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Calderhead high school is a six-year non-denominational comprehensive school located in the town of Shotts, a former mining town, which is, situated midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow in a rural setting. The school comprises of two buildings on the same site, the original building dating from 1965 and the newer from 1979. In addition to indoor accommodation there are playing fields consisting of three separate pitches for football, hockey and rugby. In addition use is made of Shotts sports centre, Wishaw sports centre and Strathclyde park. |
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Calderhead has a widespread catchment area with pupils attending the school from Shotts itself and the small local communities of Harthill, Eastfield, Hartwood and Allanton. In addition a number of pupils live on a housing estate next to HM Prison, Shotts where their parents are employed. Our catchment area consists of a mixture of private and council housing, with some pupils also living on farms. The school has a truly mixed and comprehensive intake of pupils which reflects the full socio-economic and ability range eg 21 per cent of our young people receive a clothing grant. |
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As part of "Schools and Centres 21" Calderhead is one of eleven high schools which will undergo a major £10 million refurbishment over the next four years.
Many parents will remember with pleasure the clubs, activities and sports they enjoyed during their own school days. Through such activities, pupils can acquire life-long interests, make friends, get to know their teachers better and get a well-deserved break from the routine of lessons. Several of our activities take place after 3.30pm and special bus passes are available to pupils so that no-one from an outlying area need miss out on an activity which they would derive benefit and pleasure.
Activities that operate in the school include athletics, badminton, boys and girls football, cross country running, trampolining, dance, golf and gymnastics. There are school shows which children are encouraged to take part in. Other clubs that are available are young engineers' club, mario club, buddies club and maths club. The school also organises theatre visits and trips within the UK and abroad for the pupils. Since these activities depend on staff giving their own time and expertise the range provided may change each year according to availability and interests of staff.
"Go For Gold" is the 'stand alone' positive behaviour programme for all S1 to S4 pupils. The aims of the programme are to make it popular to achieve, to make it worthwhile to achieve by offering rewards as incentives and to enhance school ethos. Pupils are issued with a "Go For Gold" card outlining expected behaviour and performance in class and the "Go For Gold" code of conduct and key is prominently displayed in each classroom. All teachers are actively involved in encouraging pupils' best behaviour and performance. Rewards for pupils who "Keep on Track" include visits to cinema/time capsule/theme parks or free entry to discos. The vast majority of pupils react well to the 'positive behaviour' approach and there has been a considerable improvement in behaviour and level of achievement since its introduction.
Calderhead high school operates a close liaison system with all associated primaries. Following the issue of letters to primary seven parents to choose their child's secondary school, a senior member of staff from Calderhead will visit all primary schools for initial consultations with primary seven teachers. Parents are issued with a copy of the school handbook. During the summer term, members of the guidance staff will interview all pupils transferring to Calderhead high school. Further discussion takes place with primary seven class teachers at this stage. A series of parents meetings are also held to give parents information about the school. The associated primary schools with Calderhead high school are Dykehead Primary, Stane Primary, Allanton Primary and Alexander Peden Primary.
A "Buddies" programme operates in Calderhead high school where each first year pupil is linked up with a senior pupil who will act as their "Buddy". The bond between pupils is quickly established as members of the buddies' club meet each lunchtime in the Enterprise Room. Here, first year pupils are involved in activities designed to build confidence and self-esteem in their new environment. The buddies' club also encourages S1 to participate in the extra curricular life of the school, assisting in fund raising and community activities. Overall, the buddies' club offers support, friendship and fun to encourage our new first year pupils to settle into and enjoy life at Calderhead high school.
School roll for session 2007/2008
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S1 |
S2 |
S3 |
S4 |
S5 |
S6 |
Total |
| 103 |
107 |
90 |
94 |
86 |
30 |
510 |
Pupil roll statistics from Scottish Government census at September 2007. Rolls are subject to change throughout the school session.
National Test Results 5-14
Percentage (%) of pupils attaining at least Level E by the end of S2
| |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
| Reading |
75.9 |
65.3 |
48.7 |
55.2 |
49.2 |
| Writing |
69.0 |
53.1 |
47.1 |
51.7 |
47.6 |
| Mathematics |
60.9 |
53.1 |
51.3 |
56.9 |
42.1 |
Percentage (%) Attendance
| |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
| Attendance |
88.3 |
85.5 |
84.2 |
86.2 |
86.5 |
Previous years attendance and absence figures
1998 - 2001
1999 - 2002
Use the "maps box" at the right to view a location map for the school. If you have any questions or require further information, please use the "contact us" box.
Use the "external links" box at the right to access the school's HMI report.
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