News information

For immediate use: 27 September 2017

Outdoor sleepover was a hoot

Primary three pupils and their families at Newmilns Primary School enjoyed an amazing outdoor experience by holding a sleepover at the school - all under canvas in the playground.

The Big School SleepOut, organised by the Learning Outdoors Support Team, took place from Friday 22 September until the Saturday morning. The pupils enjoyed hot dogs for tea, a host of games and activities, a campfire and a bedtime story about an owl who was afraid of the dark.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: "The Big School SleepOut was an excellent idea and the pupils could not wait to get back to school on Monday to tell the others about it.

"Outdoor learning and experiences have a positive effect on pupils, especially when linked to the curriculum. It helps boost their confidence and knowledge, as well as improving their social skills and their ability to cope with situations outside their normal routine.

"Most importantly, the event was a lot of fun in the great outdoors - all from the safety of the school grounds and I hope I'm invited to the next one."

Head Teacher Jillian McCracken said: "This has been a great family learning opportunity for the pupils and parents. It has given the parents an insight into what outdoor learning involves and is an experience I'm sure the children will always remember. We are now looking at how to mirror the experience for the other children and families in the school."

Finlay from P4 said: "I really enjoyed all the activities especially looking through the owl pellet to find lots of bones. It was really nice hearing the birds while we camped outside. Having a camp fire was very cool, I would love to do it again."

Payton from P3 said: "I liked camping at school, but toasting the marshmallows was my favourite thing. It was my first time camping and it was good fun because my family got to join in too."

Katie from P4 said: "My favourite activity was painting with the spray bottles, it was good fun."

ENDS

Julie Haig

Communications Officer

East Ayrshire Council

W:01563 576096

M:07799 656227

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