The Strathallian 2025

Strathallian The

Summer afternoon – summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.

Henry James

The Strathallian Magazine 2024-2025

VOLUME XXI NUMBER 12

© Strathallan School

Published October 2025

Editor: Catherine Howett, Head of English, Strathallan School

Editorial Assistant: Wendy Hennem, SMARTMedia Scotland

Proof Reader: Louis Dunn

Design: Fin Macrae @DUFI ART

Strathallan 2024–2025

The Headmaster

Salvete

The Captains of School

The Chaplain

Charities report

Prize Winners 2025

Strathallan Prep School Report

House Reports Freeland Glenbrae Nicol Ruthven Simpson Thornbank Woodlands

Creative Strathallan

Academic Strathallan

Active Strathallan

News

& Leavers Ball

Strathallan Photography: Dominic Glasgow, Ken Paterson, Neil Hamilton, Irene McFarlane

Cover Image: SPS Nativity Service in Chapel (Dominic Glasgow)

2024-2025

Chairman of Governors

M A Griffiths, Ll.B (Hons), CA

Headmaster

D M Lauder, MA (Hons)

Governors

Prof. Eric Alton MA, MD, FRCP, FHEA, FERS, FMedSci

Mr Ed Anderson MA (Joint Hons) *

Mrs Alison Clark BA (Hons), MSc

Mrs Catherine Clark

Prof. Jeremy Crang, BA, PGCE, PhD, FRHist, FRSA

Mr Struan Fairbairn MA, Ll.B, DipLp, NP *

Mr Iain Hutchison CEng, FIMechE

Mr Adeeb Naasan *

Prof. Graeme Paton BSc, PhD

Mr Andrew Sinclair BSc *

Mr Robbie Cachia, BSc *

Mr David Graham Ll.B (Hons) *

*Denotes Strathallian

Bursar & Clerk to the Governors

Mr A C Glasgow, MBE, BEng, MSc, CEng

Speech Day 2025 THE HEADMASTER

DEPUTY LORD LIEUTENANT, PROFESSOR SANDISON, MR CHAIRMAN, GOVERNORS, HONORARY GOVERNORS, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, LADIES, GENTLEMEN, STAFF AND PUPILS; WELCOME. IT’S GOOD TO SEE YOU ALL, AND I AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED TO SEE SO MANY OF OUR NEIGHBOURS AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY HERE TOO TODAY, SHOWING THE STRONG LINKS WE MAINTAIN LOCALLY AND IN THE REGION.

The world, a year ago, was witnessing momentous change at a seemingly increasing pace. It remains as unpredictable and challenging as it’s always been, and maybe more so. Global communication, the relentless rise of social media now with AI, 24-hour rolling news, and the current subversion of international norms and deliberate undermining of what used to be considered the truth, perhaps just emphasise this more. And closer to home, increasing global unpredictability has combined with economic and social pressures, reducing public confidence in a secure future. Opinion polls and election results confirm this alongside reduced trust in our national institutions and Government fiscal and welfare policies. Just this week, we’re being told that there need to be preparations for a national response to a war on UK soil, the first such recommendation for 80 years.

This is the world your children, our pupils, will inherit. Yet amidst the danger, risk, and anxiety out there, we know there also exists opportunity, excitement, and increasing possibilities for a younger and emerging generation in what is being called the Third Industrial Revolution in technology powered by AI.

Perhaps we cannot fix all the problems our children will face, nor can we predict all they will face, but we can help them to prepare and manage their way through

them. In that, we pay forward to the next generation more of the benefits we as parents had. Around the world, schools are increasingly seen as the way to do this. A recent global survey of nearly a million young people reported to the World Economic Forum that ‘quality education’ was at the heart of what today’s youth saw as the greatest need in the face of uncertainty, and we must stay ahead of the curve as the world looks to emulate and recreate the best of British holistic education.

We need to consider this. As I entered the workforce over thirty years ago, the business top ten skill priorities for the 1990s were almost all cognitive. As the current Upper Sixth Leavers entered nursery school, those top ten skills priorities had shifted a little; at least two were ‘soft skills’ as they were called, but eight remained cognitive. Move on to today, and you’ll find that this is now down to just two cognitive skills — Analytical Thinking and Creative Thinking. The rest are split into three technical skills such as technological literacy, and five soft skills, now categorised as ‘self-efficacy’ and ‘working with others’.

There are three things in all this that occupy my thinking. First, what pupils experience and how this prepares them for their next chapter; second, the delivery of this experience; and third, the need to continue to look forward, embracing opportunity for our school and its pupils, and to keep improving what we do through professional learning and understanding.

If we are serious about creating and providing a pupil experience that genuinely prepares each one for their own ‘next chapter, whatever that might be’ within a plethora of individual pathways and choices, we must consider something really quite simple.

What is the first thing you can remember learning?

A shared set of values - that is the starting point for any school and its learning. And here, it’s the bedrock of why it feels the way it feels at Strath.

Who taught you? What happened when you still made a mistake on the umpteenth attempt? Why did you persevere? What happened when you finally succeeded? It’s usually a relative, a parent or grandparent, who teaches us. When we made a mistake, we were certainly encouraged and reassured. When we felt like giving up, we were encouraged to try again. And why did we keep going? Because we knew they loved us, were on our side and wanted the best for us.

A shared set of values — that is the starting point for any school and its learning. And here, it’s the bedrock of why it feels the way it feels at Strath. When visitors to our school talk about their experience to me, they comment enthusiastically on the way Strath feels. They talk about the clear strength of relationships between staff and pupils, they talk about the way pupils of all ages approach them with confidence, openness, and warmth; they comment on happiness, on pupils who are at ease in their own skin as well as in their school and with each other; about confidence with no hint of arrogance; they feel welcome, and they feel the grounded humanity of the place. It’s authentic, it can’t be faked, and your children are a real credit to you for this.

And I was reminded of this again just two days ago, on Thursday, when the Headmistress of St Hilda’s School, on Australia’s Gold Coast, visited. She asked me what I was most proud of achieving in my eight years as Headmaster so far? Now I’m most proud of my pupils. But in terms of any achievement? The floodlights on Big Acre and Friday Night Lights matches? Or the resurfaced and upgraded astro turf? The refurbished kitchens and Dining Hall? The Art Café? The Centenary Golf course? Exam results? Sports successes? Today’s prize-winners? The prefects? The Education Scotland Inspection report? The new cricket nets? Or what about the pinnacle of my architectural legacy as the tenth Headmaster, the new toilets by the Hockey pitches, the ‘Lauder Loos’?

None of the above. In 2017, before I was appointed as Headmaster, I was given half an hour to chat with twelve pupils, boys and girls from different year groups. 04 The Strathallian

I asked them: if I become your next Headmaster, what should I NOT change about the school? A short silence ensued until a boy answered: ‘Don’t change the way it feels here, sir.’ This was probably the most important piece of advice I was given during that process and probably since.

If anything, since we reaffirmed the school’s foundation and its values in the centenary of the move from Bridge of Allan in 1920, our values have only strengthened, especially through the work of the Chaplain, for which I thank him, and they underpin all we do. So, I think that what I am proudest of is that, that Strath remains Strath.

Education Scotland spotted these values during their inspection last term. This is what they said: “Staff, children and young people have worked together effectively to develop the very strong sense of community throughout Strathallan School. The school values of Honesty, Respect, Humility, Kindness, Hard Work, Excellence, underpinned by the value of Love, are very visible in the relationships and interaction between members of the school community.”

Because of this, they said, “across the school campus, there is a purposeful, inclusive ethos for learning. Children and young people demonstrate high levels of engagement in all aspects of school life and have a keen interest in learning across their subjects.”

Moreover, “The welcoming and inclusive culture created by all staff” allows “children and young people [to] value highly the sense of belonging they build through sports teams and divisional and house time. This plays a significant role in the school’s strong ‘family’ ethos across day and boarding provision [and] staff across the schools and boarding houses know children and young people very well as individuals. As a result, relationships across the school are positive, reflect the school’s values and demonstrate clearly the school’s overarching value of love.”

This external validation of what we have long described as the unique and special ‘feel’ of Strathallan is both affirming and encouraging. That is what holistic education can do better than any other.

It is through relationships and opportunities that we nurture the ongoing growth and development of our pupils and inculcate the growth of self-esteem, self-confidence, self-assuredness, and self-efficacy. Remember too that exam grades matter and they open doors, but what matters as much if not more is what kind of person is walking through those doors? I’ve yet to meet the Strathallian who cannot, to paraphrase Kipling, “walk with kings, nor lose the common touch.”

To achieve all of this again, we have been exceptionally busy. By my reckoning, we’ve seen in the just 34 weeks of the academic year the following across the prep and senior schools:

• Over 47,000 taught lessons

• Over 1,000 team games sessions

• Over 1,000 scheduled group activity sessions

• Over 1,400 tutor periods

• Over 400 academic clinic help sessions

• Over 400 specific preparation sessions for activities including DofE expeditions, charity, CCF, sports tours, Model United Nation and debating trips, drama productions and concerts

• Over 7,000 individual music lessons taught

• Over 2,500 piping and drumming lessons taught

• Over 80 Chapel services

• 70 assemblies for reward and recognition

• 50 or more concerts and recitals

• Over 100 after-prep sessions on the Astros for house football

• Over 3,500 individual sports development sessions

• Over 10,000 individual S&C gym sessions

• We’ve played nearly 700 team fixtures this year, and put out 137 teams across 19 sports

• Over 15% of pupils play representative sport beyond school, and 5% this year for their country, with Scotland or GB

• 100% of pupils this year have represented the school in team sport up to fourth form, with over 90% in fifth form and over 80% in sixth form

• 100% pupils take part in the games, fitness and exercise programmes

• 100s of golf balls lost, 1000s of cartridges fired

• Over 60,000 meals served in Harry’s

• Over 40,000 pieces of fruit delivered to houses and SPS for snacks

• Over 9,700 loaves of bread sent to house brew rooms

And so the list could go on. But these are just the structures we use to create the space and time where the magic happens. The long school day for day pupils, up to 14 hours in some cases, allows pupils to benefit from everything on offer and I am delighted to see this taking place so widely — it’s quite something that so many day pupils want to stay so long each day. The weekend activity programme, now in its third year, continues to give a broad range of social, adventurous and fun activities and makes boarding at Strath such an enticing opportunity for so many.

The results of all this remain impressive. I congratulate last year’s leavers for their hard work and very good exam results, not least Lisa Convey, our Dux this year. We were delighted to see record pass rates this year in all public examinations — A Levels, Highers, Advanced Highers, EPQs and GCSEs. Records were set in all grade levels at Advanced Highers, including a record number of A grades. The EPQ saw 100% A-C grades with a record number of A* grades at 38%. At GCSE again with the highest ever pass rate, more pupils than ever before secured at least one top grade, and more pupils managed five good passes or more. Strong grades at A Level contributed to the school’s record UCAS outcomes with 88% of pupils securing their first-choice place, rising to 97% when reserve places are added — that’s quite something and by far the best we have ever seen.

Listed in the programme are today’s prize winners too — it’s a day to celebrate academic success and achievement of course, and I congratulate those in both the Prep School and Senior School collecting prizes today. The PSB in Prep School goes from strength to strength, and increased use of outdoor spaces for learning, exploration and play remains a strong feature of the SPS curriculum. It is always good to see the campus used effectively in this way — I just wish I had the energy of years 1 and 2!

The PSB in Prep School goes from strength to strength, and the increased use of outdoor spaces for learning, exploration and play remains a strong feature of the SPS curriculum.

Hard work in the classroom is complemented by hard work, excellence and achievement outside and a few areas deserve a particular mention.

In music, we have enjoyed many lunchtime and evening recitals and concerts and the afternoon Prep School concerts have been fantastic. Carol services for the community, the Senior and Prep Schools and in London for Strathallians were hugely enjoyed. The launch of the school’s own record label and the release of the first track by Maia B-A was another milestone, and Head Man’s Music in Perth last term was frankly stunning.

In particular, I am delighted by the resurgence of singing in Chapel on Wednesday mornings. The school now sings in Chapel much as it did pre-Covid and I am hopeful this will continue. Singing is not a problem however in House and Div Music Competitions and, as usual, both events were hotly contested. These remain highlights for pupils during the academic year and underline again the importance of the house and divisional experiences that add so much value to pupils’ development.

And on the subject of music, “The Big Sing this year was extraordinary.” Singing Skerryvore’s Take My Hand while reeling up and down the main driveway was both fantastic to listen to and visually stunning. With over a million views so far, the feedback has been incredible. Skerryvore themselves issued an invitation to perform with them, which the Pipe Band duly did. It’s perhaps the best expression of what it feels like at Strath and it

is joyous to watch. I extend my congratulations to the Music Department and to Mr McAuley for the vision and sheer lunacy at times of their productions over the last four years - what a way to sign off as Director of Music as Mr McAuley moves to take over Thornbank from August.

Traditional Music too, as well as Piping and Drumming, continues to develop and improve since winning the British Championships last year and I congratulate all for the hard work of rehearsing and planning for competition and concerts, ably led by Oscar P as Pipe Major. We have enjoyed successes again this year with impressive individual wins and placing in competitions and congratulations are due too to Angus C, Harry T and Rory M who have been selected for the Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. Well done Mr Muirhead, Mr Fraser and the whole team.

The Big Sing this year was extraordinary.

Drama, Dance and Musical Theatre have again excelled. Amélie in the Autumn term was stunning, as was the performance of Jane Austen's The Watsons last term. Fantastic Mr Fox was a triumph for the Prep School earlier this term too. I congratulate Mrs CarrBates and her team for another year rich in experience and challenge that brought out the best in our pupils’ talents and uncovered future stars too, not least in the re-establishment of Senior House drama and the SPS Play-in-a-Day initiative. I am delighted with the continued strong showing in Perform in Perth as well as LAMDA, and Associated Board exams in music and musical theatre. Standards again remain very high, and achievements and levels of attainment are as inspiring and impressive as ever, just as they are in sport.

We remain the leading all-round sporting boarding school in Scotland by any metric, not least because of our sustained investment in both facilities and coaching.

The new Barr Astro surface, the new cricket nets upgrade, and Big Acre floodlights have been absolutely game changing for hockey, cricket and rugby. We remain the leading all-round sporting boarding school in Scotland by any metric, not least because of our sustained investment in both facilities and coaching. There is, like most other areas of school life, simply too much to mention here, but let me single out the 1st VII netball Team, who won the Perth League for the first time in the school’s history. It gives me great pleasure to be able to present Captain Olivia F with the Shield today.

Our new partnership with London Pulse Netball is already creating better opportunities for our players and strengthening our netball programme. This will provide a route for our girls into semi-professional netball currently unavailable anywhere else.

Over the past two seasons, our current U15 girls’ hockey and netball teams have been simply outstanding. Across 55 fixtures, they’ve won 49, drawn 3, and lost only 3. An exceptional record and a reflection of the talent and depth in this group — we look forward to seeing how they progress in the years to come.

In December the Senior Rugby Squad travelled to South Africa for the NexGen XV Global Schools Challenge. This was a tough but worthwhile tour, and we are grateful to all those who helped fundraise to enable the costs of the trip to be made manageable for all parents. Trips to Rosslyn Park and St Joseph’s for sevens and winning the Melrose Sevens a few weeks ago provide highlights and significant development opportunities.

The U13 boys won the Ardvreck 7s, dispatching Merchiston in the semi-final and Sedbergh in the final. This speaks to the growing strength and success of SPS sport too.

In cricket, we have enjoyed a good season for both boys and girls teams. With nets starting last September and with Brock Ditchman as our new Director of Cricket, the gear change is already noticeable, as is the increased engagement with the sport. Our teams have enjoyed good success, led by the 1st XI and its Captain Conor F, and I am delighted to be able to keep my word to Fin R by presenting him with this cricket bat for his century earlier in the term.

Underpinning all of this is our developing programme of S&C or Athletic Development. And there is quite a story to tell in this area. For the last eight years, we have tracked wellbeing and mental health data every term, looking for trends and responding to changing needs. We have generally held steady, but this term the data changed.

Mr Webb’s appointment broke the link between Rugby and S&C. Attendance in gym sessions increased, for girls by almost 500%. Nearly 400 pupils have had an individualised programme to work to. Mr Webb’s data highlighted two things: his hotline is to the Pastoral Deputy and to the Catering Manager. This triangulation of health, diet and mindset has produced remarkable results — our mental health and wellbeing stats have dropped. This has not happened in any other school. So next year we are engaging with Heriot Watt and Leeds Beckett Universities to undertake more data-driven research on this to see what more we can understand about the positive impact this is having on our pupils — happier, more engaged, healthier and calmer – the change is tangible and plays to our sense of what holistic education can do.

Now, all of this requires hard work and dedication. Well done firstly to the pupils themselves. My thanks go also to the teachers, coaches, mentors, tutors and residential staff. In particular, I wish Ian Barrett well as he moves to take on Simpson House and my congratulations and sincerest thanks to Gavin Batterham who steps down as Simpson housemaster after 17 years and Leslie Kent who leaves Thornbank after 11 years.

We thank and wish leaving staff well: Dr Sharples, Mrs Birrell, Mr Herbert, Mr Robertson all move to new posts, jobs and chapters in their careers. As does Mr Hamilton after over 22 years here, and we recognise all that he has done for music, drama and much more besides. Two significant careers End today; Mr Giles retires from maths, hockey and International Director after 38 years at Strathallan, and after such dedicated service we both thank him, and send him and Mary every best wish for their retirement; Mr Keir, or PK, leaves after 42 years and the place will be less colourful

without him. He will be missed in English and in SPS and Riley, and we wish him and his wife Sally a long and happy retirement together, though perhaps with fewer friendship bracelets to manage, Sally!

I also recognise today the outstanding work of the support staff in estates, grounds, catering, domestic services and administration and I thank them, the Bursar, and the Director of ER for all that they do for the smooth running of the school, allowing teachers and pupils to go about the daily business of school smoothly.

I thank too our sponsors, our supporters and those who give generously of their time.

I also want to welcome as well as thank Mrs Fiona Robertson, the Headteacher of Perth Grammar School, who is here today as our guest along with Scott Jewell, the senior support manager. This is a partnership based on sharing expert knowledge, ideas and opportunities and is not about providing teaching or coaching at a cost to either school — both Fiona and I are very clear about that! This is a unique relationship within Scottish education where the gulf between state and independent schools has remained wide.

Overseeing Strathallan’s work of course, scrutinising our ideas and decisions, are the Governors. They bring expertise and wisdom to our deliberations, and they have the health of the school and the care and education of the pupils at their heart

Parents can be reassured that we are well on with the work needed to ensure an ambitious and successful school now and in the future.

Sharing ideas and experience through dialogue is both an efficient and effective way to manage CPD and staff development as well as give shared opportunities to our pupils.

Overseeing Strathallan’s work of course, scrutinising our ideas and decisions, are the Governors. They bring expertise and wisdom to our deliberations, and they have the health of the school and the care and education of the pupils at their heart. So, thank you for all that is done in these challenging and demanding times — it is hugely appreciated.

In addition to the board, the Chair of Governors has a lot to do besides manage the meetings. Being a Chair in these challenging times is a great deal of work. Martin, we are grateful for all you do.

Most importantly today, I want to thank the parents. We appreciate the support you give us by sending your children to the school — and we appreciate too that these are challenging times. We are working hard to do two things as a consequence.

First, you told us you wanted at least the same provision as you were getting before VAT, not less. Decisions we are making to restrain costs are made with this fully in mind. So far this has been achieved. Second, we are working hard to improve our provision, and where possible increase it, without adding to costs and we are already finalising new initiatives for next year as a result.

It is in this vein that Strathallan World Wide is now, in its second year, more than covering its costs and next year will make a significant six-figure surplus to bring to the school which alleviates pressure on fee income. We are doing this through consultancy and through immersion visits in term time, both of which are proving both popular and lucrative. We are also developing our commercial activities further, and already we produce more surplus than any other school in Scotland. We have no debt to service and no overdraft to manage as well as a healthy and significant cash balance as a safety net. Consequently, the school remains strong and robust and in a good position to manage the challenges ahead. Parents can be reassured that we are well on with the work needed to ensure an ambitious and successful school now and in the future.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the Leavers. Thank you for all you have contributed.

To the prefects — you’ve been outstanding, and I’ll miss you. Just the Captains’ speeches and tonight’s Ball to get through to see if your photo replaces the 2017-18 prefects’ photo on my mantelpiece!

To the vice captains Louise B and Constantin B, you’ve acquitted yourselves so well in your roles and I am very proud of your contributions — well done and thank you

Eve B and Fergus T as Captains this year have been fantastic, leading by example and giving the role their all. I am deeply impressed by the depth, seriousness, as well as humour you have brought to your roles this year — you managed the balance just right.

To the U6th leavers, well done, you finished well. You’ve been a cracking year group and have come through a lot together, stronger and the better for it. I will certainly miss you, and to paraphrase ABBA, Thank you for the singing…

And for my last piece of advice to you, which builds on Rev’s brilliant Valedictory sermon, these words from the Book of Common Prayer:

“Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast that which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the afflicted. Show love to everyone.”

DML. June 2025

Speech Day 2025 Photos

Salvete 2024

Captains of School

Captains of School 2024-25: Eve B & Fergus T

Vice-Captains of school 2024-25: Constantin B & Louise B

WE HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING THIS YEAR’S CAPTAINS OF SCHOOL. HAVING ATTENDED ELEVEN SPEECH DAYS BETWEEN US, WE ARE ACUTELY AWARE OF THE BENEFITS OF KEEPING OUR FINAL MUSINGS SHORT, SWEET AND TO THE POINT. BUT NEVERTHELESS, WE’D LIKE TO RUN YOU THROUGH JUST SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED DURING OUR LAST YEAR AT STRATH, STARTING FROM THE BEGINNING.

Due to COVID restrictions, we never got to partake in the longstanding Strathallan tradition of Lagganlia. So, this year, we were delighted to finally get the chance to visit with the third form. It’s safe to say it lived up to our expectations (even if it was five years late). The wide range of activities was enjoyed by all, except for maybe Constantin, whose screams of terror during canyoning were probably heard by his family back in Germany.

Unfortunately, our attempts at ghost stories proved to be slightly less terrifying, with Fergus learning that he was sadly not cut out for a career at Edinburgh Dungeons.

After a tiring weekend, we headed home, with the journey back taking longer for some than others, as the girls were stuck stationary on the A9 for the best part of seven hours.

Honestly, though, that was probably the most effective bonding experience of the whole weekend.

Once we finally arrived home, our voices didn’t have long to recover as we launched straight into rehearsals for the Big Sing, which, thanks to Mr McAuley’s expert direction, truly lived up to its name this year. The whole thing was unforgettable, and we mean that literally, because Take My Hand is still stuck in our heads, and the seemingly permanent white lines on the drive remind us of the whole school ceilidh every time we pass them.

The Big Sing, of course, proved to be the perfect practice for what is perhaps the most anticipated but certainly the most controversial event of the Strathallan calendar: House Music.

It was wonderful to work with pupils of all ages this year. We can’t wait to see all that they will do over their own Strathallan careers.

As always, the stakes this year were incredibly high with some truly excellent performances. Yet, even with the newly reformed judicial system, Thornbank somehow still managed to emerge on top!

It's no surprise that we excelled in sports again this year. There was rugby success at Melrose Sevens, and even as far afield as South Africa in the World Schools Festival, netball victories in the newly-reformed Perth league, Scottish Schools' victories in tennis, swimming and athletics and runner up British champions in shooting.

Luckily, we know that the future of Strathallan sport is bright, as we found out first hand every Friday when the prep school wiped the floor with us in dodgeball, along with the vice captains, Louise and Constantin.

Fortunately, the other times we spent with the prep school were far less humiliating. From helping with LAMDA rehearsals to working with first and second form on the flower shop we ran for International Women’s Day. It was wonderful to work with pupils of all ages this year. We can’t wait to see all that they will do over their own Strathallan careers.

