Tag: Granton Primary School

Granton pupils bring 30 years of Capital’s heritage to life

Granton Primary School children using the 30th anniversary of the Old and News Towns World Heritage Site in Edinburgh as inspiration to create an exhibition to help mark this important milestone.

The children’s artwork will be displayed in a special exhibition for residents and visitors to view in the Museum of Edinburgh later this year to celebrate three decades since the Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1995.

The class of primary four pupils are working with local artist Stephanie Walker on their ‘Imagine if…’ project to help the children put together artwork using the Old Town to help spark excitement and curiosity for the world around us. The aim of the project is to create a connection and a sense of wonder for the valuable heritage Edinburgh is so famous for.

 Local artist Stepanie Walker said: “The project has been designed to guide the children through a series of art sessions to help them imagine and create their final piece to display on canvas.

 “Before our visit to the World Heritage Site we explored what we know about Edinburgh. The children brainstormed and shared ideas about famous buildings and drew them to create a class exhibition.

 “We visited the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile and learnt about why the city has a World Heritage Site, explored artefacts in the museum and shared what we had discovered.

 “We visited the Site twice walking around the cobbled streets and narrow closes in and around the Royal Mile. The children looked carefully at the old buildings, monuments and skylines as well as all the nature we found in the historic area. We visited the Canongate Kirk, and I encouraged the children to imagine what the people who lived there long ago were like.

 “The pupils then made sketches and used water colours to create paintings of their favourite scenes, buildings and objects to use as reference material for the final piece they will put together back in the classroom.”

 Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “This project is both creative and educational as it allows pupils from a different area of the city to use art to help bring to life different aspects of the World Heritage Site such as the buildings and skylines that they find inspirational.

“It’s wonderful to see the work they have produced and I’m very much looking forward to the final exhibition in the Museum of Edinburgh later this year. It’s important that we teach children the value of preserving our World Heritage Site for future generations to come.

“I’m hoping this class of primary four pupils will remember the project in years to come holding onto what they’ve learned about what’s special about the history of their city and will pass this on.”

Photography enthusiasts are also being encouraged to enter a competition to celebrate the 30 years milestone running until October

Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.

The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.

Getting Along with Gran: Royston Wardieburn community stories coming to North Edinburgh Arts

Getting Along with Gran is coming to North Edinburgh Arts!

This brilliant dark comedy from Citadel Arts Group is inspired by real stories and memories from the Royston Wardieburn community. Expect hard-hitting, funny and deeply human performance by a professional cast alongside local community performers and pupils from Granton Primary School.

📅 Tuesday 16 June & Wednesday 17 June at 1.30pm

📍 North Edinburgh Arts, 12C Macmillan Square, EH4 4AB

🎟️ Free tickets

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/121309918564?_gl=1*hdtc7l*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTA3NDMwMDY4My4xNzc5ODc2ODQ4*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Nzk4NzY4NDckbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk4NzY4NDckajYwJGwwJGgw&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

A limited number of tickets is available from the NEA Welcome Desk (offered on a first come, first served basis)

Getting Along with Gran

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre: 2nd March 11am

A free performed reading of a play based on memories from Royston Wardieburn Social History Group performed by professional actors with the participation of Granton Primary School pupils.

More Info and to reserve Free places contact – lizhare@blueyonder.co.uk

SGN partners with Generation Science to inspire next generation on renewable energy

SGN has teamed up with Generation Science, an innovative educational programme led by Edinburgh Science, to empower primary school children with insights into future energy solutions and how we can tackle climate change.

The leading energy company is delivering LTS Futures – a first of its kind project – which aims to validate the compatibility of utilising the existing gas network to carry hydrogen.

The success of the project, which is repurposing a 30km decommissioned natural gas pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton, would pave the way for hydrogen transportation on a national scale.

Thanks to a second year of funding provided by SGN, around 380 pupils aged 7 to 11 (primary 4 to 7), who attend schools based along the LTS live trial pipeline, are benefiting from the 90-minute climate and engineering themed sessions.

The Green Machine is an interactive workshop dedicated to unravelling the complexities of energy transfer and renewable electricity generation.

Guided by the Edinburgh Science team of experts, students delve into lessons to refine their understanding and create innovative machine designs. 

Recently SGN’s LTS Futures Project Director Nancy Thomson joined the Generation Science team at Granton Primary School, to participate in a session which explored future energy solutions for the Earth’s changing climate.

It looked at different sources of renewable and sustainable energy such as solar, wind and green hydrogen, and how we can utilise them to live in an environmentally responsible way.

Natalie McLaren, Principal Teacher at Granton Primary School, shared her thoughts on the workshop: “I’m thrilled that SGN and Generation Science chose to visit our school – the kids were so enthusiastic and engaged.

