SQA Exams
We are pleased to report that this year’s diet of SQA exams are off to a smooth start. Our new Exam Boosters (held in advance of National 5 Exams) have been well received by pupils and the Supported Study area which we have been able to create in our lovely new Library is being well used.
Please note that young people coming into school whether to sit an exam or to study must wear school uniform – this is an important means of ensuring security in the building. Parents and carers looking for advice on how to support young people through the exam season may be interested in the following link:
https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/learning-at-home/Supporting%20study
S3 Standardised Assessments – English and Mathematics
During the next two weeks all learners in S3 will be sitting a Standardised Assessment in both English and Mathematics.
These assessments are being conducted in all secondary schools within City of Edinburgh Council and are very similar to the assessments that learners would have completed towards the end of P7 prior to coming to high school.
The assessments are computer based and learners will be given information about when and where they are sitting their assessment from their English and Maths teachers. There is no need for learners to revise for these or to worry about them in any way – they are used by the school and the authority to better understand patterns of attainment in cohorts. This means that pupils may be asked questions on content they have not met before or encounter questions which they find very challenging – again, this is no cause for concern.
Billy MacIntyre
We are very sad to pass on to parents the news that Billy MacIntyre, Head of Operational Support in the Communities and Families Department of City of Edinburgh Council, died last week after a long illness. Billy was Lead Officer for the construction of the new Portobello High School and our school community owes him a great deal. His leadership, vision and determination ensured that our new building became a reality and many of the aspects of the facilities we are now enjoying are thanks to him.
Parent Council Meeting
Our next meeting of the Portobello High School Parent Council will be held in the school Library on Monday 15 May at 7pm. Never been before? Why not come along and see what happens!?
Football
Our school football teams have been enjoying a very successful spell recently and we are delighted to have teams in no fewer than three age group finals over the next week or so. Well done to all players, coaches and supporters and good luck in the finals!
- 13s v Firrhill tomorrow (Saturday 6th May) at Meggetland
- 14s v Queensferry – Saturday 13th May at Meggetland
- 15s v Craigmount – provisional date 13th May at Meggetland
BookFace Hacks
As part of our focus on reading and wellbeing we have been having fun with #readinghacks and we were chuffed that the National Library for Scotland retweeted a wee collage of our best #BookFace hacks…. Here it is below for those who don’t tweet!
Fashion and Textile Technology
The National 5 and Higher Fashion and Textile Classes have now completed their final assessments and the marks have been submitted. From dinosaur costumes to prom dresses the students have been working hard to show their skills and creativity. All that remains is to wait for the results in August.
