Welcome to our exciting pupil led blog!
In November 2017 pupils from each of the 13 establishments in Cowal met together to discuss how we could share news about some of the brilliant things that are happening for pupils aged 3 to 18 across Cowal. The result is this new blog which is written entirely by pupils writing about their own schools. Many thanks to all of our pupil journalists and photographers. Well done to Macy Law from Toward Primary School, who won the competition to design the name and logo for our blog, now named “Pencil Point”. View this blog via the below link:
[Update 06/03/2018: The blog is now located at: https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/glowblogs/pencilpoint/]
On Friday 24th
Dalintober PS pupils, parents & staff raised a fantastic £465 with their annual ‘Children In Need’ Fundraiser. We all wore our ‘Pyjamas for Pudsey’ and participated in lots of fun activities, such as a ‘Puffed Out for Pudsey’ obstacle course, cupcake selling and Danceathons.
Recycle, Reuse and Reduce 
The children of Drumlemble Pupil Council decided that they wanted to raise money for the victims of recent Hurricanes. They researched this and decided that buying Gerry Cans was the best idea. After discussions with their classmates, they came up with the idea of running a Bring and Buy Sale. In addition to the toys, games and books, one of the children had baked cakes which were sold as well.
In June the pupils of Kilmodan Primary School, Glendaruel visited the Tighnabruaich Life Boat Station. We were given a grand tour of the station and had the opportunity to learn a range of interesting facts about the RNLI. We were very lucky to be able to sit on the lifeboat and of course pretend to drive it! We also learned about the survival suits and the cost of very important equipment.
Pupils at Castlehill Primary School were very busy last Friday raising money for Children In Need. A Talent Show in the morning in which parents and families of the children who were singing, playing instruments, dancing and acting were invited was followed by a Bring and Buy Sale in the afternoon. The amazing amount of £886 was raised
Clachan Primary were delighted to come 20th in the National Sumdog Contest between the 3rd and 9th of Nov 2017. This was a UK-wide contest with 3,099 classes entered and 1,184 classes qualified. In total 27,431 students took part. Clachan children have been working on mental maths agility and building resilience across all learning. Sumdog has helped the children apply these skills in a fun and enjoyable way.
Rhu P4 pupils enjoyed a trip to Glasgow Science Centre recently as part of their Oceans and Seas topic. They visited the I-Max cinema to watch ‘Under the Sea 3D’ and spent time in the science mall. A wonderful time had by all, especially when wearing 3D glasses and trying to catch fish swimming out of the screen
At the beginning of October the junior Learning Centre enterprise class held a charity fund raising event for The Rainbow Trust, an organisation that provides support for children, and their families, with life threatening conditions. The pupils had researched several charities and came up with many fund raising activities before finally deciding on their ‘Quiz and a Cookie’ event.
Each year, P6 pupils from Dalintober make the Guy for Campbeltown’s Bonfire & Firework Display – organised by Dalintober and Millknowe Tenants & Residents Association, Campbeltown Fire Station and Campbeltown Coastguard. This year’s ‘star of the show’ was Bernie Bonfire…!
Dalintober ELC recently paid a visit to the Fire Station as part of their learning about Bon Fire night. They were given a talk about fire safety from Kelly McSporran. She showed the children round the station and demonstrated hoe they had to quickly get into their protective fire outfits. The children were very excited when asked if they wanted to go inside the fire engine. All the children from the morning and afternoon sessions left with a helmet as a reminder of their trip.
Strath of Appin Primary pupils enjoyed a fantastic Halloween Party planned by the Primary 7 pupils. After meeting to discuss and share ideas for games, activities and all the ingredients required for a successful party, the P7 children set to work.
Dalintober was a hive of Hallowe’en activity this week, with parties for our ELC am group, ELC pm group, P1-2 pupils, P3-4 pupils and P5-7 pupils. Great fun was had, with great costumes from pupils – and staff!
Taynuilt Primary School among winning schools from across Scotland who prove they aren’t afraid of fighting against food waste. This Halloween Taynuilt Primary School were successful in a competition between Love Food Hate Waste Scottish Business in the Community and Good Family Food (Quality Meat Scotland) who teamed up to give schools across Scotland the chance to prove their mettle in a recipe competition called ‘Don’t be afraid of your leftovers.’
Easdale Primary School pupils enjoyed a fantastic Halloween lunch this week. The lunch hall was looking very spooky and pupils enjoyed a taste of pumpkin soup before tucking into tongue rolls (hot dogs!) and fruity fingers! All pupils then took a turn and performed a joke, rhyme or song. A huge thank you to Mrs MacKechnie and Mrs MacLarty for their hard work and effort in making the lunch so tasty and enjoyable. 
Pupils in Primary 5 – Primary 7 were lucky enough to have class visits from representatives of Scottish Water. They provided a range of different activities for the pupils to try, including games and experiments. They were also able to provide very important information on a range of water related topics including –
Children at Castlehill Primary School enjoyed an ear-splitting fitness routine ‘Pounding’ from fitness trainer Fiona Irwin. These energetic sessions were completed to a loud soundtrack using ‘Pounding’ drumsticks and all the classes enjoyed using the drumsticks to the rhythm of the music.
All teaching and support staff welcome to join the Creative Learning Network one day event. Don’t miss out!