It would be wrong to mention the prep school without also mentioning their play Fantastic Mr Fox as it was, well… fantastic. This comes at the end of yet another incredibly successful year for Mrs Carr-Bates and the drama department, from the Parisian streets for the musical Amélie, and giving us a borderline existential crisis in the Austen-inspired production of The Watsons. And somehow getting the whole senior school involved in the official return of house drama with each house’s own questionable takes on the Harry Potter franchise. It was great to see so much creativity from all houses, well apart from Woodlands of course!

House drama was just one of the many inter-house competitions this year. From the more mainstream events such as inter-house swimming and cricket (both of which Glenbrae won of course) and Nicol’s glorious victory at Sports Day, to the more niche competitions such as interhouse pizza making and can collecting. Honestly, if we could make it a competition, we would, but what better way to foster house spirit?

We were also fortunate this year to get to travel to London for the annual Carol Service. It was a resounding success, and it was wonderful to see so many alumni attend. However, in true festive spirit, Mr Lauder unfortunately found there to be no room at the inn (and by inn, we mean no rooms in the hostel the rest of us were staying at), meaning he tragically was forced to stay, not quite in a stable, but in the nearby Hilton instead.

As you can tell, this year has been a good one but also a fast one. We know it’s a cliché, but your time at Strath really does fly. So, to those lucky enough to have another year here, make the absolute most of it. They say that as people we are a patchwork of everyone you meet, and that couldn’t feel more true as we look back on our time here. Strathallan has shaped us, but so too have the people around us — parents and staff alike.

Strath has truly given us so many incredible opportunities over the years. I don’t know where else you could be in Poland with the Holocaust Educational Trust on Tuesday and in Holland for Model United Nations on Thursday of that same week. These experiences have, in many ways, taught us about the world but have in every way have taught more valuable lessons about ourselves that will go far beyond the school gates. We, and our Vice-Captains Louise and Constantin would like to say a special thank you to our Head of Sixth Form, Mrs MacBain and the rest of the Senior Management Team who helped us make it through our final chapter. We’d also like to thank the rest of the prefect team, even Christie, who always seemed more interested in the bacon rolls at our meetings than in what anyone had to say! Finally, we would like to thank our year group, the class of 2025, and wish you all good luck as you embark on the world. It was a pleasure growing up with you all, and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things that you will accomplish in the coming years.

But now, it’s our turn to step aside and pass the reins to next year’s Captains of School, Ben and Farrah. We would like to wish them and their deputies, Henry and Natalie, the best of luck for next year.

Eve B and Fergus T

They say that as people we are a patchwork of everyone you meet, and that couldn’t feel more true as we look back on our time here.

A life in a day in a year of the Strathallan Chaplain

THE PAST YEAR IN THE WORLD OF CHAPLAINCY HAS BEEN FUN-PACKED, BUSY, OCCASIONALLY EMOTIONAL, FREQUENTLY POIGNANT AND VERY MUCH STILL THE CENTRE OF THE STRATHALLAN COMMUNITY.

Our ‘Big Chapel’ kicked things off in August and succeeded in dislocating expectations of pupils who were new to Chapel. Laughter and smiles filled Chapel as we talked about the importance of community and our core values. Alongside the now terribly cheesy dad jokes, we had the old favourite ‘dog food’ talk, which turned a few stomachs and reminded everyone that this was no ordinary Chapel.

The Autumn Term concentrated on school values and the importance of building a strong community by carefully integrating new hymns and old and even letting Constantine B loose on the organ for German Unity Day. Harvest saw the launch of Food for Ukraine, which was incredibly well supported and showed again the importance of linking Chapel themes with the real world beyond school in which our pupils are growing up. Remembrance was led by a former army Chaplain, Rev Philip Majcher, who left us with some real food for thought. Anti-Bullying Week was introduced by pupils themselves and began a fantastic series of talks and presentations on a variety of topics. Memorably, Eve B spoke on Holocaust Memorial Day, Lisa E and her team spoke powerfully on Martin Luther King Day, and Olivia H spoke with honesty, openness and great courage on Valentine's Day on the topic of LGBT+ history month.

This year has seen an extraordinarily high level of talks on themes chosen by pupils and the effort and professionalism they have shown has been fantastic. Christmas was marked with the London Carol Service in Crown Court Church, Covent Garden, and showed signs of a revival in the number of alumni coming along. Our main Candlelight Carol Service in Chapel with invited guests from the community and local alumni was incredibly well attended with a full Chapel after mulled wine and mince pies. This was yet another memorable Service with wonderful music and my thanks go to all the wider Music department

for their help and especially Mr. MacAuley, who is standing down this year to become a Housemaster. His wisdom and counsel as a part of Chapel music have been invaluable.

This has been a year to revive old traditions in Chapel, but also to keep the spontaneous and wacky as a constant refresh and to keep everyone on their toes. Our International Women’s Day Service led to a pop-up flower shop afterwards, with only a little planning, and brought a smile to all our faces as well as raising money for charity during a busy spring term.

We still had time with exams looming to celebrate a ‘Eurovision’ Chapel and, importantly, commemorate VE Day on its 80th anniversary.

I hope by reading this you will appreciate the flavour and wider reach of Chapel and how we are attempting to stay relevant and inform all pupils of the spiritual dimension of life. My thanks especially this year go to my Chapel Prefect Maia B-A who added enormously to all we did every week, was a great support to me personally and she lived her faith daily in school. Her singing will be remembered for many years. One of the most special moments this year was when I had the great privilege of baptising and confirming Maia in a special Chapel in front of the whole school and her family. A moving, deeply personal faith journey was shared with us all.

What an amazing job I have as Chaplain to be a small part of all of this! I am very fortunate to continue as Strathallan Chaplain.

Rev J. Wylie

Charities Report

AN EXCEPTIONAL YEAR OF FUNDRAISING BEGAN WITH A KILTWALK IN EDINBURGH FOR ABOUT 200 OF OUR PUPILS IN AID OF PROSTATE CANCER UK. Organised by Miss Haddick, it was a roaring success and got the term off to a wonderful start. We raised over £3,000!

Over the course of the year, many events have raised significant amounts of money for various charities. SPS has been at the forefront, with £600 raised for SSPCA at a parents’ bingo and raffle. The annual SPS Riley Ramble was delayed by a week due to torrential rain, but eventually took place in glorious sunshine around the school grounds and raised £900 for Children in Need. An SPS quiz also raised £285 in aid of the RNLI.

Our Christmas fundraising included Christmas Jumper Day alongside selling candy canes and hot chocolate at Winter Wonderland. We sent a very good sum of £900 to the Foodbank in Perth. The other big fundraiser in the spring was a senior school-sponsored walk for SHIP (Support, Help and Integration in Perth) alongside a non-uniform day, which had a theme of ‘dress like PK’. We raised £900 for the charity and had a great deal of fun in the process!

As ever, we gathered donations for the Poppy Day Appeal, and this was added to with homemade cloth poppies which were made by a parent and raised £250. A final event worth mentioning was our spontaneous popup flower shop on International Women’s Day which was organised by pupils and raised an incredible £500 over

one colourful lunchtime as well as providing lots of happy and smiling faces to recipients of bunches of flowers.

Perhaps the biggest and most powerful charity event did not raise any money this year, but instead gathered tins of food in a House Charity Competition for TASH4Ukraine — a local charity we have worked with before. This event caught the imagination and resulted in over two thousand cans of food being donated –enough for us to make two full pallets for distribution in Ukraine. This fantastic effort resulted in a few selected pupils being invited to a special ceremony for the hundredth lorry to leave from Errol to Ukraine, at which the Ukrainian Consul-General spoke with us. The pupils selected included Callum B, who has personally raised over £8,000 for the charity, which is a record for any pupil in the area. He and Archie D got to pipe the lorry away in front of the TV cameras!

The Strathallan community continues to show its generosity and interest in a wide cross-section of charities.

Rev Jonny Wylie

StrathKenya

Once again, we have been busy supporting children and young people, in particular in the Kibera Slum and Kenya Children’s Home in Nairobi, as well as the impoverished area in Kilifi East towards the Indian Ocean. Highlights include our first successful link-up with internship students from the KCH Orphanage. Two of our boys, Samuel and Michael, graduated through their programme and now have full-time jobs in the engineering industry, allowing them to live independent lives and continue to chase their dreams.

Our long-standing friend Dalmas has progressed from Mashimoni Squatters Primary School (when we first met him age seven) to completing his first year at Daystar University in Nairobi, where he is reading International Relations and Security Studies. Dalmas has just received a Dean’s Commendation for exceptional grades. Rooted in the Mashimoni Slum, Kibera, Dalmas is active in the community as a young leader and his goal is to be President of Kenya. Amongst the Mashimoni Squatters youngsters we support, Grace (aged 14) is improving her grades beyond C+ and is passionate about playing football. Ferdinand (aged 15) is thriving at a National School in Rapogi, currently ranking 14 out of 600 in his year group. These youngsters would not be in education without the support of the Strathallan Community.

Further west and in the Great Rift Valley, we continue to support the Maasai Girls at their school in Soila, Suswa. These girls battle against the odds to get to school and aspire to support their community socially and economically. Their hunger for education is inspiring, and we are proud to have been associated with them for more than 15 years.

East towards the Indian Ocean, we have made a big impact on the youngsters in the Kalifi region. We provide sanitary products for five hundred girls in order to allow them to continue to attend school every month. We support two youngsters who have significant physical mobility issues at the local school. Pretty (aged 7) and Javis (aged 14) had never been able to go to school. Thanks to the StrathKenya Community, they are now thriving, and we are trying to demonstrate that disabled youngsters in the region have a right to education and encourage their parents to come to school.

We understand that these are small-scale projects, but the impact on these youngsters is life changing.

Thank you to all in the Strathallan Community who continue to support StrathKenya and these amazing young people.

This academic year, your donations have added £3,413 directly to these projects.

For interest, our young friend Andre Kalama (Freeland House 2021) continues to pursue his dream to play Professional Football. Having spent time with the Glasgow Rangers Academy, he spent time in the Kenya Premiership and recently at Larne FC in Northern Ireland. An age-grade Internationalist with Kenya, he is hoping to play in Portugal next season.

David Barnes

Strathallan Prize Winners 2025

The Alistair Jeynes-Ellis Memorial Prize

Royal Navy Section Prize

The Lauriston Broadsword Prize

The Lee Rick Trophy Army Prize

The Quaich CCF Prize (RM)

The McMaster Quaich for Piping

The Senior Pipe Band Drumming Prize

Dunbar Quaich for Commitment to Pipes and Drums

The Campbell Award for Best All-Round Sportsman

The Campbell Award for Best All-Round Sportswoman

The Sime Award for Sport (Girls)

The Sime Award for Sport (Boys)

The Wilfred Hoare Senior Reading Prize

The Senior Debating Prize

The Headmaster’s Prize for Musical Theatre

The Traditional Music Prize

The Headmaster’s Prize – Pipe Major

The Headmaster’s Prize for Contribution to Strathallan Chapel and Community

The Headmaster’s Special Prize for Exceptional Achievement (Clays)

The Headmaster’s Special Prize for Exceptional Achievement (Tennis)

The Patrick Grandison Prize for Strings

The Headmaster’s Prize for Service to the Community

Headmaster’s Prize for Outstanding Contribution to the Performing Arts

The Robert Barr Memorial Prize for Music

The Andrew Wiseman Prize for Organ

The William Pasfield Salver for Outstanding Contribution to Music

Headmaster’s Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Dance

Headmaster’s Prize for Outstanding Leadership and Commitment to improving School Inclusion and Diversity

The Choir Prize

The Hayward Award for Citizenship

The Thompson Salver for Achievement

The Houston Prize for All Round Merit

Hamish B

Zoe T

Charlie M

Layla A

Angus C

Harry T

Fionn T

Oscar P

Conor F

Lucy T Farrah C

Robert F

Francesco M-R

Ben W

Alistair S

Olwen H

Oscar P

Maia B-S

Alistair T

Freya C

Ching Yin (Mini) L

Calum-James B

Olwen H

Olwen H

Constantin B

Eleanor R

Bronte C

Olivia H

Sophie D

Billy B

Angus B

Sebastian G

The John Fulton Memorial Prize for Overall Contribution

The Buchanan Strathallian Prize

The Scanlan Cup for Merit

Headmaster’s Prize for Conspicuous Leadership

The Draper Cup for Vice Captain of School

The Draper Cup for Vice Captain of School

The Smith Cup for Captain of School

The Morley Quaich for Captain of School

Dux 2024

Constantin B

Fionn T

Lousie B

Eleanor R

Constantin B

Louise B

Fergus T

Eve B

Lisa C

UPPER SIXTH FORM A LEVEL PRIZES

Biology A Level

Business Studies A Level

Chemistry A Level

Computing A Level

Design and Technology A Level

The David Bogie Prize for Economics

Geography A Level

The Lord Kincraig Prize for English

Music A Level

Physical Education A Level Prize

Physics A Level

Psychology A Level

The Richard Moffat Prize for History

The Robert Rankin Prize for Mathematics

The Mathematics A Level Prize

The Senior Drama Prize

The University of Dundee English as an Additional Language Prize

The William Tattersall Art Prize

Colin S

Ellie B

Charlie M

Francesco M-R

Alastair S

Constantin B

Blaise O-C

Matthew T

Constantin B

Nicholas B

Charlie M

Lily T

Matthew T

Lok Yin (Louis) C

Charlie M

Olwen H

Lok Yin (Louis) C

Sophie D

Biology Advanced Higher Prize

Business Management Advanced Higher Prize

Chemistry Advanced Higher Prize

Economics Advanced Higher Prize

English Advanced Higher Prize

Geography Advanced Higher Prize

History Advanced Higher Prize

Mathematics Advanced Higher Prize

Music Advanced Higher Prize

Physical Education Advanced Higher Prize

Physics Advanced Higher Prize

Louise B

Christie A

Eleanor R

Eve B

Olivia H

Lucy W

Eve B

Fergus Th

Eleanor R

Louise B

Fergus T

LOWER SIXTH FORM A LEVEL PRIZES

Art A Level

Biology A Level

Business Studies A Level

Chemistry A Level

Classical Civilisation A Level

Computing A Level

Economics A Level

National 5 English

English A Level

Geography A level

History A Level

French A Level

Further Mathematics A Level

Mathematics A Level

Music A Level

Physics A Level

Psychology A Level

Spanish A Level

The Extended Project Qualification

FIFTH FORM PRIZES

Art

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Computing

Design and Technology

Drama

English

French

Geography

German

History

Latin

Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Religious Education

Spanish

The Louise Wallace Memorial Cup for Junior Public Speaking

5th Form Army

5th Form Navy

5th Form Marines

The Gary Rogers Prize for Creative Writing

HIGHER PRIZES

Biology Higher

Business Management Higher

Chemistry Higher

Economics Higher

Drama Higher

English Higher

French Higher

Geography Higher

History Higher

Human Biology Higher

Latin Higher

Mathematics Higher

Modern Studies

Music Higher

Natalie DCT

Iona F

Charlotte L

Cheng (Ankura) P

Isla C

Matthew H

Ethan F

Millie MM

Francesca W

Ben W

Ben W

Paul B

Cheng (Ankura) P

Ethan F

Henry C

Cheng (Ankura) P

Ava B

Isla C

Ben W

Jiahui (Janna) C

Hamish B

Lois M

Hamish B

Jiahui (Janna) C

Hei Ching (Enfys)

W

Amy A

Hamish B

Rose C

Hamish B

Charlotte P

Alec P

Hamish B

Jiahui (Janna) C

Harry A

Leo O-C

Hamish B

Amy A

Isla P

Isla S

Ivianna Y

Nell M

Hamish B

George T

Music Technology Higher

Physical Education Higher

Physics Higher

Psychology Higher

RMPS Higher

Spanish Higher

FOURTH FORM PRIZES

Art

Biology

Business

Chemistry

Computing

Design and Technology

Drama

English

French

Geography

German

History

Latin Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Religious Studies

Spanish

Navy Recruit

Army/Marines Recruit

THIRD FORM PRIZES

House Academic Effort Freeland

House Academic Effort Glenbrae

House Academic Effort Nicol

House Academic Effort Ruthven

House Academic Effort Simpson

House Academic Effort Thornbank

House Academic Effort Woodlands

Academic Achievement

Academic Achievement

Academic Achievement

Jess H

Lucy W

Lousie B

Christie A

Josie C

Jess H

Euan W

Jess H

Murray S

Harriet B

Eric M

Evan D

Fionn T

Zac H

Zac H

Charlotte M

Evan D

Olivia H

Harriet B

Emily P

Natalia M

Alana H

Natalia M

Elin R

Magnus F

Freya P

Natalia M

Ruby A

George M

George M

Elin R

Lilly G

Ruby A

George M

Tara C

Natalia M

Ruby A

Elin R

Ava F

Shannon P

Rory H

Henry B

Tabitha C

Veer C

Finlay S

James D-H

Kailyn M

Eilidh B

George T

Amy M

Matilda S

STRATHALLAN PREP SCHOOL REPORT

STRATHALLAN PREP SCHOOL HAS ENJOYED ANOTHER EXCEPTIONAL YEAR, MARKED BY A STRONG COMMITMENT TO OUR CORE VALUES AND A NURTURING, INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERY PUPIL IS ENCOURAGED TO THRIVE. Our ethos centres on developing well-rounded, confident individuals who contribute positively to their communities. These values have been consistently reinforced through PSD lessons, weekly chapel services, and assemblies, with our School Captains setting a commendable example for their peers and future leaders.

Before the academic year began, we introduced a new foyer area, which has been warmly received by parents, staff and pupils. This space has enhanced our welcoming atmosphere and provided a calm, friendly environment for families. Another significant development was the relocation of Years 3 to 6 from the roadside block to the former IT building. This move has transformed the learning experience, offering spacious, purpose-zoned classrooms that support a dynamic and engaging educational setting. Pupils have responded enthusiastically to the increased space and flexibility.

The year began on a high note with our now-traditional trip to Landmark in Carrbridge, attended by pupils from Years 3 to 2nd Form. Blessed with sunshine, the trip was a joyful experience that fostered camaraderie and adventure.

This year has been another vibrant and eventful one in the world of sport. In addition to our full calendar of fixtures and events, we were proud to host both a golf tournament and a clay pigeon competition. Our pupils also represented the school in equestrian events and the tetrathlon. It is particularly encouraging to see such enthusiastic participation across an increasingly diverse range of sporting opportunities.

Our co-curricular programme continues to flourish, offering a diverse range of activities that caters to varied interests and talents. New additions such as Junior Duke, E-gaming, cricket, and Art Club have complemented longstanding favourites like Musical Theatre, tennis, and Science Club. We also introduced in-house activities aimed at enriching the time between lessons and tea, ensuring every moment at school is meaningful and engaging.

Strathallan Prep School pupils have proudly represented the school in numerous external events. A 2nd Form pupil joined senior pupils in the Scottish Schools Geography Competition, achieving an impressive 5th place nationally. For the first time, two pupils travelled to Gordonstoun to participate in a prestigious debating competition, showcasing their critical thinking and public speaking skills. Additionally, a team spanning Year 6 to 2nd Form excelled in the First Lego League Challenge, earning the award for Best Overall Performance. Perhaps most prestigious of all, our SPS Eco Council was invited to present their perspective on the future of energy for International Mountain Day at Ben Cruachan, hosted by the UNESCO Mountain Heritage Centre, part of COP29.

We were honoured to host the annual Pre-Senior Baccalaureats (PSB) Heads Conference at Strathallan, featuring keynote speakers and collaborative sessions with fellow PSB schools. Our PSB audit highlighted many areas of best practice and provided a clear framework for continued development on our PSB journey.

The arts have also played a central role this year. From the heartwarming Campfire Nativity in December to the vibrant Headmaster’s Music event in March and culminating in two outstanding performances of Fantastic Mr Fox in June, our pupils have had ample opportunity to explore and refine their musical and dramatic talents. These productions were complemented by Div Music competitions and regular showcases throughout the year.

Learning beyond the classroom has been a key focus, with enriching trips to destinations such as Auchingarrich, St Andrews Sea Life Centre, The Victorian School, the Black Watch Museum, Dundee Science Museum, and the Forth Road Bridge. These experiences have brought learning to life and sparked curiosity in natural and historical settings.

We concluded the year with a rich and varied Activity Week for pupils from Years 1 to 1st Form, featuring a different curricular focus each day — ranging from Sport and Social Studies to STEM, English, Expressive Arts, and Modern Languages. Pupils engaged in a wide array of activities, from coding and wood carving to cycling and acting, demonstrating enthusiasm and creativity throughout.

Meanwhile, our 2nd Form pupils attended camp at Lockerbie Manor, staying in their own pod village. This experience provided a valuable opportunity for personal growth, friendship building, and preparation for the transition to senior school. Pupils were able to put into practice the PSB skills they have developed throughout the year — demonstrating resilience, collaboration, and independence in a range of outdoor challenges. It was truly rewarding to witness the development of new bonds, and the confidence gained through shared experiences.

As we look forward to the year ahead, it is only fitting that we take a moment to acknowledge some staff news and to say a few heartfelt farewells.

First, we were delighted to welcome Ms Emily Jack to our teaching staff. She has had a wonderful first year with our Year 6 class and has thoroughly immersed herself in the wider life of the Prep School.

Secondly, we extend our warmest thanks to our gap pupils, who have been truly outstanding this year. Your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication have left a lasting impression, and we wish you every success as you embark on the next exciting chapter of your journey.

Finally, we say a fond and grateful goodbye to Mr. Peter Keir — affectionately known to all, not just many, as PK — who is retiring after more than 40 years of dedicated service to the school. PK’s sharp wit, impeccable style, and unwavering commitment to our pupils have made him a cherished figure among pupils, staff, and parents alike. His presence will be deeply missed, but we wish him a joyful and fulfilling retirement. And of course, we send our very best wishes to Sally as well. She has been a much-loved member of the SPS community over the last few years, especially!

At Strathallan Prep School, we remain deeply committed to providing a supportive, friendly environment where every pupil is given the opportunity to succeed. This year has been a testament to that mission, and we look forward to continuing to nurture and inspire our pupils in the years ahead.

Ms Rona Leese, Deputy Head

A scientist is not the person who gives the right answers, he’s the one who asks the right questions.

WHY DO CRISP PACKETS EXPAND ON A FLIGHT?

HOW HAS COMMUNICATION EVOLVED OVER TIME?

HOW ARE PLANTS ADAPTING TO THEIR CHANGING ENVIRONMENT? HOW DO OUR EYES ADAPT TO DARKNESS?

These are just a few of the questions posed by our inquisitive prep pupils for their Science Fair projects this year, and it just goes to show what great scientists we have in Strathallan Prep School. Asking questions is always encouraged in our lessons with the aim of developing curious and innovative young scientists. What if? Why does? What would happen if? How does? Why is it that?

Claude Levi-Strauss

Rude Science Live! Trip

YEARS 5 & 6 PUPILS KICKED OFF THE YEAR WITH A TRIP TO PERTH CONCERT HALL TO SEE THE RUDE SCIENCE LIVE! SHOW. Dubbed the “naughtiest, funniest, most revolting Science show in the world” it was a show we just had to see. Feedback from the pupils was that the show was ‘disgusting’, ‘interesting’ and ‘hilarious’ - all in all a great trip! Through exciting interactive demonstrations, pupils learnt about various bodily functions: What is the point of mucus? What are the gases that make up farts? Can urine power a rocket? Of course, the children loved it! (and secretly the teachers did too).

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

FEBRUARY WAS A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE IMPACT OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE; to raise awareness of the historical injustices towards women and to celebrate female scientists past and present. Prep Science leaders, Annabelle M, Holly P, Daisy B and Aksil S, prepared and presented a very reflective and informative assembly about the purpose of this day and shared information about some inspirational female scientists. We were also very lucky again this year to have Sixth Form girls demonstrate heart dissections to some of the prep school classes and to talk about their career aspirations.

The important thing is to never stop questioning. Albert Einstein

ALL PUPILS IN YEARS 3–6 PARTICIPATED IN THE RSPB BIG SCHOOLS’ BIRD WATCH FOR THE FOURTH YEAR RUNNING. From crafting bird feeders and creating bird-themed artwork to honing their bird identification skills, they truly embraced the spirit of birdwatching and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the UK’s largest wildlife survey again this year.

OF COURSE, THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR FOR PREP SCHOOL SCIENCE HAD TO BE BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK.

