Clubs and societies
Extra-curricular activities can play an incredibly important role in a student’s educational journey. They give people the chance to explore activities beyond the classroom, providing them with opportunities to discover new interests and learn new skills.
These activities boost young people's confidence to interact socially with others; extend their social networks; and provide them with new skills and abilities. Above all, they offer an important space to have fun and relax away from the pressures of schoolwork. We have lots of Airdrie Academy former pupils and staff who remember taking part in these. Please enjoy and explore our stories…
1940s
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I played lots of sports at school. Cricket and football were my favourites. I remember the quadrangle between the cloisters, and we would play in all weathers! I am very proud of winning the Senior shield for sports and was given a medal for my efforts in 1947. This meant a lot to me and I have kept it all these years
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Robert Inglis, pupil 1941 to 1947
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The camera club, under the guidance of Mr Begg is now in full swing. Photography by means of flash lights and photo flood lamps has been the main work of the club so far and we have had a great deal of success in this line. To begin with, we learned to develop a spool and later on to print. We also have the use of quite a good camera and a developing tank inherited from a former club. At present, membership is limited to senior pupils only.J.M.W, pupil 1943-1949
The Airdrie Academy sketching club runs every Saturday during the term and is flourishing. A member of the art staff has been in attendance each time to assist and guide the work in hand and we thank them for this.In September 1949 we visited Easter Moffat farm for the purpose of doing some straight from nature sketching. This was greatly enjoyed by all who took part. Later in the term, unsuitable weather rendered such outings impossible and work carried on indoors. Recently, much time has been spend preparing illustrations for the school Christmas magazine. In May, the judging of entries for club competitions takes place. The subjects are many and varied from portrait sketches and figure compositions to designs for various projects.
M.E.G, pupil 1945-1951
The stamp club juniors and seniors have had a grand time discussing and changing stamps. The exhibition at the recent ‘bring and buy’ club was arranged by both sections. The members of the club would like to thank Mr Souter for his invaluable help and guidance without which neither the club nor exhibition could be arranged.
BRC, pupil 1947-1952
The Airdrie Academy hockey club, under the capable direction of Miss Dodds, is having a very successful season, in spite of the fact our pitch is not yet available. Owing to an increase in members this year, we have been able to form an S3 and S4 team, both of which are playing really well
NH, Pupil 1947-1952
With Mr Paterson as chairman, the debating society has held many interesting and informative meetings. Subjects have ranged from comics to communism! It starts off quite slowly until one person makes a point with which someone strongly disagrees. For a while it is a battle of wits between two pupils but slowly everyone is dragged in and then a real battle royale begins. At the end of the debate, the chairman sums up, takes a vote and then the meeting is ended. But don’t think that subject is closed. Going home from school, the argument is still ripe. If you go happen to stroll down Commonhead about 5.15pm you will see a group of Third Year boys still arguing.
A MacN, pupil 1946-1952
1950s
The House System produced competition and inter-house rivalry in various competitions. I remember in my fourth year preparing for a football match against Rochsoles when our Housemaster “Smiler” Henderson (Maths) sidled up to me and said quietly “Forrest, no prisoners!” I was shocked as I had never known such a mild-mannered man.
Bobby Forrest, pupil 1952-1958
The Christian Fellowship has been in existence in Airdrie Academy since 1951. Mathematics teacher Jessie Ritchie recalls…
‘The initiative for its formation came from two sixth year girls called Margaret Duncan and Kathleen Eggleston. We were supported by our chaplains Rev. Ferrier and Rev. William Russell. In the 1950s we shared in an exhilaratingly happy fellowship of young folks at a monthly Saturday rally in Glasgow organised by Rev. Tom Allan. We were very pleased when other local Airdrie based fellowships joined us. In the 1950s we took part in a summer mission at Portobello. We also heard Billy Graham preach at Ibrox. The members of the CF came from all years. We would watch weekly films including the ‘Fact and Faith’ series. Down the years, our programmes included bible study and we sometimes welcomed thrilling talks by members from all over the world. We also organised treasure hunts and panels of staff answering pupil questions. We had weekend trips at Winston Lodge near Biggar, and one at St Ninians centre in Crieff. I recall a day trip to Dunblane where we visited the cathedral and church house before playing games on the riverbank. Strathaven afforded us a venue for an evening sausage sizzle. The members collected used stamps and knitted blankets for the leprosy mission. They visited the old folk’s home, joined with the choirs on a project for Shelter and visited Quarriers homes.
