Last supper Saturday

A lie in on Saturday morning was followed by a walk in the continuing rain down to the new Scottish Parliament opened in 2004. A great testament to Scottish democracy and radical architecture our guided tour took us through the chambers, committee rooms and social spaces of the building where we learned about the history of governance in Scotland the devolved powers of this reestablished institution.

The rain kept us away from our planned walk to Salsibury Crags on Arthur's Seat but swept us instead into Our Dynamic Earth a fascinating interactive museum of geology and science. And when we emerged from these great exhibits, the sun was suing and we head to the former city of Leith for our fish and chip supper. The Tailend is one of the most renowned "chippies" in the capital. It was a great way to spend our final big meal in Edinburgh. 

TGIF writers, cucumber sandwiches and ghosts

Friday was an action packed day starting with a whizz round the bijou Writers' Museum where students were able to read about 3 of Scotland's most famous writers and several bought books in the museum bookshop. Next stop was the Princes Street, the main shopping street of the city. The more adventurous amount us climber the 287 steps to the top of the Walter Scott Monument which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh.

The afternoon found us at the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland where a small collection of paintings and sculptures has been created to commemorate the centenary of WWI. Our guide explained the significance of each piece and eliciting their opinions about the execution of the art.

A leisurely afternoon tea at the bespoke Howard Hotel helped us all to refine our etiquette and table manners. Finger sandwiches, cream scones and other dainties washed down with lashing of tea, resembled a scene from Downton Abbey.

After a few rounds of cards back at the hostel, we waited impatiently for night to fall. As rain beat against us we made our way thought the dark wynds of the old town for our ghoulish tour of the Edinburgh vaults and graveyards. We were met by Mark in his black cape and cap. his resonant voice led us through the underground catacombs of the old city, describing anecdotes of murder, executions and unexplained ghosts.

More ghoulish goings on tomorrow.

Night at the theatre

Our tailor-made Robert Louis Stevenson walking tour, took us through the closes and wynds of old Edinburgh and provided valuable background info on Stevenson's ambivalent attitude towards religion, his love of the city as a source of inspiration and the real live characters who imbued his work.

Prior to the performance of Regeneration students were lucky enough to have an audiences with the producer of the play who explained the whole rocks of "page to stage". The performance itself was well staged and engaged the packed house. The students were given and insight into the creative process of writing through the meeting of two WWI poets, the barbaric conditions under which soldiers had to fight and the treatment at Craiglockhart Hospital in Edinburgh which sought to "cure" soldiers' she'll-shock and return them to the front lines as soon as possible.

Thursday saw us heading iff to the People's Museum which focuses on the lives of ordinary Scots from the 17th century to the present day. The previous evening's theatre performance was linked into a poetry writing workshop led by renowned Jacqui Rowe. Students worked collaboatively to create initial drafts of poetry through the stimuli of objects and photos. The student response was energizing as we are hoping they will enter polished poems into a national War Poetry Competition - first prize being 500 pounds.

The evening found us in Ocean Terminal where we saw Guardians of the Galaxy much enjoyed by the students but only just "tolerated" by the teachers.

Another breakfast pic.

arrival in sunny Scotland - no joke!

Counting the Hours

We are counting the hours until the trip begins. Breakfast food is ordered, travel insurance purchased and boarding passes are being prepared. Roll on tomorrow at 11.

Wish us well and remember to check out the blog everyday for new videos, photos and news.

Breaking News: Scotland to Remain Part of the UK

The referendum on Scottish independence has ended with 55% of the electorate voting to remain part of the UK (over 2 million votes). So no need for last minute visas to a new country! The disappointed 'Yes' campaign received 1.6 million votes but only 2 of Scotland's 32 regions voted in favour of seperation.

It will be interesting when we visit Edinburgh to ask locals about the outcome. With over 85% of people voting, it seems everyone has an opinion. Let's record some interviews.

The Referendum on Scottish Independence is Today!

People living in Scotland will go to the polls today to decide whether to stay in the United Kingdom or become an independent country. Voting has been brisk with people queuing to cast their votes. It is predicted that over 80% of eligible votes will vote. Anyone age 16 or above can vote. Results are expected by the morning of Friday 19 September.

By the time we travel to Edinburgh, we may see the re-birth of a country. 

Urgent: Student Behaviour Form

Please see the Student Behaviour Form in the files to the right of this post. Have a parent sign it and return it to Mr. Allan as soon as possible. I also still need passport pages from some students.

URGENT! Passport copies needed

Photocopies of the photio page of your passports are required for the flight tickets and insurance. If you haven't already done so, can you bring a copy of this page from your passport and give it to Ms. Leach or Mr. Allan.  parents could bring the photocopy to the Parents' Meeting on Wednesday next week.

Only 25 days to go!

Meeting for Parents on Wednesday 17 September at 15.45

There will be a short meeting for parents of the students who are participating in the Year 11 trip to Edinburgh. The meeting will be a chance to ask any questions about the trip and receive information about the itinerary. 

The meeting will be held on Wednesday 17 September at 15.45 in room D3. The meeting should last about 15 minutes. 

We look forward to meeting you there

Mr. Allan and Ms Leach

Just for fun.

On Friday evening we will create our own BISB Come Dine With Me when teams of students will prepare a mouth-watering menu in our hostel. Students will have to order the food for delivery, create a menu consisting of Starter, Main Course and Dessert, as well as create a delicious (non-alcoholic) cocktail to accompany our meal.

Get the indigestion pills ready!

Some of the highlights to look forward to in Edinburgh

On Wednesday: Pat Barker’s Regeneration, at the King’s Theatre

On Friday: A ghostly tour of Mary King’s Close is buried deep beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The city’s deepest secret; a warren of hidden streets that has remained frozen in time since the 17th Century.

 

On Saturday: Guided tour of the Scottish Parliament providing information on the history, work and procedures of the Scottish Parliament and about the architecture of the award winning Scottish Parliament building.

 

Getting ready for Edinburgh 2014

Flights booked- check. Hostel reserved- check. Visits and activities organised - check. Final preparations for the Year 11 trip to Edinburgh from 30 September to 5 October, are well underway. Roll on September.