MESSENGER

SPRING 2010

CO-CURRICULAR

CCF BIENNIAL REVIEW

The School and Major Ewing, CCF Contingent Commander at Merchiston, welcomed Deputy Commander, Colonel Taverner, and Brigade Commander, Brigadier Allfrey, in a recent Biennial Review of the Combined Cadet Force. Comments after the review included: “Merchiston is fast becoming one of the successful contingents in Scotland. This is a testament to the contingent staff, and the support and interest shown in the CCF by the Headmaster. The contingent has a clear role in preparing senior cadets as role models and leaders within the school, and in providing an increasing level of the instruction to junior cadets. Congratulations to the Headmaster, and Maj Ewing, on their willingness to enter into a partnership with St George’s School for Girls.”

SCOTTISH SCHOOLS CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS

At the start of the Autumn Term, seven pupils from the Fourth Form through to the Sixth Form competed in the Scottish Schools Clay Pigeon Shooting Championships, held at Cluny Clays in Fife. The discipline was English Sporting, which is a series of clay targets designed to copy the flight paths of various game animals from driven pheasant and grouse to bolting rabbits and springing teal. The School entered a Senior and Junior team against a variety of schools from across Scotland. Both teams came out on top, with overall best shots going to Will in the Senior team and John in the Junior team. Will is also now likely to shoot at the Commonwealth Games for the Isle of Man.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Twenty boys from the Lower Sixth have enrolled for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award this year, with a further seven at Silver level from the Fifth Form. This year also sees the introduction of the new “eDofE” web based log book. The Silver and Gold assessment expeditions are scheduled for the last week of the Summer Term including the well established Yorkshire Dales trip.

NEW ASTRONOMY CLUB

The Astronomy Society, or Astrosoc, was set up earlier this year to promote an interest in the wonders of the night sky, encourage boys to enjoy science in a context outside the classroom and also support the teaching of Physics throughout the School. Astrosoc is currently open to Sixth Form pupils and meets every Thursday evening to learn how to use the equipment and software and to plan observations. Observing takes place any evening when the sky is clear and an observational record is maintained through the Astrosoc blog. Astrosoc is fortunate enough to have access to three good quality telescopes which means that, on a good clear night, many boys at a time can be directly involved. The boys also have the opportunity to attend talks at the Edinbugh Royal Observatory each month. The aim is to extend Astrosoc to pupils in the Shell and Fifth Forms.

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