Author: Mr McFarlane

https://www.opalexplorenature.org/bugscountToday the John Muir group conducted a bug count survey within the school grounds. The results were then submitted online to add to the national database. Notable finds included Ladybirds, centipedes, peacock butterflies and unfortunately New Zealand Flatworms.

 

Well done to all of the pupils that took part in the regional cross country event held at Kirroughtree. Their attitude and effort throughout the event was exceptional.

A fantastic effort by William Nash earned him a second placed finish in the S4 boys race (3 miles), Josh got a well placed 13th in the S3 boys (2.5 miles) and Andrew Ramsay got a creditable mid-place finish in the same race. Isobel Stevenson and Danny Jardine finished near the lower end of the field for their races (S1 girls – 1 mile and S2 boys – 2 miles).

All of our runners worked very hard and did not give up when faced by the  very challenging conditions before them. All were of great credit to the school, congratulations to all who took part.

The school has registered to take part in the My Place photography competition. Run by the Scottish Civic Trust it encourages young people to look at and explore their built environments in a creative way. Closing date for entries is the 22nd of February 2019.

My Place Photography

 

 

The John Muir group have been learning about the stories and legends associated with the town and surrounding area. Galloway story teller, Tony Bonning, brought the stories to life as we visited the parts of the town where the stories took place. Many thanks to Tony for passing on his knowledge and entertaining us on a crisp winters day.

Working towards their John Muir Discovery Award saw the Wednesday Afternoon Activities group visit Bellymack Hill Farm. The group witnessed the spectacular sight of the Red Kites being fed at the farm. Many thanks to RSPB community liaison officer Callum Murray for giving the group an insight into the reintroduction of the Red Kites in the area. Also thank you to Shalla Gray at the Crighton Carbon Centre who helped to organise the visit.

This Wednesday the John Muir Group visited RSPB Ken Dee. Here we were lucky enough to get up close to and take some great pictures of the birds that frequent the reserve. We now all know a coal tit from a blue tit.

Congratulations to Danny, Ruben and Reece on achieving their John Muir Discovery Awards. The boys had to explore their local environment, discover new places and get involved with conservation work in the local area.

Many thanks to Carlingwark Outdoor Education, Crystal Maw at RSPB Ken Dee and the Galloway Glens Partnership for helping us achieve the award.

Many thanks to all pupils and staff who helped end the year on a fun note with our annual secondary dance.

S4 Biology and Geography students recently enjoyed a two day residential trip to the Scottish Field Studies Centre on the isle of Cumbrae. The students carried out a range of field work activities that allowed them to gather and process their own data. The skills gained will be put to   good use in National 5 and Higher assignments.

S4 students were put through their paces during their mock interviews. Natural Power recruitment specialist Kelly Innes interviewed the students in a process designed to match the challenges presented by a modern application process. The application and interview experience will form part of the Employability qualification that all of the current S4 are working towards.