Mid Argyll Children Celebrate World Sports Day

Active Schools, Events, Health and Wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Primary schools

A huge gathering of 400 children came together on Monday 25th June at Lochgilphead Joint Campus to celebrate World Sports Day.  Aged between 5 and 12 years, the children took part in a raft of sports, all skilfully organised by Jillian Gibson, Mid Argyll’s awesome Active Schools Coordinator.  The children, ably assisted by sports instructors, teachers, S4-6 students, classroom assistants and parent helpers, took part in shinty, rugby, football, handball, hockey, games and the annual inter-school relay races.

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Dunbeg Primary – Seafari Adventure

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips

On Friday 22nd June P5-7 pupils from Dunbeg Primary travelled to Easdale to go on a Seafari Adventure. First of all everyone got kitted up in waterproofs and lifejackets. After safety instructions we hopped onto the boats.

We were about to witness a world of wildlife … red deer galloping up hills, oyster catchers diving for food, huge salmon leaping out of the water and so much more!

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Social Enterprise Award for Kilmodan Primary

Primary schools, School trips, Social Enterprise

It was an early start for pupils, parents and staff of Kilmodan Primary as they made their way to Edinburgh on Tuesday 19th June.  Mrs Hawkins and the P6 children were heading to The Hub to meet Mr John Swinney MSP who awarded them with the Social Enterprise in Schools Award.  The award is in recognition of our very successful tearoom venture which we have been running monthly in the school.  Only last week we attended The Scottish Education Awards at the Glasgow Hilton as finalists in the ‘Enterprise and Employability across Learning’ category, also for our successful tearoom. 

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KILCREGGAN P1 CLASS VISIT BALLAGAN GARDEN CENTRE

Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips

Our Primary 1 class visited Ballagan Garden Centre and Birds of Prey Centre last week. Everybody had a fantastic time. The pupils were shown how to plant-up and each child was given a pot plant to bring home. They then went on to visit the Birds of Prey Centre where they met owls and falcons. What a great day!

We would like to thank Thomas Callaghan and his team at the Garden Centre and Stewart and his team at the Birds of Prey Centre for making our day so special.
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The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Events, Expressive arts, Secondary schools

A group of 40 Tobermory High School pupils, ranging from P4 – S6, recently took to the stage to deliver their annual school show. The cast delivered two polished performances in the Aros Hall, Tobermory, in front of two packed houses. The production was directed by Social Subjects teacher, Ryan Lowe, ably supported by many members of staff and the wider community. The cast will be singing a selection of songs at the school’s annual Celebration of Achievement, which marks the end of term. Bravo to all involved!
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Tobermory and Tiree High Schools Visit Paris and Ypres

School trips, Secondary schools,

S3/4 students from Tobermory and Tiree High Schools bonded on a recent trip to Paris and Ypres. They spent the day at Euro Disney where Space Mountain was the most popular ride (with students!). All pupils and staff also managed the exhausting climb up the 264 steps of the spiral staircase to the top of the Arc de Triomphe where they had a more unusual view of the Eternal Flame as well as stunning views of the Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower. They completed the Paris leg of the trip with a visit to Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and the Stade de France. Continue reading Tobermory and Tiree High Schools Visit Paris and Ypres →

Definitions of Creativity

Debate

Definitions of Creativity
#1…..Inventiveness!

“Necessity… the mother of invention.” (Plato)
The story of human progress has arguably been a story of inventiveness. Where there was no wheel, there came a wheel. Where there was no printing press there came a printing press. Once there were no schools and then we invented schooling.
How have you been inventive recently? Continue reading Definitions of Creativity →

DGS Art Exhibition at Chatters Restaurant, Dunoon

Events, Expressive arts, Secondary schools

Dunoon Grammar’s Art Department are pleased to present the first summer exhibition of students’ work at Chatters Restaurant, Dunoon running from mid June till August.

The exhibition comprises of work by S2 (ceramic tiles), Intermediate and Higher pupils, with ages ranging from 13 years upwards. The main presentation of work, including jewellery is pieces produced by students as part of their final folio submission for both expressive and design practical activities, reflecting the high standard attained by pupils at the school. Continue reading DGS Art Exhibition at Chatters Restaurant, Dunoon →

Colgrain Proudly Receives Social Enterprise Award

Events, Primary schools, Social Enterprise

On Tuesday 19th of June five pupils from Colgrain Primary School, which is located in Helensburgh, travelled all the way to Edinburgh, on the train to collect an award from the Scottish Social Enterprise Academy. They were presented the award by John Swinney MSP who is the finance secretary. There were 27 other schools there to receive their own Social Enterprise Award. All the schools had something different to show but Colgrain was the only school to open up a stationery shop, called Sharpen, in their school.

