CGS celebrates successful 2024 as it bids farewell to
Pupils and staff at Campbeltown Grammar School (CGS) have had an eventful start to 2024, from organising charity events to enjoying two trips abroad.
Starting off the year, young musicians from the school visited Woodlands Resource Centre on January 25 to perform songs for its residents and day visitors in honour of Robert Burns Day, in what proved to be a great afternoon for everyone there.
Pancake Day did not go unmarked, with S6 pupils holding a pancake sale on February 9, raising £100 for school funds. This was a much-appreciated treat for pupils, who also donated some pancakes to Woodlands.
Also in February, S3 and S4 pupils visited France on an exchange with pupils from L’Externat Saint Joseph. The French families organised various visits around the region to areas including Bandol, Sanary, Marseille, les Calanques and le Mont Faron.
The Campbeltown pupils experienced three full days of French school and challenged themselves to actively participate in class by taking part in tests, reading out loud and assisting the English teacher.
Pupils also visited Toulon and its military harbour as well as Ollioules, a typical Provencal village.
Strong friendships were formed between the CGS and French youngsters, and pupils returned to Campbeltown with lots of ideas and reflections about school and the importance of languages.
In March, Campbeltown Grammar School returned the gesture, welcoming the French pupils from L’Externat Saint Joseph, who had an excellent visit, discovering Campbeltown and shadowing their pen pal in their classes.
The French pupils also experienced three days of school, where they participated in home economics lessons on making shortbread, as well as helping S1 pupils with their French speaking.
The host families organised visits to Portavadie and Davaar Island over the weekend, and the French youngsters took part in a scavenger hunt around Campbeltown to learn more about the history of the town, with the French youngsters appreciating the kindness of its people.
S6 pupils also enjoyed their own visit to France – a sightseeing trip to Paris during the February break.
The pupils had a fantastic experience, seeing many iconic landmarks including the Louvre, Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc De Triomphe and Stade de France.
The pupils also had enjoyable experiences trying French cuisine, bowling and during a boat tour of the Seine.
In March, six senior students from Campbeltown Grammar School’s Learning Centre were lucky enough to be awarded a three-night stay at Saddell House, accompanied by school staff, courtesy of The Landmark Trust.
Some younger pupils were also able to visit Saddell during the day.
The pupils went orienteering, they completed a scavenger hunt, forest art and learned valuable life skills, cooking and eating together during their break.
They also attended Campbeltown Picture House and had a takeaway dinner.
This trip would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of Campbeltown Co-op, Helen Gilchrist and Ifferdale Lamb.
For this year’s Red Nose Day in March, the school’s senior pupil council and sports captains organised an indoor Highland games extravaganza. Among the many events, there was power hooping, a “red nose” on spoon race, three-legged races and an obstacle course.
This afternoon activity raised just over £127 for Red Nose Day, and was enjoyed by all the pupils. There was a lot of competition between the school houses, with Bengullion taking the Red Nose Day Shield in the end.
To celebrate the Easter end of term, S6 organised a CGS Ultimate Game Show which saw four pupils take on four staff members as “The Chasers” – they competed in a number of quiz-show style questions and challenges.
This was followed by an enjoyable karaoke session to celebrate the end of a successful term.