Years 1—6 enjoyed the most fantastic day at Glasgow Science Centre as part of their British Science Week celebrations. It was a day filled with awe-inspiring discoveries, hands-on experiments, and unforgettable moments that sparked curiosity and ignited imaginations. Years 5 and 6 discovered the workings of essential organs at a live science show exploring the roles of digestion, circulation, respiration and the nervous system. Meanwhile, Years 1 — 4 enjoyed a live astronomer-led planetarium show , leaving Earth to take a trip into Space to answer some big questions: Why does the Moon change shape? Why do we have day and night? And what causes the seasons? I'm sure it will be a trip that will be remembered for a long time to come. And the climax of the week was the muchanticipated Prep School annual Science Fair. Pupils cleverly addressed the British Science Week theme ‘change and adapt’ with a wide range of awe-inspiring projects. The standard was sky high this year and there were more participants than ever before. Nevertheless, our judges — Dr Mitchell (Head of Physics) and Dr Cooper (Head of STEM) — after much debate, agreed on the following prize winners:

Year 1/2

Winner: Theo S — Seeds

Year 3/4

Winner: Austin R — Does comet size matter?

Highly Commended: Orla T — How to make a lava lamp

Year 5

Winner: Paige M — Worms at work

Highly Commended: Ajay S — Tractors

Year 6

Winner: Thomas LP — Can I turn the Sun's energy into heat energy?

Highly Commended: Evie C — How do I slow down an apple from turning brown?

Form 1

Winner: Tejas C — Home-made motor

Highly Commended: Erin M — Adaptations of swimwear

Form 2

Winner: Boris F — Edaphoecotropism (when living tissue engulfs stuff!)

Highly Commended: James P — Beaks

A huge well done to all our participants for their incredible projects. Your enthusiasm and passion for science continue to inspire us all.

Pupil Science Leaders

AMASSIVE THANKS TO OUR PUPIL SCIENCE LEADERS: AKSIL S, HOLLY P, DAISY B AND ANNABELLE M WHO HAVE DONE A FANTASTIC JOB OF LEADING SCIENCE IN THE PREP SCHOOL THIS YEAR.

In their role as science leaders, they have wholeheartedly demonstrated the school values: respect, honestly, hard work, kindness, excellence and humility and inspired their peers with their passion for science which shone as they carried out their duties.

Mrs C Angus Head of SPS Science

Strathallan Prep School Prizes 2025

Strathallan Prep School

Individual and Inter-Divisional Sports Results

Victor Ludorum: Sebastian D

Victrix Ludorum: Emily G

Inter-Divisional Winners

Year 1 to 4 Athletics: Dron

Year 5 - 2nd Form Athletics: Dron

Year 3-5

Swimming: Glenearn

Hockey

Year

- 2nd Form

Swimming: Dron

Boys Hockey: Dron

Girls Hockey: Dron

Rugby: Glenearn

Netball:

Mixed

Mixed

STRATHALLAN PREP SCHOOL SPORT

THE WINTER TERM WAS PACKED WITH GREAT PERFORMANCES, HIGH-ENERGY COMPETITION, AND EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS OUR SPORTING CALENDAR.

A particular highlight was the exceptional season enjoyed by the U13 Boys Rugby Team, who delivered a series of commanding performances throughout the term. Their hard work and team spirit paid off in spectacular style at the Ardvreck 7s Tournament, where they went undefeated and claimed the title. In a tense and thrilling final against a strong Sedbergh side, the boys held their nerve to secure a 12–7 victory and lift the trophy — a fantastic achievement and a fitting reward for their dedication.

Not to be outdone, the U12 Girls Hockey Team also impressed, finishing second at the Morrison’s Academy Tournament. With sharp teamwork and tireless effort, the team showed great promise and resilience, narrowly missing out on the top spot but proudly securing a welldeserved silver medal.

This term also saw the launch of a revamped InterDivisional Sporting Events Programme. The new structure divided the competitions into Years 3–5 and Year 6 to 2nd Form, creating more opportunities for participation and ensuring fairer, more exciting, races and matches.

Spring Term Sports Round-Up: A Record-Breaking Term of Trophies

OUR CROSS-COUNTRY TEAMS WERE OUTSTANDING FROM U9 THROUGH TO U13, DELIVERING ONE REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE AFTER ANOTHER. A standout moment came at the Belhaven Cross Country Race, where Findlay B set a new course record, showcasing not only individual brilliance but also inspiring team success. Both the U13 Boys and Girls teams claimed first place which was a testament to their determination and efforts.

Adding to the term’s accolades, our U12 Girls Team triumphed at the SSAA Scottish Primary Schools Cross Country Championships, with Evie C taking 1st place individually in the U11 Girls’ race—an exceptional achievement on the National stage.

At the Merchiston Cross Country Relays, our pupils continued their dominance, bringing home three out of six trophies: U13 Boys, U13 and U11 Girls. This level of consistent success speaks volumes about the strength and depth of our pupils.

In hockey, history was made as our U13 Boys Team won our Hockey Prep 7s Tournament for only the second time in 44 years, a milestone victory celebrated by players, coaches, and supporters alike.

Amidst the training, races, and matches, pupils also had the chance to unwind and enjoy time in the mountains, with 68 pupils taking part in a Ski Day at Glenshee. It was a perfect blend of sport, adventure, and fun, rounding off an unforgettable term.

Summer Term Round-Up Sunshine, Records & a Fond Farewell

THE SUMMER TERM WAS ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS AND THE TAN LINES! With glorious weather blessing us throughout, pupils and staff made the most of the sun-drenched days, culminating in two fantastic Sports Days.

The energy was electric as pupils took to the track and field with determination and spirit. From sprint finishes to long jumps, the phrase “run, jump, throw” came to life in spectacular fashion. A particular highlight came in the U13 Boys events, where school records were smashed in both the 800m and 200m.

The competitive edge was fierce, but it was Dron that ultimately emerged victorious, lifting the cup to rapturous applause. Their win was made even more special by the presence of PK, our much-loved founder of Dron Division, who is retiring after years of dedicated service. Fittingly, it was on Sports Day that we celebrated and said goodbye. PK has been more than a teacher; he has been an inspiration. His tireless enthusiasm, good humour, and unwavering support have left a legacy in Prep School Sport.

As the sun set on this unforgettable term, we looked back with pride and gratitude and, naturally, forward to what lay ahead, carrying with us the spirit of a sports day, and of a teacher, we will never forget.

Overall, we have had fixtures from ages U9 to U13 with over 260 matches played across 10 different sports. In District Representation, we have had a record-breaking 24 Strathallan Prep pupils picked for the Caledonian Teams for Hockey, Netball and Rugby. Additionally, I would like to thank Phebe M, Savannah R, Findlay P and Findlay B for being excellent Sports Captains who showed continuous support for Prep Sport, diligent leadership and outstanding commitment throughout. April Wardlaw, Head of SPS Sport

FREELAND

Head of House Christie A Deputy Head of House Adam W and Sebastian S

THIS YEAR, FREELAND HAS ONCE AGAIN PROVEN ITSELF TO BE A HOUSE THAT NOT ONLY UPHOLDS TRADITION BUT THRIVES IN ALL AREAS FROM THE ARTS AND ACADEMICS TO SPORT AND LEADERSHIP. The boys have continued to set high standards, tackling every challenge with characteristic dedication, pride, and unity.

At the heart of this success has been our outstanding prefect team: Ruaridh P, Adam W, Ali S, Finlay T, Blaise O, Seb S, Christie A, Magnus H, and Alex G, who have led with quiet confidence and consistent commitment. Their proactive involvement in both day-to-day life and special events has helped maintain the sense of structure and care that defines Freeland. Whether organising activities, supporting younger pupils, or simply leading by example, they have embodied the values of leadership and service.

This year also saw some important changes to the Freeland team. We were delighted to welcome Mr Robertson as our new resident tutor — his calm presence, positive attitude, and active involvement in house life have made him a much-valued addition. We also welcomed Morag as our new cleaner, who has not only kept our house spotless but has done so with a warmth and cheer that has made her a beloved part of the Freeland family. Their contributions have reinforced the sense of home that the house offers to every boy.

House life was rich with events weaving together friendships, traditions, and memories that will last long beyond our time in Freeland.

Our new Third Form boarders, Felix M, John P, Jimmy H, Nikita T, and Rory L, have settled in exceptionally well. From the first weeks of term, they threw themselves into evening activities, inter-house events, and daily routines with enthusiasm and good humour. Watching them grow in confidence and forge strong friendships has been a reminder of how vital the junior years are in shaping the identity of Freeland.

This spirit has been on full display in our cocurricular successes. Sport has been a particular highlight, with leadership from some of the school’s top athletes: Seb S, the School Captain of Hockey; Adam W, the School Captain of Rugby; and Ruairidh P, our dedicated Freeland Sports Captain. Their energy, work ethic, and encouragement of others have set the tone.

Perhaps the most iconic Freeland sports tradition now is our dominance in House Swimming, which has become a real point of pride. This year marked our fifth consecutive victory, and the team, led by School Swimming Captain Evan D, alongside Sam C, Soren Y, and Luke J, was nothing short of exceptional.

In the arts, Freeland saw standout moments, including Best Director Ben W and Best Supporting Actor Gia K in House Drama, and an unforgettable solo performance by Ali S at House Music that left the audience stunned.

House life was rich with events weaving together friendships, traditions, and memories that will last long beyond our time in Freeland. A whole-house dinner outing, the Sixth Form dinner featuring a return speech from a former member of Freeland, and a memorable end-of-year BBQ.

Special thanks go to all the tutors, Mr Rose, and Diane — your support behind the scenes is what keeps Freeland running so smoothly.

Personally, my time at Freeland has played a defining role in shaping who I am. As I move on, I wish the very best for the future of the house. With Captain of School Ben W, Depute Captain of School Henry C, new Head of House Fin RD, and Depute Matthew H, the future of Freeland looks bright, and I know the boys leaving will hold their time at Freeland deeply in their hearts

To those leaving: take Freeland with you, always. And to those staying: continue to build on what makes this house so special.

To those leaving: take Freeland with you, always. And to those staying: continue to build on what makes this house so special.

GLENBRAE

Head

of House Sara M Deputy Head of House Zoe T and Harriet W

THIS YEAR HAS BEEN ONE OF GROWTH, ACHIEVEMENT, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT FOR GLENBRAE.

Glenbrae’s strong sense of community shone through as the new Third Form were welcomed with open arms. Their annual trip to Lagganlia was one for the history books — being unexpectedly stuck on a bus on the A9 for 7 hours with only myself, Eve and Miss Roome was certainly an experience for them — thank goodness it seemed to be as positive as it could be in the circumstances!

We put on three incredible performances this year at House Music. The ensemble swept the audience off their feet with a beautiful rendition of One, and then Maia brought a tear to the judges' eyes with her emotional rendition of Falling. Thankfully, the musical talent of some individuals made up for the enthusiastic but not-so-gifted choir, allowing us to finish in 3rd place overall.

This year, we proudly welcomed the youngest-ever member of Glenbrae House — Floraidh. She may be small, but she is mighty — already showing true house spirit. And despite being less than a year old, she still makes less noise than the 3rd form.

A highlight for the U6th this year has been Mr Tod's cooking us crepes, pancakes and waffles on a Thursday night: we really needed that to keep us going! Many of our annual traditions kept going. Our Christmas party was a brilliant way to end the first term, full of laughter, games, music and food — all Glenbrae staples. Interhouse swimming was yet again a piece of cake. Deputy head of house and Captain of Swimming Harriet brought home the trophy for a fourth consecutive year! Another thrilling victory this year was inter-house cricket: some bad sledges, consistent bowling and average batting helped us dominate the field.

In true Glenbrae fashion, we filmed our house drama the night before the deadline, proving once again that creativity thrives under pressure.

In true Glenbrae fashion, we filmed our house drama the night before the deadline, proving once again that creativity thrives under pressure. While we may not have won all our inter-house competitions, we make up for what we lack in skill with a lot of noise, passion, energy and commitment. The House authority has been brilliant this year, specifically Deputy Heads Zoe and Harriet. I would like to thank all the house tutors, especially our amazing support staff, Belinda, Amanda and Linda, for their kindness, smiles and sweet treats. Ms Roome supported us academically and emotionally, always ready for a chat (or gossip). Our Matron, Lynn, cares for us like family and makes sure we never overdo the revision. We will miss her so much. A big thank you to Ms Wilson for your leadership, guidance and sarcasm — we know you secretly hate to see us go, but you’ll never get rid of us. Lower Sixth, we have set the bar pretty high. Hope you brought a ladder.

NICOL

Head of House Malachy M Deputy Head of House Reuben L and Michael N

EVERYTHING ACHIEVED IN NICOL HOUSE THIS YEAR CAME DOWN TO TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP. The inclusive environment we nurture so greatly in House as we aim to bring everyone together shows in all aspects of school life, whether it be academics, music, or sport.

We started the year off strongly with a house music display that only fell at the final hurdle. We started our performance off with Cheerleader by OMI when disaster struck. The music cut, and we were left clueless. Undaunted, Michael N who, after only just a brief pause, stepped into the breach and had us singing a capella — sounding better than ever before and cementing us as the best boys' choir as all the crowd was not left silent but couldn’t resist joining in and cheering with us. Our ensemble then pulled off the same trick. Harry T, Zac H, Max R, Hector C, and Harry A came together and comprehensively blew away the competition once again, finishing first. But sadly, it wasn't to be; we finished second overall. Although the trophy won't live in Nicol House, the memory of coming together to achieve the House’s best-ever finish will.

This success only continued as we moved on to inter-house sports competitions, something which couldn’t have been possible without our amazing Sports Captain, Fergus OL. He was brilliant at bringing the house together and making people want to compete with a kind of enthusiasm that was infectious, having won Senior Cross Country, Intermediate and Junior House Rugby, Athletic standards, and Sports Day. However, the house’s biggest achievement in sport this year goes to swimming, for the first time in a long while, for standards and the interhouse competition, we filled every lane. The House came together, put their fears to one side and competed for one another (even if Andrew L did 50% of the races). That was what was most special to me, having everyone come together for the house, independent of the result, but doing it for each other and the House. However, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support we get from the House staff. Mr Bergin always wants the best out of us, and for us, pushing us to reach that without fail. Another shout out must go to Mrs Bergin, a senior House tutor and the real heartbeat of the House. She is always positive and the perfect person to talk to about anything you are worried or anxious about, not just in Nicol but across the whole School. She has brought the eversuccessful wellbeing chats to all houses with similar success. I also couldn't be more grateful for my two deputy Heads of House, Michael N and Rueben L, who have supported me brilliantly throughout the whole year. What I'm going to miss most about Nicol House is the people. Having joined the House two years ago, I didn’t know what to expect from a boarding community, but I could not have asked for any better. The whole House was welcoming from day one, and that's a testament to the kindness of every single person in the House and what makes it truly special.

Malachy M

This success only continued as we moved on to inter-house sports competitions, something which couldn’t have been possible without our amazing Sports Captain, Fergus OL.

RUTHVEN

Head of House Sebastian G Deputy Head of House Fionn T and Matthew T

NEW YEAR, SAME RUTHVEN: EXCELLENCE ACROSS

THE BOARD, BE THAT ACADEMIC, ARTISTIC OR, AS WE ARE MOST FAMOUS FOR, SPORT. Alongside continuing our dominance in every aspect of school life, we were thrilled to welcome Mr Simon and his family to Ruthven House. Throughout the year, Mr Simon embraced the Ruthven culture, whilst also integrating his own exciting twist to the house, projecting us on to greater success.

We welcomed back both old and new boys, who connected from day one through the help of our brilliant prefect team, led by Seb G, Matthew T, and Fionn T. A smooth transition was managed, and we hit the ground running.

Ruthven thrives with the competition of inter-House tournaments and our ambition for victories never wavers. House football was one of our highlights. The weeks of hard late-night training through the cold winter months - led by the wonderful ex In-House tutor Mr Herbert - paid off as we won 7-0 in the semi-final and pulled off a popular win in the final. Victory was ours even though Fin R tried his very hardest to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!

Our performances, of course, are not limited to the pitch and once again, the boys put on a stellar show at House Music. We started off with a strong ensemble performance of The Gambler, after which Max E wowed the crowd with a powerful guitar solo, with our set

Ruthven thrives with the competition of inter-House tournaments and our ambition for victories never wavers.

finishing to a whole House rousing rendition of ‘Grenade’ which blew everyone away - except the judges!

Away from the competitive side of House life, the boys enjoyed numerous events such as our Christmas party, where the inaugural Ruthven House pool tournament took place. This year, it was Max E who was left with the bragging rights. The boys enjoyed many more events such as Sixth form dinners, reels, pizza nights, and the fabulous end of year BBQ. This is our traditional time to welcome the new Third form and to say goodbye to the fabulous members of Upper Sixth. Of course, this is also the time to hand over to the new House authority and with our new Prefect team being led by Ben B, Kyle B and Duncan G, the house is being left in very capable hands indeed.

This year has truly been one to remember for every member of the House from Third form to Upper Sixth. We would all like to give a massive thank you to our incredible House staff. This includes Caroline, our wonderful matron, and especially Mr Herbert, who we are sad to see leave this year and to whom we wish all the best in his new post in Dubai. Of course, our wonderful new Housemaster, Mr Simon, is owed special thanks for making this year well and truly unforgettable. The Ruthven spirit has shone through more than ever, and I’m sure it will continue to shine brightly. As those and I within Upper Sixth move on, we carry with us unforgettable memories and experiences that we hope everyone else in Ruthven will also leave with. Have a great year, boys.

SIMPSON

Head of House Orley M Deputy Head of House Alex M and Derek M

WITH A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT OPENING THAN NORMAL, I was reading through previous Strathallian magazines and one name kept popping up again and again under Simpson — Mr Batterham.

Even while having the tough job of looking after boys aged 13-18 within a boarding house, he’s always the name mentioned most by former pupils while speaking about Simpson. Deservedly so, as the heart and soul of Simpson, Mr B has led hundreds of boys to wins across sports and house music, shaping the course of their lives. Always open to having a conversation, Simpson foyer will be a very different place without his morning routine of greeting boys on the way to breakfast. Or a lot more of the time, having to go wake those up who have slept in.

Coming to the realisation that Mr Batterham has been Housemaster for longer than the current U6 have been alive, it’s clear this is a well-earned and timely break. While he will be greatly missed, his legacy within Simpson House will undoubtedly last for many years to come.

Regrettably, we weren’t able to give Mr B a House Music victory as a parting gift. Our DJ mashup of “History” by One Direction didn’t quite resonate with the judges. Given the unfortunate passing of Liam Payne the night before, we had to be very careful with our speech.

Fortunately, our sporting achievements more than made up for it. Both our senior and junior teams continued to perform at an exceptional level. The seniors secured a win in cricket and placed second in hockey, football, and swimming. The hockey result was a bit of a shock, considering we had half of the first team playing. Meanwhile, the juniors dominated their competitions— taking first place in hockey, football, and cross country, with Simpson securing all three podium spots in the last. Beyond team accomplishments, Simpson was proud to celebrate several outstanding individual achievements. Boys from across the House represented Scotland in a number of things: Conor F for Scotland U18 touch rugby, Ben M in the U18 Six Nations, Finlay B in swimming, Allan C for U15 football, and Rory M in the national youth pipe band. In addition, Josh B represented Great Britain in fencing. Huge congratulations to all of them.

We rounded off the year with Sports Day, where Simpson finished a strong third overall. Ben M and George M were named Senior and Junior Victor Ludorum respectively, an excellent way to close the year, even if it wasn’t quite the final win Mr Batterham had hoped for. The boys represented the house with pride in our brand new Simpson vests, which arrived just in time, thanks to Mr Ambrose.

As well as saying goodbye to Mr Batterham, we also bid farewell to Resident Tutor Mr Ambrose. For most current pupils, he has been the only residential tutor they’ve known. His friendly, approachable nature made him someone the boys could turn to in any situation, and Wednesday night house football, often the biggest social event, was a particular highlight thanks to his efforts. Whoever takes over, better continue this, and we wish them the very best.

Supporting Mr B and Mr Ambrose has been Deputy Housemaster Mr Muirhead, although there remains some debate among the boys as to whether he truly exists. When he does make an appearance, the foyer quickly fills with boys eager to speak to him. His guidance in piping and drumming played a significant role in our ensemble’s well-deserved second place in House Music, with a standout performance of Thunderstruck. With talented young pipers like Rory M and Archie D emerging, Mr Muirhead’s future influence in Simpson looks bright.

This year’s prefect team, led by Deputy Heads of House Mac and Derek and Sports Captains Conor and Lochie, have been excellent role models for the younger years. We are confident that this strong example will continue next year under the leadership of incoming Head of House, Max E.

Looking ahead, the boys were pleased to hear that Mr Barrett will be taking over as Housemaster. While he has big shoes to fill, there’s great confidence that he will maintain the high standards and strong spirit that Mr Batterham displayed.

Finally, on behalf of the whole house, we would like to extend a big thank you to all the tutors who have supported the academic and day-to-day running of Simpson. Special thanks to Mrs Tod and Mr Batterham, whose guidance as U6 tutors has been invaluable in helping us navigate university choices. Thanks also to Carol and her team, who have supported us not only with practical life skills but always with a welcoming, open-door approach.

As we say farewell to both Mr Batterham and Mr Ambrose, we speak on behalf of all current and former Simpson pupils in wishing them the very best in their future endeavours. We hope to see them again in the years to come.

Orley T

As we say farewell to both Mr Batterham and Mr Ambrose, we speak on behalf of all current and former Simpson pupils in wishing them the very best in their future endeavours.

MR BATTERHAM

After 17 remarkable years, our beloved Housemaster is moving on, and it’s hard to imagine the House without him. From the beginning, he’s been fair, kind and unwavering in his commitment to keeping things running smoothly. My first memory of him was in Third Form, when he caught us all playing Marco Polo — Freddie still blindfolded when he walked in! It was both hilarious and terrifying. But moments like that showed his steady presence and fair authority. He’s done an incredible job leading us, shaping the house and guiding his pupils with care and strength. We wish him the very best in his new role and thank him for all that he’s done.

Max E LV1

THORNBANK

Head

of House Tara G-R Deputy Head of House Ellie B and Olivia F

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THORNBANK GIRLS HAVE THRIVED AND SUCCEEDED IN EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE; whether on the sports field, on the stage, in the classroom, within the House community, or in Interhouse competitions.

The girls’ commitment, sense of fun and teamwork have shone through, making 2024-2025 a year to remember. With a strong start to the year, we secured a hat-trick, third overall win at House Music. Our performances were filled with smiles and enthusiasm from start to finish and included a dynamic 2010s top hit mash-up, a lively house choir rendition of ‘X&Oh’s’, before finishing with a show-stopping solo ‘G.O.A.T.’ by Polyphia, powerfully played by Eleanor R (heading to the Glasgow Conservatoire in September). With the amazing achievement secured, the girls found time to celebrate with a festive Christmas party filled with hilarious videos and excellent food at the end of a busy term, bringing the Thornbank community together.

The House’s remarkable artistic abilities continued to shine in House Drama too, with Abi H’s imaginative production of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher's

Stone’ which led Thornbank to victory, and featured Amy A’s excellent performance as Harry Potter. Artistic talent isn’t just limited to the stage — Sophie D has inspired with her amazing achievements in art this year. Her work was displayed in the Caledonian Club in London, and she was crowned Senior Artist of the Year for her oil-on-paper piece ‘Lustre & Light’. These achievements are a sound reminder of the depth and range of talents within Thornbank.

The girls’ commitment, sense of fun and teamwork have shone through, making 2024-2025 a year to remember

As the year continued, success in sporting events highlighted the girls’ ability to participate with enthusiasm and to support each other on and off the field. With individual successes including but not limited to Isla T’s amazing achievements in clay pigeon shooting, becoming the British Independent Schools Ladies Champion, and Charlotte L stepping up for Stirling County RFC at Murrayfield, helping her rugby team secure a win in the Scottish U18 Girls National Cup. We also have an honourable mention for Francesca W, securing the Vitrix Ludorum on Sports Day. And in addition to all of these individual successes, we came out victorious in the Interhouse Basketball and Football competitions.

