Welcome to the DAS Faculty
Welcome to the Department of Additional Support (Also known as DAS). This section of the website contains information about the department and the learning experiences we have on offer from S1/S6 as well as information on Career Pathways, and information to support remote learning. For detailed information on all Senior Phase courses please visit the SQA website.
Members of the Faculty
Mrs L Friel, Principal Teacher
Teachers
Mrs E Findlay
Mrs E Gibson
Ms L Davie
Pupil Support Assistants
Mrs A. McColgan
Ms C. McKellar
Mrs G. Player
Mrs H. Luke
Mrs L. Knox
Mrs M. Simpson
Ms P. Matheson
BGE - DAS
Pupils will be made part of Mrs E Findlay (S1 and 2 ) Ms Davie (S3 ) Class Team. This is where literacy, numeracy and some health and wellbeing work and tasks are contained.
We also aim to support our young people with their remote learning tasks via phone calls, emails and visits home with work packs.
The website information gives a rough guide and timeline for the remote learning which will take place, but the actual tasks will be quite bespoke, to allow for appropriate differentiation and ultimate success in the individual targets set.
From S1 to S3, pupils with a place in DAS will embark on a bespoke combination of learning experiences, designed to meet their needs, while maintaining their inclusion with mainstream peers, in subjects where there will be an element of success and enjoyment.
Most Pupils work on individual Literacy, Numeracy and Health and Wellbeing targets when in DAS, as well as covering a broad range of other curricular areas throughout the year during termly Topic / Project work.
Pupils have additional opportunities in DAS to attend mainstream faculties as part of a small group, usually in Art, Music, Drama, RE, Science, Home Economics, PE and CDT.
There are also opportunities to attend swimming and outdoor learning experiences.
Senior Phase - DAS
Pupils will be made part of Miss Tidd’s (S4 – 6) Class Team. This is where literacy, numeracy and some health and wellbeing work and tasks are contained.
We also aim to support our young people with their remote learning tasks via phone calls, emails and visits home with work packs.
The website information gives a rough guide and timeline for the remote learning which will take place, but the actual tasks will be quite bespoke, to allow for appropriate differentiation and ultimate success in the individual targets set.
Pupils in DAS will make a mainstream course choice just like all other pupils in the school, based on recommendations from teachers. This may be a reduced number of subjects if appropriate.
Numeracy and Literacy qualifications continue to be delivered in DAS at National 1,2, and 3 levels.
Personal achievement awards are also offered at National 1 and 2 level over a number of topics for example:
- Having Your Say Safety and Security
- Looking after Animals
- Exploring a Local Area
- Fundraising
- Organising a Social Event
Other Personal Achievement Awards can be chosen to meet a specific identified need.
Also as part of the DAS Senior Phase, and through careful planning , a bridgelink course at college can be offered as a one day a week experience in a pupil’s last year of school (S4,5 or 6 ).
We also like to build in work experience in the senior phase where appropriate and relevant.
Career Pathways
This is a very important time for our pupils and it is important that as much advice as possible is available from staff, Skills Development Scotland and parents/carers. This will enable our senior pupils to make informed decisions regarding their education and course choices. For pupils returning in S5 and S6 it is vital that they consider the commitment to study which is required in the senior school. Our curriculum is structured to allow for a wide variety of courses and levels of study.
It is important that all pupils have considered in advance why they have chosen to return to school and that they are being focused on their intended destination.
Celebrating Success
Remote Learning - Links
Bell Baxter Resources
Bell Baxter on Twitter
Follow Bell Baxter for all the latest information on what is happening in and around the school related to the school and school life. Here we will post updates to events, projects and achievements by all pupils and staff.
A fun way to stay up to date with everything that is happening. Use the link or @BBHS_HS
Bell Baxter YouTube
Join us for updates on everything that is happening around the school. From pupil productions to updates on events and activities, we hope to keep you updated as best we can. You'll also find helpful guides and tutorials for pupils and adults on how to use programmes such as Glow, Teams and much more.
External Resources
BBC Bytesize
What is Bitesize?
BBC Bitesize is a free online study support resource designed to help with learning, revision and homework! It provides support for learners aged 5 to 16+ across a wide range of school subjects. It also supports children and young people’s wellbeing and career choices. It is suitable for all ages and subjects across the curriculum.
National Parent Forum of Scotland
The Forum works in partnership with national and local government and other organisations involved in education and child wellbeing issues to ensure that parents play a full and equal role in education. The overall aim is to help every child to maximise their potential through their school life. The Forum also offers the handy Nationals in a Nutshell documents, which break down courses into understandable facts and information.
Apps
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is how teachers will communicate with pupils outwith of school. Each teacher will set up their classes through Teams and issue homework, handouts, and assignments in this manner. Teams is available as an app on most devices, as well as through Glow. We recommend that pupils use the app to access their work.
Office Lens
Office Lens is a handy app that turns your smart device into a scanner. This can be used for scanning work from the whiteboard in school or any assignments completed at home. It is part of the Microsoft suite so it has Teams integration, making submitting work easier. It is also helpful for maintaining and organising notes from jotters and loose leaf paper.
