Tag: Merchiston Castle School

‘A Very Merchiston Christmas Fair’

SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER 10am – 1pm

Merchiston Castle School is kicking off the festive season with the return of its Very Merchiston Christmas Fair on Saturday 07 December. 

The all-boys school is bringing back the popular event, transforming its impressive Memorial Hall into a winter wonderland for Edinburgh’s finest small businesses to showcase their wares. Guests will be treated to complimentary festive refreshments as they peruse the stallholders, looking out for those all-important stocking fillers. 

Luxurious gifting options, moreish food samples, and punchy drinks will be on offer, with the likes of Edinburgh Candlemaker Co, South Loch Gin and 181 Delicatessen holding a stall at the Christmas event. 

Last year’s Fair saw £577.40 raised for Edinburgh Food Project through the school’s Christmas raffle, in addition to 492kg of food donated. The students are hoping to match that this year with a food donations drive and Sixth Form stall selling items such as branded mugs and notebooks. 

Merchiston’s Headmaster, Jonathan Anderson, said of the event: “The Merchiston Christmas Fair is a key event in the festive calendar, with locals and those from further afield visiting to pick up unique gifts and embrace the festive spirit. 

“This year, we have a variety of world-class vendors offering a range of delights, and of course, our Christmas Raffle will be running to raise much-needed funds for Edinburgh Food Project. We hope to see you there!”

A ‘Very Merchiston Christmas Fair’ will take place on 7 December in Merchiston’s Memorial Hall from 10:00am – 1:00pm.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here and are free of charge. 

Merchiston Castle School invites prospective families to Open Morning

One of Edinburgh’s top independent schools, Merchiston Castle School, is opening its 196-year-old gates to welcome prospective families for an Open Morning on Saturday 28 September.

An opportunity to explore the stunning 100-acre campus and see first-hand Merchiston’s premium facilities, families are invited to discover the top-tier educational experience offered at Scotland’s leading independent school for boys.

Visitors will have the chance to speak to the dedicated teaching staff, hear from the Head Teacher, Jonathan Anderson, and chat with both existing parents and students about their personal experiences of the school.

Pupil-led tours will run throughout the day, offering interested families the chance to view boarding houses, communal spaces, and subject classrooms.

For those inspired by recent sporting performances, a visit to the school’s world-class sporting facilities is on the cards – including the pioneering Tennis Academy in which Wimbledon competitor Jacob Fearnley first cut his teeth.

Interactive sessions for both tennis and golf will take place, offering a chance to meet the respective academy Directors, and get a sense of how Merchiston encourages sporting ambitions alongside a top-tier academic education.

Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston, said: “I look forward to welcoming families and sharing how Merchiston delivers an exceptional school experience for boys.

“We understand how important it is for families to choose the right school for their child, which is why we aim to provide comprehensive Open Events so that parents and sons can truly get to know our school culture and community.”

Merchiston’s Open Morning will run from 10:00am – 12:30pm on Saturday 28 September. Interested families can register for a place here.

Merchiston’s new Forest Nursery and Junior School will also be holding an Open Morning on 28 September from 9:30am – 11:30am.

Here families can discover more about the innovative approach the Forest at Merchiston takes to educating children ages 3 to 7.

Families invited to explore enchanting Forest School

The Forest at Merchiston to host Open Morning on 15 June

Edinburgh’s answer to progressive education, The Forest at Merchiston, is to open its woodland gates to prospective families on 15 June between 9:30am – 11:30am for a truly enchanting Open Event.

Merchiston Castle School’s highly anticipated Forest Nursery and Junior School will welcome families interested in the cutting-edge, co-educational provision for an interactive Open Morning in the gorgeous 100-acre wooded grounds.

Alongside hands-on activities and Forest games, attendees will hear from The Forest Head Teacher, Davina Bowers, about this pioneering new offering, and have the chance to speak to the newly appointed Forest teaching staff.

Opening in September 2024, The Forest Nursery and Junior School seeks to bring a holistic approach to childhood development to Edinburgh.

Founded in Forest school principles, which prioritises child-centred outdoor learning, this educational offering will provide boys and girls ages 3 – 5 (Forest Nursery) and year groups P1 – P3 (Forest Junior) the very best formative years of education.

Davina Bowers, Head Teacher of The Forest Nursery and Junior School, said: “We are very excited to be hosting this Open Morning for prospective families to discover more about The Forest at Merchiston.

“This is the first chance for parents to meet our passionate Forest team and learn about our vibrant academic curriculum. We will also be answering questions, covering everything from after-school activities to uniform and more.

“As with all our Forest events, we are incorporating some fun Forest-themed activities to keep the little ones – and big ones – entertained! There will even be a surprise visit from a very special guest to add to the magical atmosphere.”

The Forest at Merchiston’s Open Morning is taking place on Saturday 15 June between 9:30am – 11:30am. Registration is required to attend the event, please do so here.

https://www.merchiston.co.uk/the-forest/open-morning-15th-june

A Scottish Castle, magical unicorns, and young heroes: Merchiston hosts best-selling author

FANTASTICAL BOOK LAUNCH AT MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL

Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’s leading independent school for boys, hosted best-selling author AF Steadman for a private book launch and signing on 1 May. 

