Category Archives: Outdoor Learning

Fairy Bridge

Early Years, Outdoor Learning

Strath of Appin Pre 5s and two of our Gaidhlig pupils went on an outing to Fasnacloich in Glen Creran.  They went to visit the ‘Fairy Bridge’ …. with a twist.

As the pre 5s interest was learning about dinosaurs, the children had to imagine the bridge looked like something else. Many guessed that it looked like a stegosaurus’ back, and our parent helpers were also impressed with the similarity.  We also discovered what ‘fasnacloich’ meant – ‘the tree in the rock’ – as one helper had local historical knowledge, and a bit of Gaelic, and we went to visit the ‘tree in the rock’, (spot the photo!!).  The weather wasn’t great, but it didn’t stop us, and we look forward to more outdoor sessions throughout the year. Continue reading Fairy Bridge →

Mushroom Hunt

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips,

Barcaldine and Ardchattan Primary school children went along to Sutherlands Grove on Monday afternoon for a Mushroom Hunt.

Robert MacPherson kindly took us through the woods to find a variety of different mushrooms.  We found Amethyst Deceiver, Angel Wings, Jelly babies, Chanterelle, Sickener and the Common Yellow mushroom were just a few of the types we found.

We were all over Sutherlands Grove and found the mushrooms under trees, in the grass, below logs plus we found a few mushroom sticks.

Eilidh & Rianna P7

An “otterly” brilliant day at the Sea Life Centre

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips

As part of their topic about the sea, Lismore Primary School children spent a very enjoyable day at the Oban Sea Life Centre last week.  The two Pre Five children also joined them for the day. The children began their visit with a tour through the various aquaria with aquarist, Innes. They saw all sorts of water animals which live around the local shores including sea urchins, starfish, lobsters and jellyfish.

A large pool contained many different species of flat fish which were well camouflaged on the sandy bottom. There were also cod and coley in the pool and the children were able to get up very close to them!  A rather large conger eel caused great excitement as did a number of different sharks and a very active octopus.

Continue reading An “otterly” brilliant day at the Sea Life Centre →

Campbeltown’s All Weather Pitch Official Opening

Events, Health and Wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

A great morning of sporting events started the proceedings at today’s Official Opening of the Aqualibrium All Weather Pitch in Campbeltown.

 100 primary school children from all over South Kintyre, Young Sports Leaders, Youth Sports Ambassadors and representatives from Argyll & Bute Council, local sports clubs and organisations, all joined together at the Opening Ceremony.  They were led in a parade by the Kintyre Schools Pipe Band. The children were in T-Shirts coloured to represent the 5 colours of the Olympic rings.  They then release coloured balloons (biodegradable of course!) to mark the opening.  It was a wonderful day and all the children really felt part of it.

Continue reading Campbeltown’s All Weather Pitch Official Opening →

Ahoy there me Hearties! Welcome to Pirate School!

Events, Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

Pupils at Carradale Primary had lots of fun taking part in ‘Talk like a pirate day’ …….

We took part in International talk like a pirate day because we are learning about pirates and the sea. We dressed up as pirates and came to pirate school for the day. For our topic we made a pirate ship.  Inside the pirate ship you can make a pirate hat.  You have to measure the persons head.  You can make a pattern with the necklace beads or write a letter to Captain Jack Sparrow.  Last week we went to the beach.  Cameron P2

Continue reading Ahoy there me Hearties! Welcome to Pirate School! →

Strone Primary’s Twin Munro Bagging Champs

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

If you’ve been reading the national press lately you may have seen two of Strone Primary School’s record breaking celebrity pupils!

Our P7 twins, Nuala and Cliona have just completed all 282 munros, breaking records for being the youngest twins, as well as the youngest Scottish girls to complete the challenge.  They completed the 282 together with mum and dad, Neil and Diane, and their dog, Aonach.  The girls started their challenge when they were just four years old, and have been travelling around Scotland ever since, in their quest to “bag” them all.

Continue reading Strone Primary’s Twin Munro Bagging Champs →

Thank You RHET For A Farmtastic Day at Duchlage!

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips

As part of our Food and Farming work P6/5 from Garelochhead Primary visited Duchlage Farm on Luss Estate.  It was a fabulous day and we all had such a great time and learned a lot from all the experts there.  We were able to milk ‘Mable’ the fibre glass dairy cow, make butter, look at various pieces of farming machinery, investigate biodiversity, make delicious venison burgers, learn more about Scotch beef and Scotch lamb. Thank you so much for such a great event!!

Continue reading Thank You RHET For A Farmtastic Day at Duchlage! →

Mid Argyll Orienteering 2012

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips, ,

On the 6th September 2012 the P4-P7s from Lochgilphead Primary took part in the orienteering event organised by Stramash.  The day was held in Kilmory Gardens and attended by many schools from across Mid Argyll.  The four different courses challenged all the children, the longest being 3.6km for the P7 girls and boys.

