Moffat Academy Secondary News 2025/26, Term 4
Art & Photography Exhibition
Art & Photography Exhibition Album
Chinese Painting
S2 and S3 young people have been learning Chinese painting with our exchange student Zhen in Art Classes. They have learnt lots of new techniques and enjoyed the experience.
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Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
DG Goes Bang
DG Goes Bang. A STEM careers event organised by DYW at the Crichton in Dumfries. Our S1’s had a great time finding out about all the different types of jobs from construction to the chemistry of fabrics and even how to milk a cow. Many thanks to all the exhibitors and organisers.
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Article 28 (right to education) Every child has the right to an education.
Do the Right Thing Workshop
On the 24th April, young people from S3 participated in a multi-agency event called 'Do The Right Thing'. They attended a variety of workshops across the day delivered by Police Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, School Nursing Service, Quit Your Way and Women's Aid. The event was completed with an immersive drama performance from Youth Work 'The Toon'.
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Article 17 (access to information from the media) Every child has the right to reliable information from a variety of sources, and governments should encourage the media to provide information that children can understand. Governments must help protect children from materials that could harm them.
Football
Our S1 Football team travelled to Palmerston stadium today to take part in the annual competition in memory of two former PE teachers in the region.
The boys were an absolute credit to the school and competed with grit, resilience and maturity. They didn't quite progress from their group but played some fantastic football against much larger schools.
We look forward to watching their progress in this season's 14 Cup.
Well done boys!
French Food Treat
On 25th April, Senior French class enjoyed a traditional French raclette meal before going off on study leave. Bon appétit!
Positive Futures Event
On Thursday 29th May Moffat Academy hosted a Positive Future event for all S1,2 and 3 students. This was an event organised by ourselves and DYW (Developing the Young Workforce). The purpose of the day was to introduce our students to the opportunities that are available to them in many different industries. We would like to give a big thanks to all the people who gave up their time and provided some interesting and interactive activities to introduce their sectors to the young people.
Community Windpower; Amco Griffen; Caledonian Park; Ashleigh; Police Scotland; Alive Radio; The Kirsty Adamson collective and SDS (Skills Development Scotland).
We had a great variety of speakers from media and radio, to engineering and construction, retail and the emergency services. This gave our young people lots of inspiring ideas about their futures.
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Article 17 (access to information from the media) Every child has the right to reliable information from a variety of sources, and governments should encourage the media to provide information that children can understand.
Health Week
Health Week is a school-based initiative aimed at educating secondary school students about various aspects of health, such as physical health, mental health, nutrition, and exercise. This involves workshops, talks, and activities to encourage students to prioritise their health and well-being. We have enjoyed Petanque, raft building, rounders, walks and much more including a trip to Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh and Alton Towers.
Thank you to all of our staff for running fantastic activities for our S1 and S2 young people, to Oscar Barron S1 for assisting Miss Gibbon with photography and to Mr Colquhoun for arranging the week.
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Article 31 (leisure, play and culture) Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.
Heriot Watt Multilingual Debate
On Thursday 5th June, Miss Denholm and the Advanced Higher French students attended the Multilingual debate at Heriot Watt University. This was a unique interpreting and translating event showcasing their state-of-the-art interactive language facilities and how they help future interpreting and translating students progress into successful careers within the industry.The young people also enjoyed a walk to the top of Arthur's seat in Edinburgh.Library Certificates
Numeracy Day
Moffat Academy Secondary took part in Numeracy Day last week; young people participated in the following activities in --Physics, DYW, ICT, English and Maths
-Numbers in Space with the Royal Astronomical Society
-Feeling good about Maths & Money with Mr MoneyJar
-Poetry slam with Harry Baker and Times Tables Rock Star
-Dream Job Competition
-Shakespeare and numbers
Thank you to Miss Hardy for organising the event for our young people - and staff!
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Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
Pride Month
To celebrate Pride month, Luke Tommie and Madison Hope- Tatnell (Youth and community development officer from LGBT Youth Scotland) delivered a whole school assembly on Wednesday 18th June.
PRIDE_MONTH_ASSEMBLY_2025Moffat Academy are proud to be one of the only schools in Dumfries and Galloway to have achieved the LGBT school charter award at gold level.
