October 2020
At Lochgilphead High School we like to be able to document our pupils’ Wider Achievements and we have a new record system to which all register teachers will be uploading monthly. From this, we will also be documenting some of our pupils Wider Achievements in some short videos, blogs, and displays within the school. These, currently, will be updated every 6-8 weeks.
Any pupil's Wider Achievements can also be sent to our PT Enterprise Fiona McBride: Fiona.mcbride@argyll-bute.gov.uk
This month we are celebrating the achievements of the following pupils:-
Magnus Hampton
Magnus was awarded a prize for sailing in the Round Shuna Race held by The Clyde Corinthian Yacht Club. When speaking to Magnus, it is clear to see his passion for sailing and that it is something, almost innate to him. He shared that sailing is something his family do together, in fact, the Round Shuna Race was an event both his Mum and Dad also took part in. Magnus clearly enjoys the challenge, stating “I really enjoy it, but sometimes it can be quite tricky”.
Magnus also shared his joy at being able to participate in the event again, explaining that spending some years away, his family had missed the race, “I enjoyed being able to do it again” and “ I am looking forward to next year” he beamed.
On his sailing and award, Magnus sums it up with “It was fun and I was happy I got an award!”.
The race and event was covered by The Argyllshire Advertiser, the article reported that “Magnus helmed brilliantly under spinnaker all the way down Loch Craignish through the Dhorus Mhor up the Craobh”.
Murray MacDonald
Murray and his partner won the last competition of the season at Lochgilphead bowling club on Saturday, September the 19th. The last competition was successful in raising spirits in what has been described as a somewhat “Short, turbulent and unusual season”. The theme of the fun day was ‘alternative’ bowling and there were 9 games played throughout the day.
Murray has played bowls with Lochgilphead Bowling Club for 3 years and says that he “really enjoys it”. On this particular day, his levels of happiness at winning were amplified as he actually managed to beat his dad as well!
Murray’s partner is a local man named Archie MacVicar.
Tara MacLaine
Tara MacLaine is a girl with ambition and the needs of others at the forefront of her mind. Tara's first achievement is that she gained her certificate in diving 18 metres.
Tara gained her certificate in the October holidays, on the 15th of October through the Puffin Dive Centre in Oban. Tara originally planned to do this in France, however, due to travel restrictions, she worked at and gained the certificate in Oban, Tara explained this was really positive for her as the team in Oban is made up of "all strong, powerful women!". Tara also made a good enough impression to be offered the chance to work at the centre to gain the experience and hours to gain further certificates in diving with The Puffin Dive Centre.
When speaking to Tara about gaining her certificate, she explained that she "wants to be a Marine Biologist and diving certificates are the first step". When asked how she feels about gaining her certificate, it's clear to see the ambition Tara has when she replied with such force "I am proud of myself, it feels more solid, this is actually what I am doing"
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Tara's second achievement is that of an act of selflessness. Last Christmas, Tara, along with her mum and dad, volunteered at Hope Kitchen in Oban, serving Christmas dinner to those in need. This included a variety of people including homeless people, those dependent on food banks and people who are lonely and/or vulnerable.
When speaking to Tara, she spoke of how the giving feeling of Christmas is what drove her and her family to volunteer "We sit in our house eating big meals, I thought 'there are people out there who could do with this', it might sound cliché, but Christmas is about giving, not receiving.”
Tara really enjoyed the experience saying "It felt really good, I met a few people who were really interesting, there were a lot of volunteers, it felt like a community".
Tara's volunteer work is a poignant reminder for us just now to check in on those next to us, especially in current circumstances.
Often, in our smaller, more rural communities, we can sometimes think that homelessness and food banks are urban phenomena, when in fact, they exist here in rural areas. Lending a hand, even what seems like the smallest helping hand can make a huge difference to those needing that little bit of help.