Dalziel High news

Nov 19 2008 by Jean Ward, Wishaw Press

The school was delighted with the final publication of the inspection report last week. The school received three excellent ratings and two very good, in the five areas reviewed by inspectors. Dalziel was described by inspectors as a “lively school which is committed to learning” with “high expectations and high levels of achievement.”

North Lanarkshire Director of Learning and Leisure, Christine Pollok launched the report and said: “This report is among the best ever for a Scottish school and recognises the tremendous amount of work that goes into creating a quality teaching and learning environment.”

Messages of congratulations were received from many sources.

After a lengthy lay-off, Dalziel High’s rugby teams entertained Hamilton College on Saturday.

Sometimes such lay-offs lead to a diminishing number of boys looking to play but on this occasion both the S1/2 and S3/4 sides were brimming with numbers which augurs well for the school and Dalziel RFC for whom many of the boys play on Sundays.

Games against the college sides are always keenly contested and this was certainly the case in the S3/4 game when Hamilton came out of the traps strongly scoring two tries before the break.

Neither side was able to dominate however, with errors spoiling many promising moves and leading to plentiful turnovers. For their part Dalziel managed a solitary score, but as Hamilton had managed to convert one try, they led by 12-5.

The second half was a very different affair however, Dalziel managing to put together the phases and playing some decent flowing rugby. With ball going to hand they managed to dominate proceedings, scoring five unanswered tries to run out 32-12 winners. The College boys played their part well however and had they managed to use the space they created they would have added to their first half tally.

Tries from Fraser Joyce (3), Matthew Boal (his debut try) , David McCrum and Ryan Watters. Scott Johnstone kicked one conversion.

The S1/2 XV have had only a few practice sessions to prepare for games, although those who appear for training do not lack enthusiasm, a key ingredient for the game. In another excellent contest Dalziel played well to record a well-deserved win by 16-10.

Tries were spread between the forwards and backs and scored by Cameron King, Jordan Robertson, Craig McMurdie, Ewan Clark and Callum Connacher. King managed one conversion.

Many thanks once again to Mr Ken Paterson for refereeing.

In the afternoon, 16 boys travelled with Mr Masters to the Scotland/All Black international. This proved to be a great occasion, everyone enjoying the trip and the experience. Thanks to Mr Masters for his time and driving skills.

Next up are Wellington College. Meanwhile the Senior side have drawn Leith Academy in the next round of the Scottish Schools Bowl competition. This is to be played on Friday, November 28.

Two art and design pupils took part in a workshop organised by North Lanarkshire in partnership with the NHS to promote an awareness of breast feeding. The pupils were set a brief and given one day to research, develop and produce a final piece. Both pupils, Amy Baldock and Mairhead Ainsworth thoroughly enjoyed the day and were asked to attend an award ceremony on Friday, November 7, in Bellshill Cultural centre with their PT art and design teacher Jennifer Di Mambro. The event was a celebration of the work produced and both pupils produced pieces of work that were outstanding.

The Dalziel badminton teams have won both the Junior and Senior Lanarkshire Quaich competitions.

The preliminary rounds were held on October 22 for the Juniors and October 30 for the seniors with finals night taking place on November 4. Both preliminary rounds and final were held at Bellshill Academy.

Each match consists of five games, Boys singles, Girls Singles, Boys Doubles, Girls Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The results were as follows. Junior: Pool Matches, Dalziel 5 Our Lady’s Cumbernauld 0; Dalziel 5 St Aidan’s 0; Dalziel 5 Larkhall Academy 0. Final: Dalziel 4 Lanark Grammar 1.

Senior: Pool, Matches, Dalziel 5 Our Lady’s Cumbernauld 0; Dalziel 5 Cumbernauld High 0. Dalziel 3 Lanark Grammar 2. Final: Dalziel 3 Kilsyth 2.

Both teams now go forward to represent Lanarkshire in the National Finals at the Tryst Cumbernauld in February

BADMINTON JUNIORS:pictured in the back row (top right) are Blayne Pollock, Cameron King, Robert Dunn and Glen Eadie. The front row is Sophie Morrison, Hannah Morrison, Emily Gallen and Deborah Hendry.

BADMINTON SENIORS: the back row (right) is Kris Hawkins, Craig Morrison, Scott Jackson and Gary Jamieson. The front row is Heather McKune, Roisin King and Natalie Irvine. Kirsty Hannigan is missing from the photo.