‘There were always at least two members of staff involved in CF. I was aided through the years by Miss Jamieson, Miss Bormond, Mr Stirling, Mrs Lawson, Miss Robertson, Mrs Alexander and Mrs McGinn.
‘A former Airdrie Academy pupil and founding member Margaret Duncan thrilled us with an account of her experiences as a missionary in Malawi. She later joined the staff. Upon my retiral she led the CF and Mr Duncan supports with his guitar playing. It gives me great joy to see the CF is still part of Airdrie Academy forty years after it was established.
’(from an interview in the Golden Jubilee Magazine 1991)
In the late 1950s Airdrie Academy offered a huge range of sports. Football and hockey were very popular. There were also rugby and cricket teams. Athletics were strong at the school too. Airdrie Academy was a scene of busy activity. This was down to the staff. The teachers who coached included ‘Mighty Joe’ Young, ‘Stooie’ Ross, ‘Barney’ Walker, John Cookman, ‘Stuckie’ Stirling, George Allen, Jack Heron, Bill Train, Ally Mcleod and a host of others. Tom Henderson was a keen football man and later became Rector. Unfortunately the teachers’ pay dispute and strikes in the early 1960s put an end to many school sports.
Bill Brown, PE teacher 1954-1984
Perhaps I can also tell you about my introduction to hiking by going on organised trips in Scotland with a teacher called Mr Joshua Inglis. Since then, I have hiked in many countries, combining staying fit with experiencing new places.
Anne Macpherson pupil 1954-1960
1960s
This is a photo of my husband Hugh Robin Goldie with the school rugby team. My husband is known as Robin and attended Airdrie Academy from 1963-1969. He really enjoyed playing rugby and was proud to represent the school. The coach was Latin teacher, Alistair McLeod. He also directed school operas.Hugh Robin is fifth from the left in the top row in the photograph.
The outdoor club was formed in 1965 and over the years ran expeditions to various parts of Scotland, including Aviemore and Killin. Tents are set up and used as a base. Although there are strict regulations, everybody enjoys themselves. Garth Youth Hostel is a favourite haunt and visited over the February weekend. From there we ski, climb and walk.
K.Morrison, PE teacher
(article in school magazine 1964)
Cricket has been established in Airdrie Academy for many years. In the early days pupils and staff worked together to construct a wicket on school grounds. Opposition schools are regularly Coatbridge High, Dalziel and Hamilton. The biggest enemy is always the Scottish weather – games often need to be postponed. I remember my mother being annoyed at this picture because I was still wearing my red football socks!
James Rodger, pupil 1967-1973
I loved playing hockey for the school. We were a great team and progressed though various competitions and tournaments.
Wendy Miller, pupil 1964 to 1969
Netball was always my favourite sport. I was proud to play for the school team. Miss Millar, the PE teacher worked us hard!
Elizabeth Millar, pupil 1963-1969
1970s
Jim Hutchison began the badminton club in the 70s, assisted by Mr Duncan and Mr Heron. The club has been running successfully with help from a range of teachers. The club produced a Senior Internationalist called Pamela Hamilton. Notable junior internationalists include F Munro, G Russell, S Paisley, A Paisley and G Adams. There are many County players and County Championship winners. School teams have regularly won Lanarkshire league championships across all age groups. The 1973 season has been very successful for the club. Four teams were entered in the Lanarkshire League and achieved a total of 37 wins, two losses and one draw.
Several players from the school won titles of reached finals in tournaments including the Scottish National Championships, the Midland Open. Glasgow Churches tournament, Perth Open, Cumbernauld Open all against strong opposition from various parts of Scotland.
The best individual performance was from Pamela Hamilton in the final of the Scottish Schools under 14s Championship. She won the singles and the doubles with Maureen Millar.