Author of the award-winning Skandar series, Ms Steadman held the exclusive event at the Edinburgh school to celebrate the launch of the third instalment of the collection, Skandar and The Chaos Trials. 

Merchiston was one of just three venues to host the author during a fleeting visit to Edinburgh, before she proceeded with the remainder of her UK tour.  

Extending the invitation to several local schools including St. George’s School for Girls, Cargilfield Prep School, and Longstone Primary School, Merchiston welcomed over 250 children into its impressive Memorial Hall. 

During the event, the author read an excerpt from the highly anticipated third novel, bringing to life her fantastical world of adventure, fierce friendships, rivalries, and heroic deeds for the audience of school children. A question-and-answer session ensued, followed by a book signing to conclude the event. 

Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston, said: “It was a privilege to host Annabel Steadman and fellow Edinburgh schools for this incredible special occasion.

“Words have the power to connect and transport us to other worlds, and with her incredible, fantastical descriptions of ferocious unicorns and heroes – Steadman’s books most certainly do that!

“This book reading and Q&A offered pupils the chance to engage with literature in an exciting and inspiring way, and to celebrate the pure joy of reading.”

Author Annabel Steadman commented on the book launch: “It was such a joy to return to Merchiston. The reading culture is truly phenomenal – encouraged by the school’s wonderful librarian Rachel.

“And as an author it was such an amazing opportunity to meet young readers from Merchiston as well as lots of pupils from schools in the nearby area who were invited along to mySkandar talk in the beautiful hall. Thank you!” 

Merchiston welcomes prospective families to Information Morning

9th March 2024

Scotland’s leading all boys boarding school, Merchiston Castle School, is opening its doors for an Information Morning on Saturday 9th of March.

Prospective families are invited to discover more about Merchiston, meet Department heads, and experience the world-class education Merchiston provide.

Held in the school’s impressive Memorial Hall, the Information Morning will be styled as a department fair offering families the chance to chat to Merchiston’s teachers, listen to students enthusing about their favourite subjects, speak to the Academic Leadership Team and find out more about what Merchiston can offer their son.

Merchiston’s Admission Team will be on hand to answer any questions parents may have and guide them through the admission process.

Registration for the event is open via the website:

https://www.merchiston.co.uk/admissions/open-events/information-morning-9-march

Merchiston Castle’s Christmas Fair raises nearly 500kg in food donations 

That’s the equivalent of Rudolph the Reindeer!

Scotland’s leading independent all-boys boarding school, Merchiston Castle School, has raised £1,500 and a whopping 492kg of food donations for the Edinburgh Food Project, a local charity that provides emergency good provision and support for people in need. 

Following the charity’s ‘most wanted’ list, the schoolboys encouraged their families and friends to donate and drop off at Merchiston’s annual Christmas Fair, and the community responded generously! From tinned soup to cereal, cleaning products to festive treats, families contributed almost half a tonne of much-needed items to go directly to vulnerable people in Edinburgh this winter. 

A further £1,500 cash donation was raised through a remarkable charity raffle held on the day, stallholder fees and a sizeable contribution from the Sixth Form’s Christmas market sales, which saw students from the Entrepreneurship BTEC sell Merchiston branded mugs, candles, and ornaments aplenty!

Edinburgh Food Project is seeing an increased demand for foodbanks this year, with over 2,000 food parcels expected to be delivered in December alone – a 70% rise compared with the same month in 2022.

The donation raised by Merchiston Castle School will go some way in helping to meet this demand and support the seven food banks run by the organisation. 

Jonathan Anderson, Headteacher of Merchiston Castle School, said: “We are immensely grateful to our kind-spirited community who donated much-needed items to our charity initiative this year. It has been heart-warming to see the local community come together to support families in need and spread some true Christmas cheer. 

“The boys have been incredible in supporting the fundraising activity, hosting the raffle where all donations went directly to the Edinburgh Food Project. We are very proud to see them giving back to the community and thinking of others less fortunate at this time of year”.

Merchiston Castle School invites passionate early-years and primary educators to Forest School

Exciting career opportunities are available at the much-anticipated Forest Nursery and Junior School 

Merchiston Castle School is holding a recruitment event for its highly anticipated Forest Nursery and Junior School, scheduled to open in September 2024. 

Taking place on 27 January between 9:30am-11:30am in Merchiston’s picturesque grounds, the event will serve as an opportunity for prospective candidates to hear more about the Forest Nursery and Junior School the rewarding career prospects available. 

Enthusiastic early-years practitioners and primary teachers with a passion for outdoor learning and holistic development are encouraged to sign up for the recruitment morning to discover all The Forest at Merchiston has to offer. 

Attendees will be taken on a guided tour of the stunning 100-acre wooded campus, discover The Forest’s innovative, child centred curriculum, and hear from Headteacher Davina Bowers, about the unparalleled educational offering The Forest Nursery and Junior School will deliver. 