When you weren’t taking part in the orienteering, there was a natural art competition and a scavenger hunt.  The winners of the natural art competition were Tayvallich Primary.  The fabulous day impressed everyone and Stramash is thanked for the spectacular day and we hope that there will be more to come!

Continue reading Mid Argyll Orienteering 2012 →

SD5 Fitness Club, Oban High School

Health and Wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Secondary schools

As part of their Personal Development Award a  group of students from Oban high School have formed a Fitness Club and have been participating in different aspects of Outdoor Education since returning from their holidays. 

The group have been working with Stramash and have experienced Canoeing in a local Loch and Coasteering at Ganavan Sands.  For many of the group this was very challenging and was fantastic to see them all joining in and coming out of their comfort zones!

Continue reading SD5 Fitness Club, Oban High School →

Intrepid campers on Lismore!

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips

Friday 7th September was Camping Day at Lismore Primary School.  Following the disappointing cancellation of last term’s planned camp due to high winds, everyone was determined that  this one would go ahead – even if there was a little rain!  The children arrived at school with tents and sleeping bags.  Some were a little apprehensive as this would be their first night away from home or in a tent.

During the morning, the children learned a bit about survival skills, finding out about equipment they would need to survive in the wild for the night, and what to do if they were lost or injured in the wild.  They then pitched their tents and made a fireplace before going home. Continue reading Intrepid campers on Lismore! →

Tobermory High – Digging up the Past at the Baliscate Chapel Excavation

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, Secondary schools,

Like other schools on Mull, P3-S2 pupils from Tobermory High recently visited the Baliscate archaeological site for an opportunity to talk to the archaeologists, ask questions and see this fascinating find right on our doorstep.

Secondary pupils took part in a simulated dig in class, before they went to understand how an archaeologist works.  The visit links in with the work secondary pupils complete in Social Subjects and RME on Christianity and Columba.

Continue reading Tobermory High – Digging up the Past at the Baliscate Chapel Excavation →

Shining Bright at Night

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

Road safety officers June Graham and Kay McGhee visited Southend Primary today to talk to the pupils about some new cycling resources which are under development.   The senior pupils hope to use the new resources when they do their cycle training next year.   June and Kay handed out some reflective items for the children to wear and asked them to start thinking about keeping safe on the roads in the darker evenings.

Mince and Tatties

Health and Wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

From plot to plate at Southend Primary.  The children were busy digging the tatties they had planted earlier in the year and pulling some enormous carrots which went straight to our cook for the mince that day. 

Later in the month any produce we have not used will be sold at our MacMillan Coffee Afternoon at the produce stall.

Continue reading Mince and Tatties →

Salen Primary Pupils Baliscate Visit

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips

On Monday 3rd September Salen Primary pupils went to the Baliscate site in Tobermory which is being excavated by Argyll Archaeology and Mull Museum (sponsored by the Nati­­­­­­­­­­­­­onal Lottery and others).   At the site we met Olive and Hylda. Once we were there we saw archaeologists digging for evidence of an old chapel (7th C).   Luckily enough we were able to see the artefacts found in the chapel such as: teeth, the Bullen stone and the Leacht that the cross would stand on, and lots more fascinating and interesting things!   

Continue reading Salen Primary Pupils Baliscate Visit →

Pupil Council Evening Glenbranter Visit

Eco Schools, Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

Last night, 5th of September, as part of their Eco School biodiversity mini project, Dunoon Primary’s new 2012/2013 Pupil Council had the wonderful opportunity to participate in an evening Bat Watch.

Ten pupils from P3-P7 had great fun learning about lots of different species of bats from all over the world at the Forestry Commission Glenbranter, Out Station

Continue reading Pupil Council Evening Glenbranter Visit →

Archaeological dig

History, Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

Pupils from P5,6,7 Bunessan Primary took part in an archaeological dig on Iona with archaeologist Bob Will.  The dig is taking place all this week on land owned by the Iona Housing trust who are currently developing proposals for 5 new affordable houses on the Glebe Field site for the community of Iona.  The children enjoyed learning new skills and eagerly quizzed Bob about what had been found and what they might hope to find.

Continue reading Archaeological dig →

Rhunahaorine Garden Gang

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

Rhunahaorine School and Pre 5 Unit had a busy day on Thursday 30th of August.
Parents, friends, children and staff at the school and pre 5 unit all mucked in to help tidy up the playground after the summer holidays. Baskets and tubs were weeded and planted, the compost was turned and our goalposts were painted. Volunteers even trimmed the jaggy bushes at the front entrance to the school!

Continue reading Rhunahaorine Garden Gang →

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.

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! →