J. Hutchison, PE teacher (1973 school magazine)
We were so lucky to have so many teachers support sports and other clubs. Around my time at Airdrie Academy, I’d argue badminton was the most successful sport - driven by History teacher “Big Hutchie” Jim Hutchison and more than ably supported by other teachers including Bob Duncan (legend), Roy Dalgetty, Hugh Ainslie (still in charge of Lanarkshire schools badminton today), Jack Heron, Murray Carr and even a couple of rectors - Charlie Smith and Ian Fannon.
The star player was Pamela Hamilton from the early 1970s who went on to win 74 Scottish caps, multiple national titles and played at two Commonwealth games.
I won a junior cap for Scotland as did several of the outstanding Greengairs gang that followed on from my time including Gail Hutchison and brothers Sandy and Alan Paisley. Both my brother Calum and I, as well as those who preceded and followed us, enjoyed many years and much success in the teams, dominating Lanarkshire badminton for a decade.
Sadly, whilst the school team had a fantastic run in this era of reaching the final of the Scottish Schools team event (“the Quaich”) 4 or 5 years in succession, they lost out each time.
Add to those also playing for the school at cricket, volleyball, football and playing with Academy teachers at tennis and squash and you get a picture of how many teams and clubs were going on – rugby was always too cold and muddy for me!
Coaches were Mr Heron and history teacher Mr Hutchison. It was always a great team.One of the players pictured at the front is Ian Fannon who later worked at the school as a teacher and ultimately Rector before his retirement in 2016 ( front row and right hand side)
These are the Airdrie Academy badminton team photos from the finals of the Scottish schools' team competition at Meadowbank ("The Quaich"). Pics are from 1978, 1979 and 1980. Always the bridesmaid….
Fergus Munro- former pupil 1975-1981
When I started in 1975, Airdrie Academy had a considerable reputation in sports. Many pupils had achieved success at international, regional and divisional level. At that time there were nine football teams, four rugby teams and four hockey teams. There were also cricket, badminton, basketball, cross country and athletics teams. Lots of Airdrie Academy pupils had proudly represented their school through the 60s and 70s. By the late 1970s there were new activities added to the list including a trampette and gymnastics club, dance groups, aerobics and table tennis.
Mike Rawlinson, PE teacher
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The Christian fellowship at Airdrie Academy is open to all. We have watched slides, discussed what we believe and how we would react to situations. We have enjoyed sharing in treasure hunts, jukebox jury and musical evenings. CF joins in every year to the school choirs carol service. We seek to help charitable organisations like Christian Aid, leprosy mission and local organisations for the elderly and disabled.
Barbara Lee, pupil (1973 school magazine)
1973/1974 we got School Chess team going. As Chess champion (John Macleod) I was captain. We played some games against other schools but lost. My friend Tom Milligan also in the team.
John Mcleod, pupil 1968-1974
The 1973-74 season was the most successful for Airdrie Academy volleyball. Four players were selected for district, national or international level. S6 player John Reid was selected to Junior Scotland and played in the European Championship. We have plans to establish a girls team in the next school session
Mr Steel, PE teacher (from 1974 school magazine)
The guitar society has been active in both tuition and performance in session 1973-74. Members combined with the Light musical society to produce ‘Joseph and The Technicolour Dreamcoat’. A prominent feature of the guitar society is the emergence of Airdrie Academy’s very own band ‘Jaid’.
Mr Coull, English teacher (1974 school magazine)
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Rugby team with trophies 1976-77
There was a whole lot of hair going on in those days! Great team, lots of great memories with these boys. Our team coach was Mr Dingwall pictured here.
Ken Mackenzie, pupil 1971-1977
The above photo shows Airdrie Academy’s senior Rugby team in 1977 winning Livingston 7's competition. Jim McFayden definitely had the best hair- there was a lot of it! David McKeran and Jim were in S6 that year. Good times and good memories!
Stuart Pryde, former player and pupil 1972-1979
AIRDRIE Academy rugby team 1977-78.
