Rock climbing was an excellent activity for our young adventurers today. It helped our children improve their coordination, strength, and determination. As they navigated different climbing routes, they learned to set goals and overcome challenges—boosting their confidence with every step. Well done everybody!
Abseiling
Abseiling was a thrilling experience that taught pupils to trust themselves and others. As they descended a rock face with the help of a rope and harness, they built courage and learned the importance of following instructions carefully. It was a fantastic way to conquer fears and develop self-reliance.
Problem-Solving Games and Challenges
From team-building tasks to logic puzzles, problem-solving activities encouraged creative thinking and cooperation. Whether pupils were working together to crack the code or solving riddles during their ‘rob the bank’ task, these challenges promoted communication, patience, and perseverance.
These adventure activities provided the perfect mix of fun and learning, helping children grow in confidence and teamwork. Well done on finding your treasures boys and girls!
Orienteering: A Lesson in Teamwork and Resilience and conquering fears on the climbing wall
We’ve participated in an orienteering session, and the echildren learned al sorts of life skills including shelter, sense of direction and teamwork and leadership. Watching the pupils race around forrest, solving problems, and working together was great to see.
The girls started off on the climbing wall. They tackled the wall fantastically well. For some, it was a chance to show their agility, while for others, it was a battle against self-doubt.
Wee stopped for a bite to eat at lunch. Everybody managed to get fed in some shape or form. The choices were chilli con carne and vegetable lasagne.
Wee finished off the night with some hockey in the games hall which the children really enjoyed. Here’s some photo’s of today’s activities.
Article 31: Right to Rest, Leisure, Play
Article 24: Right to health services
Article 29: Access to Education
Metaskills: self-management & Emotional Resilience, Critical thinking, Problem solving
Our community came together to celebrate Mrs. Henry’s milestone of 25 years of wonderful service to Portpatrick Primary. Families and staff, past and present, joined us for a surprise get-together to recognise Mrs H’s fabulous contribution over the years.
There were speeches, a special poem, a song, messages, cards and flowers gifted to the special lady. Everyone enjoyed a buffet lunch with cake and treats galore with delicious home baking treats to enjoy for afters – yum!
Congratulations Mrs H. Long may your reign continue!
St .Joseph’s R.C. primary hosted an inter-schools K’nex engineering challenge today as part of the Glasgow Science Festival. Two pupils from our cluster schools came together from the following primaries:
St. Joseph’s R.C. Primary
Portpatrick Primary
Drummore Primary
Sandhead Primary
Park Primary
Leswalt Primary
Kirkcolm Primary
Sheuchan Primary
The children were set an engineering design and construction project to make a free standing exercise bike for a gym. The specification was that the exercise must have:
2 wheels that spin when the pedals are turned
A length of no more than 2 grey construction rods
A seat for the rider
Handlebars
Wheels fixed in a frame for static peddling
Marks Sheering from Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) and Sheena, STEM ambassador joined us to be our judges. It wasn’t an easy task, as the children had been very creative and inventive with their constructions.
The activity helped promote the development of metaskills for learning, life and work.
Adam said that the most challenging part was building the bike so the wheels turned. Arran enjoyed making the pedals.
First place was awarded to Leswalt with Sandhead runners up.
Everyone agreed that everyone was a winner with their sterling effort.
God’s Loving Plan – In the Image of God( RERC 2-02a)
UNCRC Rights of the Child: Article 15 – Joining Groups, 29 – Aims of Education
Today, our primary children took part in outdoor maths learning sessions, combining fresh air with hands-on problem-solving. Pupils explored key concepts such as measurement, shapes, and multiplication in a natural environment. Activities included estimating and measuring lengths of sticks, creating geometric patterns with natural materials, and solving real-life word problems about distance.
This interactive approach not only deepened their mathematical understanding but also enhanced teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Children were highly engaged, applying their skills in meaningful, practical ways with parents who came along to participate in the session. Well done everyone and thanks to the DG OWL team for leading the session.
UNCRC: 29 – Aims of Education, 28 – Access to Education
Today, Portpatrick primary school pupils enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on mulching project in the school orchard. Equipped with shovels, wheelbarrows, and gloves, the children worked together to spread organic mulch around the plants. The activity not only helped to enrich the soil and suppress weeds but also taught pupils the importance of sustainable gardening.
Through this practical experience, the children learned about improving plant health and conserving moisture, linking the project to their science curriculum on ecosystems. The children showed great teamwork and effort, and everyone was eager to contribute. Well done everyone and thanks very mulch to Norvel Dampney who assisted the children.
