The highly popular P6 CATO (Come and Try Orienteering) Events have begun, the first ones taking place at Ironmills Park in Dalkeith.

A number of local Primary Schools have attend these events.  The CATO involves full classes participating in a warm up Star activity. Then the pupils progress through 5 different courses, finally finishing with the Cross Country Event – if they have any energy left! So far all pupils involved have worked extremely hard – participating 100% and everyone who has attended appears to have great fun and learnt or developed their Orienteering skills. The results below can be used for Data Handling in Maths

RESULTS:

Ironmills Park – 20.11.14 – Session 1

Ironmills Park – 20.11.14 – Session 2

Ironmills Park – 27.11.14 – Session 1

Ironmills Park – 27.11.14 – Session 2

Curriculum for Excellence & Orienteering Events

Orienteering can involve whole classes or individuals, it is inexpensive, helps develop life skills, is enjoyable and safe. Importantly, schools get active in the outdoors, and pupils can develop a lifelong love of outdoor activities. As well as developing the four capacities of the CfE, orienteering contributes too many of the Health and well being outcomes e.g.,

 Orienteering aspect: practice of skills in different areas and progression of skills used in orienteering. Improving speed over given distance and able to run longer distances. Able to run on rougher ground without injury. E/O: I practise, consolidate and refine my skills to improve my performance. I am developing and sustaining my levels of fitness (HWB 2-22a).

 Orienteering aspect: progression integral to orienteering; master skills individually, combine them and select the appropriate technique(s) in different situations. Goals can be defined in terms of mins per km. or achieve a particular standard in competition, or master particular skills. Through relay/team events – I work with others to optimise skills. E/O:  While working and learning with others, I improve my range of skills, demonstrate tactics and achieve identified goals (HWB 2-23a).

 Orienteering aspect: orienteering provides an alternative to many more “traditional” sports & games. Through orienteering interdisciplinary learning can happen. E/O:I am experiencing enjoyment and achievement on a daily basis by taking part in different kinds of energetic physical activities of my choosing, including sport and opportunities for outdoor learning, available at my place of learning and in the wider community (HWB 2-25a).

Primary schools from the Penicuik cluster in Midlothian are starting on a road to discovery. Strathesk P7 pupils are among many other learners who are  starting to work towards  gaining a John Muir discovery award. The schools are engaging in the award in partnership with the Outdoor Learning services. Through this many of the pupils will benefit from an experience which takes them into more remote and wild spaces where schools do not always have the resources to manage themselves. 

Well done to the learners from Strathesk P7s who have already been out in the Pentland hills.

Rosewell Primary school have embarked on a journey of discovery into the world of renewable energy.
We have linked up with Ally and Susan Cowen the very helpful owners from Eastside Farm in the Pentland Hills.  The learners in P4 to P7  will be  given the the opportunity to see renewable energy in action.  In addition to this the learners  will have the chance to walk in the surrounding area taking in the natural beauty of the Pentland hills

A paraclimbing event is taking place on the 2nd November 2014 at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.  

If you have any climbing related questions please get in touch with – Sean.fallon@midlothian.gov.uk