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Back left to right
David Mcpherson, Alan Cox, Stuart Pryde, Allan Cummings, Allan Spence, Gordon Campbell, Ian Curle, Ian Mcphee, Gordon Barry, Michael Grant.
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Front row left to right
Eric Macquarie, Graeme Callander, Ian Murdoch, David Billingham, David Pugh, Keith Sefton, James Callander
Amazing what a rummage in the loft can unearth! Basketball medal confirms it was 1979 Lanarkshire League (bit earlier than I'd thought). We lost 32-8 at St Margarets on 12 Feb 1979, won at Cardinal Newman 6-4 (!) on 23 Feb and lost narrowly 43-10 at Lanark on 5th March but Derek Craig reminded me they had an American playing for them which was basically cheating. Not quite sure how all this adds up to runners up prize but hey - show us yer medals!
Team was Fergus Munro, Sandy Bole, Ian Buchanan, Gary Gillespie, Kenny Hazlie, Derek Craig, Graham Cook. Not sure of the last guy but was his surname possibly Wilson?
Here are the all-conquering exploits of the cricket team, again probably 1981/2 - some say the highlight of Big Brian’s sporting career. Again, don’t have all the other names but Ian Murdoch’s googly was something to behold, Raymond Reid was better than Boycott and Landy Collesso was like lightning in the field. Think we beat the Teacher’s All Stars too but that’s even hazier. We are pictured here winning the Lanarkshire Schools Cup.
Top row left to right
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Teacher Blair Young, Angus Legg, Leslie Baird, Derek Rogerson, Colin Smith, ??
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Front Row left to Right
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Ian Murdoch, Raymond Reid, Grant Wilson, Brian Irvine, Landy Collesso, Fergus Munro
Fergus Munro, pupil 1975-1981
1980s
I have great memories of being in the trampette squad and being involved in a display on Hampden Park in aid of Barnardo’s. Remember the fireworks at the end and them landing all around us as we were standing on the pitch. I was terrified – I remember hiding under Mr Rawlinson’s arms, he was a great teacher. Loved the gym and dance displays too! We even made it on the TV when a reporter came to school to record us for a local what is going on in your area programme. Happy days!
Elaine Devine, pupil 1981-1986
Since 1982 a small group of pupils were proud members of the bridge club. A successful team of players came second equal with Holyrood Secondary in the Scottish schools Bridge Championships.
John McVey, Maths teacher
In the 1980s, I ran a swimming club each Tuesday after school and the Airdrie baths. Many pupils were tested and gained badges in survival speed and distance. These were awarded by the ‘Coca-Cola’ Company. It was a real house activity! Senior pupils assessed younger ones. A real team effort!
I remember one proficiency test involved diving in to retrieve a rubber brick. One boy dived in and was wearing such a baggy pair of shorts that when he surfaced, his backside was visible to all. It was not a pretty sight!
Archie Fallow, Housemaster and Technical teacher 1970-1998 (reported in Jubilee magazine interview)
Pupils from Airdrie Academy used to go down to the local baths. You got swimming as part of your PE. I also remember getting lifesaving where you had to take a pair of Pyjamas and shown how to take them off and use a floating device.
G Hutton, pupil 1981-1987
In 1983 Airdrie Academy netball club was re-established. There were more than 50 players spread across three age groups. By the early 1990s the club was taking part in the National Youth tournament and the Scottish Knockout. One year the Academy entered six competitions over three age groups and won 17 medals.
Annette Laird, Science technician
Bill Watt is front row left and David Provan back left.
David McMeekin and Murray Fallow back centres.
John Scott is front row, second from right holding the cup. Youngest of them all. Gordon McNaughton also holding cup.
I am on bottom right about to fall on my bahooki!
John Moffat, pupil 1979-1985
In 1984 Airdrie Academy established a ski and club there were over 200 pupils eager and willing to take part. The club was completely self-financing. We owned our equipment and were clearly at the mercy of the elements! The skiing club met whenever there was snow.
