Battlefields Trip - 2013 - now open to S1 & S2!

STILL SPACES AVAILABLE - now open to S1 and S2 students! The History Department are planning a visit to the Battlefields of World War 1 from 16-22 June 2013. This will include 3 days of visits and guided tours around significant Great War sites in both Belgium and northern France and is guaranteed to be a most memorable and moving experience. We will also spend one day sightseeing in Paris and one at Disneyland Paris. Students not only develop ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 14/05/2012 08:28 AM

Tree Planting Ceremony to mark Livingston's 50th

To mark Livingston's 50th Anniversary we held a Tree Planting Ceremony to celebrate the planting of one of our oak trees. Every Livingston school received two trees donated by Shin-Etsu, Livingston. The Connect group chose the site for the tree, made a speech and planted it as our school Pipe Band played. A big thanks to the Connect Group, the Pipe Band and also to Ann Anderson and Robin Armour, from Shin-Etsu, who came ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 30/04/2012 12:08 PM

Students enjoy trip to Deep Sea World

The Higher Biology class and the Connect group enjoyed a trip to Deep Sea World in North Queensferry recently. In fine sunshine our lunch was enjoyed at South Queensferry whilst appreciating the view of the two bridges (soon to be three!) across the Forth. In the aquarium itself the group were given a personalised tour of the 112m long underwater tunnel containing many species native to the UK and the spectacular sand tiger sharks, ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 30/04/2012 10:20 AM

Anno's Africa Fundraiser - thanks!

Our S5 Hospitality pupils raised £171.57 for Anno's Africa at the Staff Truffles and Empire Biscuits Sale. Many thanks for your support. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 29/04/2012 19:51 PM

Higher Chemistry Students Visit Shin Etsu

Shin Etsu opened their doors to the Deans Community High School Higher Chemistry students to allow them to experience the industrial side of the subject. The students were given a hands on tour of the large water treatment area which deals with all the waste water produced during silicon wafer production especially focusing on the chemistry behind the treatment of water. After a great welcome from Anne Anderson, engineers Robert ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 18/04/2012 15:56 PM

Remember there's study links on the Library Blog!

Remember you can use the blog for information and study hints, tips and more. The blog is located on GLOW and was produced by some of our students who are Library Resource Assistants. They will be updating it daily and have already included links to Author sites; National newspapers; Study skills websites; Literacy sites and more. https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/wl/library/ ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 28/03/2012 12:51 PM

Deans Welcomes our Norwegian Visitors

Headteachers, deputies, university and other education staff from Norway are spending today and tomorrow visiting classes and meeting with education officers, staff and students to find out more about learning in Deans Community High School. The group were treated to a few scottish tunes on the pipes and drums courtesy of our S1 piping and drumming group. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/03/2012 12:29 PM

Boomwhacker Bang-Along Day for P4 - S2 Students

The Boomwhacker Bang – Along Day is on Saturday 9 June at Deans Community High School from 2pm – 4pm. Free of Charge. An exciting and fun filled workshop using ‘Boomwhackers’ which are diatonically or chromatically tuned brightly coloured plastic tubes. The aim is to inspire accomplished and novice musicians alike in an energetic rhythmical, sing-along interactive “Boomwhacker” ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 20/03/2012 09:39 AM

Deans certainly has got Talent!

I was extremely privileged tonight to help judge 'Deans Got Talent' - and I can confirm that it certainly has! A huge audience enjoyed a fabulous evening showcasing the amazing and varied talents of our students and were also treated to a great performance by up-and-coming star TJ Bilham. (More details at www.tjbilham.com) The task of judging the acts was extremely difficult as everyone put in a magnificent and confident ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 15/03/2012 22:00 PM

TJ Bilham adds Deans Got Talent to Scottish Tour

SGM Artists are currently touring Scottish Schools and Colleges with their new exciting artist TJ Bilham. TJ is a Glasgow based singer songwriter who has been working extensively with producer/writer John McLaughlin (Scotland’s Best Album TV show and Fame Academy). TJ’s music is pop and he performed 3 songs at the Deans Got Talent event. Well done to the students in 4H1 who organised this event for the Teenage ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 15/03/2012 21:59 PM

Thinking about Career beyond school?

