Powering Up Our Learning at Tongland Power Station ⚡💧
P4–7 pupils had an amazing trip to Tongland Power Station this week, joined by Portpatrick P4–6. Together we explored how water can be turned into electricity – and got to see some fascinating history and engineering up close!
Inside the old manager’s office, pupils handled artefacts such as vintage phones, radios, safes and check-in cards. Everyone loved trying on the old uniforms and imagining what it would have been like to work at the station years ago.
We also learned about hydropower – how the Galloway Hydro Scheme uses rivers, lochs, mountains and rainfall to produce renewable energy. Our guides explained the whole process using big interactive screens and models.
Next, we headed up to the dam, where the flood gates were open and we could see the huge rush of water flowing out. Because the water and wind were so loud, everyone wore headsets here to hear the guides clearly. The guides also showed us the fish ladder, built so salmon can swim upstream to lay their eggs each year – a brilliant example of how engineering and nature work together. 🌊🐟
The children asked brilliant questions throughout the visit and loved spotting how the water journeyed from the loch to the power station. It was a fantastic day of STEM learning in real life, and we came back buzzing with ideas for our own science and geography lessons.
A big thank you to the staff at Tongland Power Station for their warm welcome and brilliant explanations – and to our staff and volunteers for making the trip possible.
UNCRC Articles
- Article 12 – Right to be heard: pupils shared ideas and asked questions throughout the visit.
- Article 24 – Right to a safe and healthy environment: learning about how renewable energy protects our world.
- Article 29 – Right to education that develops talents and respect for the environment: the trip deepened pupils’ understanding of sustainability and community responsibility.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: understanding how hydro power works in our area.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: learning how renewable energy can help reduce climate change.
- SDG 14 & 15 – Life Below Water & Life on Land: seeing how the fish ladder helps salmon and supports local wildlife.
SHANARRI Indicators
- Safe: listening carefully to guides at the dam and following safety instructions.
- Responsible: respecting equipment, wearing headsets, and looking after one another.
- Included: working alongside Portpatrick pupils and sharing experiences.
- Achieving: gaining real-life STEM knowledge about renewable energy and conservation.
Meta-skills
- Curiosity: asking great questions about how electricity is made.
- Collaboration: working with classmates and Portpatrick pupils to complete activities.
- Critical Thinking: linking what they saw to what they know about science and geography.
- Leadership: older pupils guiding and supporting younger ones during the tour.
Strands of Faith
- Signs of God – recognising God’s presence in the world through creation and the power of nature.
- Word of God – reflecting on how we care for the world and its resources, following Jesus’ teaching of stewardship.
- Reign of God – exploring how communities can work together to live more sustainably and care for all creation.