The Forest at Merchiston is looking to fill a number of positions, with full-time and part-time roles available. The recruitment morning is a chance for eager applicants to learn more about this promising career opportunity and gain an insight into Edinburgh’s most exciting early years and primary provision. Interested individuals will later be required to submit a formal application, with interviews scheduled for March 2024. 

Davina Bowers, Head of The Forest at Merchiston, said of the event: “This is the ideal opportunity for interested applicants to explore our unique educational provision and gain an understanding of the curriculum, our progressive approach and ambitions for the Forest Nursery and Junior School. 

“The event promises to be a wonderful gathering of like-minded practitioners, all passionate about combining academic subjects with the power of outdoor education and child-centred learning. 

“I am looking forward to meeting the inspiring and dedicated teachers and practitioners who will make up our future team of educators.”

Those interested in attending the recruitment event on 27 January are asked to register their interest by submitting a form on the website here. 

Merchiston Castle School spreads festive cheer with the return of its Christmas Fair

Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’s leading all-boys independent boarding and day school, has announced the return of its annual ‘Very Merchiston Christmas Fair’, with the addition of a special Forest School ‘Winter Wonderland’ on 2 December. 

Following on from last year’s success, Merchiston’s Christmas Fair will again be held in the school’s remarkable Memorial Hall, where a selection of high-quality, local businesses will display their very best wares.

Expect incredible jewellery from Jewel Tree Edinburgh, sample delicious spirits from Cairns Whisky and South Loch Gin, warming scents from the Edinburgh Candlemaker Company and festive foods from 181 Delicatessen all the while soaking up the festive atmosphere in the beautifully decorated Memorial Hall.

Last year, £1,433 was raised for the Braidburn School through suggested ticket donations and participation in Merchiston’s charity raffle. 

This year, the school is raising funds in support of Edinburgh Food Project, a local charity that supplies food to people in crisis, while seeking to address the underlying causes of food poverty. A charity raffle will take place on the day, with visitors invited to donate at the door. 

In addition to the Very Merchiston Christmas Fair, guests can also visit The Forest at Merchiston’s Winter Wonderland for families with young children.

Held on the school’s wooded grounds, the immersive experience for families interested in attending The Forest from 2024, will include a variety of engaging and interactive activities for little ones to enjoy, such as making reindeer food and creating their very own Christmas decorations.

Here, families can explore the enchanting woodlands, and learn more about Merchiston’s new educational offering, the much-anticipated Forest School which is due to open in September 2024.  

Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston said: “Merchiston’s Christmas Fair is the perfect way to herald in the festive season and pick up some exceptional gifts in the process.

“All are welcome as we celebrate Christmas while remembering it is a time for charity and giving too. We are very pleased to be raising funds for the Edinburgh Food Project so Christmas can be bright for many.”

Davina Bowers, Head of The Forest at Merchiston, added: “The Forest’s Winter Wonderland promises to be a lot of fun for families and little ones, with a variety of hands-on activities and games to take part in. 

“I am really looking forward to welcoming families to the Forest Winter Wonderland this December, and to give them a feel for what the Forest approach entails. It will be the event of the season!”

A ‘Very Merchiston Christmas Fair’ will take place on 2 December between 10am – 2pm in Merchiston’s Memorial Hall.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here and are free of charge. 

The ‘Forest Winter Wonderland’ will run between 10:00 and 12:00 on Saturday 2nd December.

Booking can be made here.

Edinburgh schoolboys present sustainable building plans at the Houses of Parliament

A group of students from Scotland’s leading independent day and boarding school for boys, Merchiston Castle School, spoke at the Houses of Parliament in October as part of the British International Education Association’s Youth STEM Forum.

Five of Merchiston’s students were selected to speak at the Forum after winning the prestigious Sustainable Building Design Award in the British International Education Association’s international STEM competition.

Competing with hundreds of other schools from across the globe, including Poland, Pakistan, Canada and Spain, the Edinburgh pupils’ extensive research, pragmatic approach and pioneering design saw Merchiston receive the prestigious STEM award.

Fuelled by predictions that much of Leith will succumb to flooding by 2030, the boys designed a versatile, flood-resistant yet energy-efficient building.

The comprehensive final report showcased a meticulously crafted solution that could be adapted to diverse global locales, demonstrating the groups’ creativity, foresight, and pragmatism in addressing the climate emergency.

Mrs Chapman, Merchiston’s MerchiSTEM coordinator, said of the win: “The British International Education Association STEM competition allows pupils to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems.

“This draws on and further develops a variety of skills our pupils already have, such as primary and secondary research, report writing, analysing information and visual presentation methods.

“Merchiston’s extracurricular STEM group, MerchiSTEM, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved. Speaking at the Houses of Parliament about their design proposal was an incredible opportunity, and one I am sure the boys will not forget for some time!”

Fergus W, a member of Merchiston’s winning team, described the win as “incredibly rewarding”.

He added: “Speaking at the Houses of Parliament was a huge privilege, and we were very proud to be there – and grateful to our teachers for their support.

“As young people, we think it is very important for us to share our opinion on serious, current issues such as Climate Change as this will impact our future.

“We hope that we are listened to and considered in any future planning to do with sustainability so that we can contribute to planning and preparing for our future.”