Pupils in S1 celebrated St Andrew’s Day in style last week. Over the past two months, all S1 pupils have been studying aspects of life in Scotland in every single subject area. The culmination of their work in ‘Scotland – My Country, My Home, My Heritage’ has included a display of work in the Library. However, the main celebration came on Friday when pupils participated in three activities over the course of the afternoon: pipers Callum Cowan and Kieran Cain and snare-drummers Lachlan Kyle and Scott Esslemont played a Scottish medley while pupils completed a Scottish General Knowledge Quiz, while drinking Irn Bru and eating shortbread; in the Library, pupils belted out ‘Flower of Scotland’ and other popular Anthems; and in the games barn pupils enjoyed a mini-ceilidh under the watchful eye of tartan-clad staff! All of the pupils took part in each of the activities with great enthusiasm and celebrated their National day in true style.

Pupils and staff enjoying the Celebration of Scotland event.

Members of the S4 and S5 Geography classes recently enjoyed a day’s visit to Glasgow to conduct an urban field study. Geography teachers, Mrs Aileen Barrie and Miss Lucy Kelly and student teachers, Mr Gregor Doyle and Mr Philip McCluskey led the party on their day’s observation and research.

The pupils completed a somewhat bracing open top bus City Sightseeing Tour, visiting the old part of Glasgow around the Cathedral and Glasgow Green and the new developments along the Clyde waterfront.

They then carried out fieldwork to find out what attracts shoppers to the city centre malls, the St Enoch’s Centre and Buchanan Galleries. Pupils then completed a visitor survey at the Fort Shopping Centre. The Management Team at the Fort Shopping Centre, who granted permission for the survey to be conducted, has requested a copy of the results of the survey.

Pupils will undertake follow-up activity in class as part of their National 4/5 Added Value Unit. All of the pupils have to be congratulated for being so cheerful throughout on what was one of the coldest field trips ever experienced by a Clyde Valley group!

(From left to right) David Callan, Lucy Rankine, Andrew Murray and Lindsay Macdonald on the streets of Glasgow during their recent urban survey outing.

First year pupils recently enjoyed travelling to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow to participate in a Badminton Festival at the Emirates Arena.

Aaron Green (‘Around the World’), Mark O’Reilly (Agility Test) and Liam McGhie and (Shuttlecock ‘Keepie Uppie’) won the individual skill challenges set for all pupils.  The Clyde Valley group performed with great enthusiasm and attracted plaudits for their good manners and sportsmanship.

Highlight for most was the opportunity to be spectators at the Scottish Open Badminton Championships in the afternoon. Our young players were amazed, and inspired, by the performances of the athletes playing.

The S1 Clyde Valley badminton players take a break from their matches at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.