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Category: Calderwood
P6 Trip to the Oriam @Herriot Watt University
The Trip to the Oriam – March 2024
To begin to explore the topic of Global Goals, we arranged a trip for our pupils in Primary 6’s to go to the Oriam at University to hear from some marine experts to learn about how sea life, in particular, whales were impacted by human behaviour.
The groups had two experiences, one being able to go inside the body of a life size blow up whale and the other visiting the Robotarium to hear from, and see in action, a real life whale robot which has been used to capture data about whales within the seas and oceans surrounding Scotland.
During the trip we were able to handle some real life bones, skulls and baleen. We were amazed at the sizes of the bones and tried to imagine the size of some of the larger whales, some as long as the hall we were in.
A marine biologist that specialises in understanding the behaviours of orcas was also really interesting. We looked at the sizes and shapes of fins to establish there gender and where they might come from. Their markings were all different and they had lots of different shaped heads and skulls depending on what they ate.
On our way back to the bus, we got to see around the university.
It was an interesting trip but we are now aware of some of the dangers facing the species and want to learn more about how to protect our seas and oceans.
Scottish Primary School Glee Challenge 2024
We are so proud of our wonderful Stag Squad, who took part in the Scottish Primary School Glee Challenge Edinburgh and Lothians Sectionals at Central Hall in Edinburgh on Thursday the 18th of April. The Stag Squad were competing against 6 other amazing choirs.
Our Stag Squad were excellent and the scores in the sectional were extremely close, but unfortunately they did not make it through to the Regional Finals this year.
The children gave really great, high energy performances of both of their songs and had a really fun evening.
Some feedback from the judges was that they absolutely loved Stag Squad’s version of “The Whole of the Moon”. The Stag Squad gave a superb, polished performance that showcased their wonderful teamwork, beautiful vocals and lovely movement. They displayed great volume and energy, which really filled the auditorium with sound.
Huge thanks to everyone who came along to support our Stag Squad on the evening, and to our fabulous champions Miss Truesdale, Miss McEwan and Mrs Love who spent time rehearsing with the Stag Squad and accompanying them to the event.
East Calder Gala Raffle
Tickets are still available for the East Calder Gala community raffle which is raising funds for this year’s gala day.
Tickets can be purchased for £2 each at: https://gofund.me/56f17363
Garage Trail
Routines 2024-2025
August 13th – 16th
For our first day in Primary 1 we will offer a staggered start 9:00-9:30am and home time 2:50-3:05pm to support a smooth transition for our children. Information about clans/times will be confirmed soon.
For the rest of our first week only, we can offer a 9am-9.15am start and a 3pm pick up (Tues-Thurs) and 11.45am pick up on Friday. Please confirm if you would like this option for your child.
Champion Conversations
A big thank you to our pupils who helped out at our recent Champion Conversations. They did a great job of directing parents to the correct clan room. They were polite, helpful and welcoming throughout the whole night. Well done everyone. 
Caring Cafe Citizen Certificate
This week we launched our new lunchtime initiative – Caring Café Citizen Certificate. We are looking for pupils to go above and beyond during lunchtime and respect our Café environment. Pupils who demonstrate being helpful and caring are then invited to sit at the High Chair area on a Thursday with a friend, they get a certificate home, 10 house points and are added to our Caring Café Collage. Well done to our first winners. 
Calderwood Community Passes
British Science Week in Bramble Clan
This week in Bramble Clan all of our learning was themed around British Science Week. This included science spelling words, research and writing about ‘How Volcanoes Erupt’.
Whilst rehearsing for our show, Aladdin we had discussions about lighting and microphones and the science behind this.
Our main focus this week was preparing for the upcoming ‘Dragon’s Den’ competition. We considered current problems and issues in the world such as excess rubbish, deforestation and climate change. After researching these topics, we worked in groups to invent a solution. Stay tuned for pictures and videos our amazing ideas!
