Hoy!

We had a fantastic few days on Hoy! Many thanks to Nigel, Dave, Ricky and Ron for organising all the superb activities for us. The weather played a big part in deciding what was appropriate but all the activities were challenging and very much enjoyed by everyone (including the adults!)

Our adventure started on Wednesday morning as soon as we reached Hoy on the boat. 

On the boat

After we were allocated our rooms and had a short briefing in the common room it was action stations as we attempted to get into wetsuits for our coasteering activity. It took quite a while to get everyone ready but we managed in the end.

We look a bit nervous and unsure as we listen to our instructions.

As all the adults took part in the activities as well, we weren't able to take photos during the coasteering. However two of the instructors had waterproof cameras so hopefully there will be some to add later on. It was a great experience with many people challenging themselves by swimming in the sea and jumping off rocks. It was a little windy so the waves became quite strong and prevented us from getting as far along the coast as we had planned but nevertheless it was great fun. Poor Emma lost her boots and had to complete the activity in her wetsuit socks! (Which she did without complaint I may add!) Well done Emma.

Everyone was expected to take their turn at setting up and tidying away at mealtimes. The food had to be collected from the boat each day and tables set. Dishes had to be washed and floors swept so there was plenty of chores for everyone.

Ward hill as seen from the hostel.

In the evening we had time to relax and play games, either in the common room, hall or outside. Nigel took groups on a tour to the Dwarfie Stane and various other places each evening too if they wished to go. 

Dwarfie Stane and other places!

Supper time was 9 o'clock followed by bed and lights out by 9.45. 

There was quite a crowd round the television on Thursday evening when England was playing their second match in the World Cup. It got quite noisy for a while!

Some evening activities

On Thursday we split into two groups for different activities and then swapped over in the afternoon. Waterproofs and wellies were the order of the day! We were gorge walking and canoeing. The gorge needed careful walking and some climbing - there were a few splashes heard in the deeper puddles but no one got too wet! At the end of the gorge was a very narrow cave that we had to squeeze through. No one spotted the elusive Orkney cave bear but we are sure we heard it scratching!

It was too windy to paddle on the sea so we went to Sandy loch for that.

On our last day, after we stripped our beds, packed our things and tidied our rooms, we headed off for a rock climbing adventure and challenges.

One challenge was to travel along the edge of the jutting out rocks without touching the ground. We weren't allowed to go too high and couldn't move on to the next stage until at least 5 of us completed the course! 

Slideshows now updated. 25.6.14

Squish Squared!

We were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to take part in a workshop called Squish Squared at the squash courts in the Picky Centre.
The workshop was part of the Glasgow 2014 cultural programme and was organised by Room 2 Manoeuvre, a dance group from Edinburgh. We had a fun workshop session followed by a performance by two of the group and then a shot at racquet ball on the courts.

Cosy Cosy!

We took part in a science workshop called Cosy cosy where we learned all about how different types of materials can be used as insulators to keep heat in our homes and save energy. We were given some challenges to earn money that we would be able to use to buy insulation for our model homes. 
We had to answer lots of questions to earn our money so had to listen carefully for the information that we needed. Some of us were chosen to take part in experiments and help the instructors.
The next challenge was to choose the best materials that we could afford and have our homes tested for heat storage. Overall we came second on the leaderboard of all the schools that they have visited so far so we were quite pleased with that. It was a fun, fast moving workshop and we really had to concentrate.

Tour Guiding

The whole class is involved in the tour guiding scheme with Historic Scotland. We have learned our scripts thoroughly and have performed several times at the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces.We have some more bookings to complete before the summer break and will hopefully get more after the holidays. Here we are at the dress rehearsal.
We got a mention in the Press and Journal, The Orcadian and even the Scottish Parliament!

Tour of Kirkwall

As part of our Kirkwall topic we went on a tour of parts of Kirkwall to discover more about the history of some of the buildings that are no longer there.
First stop was the remains of the old sea wall at the library. It's hard to imagine that the Peedie sea used to come all the way up here!

The next stop was to have a look at the Girnell - now the Sailing Club but in the past was a grain store for the Earl. The grain was taken ashore at the Corn Slip across the road.

St. Olaf's kirk used to stand in St Olaf's Wynd and we had a look at the arched doorway which is all that is left.

Some of us thought that this was a face at first but then we realised that it is a cross carved into the stonework.

Next stop was Castle Street where we found the plaque that marks where Kirkwall Castle once stood. It was interesting to find out in our research that there are still cellars under the bank from the time of the Castle. 

We were reading about the Orkney pirate John Gow so it was interesting to see the Groatie House that was constructed from the ballast of his ship after it went ashore off Eday. He came to a sad end along with some of his crew when he was executed in London for his crimes.

Finally a quick play and a photo on the rockery!

Wideford adventure

Last month we tested our fitness and stamina by climbing to the top of Wideford Hill. We noted the effect of strenuous activity on our bodies. The climb was made more challenging because it was a very windy day! Everyone made it to the top and we found the heather to be very comfortable resting material! 

Getting ready for the tough bit.

Looking back

The highest point - finding shelter!

Using the compass to find out where the different islands are.

It was a great place to play hide and seek.

A hazy view!

The other side.

More body fun!

When we were studying muscles and bones we made articulated hands. Using straws and string we actually managed to make the fingers move on our models!
The straws were cut into sections to make the different joints on our fingers.

In art we painted our own pictures in the style of Keith Haring using bright colours and simple shapes for bodies. The results are very vibrant and active.