Williamwood High School
| Established | 1930 |
|---|---|
| Type | Secondary |
| Headteacher | William Inglis |
| Location |
Eaglesham Road Clarkston East Renfrewshire G76 8RF Scotland |
| Local authority | East Renfrewshire |
| Students | 1750 |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Colours | Black, blue, gold |
| Website | Williamwood High School |
Williamwood High School is a comprehensive state school in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, in the South side of Glasgow, with a roll of around 1800 pupils. It was originally opened in the 1930s as Eastwood Senior Secondary School, located on Seres Road in the Williamwood area of Clarkston. In 2006 the school relocated to a new site at Eaglesham Road on the outskirts of Clarkston, about three miles from the original site.
History
The older building, which opened as Eastwood Senior Secondary School in Seres Road, Williamwood in the 1930s, was becoming old and impractical. Several other schools in the area such as Netherlee Primary School were modernised, however Williamwood remained untouched. Over time various extensions and additions, including new PE facilities and exterior portakabin buildings as extra classrooms, were added. It was announced in 2003/2004 that a new school would be built under the PPP scheme by the private company HBG.[1] Once built, they would take control of the school ensuring it was well maintained, replacing any broken fixtures, and ensuring the running of the school building.
In August 2006 the new £29 million school opened. It features over 70 classrooms, each fitted with interactive whiteboards. The school has excellent sports facilities including astroturf pitches and running track, a video editing suite, and high standard drama studios. The new school was officially opened by The Right Honourable Jack McConnell MSP on Monday 11 December 2006.
Following an inspection in 2009, Williamwood became the first school in Scotland to be awarded a maximum of five "excellent" ratings by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education.[2]
The unoccupied former building was damaged by fire in February 2007. Former headteacher John Fitzpatrick was awarded the OBE in 2011 for services to education, whilst at Williamwood.
In June 2015, following the retirement of John Fitzpatrick, Mr William Inglis became head teacher.
Departments
There are 12 departments in Williamwood High School. Each has a principal teacher who has overall management for the department. The departments are:
- Art and Design
- Business Information Communications Technology (BICT)
- Design and Technology
- English
- Food and Textile Technology
- Modern Languages
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Performing Arts (Music, Drama and Dance)
- Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS)
- Social Subjects (Geography, History and Modern Studies)
- Science
Student Body
The student body takes an active role in school activities, most notably with those students who stay for a sixth year. A committee of management is formed as a result of elections in June; in which 6th year students and teachers vote for a number of "Pupil Deputes" and the Head Boy and Head Girl. Each pair of Pupil Deputes (usually a boy and a girl) are assigned a specific area of responsibility, for example: school public relations; yearbook; graduation prom; etcetera. Meetings of the 6th year committee of management are chaired by the Head Boy and Girl. Selected sixth year pupils are responsible for managing the school's Twitter page, @WilliamwoodHS.
Notable alumni
- Aidan Connolly (born 1995), Scottish professional footballer[3]
- Richard Lochhead (born 1969), SNP MSP for North East Scotland 1999–2004, for Moray 2006–present[4]
David Weatherston (born 1986), Scottish professional footballer
John Gemmell (born 1984), Scottish professional footballer
Euan Murray (born 1980), professional rugby union player
Gary Muir (born 1980), professional footballer
David McVicar (born 1966), Scottish Opera and theatre director
Gregor Ramsay (born 1996), British racing driver
Joe Gardner (born 1998), Comedian
Ross Gunning (born 1994), Founder and conductor of Glasgow Philharmonia Orchestra
Little Eye (band)
Gordon Young (born 1995), Scottish professional footballer
Scott Plumridge (born 1996), Scotland Rugby League player
Brian Robertson (born 1956), Guitarist in Thin Lizzy and Motorhead
External links
Coordinates: 55°46′34″N 4°16′33″W / 55.77611°N 4.27583°W
References
- ↑ "McConnell hails schools projects". BBC News. 11 December 2006. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
- ↑ "Report first for five-star school". BBC News. 24 November 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
- ↑ "Queen's Park youngster Aidan Connolly's big test is to be like his dad". Daily Record. 19 January 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
- ↑ "Richard Lochhead: Personal Information". Scottish Parliament website. Retrieved 18 January 2016.