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Mrs Fleming (Head Teacher) |
West Calder High School has a long history stretching back virtually to the start of compulsory secondary education in the late 19th century. Students were sitting their Higher exams in the school as far back as 1899. The original building was opened on an attractive green-field site at Limefield. This was formerly the estate of James 'Paraffin' young, father of the West Lothian shale-oil industry and close friend and patron of the explorer David Livingstone.
The modern building has been extensively re-furbished in recent years to take advantage of the technological revolution which will affect education, and life generally, in the 21st century. There are dedicated computer sites in a number of departments with others available for general use and all pupils have access to the internet. The large resource center combines the functions of a library and a computer suite.
The school is conscious of its traditions of discipline and academic endeavour but looks to prepare pupils for the challenges of the future. We seek to encourage every pupil to realise his or her full potential. Many of our school leavers go on to university or other forms of Higher Education but courses are provided to meet the needs of pupils of all levels of ability and every pupil is regarded as equally important. There is disabled access to all departments and we aim to provide optimum access to the curriculum for all.
Examination results are consistently above the national average and care is taken to see that pupil progress is monitored and reported to parents at regular intervals and when necessary. Careers and Social Education is provided by guidance staff with input from other agencies. Pupils with additional learning needs receive specialist help from Learning Support Staff. The Pupil Support Manager and Pupil Support Assistants deal with a range of issues affecting pupil welfare.
The enthusiasm and commitment of staff enables us to provide a wide variety of extra curricular activities. The school competes regularly and with considerable success in football, rugby, swimming, athletics, gymnastics and offers opportunities for participation in other sports. There are Junior and Senior Wind Bands which again compete successfully and perform at concerts. The large number of pupils receiving music tuition are usually presented for Guildhall Certificate exams, and there are regular music productions. In July 2003 eight pupils were presented with Gold Awards under the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which continues to provide challenge and experience for pupils at bronze, silver and gold levels.
The school motto is 'Learning to Live, Living to Learn'. We regard learning first as a preparation not only for coping with life, work and relationships, but for enjoying life. Secondly we see learning as a lifelong pleasure and purpose.
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