Bridge of Don Academy
57°11′6″N 2°6′39″W / 57.18500°N 2.11083°W
| Bridge of Don Academy | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
 | |
Braehead Way , , AB22 8RR | |
| Information | |
| Type | Secondary School |
| Motto | be honest be respectful be your best |
| Established | 1979 |
| Headteacher | Daphne McWilliam |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 760 approx |
| Houses | Crathes House, Drum House, Fyvie House |
| Colour(s) | Black, Red/Navy & White |
| School years | S1-S6 |
| Website | http://www.bridgeofdon.aberdeen.sch.uk/cms/ |
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.
Feeder schools
Bridge Of Don Academy is mainly made up of pupils who had previously gone to:
- Balmedie Primary School
- Braehead Primary School
- Scotstown Primary School
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:
Notable former pupils
- Warren Cummings; former Chelsea football player now playing for A.F.C. Wimbledon, he has previously played for West Bromwich Albion, Dundee United, A.F.C. Bournemouth and Crawley Town. He has one cap for Scotland coming against Hong Kong in 2002.
- Mark Perry; retired former Dundee United, Aberdeen, Ross County, Peterhead and Keith football player. Perry joined his boyhood heroes Aberdeen in 1998 following a successful career with Dundee Utd. He made 59 league appearances for the Dons.
- Cammy Smith; current Aberdeen football player.
- Calum Neil, winner of Scotland's most pretentious prick award.