Learning life skills through adventure
The Outward Bound Trust is a learning charity which equips young people with social and emotional skills through learning and adventure outdoors.
Staff and pupils recently attended an Outward Bound leadership course at Loch Eil Centre in the Scottish Highlands. The centre is situated on the shores of the loch, near Fort William, and is the trust’s most remote outdoor education centre. Shortly after arriving, staff and pupils enjoyed a jog and a dip in the loch, although the water was even colder than expected.
They tried a number of different activities over the weekend, including abseiling and hillwalking.
The Spider’s Web activity was great fun and everyone enjoyed the toasted marshmallows.
Mr Robertson, headteacher, was also delighted to participate in an education forum organised for the trust at Buckingham Palace during the October break.
He was one of 200 people invited by Prince Andrew, chairman of The Outward Bound Trust, to take part in the event.
Duke of Edinburgh
S4 pupils Brianna, Demi, Heather and Stephanie, recently joined pupils from St Aidan’s High School to take part in a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expedition from Auchengillan Centre.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award has three levels (bronze, silver and gold) and is the world’s leading youth achievement award challenging young people to undertake volunteering, physical activities, life skills and expeditions.
The pupils have been working hard to earn their bronze award – well done girls.
Buddy event
All S1 pupils were involved in a Buddy event with senior pupils recently.
The pupils were divided into house groups and participated in some great events including cup-cake decoration, mask making and other team-building activities.
This was followed by a whole- year sports session in the school gym. A great time was had by all.
Sports fayre assembly
Senior pupils also helped NLActive schools coordinator Jordann Cunningham host a sports fayre assembly and pupils had the opportunity to sign up for some of the many sports clubs at the school.
Details of these and the other great clubs and other extracurricular activities currently available at the school are detailed on the school website.
Young Shotts athletes
Law and District have started an athletics club, called Shotts Flyers, which meets from 6-7pm at Calderhead High School every Wednesday of the school term.
The club is aimed at budding young athletes from seven to 13 years old and started last year.
Several have already moved to the “big club” at Wishaw and the remainder are getting better each week, practising sprints, middle distance, throws and jumps. Calderhead High School pupils, Alana and Chloe, help Amy Harkins and district head coach, Pat Kelly, to keep things moving along and ensure the children are working hard and enjoying themselves.
Shotts has had many great athletes and the coaches are certain that the present crop has some very good athletes who can look forward to success in athletics.
The club welcomes young people who want to improve their fitness and become athletes.
Any adult assistance would be welcome.