A NEW depute head has been appointed at Beaconhurst School with the aim of widening the school’s academic remit.

Iain Morrison, who was previously head of science, maths and numeracy at Craigholme School in Glasgow, has taken over the reins as deputy head (academic).

His plans include increasing the number of skills-based subjects available at the independent Bridge of Allan school and implementing a new digital strategy.

He said: "I’ve always been impressed by Beaconhurst’s unique position in the Scottish independent sector with regard to its outdoor education and sports programmes and links to Stirling University.

"There is also a strong expressive arts cirriculum and I see the opportunity to similarly enhance the school’s academic programme so we can offer something unique on all platforms.

"I’m passionate about academia and looking to make an impact on the impressive academic approach already in place at Beaconhurst by taking it to the next level."

Prior to working at Craigholme, Mr Morrison spent three years as academic depute at Lomond School in Helensburgh where he was responsible for the introduction of iPads in the classroom.

The strategy saw 500 staff and pupils issued with iPads to use for presentations, homework, classwork and collaboration between pupils and teachers.

Mr Morrison said: "We were one of the first schools to bring the initiative to each pupil in the school in and it was a lot of work in terms of research, setting up guidelines and device management – but it was well worth it and the school are still using iPads today.

"I’ll be looking at how I can develop Beaconhurst’s digital strategy for the future and what’s best for the school in the use of technology for both academic and non-academic platforms."

Mr Morrison’s plans also involve widening the school’s academic programme to include more focus on non-traditional subjects directly related to the workplace.

These include media studies, which is set to join the curriculum shortly, and in the longer term he wants to introduce subjects such as health and food technology and graphic communication.

Another planned initiative will see improvements to Beaconhurst’s sixth year programme introducing courses to help prepare students for university.

He said: "I’m looking at making S6 a unique year which would be about university preparation as well as studying for Highers and Advanced Highers.

"I want to introduce short courses centring on life skills for the 21st century such as public speaking, interview skills and digital literacy.

"I’m hoping to start this programme soon and think it is something which will add value by widening the curriculum."

Beaconhurst headteacher Sandra Bannerman is delighted Mr Morrison has joined the senior leadership team.

She said: "We are fortunate to have Iain join us at Beaconhurst and strengthen an already dynamic and forward looking leadership team.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge and we are excited about our plans for the future."

Mr Morrison, 42, was born in Canada although his father’s family are originally from Scotland.

He was brought up in Toronto and studied biology and chemistry at Queen’s University in Ontario.

After graduating, he completed his teacher training at Jordanhill College in Glasgow before moving to the United States to teach chemistry and biology in North Carolina.

His career path brought him back to Scotland to teach at the High School of Glasgow before moving to posts at Craigholme and Lomond Schools and then Beaconhurst.

Mr Morrison, who is also an SRU Rugby referee, teaches chemistry and ICT in addition to managing the school’s academic programme.

He said: "I’m enjoying life at Beaconhurst – it’s great to have everyone on one site because you get to know all the staff and pupils.

"There’s plenty I want to do with the aim of really putting Beaconhurst on the map but it’s important to take it one step at a time and make sure everything is done properly."