Shelter building and canoeing

We had some preparation to do before we were ready to embark on our outdoor adventure. First we needed to be sure that we could build ourselves a shelter should we need it! We practised in school using modelling materials. We were allowed 15 spills, 1 metre of string, some matchsticks and a bin bag sized piece of plastic. Working as a team, sharing ideas and cooperating was very necessary for success in this task.

We tried different shapes of shelters and used the techniques we learned from Kim Foden's visit earlier in the term.
The next challenge was using real sized sticks and building shelters we could fit into.

See more shelter building photos in the slideshow below.


Now we were ready to try the real thing in the wilds of Harray! The weather was reasonably kind to us although the wind rose a peedie bit and meant we had to keep our canoeing close to the shore.
We managed to build two shelters of different types.

After the shelter building, it was time to get the canoes in the water. When we arrived at Harray loch we had to unload the canoes and learn how to carry them properly down to the water's edge. The Voyageurs in Northern Canada had to carry their canoes and supplies over many miles of rough country and snow. This is known as portage. Luckily we didn't have to carry our equipment very far. We were well dressed for the task with our waterproofs and buoyancy aids.

At last we were ready to launch!

We practised trading goods with our teams at the trading posts.

And all this before lunch!

There are some more images from our day out in the slideshow below:

We had a great day even though we didn't quite manage the campfire building due to time and weather. Many thanks to Ron and Ms Mackay for the experience and also to the parent helpers.

Corrigall Farm

On Wednesday 3rd October we visited Kirbuster and Corrigall farm museums. We wore period costumes so that we looked the part! 
After being shown round Kirbuster we went on to Corrigall where we were met by Mr Giles, drama teacher and 'minister' for the day!
Brian Flett took us around the farm and told us many interesting facts and stories and then we had a go at some chores. We cleaned up the barn so that we could eat our lunch indoors and prepared for the Orkney wedding that we were recreating in the afternoon. 
Watch the slide show and videos below to see how we got on.

 

We started the wedding celebrations with a procession down the lane to the barn. All the families followed the bride and groom and the last person dragged a besom for luck. 
Magnus and Jessie Ann said their vows led by the 'minister' and then we had the Bride's Cog and wedding feast. (No alcohol in this cog of course!)

We had a tune on the fiddles and a song by everyone and then we were ready for dancing.
We had the Grand March followed by Strip the Willow and Ninepins. There wasn't much room for dancing in the barn but we managed!
Check out the wedding and dances in the videos. Apologies for the quality and darkness of the videos but there was no light in the barn other than doorways.

                                       

                                      

Everyone had a most enjoyable day! Special thanks to Chris Giles for all his input, to the custodians and the parent helpers too.
For more information on the museums click the links below.

http://www.spirit-of-orkney.com/contents1a/2010/04/kirbuster-farm-museum/

http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/corrigall-farm-museum.htm