Thinking about your career beyond school? Not sure how to look for opportunities? Louise Russell, Careers Adviser with Skills Development Scotland, is in school most Tuesdays and Thursdays and you may request an appoint with her via the librarian. Here are some links to brilliant resources to get you started. www.myworldofwork.co.uk has tools to assist you with every step of your career journey from thinking ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 13/03/2012 21:19 PM

Students produce West Lothian leaflets in German

Mrs Emmett's German class have produced some great information leaflets for German tourists in West Lothian. This was a joint project with Graphics, so they got lessons on design from Mr Dodds and also a lesson on tourism from Mr Hunter. Anna Young from Visit West Lothian and Anne Hartmann from Deans judged the competition and were very impressed with the standard. The winners of cinema tickets were Megan Stewart ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 12/03/2012 08:56 AM

Higher History Conference A Great Success!

Deans Community High School hosted the Higher History Conference on Friday. There was a full house in the Theatre as students attended from all West Lothian schools. The speaker John Kerr, SQA setter and marker once again delivered a presentation which proved very useful to all the students who attended. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 09/03/2012 16:12 PM

Scottish Cultural Assemblies

This year, our normal Burns Assembly was replaced with a Scottish Cultural Assembly. This was designed and led by students from S1-S6. Two confident and capable narrators, Emma Pollock and Rachel Taylor, introduced their talented peers who shared their considerable talents with all year groups over the week. Talented singers, Rebecca Pennykid and Rebecca Shaw, opened and closed the assemblies. Our national dance was ably demonstrated by Ashleigh ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 05/03/2012 20:37 PM

Favourite Book Survey Results

Result of favourite books survey: Joint favourites:- Harry Potter books (special mention for Deathly Hallows) and Pride and prejudice. Runners up:- The Bible; Diary of a wimpy kid; Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy; Jane Eyre; Twilight; Young samurai. Remember you can still collect your free £1.00 book token from the Library and get £1.00 off any book or audiobook costing £2.99 or more in ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 05/03/2012 12:02 PM

Still Top of West Lothian Secondary Sports League

Deans Community High School has managed to maintain 1st position in the West Lothian Secondary School Sports League! Deans has had a number of success stories in terms of Sporting Competitions that have contributed to our current position in the league. Congratulations to all of the students and staff involved.... keep up the good work!!! The current League Table and other sporting achievements are uploaded in ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 26/02/2012 22:26 PM

Swimming - Craig Wins Two Golds & Top Boy Title!

Congratulations to Craig McLean who won two Gold Medals at the Scottish Schools Swimming Championship. Craig came first in the 200m Freestyle (13/14yrs) in a time of 2.08.01 and in the 100m Freestyle (13/14yrs), in 57.13. Craig also won top boy in the recent East Districts Age Group Championships in the age 13 group. This event is held over 3 weekends with 13 events for each age group - Craig competed in 12 events winning all ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 24/02/2012 09:05 AM

Deans Artists in Giant Baby Shocker!

On Tuesday 21st February, 29 of Deans’ young artists embarked upon a combined gallery visit and sculpture workshop in Edinburgh. After touring ‘The Sculpture Show’ and gaining a greater appreciation for the history of sculpture from realism to the conceptual, students were welcomed at the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) and undertook a crash-course in ‘Slot-Sculpture’, fusing Maths, Engineering, Science and Art to ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 22/02/2012 21:40 PM

Taming of the Shrew

On Wednesday 8th February a group of students from D.C.H.S. took part in the West Lothian Schools Shakespeare Festival at the Howden Park Centre with their production of 'Taming of the Shrew'. Students worked hard over a period of several months to rehearse this difficult play. They then spent the day of the performance at the Howden Park Centre working with a professional theatre director and technical crew to develop their production ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/02/2012 11:17 AM

Newsletter Issued to Students

All students were issued with a school information newsletter before the February break to take home for parents/carers. The information includes Curriculum for Excellence update, information from PC Paul Corner and a reminder about exams and other key dates. A copy is uploaded in the 'Information' section at the top of the website. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 16/02/2012 21:59 PM

West Lothian Badminton Championships

There was great support from our students and their parents at the West Lothian Secondary Schools Badminton Championships 2012. The Deans CHS team played outstanding competitive badminton in a very sporting manner. They were a real credit to the school. More photos in Extra Curricular section. Well done to the following students! U14 Boys’ Singles Competitors - Kieran Kildae, Adam ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 02/02/2012 21:59 PM

Modern Languages Excellence Awards

S1 students worked really hard on their "diplôme de français" awards this year, with a huge amount of students receiving prix d'or (gold) and prix de platine (platinum) award certificates at the presentation in the theatre. Rebecca Pennykid of 1C3 achieved 75 flags! The standard of work was very high and will be displayed in the Modern Languages corridor. Well done to everyone who won an award! ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 30/01/2012 20:11 PM

