Banff: The A Factor

The intake of first year pupils at Banff Academy after the summer have a brand new way of getting comfortable with the big school - and show off at the same time.

The fourth form peer educator group are planning, as a welcome, an X Factor-style event for the youngsters preparing to leave behind primary school.

The A Factor event will bring together the prospective newcomers with those already at the Academy - and give them a chance to put on a show of their singing and dancing talents.

Peer educator group member Laura Gallon, from Macduff, said:

"It gives the kids the chance to meet each other and get together - and to show off their talents."

The peer group hope that singing or dancing group acts will step into the limelight, to be judged by a panel including peer educators and possibly mystery guests, and will also arrange a DJ

. Letters are being sent around the feeder primaries inviting youngsters to the event at Macduff Primary School, and posters will be distributed. The Banff & District Community Safety Group are funding, the initiative, and the parent-teacher association have agreed to provide refreshments.

The peer educator group includes about 15 fourth formers who meet each week to organise events for younger pupils to allow them to hear important advice from folk of around their own age, rather than from their elders.

Recently the group have tackled alcohol and smoking awareness issues, and organised a bingo fundraiser for the Comic Relief charity.

Look out it's the A team! From left, Christopher Davidson, Stephanie Smith, Angus Wood
and Laura Gallon are four of the Banff Academy fourth year peer educator group, who
are setting up an A Factor contest - like the X factor, but better - for local
primary children.