Largs Academy Notes

Euan Temporal of S6 travelled to Perth this month with his parents, Mr McLellan and Mr Turbet from the Geography department in order to take part in the Scottish Geography Teachers' Association's annual conference. Euan was invited by the SQA and SAGT as he was one of only four Higher Geography pupils in Scotland to gain 100% in his SQA exam this year.  Long distance cyclist and adventurer Mark Beaumont presented Euan with a certificate and atlas for his hard work in front of all the delegates, and Euan was also presented with an award by the school's Geography department. Well done Euan for representing our school in such a great way!

See picture for Euan Temporal

Rotary Quiz

How Many Children Did Queen Victoria Have?

By Rachel Eager S6

Depute Head Girl

We were in high spirits as we walked down to the mysterious venue (but I can’t say where) where the Rotary Quiz was held. On the night of the Halloween Disco: Mr Higgins, Mr McCoy, Lewis Shaw and me, Rachel Eager, received a better offer: the Annual Rotary Quiz. The night kicked off with a move of table, some microphone issues and deciding that I definitely should not be the scribe (for reasons of handwriting). Mr McCoy brought out his “good red pen” proudly and the quiz began.

From Russian literature to bizarre artists – Mr Higgins knew them all. And what he didn’t know- Mr McCoy filled in, and what they didn’t know- we guessed. After a large spread of refreshments (non-alcoholic for us, of course), the last couple of rounds were underway. Our saviour: the Simpson’s address: 742 Evergreen Terrace (we missed the 2, yet a unanimous decision meant we were given the point, which ultimately won it for us). The luck of the Irish was with us that night with a few guesses and the best answer of the night, “paella pan” (the question : “what is paella made in?”) We noted paella pan so we could look back and think about it later, but ran out of time ans who would have believed it, that was the correct answer! A few more rounds and then it was the raffle: nothing. Tables sat with eight different bottles, eggs, plants- you name, it they won it. We came away with nothing. At this point Mr McCoy had to dash for the train, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

Then it was a tie-break question between Hunterston Rotary Club and us. Our team was down by one, our historian was away- we were disadvantaged. Then it came: “first to shout out, you may discuss, if you wish”. And there it was: “How many children did Queen Victoria have?” I looked at my team (or what was left of them), mouthing “nine” and shouted “nine” Ûber loudly. Then we won! There and then, we were questioned on who was the historian, to which we replied that he had left. Our trophy is at pride of place in Mrs Burns’ display cabinet, and I’m sure the wine given to our teachers is long gone, because I know that our sweets certainly are.

It was a fantastic night, packed with fun and amusement, and I certainly do love a quiz! Largs Academy has now won the quiz three times since the 1800’s, thanks to our fabulous team. Although I made several jokes of us being 400th reserve, it was the perfect combination! Furthermore, it was wonderful of both teachers to care about their school and pupils so much to spend their own time being part of the team, especially since both Mr Higgins and Mr McCoy don’t live locally. I cannot thank everyone in the team enough.

Another “thank you” must be said to the Rotary Club for our invite. It was a fantastic night! We cannot thank you enough for the experience.

Rachel Eager

Depute Head Girl Largs Academy

Last weekend our Concert Band were working hard in preparation for the Scottish Concert Band Festival on 5th Dec. Well done everyone! See picture.