Metaskills: Focusing + Collaborating
UNCRC: 6 – Life, Survival and Development. 24 – health, water, food and environment.
Representatives from Primary 7 from both schools went along to enjoy an afternoon at the annual Burns Rotary Club lunch at the North West Castle. Pupils from each cluster school were there to share a lovely meal of lentil soup followed by fish and chips. After lunch, guest speaker, Mr Alex Ross, shared some insights into Robert Burns’ life to entertain us. He then recited To a Mouse with great gusto.
There was an opportunity for partnership pupils to enjoy social time together, before returning to school for the end of the day. The pupils represented their schools well as responsible citizens. Who knows, we may have some Rotary Club members of the future!
UNCRC Rights of the Child: Article 15 – Joining Groups, 31 – Culture
Portpatrick Primary hosted a great Scots Celebration Assembly to honour the life and work of Robert Burns and contemporary Scots poets and song writers. The event was a great showcase of the pupils’ talent, creativity, and hard work, and it truly brought our school community together.
The children were judged in three areas:
Handwriting: Pupils carefully handwrote their entire poem, showcasing their dedication and attention to detail.
Artwork: Pupils created or drew beautiful pieces inspired by their chosen poems, highlighting their creativity and artistic skills.
Poem Recitals: The children performed their poem with enthusiasm and confidence in front of the school community.
We were delighted to have Mr and Mrs Ross as our judges again this year. Thank you to them for giving their time and expertise to this special event. Mr Ross gave an excellent recitation of To A Mouse and shared interesting context to the creation of the poem by Rabbie Burns.
All our pupils did a great job, and the effort they put in was clear to see. A huge congratulations to all the winners, and well done to every pupil for their hard work and commitment. You have made us proud!
The children added to the celebration by singing Scottish songs, filling the hall with joy and a sense of national pride. There was even a wee dance performed by some of our senior girls. As a highlight of the assembly, the winners from each class recited their poems for everyone to enjoy.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our families who supported their children at home and attended the event to make it even more special. Your involvement means so much to us, and we hope you enjoyed the celebration as much as we did.
Please see below for photos of this memorable event. We are already looking forward to next year’s Scots Celebration Assembly!
UNCRC Rights:
Article 13: Freedom of expression – Pupils expressed themselves creatively through poetry, art, and performance.
Article 29: Goals of education – The event helped pupils develop their talents and abilities.
Article 31: Right to relax, play, and participate in cultural activities – Pupils engaged in cultural celebrations and artistic activities.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 4: Quality Education – Promoting literacy, creativity, and public speaking.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ensuring all pupils had the opportunity to participate and be celebrated.
SDG 16: Strong Institutions – Strengthening community ties through shared cultural appreciation.
Meta-skills Used:
Focusing: Pupils worked carefully on handwriting and recitation.
Integrity: They demonstrated honesty and pride in their work.
Adapting: Children adapted to performing in front of an audience.
Initiative: They took responsibility for preparing and practising their pieces.
Communicating: Pupils expressed ideas effectively in their recitations.
Feeling: They showed passion and enthusiasm during performances.
Collaborating: Classes worked together to sing Scottish songs.
Creativity: Pupils created unique artwork inspired by their poems.
Critical Thinking: They interpreted poems to convey meaning during recitals.
Sense-making: Pupils connected their learning to Scottish heritage and culture.
SHANARRI Indicators Covered:
Safe: Pupils were supported to perform in a nurturing environment.
Healthy: Engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being.
Achieving: Developing and showcasing their skills.
Nurtured: Receiving encouragement to grow and succeed.
Respected: Their contributions were valued and celebrated.
Responsible: Pupils took ownership of their preparation and work.
Included: Every child’s efforts were recognised as part of the event.
Today the school extended a warm welcome to nursery pupils who will be enrolling in our school this year or next year. The current P1s did a fantastic job of introducing the youngsters around the school and played with them in the playroom. They did various activities including modelling with playdoh, counting with a till, making food and drinks and getting used to their new surroundings for the future.
SHANARRI – Included and Safe
UNCRC – 28 – Access to Education. 12 – Respect for Children’s Views.
On the last day of term before the Christmas holidays, Reverend Breakey came into the school to make Christingles.
This gave the children a sense of association between the birth of Christ, the light that is shared and the love that is spread around the world – indicated by the red tape. The candles and sweets signify the fruits of earth and the four seasons.
The children thoroughly enjoyed their task and we thank Rev. Breakey once again for all she does for our school!
UNCRC – Article 14: Freedom of thought, belief and religion. Article 29: goals of education.
Metaskills: focused, collaboration, empathy and creative.