Leigh wins Outstanding Dancer Trophy

Congratulations to Leigh Pincott (S2) who won 'outstanding dancer' in the junior category at the West Lothian Dance Championships at Broxburn Academy. Eight schools took part and Leigh was up against about 50 other dancers from schools around West Lothian. Leigh's success also featured in the West Lothian Courier recently. Well done Leigh! ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 25/01/2012 10:26 AM

Students Awarded Food Hygiene Certificate

Congratulations to our Hospitality students who received their Elementary Food Hygiene Certificates from the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS). Left to right: Shannon Raham, Erinn Collins, Kimberley Ross, Hayley Walker, (not pictured: Hannah Hamilton, Aimee Laughland, Shannon Ross, Patriycja Matuszak.) ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 23/01/2012 09:12 AM

Student Council Election Results

The result of the S1 election is as follows:- Girls - Lauren McKissock, Ella Carter, Melissa Byrne. Boys - Scott Tansey, Robert Corner, Connor Anderson. Congratulations to the S1 students elected! (pictured left) Thanks to all students for participating and voting in the elections. A big thanks again to Stuart Moir and his team for organising the whole voting and count system so that the students experienced 'the real thing' and to ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 22/01/2012 23:50 PM

Money Week - Winning Team!

During Money Week students experienced activities dealing with money across the whole curriculum. In the Maths department students considered many of the aspects of setting up in business. Business experts were invited into the school from a variety of specialised areas to talk with students to help in their understanding of what each part plays in the running of the business. They took on roles such as Marketing Manager, Finance ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 16/01/2012 12:38 PM

Former Student Shares his University Experiences

Deans Science students have recently been lucky enough to have had a visit from former student Callum Gillespie. Since leaving Deans, Callum has been studying at Edinburgh University for a medial degree and is involved in the Pathways to Professions programme at the University. Callum talked to S5&6 students currently studying in the Science department about his experiences so far. The presentation ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 11/01/2012 20:07 PM

S1 Student Council Elections

The S1 student council elections will be held on Thursday 19 January. Keep up the good work on your election campaigns. Remember you can arrange to visit other S1 tutor groups to distribute or present your campaign material. If you need help with leaflets or powerpoint presentations please see Alison (in the Graphics/DeansTV office at the P.E. end of the street). Alison can display powerpoints for you on our TV ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 11/01/2012 20:06 PM

End of Term Karaoke - Thanks!

A big thank you to the S6 students who organised this end of term charity event. The students and staff who performed put on a great show and the audience participation at both sessions was excellent too. Well done everyone!!! ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 23/12/2011 09:24 AM

Construction Industry Workshop

Students aspiring to a career in construction attended a session organised by the school Careers Adviser, Louise Russell. Sharon Edgar, from Construction Skills - www.bconstructive.co.uk - talked in depth about the different crafts, encouraging potential apprentices to think 'wider' than joinery. Students then practised the industry aptitude test, which assesses their spatial awareness. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 11/12/2011 21:13 PM

S1 Fizzy Pop Challenge Winners

For the last 8-10 weeks, S1 students in Business have been working on their Fizzy Pop Challenge - a set of lessons which culminates in the students producing a drinks product, marketing material and a final presentation. Joanne Davis from Coca Cola came to the school to judge the finalists. Well done to team "Believe" - Rebecca Pennykid and Abbie Eccles (pictured with Joanne) who won on the day. Congratulations to all of the other ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 06/12/2011 20:04 PM

Christmas Fair - Thanks for all your Support!

Thanks to everyone who came along and supported our Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 3 December. It was a great success and raised £1226.03 for the School Fund. A big thank you to the Parent Council, Staff, Students, Santa and everyone else who helped make it such a great success!!! ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 03/12/2011 19:31 PM

S3 Students Attend Build-a-Bike Course

Six of our S3 students attended the Build-a-Bike course at the Bike Station in Edinburgh. The boys were all given instruction in how to build a mountain bike from being handed a frame until it is completely roadworthy. All six worked extremely well together and were very receptive to all information passed on to them by the mechanic Steve. On Friday the group were taken to Glentress, Britains top mountain biking course, where they were ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 22/11/2011 19:25 PM

Local College Inspires Students

A group of senior students were lucky enough to have a visit from Kim Christison of West Lothian College Sports and Fitness faculty. Kim, a lecturer at the college, spent a morning with a group of S5/6 students discussing sports courses that are on offer and the job opportunities that these courses can lead to. Students commented on how helpful they found the visit from Kim and how they are much more aware of the wide range of ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/11/2011 20:21 PM

Higher French visit to Edinburgh Castle

A group of 11 Higher French students accompanied by Mr Hunter went on a visit to Edinburgh to do a tour of the Royal Mile and the Castle in French. The purpose of the trip was to give the students an enhanced listening experience as well as providing them with material for a written report later on in the Higher French course. After learning a little about some of the highlights of the Royal Mile Mr Hunter guided the students through ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/11/2011 19:50 PM

