212
S3	216
S4	234
S5	192
S6	142

The projection anticipated by West Lothian Council suggests that over the next few years the roll will rest above 1200.

The aims of the school are as follows:

Curriculum

To offer a balanced curriculum which includes regular assessment, is frequently reviewed and provides equally for each individual to fulfil their highest level of attainment.

Attainment

To provide all pupils and staff with the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential, both academically and socially.

Learning and Teaching

To provide the highest quality of learning and teaching experiences that enable pupils to enjoy their education and develop positive attitudes towards learning.

Support for Pupils

To provide a supportive environment in which self-confidence and mutual respect can develop through the exercise of concern and responsibility by every member of staff.

Ethos

To provide a disciplined environment which encourages all staff and pupils to take realistic and reasonable responsibilities for aspects of school life.

Professional Development

To enhance the effectiveness of all staff by a planned process of staff development.

Partnership

To promote the challenge of learning and working in partnership with the wider community, through co-operation and effective communication.

Learning for Life

To provide appropriate guidance, support and information so that pupils and parents can make informed choices in planning for the future.

Learning Environment

To make learning and working a challenging and enjoyable experience.

Values and Citizenship

To prepare pupils for responsible citizenship by developing values, beliefs and attitudes compatible with living in a modern, democratic and multicultural society.

Social Inclusion

To ensure that every pupil enjoys equality of access to educational opportunities, regardless of social and economic background.

Health Promotion

To ensure good health in all pupils through strategies which promote physical and mental wellbeing and self-esteem.