Thornbank’s ability to come together enabled success in not only sports and arts, but also charitable efforts. The girls demonstrated their generosity and kindness by donating over 400 cans of beans for TASH4Ukraine. Additionally, the UV1 girls participated in Perth’s Santa Dash, raising over £200 for Buttons & Bows Baby Bank. These acts of kindness demonstrate the heart and character of Thornbank girls.

This year, as always, we have been extremely fortunate to have an amazing support system behind us. From our wonderful matron Jackie and the dedicated domestic team who are always there ensuring smooth running of Thornbank House’s day-to-day activities — bringing a sense of calm to the often chaotic and busy days at Strath, and our In-house tutors, there to support us every step of the way, helping us to balance or commitments and achieve success throughout the year. Their hard work and dedication have contributed to hundreds of achievements by Thornbank girls this year. Our resident tutor, Ms Grubb, is moving out this year, but she isn’t going far and will continue to be a big part of the Thornbank family.

Lastly, and most importantly, we want to extend a special thank you to our current and longest-standing Thornbank Housemaster — Mr Kent. For the past 11 years, he has been a constant positive presence, whether in

MR KENT

cheering us up with his amazing stories and knowledge, or supporting us on the sidelines of inter-house tournaments or events, regardless of whether he understood the rules! From myself and the entire Thornbank House, a massive thank you to Mr Kent for everything you have done.

As the girls say goodbye to Mr Kent, who will be handing over his current role as Thornbank Housemistress(!) to Mr MacAuley, we wish Mr Kent all the best in his new position as International Director. Thornbank warmly welcomes Mr MacAuley as our new House parent, looking forward to the coming year, where I am sure the girls will continue to excel in Thornbank as they have done this year.

Tara G-R

It’s hard to put into words what Mr Kent means to Thornbank House. Whether you were in Thornbank for one term, or five years, Mr Kent welcomed you and added you to his family. Mr Kent was so much more than just a Housemaster, he was a houseparent, a mentor, a calming guide through all our drama, a listening ear and to many of us boarders – a second father. The atmosphere he created made Thornbank feel like a second home to everyone, whether day pupil or boarder. Mr Kent went above and beyond for anyone who needed it, often putting the needs of us girls above his own. From sleepless nights to missed meals and precious time away from his own family, his door was always open, and he never hesitated to drop everything to help. For 11 years, Mr Kent built family after family, impacting life after life and his generosity, kindness and love for his job will be remembered for years to come. A special thank you must also go to Mrs Kent, and their two sons Will and Ollie, for sharing him with us and putting up with us for so many years. Saying goodbye to Mr Kent as housemaster feels like losing a cornerstone of Thornbank, but everyone in house wishes him the best in his new role. Everyone in Thornbank — past and present — will miss him tremendously. Thank you, Mr Kent!

Imogen H.

WOODLANDS

Head of House Orla M Deputy Head of House Lucy T and Charlotte M

THIS YEAR MARKED A WONDERFUL NEW CHAPTER FOR WOODLANDS AS WE WELCOMED MRS LAIRD-PORTCH AS OUR NEW HOUSEMISTRESS.

Already a familiar and much-loved figure within the House, Mrs L-P quickly settled into her new role, bringing with her a strong connection to the girls and a clear vision for continued growth and unity. Her commitment to listening, supporting, and continuously improving the Woodlands experience has been evident throughout the year.

Among her first initiatives were several new systems introduced to benefit the girls, alongside a reinvigorated focus on House spirit and community. We began the year with a fun-filled first weekend, designed to spark friendships and bring together pupils across all year groups and houses. Bouncy castles and marshmallow roasting set the tone for what would be a year full of laughter and connection.

The calendar quickly filled with weekend movie nights, house music rehearsals, and quiz nights, ensuring there was always something for the Woodlands community to look forward to. Our Halloween celebrations remain a

highlight of the year, where creativity knows no bounds. Choosing the best costume was no easy feat amidst a sea of spooky brilliance.

As always, Christmas dinner was a much-anticipated event. A tradition treasured by all, it brought endless joy and laughter through carefully-crafted videos and, of course, the third form’s unforgettable and slightly chaotic nativity play. These social events gave the girls a chance to relax, bond, and make lasting memories.

The support across the House has been unwavering, thanks to the dedication of our incredible staff and Woodlands tutors. Their care and encouragement helped to make this year truly special for every pupil.

Our Upper Sixth girls played a pivotal role in shaping the House culture, taking on leadership roles with enthusiasm and warmth. Our deputies kept everything running smoothly, always ready with a kind word and a listening ear. Special recognition must go to our sports captains, Katie C and Eliza E, who led with passion and high spirits, embodying the Woodlands ethos. The girls remained inspired to try new sports and embrace challenges, culminating in proud victories in interhouse

We began the year with a fun-filled first weekend, designed to spark friendships and bring together pupils across all year groups and houses.

hockey, tennis and Sports Day. All the Upper Sixth girls have always made exceptional efforts to be involved in all things Woodlands, from doing behind-the-scenes work to being leading examples for younger years.

Beyond school grounds, many of our girls continue to shine, representing Scotland and achieving personal success in their pursuits, which this year included lacrosse, canoeing, rugby, tennis, and eventing. We couldn’t be prouder of their commitment, dedication and courage.

One of the fiercest and most beloved traditions, House Music, was tackled with our usual blend of determination, talent, and a touch of chocolate-fuelled motivation. Though we may not have taken home the trophy, our performances were a triumph, full of energy and heart. We left as crowd favourites, a title we wear with pride.

Woodlands’ talent doesn’t stop there. Our girls were key contributors to the school’s spectacular theatrical and musical productions: on stage, behind the scenes, and everywhere in between.

It has truly been a year of community, achievement, and unforgettable moments. I am so proud of everything the Woodlands girls have accomplished and look forward to many more memories for them all to come. The U6 leavers will miss the community environment and are forever grateful for all the wonderful memories. I wish the very best to the new house authority team, and I have full certainty that Isla C is going to lead Woodlands with joy and bring out the very best across the house. As always, Woodlands stands strong, together, supported and full of spirit.

Orla M

CREATIVE STRATHALLAN

THIS YEAR, THE CREATIVE ARTS AT STRATHALLAN TRULY SHONE, DELIVERING MOMENTS OF BRILLIANCE ACROSS MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES, Collectively, these achievements underscore how 2025 was a landmark year, showcasing Strathallan’s vibrant, creative spirit and its commitment to nurturing artistic excellence. Through our festival of the arts, Strathallan on Stage, our focus was drawn to performance and creativity, and our creative endeavours ran, as usual, throughout the year as a whole, the highlights of which are detailed here.

Music

Outstanding music education in a safe and supportive environment.

The Music Department is a vibrant and busy hub in our school. A central objective is to increase participation, enjoyment, and the impact of music on all pupils. The department delivers this through events, instrumental/cocurricular, and academic provision.

When I started as Director of Music less than four years ago, my hope was that the music department would be a happy place, a safe place, a creative place, and a place where our young people could be themselves, take risks and flourish.

To flourish, we need to constantly re-imagine music education and keep coming up with new and exciting ideas to inspire our young musicians and school community. It is encouraging to look back at these new ideas and how some of them have quickly become traditions in our school!

New Traditions

2021 was the year we saw a dramatic return to musicmaking after a challenging period of online learning. It was important that we get everyone together to sing again. This became our first-ever Big Sing. Over the four years, we have performed the following songs:

2021 The Living Years 22k views

2022 You’re the Voice

Try Everything

views

views 2024 Take My Hand

views

million views

Some people say I’m moving on from the Director of Music post because I need to come up with yet another idea for The Big Sing — they may be right!

THE STRAMMYS AND THE MUSIC CAPTAIN

In 2022, we held our first-ever Strammys — Strathallan’s take on the Grammy Awards. This brings together all our creative pupils in 6th form for a dinner and awards ceremony. The event has grown to include Drama, Dance, and Traditional Music. The event is also an opportunity to announce the Heads of Music and the Music Captain. Our first Music Captain was Angus K, then Myla C and this year it was Eleanor R. Together with the Heads of Music, these pupils have been invaluable for advice and mentoring our younger pupils.

STRATHALLAN YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

The Young Musician of the Year competition was launched in 2022 and has around seventy entrants aiming to be crowned the Young Musician of the Year in SPS or Senior School. We bring in an external adjudicator who has the difficult task of picking the winners. The winner then goes on to represent the School at the Scottish Young Musician Competition and other events.

THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE WEEK

Music comes alive when we perform. There are countless performances throughout the year and in 2023, we started our Performance Week, which has around eight different concerts and roughly fifty pupils performing. The highlight for me is seeing pupils taking part who do not normally perform, seeing their confidence grow and maybe seeing them perform again later in the year.

CHAPEL SINGERS AT PERTH CATHEDRAL

This is not quite a new tradition! Strathallan has a long history of choral performing. We re-established a relationship with Perth Episcopal Cathedral (St Ninian’s). The pupils enjoy our trips into Perth, sight-singing new repertoire and performing with the Cathedral Choir, who joined us on stage at our recent concert in Perth Concert Hall.

STRATHALLAN STUDIOS

Strathallan Studios is our in-house record label providing pupils with access to top-quality producers and facilities to record their original material, led by our music instructor, Mr Christie.

Our first EP was Silent Tears by Maia B-A, and we are excited by the quality of the songs and production. Several other pupils have had the opportunity to work with staff on their songs, and these will be launched in due course. A recent project has been a song by the Ruthven boys called Strath Life. The challenge has been passed to the other Houses to follow this and record their own songs!

Scan the QR code to visit Strathallan Sounds

HEADMASTER’S SPRING CONCERT

Some traditions can also stop! There was uproar when the Perth Concert Hall Christmas concert was moved to March! There was method in our madness, however, and we still had the opportunity to perform Christmas Music at the Strathallan Carol Service and then establish a new tradition in March with the Leavers’ Concert. The end of the Spring Term is really one of the last times all of our 6th Form get together before their exams, so we started a Leavers' Choir! Over ninety of our Upper 6th were on stage in the choir, and this brought the total participation to over three hundred on this special night.

Old Traditions

THERE ARE SOME WELL-ESTABLISHED EVENTS IN THE MUSICAL CALENDAR, AND A HIGHLIGHT IS HOUSE MUSIC. The annual House Music and Divisional Music Competitions bring our Houses and Divs together like no other event in school. The participation, enthusiasm, and energy are huge, and the pupils create outstanding performances with no staff help. There may be some questions about some of the quality, but there are none when it comes to the Senior School Musical. The levels reached are a credit to our pupils and the hard work of Mrs Carr-Bates, Mr Hamilton, and other staff.

The co-curricular provision in Strathallan has always been extensive and works towards the strengths of all our music pupils, giving them all an opportunity to be involved in making music with others. Every week we deliver eighteen groups, and this is vital in pupils' musical development and in encouraging working in a team with others.

FINAL THOUGHTS CAPTAIN

It has been great being a musician at Strath for the past five years. This year, I was Music Captain, which gave me an in-depth look at music at Strathallan. We started with the musical Amélie , which allowed many of the singers and actors a time to shine. I played in the pit band, which was my third time doing this at Strathallan. This was a great experience and has made me want to do it as part of my future career. Another highlight was the Leavers' Concert. Many different tunes were played in a variety of genres, including Classical, Traditional and Jazz. It is great to show off our hard work from the year in such a nice space. My favourite part was playing Tamacun with my guitar teacher, Mr Christie, who has inspired me as a musician and a guitarist. Throughout this time, there have been many smaller performances, such as the weekly Friday concerts, which are fun both to play in and watch, and performances in places such as St John’s Kirk in Perth. I have loved my time at Strath and the music teachers including Hammy, Mr MacAuley, Mr Christie, Mr Murch, and many more, who have inspired me to do music for a living.

Three years ago, I asked the Headmaster about moving into a more pastoral role as a Housemaster. He correctly advised that I couldn’t be Director of Music and a Housemaster. It would just be too much. I wasn’t ready to give up the Director of Music role back then for I had much I wanted to do!

After four years, I’m proud of what our pupils have achieved, and our new traditions, and I am delighted I have the opportunity to be the new Thornbank Housemaster.

I look back and remember my first orchestra rehearsal in 2021 when only one pupil turned up. Two years later, we had over forty pupils playing a movement from Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with our soloist, William L. Every single pupil was outstanding in that memorable performance.

I look back and remember a hundred and one pupils taking part in a 7-hour-long concert — Forgandenny 101 in my first year. Many of them had never performed before. I look back and remember the learning, conversations, and fun we had in the academic music classes.

Most of all, I look back at all the wonderful pupils who have achieved great things in their music making, and I look forward to continuing to work in the music department for many years to come. It is fitting to pass the final word to my Music Captain, Eleanor R. Jason MacAuley Strathallan Director of Music

Piping and Drumming

TYPICALLY, AND AS WITH EVERY ASPECT OF STRATHALLAN LIFE, PIPING AND DRUMMING HAS CONTINUED TO THRIVE WITH A BUSY YEAR OF PERFORMANCES. There have been quantifiable successes in exams, and a range of extraordinary experiences which will provide life-long memories for our young musicians, whatever their playing level.

In looking to record some of our highlights, our trip to Germany at the end of the first term springs to mind. We did a workshop at the old school of our current Deputy Head Boy, Constantin B. We later returned to perform at their Christmas Musical Showcase. We performed at Aachen, Cologne, and most memorably perhaps, in underground caves in the Netherlands. We were honoured to also play as part of the Midday Prayer at the iconic Cologne Cathedral.

The end of the first term was certainly packed with experiences – it was then that we were invited to play as the opening act for Scottish Folk legends, Skipinnish at the Perth Concert Hall. The crowd loved our sets, and we were lucky enough to play alongside Skipinnish on a few of their sets, including the finale Walking on the Waves

Our competition successes this year were many, and we applaud all who took part and did themselves great credit. Of particular note were our successes at the Vale of Atholl and Perform in Perth Solo competitions. We also recorded a very respectable third place at the CCF Quartet competition.

Pipe Major Josh Fraser

Speech and Drama

THE SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES AT PERFORM IN PERTH IN MARCH

FOUND A NEW HOME, ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH ON TAY STREET. The venue may have been different, but the results were as good as ever, with sixteen firsts across the two days.

In the age 7-8 classes, there were wins for Stella DP in Prepared Reading and Burns poems; for Orla T in Verse Speaking (with Honours) and for Charlotte W (Soutar poem). Paige M won the Soutar class in the 9-10 category.

In the 11-12 age group, there were wins for Sylvie M and Brooke B (Duo Acting); David L (Verse Speaking — with Honours); Annabelle M (The Soutar Tassie).

In the 13-14 age group, there were wins for Alexander W (Prepared Reading and Bible Reading, with the Bible Reading Trophy), Sophie DP and Tabitha C (Honours for Duo Acting); Will D (Honours for Solo Acting), and Darach R won the Robert Burns Trophy.

In the 15-17 category, there were wins with Honours for Matthew T (Burns) and Francesca W (Acting) and Y6 won the Choral Speaking class.

The LAMDA exams this year have seen fifty-eight pupils being awarded Distinction, meaning that they have achieved 80% and over. Pupils from Year 3 to U6 took part this year. Distinctions were awarded as follows:

Grade 8 (Gold Medal):

Acting: Sophie D, Tara G-R

Speaking in Public: Eve B, Zoe T, Michael N, Francesco MR

Grade 7 (Silver Medal):

Acting: Iona F, Isla C, Francesca W

Speaking in Public: Constantin B, Benedikt VR, Ben W, Fergus T

Grade 6 (Bronze Medal):

Acting: Isla S, Amy A

Speaking in Public: Christie A, Scott G, Ethan F

Reading for Performance: Tom N

Grade 5:

Speaking in Public: Angus B

Reading for Performance: Douglas P

Grade 4:

Acting: Matthew F, Charles S, Sophie Du P

Speaking in Public: Miena C

Grade 3:

Acting: Emily G, Beatrice P

Devising: Annabelle M

The Speaking of Verse and Prose: David L

Grade 2:

Acting: Blair M, Harris C-F, Holly F

Grade 1:

The Speaking of Verse and Prose: Munro M

Choral Speaking: Year 6

Entry Level:

Acting: Paige M

Introductory Stage 3: Stella Du P, Esme S, Nora D

Introductory Stage 2: Charlotte W, Orla T

Finally, Annabelle M, as the winner of the William Soutar Tassie at Perform in Perth, was invited to perform her winning poem at an event in the William Soutar Theatre to mark the launch of the first two volumes of the poet’s works.

M

THE SCOTTISH SCHOOLS PREMIÈRE OF AMÉLIE PROVIDED A QUIRKY, JOYOUS AND UPLIFTING CONCLUSION TO THE FIRST TERM, TRANSFORMING THE THEATRE INTO A PARISIAN WONDERLAND. And how very appropriate that our production should be staged in the very week of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral after being closed for many years since the devastating fire.

The eponymous Amélie, played magnificently by Olwen H, captured all of the whimsical romantic and comedic charm of her cinematic predecessor. In fact, the whole cast rose to the challenge with some spectacular stand-out moments, from Isla C’s beautiful solo as Gina to Max E, as Elton John, making a brief but unforgettable cameo. The beautifully realised set, lit magically, lent itself to the quirky storyline with the Windmill Café moments providing a real highlight. Bronte C’s Dufayel and Freyja D, with her early solo, made lovely use of the space behind the clockface. Yet it was in the strength of the ensemble cast that the true magic lay. From George B and Iviana’s roles as Monsieur and Madame Poulain, to Erica M’s dance moments, the whole performance moved seamlessly through each surreal moment. Francesca W certainly won the award for most convincing French accent! The character of Nino is integral to this play, and in the more than able hands of Ali S, this was met with sublime charm, making the whole performance a delightful romantic spectacle.

At the heart of the performance are the trio of Georgette, Gina and Suzanne — Emma K and Megan C playing the other central roles — and this was perfectly cast. What was extraordinary, however, was the skill with which some of our key players swapped roles for the Saturday matinée — and then switched back again for the evening. This reviewer was thrilled to see Megan A delight in the lead role and was astonished to see her playing an entirely different role in the evening finale! It was a bold and wonderful decision by the directorial team of Mrs C-B and Hammy — one which allowed the up-and-coming talent to showcase their skills.

Of course, in true Strathallan style, there was as much magic behind the scenes as on stage. Our live band was a showcase for the talents of the Music Department, and the stage crew ran the whole production with their customary attention to professionalism — this time attired to a satisfyingly high standard. Well done to Natalie, Matthew et al for all that they do in this capacity. And upstairs, to see the costuming and make-up coordinated by Freya and Ailsa was simply extraordinary. And finally, to Iris M, who stepped in to cover illness for the Saturday performances — well done indeed!

Olwen H

Fresh from her starring role as Amélie, Olwen set about the serious business of her own future ambitions. She has subsequently been successful in securing a place on the BA (Hons) Performance Actor-Musicianship course at Mountview, one of the UK’s most prestigious drama colleges. Olwen, who studies Art, Drama and Music A Levels, is going to build on the solid set of skills and experiences she has developed at Strathallan. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.

CAST

Amélie

Amélie (Matinée)

Nino

Young Amélie

Raphael Poulain

Amandine Poulain

Goldfish/Sylvie

Goldfish (Matinée)

Blind Beggar

Suzanne

Gina

Georgette

Philomene

Hippolita

Newsreader

Sylvie (Matinée)

Newsreader

Mysterious Man

Mysterious Man

Maguérite

Annonceur de Train

Train Announcer

Juliette Dufayel

The Gnome

Elton John

Joseph Lucien

Collignon

Mme Collignon

M Collignon

News Anchor

Bretodeau

Adrien

Priest

Customer

Parisian Dancer

Parisians

Olwen H

Megan A

Ali S

Sophie DP

George B

Ivianna Y

Evie B

Constance S

Tabitha C

Megan A

Isla C

Emma K

Amy A

Josie C

Iona F Iris M

Shannon P

Archie D

Freyja D

Francesca W

Archie D

Bronte C

Matthew F

Max E

Mason C

Olly D

Daragh R

Imogen S

Oskar VD

Iris M

Isla S

Douglas P

Vinnie B

Charlie S

Erica M

Eloise R

Anna G

Emma V

STAGE CREW

Head of Stage Crew

Head of Props

Asst Props

LX Operators

Spotlight Operator

SFX Operator

Head of Wardrobe

Costume

Head of Make-up

Natalie DCT

Matthew T

Elin R

Rose C

Niamh M

Violet CB

Surina C

Freya P

Abi H

Ailsa T

FANTASTIC MR FOX

BEFORE THE MAGICAL AND METEORIC SUCCESS OF THE HARRY POTTER NOVELS, THE MOST POPULAR CHILDREN’S AUTHOR MUST SURELY HAVE BEEN ROALD DAHL, WITH HIS APPEALING TALES OF GOOD AGAINST EVIL AND THE TRIUMPH OF THE UNDERDOG. But for the Prep School play in June, what was explored was rather the triumph of the “under-fox!”

Dalhl’s 1970 story, Fantastic Mr Fox, was adapted for the stage in 2001 by David Wood.

The tale tells of the unsuccessful attempts of the sinister, but hapless, trio of farmers, Boggis (Aksil S), Bunce (Zoe M) and Bean (Holly F) to get rid of the fox that is stealing food from their farms. Mr Fox was played cunningly by Charlie C, assisted by Mrs Fox, played in the different performances by Holly P and Georgie M. In fact, a number of the characters had double-casting, allowing as many of the pupils as possible to get a chance to tread the boards.

Harris C-H as the author, Roald Dahl, introduced the play, an ensemble piece, that was performed with energy and enthusiasm by the entire cast. Voice projection was clear and expressive, both in the spoken words and in the singing of the entire cast. Thank you, Mrs Simon, Musical Director, and our piano accompanist.

Director, Mrs Carr-Bates, created many beautiful group arrangements on the stage with all of the actors engaged with the action. This was enhanced by the excellent costumes and make-up. Well done, Mrs Troup, Freya P, Ailsa T and team, and thanks to the Props team, headed by Elin R. Particularly memorable were the chickens and the falling tree!

Strathallan Prep School is once again indebted to former pupil, Oliver Beetschen, and former teacher, Jim Salisbury, for the amazing set design and construction. Stage manager, Natalie DCT, managed the efficient stage crew. Throughout the team were a large number of assistants-in-training, ready to step up to more responsibility. This number included Assistant Director, Matthew F, who moves into Senior School from Prep just this year and who was highly praised by Mrs Carr-Bates for his efficiency and helpfulness.

Irene McFarlane

...thanks to the Props team, headed by Elin R. Particularly memorable were the chickens and the falling tree!

CAST

Mr Fox

Mrs Fox

Roald Dahl

Badgers (Thursday}

Badgers (Friday)

Child Badger

Rabbits

Moles

Weasels

Little Foxes

Mabel

Mavis

Rats

Boggis

Bunce

Bean

Charlie C

Holly P, Georgie M

Harris C-H

David L, James P

Irvine M, Sylvie M

Monty F

Lockie C, Savannah R

Emily G, Phebe M, Isla A

Jock B, Blair M

Joseph K, Chloe C, Morven S, Daisy B

Annabelle M

Brooke B

Gabriella J, Francesca J

Aksil S

Zoe M

Holly F

STAGE CREW

Head of Stage Crew Crew

Stage Manager

ASM in Training

Props

Props in Training

Props in Training

Lighting

Lights in Training

Lights in Training

Lights in Training

Sound

Sound

Natalie DCT

Seb L-P

Seb D

Mason M

Ben R

Tom R

Kailyn M

Fergus T

Props

Boris F

Findlay G

Niamh M

Rose C

Sunaya C

Otis T

Tejas C

Surina C

Torren C

The Watsons

IN REAL LIFE, JANE AUSTEN NEVER FINISHED HER NOVEL, THE WATSONS. Laura Wade’s play of the same name takes this premise and runs with it, giving us a witty, bold and thoroughly modern satire which explores what happens when an author loses control.

