The boys and girls in Primary 5-7 at Kirkcolm Primary set off on Monday morning to Stronord Outdoor Education Centre in Kirroughtree Forest for an overnight residential stay. Accompanied by Mrs McHarg and Mrs Becky Richardson, the group had a fabulous time and participated in lots of new experiences including orienteering and mountain biking.
Our first day involved a 5-mile walk up Larg and Knockean Hills near Creetown in the glorious sunshine, led by instructors David, Ed and Robbie. On route, pupils explored the Kirkmabreck churchyard and ruins and the abandoned Fell Quarries and enjoyed the beautiful scenic views on offer. Despite the long distance, pupils didn’t grumble once proving their Growth Mindset!
Once back at the centre, pupils were tasked with making their beds – and for some, what a task this was!! We also had a little surprise hiding in the boys’ bathroom in the form of a bat, which Mrs Richardson kindly removed and put outside! After a delicious dinner cooked by Carole, we headed to the park for a game of rounders and football. By this time pupils were exhausted so we settled down in our PJs with some hot chocolate to watch the film ‘Johnny English’ before bed and everyone was asleep by 11pm, much to the adults’ delight!!
The next morning the boys were up first for breakfast and the sleepy girls had to be woken up at 8am. Pupils split into 2 groups for orienteering and mountain biking in Kirroughtree Forest. There was a light drizzle of rain, but this didn’t deter pupils at all! Pupils turned into detectives during orienteering to read the maps and find the markers scattered around the forest, with Katie Butler recording the fastest time during the final challenge of just over 8 minutes. Pupils experienced various mountain bike trails of differing challenge and developed their skills in balance and control whilst going downhill on rocky tracks and muddy paths.
Pupils arrived back at Kirkcolm tired but full of amazing stories to share – an experience they won’t forget any time soon.
Huge thanks to Becky Richardson for giving up her time to accompany us – take a peek at the photos below.