I McLaren (1988 school magazine)
‘Play Watch’ was introduced in 1987. The aim of this group was to interest pupils and all aspects of theatre, from Pantomime to Pinter. Each year the membership has differed. Our best year was ‘Glasgow’s Year of Culture’ when variety of visits were organised from theatres across the country. One memorable evening was a visit to watch ‘The Steamie’ in Clydebank Theatre. It was memorable for the bus driver who took a wrong turn and had to reverse for a considerable distance up a narrow road. Upon entering we also discovered the seats were not allocated together!
The members of ‘Play Watch’ welcomed two celebrities to Airdrie Academy. The first was Tony Roper, author of ‘The Steamie’ and renowned comedian. He had an interesting time answering questions posed by pupils. The second visit was from Giles Havergil, artistic director of the Citizens Theatre. He provided an intriguing insight into the backstage workings of theatre.
Isobel Randall and Jane Burns, English teachers
In 1988 the opportunity to form a sailing club arose when the Glasgow Schools Sailing Club had boats based at the Glasgow Garden festival and a group of pupils was invited to try sailing. The first group was about 30 strong but this had to be reduced as the size of the group was dictated by the size of the mini bus!
1989 Weekend trip for the sailing club at Blairvadoch outdoor centre on the Gareloch. The club was formed in 1989. It aimed to give pupils the opportunity to take part in an outdoor activity and train them to RYA levels of competence.
Alex Keegan, science technician
By the late 1980s, things had changed relating to extra-curricular activities. Airdrie Academy had only one football team, six netball teams, social badminton, and various recreational groups. This was to do with long serving staff retiring and those remaining not having the energy to run so many clubs as before. There were very few teaching staff who were under the age of 30. Yet again industrial action in the late eighties proved to be an enormous blow to extra-curricular clubs. Another factor was that over the years, pupil interests had changed significantly. There was a move away from team sports to individual activities like skating, mountain biking and swimming. By the 1990s there was sailing club, a netball club and a new under-14 l football team run by a parent called David Whiteford.
Mike Rawlinson, PE teacher (reported in Jubilee Magazine)
1990s
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A long established and popular activity is the debating society. The issues discussed are never boring! Recent motions relate to the earnings of pop stars, the banning of cash from city centres, removing PE from the timetable and the Gulf War. The senior society had success in several competitions. They won the City of Glasgow Friendly and reached the national semi-final stage of the Business and Professional Women’s society.
B Laird, pupil 1986-1992
A very popular and successful netball club was running, coached by Mrs Annette Laird. As well as the Airdrie Academy coach, she was a Scottish National coach and umpire. These photographs are from the 1991 teams and were taken for the Airdrie Advertiser by myself as an S6 Pupil.
Scott Roberts, pupil 1985-1991
In the 1990s there was an electronics club available for pupils to construct circuits. The emphasis was on construction rather than theory. Some of the parts are bought, some are stripped from old equipment whereas others are gifted from industry contacts.
GB Rogers, pupil, 1992-1998
The role-playing club was formed in 1990. This involves people taking on characters in an imaginary scenario. It is directed by the Games Master who describes what the characters can see. The players are free to do what they want in the setting. The players lead to comical chaos and the Games master must fight hard to keep order. There are various options including Middle Earth role-playing and JRR Tolkein’s fantasy worlds role-playing. Role play stimulates imagination, is fun and a good way to let off steam.
B Neil and S Wilson, pupils 1990s (from Jubilee Magazine)
Alan Munro, Bob Duncan, Anne Learmonth and Fiona Irvine are delighted to be the staff members involved with the longest-running of all non- sporting extra-curricular activities Christian Fellowship.
Fund-raising activities provide an opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves; this session we held a sponsored silence for the Children in Need appeal. Going away to camps and on visits to meet with other like-minded young people is always very welcome. We plan two weekends away each year usually to the Crusader Centre, Comrie, or the Well Road Conference Centre, Moffat. As Christian Fellowship is affiliated to the Scripture Union, some pupils go to SU camps at Easter and Summer. Our year closes with a visit to Strathclyde Park in June.