Evie B more than rose to the challenge of playing our wonderfully unfortunate playwright, Laura, whose authority is quickly challenged by her unruly cast of characters. At the forefront of this is Emma, played superbly by Iona F, whose growing fury at finding she is a literary construct was handled sublimely. The cast was excellent and handled both the wit and the more thoughtful philosophy of the play with equal aplomb. Amy F and Shannon D delighted the audience with a two-handed role of Nanny; Eric M was magnificent as the clergyman and Douglas P was both haughty and hilarious as Lord Musgrove. Every character was played to perfection: the sometimes complex humour was handled with such skill that the audience on both nights simply roared with laughter. There were suitors, including George B and the Militia Men, and snobs – played to perfection by Francesca W, Daragh R and Tabitha C. This young but magnificently adept cast of twenty-two handled themselves, the subject matter and the complexity of the script unbelievably well.

They were helped in no small part by the production values of the performances. A beautiful set and magnificent costumes were a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the pupils backstage. Out of the limelight but in every way equally responsible for the success of the play were a number of others equally deserving of praise. Running the lighting of the show were Niamh H, Rose C and Sunaya C. Stage crew, including Kailyn M and Violet C-B, led by Natalie DCT and Max F were magnificent. Costumes, make-up and hair were the domain of Freya P and Ailsa T — and these are only the tip of the iceberg. A magnificent showing from all, including drama scholars and our outgoing Heads of Drama, Matthew and Olwen, and testament once again to the breadth and excellence of Drama at Strathallan.

Emma Watson

Elizabeth Watson

Mr Watson

Laura

Margaret Watson

Mr Robert

Mrs Robert

Lady P

Mannies

Tom Musgrove

Lord Osborne

Lady Osborne

Miss Osborne

Charles Howard

Mrs Edwards

Mr Edward Bertie

Militia Men

Duchess

Iona F

Francesca W

Daragh R

Evie B

Tabitha C

Dan C

Anna G

Sophie DP

Amy M

Shannon P

Douglas P

George B

Amelie H

Emma V

Charlie S

Eric M

Connie S

Olly D

Alex W

Finlay S

Matthew F

Vinnie B

Elin R

Head of Stage Crew

Asst Stage Manager

Head of Props

Head of Props in training

Stage Manager in Training

Asst Stage Manager in training

LX Operators

LX Operator in training

Sound Operator

Natalie DCT

Max F

Matthew T

Elin R

Kailyn M

Sara I

Rose C

Niamh M

Sunaya C

Surina C

A magnificent showing from all, including drama scholars and our outgoing Heads of Drama, Matthew and Olwen, and testament once again to the breadth and excellence of Drama at Strathallan.

A landmark year for art at Strathallan Celebrating excellence & creativity in 2024–25

THIS ACADEMIC YEAR HAS MARKED A SIGNIFICANT CHAPTER FOR THE ART DEPARTMENT AT STRATHALLAN, WITH PUPILS ACHIEVING EXCEPTIONAL SUCCESS ON BOTH REGIONAL AND NATIONAL STAGES. The standard of work produced, and the recognition earned are a true reflection of the imagination, skill, and dedication thriving within our creative community.

TRIUMPH AT THE PERTHSHIRE YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Strathallan artists made a clean sweep at this year’s Perthshire Young Artist of the Year competition.

• Sophie D was named Best Senior Artist

• George B earned the title of Best Junior Artist

• Niamh C received the inaugural President’s Award, a special honour personally selected by the President of the Perthshire Arts Association.

This remarkable showing highlighted the strength and depth of artistic talent across both senior and junior year groups, with each pupil demonstrating technical finesse and expressive flair.

PHOTOGRAPHY SUCCESS

The school’s photographic talent also shone brightly at the Perthshire Young Photographer of the Year competition.

• Riley T won the Junior Category with a dynamic, cricket-themed photograph

• Veer C was named runner-up in the same group

In an extraordinary achievement, Riley — currently in SPS — went on to win the overall Young Photographer of the Year title — becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the award. His striking visual storytelling left a lasting impression on the judges and audiences alike.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION AT THE CALEDONIAN CLUB, LONDON

Strathallan artists also made their mark nationally, with two pupils selected to exhibit at the prestigious Scottish Independent Schools Art Exhibition at the Caledonian Club in London.

Notably, Sophie D received a Highly Commended award from the judging panel — marking a first for Strathallan since the exhibition began. Her abstract painting was praised by renowned Scottish designer Jilli Blackwood, who described it as:

"A small painting which could be easily overlooked in an exhibition of powerful imagery. Very abstract on close inspection and clever with the use of shape, marks on paper and subtle changes in colour. This painting plays with the viewer’s eye."

LOOKING AHEAD

The achievements of our pupils this year are a source of immense pride for the Art Department and the wider school. Their success is not only a testament to their individual commitment but also to the supportive, creative atmosphere cultivated within the department.

As we look to the future, the accomplishments of 2024–25 reaffirm Strathallan’s standing as a home for artistic excellence—and the bright potential of the young creatives who bring our studios to life.

Frank Glancey Head of Art.

A Level Art Showcase 2025

CLIMATE CHANGE IS ONE OF THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES FACING OUR GENERATION. In response, more artists and designers are turning to natural and waste materials in their work to raise awareness and promote sustainability. For my A Level Art project, I explored how both discarded materials and elements from nature can be transformed into high fashion. My aim was to demonstrate that even the simplest materials—such as paper or plastic — can be turned into something creative, wearable, and beautiful.

Eliza E

THE THEME OF MY A LEVEL ART COURSEWORK PROJECT IS AN EXPLORATION OF THE ELEMENT WATER IN FASHION. I chose this theme because of my long-standing fascination with oceans and bodies of water, which has deepened through travel and exposure to diverse coastal environments. To me, water represents more than a natural element—it symbolises tranquillity, movement, depth, and emotional calm. I have always been drawn to its visual beauty and the feelings it evokes, and I wanted to explore how these qualities can be interpreted and expressed through fashion.

HAVING MOVED AROUND THE UK MULTIPLE TIMES, I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE LIFE IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS. I have fallen in love with the little things: the connections with strangers who become dear friends, the joy of exploring new places with my family, and the process of turning a

I have fallen in love with the little things: the connections with strangers who become dear friends, the joy of exploring new places with my family, and the process of turning a new house into a home filled with memories.

AT THE BEGINNING OF MY A LEVEL ART COURSEWORK, I DECIDED TO EXPLORE THE THEME OF STRUCTURE, SPECIFICALLY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN. I was inspired by photographs I had taken during my travels to Australia, Doha, and Dubai — regions known for their striking and innovative architecture. The buildings I encountered in these locations reflected a wide range of structural approaches, created by architects from different cultural and artistic backgrounds. These visual experiences sparked my interest in how structure functions not only as a practical necessity in architecture but also as an expressive, conceptual, and artistic tool.

Emily S

new house into a home filled with memories. I am inspired by the delicate-yet-bold beauty of colourful flowers, the animals we share our world with: cows form best friendships and dogs that seem to mirror their owners, and the architecture that surrounds us, bringing people together in crowds to share an experience.

IAN OUR FAST-PACED, MODERN WORLD, IT IS EASY TO OVERLOOK THE SMALLEST ASPECTS OF LIFE. Art has always reflected the world around us and exploring the finer details in real life led me to focus on the subtle intricacies that often go unnoticed, such as the colours, shapes and patterns. The attention to details not only enhances the sense of realism in my works but also invites me to see the beauty and complexity of the features in everyday life. I aim to explore how various media can be used to create a realistic painting and how they can effectively show the texture of the objects and surfaces that I observe.

Mini L

T THE BEGINNING OF MY A LEVEL COURSEWORK, I CHOSE TO FOCUS ON HOW LANDSCAPE AND COLOUR CAN BE MANIPULATED THROUGH PAINTING. The Isle of Mull and Iona, located off the west coast of Scotland, served as the primary inspiration for my work. These islands are known for their breathtaking scenery, rich history, and serene atmosphere. Having visited Mull during childhood, I have fond memories of Tobermory and its vibrant block-coloured buildings. I was introduced to Iona later, through family friends, and have now returned each summer for three consecutive years. My days there were filled with early mornings, packed lunches, and long adventures—climbing hills, swimming, discovering hidden beaches, and painting under the guidance of the boys’ grandmother, Francis, who is a landscape artist herself. I have explored how place, light, and emotion can be expressed through landscape painting. From the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the luminous canals of Venice, each location has offered unique inspiration. By studying artists such as Elisa Lafuente, Jenny Hirst, Claude Monet, and others, I have learned how mood, memory, and technique can come together to create powerful visual responses to place. This journey has deepened my connection to the landscapes I paint and helped me develop a more expressive and personal approach to art.

Minnie H

From the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the luminous canals of Venice, each location has offered unique inspiration.

FOR MY A LEVEL ART PROJECT, I CHOSE THE THEME OF CHILDHOOD BECAUSE I WANTED TO EXPLORE SOMETHING DEEPLY PERSONAL YET UNIVERSALLY RELATABLE. As I have grown older, I have noticed how often people romanticise childhood, longing to return to it. However, my own experience was different — I didn’t always enjoy growing up, and I often fantasised about being an adult. This contrast inspired me to examine how childhood experiences shape who we become.

Olwen H

IHAVE ALWAYS BEEN DRAWN TO THE EXPERIENCE ART PROVIDES FOR US, BUT PARTICULARLY THE INDIVIDUAL RELATIONSHIP EACH PERSON HAS WITH IT. The way in which we all view things differently and take from it what we want to. Although it is a universal language, art can be interpreted differently by everyone. My theme, People, Places, Feeling, breaks down images into the three main components that feed into an overall illustration. All images have these three things as varied focal points and each one evokes a different experience in the piece. I wanted to identify how the impact of one can hugely shift the meaning of a piece and how it is viewed by others. Naturally, any scene we view will have an emotion that it triggers; however, this ‘feeling’ may be different in different figures for example. The integration of all three components is what captivates a viewer and can create intrigue. I wanted to learn how an artist may think through the creation of their artwork and the decisions they make based on what they are trying to showcase. I wanted my own work to reflect the building blocks of art and how it is integrated to become a subconscious note of what is being showcased for the viewer. Artist styles also have a huge impact of what is highlighted in a piece of work, and the way a personal trait can help to evoke a certain component of the image.

Orla M

I wanted my own work to reflect the building blocks of art and how it is integrated to become a subconscious note of what is being showcased for the viewer.

MIY ART COURSEWORK THEME HAS EVOLVED QUITE SIGNIFICANTLY THROUGHOUT THE A LEVEL COURSE — FROM DOCUMENTING CANDID HUMAN MOMENTS TO AN EXPLORATION OF EQUESTRIAN LIFE — REFLECTING BOTH MY PERSONAL GROWTH AND A REFINING OF MY ARTISTIC IDENTITY. While the two themes may seem different on the surface, they are connected by a common thread: the human experience and its many emotional dimensions. Whether capturing a fleeting glance or the relationship between horse and rider, my work seeks to explore moments of connection, honesty, and authenticity. Through artist research, media experimentation, and personal reflection, I have deepened my understanding of how art can communicate meaning—and I feel this journey has equipped me with greater confidence, clarity, and vision as I move forward in my creative practice.

Pebbles W

N MY A-LEVEL ART COURSEWORK, I CHOSE TO EXPLORE THE THEME OF STREET ART — A GENRE I WAS DRAWN TO BECAUSE OF ITS ABILITY TO BE BOTH DECEPTIVELY SIMPLE AND DEEPLY MOVING. Street art has the power to convey raw emotion, tell untold stories, and deliver sharp messages with immediacy and visual impact. Initially, my project began with painting landscapes, particularly inspired by places like Petra. While I appreciated the natural textures and forms in those early pieces, I eventually realised that I felt more fulfilled creating work that carried personal meaning and social relevance. This shift in focus led me to redefine my project around the theme of street art, where I began developing work — primarily digital — that felt more urgent, expressive, and connected to identity and politics.

Sara H

WHEN THINKING OF A TOPIC, I WANTED TO EXPLORE SOMETHING THAT WAS COMPELLING BUT ALSO LIMITLESS. From this I chose perspective and distortion. By choosing a topic this broad, I could easily bend it to my will and fashion anything I wanted, which is what made it so appealing. My first idea was looking at nostalgia and the distortion of childhood memories and later the perspective of religion, but I quickly pivoted away to look in depth about the nature of reflection. I wanted to explore the different means to create and develop the relationship between the value of light and darkness, primarily using oil paint. Could I create a piece of work that looked realistic? Was it possible to make a painting that challenged any onlooker’s eyes? I have learned that using oils has allowed me to produce more detailed and luminous artwork. However, most of all, I wanted to step outside my comfort zone with something technical that would show me my limitations and motivate me to push myself with each next piece I made, something at which I could continuously improve through trial and error. Consequently, I ended up choosing the niche of reflective materials such as water and progressed into focusing on materials such as metal and mirror/glass, transitioning into an in-depth study of the theme distortion, fixating on how reflection and light are passed between them.

Sophie D

I chose perspective and distortion. By choosing a topic this broad, I could easily bend it to my will and fashion anything I wanted, which is what made it so appealing.

ACADEMIC STRATHALLAN

The Academic Year 2024-2025

This year, the academic enrichment programme has continued to develop, and it has been a pleasure working with the academic scholars.

THE YEAR BEGAN WITH THE ACADEMIC QUIZ FOR 6TH FORM SCHOLARS AND ANOTHER QUIZ FOR THE 3RD TO 5TH FORM SCHOLARS. They were challenged on a range of questions and subjects, from science, which was a popular topic, to the more challenging general knowledge round. Some of our new 3rd form scholars have a fantastic general understanding of geography and flew through that round, but all were stumped this year on the question: ‘When in groups, this jungle animal is referred to as an ambush. Which animal is this?’ *

Our annual Academic Dinner took place in the winter term this year and was very well attended. The pupils were seated in mixed age groups, which enabled the senior scholars to engage with the younger scholars, and the concept of vertical mentoring is one that I am keen to develop next year. The dinner was timed so that the new 6th form academic scholars could attend,

Our Build

A Plane project

facilities and were able to sit in the aircraft as it was started up. It has been a fantastic STEM project, and we are looking forward to being able to offer flights next academic year. My thanks to Mike Pearson and the team at Aerospace Kinross for assisting in the build and continuing to support the project.

In order to challenge our scholars’ thinking skills, we have run two activities this year. The first is a murder mystery game where each person takes a role and the objective is, similar to Cluedo, to work out who has committed the crime. George M and Paul B were the winners of the challenge, correctly identifying the murderer and the motive. Our second activity was the Escape Rooms in Dundee. We have used this venue before and the first team, captained by Daniel C, succeeded in escaping from the Titanic. Unfortunately, the team captained by me was left trapped in Alcatraz, having failed to solve the clues in time.

was

completed last year,

and I had the privilege of taking a group of SPS pupils to see it at the Scottish Gliding Centre at Scotlandwell near Kinross.

and I am very grateful for the support from my senior teaching colleagues who helped run the evening. We had a fun evening and, as has become customary, there was a challenge for pupils. The challenge this time around was to research and build a terrarium. The winning team was led by Gregory B, and their terrarium is still going strong.

Our Build A Plane project was completed last year, and I had the privilege of taking a group of SPS pupils to see it at the Scottish Gliding Centre at Scotlandwell, near Kinross. The pupils were given a full tour of the

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural One Essay, One Shot competition, the brainchild of Mr Hamill, this year’s competition featured new questions, and eighteen pupils spent an hour in the Fiction Library working on their chosen topic. The entries were fantastic, and it is amazing to see what the pupils are capable of in only one hour. The challenge allows pupils to demonstrate their discursive essay skills, which are useful for moving on to future study or some 6th form subjects. A couple of the questions from this year were: ‘Is balance a natural state of existence, or is

it something we must actively strive for?’ and ‘To what extent should individuals sacrifice personal desires for the sake of achieving balance in Society?’.

A long-standing feature of the academic enrichment programme is the discussion evenings. These are held in the wonderful surroundings of the Fiction Library and pupils are given a selection of articles taken from Private Eye and newspapers, with the challenge of linking satire to real-world events. We follow this up by reading articles about these real-world events from other publications. Our favourite article this year has been ’Nero plays golf while Rome burns’, a parody on Donald Trump’s controversial tariffs and his handling of the situation, which caused global turmoil. However, we have also discussed the impact of Mark Carney’s being elected in Canada, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the controversy surrounding the Chagos Islands, and Elon Musk’s varying involvement in US politics. It would be fair to surmise that we have not been short of material to discuss this year.

SPS lectures have continued this year, and our 2nd form Scholars were brave enough to present to their peers on a topic of their choice. I have also given several presentations on co-curricular opportunities, such as mountain biking and climbing, as well as a more academic lecture on the theme of why languages are studied in School. I look forward to welcoming our successful scholarship candidates to a refurbished programme in August when we return from the summer break. We have moved our scholarship assessments for the 3rd Form into the Autumn term, and they will run a week after our 6th form assessments. Whilst I am certain it will be a busy period with all the new opportunities on offer, I look forward to meeting prospective scholarship candidates during our November Scholarship assessment weeks.

*PS It is an ambush of tigers. Well done if you knew that!

I look forward to welcoming our successful scholarship candidates to a refurbished programme in August when we return from the summer break.

STEM 2025

ATRIP TO SCOTLAND’S SMALLEST UNIVERSITY, ABERTAY, IN THE CENTRE OF DUNDEE, FOR OUR FUTURE ENGINEERS WAS A STEM CAREERS HIGHLIGHT IN NOVEMBER. We visited the civil and environmental engineering department, whose undergraduate courses all offer an employer placement as part of the degree course. Practical tasks included making a geodesic dome and producing and testing a chair made from only balloons and Sellotape. Pupils then met with a range of local engineering employers and toured the library. I would like to thank Mr Barrett and the Abertay staff for a fun-filled morning out of school.

Also in November, twenty of our best and brightest chemists went to an event for schools at the Pavilion in Ingliston, near Edinburgh Airport, sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry. There, our pupils were able to interact with exhibitors representing thirty different local and national employers in the chemical and life science industries. Awesome VR headsets offering interactive tours inside animal and plant cells were enjoyed by all. The pupils were given plenty of time to ask questions of the exhibitors and make connections with the STEM material they are learning in Chemistry and Biology in the classroom back at Strath. My thanks to both Dr Sharples and the Royal Society of Chemistry for an inspiring trip.

On a cold, clear night in December, nine budding astronomers (pupils from 5th to U6th form) and one ‘vastly experienced, though still keen to learn’ stargazer (Dr Mitchell) visited the Mills Observatory in Dundee. They first surveyed the well-known winter constellations from the lower viewing gallery, then went upstairs into the dome where the telescopes are

located to see the star clusters in more detail and view the planets. The four Galilean moons of Jupiter were clearly visible as well as the bands around the planet itself, though unfortunately, the timing was wrong to see the red spot. Saturn has its rings and one hundred and forty-six moons that orbit it. Incidentally, Saturn has eight major moons – can you name them?* Also clear to see for pupils was the Pleiades constellation and the Orion nebula, where stars are forming in clouds of gas. The focus then shifted to a talk from observatory staff on cosmology and galaxy formation that linked to the GCSE and Higher Physics topics on the life cycle of stars and the formation of the universe. Some pupils reported seeing a red giant on their return to Strathallan, but it turned out to be Mr MacLeod finishing his shift in the boarding house! My thanks to Dr Mitchell for a great trip.

*PS The major moons of Saturn are Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea, Titan, Hyperion, and Iapetus. Huge congratulations if you knew that!

On a cold, clear night in December, nine budding astronomers (pupils from 5th to U6th form) and one ‘vastly experienced, though still keen to learn’ stargazer (Dr Mitchell) visited the Mills Observatory in Dundee.

STEM Expo

DUNDEE AND ANGUS COLLEGE WERE THE HOSTS FOR A STEM EXPO AT WHICH TWELVE OF OUR 3RD FORM PUPILS PARTICIPATED IN A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE AND AWARENESS AROUND FUTURE CAREERS IN STEM. Exhibitors included local universities, charities, and employers. Robertson Construction used VR headsets to allow our pupils to experience virtual welding and stress testing of materials. The Dundee bicycle hub explained how old bikes are recycled into new ones. My personal favourite was the electric car charger E-volt’s exhibition that included the chance to win a sweet if a buzz-wire challenge was successfully completed. My thanks again go to Ms Gill for organising this trip. I know the pupils enjoyed the trip and all fully participated in all the activities on offer.

LEGO First League

THE ROAD TO GLORY WOULD CEASE TO BE ARDUOUS IF IT WERE TRITE AND TRODDEN; AND GREAT MINDS MUST BE READY NOT ONLY TO TAKE OPPORTUNITIES BUT TO MAKE THEM.” An apposite quote to describe the efforts of Strathallan’s victorious LEGO leaguers of 2025!

The final day in January saw pupils in two distinct but connected teams go to Dundee and Angus College to do battle: SPS — David L (captain), James P, Conan L, Joseph Kand Thomas L-P. The Seniors — Hamish B (captain), Enfys W, Sara I, Matilda S, Audrey S and Amy M.

The format is that each team has three matches in which tasks must be successfully performed on a large games board by a LEGO robot that they have preprogrammed with code. Referees are on hand to enforce the time limit and score each task completed. This score is then combined with a score from an interactive team presentation to a panel of judges related to this year’s theme — submerged. Strathallan’s teams focused their presentations on plastic pollution, where they had to demonstrate and defend their robot design and highlight the core values of teamwork and inclusion. With an audience, referees and judges watching on, there is a lot of pressure, and little room for error.

Following underwhelming first match attempts, both Strathallan teams were scrambling to fix their code and clean their robot for two future attempts. The second match attempts improved on the first but were clearly below the standard required to challenge for victory. Morale was low, but further patient practice and problem solving from both teams, coupled with encouragement from David and Hamish, meant we were in with a chance in the final round as only the highest score counted.

In the final match the SPS team managed to more than double their previous highest score to 195 points, and the seniors attained a very creditable 170 points. Both teams’ presentations had gone well, so we awaited the prize-giving ceremony with hope, knowing the highest place team overall would go to the national final. In the end the SPS team won the coveted robot design award for their efforts in match three, but both teams were pipped for top spot by McLaren High School.

The road to LEGO glory was arduous. Under the expert guidance of Ms Gill in DT all our competitors attended an extra one-hour lesson each week, with more of their precious spare time given over to polishing the code and presentations. Uniquely for an academic competition, SPS and seniors had to work jointly to achieve a common goal. It was delightful to witness disagreement and jeopardy play a part in team dynamics. No two team members fell out, instead all accepted that there would not be a ‘perfect’

STEM Club

Imatch, so instead they worked collaboratively to achieve the best outcome they could.

My thanks go to our hosts, Dundee and Angus College. A nearby STEM zone meant that lunchtime was short, and pupils instead made bird boxes, built go karts, used VR headsets (especially Thomas and Conan!), designed circuits to power turbines, and made a Minecraft mansion. My thanks to the LEGO organisers, and of course, to Ms Gill, whose dedication to the cause has been unwavering. This project represents STEM learning at its finest — fun, interactive, and engaging.

N STEM CLUB THIS YEAR WE HAD TWO SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS COMPLETED AT BRONZE LEVEL BY ZACHARY S-V AND AUDREY S. Zachary was first to finish his ten hour project by designing, producing, and testing his own pizza delivery box. The box was strong, holding 53kg of books piled on top of it. Zachary then tested the insulating properties of the box and produced an eye-catching Italian themed design for the lid. Audrey’s interest in the chemistry of fireworks prompted her to test out a range of different metal compounds in a flame test. With the lights off it was amazing to see the variety of different flame colours produced as electrons become excited. Audrey now knows how to perform the calculations and use the correct apparatus required to make molar solutions. Some of her most interesting effects were shown when mixtures of the compounds were used. Well done to Zachary and Audrey, for both showed determination and thought to overcome obstacles and produce a creditable outcome.

British Science Week

THE THEME FOR BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK IN 2025. WAS " CHANGE AND ADAPT "

In 3rd form Biology lessons, we used woodlice to investigate innate behaviour. The hypothesis is that, when woodlice are forced to turn one way in a maze, they will most likely turn in the opposite way at the next junction. This is an innate advantageous behaviour that prevents them from going round in circles when foraging. We next tested the limits of this hypothesis by gradually increasing the distance between the first and second turns. Innate and learned animal behaviour was then discussed in the context of bird migration, and pupils produced a poster on this theme.

