Prestwick Academy pupils on geography field trip

Jun 12 2008 By Prestwick Academy, Ayrshire Post

ON Tuesday, May 27 12 pupils from Mr Anderson's geography class went on a field-trip to Stinchar Valley in the Galloway Forest.

They did a river study of Fernly Burn and another tributary.

At first, Neil Smith from Dolphin House, showed them how to take the measurements of depth, river speed and angle of inclination. Then he showed them how to describe the rocks in the river bed. After this they went to a different area and split into two groups to do their own section.

They then had lunch while it was raining and when it stopped they did three field sketches in different areas, one was a micro-field sketch. On the way home they stopped at a wind farm to look at and measure the turbines. It was an enjoyable day and good to get out of the classroom to see the landforms and features they have been taught about. It made it easier to understand.

(Reporter - Alyson Jones S3)

PRESTWICK Academy U13's season came to an end in the Scottish Plate semi-final against Calderglen High School of East Kilbride.

The match was played on an astro turf park and Prestwick made the best of the good playing surface in the early stages with some good passing movements. After squandering two good chances early on Prestwick deservedly took the lead through Darrel Crossan.

However, instead of capitalising on their lead Prestwick allowed Calderglen to come back into the match. Calderglen's dominance eventually produced goals and they scored twice to take the lead.

In a fine move Prestwick restored parity through Darrel Crossan but Calderglen restored their lead to make it 3-2. Sean Robertson scored a fine goal to draw Prestwick level again and the match was finely balanced for the next ten minutes.

But when Calderglen regained the lead Prestwick's heads went down and Calderglen eventually ran out 6-3 winners.

AFTER a successful and most enjoyable practice day at Auchincruive on Saturday, May 31, 25 pupils will take part in their Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition going out Sunday, June to Tuesday, June 10.

Six silver participants are leaving on Sunday, 19 bronze on Monday. They will be following part of the River Ayr Way. Fingers crossed for good weather!

CONGRATULATIONS to former pupil, Alan Stewart (ex-art department and Edinburgh College of Art) has had a painting accepted for the Royal Academy's summer Exhibition in London.

PRESTWICK Academy was very fortunate that the Army were able to spend a day with the three S3 Craft and Design classes.

All of the pupils were put through their paces both mentally and physically by the Army. Each class spent two hours with the army and were given three tasks to complete.

The first task was physical but also mentally challenging involving a Tower of Hanoi. The pupils had to move blocks for one side of the play ground to the other side but were not allowed to put a bigger block on top of a smaller one.

The second task was to design a casing and a parachute to allow an egg to be dropped from a height without smashing the egg. The last task was lateral thinking to test the mental powers of the students.

This proved to be a very successful event and all of the pupils that were involved in it enjoyed the day.

THREE very successful Go For It trips took place last week with over 460 S1-S3 pupils visiting Lightwater Valley Theme Park, Cumbernauld Outdoor Centre and M&D's Theme Park.

All pupils were commended for their excellent behaviour on each of the trips.

Thanks to members of staff who volunteered to supervise on the day.