Report from Jubilee Magazine
I don’t think we have any photos, but the Dungeons and Dragons club met in S7 the old 6th year chemistry lab, mostly at lunchtime – on the odd occasion after school if we had a big game on. We even entered the Scottish schools competition for D&D, we went to Castlemilk on a Saturday morning to take part. It was a specially written campaign, they supplied the dungeon master, mostly Uni students and we supplied the brains and brawn. Stuart McGill was one of my members, he might remember more about it than I. We went for about 2 or 3 years until that group moved on.
Arthur Bannister- science technician
Yes, I remember that competition – cannot remember what year we did this. It was a pre-generated game all the teams were playing the same game with premade characters to make it fair for all the players who had to navigate the adventure, doing the puzzle solving of the game as well as fighting creature's, you had to work as a team working out and thinking how to get through the game within the time frame given. The teams that got the furthest or near the end of the adventure progressed to the next level of the competition, which had the teams compete in another game later until. I think it whittled down to two groups of players. Not sure what the prizes were for the winner and runners up. The D&D that was played for anyone who knows D&D was the original version of D&D – I now play a 5th Edition of this, which has different rules to the one in that competition. I think it made it to the TV news for the 6 o'clock news because of the competition and the game used, not sure if you would be able to find it, as I don't remember which News station covered it
Stuart McGill, pupil 1996-2002
We ran a very popular concert band starting in the mid-90s. They attended several recitals and competitions and were very successful. One major festival was in Italy.
So many stories come to my mind from that time! I can’t believe I have been working with Airdrie Academy pupils for over 30 years now!
Jonathan Naylor, music tutor and band leader
I played in the band in the early/mid 1990s. Paul Towndrow was one of the leading musicians at the time.
Iain Ness, pupil 1992-1998
I played from about 1998 or so to 2002. I played lots of the competitions for Boosey and Hawkes. I remember going to Manchester with both Airdrie Academy Senior Band and North Lanarkshire Wind Ensemble. Good times!
Linsay McKenna, pupil 1996-2002
I may be completely wrong, but I think we played in the senior band from around 1997-2001.I played clarinet. Some strong memories of playing Jurassic Park, Star Wars and Titanic. When the ensemble came together, I remember it being a goosebump moment.Absolutely petrified for spot checks when Mr Naylor wanted us to play individually to make sure we had practised.I remember laughing way too much in band with Kevin O'Neill, Alison Lindoe, Amy Laird, Pamela Strachan, Pauline Robertson and Colin Telford especially during the Christmas rehearsals in the church.
Lesley Breslin, pupil 1996-2002
I loved this time! Also remember playing The Fairground Suite and Space Odyssey 2001. Did we not go to a regional band comp and come first or second? #bandgeeksandlovingit! We won a silver award!Pamela Strachan, pupil 1996-2002I remember one time when Amy Laird pushed me off the stage only for someone to rush on to check that my clarinet was undamaged. The other band member kept telling me to keep moving round. Didn’t think I would fly off the stage! I think I nearly got thrown out of band for laughing so much!
Colin Telford, pupil 1996-2002
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We won that 1999/2000 award which was then followed by turnip gate… It was the best of times at school - I loved our geeky music life and the fact we did Glee club before it was called Glee club.
Alison Lindoe, pupil 1997-2003
My fondest memories were from the badminton club ran by Mr Forsyth, it was always good fun with us sometimes being joined by teachers and one time being shocked at just how good Mr Duncan was at it. Despite his horrible puns he was by far my favourite teacher. ( He once said, "We're learning about coal mines today,
can you dig it?”)
David McGhee, pupil 1996-2002
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Great memories of many excursions and outings in the Scottish countryside. We have a very active group and growing number of members. Miss Ferguson and Mr Keegan were so encouraging and positive. One of my favourite memories from school
Chris Mclean, pupil 1998-2004
I would have been in the band for the 1999-2001 concert band festivals. And the 2002 Royal Northern College of Music.
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Audrey Williams, pupil 1997-2003
2000s​
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Astronomy Club
We started around 2004 and ran up to 2013. Our first Honorary President was Sir Patrick Moore who phoned me a couple of times.
The second was Charlie Duke, astronaut from Apollo 16. I have included a few photographs from a visit to Airdrie.
