Cumnock: Robert Burns Academy pupils newspaper column

School values are very important at the Robert Burns Academy, especially for the pupils, and one of the core values is Achievement.

Whether it is taking part in a club, entering a competition or helping out the local community, the students at RBA are always eager to share their successes.

Robert Burns Academy offers its pupils many opportunities to take part in activities, especially around the community.

Two girls at the Robert Burns Academy recently embraced their competitive side and took part in competitions through their local badminton club.

Layla Shaw, 12, was selected to play for the West of Scotland Badminton team down in Newcastle over the weekend.

Layla was representing the Clyde team and was against the impressive Lothian, Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria and Yorkshire, and competed in the under 16s tournament.

Through training, hard work and fun Layla and the Clyde team won the competition. Layla is playing against the best under 16s in the country!

Additionally, her badminton mate, Lexie Boland, also competed at Wishaw over the weekend.

She played in the Under 13s National singles and doubles tournaments.

Lexie won the doubles event with her partner, Riya, and Lexie also took the Gold in the Under 13’s consolation singles event. On top of that, Lexie has been crowned the 2023 girls doubles champion.

Both girls train through the Fat Ninja Badminton club, a club that caters to all abilities and ages, that is based in Ayrshire.

The pair have certainly embraced their sporty side and smashed their competition. Everyone at the Robert Burns Academy is extremely proud of our two Badminton Champions and their respective achievements. Well done!

Layla Shaw, left, and Lexie Boland, right. (Image: Katie Thomson)

Stay Period Protected Initiative

RBA are committed to the Scottish Government initiative 'Stay Period Protected' which entitles all females to have access to free sanitary products.

We will be offering free sanitary products daily, at holiday time for females to take home products over extended holidays and spreading the word at Parents Evening on all products on offer.

East Ayrshire Enterprising Maths Champions!

Huge congratulations to the RBA Enterprising Maths Team who won the East Ayrshire district competition held at Kilmarnock Academy.

The group consists of Liam Daily, Alexander Gass, Cyrus Shek and Toby Kennedy and were mentored by Miss Rae.  This is the second time winning the competition for Cyrus and Toby.

The National Final will be held in Glasgow later this month. We are absolutely ecstatic with the group’s success and wish them the best of luck for the final.