From the headmaster

Gifts for Houses

Arniston: 

The ladies of Arniston are very grateful for their 

new swing seat at the front of the House and for their 

large new wooden picnic tables in the front and back 

gardens, which are much used in all seasons. 

“We are very grateful for these donations and hope that 

donors may return for a visit to see these in situ in the 

not too distant future”

Rachel Nicol

Arniston Housemistress

Kimmerghame: 

Two very solid picnic tables and benches 

were purchased for Kimmerghame House last summer 

term. They have been wonderful for events like House 

BBQs as well as a lovely place for the boys to read and 

study when the weather is fine. 

Craigleith: 

The new Craigleith Housemaster and 

Housemistress, Andrew and Cai Cheadle, were delighted 

to be able to purchase a Nikon digital camera for the 

House. Photographs of real quality can now be taken of 

Craigleith pupils involved in a variety of events. Action 

shots are displayed on the plasma screen in the foyer and 

other photographs are printed in colour and displayed on 

the notice boards.

Gifts for Departments

Classics: 

The Classics Department recently launched the 

McLean Classics Essay Competition. The competition 

is hugely beneficial to pupils because it allows them to 

build on their learning in class and explore topics more 

in depth. The GCSE and A Level titles allow pupils to 

develop their independent research skills and to practice 

time management when it comes to a long piece of 

work. It is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is 

enthusiastic about the Ancient World. The donated cash 

prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entrants. 

“Our daughter benefitted hugely from being part of the 

Classics Department and our hope is that many others 

will obtain a similar advantage.”

Kate McLean

Past parent

Support for Learning: 

The Support for Learning 

Department purchased a new laptop for support 

resources, which can be transported around College for 

use in lessons. With the latest software and operating 

system it is faster and more versatile. Crucially, it is 

compatible with the programmes and software that 

pupils use in House and at home, allowing teachers 

to expand their understanding of pupils needs within 

Support for Learning.

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Pipes and Drums: 

The Fettes College Pipe Band has been 

able to purchase six sets of Great Highland Bagpipes. 

These instruments, made by David Naill & Co are of the 

highest quality and craftsmanship and are a credit to the 

world renowned manufacturer. With such promise in 

the ranks of the Competing Band, at least two sets will 

be played at the highest level of schools’ competition 

with the remaining sets providing the very best in tonal 

quality and stability to those enthusiastic learners making 

the jump from chanter to bagpipes. With due care and 

attention, these instruments will be a solid investment for 

the future of the band and should still be sounding sweet 

in a hundred years’ time. 

Gifts for Sport

Girls’ Football: 

The Girls’ Football team has thrived this 

year and thanks to generous donations, their new GK 

gloves have proved a brilliant addition. They have entered 

the Scottish Independent Schools competition this year 

and had a number of friendly matches. 

GoPro Camcorders: 

Two GoPro cameras were 

purchased recently and have been used by the lacrosse 

coaches to video matches and training sessions. The 

girls have really benefitted from being able to watch their 

movement around the goal and this has helped develop 

their settled attack and defence. The cameras will also be 

used for the tennis and hockey terms and improve video 

analysis. The GoPro camera can be attached to the net 

and any goal post, giving a great view of the game. 

Swimming Pool Flags: 

The school swimming galas have 

been transformed by the addition of distance flags that 

provide backstroke swimmers information about the 

timing of their turns. These have been extremely useful 

and, along with the new starting blocks, add a very 

professional touch to those competitions. 

PE Equipment: 

The new PE classroom and lab has 

benefitted from new equipment used in the analysis 

of athletes and data collection for some of the more 

advanced courses. It is a fantastic addition to the Sports 

Department’s resources and will undoubtedly encourage 

more pupils into the subject.

Rowing: 

Four new rowing ergometers have allowed the 

Sports Department to start indoor rowing games this 

year. They are already proving very popular and further 

investment is being considered. The hope is that the new 

club will graduate to a boat when the weather improves 

and eventually to racing as the pupils gain experience. 

Richard Davies (Staff 2006 - present) has agreed to run 

the boat club and has instigated a House competition 

for later in the term, incorporating all the latest video and 

internet technology. 

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