To enhance their learning about energy sources, P5/6/7 visited Torness Power Station to find out how Nuclear power contributes to Scotland’s provision of electricity. Thanks to edf and tour guides at Torness for a fantastic, informative visit. A has been inspired to create his own lego turbine, complete with security guard.
P6/7 thought it would be a good idea to take a train to Waverley station to get us to the Scottish Parliament in time for a very informative workshop about the history of the Parliament, led by Isabel. She then took us for a tour of the building, then to meet our local MSP, Iain Gray, who was able to answer all our questions. We ventured outside for lunch, after which we found the answers to a quiz about the structure of the Parliament building, then back through security for a brief spell in the chamber. Thanks to all the staff and MSPs at the Parliament for being so friendly and helpful and also to Dawn, Ben’s mum, who helped us throughout the day.
Scottish Parliament on PhotoPeach
On Monday 14th November, we went to the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle to find out more about how WW2 affected the lives of people living in Scotland. As part of our “Wartime Life Experience” workshop, we learnt about the real-life experiences of Scottish evacuees, prisoners of war, sailors and those left at home and were able to examine letters, photographs and uniforms. We were also able to see how the homes would have been furnished and what would have been used in the kitchen.
Our visit to the Castle coincided with a visit being made by some important guests to commemorate Remembrance Day and we were extremely lucky to witness a 21-Gun Salute.
Shonagh Davidson, our drama specialist, spent two afternoons helping us learn about the life of Anne Frank through drama. Thank you.
Anne Frank Drama – Part 1 on PhotoPeach
Anne Frank Drama – Part 2 on PhotoPeach
We had a visit from Sharon Edgar, a construction engineering careers advisor. She talked about the engineering work required to build the new bridge across the Forth and we learned about the various jobs and skills involved in its construction.
We took on an engineering challenge to build a giant tetrahedron in less than 2 hours. At first we learned how to use the wooden dowling and elastic bands to build individual triangular pyramids. Next we worked together with our hometeam members using our pyramids to create a bigger structure.
Building a Giant Tetrahedron on PhotoPeach
Over the afternoon we learned lots of skills: problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, organisation, management and leadership. These skills are all used in the engineering industry.
The class had to wait until the 19th to find out the results of their mock Scottish Referendum Vote.
Yes – 5 votes No – 10 votes
Pupils researched, from different sources, information on the Scottish Rererendum and on 18th September, they gave a presentation on the facts on the campaign and offered opinions on the question:
Should Scotland be an independent country?
The boys and girls took this very seriously and made excellent speeches that represented the varied opinions on Scottish independence and engaged in lively debate on their views.
We were very lucky to be able to visit the polling station and to see the voting booths and the sealed ballot box. We listened to each of the campaigners for YES and NO. They each had 3 mins to state their case on why they agreed or disagreed to the Scottish independence.
It was now time for the class to cast their own vote in our class mock Scottish Referendum. Pupils individually cast their vote in answer to the question:
Should Scotland be an independent country?
Our ballot paper was identical to the real one in the polling station and we used an old pupil council box as our ballot box. 
In our classroom lessons on newspaper reporting, the children had read many headlines and articles on the Scottish Referendum which often prompted discussion and questions. We found out what a Referendum Ballot paper looks like and what is involved in the process of voting.
Pupils learned about the following words and terms: voting, register to vote, polls, secret ballot, voting by proxy, postal vote, polling station.
