Tubby Tess the Talking Ted

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

Pupils of Innellan Primary School were thrilled to see a visitor this week – a large, very friendly Bear has come to stay with us.  Tubby Tess the Talking Ted is really a bin and can actually talk whenever rubbish is deposited to encourage all children, even the big ones, to use him to keep the environment clean and tidy.

In time he will be sited at the edge of the playground just beside the right of way footpath through to the Forestry Road so all visitors to our area will be able to use him.  Grateful thanks to the South Cowal Community Council and Awards For All for purchasing this bear bin for us.

Tarbert Academy Buskers

Events, School trips, Secondary schools

When the Paddle Steamer ‘Waverley’ docked at Tarbert Pier, passengers were greeted by Tarbert Academy pupils busking to raise funds for a school trip.  Tarbert Academy Music Department is organising an excursion to the musical ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and funds raised by the pupils help to make this trip more affordable for all pupils.  Visitors to Tarbert enjoyed the pupils’ performances and gave generously.

Catriona Hood HeadTeacher

Continue reading Tarbert Academy Buskers →

Investigating Lismore by sea!

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips

As part of their project about the sea, the children of Lismore Primary School took a boat trip around their island with Oban-based company, Coastal Connection. On a beautiful August afternoon, they made the short walk from the school down to Achnacroish slipway, where skipper Cameron was waiting with the twelve seater RIB craft.

After everyone had donned lifejackets and climbed aboard, the journey began. Soon, the boat was speeding north up the Lynn of Lorn and the children were excitedly pointing out each others’ homes and other local landmarks. Continue reading Investigating Lismore by sea! →

Early Years Forest School

Early Years, Forest Schools, Outdoor Learning

The children of Kilmodan Pre 5 Unit are making good use of the new outdoor clothing provided by the Early Years Team.  On Wednesdays they have been joining P1-P7 on our weekly Forest Schools sessions. 
They are learning how to keep safe in the forest, they have been exploring the Dragon Tree and enjoying sipping hot chocolate in our shelter.  The children will continue joining our sessions which will help to improve their communication skills, increase their vocabulary and support the development of their social skills

New Beginnings at Port Ellen

Events, Primary schools

All the latest news from Port Ellen Primary……
It has been a busy start to the new session at Port Ellen.

Tuesday 28th August: Stephen Baron Plays Haydn
Stephen Baron came to the school of Port Ellen primary to tell us about Haydn a very famous composer and it was very interesting.  We played games with Stephen Baron and we danced to the music and it was very fancy and I want to do it again. My favourite part was when we played instruments with him it was very noisy. Continue reading New Beginnings at Port Ellen →

Susie Wolff films documentary at Park Primary School

Events, Primary schools

Susie Wolff (nee Stoddart) returned to her old Primary School to film her upcoming documentary ‘The Fastest Woman in the World’.

Susie and the BBC2 film crew, led by her brother, David, visited Primary 7s at Park. It was a very exciting afternoon of filming and the children excelled themselves by asking hard-hitting questions and creating new F1 designs for Susie to judge.
The class were certainly star struck and cannot wait to see themselves on TV when the documentary is finished.   Continue reading Susie Wolff films documentary at Park Primary School →

Calm After The Storm

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

Clachan Primary School pupils tackled the aftermath of the flash floods which caused chaos to their village.  The river burst its banks, ripping the road surface and flooding the school playground.
The following day, the pupils formed a village clean-up team to pick up all the debris from the storm and restore the area to its former beauty. The pupils would like to thank the workmen from Argyll and Bute roads department who removed the rubble and silt from their playground.  A real community effort!
Catherine Black, Headteacher

Projects needed for SLF Showcase!