Mike Bissett Plastics Donate Plastic to School

A big thank you to local firm Mike Bissett Plastics after they generously donated a large amount of plastic off-cuts to the Craft, Design and Technology department. The plastics will enable S1 - S6 students to produce some creative and exciting products. Watch this space for pictures of the plastic in use! ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 20/11/2011 19:30 PM

A Big Thanks to John Dewar & Sons, Glasgow

Thanks to John Dewar & Sons Ltd who have donated £150 to the Science Department. A group of Advanced Higher Chemistry students recently enjoyed a visit to their London Road facility in Glasgow to enhance their coursework. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 10/11/2011 16:25 PM

Kayleigh Selected for Scotland Women's U17 Squad!

Congratulations to Kayleigh McConnell who has been selected for the Scottish Women's Under 17 squad and will now go on to represent Scotland in a series of fixtures. Well done and good luck Kayleigh! ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 08/11/2011 23:25 PM

S1 Excellence Awards - A Great Start!

The first Excellence awards ceremony of the year saw the most successful start to the awards ever. Many students took the chance to gain an award and these were presented by Mr Hamilton and Mr Wright at Excellence Award Assemblies. Students now move on to their next choice of activity this term and have another chance to get an award. See one of the following departmental sections for more photos and information: Science, ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 06/11/2011 19:38 PM

SCHOLAR - Parent Information Leaflet

SCHOLAR is one of the world’s largest school e-learning education programmes, with over 100,000 users in more than 400 schools and colleges in Scotland. Created by Heriot-Watt University based in Edinburgh, SCHOLAR provides computer-based learning materials to support teaching and learning in Maths, Sciences, Languages and Business subjects. The SCHOLAR programme is designed to encourage student independent learning supported by a ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 03/11/2011 09:37 AM

A Big Thanks to QD Plastics of Dumbarton

Deans Community High School would like to offer a massive thanks to QD Plastics in Dumbarton, who recently donated a vast amount of plastic off-cuts to the CDT department in the school. The plastics will go a long way towards students producing creative and innovative products duirng their time in the CDT department. www.qdplastics.co.uk ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 26/10/2011 09:58 AM

Early Touches Football Coaching

Congratulations to the following students who gained their EARLY TOUCHES FOOTBALL COACHING CERTIFICATE Level 1: Luke Walker, Kieran Thomas, Murray Paget, Adam Alzadjally, Nathan Reilly, Ryan Rahman, Connor Simpson, Michael Smith, Shawn Wright, Jamie Steel & Jamie Platt. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 10/10/2011 09:03 AM

Another Great Result for the S1 Football Team

Deans CHS 4 - 1 James Young HS. Another fine display from the team resulted in a comfortable win in the end. After a timid start Deans took control of the game with a break away attack going 1-0 up. After a short lived James Young comeback the boys found themselves 3-1 to the good. James Young did have a chance to claw back the deficit with a penalty but unfortunately failed to capitalise. Deans then finished it off with a fourth goal, a ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 10/10/2011 08:32 AM

Model United Nations Event at Penicuik High School

Deans students took part in a Model United Nations at Penicuik High School (MUNPH) last Friday. Oliver Lindsay, Ross Wilson Kerri McIver, Charley Sinclair and Cameron Stewart were representing Canada, taking part in a range of committee meetings on current world problems.In the afternoon MUNPH debated UN action when the most powerful leaders of the G20 countries were taken hostage by terrorists. Negotiating their release was the somewhat ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 06/10/2011 22:00 PM

Message from Elaine Cook, Headteacher

I have been appointed Head of Service - Education for West Lothian Council with effect from 1 October 2011. My experience at Deans has been very enjoyable and challenging at a time of educational change. I am very proud of the success of our students with attainment and achievement continuing to improve. Students have shown that they value their education with a commitment to learning and skills development. Susan Cook ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 30/09/2011 22:53 PM

Murry and Charley's Story Room Success

This week, in the Early Years Story Room, Murry Henderson and Charley McAdam, S3, read “Mutt Dog” by Stephen Michael King. Every week older primary pupils read a story to younger pupils via a GLOW meet. Hundreds of youngsters listen to the stories and then are given the opportunity to ask the storytellers questions. We are delighted that these S3 students were selected to be the first secondary students, in West ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 30/09/2011 22:45 PM

Deans Girls Win Football Tournament!