In Chemistry, the concept of change was explored with acids and alkalis. The challenge was to create an entire rainbow of colours using a universal indicator. Pupils had to adapt their approach using trial and error to create the desired effect. Orange proved to be the trickiest, generating some enjoyable debate between groups as to whose colour was ‘most orange’. This open-ended experiment had the desired effect of bringing to life the sensitivity of the pH scale for

Debating

ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON, THE PRIME MINISTER WILL VIGOROUSLY PROPOSE THAT THIS HOUSE DEPLORES SOMETHING, OR THIS HOUSE REGRETS ANOTHER THING, WHILE THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION WILL, WITH EQUAL VIGOUR, OPPOSE THE PRIME MINISTER’S RIDICULOUS IDEA.

Sometimes, the Prime Minister’s motion will succeed, for they, certain of the justness of their cause, will have convinced the House that the only way to vote is in favour of the Motion, especially if the Chief Whip has the bit between their teeth. Then again, after some much-needed rebuttal (the master i/c deplores this expression: should you wish to attend Debating, please bear this in mind!), if the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is performing at their best, the Government may crumble to an ignominious defeat in the face of a finely-argued case.

And all this happens in PK’s room (which is what we shall always call it) in the Main Building, for we use the British Parliamentary System in school debating. We niggle away at motions — some current, some historic, some real, some imagined — looking for points of clash, trying to second-guess our opponents, raising points of order (which are not questions) or information (neither are these: again, points to be borne in mind) until, after

pupils. Discussion then centred on pH, or ‘power of hydrogen’, a logarithmic scale based on a set of standard solutions whose pH value was established by international agreement.

In Physics, the methods of generating electricity, the energy underpinning modern renewable sources, was the focus of the week. These ideas should be mandatory for all UK pupils as we transition towards net zero by 2050 in our efforts to adapt to climate change. Each pupil had an energy resource to research and present to their peers, identifying the energy conversions involved as well as the relevant advantages and disadvantages. Eloise R presented a fascinating PowerPoint on tidal power focused on the efficiency of kinetic energy to electrical energy transfer and George T centred his super presentation on biomass, and the efficiency of conversion from potential energy stored in plants to heat energy. My thanks go to all the 3rd form teachers for their assistance in pushing science beyond the curriculum and (hopefully) inspiring pupils to select science subjects at GCSE.

Dr Brian Cooper STEM Coordinator

maybe two hours of reasoned, cordial, occasionally heated, debate (and perhaps a little argument, too) we arrive at a conclusion.

Back in the Winter Term, Captain of Debating Ben W and Paul B, along with Maria B and Isla S went to St Andrews and St Leonards for an intense Saturday where some tricky motions proved challenging, yes, but also gave them the chance to hone their skills against some of the finest school debaters in Scotland, including members of the Scottish Schools Debating Team, who are the current World Schools Debating Champions. Everyone came away having learned something, but also much more confident in their abilities.

The next event was the Law Society of Scotland Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Competition which is the main schools’ debating competition in the country, the final of which is held at Holyrood. Strathallan last took part in the final in 2018. The event was held in ALMD’s local high school in Kinross (he also chaired) and, though we failed to progress, both Ben W and Iona F came away from it with some clear targets and solid learning.

Even in the long, dark, cold evenings of the Scottish winter, the enthusiasm of the pupils always carries us through. The major UK schools debating competition

is that run by the Oxford Union. The Scottish heat was at ESMS in Edinburgh and four teams attended: Team Labor (Francesca W and Ben W); Team Omnia (Iona F and Amélie H); Team Omnia [you will be getting the idea behind the names by now] (Paul B and Isla C), and Team Vincit (Maria B and Isla S). There were over forty schools in competition and, while we did not progress, it was well worth the trip and the learning experience, as well as calling in at Marks & Spencer at Kinross on the way back and getting free quiches lorraine!

The major school debating event of the Spring Term is the Junior Inter-House Competition which, as well as introducing those in S5 and below to debating, also allows pupils to come to the fore who might otherwise not be able to attend on a Friday. This year, SPS sent a team so that they could see what Senior School debating was like and David L shone as their best speaker. The overall competition was won by Amy M and Pearl F of Glenbrae who proposed the motion that This House Would Abolish all Independent Schools. Their prize was twofold. First, a nice voucher related to major rivers, and second the chance to judge the Senior Inter-House Competition. There was actually a third element, for Amy and Pearl went on to represent the school in the Ayrshire Schools Debating Competition in June.

The Senior Inter-House Competition in May was won by Ruthven (Ben B and Barclay S) who proposed that This House Believes that Happiness is more Important than Academic Success and carried the day with a meticulously-argued and structured exposition of the true value of happiness in an evolving world. Much credit is also due to Vinnie B and Veer C, our stalwart supporters, relief judges and crafters of motions.

Debating continues to grow in its slot on a Friday afternoon which is the perfect wind-down at the end of a busy week as well as a chance to switch off from everything that has been occupying one’s mind and enter a world of reason and passion, of ideas and instances.

Huge credit is due to the captains, Ben W and Paul B, who lead many of the classes and serve as guides and mentors to those taking the activity, be they novice or experienced or encouraging those who are thinking about doing it for the first time.

Mr ALM Dunn

Debating continues to grow in its slot on a Friday afternoon which is the perfect wind-down at the end of a busy week as well as a chance to switch off from everything that has been occupying one’s mind and enter a world of reason and passion, of ideas and instances.

Sixth Form Lecture Series

Dr Tessa Dunlop.

We were delighted to welcome back former pupil Dr Tessa Dunlop for our first Sixth Form Lecture of the season in September. After two history workshops with our students during the day, Dr Dunlop spoke about the roots of her own journey, from her days at Strathallan to becoming a bestselling author and historian. She encouraged our students to discover their own unique ‘superpower’ because, as history shows, life can be tough and due to current wars, climate and politics, it's arguably getting tougher than it has ever been for future generations.

She shared with us her knowledge surrounding the history of women in the British military, and her experience in writing several books on the subject, focusing particularly on the Bletchley Girls in WW2. The 6th Form particularly enjoyed learning more about Tessa’s wide experience in broadcasting and television and her insight into the way politics is covered in Britain’s media.

Reuben L

Historian, writer and renowned broadcaster, Dr Tessa Dunlop kicked off this year’s programme of Sixth Form Lectures.

Professor Jeremy Crang and Dr Trevor Griffiths

Historians Professor Jeremy Crang and Dr Trevor Griffiths visited the school in November.

My interview with Professor Crang and Dr Griffiths was a remarkable experience which gave me, along with the rest of the sixth form, an opportunity to understand that not everybody takes the same path to end up where they want to be. The two gentlemen were kind enough to share with us their backgrounds and their stories of how they got to where they are today, which fitted perfectly with the theme of our lecture’s, "Roots". They each described their individual backgrounds allowing us to understand that they came from very different upbringings but were both individually equally successful men, proving to everybody that was listening there are multiple ways that can lead you to a similar destination and that not everybody needs to seek the same path.

Professor Crang showed us a very thought-provoking picture which is the basis of one of his novels. It depicted a group of young men. He then asked the audience what the picture looked like to them. While everyone had different answers, a few stood out which is what Professor Crang was looking for, for though the young man in the picture looked like a boy band to our eyes, while in fact the picture was taken during WW2, and it was a group of soldiers. Professor Crang then followed on to tell us about what happened to them after the picture, and this brought a whole new perspective to us that these were real people, and not so long ago.

Overall, the interview was an informative and inspirational experience, while Professor Crang and Dr Griffiths both have very interesting topics that they specialise in, what I found most interesting is how differently they both got to where they are. It was very eye-opening to hear firsthand that there is more than one way to get to where you want to be.

Shona MacLean

Best-selling author Shona MacLean discussed inspiration and adaptation.

Shona, known for her captivating historical fiction like The Book Seller of Inverness and the Seeker series, shared her expertise with our 6th form English pupils and then spoke to the whole 6th form cohort about her craft and her life. During her lecture, Shona discussed how 18th-century art inspired her characters and even offered some valuable advice for pupils considering studying at Aberdeen: don't forget a thick woolly jumper!

Earlier in the day, Shona conducted a creative writing workshop for our GCSE English pupils and had lunch with our Advanced Higher and A-Level English pupils. It was an inspiring and unforgettable experience for all involved. Many of us then enjoyed a post-lecture dinner with Shona to discuss her writing in greater detail and ask more questions about the world of literature and the careers it can offer. It was very much appreciated by all who came to hear Shona, and I am sure we all took away some new tips for our academic writing.

During her lecture, Shona discussed how 18th-century art inspired her characters and even offered some valuable advice for pupils considering studying at Aberdeen: don't forget a thick woolly jumper!

Rose Reilly MBE

Whenever I came across an obstacle, I didn’t go over it, round it, or under it — I went through it!

World Cup winner (with Italy) and former female World Footballer of the Year, Rose Reilly, MBE visited the school in March.

Meeting Rose Reilly, MBE was a true privilege. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a footballing icon is a testament to determination, resilience and unwavering passion, that has undoubtedly inspired countless others.

Football has always been Rose’s driving force in life, despite the significant barriers she faced, including the ban on women’s football during her youth. Rose, however, never let these boundaries stop her, nor define her; instead, she “kicked them right down.” (Rose Reilly, 2024).

Determined to achieve her dreams, Rose made the life-changing decision to move to Italy to pursue a professional football career. There, she excelled, winning multiple titles, cementing her legendary status and making history as the first British woman and Scot to lift the World Cup trophy with Italy. Despite her extraordinary success, Rose never lost sight of her Scottish roots, which she spoke about with immense pride. From disguising herself as “Ross” to play on boys' teams to being expelled from school for simply playing football, these experiences shaped the determined and inspirational person she is today.

What struck me most about Rose wasn’t just her achievements but her warmth, humour and humility. It is clear that she genuinely cares about inspiring others and I can confidently say she has done just that.

This was more than just an interview; it was a story of power, perseverance, and passion. Rose, you are a true pioneer of women’s football, and your story will remain with me and others forever.

Olivia H.

Never wait for someone to do something for you. Do it yourself.

Model UN

IHAVE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE MODEL UNITED NATIONS AT STRATHALLAN THIS YEAR. We meet every Wednesday to discuss current political and international affairs, carry out research or conduct our own mini debates. Prior to our MUNISH conference, we had a visit from Sir Geoffrey Adams — the former UK ambassador to Tehran 2006-2009. We had the opportunity to ask him questions and gain an insight into both what diplomacy and life in Iran was truly like.

In November, Eve B, Zoe T, Constantin B, Reuben LV, Charlie M, Ben W, Nell McB, and I attended MUNISH, where we represented Iran with Mr Bergin and Mrs Troup — this was our first international conference hosted by the International School of The Hague in Holland. I sat on the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice council, where a range of issues such as decriminalising drug use, opiate trade and police brutality were discussed. During this conference, I successfully passed a resolution on Combating Opiate Trade and Trafficking. However, our activities did not stop there.

In January, Nicol hosted a US presidential inauguration viewing party (complete with snacks). In February, there was a one-day conference hosted by Hutchesons’ Grammar School. Nell McB, Henry C and Eve B represented Brazil, along with Charlie M, Ben W, Enfys W and Sara I who represented Greece. In March, we had the opportunity to have an online session with Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, where she enlightened us on the day-to-day activities of a Lord, before answering our questions.

Finally, to finish off our year, we attended a conference at Peebles High School in June. Annabel A, Saskia AD, Audrey S, Nell McB, Jaya VA and I attended to represent Czechia. I sat on the North Atlantic Council and debated a variety of complex topics such as the integration of external allies into NATO, the reform of Article 5 and military aid to Ukraine. I was awarded best delegate in committee at the end of the conference.

The last activity of the year was attending the First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish Parliament. This gave us a great understanding of what actually goes on in Parliament and it was amazing to experience a political debate in person. Afterwards, we got a chance to speak to Liz Smith, one of the MSPs for Mid Scotland and Fife and she answered any questions that we had for her. Overall, this has been a busy but enjoyable year for MUN at Strath and I am looking forward to the busy schedule that we have lined up for next year!

Two Jews, Three Opinions – Experiencing Diverse Jewish Views in Religious Studies

ON 18TH JUNE 2025, THE STRATHALLAN GCSE RS CLASS AND MEMBERS OF THE HIGHER RMPS CLASS WENT TO GIFFNOCK, NEAR GLASGOW, TO VISIT THE JEWISH COMMUNITY.

We first went to Giffnock Shul, an orthodox synagogue, where a lovely woman called Sidney, showed us around because Rabbi Rubin was out of town. Although some of us were sceptical about hearing from someone who wasn't a rabbi, as soon as Sidney started to speak, we knew she could tell us all we wanted to know: she was great fun to talk to and gave us lots of information. It was very interesting to learn not only about Orthodox Judaism but also to hear her own views on her religion. She was critical about some aspects of how women are treated and stereotypes within the synagogue, which we did not expect.

The synagogue was pretty similar to what we had been taught in class and we found it very interesting to see the plastic barriers that women sit behind.

Then we went to Mark’s Deli for lunch. This was a shop with a café where we were served with a plate of kosher food including chicken soup, latkes, falafel, gefilte fish and chopped liver. The chicken soup and the latkes were the overall favourites but the chopped liver wasn’t quite as nice.

Two members of the Jewish community, Hilary and Steve, joined us for lunch. They were very open to answering any questions we had.

Some of us went through to the deli and bought a variety of kosher foods including Matzos, Bamba crisps and Pakesz (sour raspberry sweets). There were a surprising number of kosher snacks we had never heard of. Everyone enjoyed the kosher food they had bought.

Glasgow Reform Synagogue was very different to what most of us were expecting. It was a very modern building and attractive to the eye. A very kind, down-to earth, woman named Eileen explained the synagogue to us.

We were introduced to Rabbi Tobias, who spoke to us remotely over Zoom. He was light-hearted and funny, not stern and serious as you might have expected. We asked him some controversial questions and found him to be very understanding and openminded in his answers.

The trip was very compelling and we enjoyed it a lot. Hearing the views of the members of the two different synagogues was important and we found the trip to be very educational.

It was very interesting to learn not only about Orthodox Judaism but also to hear her own views on her religion. She was critical about some aspects of how women are treated and stereotypes within the synagogue, which we did not expect.

St Andrew’s Ball and the Burns Supper

THESE TWO SIXTH FORM EVENTS MARK NOT ONLY KEY SOCIAL EVENTS, BUT THEY ARE ALSO A CELEBRATION OF OUR SCOTTISH CULTURE AND IDENTITY. St Andrew’s Night at the end of November saw over two hundred pupils enjoy a night of formal dining and lively reeling courtesy of our friends, Fiobha Ceilidh Band. The end of January and Burns Night is Mrs McFarlane’s domain and this year saw her Silver Jubilee – 25 years of celebrating the Bard at Strathallan. And it was one of our finest: the speakers excelled themselves this year. Zoe and Matthew, Eve and Fergus fulfilled their roles perfectly, whilst the musical interludes were sublime. Thanks to Olwen, Constantine, Maia et al.

ACTIVE STRATHALLAN

Sports Report

IT HAS BEEN A REMARKABLE AND REWARDING

YEAR FOR SPORT AT STRATHALLAN. We continue to offer an inclusive programme that encourages every pupil, from our youngest in Primary 1 to our Sixth Formers to participate, compete, and enjoy physical activity actively. Our aim remains clear: to ensure that every pupil develops a lifelong love of sport and leaves Strathallan with fond memories and a positive relationship with physical wellbeing.

Competitive sport remains the heartbeat of our games programme. In the 2024/2025 academic year, Strathallan played an impressive 650 fixtures across 138 different teams in 19 distinct sports. These figures are a testament to the scale, diversity, and ambition of our sporting provision.

I am proud to report that over forty pupils are currently competing at regional or district level, with more than twenty representing their country at international and GB level, across seventeen different sports. This is a testament to the strength and breadth of our sporting programme.

This past year has seen a significant level of achievement, both individually and collectively. Our pupils continue to shine across multiple sports, not only achieving success but also demonstrating high participation levels in representing the school's sports teams.

• Year 3 to Fourth Form: 100% participation rate across thirteen different sports.

• Fifth Form: 89% of pupils represented the school in competitive fixtures across nineteen sports.

• Sixth Form: 78% of pupils participated in school fixtures across nineteen sports.

Our weekly schedule boasts one hundred and twentyeight games and sports activity sessions, ensuring that there are ample opportunities for all pupils to explore new sports and remain active throughout the year.

This year has seen significant investment in our sports facilities, reinforcing our vision of making Strathallan a centre of sporting excellence.

This year has seen significant investment in our sports facilities, reinforcing our vision of making Strathallan a centre of sporting excellence.

The cricket nets on the Lawn have been upgraded, improving practice opportunities for all age groups. A state-of-the-art new surface on the Barr Astro now provides an elitelevel hockey surface for all age groups. The installation of new floodlights on Big Acre has extended our capacity for evening training and fixtures. These developments ensure that our pupils and our teams have the best possible facilities available to them.

This year, we were delighted to welcome Louisa Walker as Director of Netball and Brock Ditchmen as Director

of Cricket. Their experience, leadership, and energy have already had a measurable impact on their respective programmes. Another exciting development is our new strategic partnership with London Pulse Netball, one of the UK's leading netball organisations. This affiliation will provide outstanding development pathways, mentoring, and opportunities for our aspiring netballers.

Our Strathallan golf course is officially registered with Scottish Golf, marking a major step forward in our golf provision. This designation enables both parents and staff to become members, access the course year-round, and obtain official handicaps.

Over the past twelve months, our pupils have excelled across an extraordinary breadth of sports. We have hosted and competed in a wide array of fixtures, including biathlon, basketball, badminton, clay pigeon shooting, netball, cross-country, indoor athletics, equestrianism, golf, football, indoor and outdoor hockey, rugby XVs and VIIs, squash, fencing, fives, tennis, and swimming.

These accomplishments reflect not only individual talent and hard work but also the depth and breadth of coaching expertise and the collective support from our wider community.

Each week, pupil achievements, whether school-based or beyond, are celebrated in assemblies, shining a spotlight on the dedication, passion, and excellence displayed by our pupils. What our young athletes accomplish both within and outwith school is truly inspiring.

A special note of thanks goes to the 2025 leavers, who have been an outstanding year group: many of them leaders on and off the field, role models to younger pupils, and ambassadors for Strathallan sport. Their contributions will leave a lasting legacy.

As we reflect on a year of outstanding achievement and progress, we remain excited about the future of sport at Strathallan. Thank you to our incredible pupils, devoted coaches, supportive families, and committed staff who make our sporting community so vibrant, welcoming, and successful.

Here's to another year of opportunity, development, and celebration in Strathallan sport.

Jim Thompson Director of Sport

As we reflect on a year of outstanding achievement and progress, we remain excited about the future of sport at Strathallan.

SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS DAY

AHUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE SENIOR SPORTS DAY SUCH A MEMORABLE EVENT! From the incredible athletes and supportive spectators to our dedicated staff, it was lovely to see such a well-attended event, with some amazing displays of prowess on the track and the field. A special shoutout to Mr David Giles for keeping the crowd entertained throughout, a fantastic send-off for his final Senior Sports Day.

VICTOR & VICTRIX LUDORUM

Junior Girls

Harriet S (Thornbank

Junior Boys George M (Simpson)

Intermediate Girls Harriet R (Glenbrae)

Intermediate Boys James T (Ruthven)

Senior Girls Francesca W (Thornbank)

Senior Boys Ben M (Simpson)

OVERALL HOUSE CHAMPIONS

Girls Woodlands

Boys Nicol

TUG OF WAR WINNERS

Girls Woodlands

Boys Ruthven

ATHLETICS STANDARDS

THE ROWAN CUP FOR BOYS

4th Freeland 731 points

3rd Simpson 836 points

2nd Ruthven 929 points

1st Nicol 1450 points

THE FLEMING CUP FOR GIRLS

3rd Thornbank 748 points

2nd Woodlands 789 points

1st Glenbrae 883 points

ATHLETICS & CROSS COUNTRY

OUR ATHLETICS TEAMS ENJOYED A NUMBER OF MEETS DURING THE SUMMER TERM, WHICH INCLUDED MEETS WITH FETTES COLLEGE, DUNDEE HIGH SCHOOL, ROBERT GORDON'S COLLEGE, LORETTO AND MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL. We also attended the Scottish Secondary Schools' Indoor and Outdoor Championships, where we enjoyed personal bests and excellent performances were evident.

Our cross-country teams also enjoyed one of their most successful seasons to date, with numerous impressive results and individual achievements. Some of the highlights are listed below. Well done to all our athletes on an impressive year of athletics and cross-country results.

Hamilton Cross Country Championships

Our U15 girls team of Anna G, Aila D, Imogen J and Fearne J claimed joint 1st place with Hutchesons' Grammar School.

Glenalmond Cross Country Invitational

U15 Girls: 1st — Fearne J, 2nd Imogen — J, 4th — Annabelle A U15 Girls Team: 1st Overall

U18 Boys: 3rd — Carl B, 4th — Ben W, 7th — Blaise C, 14th — Francesco MR U18 Boys Team: 2nd Overall

U18 Girls: 1st — Francesca W, 6th — Amelie H, 7th — Farrah C, 8th — Lucy G-M U18 Girls Team: 2nd Overall

39th Annual Belhaven Hill Cross Country Championships

U9 Boys: 2nd — Raffy M

U11 Girls: 2nd — Evie C

U13 Boys: 1st — Finlay B, 2nd — Seb D

U13 Boys Belhaven Hill Team Winners: Finlay B, Seb D, Charlie C, Finlay P

U13 Girls: 2nd — Francesca J

U13 Girls Belhaven Hill Team Winners: Morven S, Gabriella J Francesca J, Janie T, Annabelle M

Merchiston XC relays

U11 Team Winners and new course record: Evie C, Janie T, Phillipa W.

U13 Boys Team Winners and new course record:

Finlay B, Charlie C, Seb D.

U13 Girls Team Winners: Gabriella J, Francesca J, Morven S

Scottish Schools Independent Schools Cross Country Championships Fearne J finishing 7th out of 200+ runners. Following these results, Fearne was then selected for the Scotland U15 cross country squad. Our U18 boys team of Daniel C, Ben W, Carl B and Blaise C also finished 4th overall.

SSAA Primary School Cross Country Championships

P7 Girls: 1st Place

Morven S, Gabriella J, Francesca J, Annabelle M.

P6 Girls: 1st Place Individual — Evie C

P6 Girls: 3rd Place

Evie C, Phillipa W, Janie T, Lucy B.

STRATHALLAN INVITATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

ON THURSDAY, 6TH FEBRUARY, WE HELD OUR ANNUAL INVITATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP, WHICH SAW OVER SEVEN HUNDRED RUNNERS FROM SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES ACROSS SCOTLAND TAKE ON OUR COURSE. A huge thank you to all the runners from Craigclowan, Cargilfield, Hamilton College, St Leonards, Glenalmond, Forgandenny Primary School, Kinnoull Primary School, Dunning Primary School and Strathallan School for taking part. It was a fantastic day for racing, with impressive performances across all age groups and some thrilling finishes.

ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT

AS THE ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT PROVISION AT STRATHALLAN CONTINUES TO GROW, IT HAS BEEN FANTASTIC TO SEE SO MANY STUDENTS TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING. From this time two years ago, there has been over a three hundred percent increase in students using the gym and over a four hundred percent increase in the number of sessions completed weekly. Success stories are many, across all walks of school life They vary from those who started the gym for the first time, reporting greatly improved physical self-worth, confidence & motivation to complete more physical activity, to those in search of greater sporting success, ranging from pushing for a spot in the A team or achieving their first national cap. Additionally, supporting those who have been injured, rehabilitating them back to and beyond their previous physical capabilities, has been a real highlight.

