by The Editor | Jun 2, 2016
Loanhead Primary 5 have been running a mile a day and have developed fantastic team skills, stamina and enjoyment for daily activity. Out-Run May was brought to Mrs Hinton’s attention by some boys in the class and after a discussion we decided to all try to run a marathon in May for MacMillan. Mrs Hinton says, ‘ Our class record for running a mile is 7mins 59secs but every single pupil has built up stamina and beaten their personal best week after week.’ So far the pupils have raised the fantastic amount of £922.50. Click here to access the ‘Just Giving’ page.
by The Editor | May 9, 2016
An original song about equality, penned by a Midlothian primary teacher and sung by his school choir, is set to raise much-needed funds for Syrian refugees.
Ian Armstrong, of Strathesk Primary in Penicuik, has edited, mixed and mastered the soundtrack.
He said: “The song is called Equality and it has lyrics that reflect aspects of the ongoing refugee crisis. We want to make a difference to the lives of the thousands of innocent people that have been forced to leave their homes because of the dangers they face, as well as inspiring tolerance and compassion towards others in our own pupils.”
The proceeds from sales of the song will go to the charity, the Scottish Refugee Council, which works with refugees and asylum seekers across Scotland.
The choir performed the song at a special concert in the school recently. Choir members Erin Smith, Maddy Fraser, Benji Masson and Sarah Hope, who are all 11-years-old, said they had great fun recording the track.
However, having seen the plight of the refugees on the news, the children were determined to do all they could to help.
Benji said: “It’s heartbreaking (to see the camps on television).”
“We just want them (the refugees) to be equal and safe,” added Sarah.
Generous Midlothian residents have already donated tons of clothing, school supplies and toiletries for Syrian refugees.
The MidAid partnership of Midlothian Council, local churches, the Loanhead Miners’ Club, schools and community groups, has taken numerous van and lorry loads of goods to the charity, Edinburgh Direct Aid since the project began two months ago.
Midlothian donations have already been sent to refugee camps in Munich, Germany.
The council’s director of education, communities and economy, Dr Mary Smith said: “We’re absolutely delighted Mr Armstrong and his super-talented pupils have joined us in helping refugees.
“It’s a fantastic song with a great message and I’d urge as many local people as possible to buy it. By doing so, you will be helping change lives for the better.”
Download the single at www.stratheskschoolchoir.wix.com/equality
by The Editor | May 5, 2016
Over 400 students attended the Discover Biking Sessions run over 10 days. The activities took place at various locations within Midlothian – including Loanhead Park, Penicuik Park and Dalkeith Campus. The P6 & P7 students came from 7 Schools.During the sessions the pupils learned how to do a simple bike check. They learned how to change their gears and use their breaks affectively. They put these skills into use by ascending and descending some steep slopes safely. After this they had the opportunity to test their ability on the Bike Skills course – completing the slalom, rumble strip and track stand. Once they practiced that a few times they got timed – with penalty points for any mistakes. Click here to read more.
by The Editor | May 5, 2016
Over 200 students attended the Discover Bushcraft Sessions run over 4 days. The activities took place at Vogrie Country Park and Penicuik Estate. The P3 & P4 students came from 4 Midlothian Schools.
During the sessions the pupils and staff learned about the art of Bushcraft. Each student participated in 3 different activities. Firstly a fire lighting station – here they used a fire stick and lit a small fire, secondly a hammock station – this is where they learnt about putting up hammocks safely working together in pairs and thirdly an environmental art station – they read a book and made stick men models form natural resources.
The students had numerous opportunities to learn about; managing risk, to evaluate their work, to be inspired by a range of stimuli when working on art and design projects, to work and learn with others. It was no surprise the toasting of marshmallows was a big hit! Click here to see how students and staff could further develop their skills.
by The Editor | Mar 21, 2016
Pupils from Primaries 4 and 5 have been creating radio programmes for Midlothian Schools Radio. There is a wide variety of entertaining content to listen to. The pupils all contributed to the items as well as working on the technical production. Click here to go to the radio page to listen to the broadcasts.
by The Editor | Mar 18, 2016
Massive congratulations to the Penicuik High School group who won The Best Team Work award at the Go4Set Celebration and Assessment Day 2016. The school gained another shiny new cup for the school’s cabinet, and proved once more that Penicuik is the school to beat!
This year’s team included S2 pupils Grace Bee, Hannah Davidson, Sam Johnstone, Calum Lloyd, Emily Wilkinson and Fraser Wilson. As well as The Best Team Work award, they notched up their Silver Crest award, not usually achieved until age 15/16!
We couldn’t be prouder of the team; it was fantastic seeing them have the opportunity to show off their ideas and talents. They have clearly learned a lot from the experience, especially about the importance of teamwork. We would like to wish them well in their future – they have been a pleasure to work with.
Amy Wallace Maths Teacher
Tracey Allen Go4Set BT Mentor
