Inverkeithing High School Explained

Inverkeithing High School (IHS)
Motto:We Grow by Choice[1]
Address:Hillend Road
Town:Inverkeithing, Fife
Postcode:KY11 1PL
Country:Scotland
Type:Secondary school
Established:1972
Local Authority:Fife
Headteacher:Ian Adair
Years:S1 - S6 (S6 Students in rare cases may be able to stay an extra year)
Age Range:11 - 18
Medium Of Language:English
Colours: black / white / gold
Yearbook:Annual – Student Led

Inverkeithing High School is a secondary school located in Inverkeithing, a historic town on Fife's southern coast 3½ miles from Dunfermline city centre, 9½ miles from Edinburgh city centre, and in between the towns of Dalgety Bay, Rosyth and North Queensferry.

The school has around 1,500 pupils (with students ranging in age from 11 to 18), with 94% of students coming from within the catchment area and 6% of students coming from outside the catchment area. The school employs approximately 100 staff.

The school has a swimming pool, football pitches, AstroTurf and tennis courts, and has been a Category B Listed Building since 2004.[2]

History

The school dates from the early 1970s and was designed by architect Gavin Haveron McConnell,[3] who was influenced by Le Corbusier and introduced some elements into the structure such as the pilotis which give open circulation under part of the building, and the accessible roof space. In 2004, the building received Listed status (Category B) from Historic Environment Scotland for its inventive Late Modern design.[4]

In 2007 it became the first secondary school in Fife to be awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag[5] – this reflects the staff and students commitment to the environment. In November 2011 the school successfully passed the assessment for a third Green Flag. The school also achieved the Radio Forth Teacher of the Year 2011, Mrs Gordon, as a staff member.

Inverkeithing High School is set to be replaced by a new secondary school in the neighbouring town of Rosyth. In November 2020, the education and children's services committee voted 14 - 4 in favour of building it at the fleet grounds in Rosyth.[6] and is set to be completed and open to pupils by August 2026.[7]

The school celebrated its 50th birthday in 2023 after pupils first went to Inverkeithing High School in 1973.

Catchment area

The school mainly teaches pupils from:

But also from regions of Dunfermline under exceptional circumstances.

The schools main feeder primary schools are:

Facilities

Facilities include an expansive bus park that serves over 15 free school buses leading to parts of the catchment area, an outdoor Astroturf football pitch located next to the bus park, multiple football fields behind the PE department, as well as an indoor fitness room, swimming pool, basketball court and two sports halls within the PE department.

There are also various free parking spaces and bike shelters on-site and an assembly hall, adjacent to two of the three dining halls, with a stage and mezzanine.

Since February 10th 2023, a student-run area known as "Poland 2.0" has been in place nearby the PE department, this place is known as a social place for students and anyone alike with 5 members being apart of its creation. The name comes from one of the members Polish heritage and serves as a symbol of inclusivity and diversity. The students often refer to the place as a micronation although this is not officially recognised by any country.

Uniform

The school uses a standard Scottish school uniform with the main colours of black and white being used. The school tie is stripy black and white for S1 - S4s however S5s and S6s use a senior tie which is black with the school logo on the top.

Sports

The school has sports teams in sports such as football, rugby and basketball. In the 2012 - 2013 season, the school managed fourth place in the Fife school basketball league and reached the third round with every year group in the Scottish Cup. The PE department plays an active role in participating in teacher vs pupil matches across all sports, with the help of other teachers if needed.

Notable former pupils

Notable former staff

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Welcome from the Headteacher . Inverkeithing High School . website . Inverkeithing High School . 5 November 2022 . 5 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221105135056/https://inverkeithinghs.org.uk/Our-School/Welcome-from-the-Headteacher/ . live .
  2. Web site: Hillend Road, Inverkeithing High School (Lb49945) .
  3. Web site: Dictionary of Scottish Architects - DSA Architect Biography Report (March 12, 2021, 1:19 pm) . www.scottisharchitects.org.uk . 9 November 2020 . 17 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201117052920/http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=403175 . live .
  4. Web site: Hillend Road, Inverkeithing High School . Historic Environment Scotland . 9 November 2020 . 27 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230827054753/http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB49945 . live .
  5. Web site: Fife Direct – Inverkeithing High School . 17 April 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120922043456/https://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=facility.display&facid=23AF674C-F340-4D00-8F6542FFEC536FA3 . 22 September 2012.
  6. Web site: New Inverkeithing High will be delivered in 2026 as Fife Council push on with £70 million plans . 28 April 2022 . 25 September 2022 . 25 September 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220925124112/https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/20101558.rosyth-fife-council-insist-new-high-school-on-track/ . live .
  7. Web site: McRoberts . Ally . Inverkeithing High: Fife Council agree move to Rosyth . thenational.scot . 9 September 2023 . The National . 7 January 2024 . 6.
  8. Web site: Fife Council: Schools by region A-Z . www.scotsman.com . 4 September 2022 . en . 22 April 2008 . 30 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170830151439/http://www.scotsman.com/news/education/fife-council-1-1164502 . live .