Bridge of Don Academy

57°11′6″N 2°6′39″W / 57.18500°N 2.11083°W

Bridge of Don Academy
Motto Be honest, be respectful, be your best
Established 1979
Type Secondary School
Headteacher Daphne McWilliam
Deputy Headteacher Jill Cruickshank, Douglas Haggarty, Leanne Ritchie
Location Braehead Way
Bridge of Don
Aberdeen
AB22 8RR
Scotland
Students 760 approx
Gender Mixed
Ages 11–18
Houses Crathes House, Drum House, Fyvie House
Colours Black, Red/Navy & White
School years S1-S6
Website Bridge of Don Academy

Bridge of Don Academy is an Aberdeen City Council operated six-year secondary comprehensive school and community centre in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, Scotland. The building was opened in 1979, originally designed to accommodate around 900 pupils. As a result of changes to the curriculum, the addition of new subjects and departments, as well as new educational initiatives, school capacities across the city were re-assessed by the local authority. Subsequently, the school's capacity is now less than 760. Its feeder primaries are Balmedie, Braehead and Scotstown primary schools.

The school campus is currently shared with Braehead Primary School and St Columba's Church of Scotland and Roman Catholic church. Adjacent to the school is Westfield Park and playing fields.

History

1979 - Founded in 1979, the school is set in a building that is typical of the period with a flat roof and a concrete design.

The school was originally designed for 900 pupils but due to changes in the school's design and change of subjects taught, it currently has a capacity of around 760.

2005 - The Deputy First Minister, Nicol Stephen officially opened the school's solar panels on Monday 23 May 2005. Designed by UK solar heating specialists Riomay, the 180 square metre installation covers the entire roof of the swimming pool with 60 solar panels.

2008 - The school began a renovation in which the top floor science departments and ground floor Home Economics department were modernised with new science benches and Smart Boards added to the science department and new practical equipment and a walk-in cooler in the Home Economics department. Recently, a new modern computer suite added to the Technical department.

2009 - Headteacher Jack P. Harland improved the school's badge and uniform, using ideas from pupils, teachers and the parent council. Pupils and staff were given the chance to vote for or against different uniform ideas.

2012 - The school changed from four houses to three, named after local castles.

      New Head Teacher Daphne McWilliam.

2013- New Disciple System established.

2015- Student Council Member, Logan Henry, meets First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Feeder schools

Bridge Of Don Academy is mainly made up of pupils who had previously gone to:

Houses

The school uses a house system and is split into three named after local castles. In 2012 pupils of the school were asked to come up with names that they thought were ideal to fit the new houses. These are:

Prior to this the school had four houses named after Scottish islands:

Teachers

External links