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Keiss and Bower pupils learn about teamwork during week at activity centre


By Alan Hendry

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Pupils took part in raft-building during the cluster residential trip to Fairburn Activity Centre.
Pupils took part in raft-building during the cluster residential trip to Fairburn Activity Centre.

Primary school pupils from Keiss and Bower have been enjoying a "once-in-a-lifetime" range of adventurous pursuits at an activity centre in Ross-shire.

Staff said the youngsters were able to develop a variety of skills while learning about problem-solving and teamwork during their cluster residential trip to Fairburn, which is set in spectacular scenery south of the River Conon near Muir of Ord.

The primary seven pupils had the opportunity to experience orienteering, hill-walking, gorge-walking, climbing a suspended rope ladder (Jacob’s Ladder), archery, mountain-biking, laser tag, canoeing, bubble football, Highland Games, paddleboarding, crate-stacking and raft-building.

Night-time, forest-based activities such as a Nightline, Ambush and building a camp fire gave the children a chance to acquire skills that are not so easily acquired when in school and a night STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) challenge allowed them to apply previously taught skills in a different setting with instructors.

Bower pupil Reuben Patterson said: “This trip has given me greater independence because I’ve spent the week away from my family.”

Nathan Pope added that the trip had “given me time away and I’ve tried things I’ve never done before”, while Owen Sutherland enjoyed the wide range of experiences on offer. “The activities have been great fun. I really enjoyed them,” he said.

Keiss pupil Callum Booth felt he had become more independent during the week, saying: “I’ve learned how to organise myself being away from home.”

Caitlyn Fairweather embraced the challenges at Fairburn. “Some of the activities really pushed us to our limits," she said. "Climbing Jacob’s Ladder was scary but we managed it.”

Head teacher Fraser Thomson said: “The trip was a huge success. Watching the pupils challenge themselves and forge new friendships was fantastic to see.

"This trip couldn’t have happened without the successful partnerships that feature in the school communities of Keiss and Bower. Our partners appreciate the benefit that extracurricular experiences can have in terms of developing skills for learning, work and life which will go a long way in helping to ensure that our learners reach positive destinations.

"We are always looking to develop links in the community and beyond. We have two extremely supportive parent councils.

"Our parents and carers have also played a huge role in making this trip possible, as well as financial support for Bower Primary School from the Baillie Wind Farm, while Keiss Primary School received grants from the Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm and the Stroupster Community Fund managed by Foundation Scotland.

Keiss and Bower pupils at Little Garve.
Keiss and Bower pupils at Little Garve.

"This has improved our learning provision and undeniably made a positive impact for the pupils and families in our community. We are extremely grateful for all of their support.

"The trip to Fairburn Activity Centre has served the pupils with a once-in-a-lifetime experience and huge thanks to all the staff at Fairburn for their dedication and first-class service.”

Kate Sutherland, a class teacher at Keiss, helped lead the pupils during the week.

Miss Sutherland said: “We all had a brilliant week away at the Fairburn Activity Centre. It was amazing to see the children’s confidence grow massively over the week.

"This is thanks to the fantastic staff at Fairburn. The staff provided a wide range of excellent activities, which helped the children to build a variety of skills, from problem-solving to teamwork. It was an unforgettable experience for all involved.”


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