Whalsay School

This year marks 200 years since the RNLI was funded in 1824. To mark this occasion and show our appreciation to the essential work of the RNLI, saving lives at sea, we decided to host a Fish and Chip Fundraiser where pupils at Whalsay School could showcase their work on what they have been learning in relation to the RNLI this term.

The Primary Pupil council wrote letters to Whalsay skippers asking for haddocks or a donation for essentials for the fundraiser and we were blown away with the support from the local fishermen.

Secondary

S2 CDEG looked at technological developments relating to the RNLI, and the different classes of lifeboat. They used graphic skills to make timelines to show when different vessels and equipment were introduced. They used a grid to create a large map of the UK and Ireland showing locations of lifeboat stations and considered why different classes are suitable for different locations.

They also learned about the Ben Doran and St Sunniva, both wrecked in 1930, which highlighted the need for lifeboats to be stationed in Shetland.

The S3 module class looked at the need for lifeboats by researching local stories such as the Marion Chilcott rescue in 1920. They then looked at the histories of the two local lifeboats stations at Aith and Lerwick and focused on the medals awarded to their crews. Famous rescues they found out about included the rescue of the Green Lily crew in 1997. This social history was intended to complement the work of S2 CDEG class did on the technological development of the lifeboats through the years.

S3 Art pupils also made beautiful models of various lifeboats.

Primary

Primary 1/2 learned about lifeguards helping on beaches as well as the lifeboat and crew.  They enjoyed a story about a dog being saved and it gave them ideas for their own pictures and stories about the RNLI helping save lives.

Primary 3/4’s topic this term was the RNLI and they have done lots of research work including the history and timeline of the RNLI, looking at different classes of lifeboats and the Grace Darling Story. They have learned about beach safety and the meaning of different flags. Pupils also learned about the Lerwick Lifeboat and looked at the Green Lily rescue and the medals that were awarded. Pupils also designed and made their own bravery medals. Next week, P3/4 are looking forward to their trip to the museum to see artefacts of life saving in Shetland.

Primary 4/5/6 drew pictures of various lifeboats and wrote stories about lifeboat rescues as part of their National Writing Program daily writes.

Primary 6/7 looked at the role of the RNLI during WW2 highlighting their contribution to Operation Dynamo, where they helped evacuate stranded troops from Dunkirk.

As well as a fantastic exhibition of learning, RNLI mascot Stormy Stan made an appearance, Secondary 3 pupils ran a ‘Spot the Ted’ using the old map of Whalsay and Hazel and Linda from the Lerwick RNLI shop came up with a huge selection of items for sale. We greatly appreciated that they took the time to come up to the fundraiser, and to thank them Mr.Healy presented Linda and Hazel with the 2 needle felted hooks made by secondary pupils.

The management team would like to thank and congratulate Staff and pupils from Whalsay School for their hard work to get the exhibition of learning ready and to the staff and S3 pupils who helped at the event and stayed back to tidy up. As a school we would like to thank the Whalsay skippers and their crews for the incredibly kind donations of haddocks and money to buy supplies for the event.  We would also like to thank Beth and Diane for staying on after school to lead the cooking and to the Parent Council for their support and help in the canteen. Finally, thank you to the wider local community for coming to the school for their fish and chips, celebrating the bairns’ learning and supporting a very worthwhile charity.

The final total is an amazing £2740 and will be split between both local stations and the national RNLI charity.