Prom
Our S5 and S6 young people held a fantastic Prom on Friday 6th June. It was a beautiful sunny evening and everyone looked amazing. Thank you to Moffat House and The Town Hall for housing the event and also a huge thank you to all those who helped fundraise and donated.
Secondary Sports Day
The much-anticipated Secondary School Sports Day took place on Wednesday 4th June, bringing together students, teachers and parents for an exhilarating day of athletic competition and school spirit. From the very first race to the final relay, the event was filled with energy, determination, and outstanding sportsmanship.
The day kicked off with the hurdles events, where participants showcased their speed. We when moved onto other track events such as the 100m, 400m and 800m. Special mention to Jack Daly for breaking the S1 boys school record for 400m.
Field events such as the long jump, shot put, javelin and discus throw provided further thrilling moments. Special mention for Archie Dowson for breaking the senior boys school record for discus.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the day was the inter-house relay, where teams gave their all in a spectacular display of teamwork and perseverance. The final scores saw Queensberry crowned the overall House champions, earning well-deserved recognition for their efforts.
Beyond the competition, the event was a celebration of camaraderie and school pride, with staff, parents and students supporting their peers. Staff ensured that everything ran smoothly, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and encouragement.
With another successful sports day in the books, the school community looks forward to next year's event, aiming for even greater achievements and unforgettable moments as well as sustained sunshine.
New records for 2021 (starting from 2011, in the new school) were as follows:
S1 Boys 400m: Jack Daly, 1.07.49
S3 Boys long Jump: Levi Shields, 4.85m
Senior Boys High Jump: Alfie Thomson 1.75m
Senior Boys Discus: Archie Dowson 31.10m
Individual year group sports champions are:
S1 Girls: Lucy Palmer
S1 Boys: Orson McCulloch
S2 Girls: Julia Palmer
S2 Boys: Euan Little
S3 Girls: Grace Palmer
S3 Boys: Fred Kershaw
Senior Girls: Liesl Cable
Senior Boys: Alfie Thomson
Senior Awards
S6 Last Day in School
Sports Day Prep and Success for Alfie Thomson
Preparations for secondary sports day are underway for the event on Wednesday 4th June. Prior to sports day pupils compete in some events to gain house points and individual sports championship points. Alfie performed exceptionally well in the senior High Jump competition this year and was able to break the school record by clearing 1m75cm. Well done Alfie.
Summer Concert
The school’s summer concert was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the school year (nearly there!). Held in the school assembly hall, the event brought together students from different music groups, including the choir, band, and the Moffat Academy Pipe Band.
The performances were impressive, showing the hard work and dedication the students put into rehearsals.
Mrs Crossan did a great job leading the showcase and creating a smooth flow between pieces. The audience was engaged throughout, clapping and cheering after each performance.
Thank you all who came along to support our young musicians on possibly the hottest evening of the year so far! And also a huge thank you to our amazing music instructors who came along to assist with the evening. And let’s not forget our official photographers, Mason Crooke and James Gardinor who did a great job, well done boys.
Overall, the concert was a wonderful celebration of the students’ musical achievements and we are looking forward to the next concert already!
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Article 29 (goals of education)
Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full.
Work Experience
Well done Cole and Alfie! Looks like you have worked hard and completed your Work Experience in an excellent manner.
Zoolab
S3 Biology Students had an exciting visit from Zoolab. They had the opportunity to handle and learn about lots of small creatures.
Wider Achievement
Aila Crossan and Eloise Graham
Huge well done to Piper, Aila and Eloise for participating in a music concert on 25th May in Dumfries. All played fantastically.
Isla Weatherstone and Scott McCrosson
Kiera and Murray
Marcie, Katie and Aila
Well done to our young stars who took part in Sunday’s fantastic Razzamataz showcase! Marcie Durston, Katie Musgrave-Woods and Aila Crossan wowed the audience in an energetic performance of Mamma Mia, and Piper Crossan impressed with a brilliant role in Oliver. They all performed with confidence and talent — we’re incredibly proud of them!
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Article 31 (leisure, play and culture) Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.
Eloise Graham
