EXTRAS!

The range and quality of extra-curricular provision at Tain Royal Academy is, we believe, one of its many strengths.

We are particularly fortunate in having excellent music instructors who work closely with teachers to provide pupils with first class tuition and opportunities to play in the school and regional orchestras. Gizzen Briggs, the traditional music group who are preparing their fifth CD are a legend in the locality and further a field.

The school has a long-standing reputation for excellence in drama as anyone fortunate enough to see recent school shows will know. The Drama Club is open to all pupils and debating provides further opportunities for "performing" throughout the session. School discos and dances are always popular, not just with the pupils but also with parents who can be confident of the level of supervision which applies at school functions.

Lunchtime clubs e.g. computing, chess, Scripture Union provide pupils with chances to meet informally while pursuing an interest. In addition, the school has well established inter-house competitions in a wide range of activities e.g. badminton, basketball, football, hockey, swimming and much, much more. We are keen to see as many pupils as possible taking part in these competitions as we believe they add significantly to pupils' enjoyment of school life.

Involvement in inter-house sport is complemented by many opportunities to participate in inter-school sport including athletics, basketball, football (boys and girls), hockey, orienteering and volleyball. Most games take place after school or Saturdays.

Throughout the year there are trips and excursions to theatres, exhibitions, films, sporting events, conferences, universities and colleges. Skiers and snow boarders head for the Cairngorms and our sports teams travel the length and breadth of Scotland. Over the years we have established exchange holidays with schools in America, Estonia, France, Germany and Italy. Foreign travel is also offered, for example in sports holidays to the south of France and historical trips to France and Belgium.

All these activities are run by staff on a voluntary basis to enhance the quality of the pupils' educational experience.