“Our pupils responded really positively to the hands-on workshop, and are all using key vocabulary and terms for the energy industry. It got them really thinking about how to conserve energy at home and making a difference.”

Director and CEO at Edinburgh Science, Hassun El-Zafar said: “After an incredibly successful partnership last year, we’re delighted to have once again receive support from SGN for this year’s Generation Science tour.

“Generation Science is our touring programme that brings high quality interactive science experiences into primary schools across Scotland – no matter where the school is based, pupils can enjoy the exact same experience.

“SGN is the perfect supporter for this project, as they share our drive to inspire the next generation of engineers and champion the importance of sustainable sources of energy for our homes.

“Thanks to their generous support, we are able to bring The Green Machine workshop to schools in Granton and Grangemouth.”

SGN – LTS Futures – Education Programme – Granton Primary School – Edinburgh. Picture Shows; Children from Granton Primary School during the Energy educational workshop run by Edinburgh Science and SGN, Thursday 06 February 2025. © Stuart Nicol Photography 2025

Artwork by over 500 talented Scottish young artists is now being showcased in Scotland’s National gallery

Your Art World

FREE

National Galleries of Scotland: National

24 June 2023 – 14 April 2024

Visitors to the National can now explore the spectacular Your Art World exhibition, showcasing the artwork of creative 3–18-year-olds from Scotland. The nationwide call out has inspired over 500 incredible young artists from across the country to get involved.

The Your Art World project aims to engage with young people and encourage them to think and act more creatively. Having uploaded their creations digitally to National Galleries of Scotland’s website, the artwork is now proudly displayed on screens at the National.

The young people could be as imaginative as they liked and use any type of materials for their creations, resulting in a superb collection of artworks. The exhibition is a celebration of what happens when young people are encouraged to be wildly imaginative with no limitations.

Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.

Four community and school groups, from the Scottish Highlands to the Borders, also worked alongside the National Galleries of Scotland to create physical installations. Groups involved included Dounby Community School and Nursery, secondary schools from across the Scottish Borders and Granton Primary.

A group of children and their families from PAMIS, an organisation in Scotland working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities for a better life, are also featured.

The result is a creation of extraordinary displays ranging from environmentally inspired projects made with rubbish collected from the shores of Orkney to stunning paintings, drawings, and 3D sculptures, along with sensory led artwork by the PAMIS group.

Families and young people inspired by the creativity will also be able to get involved in making their own creations in the galleries this Summer. With a specially created ‘make and share’ area allowing them to produce and upload their own work to the website. There is also the added bonus of having their artwork added to the digital showcase on the screens.

Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.

Siobhan McConnachie, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Galleries of Scotland, said: “I feel so excited and proud to be showcasing the artwork of the talented young artists of Scotland.

“The response has been truly inspiring and we have been so impressed with everyone’s creativity. The Your Art World project is incredibly important to us at National Galleries of Scotland as it hands over the creative process to young people and celebrates their work.

“Art has its place in every school, home and young person’s life, whether that be encouraging people to think creatively, use it as an expressive outlet or simply for some fun, this project and exhibition celebrates that art really is for everyone.”

Your World celebration day at the National Galleries.

Dounby Community School Head Teacher, Islean Gibson, said: “Being part of such an amazing gallery exhibition has given everyone here at Dounby School such a sense of pride and motivation.

“Sharing our thoughts and ideas as part of a national project has really inspired our whole school community. The power of creation will have a lasting legacy.

“It makes me swell with pride every day seeing just how impactful creativity can be for a wee school and its community. I would wholeheartedly recommend everyone take that step into Your Art World and see where it takes you!”

The exhibition is part of a wider Your Art World project which aims to engage and encourage young people in the world of art. With online resources available for teachers and families to support children in art-based activities, the project encourages everyone to get involved no matter ability or knowledge. By providing tools and guidance, Your Art World demystifies the creative process and makes art accessible to everyone.

The exhibition is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have raised more than £5 million awarded by Postcode Culture Trust to support National Galleries of Scotland.

All submissions can be viewed via the online gallery and will also be displayed digitally at the National until 14 April 2024.

Granton Voices: Granton Primary School films at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

#GrantonVoices partnership with North Edinburgh Arts.

SATURDAY 7th JUNE 1 – 3pm at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

A special afternoon of films made by the children of Granton Primary over half a decade: a remarkable body of work exploring the impacts of racism, homophobia, and experiences of immigration, as well as what happens when you sleep in past the school bell.

Film Hub ScotlandFolk Cinemas

http://ow.ly/xwob50OsFBU

Join us for a special afternoon of films made by the children of Granton Primary School over half a decade: a remarkable body of work exploring the impacts of racism, homophobia, and experiences of immigration, as well as what happens when you sleep in past the school bell!

