MESSENGER

SPRING 2010

MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL

CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGE WINNERS

BRAVEHEART CHALLENGE

The Braveheart Challenge saw eight teams of Fourth Form and Shell boys given the task of designing a product or service that would promote health and well-being. The teams had to prepare a business plan to cover the financial and marketing strategy and all in just five hours! The winning team from The Shell produced a muscle-toning, fat-reducing armchair!

CASE STUDY

DOUGAL, FOURTH FORM

I first came to Merchiston in the First Form. My first impressions were I had to be quite independent, and over time I’ve grown into life here and it’s become very homely. I am a fan of the sporting events at School; my favourites are rugby and cricket - the coaching and facilities mean that the School is really good at these sports. I enjoy Science, and like the things we get to do in class such as experiments.

A team of ten boys from the Fourth Form won the 2010 annual Edinburgh and Lothians Schools’ Construction Challenge Final at the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh. The boys, accompanied by Mr Dickson, joined ten other schools in the final. The event included six different construction challenges including building a wishing well, garden hut and seat. Teams were marked on a variety of skills including team work, communication and how well they completed each challenge. The winning pupils were presented with a trophy at the end of the day, along with vouchers for the Design and Technology Department.

I just started boarding two nights per week this year, and it’s fun. It is different from my other school as you get more attention from teachers as there are smaller classes, and I feel more noticed here. I am definitely more confident as there are fewer people in the year and you get the opportunity to do more things.

STOCK MARKET CHALLENGE

In February a team of five Shell boys took part in the annual Stock Market Challenge run by Careers Scotland. By the middle of the day the boys had tripled their funds, and though they lost their way in the afternoon trading, they finished a creditable 7th out of 24 teams. The boys learned lessons about research, analysis and working as a team, but above all they learned how risky it is to put all your money into one share, and then to hesitate about when to sell!

12

The Junior activities are fantastic and there are lots of choices. If you like something you can choose it, and can also try out new activities. I would love to play in the 1st XV and 1st X1 and of course get good exam results! Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20