Deans girls team won the football at the multi-sports competition at Inveralmond CHS! There were 6 schools involved and the scores were as follows: Deans 1 - 0 Whitburn, Deans 5 - 0 Armadale, Deans 2 - 2 St Margarets, Deans 4 - 0 St KentsDeans 2 - 5 Inveralmond. Deans then faced St Mags in the semi-final, which the girls won 5-2. They then faced Inveralmond (again) in the final and won 6 - 2. The girls involved were ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 26/09/2011 11:52 AM

S1 Football Team Net Ten Goals in Local Derby!

In their first game on home soil the S1 team managed to pull off a fantastic victory. In the first local derby of the season Deans were on the front foot from the start and within 25mins were 5-0 ahead. This same level of performance continued into the second half with no let up. Another excellent performance from the boys, deserved winners. Final score Deans 10 - Inveralmond 0. Well done boys!!! Scorers: ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 22/09/2011 20:47 PM

Anno's Africa Assembly - Rights of the Child

As you know Mr Gillon is continuing his work for the charity Anno's Africa. S1 students and tutors were all moved by his presentation at the assembly on Thursday. Did you know that the UN Charter for the Rights of the Child specifically states under article 28 that: 'Every child has the right to an education. Primary education must be free. Secondary education must be made available to every child. Discipline in ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 22/09/2011 20:39 PM

Craig Swims to Success at British Age Groups

Craig McLean recently competed in his first British Age Groups and won the 12 years 100 freestyle event. He also won two 3rd places in the 100 and 200 back stroke. Craig was one of only 34 competitors from Scotland who qualified for this highly competitive event. Craig has also recently been selected to compete for the East District team (Fife, Lothian and Borders) in the UK Intercounties event in October. He has also been selected ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/09/2011 21:58 PM

Calum Wins Top Rod Trophy

Calum Stephen helped Scotland win the Youth International Fly Fishing Competition held at the Lake of Menteith over the summer. Fifty six boys from Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland fished the competition. Although every member of the Scottish team caught fish, newcomer, Calum Stephen only 13 years of age was top Scottish rod with 8 fish. Well done Scotland, and congratulations to Calum for winning the top rod trophy! ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/09/2011 12:25 PM

Young Businessman Inspires Students

Senior Business Studies students at Deans Community High School were recently visited by local estate agent, Chris Brown, of Brown and Co Properties. The students were treated to a presentation from the local entrepreneur regarding his experience and advice when setting up in business. Chris, who established his own firm at the age of 22 and is based in Whitburn, West Lothian took part in a question and answer session with questions ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/09/2011 11:36 AM

Students Promote Train Travel

Craft, Design and Technology students in S2 have recently completed a project to promote travelling by train to other teenagers. The project involved students developing Desk-Top Publishing skills to produce a 3-page brochure that encouraged teenagers aged between 12-17 to use the railways. Marketing manager for First Scotrail, Graeme McFarlane visited the school and selected the top 6 brochures. The winning students were ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/09/2011 11:36 AM

Students Visit Tunnocks Factory

A number of our senior students visited the Tunnock's factory in Uddingston. It was a very interesting and educational trip. We were taken on an in-depth tour of the factory and manufacturing processes. We were also treated to a few goodies as we were shown around! Seeing the maunfacturing processes in the real world and not just out of a book, really helped the students understand difficult ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 21/09/2011 10:33 AM

Brilliant... Best Ever Exam Results!

Congratulations to all our students for achieving the best exam results ever! S4 - 5+ level 5: 40%, 5+ level 4: 82%, 5+ level 3: 99%, 5+ level 6: 11%, 3+ level 6: 19%. A big thankyou to all our parents and carers for supporting students in their success. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 06/09/2011 14:44 PM

Important Dates 2011-2012

Our important dates for session 2011-2012 document is now uploaded in the Information (parental, publications) section at the top of the homepage. These dates will also show in the monthly Calendar and Events section. ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 02/09/2011 21:05 PM

Complete our Rights Respecting Schools Survey

At Deans Community High School we are working towards a Rights Respecting Schools Award and would appreciate your support. We are conducting a survey to gather information on Rights Respecting Schools and would appreciate if all students and parents/carers could complete it online for us. Click on 'read more' and then this link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GRQC97T A copy of ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 27/06/2011 12:07 PM

Deans Gets Set for London 2012!

Students and teachers at Deans Community High School celebrated when they were officially welcomed in to London 2012’s Get Set network recently, in recognition of their commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values. The badminton club who are Stellar Award winners “Team of the Year” and finalists in 2010 West Lothian’s “Contribution to School Sport Awards” has drawn up a 3 year plan to ...Read More

Posted by: Alison | 06/06/2011 10:56 AM