S2 students had a really great trip to Cunningsburgh last week in glorious September Shetland sunshine! Students worked in pairs and in teams as they learned some hugely important techniques and strategies on how to enter the water safely. Activities for the day included a mixture of hiking, climbing, swimming and entries to the water from different heights and angles. The students were hugely supportive of one another and helped each other out at various points across the course. Each student pushed themselves out of their comfort zone and fully embraced the experience. The behaviour and resilience of Whalsay School students was commended by the activity leaders and we look forward to embracing further opportunities for learning with the Outdoor Education team.

A quick snapshot of the various learning activities that are set out as part of the Wider Achievement Program this term. A pleasure to observe and speak to pupils who were developing skills in Gardening, Enterprise, Sports, Music and Party Planning amongst others. Great to see the levels of engagement and interaction amongst the students.

Whalsay school were recently treated to a visit by researchers from Moredun Institute, who brought their scientifically equipped Biobus to deliver highly engaging and immersive lessons to S2 and S3 pupils.

Learners, acting as Disease Detectives, were fortunate to use powerful microscopes and laboratory equipment to learn the process of how to identify and treat liver fluke and round worms in sheep samples.

The researchers also opened their Biobus to the public, offering local farmers the opportunity to have their samples analysed in their mobile laboratory. Primary pupils were also intrigued by the Biobus, and spent their lunch break hearing interesting stories from the researchers.

Pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and knowledge shared by the visiting researchers, with learners reporting they wished they had longer sessions and that they hope they visit again soon!

This visit was jointly organised by Shetland Animal Health Team and Developing the Young Workforce – Shetland team. Placement opportunities available in Edinburgh at the Moredun Research Institute for anyone who is interested (pupils in S4 and up), please get in touch with the school if interested.

Pupil quotes from the Disease Detectives workshop:

“We found it interesting and surprising that there is so many different parasites.”

“The bugs in bottles was cool.”

“We found the DNA station interesting.”

“We enjoyed the blood sample and the microscopes and using the pipette.”

“We found the parasites & dung beetles very interesting and learning how to get rid of them.”

“It was nice to do something different and it was very informative.”

“We’d love to come on a school trip to the Pentlands and see your science centre.”

“We enjoyed your visit so much, it was a blast, everyone had fun.”