Uncategorized

The Scottish Learning Festival Creative Learning…Creative Thinking
We have lots of plans for the Argyll and Bute stand at the Scottish Learning Festival. One of the most important aspects is to showcase some of the excellent activities in our schools. With this in mind could you please email Fiona Blakey a short paragraph about any of your projects that we could showcase that falls within:

Creative Learning…Creative Thinking. Continue reading Projects needed for SLF Showcase! →

Budding Authors in Easdale

Events, Literacy, Primary schools

Easdale Primary P4-7 enjoyed watching David Walliams during Author Live broadcasting event. This inspired them to create their own characters for David’s new book.  They are excited to be included in Scottish Author Live Blog, which includes a link to their characters. Follow the link to find out more.

http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/blog/learning/2012/08/dear-mr-walliams


 Continue reading Budding Authors in Easdale →

Social Enterprise

Events, Primary schools, Secondary schools, Social Enterprise

Registration is now open for the 2012-2013 Social Enterprise in School Awards.  An email has been sent to all schools detailing the Award Guidelines, Flier and details on last years winners, Colgrain Primary School and Kilmodan Primary School.

More information about Social Enterprise can be found on their website.  http://www.theacademy-ssea.org/

Continue reading Social Enterprise →

Lochdonhead pupils success in the Tobermory Horticultural Show

Events, Expressive arts, Primary schools

All the pupils in Lochdonhead Primary School did a painting for the competition in the Tobermory Horticultural Show.  The paintings were about stormy weather.  We were very pleased to find out we had won three prizes!  Harry won first prize and a token for Tackle and Books; Charlotte won second prize and Ellis won third prize with their great pictures.  We are very impressed and very proud of them.

By Ewan Robertson P7

VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR CAST TWILIGHT CPD EVENTS

CPD, Primary schools, Secondary schools

Feeling like TOPPING UP YOUR TEACHING? EVERYBODY WELCOME!
As part of this year’s Creative Learning Network, CAST has secured funding to hold a series of CPD events in your area. We are delighted to offer FREE places on the following courses:
MAKING CHARACTERS AND TEACHING DRAWING
CREATIVE AND DOCUMENTARY FILM MAKING
COACHING YOUR PUPILS IN DRAMA
KODAMBA: CREATIVE ACTIVE MUSIC MAKING
SEE BELOW FOR VENUE INFORMATION
Continue reading VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR CAST TWILIGHT CPD EVENTS →

Invitation to visit THE BROOCH OF LORN at your local library!

Events, History, Primary schools, School trips, Secondary schools

The Brooch of Lorn is one of the great medieval jewels of Scotland, with a charmstone in its centre which was believed to have magic powers.
As Robert the Bruce fled during battle against the MacDougalls of Dunollie in 1306, he left behind his cloak. Pinned to this was the Brooch. It has been a great prize for the MacDougalls ever since and is still held by the Clan Chief. Originally it would have been a simpler jewel but around the same time as Shakespeare it was transformed into a fabulous silver and pearl brooch. Continue reading Invitation to visit THE BROOCH OF LORN at your local library! →

DGS CLASS COMICS RAISE A LAUGH AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE

Events, School trips, Secondary schools

Every teacher in the country has a story concerning the class comic, but staff at Dunoon Grammar School can now boast about the entire class of comics who took the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm.

Fifteen pupils from the school sacrificed the final day of their summer holidays to attend a comedy workshop at the amazing BBC venue at the Edinburgh Festival on Tuesday, 14 August.

Continue reading DGS CLASS COMICS RAISE A LAUGH AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE →

NEW! FREE TWILIGHT CPD MENU from CAST

CPD

Feeling like TOPPING UP YOUR TEACHING? EVERYBODY WELCOME!
As part of this year’s Creative Learning Network, CAST has secured funding to hold a series of CPD events in your area. We are delighted to offer FREE places on the following courses:
MAKING CHARACTERS AND TEACHING DRAWING
CREATIVE AND DOCUMENTARY FILM MAKING
COACHING YOUR PUPILS IN DRAMA
KODAMBA: CREATIVE ACTIVE MUSIC MAKING Continue reading NEW! FREE TWILIGHT CPD MENU from CAST →

Annual Argyll & Bute Primary Writing Competition

Literacy, Primary schools

In 2011 CAST renovated and relaunched an important art collection held within our schools and last year we ran a successful writing competition using the collection as inspiration.

The competition now OPEN and in its second year and we are delighted to announce it has continued support from Scottish Book Trust.
There will be first, second and third prizes of books for pupils. The winning pupil’s school will also receive £250 worth of books. Winning pieces will be posted online as part of the Argyll Collection website and on SAL. Continue reading Annual Argyll & Bute Primary Writing Competition →