Primary 4 and 5 pupils enjoyed a jaunt into Stranraer Academy this morning.
They went to watch a performance by “Theatre in schools”. The performance today was called “Up to speed”, and the 2 performers captivated the whole audience for an hour. The children later got to try out some of the drama techniques they used in their performance . This performance was enjoyed by all Primary schools in the Stranraer cluster.
What a week it has been! Scotland’s First Maths Week has been, in the eyes of the pupils and staff, a ROARING success!!
Toady, Kirkcolm and Leswalt Primary headed over to Portpatrick to enjoy some fun time with new friends, online ICT games, creating responses for D&G Maths Competition and a wonderful workshop form Computer Xplorers. This involved using a coding program and Lego to create motorised models. The children spoke really enthusiastically about this!
The children had an action-packed day as the photos below show!
On September 15th 1817, Corsewall Lighthouse began its story. Kirkman Finlay, a Glasgow merchant, had lobbied in 1814 for a lighthouse to be built at the mouth of Loch Ryan as he was losing his ships, cargo and crew to the unforgiving rocks nearby.
And so we have our very own piece of history in our local area! The P5-7 pupils of Leswalt and Portpatrick, and P6/7 of Kirkcolm were very privileged to be invited by John Ross and the Northern Lighthouse Board for an unprecedented tour of the lighthouse to wish it a very happy 200th birthday!
And what a visit! The pupils (and lucky accompanying adults!) got to watch a slideshow about the work of the Northern Lighthouse Board from its infancy to the present day. We learnt about the slightly older methods of lighting the lighthouse; coal, paraffin, candles and gas to the latest LED bulbs.
Dr Millar, retained Lighthouse Keeper, has a number of lighthouses in South West Scotland under his charge, with Corsewall being one of them. He took the children in small groups up to the top of the lighthouse and explained about the unique flashing pattern of this lighthouse and the maintenance jobs which he has to do. Incredibly, Corsewall Lighthouse was not automated until the mid-90s!
What a wonderful morning we all had! The children also received a pencil, bookmark and ruler to commemorate their visit. Many thanks to John and Jean Ross for thinking of us, and to Dr Millar and the Northern Lighthouse Board representatives for their guided tour and information session.
Oh and keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming issue of Our Wigtownshire as there will be an article on Corsewall Lighthouse in it with possibly some photos of people you might know!!
And so the fun continues…
This afternoon we were delighted to welcome parents in to join us in using our logic, problem solving and maths skills to play some board games. From totting up points scores for quoits to counting skills for Ludo, to elimination strategies being used for Guess Who and thinking ahead tactics for dominoes and Connect 4 – it was a busy, action-packed and very enjoyable afternoon. The boys and girls had a fabulous time playing with their schoolmates and guests, whilst using lots of Maths and Numeracy into the bargain – it was a win-win!
Many thanks to Louise Jamieson, Gael Gaw, Morag Scott and Donna and Jamie MacDonald for joining us! Much appreciated.
Check out the snaps below to get a flavour of some of the fun we had!
Many thanks to Margaret Baillie (Primary Mental Health Support Worker) for joining P5-7 in class the last two Tuesdays and leading the pupils in discussion about mental health, discrimination and stigma. The boys and girls have demonstrated a very responsible and mature attitude when discussing health issues which are not always visible to others looking on. We have chatted about emotions and why it is good to share any worries and concerns. The pupils also thought about songs and activities which they might turn to if they were ever feeling a bit out-of-sorts.
The boys and girls have got a little leaflet pack home with them with some hints and tips about maintaining a positive mental health. It really is good to talk!
Day two of Maths Week Scotland at Leswalt Primary and it’s all go, go, go!
From maths songs and raps, online Maths games to outside decimal games fun! This afternoon, we all enjoyed a speed-dating experience with a Maths twist finding out about how number and maths is used out in the wider world (many, many thanks to the parents and friends who gave up their time to be part of this – much appreciated!)
Mrs Henry’s Maths puzzle page has gone home to invite everyone to join in and try to solve the number conundrums! There’ll be a prize draw at the end of the week for this.
And that’s just the beginning….
Tomorrow it’s time for some board games fun – getting those games looked out and get ready to use your logic! On Thursday there’ll be more maths and number fun to be had in class. And on Friday, well we’re heading off to spend time as a trio at Portpatrick Primary and will find out more about Lego Robotics! Wow! Excited? I know I am!
We’ve uploaded just a few snaps below to show some of the fun we’ve had so far. More to follow…..
On Monday the 11th of September, Leswalt Primary P6&7 joined lots of other schools to enjoy to take part a Triathlon and Drama production at Stranraer Academy. Everyone did really well in the triathlon – it was quite an experience! We all got a medal and a cup of water at the end!Once we were changed, we headed off to the Assembly hall for a drama production. It was about the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts. It was really fun and interesting. There were only two actors to re-enact this story. They did a brilliant job!
All in all, it was a busy and very enjoyable morning. What a way to start off a week!
Report by Kayleigh and Alistair
Primary 1-4 at Leswalt Primary have been enjoying their electricity topic.
Recently they have been ;
Moving about like electrons, to show how a current works,
playing matching games with electrical circuit symbols
Drawing their own circuit diagrams
Testing for insulators and conductors
Thinking about electrical safety
Making up their own circuits to get bulbs glowing.
Have a look at all the active learning our little scientists have been up to!
This afternoon, Andrew Giusti popped by to share some experiences of his job as a councillor. He explained his reasons for becoming involved in politics and talked about the importance of being able to listen to others, be respectful and tolerant of the opinions of others and the importance of being able to express your views clearly and sensibly.
The pupils asked lots of very sensible questions and this has really added to their understanding of what goes on in the world around them. Alex Fergusson (former MSP) is coming into visit later on in the term too.
Following some fantastic application forms to become a member of the Pupil Council, Mrs Henry has elected 7 new representatives for the coming academic year. The successful applicants are; P1 – Hamish McGregor, P2 – Tristan Millar, P3 – Breagh Kirkpatrick, P4 – Jack Cloy, P5 – Erin Jamieson, P6 – Jenna Calderwood and P7 – Ethan Smith. Well done to all of you 
The pupil council will meet with Mrs Henry at least one per term to discuss important issues involving them and their school. They will have the chance to voice their opinions on how to make Leswalt school even better and can also represent the views of all the other pupils too. Health and safety and learning and teaching are always on the agenda at each meeting.