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“Robert McLaren Memorial Trophy”

Events, Health and Wellbeing, Secondary schools


On Thursday 21st June Glencruitten Hostel held the annual Robert McLaren memorial football match. Kinlochleven travelled to Oban to play against the Glencruitten Hostel team, a good game was had by all and the hostel boys ensured the trophy stayed with them for the second year running.

The match was held to commemorate the life of Robert McLaren, a former hostel and Oban High School pupil from Kintra, Isle of Mull who lost his life while serving with the Black Watch 3rd Battalion in Afghanistan in 2009. All proceeds from the day were donated to the help for heroes fund.

Port Ellen Go Golfing

Health and Wellbeing, Outdoor Learning, Primary schools, School trips

On Monday afternoon Primary 4 & 5 were lucky enough to have a trip to the Machrie golf course on Islay to practice their golfing skills. Shona Ramsey had spent the term teaching them to putt, chip and hit the ball in the correct way, but it was so much better to get an opportunity to have a shot on a real golf course. The Machrie is in a beautiful setting right by the sea and it was a very calm and peaceful way to spend the afternoon. Some groups practiced putting with Mrs Clark, some chipping with Shona and some got to have a go on the real course with real clubs with Mr Gairns! Continue reading Port Ellen Go Golfing →

Oban Pupils Pay Tribute to Local Heros

School trips, Secondary schools

From the 10th – 15th June 2012, 40 S4 pupils from Oban High School took part in the school’s annual Battlefields Trip.  The pupils visited a variety of sites associated with the First World War including the best preserved trenches on the Western Front at Sanctuary Wood, near Ypres, the famous Thiepval monument at the Somme and on the last night they attended the Menin Gate ceremony and laid a wreath in memory of those who had died during the Great War.

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Jubilee Jubilations at Bowmore Primary

Events, Primary schools

Despite being a wee bit late, on Wednesday 13th June, ourwonderful catering staff cooked, baked and created a magnificent buffet – fit for the Queen herself!

As soon as we had sung ‘God Save the Queen’, the children and staff tucked into the most delicious food – smashing sausage rolls, vol-au-vents, coronation chicken, sausages, chicken wings, super sandwiches, scrummy salads and much more.  Tables groaned under the weight of the food!

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Outstanding Mid Argyll Pupils!

Events, Expressive arts, Primary schools, Secondary schools

Teachers all over Scotland are currently trying to find creative, inspiring and meaningful ways to implement Curriculum for Excellence in their schools.
We all know we want our pupils to be confident, to be effective contributors in their local community, to be responsible citizens who understand the merits of teamwork and successful learners who achieve the highest standards.
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Recent Enterprise visits at Innellan Primary School

Events, Health and Wellbeing, Interdisciplinary, Primary schools

On Monday 18 June 2012 pupils at Innellan Primary School, as part of their Health & Wellbeing “National Smile Month” project activities, were delighted to welcome again our two dental nurses Fiona and Rhona from Dunoon Community Hospital. All P1 – P5 pupils were encouraged to participate in a mini drama session where they were allowed to dress up as a dentist or a dental nurse and carry out a mouth inspection using real dental tools. The excellent “Curriculum for Excellence” workshop concluded with all pupils receiving super “goody bags” which were very gratefully received. Continue reading Recent Enterprise visits at Innellan Primary School →

Mr Cuddles’ New Home

Primary schools, School trips, Science

There is a new arrival to Kilchrenan Primary’s P1 class, much to delight of one particular pupil.

During the Oban Festival of the Sea, the P1/2 class visited the Hutton Institute’s displays on windpower, the Marine Lab’s exhibition on algae and seaweed, and the land of Japan through the story teller. As part of the event, pupils were asked to suggest a name for a very desirable seal & pup soft.
The winner of the competition was Sarah MacIntyre who received her toy, Mr Cuddles, through the post on Thursday. And yes, we realise that it might be Mrs Cuddles!