With consistency being one of our key performance indicators, the public display of those on the 50 & 100 boards above the squat racks has led to an influx of “How many sessions have I got, Sir?”. Keeping students on track to work hard and achieve their goals, they are desperate to reach their next milestone! It’s fantastic to see so many names up there already. In recognition of the important impact this is having on our pupils' wellbeing, we are asking members of our community to help us transform our old small gym into a vibrant, modern space which will allow even more pupils to access this gamechanging facility. Details of how to contribute to our Annual Fund can be found at: https://strathallan.ptly.uk/#annualfund Scott Webb, Head of Athletic Development

BASKETBALL

THE STRATHALLAN BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM HAS HAD A FANTASTIC SEASON THIS YEAR, marking one of the school's most successful years in its history. The team reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Independent Schools League Cup and moved on to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup. The basketball team won eight out of nine games in the regular season and showed incredible effort and determination in both cup elimination games. Along with our competitive success, the team has made significant progress in training, with many players attending and improving their performances. It has been an absolute honour for me to be captain of this fantastic team, which showed tremendous effort and respect towards the season, training and our coaches.

We want to thank Mr. MacLeod and Josh for their excellent coaching and effort both in training and in our games. Their guidance, support, and leadership played a crucial role in our achievements this season.

Colin S, Captain of Basketball

CLAY PIGEON

IN ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR, PUPILS FROM THE CLAYS ACADEMY CONTINUED TO HAVE BOTH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS. Team highlights of the year included placing 1st in the Oxford Gun Company British Schools Challenge, as well as 1st place flush team at the Cheltenham British Championships, where they were also joint champions overall.

The academic year ended with the news that Ali T and Clays coach, Clark Taylor, would both be representing Team GB at the 2025 World FITSAC Sporting Clays Championship in Cyprus — a testament to the talent nurtured and developed by Strathallan’s Clays Academy.

Ali T says “This has been a busy year and I have been competing most weekends. At the start of the competition season, I was using my Browning XS Pro, but after the first shoot, which I placed 1st in juniors and 2nd overall with a 90/100 at the national shooting centre, my gun broke down, which meant I went back to shooting a Miroku MK38 for the Essex Masters. Following success at Southdown, I was selected to shoot for Team GB and named Captain at the European Championship. Shortly after, at the British Grand Prix, I won the British Junior title by 7 clays, which means I have now also been selected to shoot for Team GB again at the World Championships in Cyprus, as well as being named Junior Captain again. In between all this, being part of a school team that has had such success has made my final year at Strath one to remember.”

THIS YEAR HAS BEEN A SUCCESSFUL ONE FOR ME IN CLAY SHOOTING. I took part in more training opportunities and had the chance to shoot independently with a wider range of people. At school, this experience helped me to captain the winning Ladies Team and achieve the title of Lady Champion at the British Independent Schools Championships. I also placed as Top Lady at the Oxford Gun Company Schools Challenge. Beyond competing, I organised a dedicated ladies’ session to encourage more girls to take part, which resulted in a doubling of participation within the school. I look forward to continuing this next academic year.”

Isla T

Claude N travelled to the USA to take part in a competition in aid of The Honour Foundation and The Marine Raider Foundation. Total funds raised were £110,000. Claude was Junior High Gun and his team came second overall.

CRICKET

THIS YEAR MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CHAPTER FOR CRICKET AT STRATHALLAN WITH BROCK DITCHMEN STEPPING IN AS DIRECTOR OF CRICKET. There was plenty of progress across all levels, especially at U14 and U15, where valuable learning took place that will pay off in the coming seasons. With a full fixture list planned for 2026, cricket at Strathallan is set to go from strength to strength, particularly as we take advantage of the new state-of-the-art cricket nets.

GIRLS CRICKET

BOYS CRICKET

THE 2025 CRICKET SEASON WAS ONE TO REMEMBER FOR STRATHALLAN, MARKED BY AN IMPRESSIVE UNBEATEN RUN IN FRIENDLY FIXTURES AND A DEEP PUSH INTO THE SCOTTISH CUP. The squad showcased consistency, resilience, and a high level of skill throughout the summer, remaining undefeated in all friendly matches — a testament to the depth of talent across the year groups and the strong team ethos fostered on and off the pitch.

From the season’s first ball to its final over, Strathallan played an aggressive yet composed brand of cricket. The top order regularly set solid platforms, while the bowlers demonstrated discipline and variety, often turning games with tight spells. Highlights included a comprehensive win against traditional rivals, Glenalmond College, where team performances shone as brightly as individual brilliance. The fielding unit, too, stood out with several memorable catches and run-outs that turned matches in Strathallan’s favour.

The only blemish in an otherwise stellar season came in the quarter finals of the Scottish Schools Cup, where

GIRLS’ CRICKET HAS TAKEN OFF AT STRATHALLAN THIS YEAR, WITH ALL AGE GROUPS TAKING PART IN BOTH CRICKET SESSIONS AND FIXTURES. The girls’ 1st Team have had an absolute blast playing hardball cricket in competitive fixtures throughout this summer term against some strong sides. As we grew in match experience and confidence, the team spirit was unmatched, and it is undeniable that at the forefront, every player is having fun. This team has been a delight to be a part of and hopefully this spirit will continue into future seasons and hopefully lead to some more successful results for the girls. A massive thank you to all the staff who have helped with the team this year and wishing the best of luck to the girls for next season.

Strathallan faced a strong Robert Gordon’s side. In a closely-contested match, Strathallan fell just short, bowing out of the tournament with heads held high. Despite the disappointment, the team’s journey to the last eight reflected their quality and determination, gaining respect from peers and opponents alike.

Special mention must go to the senior players who led by example, Finlay R with his first ever 100 for the school against

Dollar Academy in our first cup game and Alex M with many scores in the 70s and 80s. James T stood out, being the youngest player in the team and still the lead wicket taker. There was some excellent slip catching, not so great high ball catching, but they all counted.

With a promising crop of players returning next year, the future looks bright. I wish Ben B all the very best of luck in his role as captain next year. The foundation laid this season sets a high standard for those who follow in the blue and gold.

Conor F Captain of Boys Cricket

EQUESTRIAN

THE 2024–2025 ACADEMIC YEAR HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONAL FOR STRATHALLAN’S EQUESTRIAN TEAM, with eight pupils representing Scotland on national stages across a wide range of disciplines. Nine pupils have also gained qualification for the National Schools Finals in October: Eva S, Emily S, Pebbles W, Farrah C, Klara T, Pippa M Lucy B and Olivia K.

Pebbles W led the charge in British Eventing, captaining the Scotland U18 90 Team at Chillington Hall, competing at the prestigious Badminton Grassroots Championships and gaining a fantastic double win at the South-west Scotland Horse trials

in the 90cm Open and BEU18 100 classes. Klara T claimed 1st at Alnwick Ford BE80 U18 and 2nd at Hopetoun House, while Olivia K gained 3rd in the 80cm at Penrith and became Northern Regional PC Eventing Champion for 80cm.

Lucy B delivered a standout performance, winning the Douglas Firebrick Junior Foxhunter Cup and finishing 3rd in the Highland Show Scottish Performance League whilst gaining qualification for the JC finals for the prestigious Royal Highland Show. Emily S and Eva S continued to shine as valued BS Academy Scotland team members, with Emily placing 2nd in the PC Area SJ 100cm. Pippa M placed 4th at Blair International HT Showjumping and travelled to the NSEA finals, where she finished a creditable 5th place. Olivia K and Pebbles W both qualified for the BS Amateur Championships in Aintree 2025. Pebbles W helped secure a bronze medal for the Scottish Intermediate Academy Showjumping Team at the BS National Championships.

In Dressage, Farrah C represented Scotland in the U25 Inter-Regional Team and Lucy H competed in both the NSEA Dressage Finals and the BD Scottish Championships at Elementary level, with Scarlett O gaining selection for the Youth Inter Regional Scotland team this summer. In MGA, Evelina C and Anna B competed in the U18 Scotland Team with Anna gaining selection for the U18 European Championships. Henry G was a member of the winning Area pony club Junior Games team.

The Strathallan School Showjumping Competition started the year strong with a 1st place in Class 1 for Grace M, Brooke B, a Class 2 second place for Eva S, Grace M, Hannah A, Anna M and a Class 3 win for Ruby M, Eliza E, Emily S and Pippa M. In Class 4, the team of Lucy B, Ruby M, and Emily S secured a 2nd-place finish. At the Strathallan Scottish Schools Championships featuring 20 schools and over 180 entries, Strathallan won 2 out of 4 classes. The Class 3 team Emily S, Farrah C and Pippa M came 1st, as did the Class 4 team of Farrah C, Pebbles W, Emily S, and Lucy B. In Class 5, Lucy B took 1st individually. As always, we remain indebted to Mrs Summersgill for her continuing help with and support for our equestrian endeavours, and to Mrs Waugh for being at the heart of everything equestrian at Strathallan.

Eliza E and Pebbles W Captains of Equestrian.

FENCING

JOSH B CONTINUES TO FLY THE FLAG FOR FENCING AT STRATHALLAN. This year he qualified for the U20 (Junior) World Fencing Championships in Wuxi, China. Ranked number one Cadet Men’s Sabre in Great Britain, Josh’s year has also been marked by placing in the top 30 at the European Championships in Turkey. A Fencing scholar, Josh continues to train five times a week, a commitment which is clearly paying off.

FIVES

ANOTHER YEAR OF FIVES HAS DRAWN TO A CLOSE AND I TAKE GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT FROM WHAT THE YEAR HAS PRODUCED IN TERMS OF UPTAKE, PROGRESS AND SUCCESS AMONGST THE PLAYING BODY. The Winter Term is traditionally spent training and playing as many singles and doubles matches as possible to be ready for our traditional January fixture against the Jesters, an invitational and nomadic outfit from England, whose players are experienced and very sharp around the court. The team gave a very positive account of itself and attracted some excellent publicity in the wider Fives community. We then played a match against Old Lorettonians at the squash club in Broughty Ferry. We won this convincingly, the stand-out moment being Oscar Poutney’s lung-busting encounter against the Old Lorettonian captain. In March, we departed on our annual tour to Durham University and Sedbergh School. This was a great success on many levels, especially the critical doubles tie against Sedbergh during which Alec P and Oliver DH battled hard to beat experienced opponents. Once again, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Reuben L for his careful organisation and management of Fives this session. Half-Colours were awarded to Eric M and Reuben L.

Ewan Lee

GOLF

BROTHERS NICHOLAS AND LUCAS B BOTH QUALIFIED FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS JUNIOR EUROPEAN OPEN THIS YEAR. After a series of impressive performances, which included representing Perth and Kinross at the Scottish Boys Area Team Championship, they are now set to head out to Spain at the end of November. Lucas, the AGC champion for the second consecutive year, has also reduced his handicap to 5 and been selected for the SG Foundation Winter Training Squad.

HOCKEY R

EFLECTING ON THIS HOCKEY SEASON ACROSS OUR MANY BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ SQUADS REVEALS A REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND COLLECTIVE GROWTH. Our season was a tapestry woven with thrilling highs and challenging lows, moments of brilliance and tests that pushed our limits. Each team showed incredible resilience and determination, turning every obstacle into an opportunity for development. The electrifying victories showcased the skill and dedication that countless training hours had built, while our setbacks became powerful lessons that strengthened our character and resolve.

What truly distinguished this season was the unbreakable spirit of unity that connected all our teams, exemplified by the fantastic support we witnessed at the two Scottish Cup finals, where our hockey community came together in extraordinary fashion. Through every practice session, every match, and every moment of encouragement shared between teammates, our teams grew closer and stronger. We learned that genuine success transcends any scoreboard - it's found in the unwavering support we showed one another and the collective determination we maintained through every challenge. To all the players across our many teams who poured their hearts into this season, I extend my deepest appreciation for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to standing together as one hockey family.

International selection was awarded to Anna G for the National Emerging squad. She travelled to Valencia at Easter for a 5 Nations tournament and a three-match series v Ulster in May. Selection was also made for a two-match series against England in preparation for the 8 Nations in Holland in July which was a fantastic achievement for a 4th former.

Achieving District Aspiring representation were Lucy W, Anna G, Anna B, Anna H and Jing W, with Emerging District representation for Sophie D and Liya R.

Midlands representation was achieved at U15 level by Tom G, Findlay G, Will L and Findlay B.

Our U18 Boys made it all the way to the Scottish Cup Final

and only narrowly lost 2-4. It was a competitive game with exceptional play from our players who should all be proud of their season’s performances.

Our U15 Girls had an unbeaten season, only losing on penalties in the Scottish Cup Final. They won the U15 District round robin tournament and only lost in the knockout cup on penalties. They scored 80 goals throughout the season, which is a truly remarkable achievement.

We also competed at indoor tournaments for U14 and U18 boys and girls including HPCs. The U18 boys were second only to club teams, showing extraordinary skill. Lots of development was shown, which can be transferred to the outdoor game.

We are all looking forward to continuing the hockey development next season and thank all coaches and players alike.

Gill Green Director of Hockey

GIRLS 1ST XI

THIS 24/25 SEASON HAS BEEN A BUSY ONE FOR THE GIRLS’ 1ST TEAM HOCKEY. We jumped straight into the year with our pre-season training, where we had a number of friendly training matches against St Aloysius. This really brought the team together to become a cohesive unit for the season ahead. Pre-season also allowed the integration of the younger hockey players at Strathallan; their experience playing at a higher level undoubtedly set them up for the successes of the season. Many of these girls earned their debut in the first team, playing in both friendly and competitive matches.

Despite an impressive work ethic from the team, we had an unfortunate Scottish Cup run, with some very tight results that could have gone either way. This included a close 2-2 against The High School of Dundee; where the tactical decision to take our goalkeeper off the pitch in the final minutes, alongside the fight and determination of the team, saw the score line become even. Although the deciding penalty flicks did not go our way, the tight score line was a testament to how hard every single player was working on the pitch, especially our vice-captain, Iona S, who came away with an impressive hat trick and incredibly proud teammates. Alongside 11-a-side outdoor hockey, the girls enjoyed weekly evening indoor matches, playing challenging ladies’ teams in the Dundee indoor league. Although this was many of the girls' first time playing indoors, the team learnt quickly and adapted to the fast-paced, intense game. Towards the end of the season, the team discovered success in 7s hockey. The Morrison's 7’s was the first tournament we played in and with little 7s experience, the girls played some amazing hockey and ended up first in our pool and into the semi-final. An unfortunate loss in the semis against Dollar didn’t dishearten the team, who moved swiftly onto the Glasgow 7s. Here, the girls yet again put in an impressive shift with some outstanding results, including a 4-0 win in a pool stage match, which put us at the top of our pool yet again. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be in the semi-finals,

but we certainly put in an amazing performance against some impressive opposition. Some more highlights include the squad’s first time playing on grass pitches at the Heriot's 7s and our own 5s tournament, with some positive results such as a 3-1 win over Morrison's, concluding the season. A performance that did not go unnoticed from the team throughout the season was that of our goalkeeper Lucy W, who was undoubtedly one of the most hard-working players on the pitch and contributed greatly to some close results.

Although the girls experienced some tough losses throughout the season, the commitment and hard work every player brought to the team allowed for exciting and enjoyable hockey. Even after-hours, the girls were participating in pre-match yoga, extra skills sessions and intense gym programmes aided by our Head of Athletic Development, Mr Webb. This is the level of commitment that gave us the season we had.

This season was characterised by determination, adversity and team spirit, resulting in what was undoubtedly the most enjoyable season of hockey for all. We are so unbelievably grateful for all the support the team has received, particularly from our coaching staff with Ms Green at the forefront, always pushing us to improve. We are so appreciative of all the time and effort she has put into this team and with such a successful cup run from the junior hockey team, the future of hockey at Strathallan is undoubtedly bright. Best of luck for next year and a massive thank you to all!

BOYS 1 ST XI

THE SEASON COMMENCED WITH A CONVINCING VICTORY AGAINST ROBERT GORDON’S COLLEGE, FOLLOWED BY A CLOSELY CONTESTED LOSS TO EDINBURGH ACADEMY. In response, the team demonstrated exceptional commitment and work ethic during training, which contributed to winning our first two Cup fixtures.

Following these successes, the team participated in the HPC Indoor Tournament, where we performed admirably and reached the final. Unfortunately, we were narrowly defeated in a penalty shootout. As part of our preparation for the upcoming Semi-Final, we played a friendly against Gordonstoun School and secured another well-earned win.

The hard work paid off, and we achieved a decisive 5–2 victory over Edinburgh Academy in the SemiFinal. However, the subsequent two matches proved disappointing, as we suffered defeats against StewartMelville's School and Loretto School. These results were impacted by several injuries and the unavailability of key players.

Despite a valiant effort in the Final, we were narrowly beaten by a strong Fettes College team. Nevertheless, we concluded the season on a high note with a well-deserved triumph at the Strathallan Hockey 5s Tournament.

Sebastian S Captain of Boys Hockey

NETBALL

THE PROFILE OF NETBALL AT STRATHALLAN WAS RAISED THIS YEAR BY TWO EXCITING INITIATIVES. First of all, the appointment of Louisa Walker as Director of Netball, and secondly, as a result of this an exciting partnership — the first of its kind in Scotland — with London Pulse. London Pulse competes in the Netball Super League and runs a comprehensive training programme which Louisa will oversee at Strathallan.

The 1sts retained their Scottish Independent Schools Netball Association (SISNA) National title for the third year in a row. Facing fierce competition throughout the tournament, the squad delivered when it mattered most, clinching a 12-7 victory over Robert Gordon’s in the final to retain their crown. The SISNA Open Tournament also saw Louise B awarded Midcourt Player of the Tournament, and Lily T was awarded both Shooter of the Tournament and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Tournament. The Open Scottish Cup competition saw the 1s reach the semi-final, following beating Kirkwall Grammar School away, the team only lost by 3 goals to eventual winners Peebles High School. The 1st team became Perth and Kinross League champions for the first time since entering the competition. The 2024/2025 league season ended with an emphatic 82-31 win over Cherrybank, capping off a season that saw Strathallan lose only one match across 17 fixtures. The 1st team scored 1,258 goals across the season, with Lily T putting up 871 goals. A big thank you to Emily S, Lucy T, Ruby M, Louise B, Lily T and Olivia F as our netball leavers for 2025. We wish these players all the best for the future. The 2s senior team reached the last 16 of the Scottish Open Plate competition and put up 210 goals across the season.

The U15A team’s Scottish Cup run saw them defeat teams from Perth Academy, Kinross High School, Balwearie High School, Perth High School, North Berwick High School, Lathallan School and Broughton High School. An epic encounter against Kirkwall Grammar School at the Emirates Arena saw the girls just miss out 48-47 on retaining the national championship. The U15B team had a strong season, with highlights including a 30-27 win against Gordonstoun School U15A team, and a nail-biting 31-30 win against Brechin High School U15A team.

The Strathallan Junior Club team, competed in the inaugural Strathallan

Netball League between September and March, playing against junior netball clubs from Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross District. Following a fantastic 3rd / 4th playoff match, the team finished as bronze medallists for the 2024/25 season. A mixed season for the U14A team included highlights of a 19-14 win against Robert Gordon’s College and a 24-17 win against St Leonards School. U14B had some fantastic wins including 21-12 against Hamilton College and 30 – 27 against local club side Jets Netball Club.

Harriet R took part in the Netball Scotland Super Development Cup competition, following selection into the Scotland U15 Long Squad. Lily T, Louise B, Ruby M, Olivia F, Flora R, Corinna S, Kristina W, Ellie P, Harriet R, Surina C, Jemima O-L and Sophie C represented Perth and Kinross district.

It was lovely to have the opportunity to play touring teams this season, thanks to the teams from Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Australia and St Andrew’s School for Girls, South Africa. Another highlight of the year was the mixed sixth form netball tournament, which took place as part of Girls Sport Week 2024. Well done to everyone who participated in this fun, fancy dress event. Our Strathallan U17 team is looking forward to taking part in the World School Games competition at Loughborough University at the end of the 2025 Summer Term. This trip will provide a fantastic opportunity to play against schools from England, South Africa and Dubai.

Louisa Walker, Director of Netball.

STRATHALLAN RUGBY & THE RUGBY ACADEMY

THE 2024/2025 SEASON WAS A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL AND COMPETITIVE YEAR FOR STRATHALLAN RUGBY, marked by strong performances, international experiences, and significant growth across all age groups. With over seventy-five boys regularly training and playing across three senior teams, the depth and competition within the squad helped raise standards both on and off the field. This commitment was evident throughout the school, with teams represented from U10 to U16, participating in a variety of conference, cup, sevens, and friendly fixtures.

Strathallan’s senior teams faced a challenging but rewarding conference season, with fixtures against some of Scotland’s most competitive rugby schools, including Edinburgh Academy, Merchiston Castle, Fettes College, George Watson’s

College, Dollar Academy, and Stewart-Melville's College. These encounters provided invaluable development opportunities and tested the squad’s depth and resilience.

In the Scottish Cup, the 1st XV advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were narrowly defeated in the final moments by Stewart-Melville's College, who ultimately won the tournament. The U16 squad mirrored this success with a strong conference season, suffering only one loss to George Watson’s College. Their Scottish Cup run also ended at the quarter-final stage with a hardfought match against a strong Merchiston Castle side.

October brought a standout moment as twentyfive players travelled to the prestigious St Joseph’s College National Rugby Festival in Ipswich. Competing against the top twenty rugby schools in the UK, Strathallan achieved its best-ever result, finishing in a commendable 8th place. A highlight of the festival was their impressive victory over Kirkham Grammar School, the reigning champions from the previous year.

In December, the rugby programme reached a historic milestone when twenty-seven senior players travelled to South Africa to take part in the inaugural NextGen XV Global Schools Challenge, hosted by the renowned Grey College in Bloemfontein. This elite tournament featured top-level competition, and Strathallan started with a memorable win against Oakdale Landbouskool, ranked 5th nationally in South Africa. Despite a heavy defeat

to eventual champions Grey College in the final match, the experience was transformative. Finlay A and Bertie W were standouts on tour, earning selection to the tournament’s "Team of the Event" — a testament to their individual excellence.

The Sevens season also saw continued success. Both the 1st VII and U16 VII competed at the prestigious Rosslyn Park Sevens. The 1st VII had a superb opening day, winning all matches and progressing to the second round, where they secured one win from three fixtures. The U16 VII faced a tough draw and narrowly missed progression after a competitive group stage. Domestically, the 1st VII secured tournament victories at the Boroughmuir 7s, Melrose 7s, and High School of Glasgow 7s, cementing their status as one of Scotland’s top sevens sides.

Andrew Douglas Director of Rugby

SWIMMING

IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER BUSY YEAR IN THE STRATHALLAN POOL WITH OUR SWIMMERS CONTINUING TO SHOW EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES AT CLUB, DISTRICT, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL.

September saw the announcement of National Squads. Scottish Junior Team selections for Evan D and Finlay B, National Junior Squad for Andrew L and Imogen J, National Youth Squad for Euan W and National Open Water Development Squad for Kristin M and Sam C.

At Tayside Schools in November, Strathallan swimmers achieved outstanding successes across several events, strokes and distances. This led to Euan W, Finlay B, Sam C, Kristin M, Andrew L, Soren Y and Luke J all qualifying for Scottish Schools Finals in January. Andrew L won Gold in 100 & 200 fly and was awarded Best 13/14-year-old at the meet. Kristin M won Bronze in the 400 free.

International selection for the Scottish Junior Team for Evan and Finlay coincided with Scottish Schools Finals, but both gained valuable experience representing Scotland at the Geneva International.

There was continued success for several swimmers at the National Winter Championships in Edinburgh in December.

British Open Championships were held in London this year in April. Evan D and Finlay B both qualified to compete, swimming well and continuing to learn and develop on the bigger swimming stage.

National Age-Group Championships were held during the Easter break in Aberdeen. There were several notable performances from Euan W, Finlay B, Sam C, Soren Y, Imogen J, Luke J, Andrew L and Kristin M.

Finlay B was outstanding. He won five Golds and one Silver in individual events in huge personal best times. Andrew L won two Golds, two Silvers and one Bronze. All swimmers were on excellent form, and a huge number of personal best times were recorded over the week.

Sam C, Soren Y and Kristin M all competed in the Scottish Open Water Championships with excellent swims. Interhouse swimming events this year were keenly contested and exciting events. Winners of the Girls Interhouse trophy for Standards and Interhouse Gala were Glenbrae. Winners of the Boys Interhouse trophy for Standards was Simpson and the Interhouse Gala was won by Freeland.