We started with just a few pupils, and me doing talks on astronomy. We visited Airdrie Observatory, it still opens to the public in the winter months. We arranged joint trips to the Mills observatory in Dundee. We did a lot with Airdrie Astronomical Association as I was chairman at the time and North Lanarkshire Council’s Curator of the Observatory.
We also did aqua jets, adult members of the astronomy club went out to primary schools to teach them how to build and fly the rockets. They then came to the Academy for the finals.
We often went up against Kilsyth Academy. All this was sponsored by the Round Table. Norbert Grant who was an IT technician was chairman and him and his team helped by supplying prizes.
The Airdrie Academy group then wanted their own telescope so we applied for a Lottery grant and got ourselves a fantastic big telescope. A solar telescope, two planetary telescopes, a garden shed to go on the roof up at art to house them and other equipment.
When I was redeployed in 2013 nobody took over the club and part of the Lottery funding contract it was to go to the observatory in Airdrie so others could use the scopes without them going to waste.
Arthur Bannister, science technician
Debating club (2013-2024)
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Since 2017 the club has been led by Mrs L Lennox and has had many successes.LM Lennox, English teacher
The English department has a long and proud tradition of hosting pupils in the debating club. This teaches them skills to equip them for life. In 2013, Miss Nicola Miller was delighted for the successes of S4 pupil members in the Donald Dewar Memorial Debate:
FIFA Club
The FIFA club is run by Mr McGrath and takes place on Thursdays during lunch. Pupils pit their skills against each other for ultimate computer game bragging rights.C.McGrath,
English teacher 2016
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Kids Lit Club
Miss Campbell has been running a Kids Lit Club, along with our librarian, Mrs Agnew, which encourages pupils to engage with new and upcoming children and teen literature. The club takes place on a Wednesday during lunch. Miss Campbell organised for the club members to take part in the annual Children’s Literary Quiz heats where they performed well but most importantly had fun.
A Agnew, school librarian
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Manga and Comic Club (2017-19)
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We established a popular manga and comic club that met twice a week in the library. Some talented pupils who knew their stuff! We learned about different authors and illustrators, played games and created our own stories too. After two years we were forced to finish up as I was moved to another school in the authority.
C Biggerstaff, Geography teacher
Film club (2018-19)
A popular S1 film club was established on Friday afternoons with the launch of ‘Future Fridays’. They watched ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and did a series of tasks and activities linked to it. Unfortunately the club’s existence was cut short by covid 19. We have not managed to run it since.
A Lofnes, Maths Teacher
Write On! (2019-20)
Ms Frew and Mrs Agnew ran a popular creative writing club ‘Write On!’ Members experimented with a range of styles. They were coached through the creative process and encouraged to let their imaginations flourish.
The members were given their own notebooks and quill pens to note down ideas and inspirations. Many had work selected for publication in a range of formats and competitions. Sessions were always fun filled and open to all. The writing club also partook in the annual Kid’s Literature quiz. They had lots of fun preparing for this.
The club ran every week until the lockdown in March 2020, a few short months before Ms Frew passed away tragically and unexpectedly. All members of the club contributed to the creative celebration in her memory.
A Agnew, school librarian
Robotics Club (2014-2024)
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Run in conjunction with New College Lanarkshire, Airdrie Academy are running their third year of robotics. This year in 2017 the club consists of six highly motivated and enthusiastic S3 girls and a team of three independent, driven S5 engineering students.
We are very proud to be one of only two schools in North Lanarkshire that run Engineering Science N4 to Higher, a course which appeals to young engineers, introducing them to topics like mechanisms, pneumatics, electronics, structures and energy among others.
The robotics club targets these STEM activities as well as graphics and programming. Pupils design and build a machine which can operate both autonomously and under driver control. The robot must be able to carry out some pre-determined task as laid out by the competition rules. Search ‘VEX Starstruck’ on YouTube if you’d like a clearer picture of the type of robot students will be building.
The robotics program has, so far, been very successful. We have won two local level competitions and students from our club competed in a national robotics competition where we placed 21st out of 40 teams. It should be noted that this competition was not a ‘schools only’ event and our school was competing against 18-year-old apprentices (among others) so to place 21st was a fantastic achievement.
