Kilgraston Lower Four visit York
As Sixth Form jetted off to Paris and Upper Four and Lower Fifth enjoyed a medley of activities close to home, Kilgraston Lower Four took a trip to York:
On Saturday the 12th of June 2022, a severe amount of last minute packing consumed all of us Lower fourth students. I begged my mum to drop me off extra early that morning just in case I had forgotten something. Then we were all gathered by our extremely helpful teachers who will definitely not be as willing to volunteer to take us next time! The previous few weeks prior to our exhibition the whole Lower Fourth class created uniquely coloured tie dye shirts which we wore from the morning of our departure until that same night.
Just before nine that morning we all lined up on the front lawn, in the most cluttered and disorderly fashion. We took pictures of us all together as our trip began. We travelled on the coach while watching Mamma Mia singing along to every word. We arrived at our first stop (not our destination), Vindolanda at around 1pm, searching and scoping the ancient roman fortress all whilst eating our packed lunch that the school catering kindly made for us all. Then after we had explored for a while, we all hauled ourselves back on our coach to travel the second half of our long journey. Even though our journey was long it was not a sickly one, as our very own, Mrs Bluett told us that if you normally feel carsick on a long journey, all you have to do is sit on a newspaper. As bizarre as it was it worked. For everyone it was astonishing and not even she herself could explain it.
We arrived at our youth hostel at around 5pm. Only half an hour after we arrived, we set off to the restaurant we were going to for dinner, Bella Italia. After a great dinner our first adventure in York began. Our teachers had booked a ghost tour guide to take us through York while telling true fascinating ghost stories of York’s past inhabitants, including Guy Fawkes. The next day started off with the York Minster which took over 250 intricate years to create. It was a wonder to explore and learn about. A while after we were all let loose to go shopping for just over an hour. After lunch we all arrived at the York dungeons, a programme with actors paid to scare and entertain us. After the spooky time we spent in the dungeons we headed off to the very interesting Yorvik Centre.
We were taught in a lively and interactive way to see active sculptures of Vikings in their era. After an already tiring day, we were all dying to eat our amazing Mexican food at Las Iguanas, a delicious experience. When we arrived back at the youth hostel, we all dove to our rooms either to rest after the long day or to take a nap. But about an hour later we were surprised with a quiz constructed by Mrs Bluett who probably regretted it after she heard all our yelling!
The next morning was our departure from York but it was not the end of our trip… we travelled on the coach for about and hour and a half when we were told we had to make a stop at Asda to buy our lunch as we would be too busy when lunch actually came. We all rampaged around the shop picking up anything and everything we could, obviously not realising that our eyes were bigger than our stomachs! After Asda we travelled a while longer until we got to Beamish, an amazing living museum that transported us fully into its Victorian age. We explored old fashioned homes, shops, schools, and fairs, rode on carousels and watched people making liquorice.
At around half past three we set off on the home stretch but not without stopping off at the McDonald’s right on the border between England and Scotland for dinner! We finally reached Kilgraston at eight o’clock, very much ready to sleep in our own beds. On behalf of all Lower Four, thank you to our wonderful teachers, Mrs Murphy, Mrs Bluett and most of Mrs Lyle for organising a great end of year trip.
Lucy, Lower Four
Kilgraston Activity Days 2022
Kilgraston Activity Days have become an essential part of the calendar year where we celebrate and spend some much-needed social time together. The days, free from academic work, have helped developed a wide range of inter-personal and team work skills along with building resilience.
The days have provided a wide range of activities, ranging from the creative with ‘Crafternoon’, the calming games on the lawn, the thrilling Laser Tag and the adventurous water sports at Blown Away at St Andrews. These were but a few. There was also bowling, Woodland Combat and the Aloft Tree Top Challenge at Crieff Hydro, climbing at the University of the Highlands and Islands, tennis, swimming, football, cricket, stone art, Air Thrill, quizzes, golf, baking, scavenger hunts, camping along with the obligatory s’mores. Then there were the residential trips to York for the Lower Four, Alton Towers for Upper Fifth and Paris for Sixth Form. A formidably packed few days for pupils and staff alike.
As with all events and adventures that bring us together through laughter and shared experiences, it cements our common bond. Cor Unum.
Ms Hall
End of term 2021 - activities week
In our last week of school, Kilgraston pupils were treated to an end of term timetable jammed back with fun-filled (and COVID safe) activities.
Separated out into year groups, the pupils had a session baking with Mrs MacGinty, they cycled around the beautiful banks of Loch Leven, they played for House points in cricket and football with sessions with Mr Maxton and Mr Madden. Some visited Willowgate Activity Centre for some water sports excitement, Upper Fifth had fun camping whilst Lower Sixth made a trip to Fox Lake and finally some pupils enjoyed Special FX make up sessions with Mrs Murphy - see below for proof of the oh-so-scary makeup.
Lower Four, Upper Four and Lower Fifth then headed to Dalguise for three days of high octane pursuits including kayaking and rock climbing.
Upper Fifth pupils Lexi and Kaitlyn said: “The Activities week was great fun! One of the best bits was definitely camping on the school sports pitches.
“First we set up our tents and we watched the Euro 2020 football match Scotland v Croatia, followed by some roasting of marshmallows.
“Overall the camping was really fun and it was great to have the year group all together and having a laugh with each other, from the games that we played to the singing on the bus.
“We also enjoyed the early morning swim which woke us up. Thank you to all the teachers that went out of their way to organise this brilliant activity week!”
Huge thanks to Mrs Speed for her superb organisation of the week and to all staff who helped.
Head over to Kilgraston’s Instagram channel to see even more snaps from the week including a brilliant takeover by PE’s Miss Patton.