SPS swimming gala was a great event and allowed our younger swimmers to have some fun in the pool. This was a great opportunity for some of our developing young swimmers to shine.

Elaine Johnstone

Strathallan Swim Coach

SQUASH

IAM VERY PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THIS HAS BEEN YET ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE SQUASH CLUB. There has been a marked increase in the number of pupils playing either as a games option, at the Monday and Friday club or simply when they have a spare hour in the evening and are keen to find out what this great game has to offer. The team itself played 2 matches, both against Fettes, and won them both. Each member played very well to guarantee that the win on each occasion was a convincing one. I am indebted to Reuben L. for his captaincy, enthusiasm, organisation and inclusivity to welcome those who have never been on a squash court and for motivating the stalwarts to put in an extra hour’s training knowing that they would feel it the next day! Half-Colours were awarded to Reuben L.

The Squash Team: Zoe T, Natalie di CT, Charlie M, Matthew T, Alec P, Hector C, Alec P, Oliver DH and Reuben L. Ewan Lee

TENNIS

AS ANOTHER ACADEMIC YEAR DRAWS TO AN END, I want to take this time to thank Ryan, Billy and Mr Fleming for their continued support of the tennis programme at school. Without their unfailing enthusiasm and efforts, we would not be able to offer the opportunities or create a tennis club feel at the school. Thanks for all you do, for we truly wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

Our teams have performed very well throughout the year, with fantastic individual successes, and a Scottish Schools National Championship title in June.

At this time of year, it is also important to reflect on the pupils who are leaving: Freya C, Jed M and Nic B are three of our seniors who have been a massive part of Strath Tennis for a very long time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and all our other leavers for their efforts over the years and wish them well for the future.

Tommy Ogilvie Director of Tennis

BOYS TENNIS

“I have been fortunate enough in my time at Strathallan to be surrounded by top-quality players from all over the world. “ Jed M.

GIRLS TENNIS

THIS YEAR, I BECAME BOYS TENNIS CAPTAIN WHICH HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP GROW OUR YOUNGER PLAYERS AND SET STANDARDS. This year, our boys had a lot of individual and team success within and outwith the school team. Ali A and Findlay P represented the North of Scotland in the Under 14 category. Thomas D and myself represented our respective regions in the Under 18 category. Within the school 1st team, Nicholas B, Ali E, Findlay P, Thomas D, and I represented our school at the Scottish Schools Championship at Glasgow Academy; everyone contributed well to the team and we finished in 3rd place after losing a narrow shootout to The High School of Glasgow in the semi-finals, before beating the hosts, to finish 3rd.Our senior, Under 15s and Under 13 boys teams have all performed amazingly well this year, and this gives me great hope for the future. I’d finally like to thank Tommy and Ryan for their dedication and passion for tennis at school: without them, it just wouldn’t be the same.

THE 1ST TENNIS TEAM HAS REMAINED UNBEATEN THIS YEAR IN BRITISH SCHOOLS COMPETITIONS AND FRIENDLY MATCHES. The team included Freya C, Sophie D, Nancy Z, Lois M, Leni F, Olivia K, Grace D. We had an outstanding season, including remarkable wins over Robert Gordon’s, Bell Baxter, St George’s, Glenalmond, Fettes and Dollar.

In March, the team travelled to Sunderland, where they secured third place in the North Regional Championship losing to eventual winners, Stonyhurst.

A highlight of the season was winning the Scottish Schools Championship for the second year in a row, which was an incredible accomplishment, especially after defeating Inverkeithing High School, St Columba’s, St Ninians and winning in a shoot-out against Mary Erskine in the final.

The 14A tennis team has remained strong and unbeaten this year, securing victories over Dollar, Fettes, and Glenalmond.The 14B team achieved solid victories over Glenalmond and Fettes, with a narrow loss to Dollar.The 15A team triumphed over 5 out of 7 teams, including The High School of Dundee, The High School of Glasgow, Jordanhill, Fettes, Dollar, and Robert Gordon’s.The 15B team has had a strong year, comfortably defeating both Fettes and Dollar.

Both the 18B and 18C teams have remained undefeated, securing impressive wins against Glenalmond, Fettes, and Dollar.

I also want to acknowledge everyone who has played a part in getting us to this point. A massive thank you to our coaches, Tommy and Ryan, whose support and motivation have been crucial to this season’s achievements, especially our victory as Scottish Schools champions and triumphing over many other schools along the way.

Freya C Captain of Girls Tennis.

INTER-HOUSE SPORT

INTER-HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Junior Girls: Woodlands

Junior Girls: Woodlands

Junior Boys: Simpson

Intermediate Girls: Glenbrae

Intermediate Boys: Simpson

Senior Girls: Thornbank

Senior Boys: Nicol

Overall Girls Results: Glenbrae

Overall Boys Results: Simpson

INTER-HOUSE BASKETBALL

Senior Girls: Thornbank

Senior Boys: Ruthven

INTER-HOUSE CRICKET

Senior Girls: Glenbrae

Junior Boys: Simpson

Senior Boys: Simpson

INTER-HOUSE NETBALL

Junior Girls: Glenbrae

Senior Girls: Woodlands

INTER-HOUSE RUGBY

Boys Junior: Ruthven

Boys Senior: Nicol

INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING

Senior Girls: Glenbrae

Senior Boys: Freeland

Swimming Standards

Boys: Simpson

Girls: Glenbrae

INTER-HOUSE HOCKEY

Girls Junior: Woodlands

Girls Senior: Woodlands

Boys Junior: Simpson

Boys Senior: Freeland

INTER-HOUSE BADMINTON

Boys Winners - Freeland

Girls Winners - Woodlands

INTER-HOUSE FOOTBALL

Girls: Thornbank

Junior Boys: Simpson

Senior Boys: Ruthven

INTER-HOUSE TENNIS

Junior Girls: Woodlands

Senior Girls: Woodlands

Junior and Senior Boys: Simpson

THE CCF HAS BEEN BUILDING AND STRENGTHENING OUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH 7 SCOTS, THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND, WHO HAVE PROVIDED TRAINING SUPPORT FOR OUR 4TH FORM RECRUITS, AND WITH 45 COMMANDO RM, WHO HAVE HOSTED TRAINING AND EXERCISES FOR OUR SENIOR ARMY AND ROYAL MARINE CADETS AT THEIR BASE IN ARBROATH.

These partnerships complement the regular support we already receive from 51 Brigade Cadet Training Team, and surely no other CCF in Scotland can boast this level of external buy-in to enhance the cadet experience.

The school's investment in facilities for the CCF and our delivery of SQA qualifications in leadership have been greeted enthusiastically by cadets.

This year, our Navy cadets had a field day with the RN engagement team, doing practical leadership tasks and learning about the Royal Marines. The fundamentals of the RN Field Gun run have been introduced, and we are looking forward to seeing how that activity might develop over the coming years. Six cadets completed their RN Junior Leadership Course, a three-day residential involving drill, dress and bearing, standards and values of the RN and individual briefs, research and presentations on leadership.

Weekly summer sailing at South Queensferry saw six cadets gaining their RYA Sailing Level 2 Certificates, whilst one cadet also achieved the RYA Day Skipper Award.

The Strathallian

This summer we have cadets attending the demanding Royal Marines Summer Camp at Lympstone, while Royal Navy cadets are also attending a RYA Day Skipper course at Gosport, a RYA Power Boating Level 2 at Jupiter Point (Cornwall), and the CCF Navy Senior Leadership Course at HMS Raleigh (Cornwall), three cadets are also spending 10 days on CCF Navy Offshore Channel Island Sailing — (Gosport to Guernsey).

The Combined Cadet Force has continued to evolve this year as it enriches its opportunities for cadets to gain transferable skills and experiences that help them equip themselves for the demands of life at and beyond school.

MILITARY SKILLS

FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE CCF ENTERED A TEAM IN THE 51 BRIGADE MILITARY SKILLS COMPETITION AT BARRY BUDDON CAMP IN SEPTEMBER. This event was open to both school CCF units and Army Cadet units. The team slept out in a tactical harbour for two nights and trekked a total of 40km over two days, completing challenges along the way that included deliberate and hasty section attacks, withdrawal from contact, signals, navigation and first aid challenges. The Strathallan Team won awards for Harbour and Sentry routines and posted the fastest time on the final physical challenge, a

3km running stretcher carry.

This was ideal preparation for the Royal Marines Pringle Trophy competition, which took place a fortnight later at the Royal Marine Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon. Competing in Tier Two of the competition, which comprised nine schools, Strathallan finished third overall, notching up 3rd placings in the endurance course, assault course and close quarter battle stances, second in camouflage & concealment and section attacks, and first in observation and drill.

In the overall standings, Strathallan finished a very creditable 9th of 19 teams, ahead of Rugby School and just behind Charterhouse and Harrow. It was notable that the Tier Two winners Millfield actually finished 4th overall, so the tiers might need some adjusting next year!

As the only CCF Royal Marine detachment in Scotland, this was undoubtedly the youngest team Strathallan has fielded in this event, and as such their performance here and at the Military Skills Competition suggests that we will continue to represent both Strathallan and Scotland proudly in the coming years.

In November, the CCF held its first Remembrance Lecture with the inaugural speaker being Major General Adrian Freer (rtd), who gave a riveting and informative account of his experience as a company 2 i/c with 3 Para in the Falklands Campaign.

CCF DINNER

AVERY ENJOYABLE CCF DINNER WAS HELD RECENTLY TO REWARD AND THANK THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE SENIOR CADETS WHO HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY IMPRESSIVE THIS YEAR, AS THEIR LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE BEGINS TO SHOW A RETURN ON THE EMPHASIS PUT ON DEVELOPING OUR SENIORS OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS. A large cohort of very keen U6th Royal Navy cadets will pass out this year and bring about a temporary lull in the influence of that section as it rebuilds. The dinner was attended by Royal Marine WO2 Stuckey, who flew up from Bristol for the evening, reflecting the support we receive from the Royal Marines.

Iain McGowan CCF Contingent Commander

Strathallan Staff News

This year, we’d like to take a moment to recognise and thank several valued members of staff who are leaving Strathallan. Each has made a lasting impact on our school community and they leave with our deepest gratitude and best wishes for the future.

Peter Keir, or PK to all who know and love him, retires this year after a staggering 42 years of dedicated service to teaching. Describing him simply as a teacher barely scratches the surface. He is, without a doubt, a one-of-akind figure in the world of education — a man who has not only taught generations but inspired them in ways few ever could.

When those of us constrained by conventionalism have been long-forgotten, there will always be those who speak fondly of the shorts, braces, and bowtie-wearing force of nature that is PK.

What sets PK apart is not just the longevity of his career but the depth of impact he has made on his students and colleagues alike. A man of profound integrity and passion, his classroom has always been a place of energy, eccentricity, and excellence. His teaching style is unmistakable — marked by fastidious clarity, meticulous record keeping, and an unwavering focus on the foundations of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. These are skills so often taken for granted, but which countless former pupils have later come to appreciate as fundamental to their academic and professional lives. In his role as a Prep School teacher, Peter became more than just an educator. He was a fixture of school life — a vibrant, friendly, and yes, delightfully wacky, presence whose quirky fashion choices and larger-than-life personality left an impression on all. (“Signor Piquet,” as one short-term Spanish pupil genuinely thought he was called, remains a school legend.)

Over the years, he has held numerous roles across the school, leaving his mark at every stage. He finishes his career as Senior Tutor in Riley House and a core member of the English Department, but his contributions stretch far beyond titles. As Head of Games in the Prep School, PK was instrumental in establishing inclusive, spirited inter-house competitions, bringing pupils of all abilities together and laying the groundwork for what would become a hallmark of the Strathallan ethos.

His decades at the school are punctuated by the many friendship bracelets gifted to him by adoring pupils — a

98 The Strathallian

fitting tribute to a man who made every child feel seen, valued, and supported. It is in the Senior School, however, that Peter’s influence has reached perhaps its most profound heights. His focus on clarity, consistency, and the embedding of core skills has served as a lifeline for countless pupils, particularly those who might otherwise struggle in a conventional learning environment.

He has been a champion for alternative learning pathways, helping to develop and lead bespoke educational routes for those pupils who needed them. His quiet sensitivity and deep insight have had more of a lasting effect on his students than any paper qualifications could ever measure — even though he holds significant credentials in Dyslexia and Support for Learning.

Colleagues describe him as someone who always had time to listen, to guide, to explain, and never wavered in his belief that every pupil deserves the chance to succeed. His classroom was a safe haven for many, and his mentorship extended far beyond the curriculum.

When the school tried to find a way to properly acknowledge the gravity of his retirement, one idea stood out: ‘Dress Like PK Day’ — a charity fundraiser that turned into a true celebration of individuality and affection. From the distinctive shorts and braces to the trademark bowtie, students and staff embraced the theme wholeheartedly. The school came alive with colour, character, and joy — a fitting tribute to a man who has always celebrated those very things.

A colourful, unconventional celebration of the man who embodies love, compassion, and individuality. What a day. What a man.

As Peter Keir steps away from Strathallan for the final time, he leaves behind a legacy that will echo through the halls for generations. There will be new teachers, new methods, and new challenges — but there will only ever be one PK. A teacher, a mentor, a character — and above all, a man who gave 42 years of his life to making others’ lives better.

Thank you, Peter. You truly are unforgettable.

When those of us constrained by conventionalism have been long-forgotten, there will always be those who speak fondly of the shorts, braces, and bowtie-wearing force of nature that is PK.

David Giles

David joined Strathallan in 1987; one of a ‘young crew’ who would make a huge impact on the school. They bought energy, enthusiasm, fun and innovation. David epitomised this.

He took the 1st XI hockey for many years. He introduced basketball to the school; he coached cricket and athletics. He taught Maths & Stats. He was a house tutor and housemaster in Nicol. He has run the international programme, and he spent a year in Australia with his family. This is just a list and it doesn’t tell you about the man, colleague and friend.

David became the David Coleman of Strathallan athletics, and his dulcet tones and humorous quips will be missed on Sports Day.

As Nicol Housemaster, he was a firm and fair role model for the boys in his care, and he gave of his time generously and he was both liked and respected, which is never an easy balance to strike.

Outside of Nicol and his classroom, David threw himself into life here at Strath — be it Common Room cricket, or as a member of the Vast Repertoire and “Strathallan Occasionals,” his infectious enthusiasm quickly established David at the heart of the school which is where he has stayed.

The intervening 38 years saw David become a family man; eventually leave Nicol and become Strathallan’s registrar, later moving on to become an integral part of the team supporting our international pupils, but he never left the Maths classroom or the hockey pitch!

As one who has been part of the fabric of life here at Strath, Dave “Gilesie” Giles will be missed by all. We wish him and Mary an enjoyable retirement, with their granddaughters - newly returned from Australia only too ready to keep their sprightly grandparents on their toes. Don’t be a stranger, Dave! We’ll miss you but know you aren’t going far.

David became the David Coleman of Strathallan athletics, and his dulcet tones and humorous quips will be missed on Sports Day.

PM Vallot

Dr Tom Sharples

Arriving at Strathallan during the challenging era of online learning, Tom joined the Chemistry Department at a time when many might have run for the hills and found the demands overwhelming.

But rather than shy away, he embraced the situation with calm determination and resilience. Even before stepping into a physical classroom, Tom had already made a significant impression, taking on the role of Head of Department with quiet confidence and clarity of vision.

From the moment in-person teaching resumed, Tom’s impact became even more evident. Both pupils and colleagues quickly came to value his thoughtful, calm, and unfailingly generous approach. His strong scientific expertise was a tremendous asset to the department, but it was his ability to connect with others, always with kindness and integrity, that truly set him apart.

Beyond the classroom, Tom’s contribution to the wider school community has been broad and deeply appreciated. Whether mentoring pupils in Woodlands, supporting co-curricular activities like chess and mahjong, or sharing his talents in the school band and Chinese evenings (also cakes!), Tom brought energy and enthusiasm to every aspect of school life. Even after leaving, his influence will continue through the many former pupils he has mentored, equipping them not only with academic knowledge but with meaningful life skills.

As with all quietly brilliant and deeply professional educators, Tom’s departure will leave a noticeable gap. His presence has enriched Strathallan in ways that are not always loud or flashy but are lasting, respected, and deeply valued. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.

Tom’s presence has enriched Strathallan in ways that are not always loud or flashy but are lasting, respected, and deeply valued

Will Herbert

Some might say that the highlight of Will’s time at Strathallan was his spectacular hole-in-one earlier this year and we suspect Will himself might not entirely disagree! However, when he announced that he would be taking up a promoted teaching post in Dubai, the full breadth of his pastoral care, teaching excellence, and collegial impact quickly reminded us that his time here has been about far more than just golf.

As resident tutor in Ruthven, Will has played an instrumental role in shaping a warm, inclusive, and supportive House environment. His calm presence, good humour, and unwavering support have left a lasting impression on both the boys in the House and the wider Ruthven team. He brought to the role not just professionalism, but genuine care—qualities that have made Ruthven feel like a true home for many.

In the Business Studies Department, Will quickly established himself as an outstanding young teacher. His dynamic approach in the classroom, commitment to his pupils’ success, and consistent ability to go above and beyond have led to a track record of results that speaks for itself. But beyond the data, it’s his ability to inspire confidence, challenge thinking, and support every individual that will leave the greatest legacy.

It would be remiss not to also acknowledge the role Will has played as part of the resident staff community. The friendships he forged with fellow young tutors became not only a support network for one another but also a vital part of the boarding life and culture of the school. Their shared energy, sense of fun, and commitment behind the scenes often set the tone for pupils and staff alike.

As both a colleague and a friend, Will’s presence will

Siobhan Birrell

be missed across campus. His next adventure in Dubai promises new challenges and opportunities, and while we’re sad to see him go, we’re immensely proud of all he has achieved and excited to see all that lies ahead.

We wish Will every success in the next chapter of his career and hope he always remembers that magical holein-one was only part of a truly remarkable story.

Struan Robertson – Graduate Assistant & Resident Tutor

When the Big Man of Freeland returned to his roots this year as Graduate Assistant and Resident Tutor in Freeland, we were delighted. Once again, his energy, enthusiasm and core values were evident — this time as a teacher! Returning to his beloved Freeland House was a bonus, and though Simon Rose was never his Housemaster, he could not have been more complimentary about his significance and impact in House this year. We wish Struan all the very best as he moves into Maritime Security in an exciting new role — and though he’ll be busy and at the other end of the country, we are sure that his association with Strathallan isn’t at an end. We send Struan off with our thanks, admiration, and best wishes for what’s to come. He may be sailing away for now, but we have no doubt we’ll see him back again before long.

Good luck, Struan—and see you soon.

We wish Struan all the very best as he moves into Maritime Security in an exciting new role

We also extend our heartfelt thanks and a partial farewell to Siobhan Birrell, who is stepping back from her main role in Support for Learning. We are very pleased to share that Siobhan will continue to be involved with the school, particularly in the administration of access arrangements for external examinations, an area where her expertise is greatly valued.

Siobhan has been an integral part of school life for many years, not only through her work in Support for Learning but also as a tutor in Nicol House and a respected senior figure in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Her calm professionalism, strong sense of care, and deep commitment to the pupils have left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike.

With her youngest daughter, Mia, also leaving the school this year, the timing felt right for Siobhan to pursue her other professional interests and enjoy a new chapter. We are truly grateful for her many contributions and are delighted that her connection with the school will continue in a new capacity.

We are truly grateful for Siobhan’s many contributions and are delighted that her connection with the school will continue.

We

are delighted to welcome two new members of staff to Strathallan School this term. Abigail Cooper joins the Support for Learning Department bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, while Rebecca Holland joins our History Department and is already making a great impression. We look forward to the contributions they will make to school life and are excited to have them as part of the Strathallan community.

Abigail Cooper – Support for Learning & Woodlands Tutor

“I cannot believe I have only been at Strathallan for a year!” That’s how Abigail Cooper describes her first year at Strathallan—proof that time flies when you're immersed in a school community as vibrant and welcoming as this one. From day one, Abigail has made a meaningful contribution to the life of the school, bringing dedication, care, and quiet professionalism to her work in both academic support and pastoral care.

As a valued member of the Support for Learning department, Abigail has taken great pride in helping pupils build their confidence and improve their English language and literacy skills. Her patient, thoughtful approach and ability to connect with learners of different backgrounds have made her a much-appreciated figure among the pupils she supports.

In addition to her academic role, Abigail has also embraced her position as a Woodlands tutor, offering consistent guidance and reassurance to the girls in her care, especially during those quieter, end-of-week Friday evenings, where a familiar face and calm presence make all the difference. Her support has contributed to the warm, family-like atmosphere that defines life in Woodlands.

It’s clear that Abigail has already become a trusted and valued member of the school community—someone who upholds the ethos of Strathallan in

Strathallan

everything she does. We’re delighted that she’ll be continuing her journey with us and look forward to seeing what the coming year brings for her.

is a caring, warm and nurturing environment and striving to give pupils this experience is a privilege

“My first year at Strathallan has been rewarding and memorable, and to be totally honest, a complete whirlwind!”

One minute it was August, and Rebecca was trying to learn hundreds of names and where she could photocopy, and the next it was the summer term entering into the throes of exams.

A passionate historian and politics enthusiast, Rebecca quickly established herself as a dynamic and engaging classroom teacher. Her genuine love of the subject shines through in every lesson, and her ability to spark meaningful discussions has made a lasting impression on the pupils she teaches. Her thoughtful and inclusive approach encourages pupils not just to absorb facts, but to ask questions, challenge perspectives, and think critically about the world around them.

Rebecca also stepped confidently into her pastoral role, taking on a tutor group in Nicol House, an experience she describes as both enlightening and rewarding:

“The boys taught me a great deal (even if they didn’t know it) about the school and the values that our pupils embody.”

Her connection with pupils reflects her natural rapport with young people and her genuine care and commitment to their development both in and outside the classroom. Rebecca has already proven herself to be a valuable member of the Nicol House team, and her presence has been appreciated by pupils and colleagues alike.

“Although hardly impartial, I love history and politics, so being able to teach and discuss these subjects with engaged pupils is a real joy.”

Thank you, Rebecca, for your energy, insight, and warmth. You’ve already made a fantastic impact, and we’re delighted to have you as part of the Strathallan community.

VALEDICTORY 2025

To the class of '25

“Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast that which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the afflicted. Show love to everyone.”

DML – June 2025.

LEAVERS BALL 2025

Valete 2025 (cont.)

Maria

Nisha

Matthew

Mia

Maia

Lochie

Lennja

Alessandro

Nicholas

Jack

Louise

Bronte

Angus

Constantin

Alice

Mason

Louis

Janna

David

Tom

Max

Milos

Calum

Boyd

Freya

Katie

Alice

Evan

Edouard

Jack

Finn

Sophie

Oskar

Eliza

Maximilian

Callan

Olivia

Lisa

Kim

Sophie

Kat

Conor

Leni

Tito

Olivia

Georg

Victor

Paul

Alex

Sebastian

Tara

Olivia

Sara Minnie

5W 6W 5F 6G 7G 7S 6G 4N 7S 6F 7W 7G 6S 5F 2 7R 7F 5T 6R 7N 7N 7N 7F 7S 6W 7W 7T 7F Year 6 7R 7R 7T 5N 7W 7R 3S 6W 7W 6T 6T 6G 7S 6T 4F 7T 6F 4R 6R 7F 7R 7T 7G 7G 7W

Michael

Fergus

Blaise

Sasha

James

Ruairidh

Saba

Oscar

Paige

Sarah

Layla

Finley

Eleanor

Lucy

Oscar

Juan

Finlay

Alistair

Iona

Caspar

Hanno

Emilia

Oliver

Ramsay

Sebastian

Adam

Alistair

Emily

Forbes

Tom

Pierre-Francois

Fraser

Robert

Helen

Clara

Colin

Mayah

Rose

Fergus

Matthew

Zoe

Lily

Fionn

Lucy

Finlay

Ali

Harry

Gregor

William

Oskar

Levi

Benedikt

Luca

Pebbles

Ella

Lucy

Kaspar

Harriet

Adam

Florian

Isabella

Haruki

Ethan

Pure Strathallan Magic!

The Big Sing, Skerryvore, “Take My Hand”