Pupils who have taken part in Airdrie Academy are now pursuing engineering in their studies through secondary school and some have even moved on to study engineering at university.
Parents of students who have taken part have been very vocal regarding the changes they have seen in their children in terms of their self-confidence, self-esteem and their enthusiasm for a possible future career in a STEM related career.
Phil Di-Nardo, Technologies teacher
LGBT+ and the Pride not Prejudice (PNP) group in Airdrie Academy
(2016-present)
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We at Airdrie Academy are constantly aiming to make school a safe and open place for all. We are an all-inclusive school, committed to ensuring that anyone who identifies as LGBT+ is treated equally and with the same opportunities and chances as everyone else. We are aware that, if you think you may be LGBT+, it can feel like you are alone and there is no support. Our staff will be happy to talk to you about any questions concerning sexual orientation or gender identity and will listen to you respectfully, without judgement. Miss Masterson is excellent to speak with and is someone at the school if you wish to talk to her.
The support of LGBT+ individuals in school is important. Airdrie Academy will always aim to prevent any sort of bullying from happening to LGBT young people. We know these topics are sometimes difficult to process and go through, so as well as offering adult support, support within the Pride not Prejudice group, we can offer guidance, help websites and phone numbers to further support any other pupils who feel alone or experience any issues.
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Now, at Airdrie Academy, we are aiming to do bigger and better for the LGBT+ community. We have achieved Gold Charter status from LGBT Youth Scotland.
The LGBT charter makes a statement that diversity and equality are the heart of our school and are widely accepted. To help achieve this, involve yourself or support this. You do not have to be a part of the LGBT+ community – Be an ally! An ally is someone who does not identity as LGBT but someone who supports equal rights, gender equality and challenges homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. The LGBT Charter is a progress chart, to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people experience a safe, inclusive and nurturing education.
As part of the Charter, we will be looking at our policy and practice, including our legislative obligations in the context of LGBT+ equality.
We celebrate Purple Friday every year and raise funds for LGBT Youth Scotland through our sales of rainbow badges, lanyards, ribbons, doughnuts and the dress down fund. Each year we plan to make it greater than the year before. If you want to contribute to any events, changes or even Purple Friday, you can join the Pride not Prejudice group (PNP)!
The Pride not Prejudice group (PNP) is a group that meets in Mr Thomson’s room in S37, The Modern Languages corridor, every Tuesday lunchtime to discuss LGBT+ issues, organise events and meet other like-minded people. Our group is a safe space for everyone in Airdrie Academy – allies, those who are passionate about equality and difference for LGBT+ rights and those in the LGBT+ community.
Morgan Brand, pupil 2016-2022
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I remember being present for the very first purple Friday as a 6th year pupil. Watching everyone sign the pride flag in the social area felt like a refreshing sight to see as a formerly closeted bisexual teenager. I remember feeling the support from friends and the knowledge that we were witnessing history in the making as Airdrie Academy introduced the tradition of Purple Friday, as well as numerous other shows of support for LGBT and trans youth within the school. I hope this flag is still displayed proudly in the school as I know it means so much to myself, past pupils and pupils yet to arrive!
Keavi Higgins, pupil 2012 -2018
Science club
2017/18 session science club has been popular this year with pupils completing experiments including making slime, fireworks, bouncy balls, elephant’s toothpaste, rocket cannon, King Kong’s hand and much more.Miss Masterson, Science teacher
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Journalism club (2022-present)
English teachers Miss Fraser and Ms Exposito run a journalism club open to all year groups. An intrepid group have produced several editions of the new digital school magazine called ‘The Buzz’. Articles range from latest trends to school news and research pieces:
https://thebuzz-airdrieacademy.weebly.com/
Examples of clubs – 2022/23 school year
Candle making club (2023-24)
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English teacher Miss Nicolson ran a very popular candle making club as part of the ‘Future Fridays’ programme.
I loved learning about the process of making candles. We spend lots of time experimenting with different designs and scents. I was surprised how easy it was. In the club I made six candles which were gifted to my family and friends.
I loved learning something new.
Mollie Patterson, current pupil
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