Moving, poignant, hilarious and full of life, witness Granton through the eyes of some of Edinburgh’s most exciting young filmmakers.

#GrantonVoices

Granton Primary Early Learning and Childcare Building opens

Cllr Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, officially opened the new Granton Early Learning and Childcare building with Head Teacher Lorraine Cusack and Senior Early Years Officer Lesley Watt yesterday.

Five new settings based on primary school sites – Craigentinny, Granton, Nether Currie, St John Vianney and St Mark’s – have opened up in the Capital in the past few months providing places for an additional 500 children.

Cllr Griffiths said: “This is an exciting time for early learning and childcare in Edinburgh with five new settings opening recently providing places for over 500 children.

“As a Council we will do everything we can to ensure our children get the best possible start in life on their journey to becoming successful learners and confident individuals.”

PICTURES: Greg Macvean

Keep Scotland Beautiful Green Flag awards for Edinburgh schools

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful is delighted to award twelve schools in Edinburgh with an Eco-Schools Green Flag.

The international award recognises nurseries and schools which have demonstrated a commitment to the Eco-Schools Scotland programme and over two years have engaged their whole school community in local climate action.

The schools are: St David’s RC Primary School (which has held a Green Flag since 2010), Craiglockhart Primary School (which has held a Green Flag since 2016), Granton Primary School  (a Green Flag school since 2013), Drummond Community High (achieving its first Green Flag Award), St Cuthbert’s Primary School (a Green Flag school since 2014), Ratho Primary School (a Green Flag school since 2010), Blackhall Nursery (which has held a Green Flag since 2009), St Margaret’s RC Primary School (which has held a Green Flag since 2011), Arbor Green Nursery (a Green Flag school since 2012), Hermitage Park Primary School (which has held a Green Flag since 2007), Kirkliston Nursery School (since 2005) and St Mary’s RC Primary School (since 2012).

All the schools took part in a variety of fantastic litter-busting and climate action activities including litter picks, litter surveys, recycling and community clean ups. 

Pupils in the Eco Den at St David’s RC Primary School used their litter picking kit to tidy the playground. The nursery class also carried out a clean up. 

Craiglockhart Primary School’s Eco Committee carried out a litter survey and using the results, decided to modify or replace their outdoor bins to prevent the litter from blowing out. They also wrote to the council to ask them to reduce the amount of single use plastics in school lunch boxes. 

Granton Primary School’s Eco-Committee solved the problem of seagulls dragging litter out of the playground bins, by sourcing new seagull proof ones to replace them.

Drummond Community High introduced recycling bins to communal areas in the school, to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. St Cuthbert’s Primary School’s Eco-Committee purchased extra bins for the playground after finding there were not enough. 

Ratho Primary School started a weekly class litter picking rota, with the nursery children working with their P6 buddies. Blackhall Nursery children learned about the effects of plastics on the environment and wanted to make long term changes at nursery and at home, so the nursery no longer uses plastic glitter or wet wipes. They also filled two perspex boxes with littered items to see which materials decompose and which don’t.

St Margaret’s RC Primary School pupils made posters which were displayed around the school to promote the use of bins. Arbor Green Nursery introduced regular activities promoting the 3 Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle. At Hermitage Park Primary School there was already a minimal amount of litter in the playground, and pupils aimed to decrease it even more..

Kirkliston Nursery School children joined in with a local community spring walk, talked about the litter in the local community garden and why we shouldn’t drop litter, and did a litter pick, recycling the items they collected. St Mary’s RC Primary School adopted a local street and encouraged residents to join in and pledge to take action on the problem.

Through the Eco-Schools Scotland programme, Keep Scotland Beautiful aims to make action to tackle climate change and environmental awareness an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of schools, for both pupils and for staff.

The programme provides a framework to engage the wider school community in climate action aligned with the purposes of Curriculum for Excellence and Learning for Sustainability.

To complete the Green Flag journey each school has a choice of ten topics to engage with, from climate action, to food and the environment, to litter, to energy. The schools also choose one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to link their Eco-Schools work to.

Catherine Gee, Deputy Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I’d like to congratulate the Eco-Committee, pupils and staff at each of these schools, who have worked so hard to play their part in combatting climate change and achieve their Green Flag Award. 

“This is particularly impressive during a time of unprecedented adjustment and change to education due to the pandemic and is testament to the resilience and creativity of both pupils and educators.

“Keep Scotland Beautiful is committed to supporting all our children, young people and educators through our climate action schools activities to develop the capacities, skills and attributes required to protect our planet and work towards our goal of a Net Zero future.”

More information about the world’s largest sustainable schools programme and Eco-Schools Scotland can be found at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/eco-schools