Category Archives: Eco

Class of 2007-2008/2008-2009, Eco, Health & Well Being, Parent Council

Sensory Garden

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One of 5 different sized cylinders

We started this project some time ago with the introduction of large concrete cylinders donated by Barhale.

The weeds grew before we could do much work but this year we started in earnest. First the pupils of Room 15 had to dig out the weeds – that was a real chore – we all got very hot and dirty.

Careful you got dirt on my face!!!
Almost weeded!!!

Next  the children had to plant them up. We managed to do this because MGM Garden Centre kindly donated bulbs and we ordered 2 apple trees with some of the Morrisons vouchers.

That's right, tall ones in the middle!

Then water and water and water……. till…

A colourful show

The children then decided we needed to paint the concrete and they chose to use the Olympic colours. We were able to do this at no cost because of Repaint Scotland who donate paint to projects all over Scotland.

Olympic gardens

This done one of the children pointed out we had no black ring – so the boys brought round the very large tyres from the vegetable garden and hey presto all 5 rings were there.

Great for working or just sitting watching the world go by.

The icing on the cake was the arrival of the benches bought for us by the Parent Council and a little corner of garden heaven was complete… well almost.

You know we gardeners are never satisfied –  so watch this space!

CfE, Classof 2011-2012, Eco, Outings, Uncategorized

Our trip to the Garden Centre

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Primary 1 have been learning all about the Garden Centre. To bring our learning to life we visited Nurseries Direct Garden Centre at Stair. This provided us with a valuable opportunity to see the features of the garden centre and the role of the staff members.

We learned about plug plants

Robert took us around the greenhouses and told us all about the plants and flowers. He even took us to see the ‘dinosaur plant’. It was also known as a ‘monkey puzzle tree’ but he calls it a dinosaur plant because they have been around for many years. We liked to see it but not touch it becuase it was very spiky.

We were glad it wasn't a real dinosaur lurking in the Garden Centre. It was a Monkey Puzzle tree instead. Phew!
Robert taught us about the different types of compost.
We were impressed by all the different types of seeds.

Margo took us around the inside of the Garden Centre. We learned that the Garden Centre does not just sell flowers and plants. She showed us garden tools, pet supplies, bird feeders, gifts, books, toys, ornaments and much much more. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw all the packets of seeds. There were thousands. We learned that some plants can only be planted during certain months and that some need to be planted in different areas of your garden. We bought sunflower seeds to grow back in school.

We liked the farmyard garden ornaments.
We had to be careful near the garden tools as they were all very sharp. Margo told us how some of the tools are used.

After our tour of the Garden Centre we headed to the coffee shop for our snack. We enjoyed milk and shortbread. Many of the children thought this was the highlight of the trip!!

Bailey, Demilea, Callum and Carmen gave Miss Davers the thumbs up as they enjoy their milk and shortbread in the coffee shop. Delicious!
Haili, Rebecca, Emily and Ami are having a great time in the coffee shop.
We bought plants to take back to school. Haili and Rebecca enjoyed carrying the basket together with our lettuce plants.

We had an excellent time at the Garden Centre. Thanks to all at Nurseries Direct! Keep an eye on our blog to see how we become “green fingered!”

Class of 2008-2009, Eco

Global Footprint – Waste

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Primary 5 have just finished an Interdisciplinary theme on an aspect of our Global Footprint looking at litter and waste. As part of this theme the pupils designed recycling bins that would encourage pupils to bin it! The three winning designs have been made into proofs of actual finished products and we would appreciate your comments on your favourite design and slogan to help us decide which bin to have made. The design will be reproduced for use in school and paid for through our clothes recycling campaign – Rag Bag.

The pupils will be voting for thei rfavourite design after Assembly – Good Luck!

CfE, Classes of 2009-2010/2008-2009, Eco, enterprise, Science, Uncategorized

Salmon Leap into Kirkstyle !!!

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An Eggcellent view of 100 salmon eggs!
In go the eggs- all 100

Something fishy was going on in the GP Room this afternoon. A representative of Ayrshire Rivers Trust brought 100 salmon eggs for us to look after and study. Every day the pupils of Primaries 3 and 4 will study the eggs to see how they are developing. Eventually we hope to release our young alevins  into the River Irvine. Wish us luck!!

Eco, Events

Little Schools Birdwatch 16th – 30th January 2012

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Pied Wagtail

Young children have a natural curiosity about the world around them, and the Little Schools’ Birdwatch was a great way to encourage and develop this. Children in Kirkstyle have begun to discover and learn about the different birds that share their outdoor space at school and at home.

Little Schools’ Birdwatch (especially designed for early years classes) and Big Schools’ Birdwatch are schools and groups counterparts to the Big Garden Birdwatch, which the R.S.P.B. has run annually for over 30 years. By joining in, Kirkstyle was participating in the world’s biggest birdwatch!

Blackbird

The Little Schools’ Birdwatch took place over two weeks from 16 -30 January 2012. We had some help along the way, as all cooking classes made bird cake and feeders to hang in the outside spaces. Once completed we sent our results to the R.S.P.B.  they then collect them all together from across the U.K. This helps them to see how birds are doing across the U.K. It also means that the R.S.P.B. can feed back the national results to the pupils along with a certificate of participation.

Spark a lifelong interest in nature and follow our handy hints for successful birdwatching:

  • Start early! Birds are more likely to feed and be easy to spot in the morning.
  • Set up some feeders and some water – in a convenient pace near your windows if possible.
  • You could try to make some speedy bird cake- its a fantastic messy activity! Children love to make it just as much as the birds like to eat it!
  • OR – Why not buy a bird feeder with some bird cake at the Spring Fayre.
  • You could make a ‘hide’ or role play area. Disguise with a sheet or large sheets of paper – remember eye slits to peep out of.
  • If you prefer you could watch from outside, perhaps in the local park, at the beach or a wooded area to spot different species.
These fellows are enjoying a good lunch!