Visit from staff of Harrow School

We were pleased to welcome Chris Barry, Head of Physics & Astronomy and Critical Thinking at Harrow School, to Doon shortly before the Christmas break. Chris and his wife, Sarah who is also a teacher, met pupils and staff and enjoyed a tour of our facilities, and an excellent school lunch.
The meeting was arranged as part of the Dark Skies Observatory project at Craigengillan and we discussed future links and the sharing of teaching resources.
 An illustrated history of Harrow School was presented to our school library.

The politeness and friendliness of our pupils was commented on by Chris and Sarah during their visit. We have also had a ‘thank you’ email from Chris in which he invited us to visit Harrow and offered astronomy course materials.
This is part of his email: “I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to see us during our visit to Dalmellington last month and for taking the time to show us around and make us feel so welcome. Sarah and I really enjoyed meeting you, your colleagues and your pupils. Everyone we met seemed so motivated and proud of what you are all achieving and (as you know!) there is some remarkable work going on in your school underpinned by much outstanding dedication and professionalism: I must say we both felt inspired by our visit. So thank you”.

We look forward to further links with one of England’s most famous schools which numbers Sir Winston Churchill amongst its former pupils.

Dark Skies Observatory

Head Teacher Mr. MacKenzie together with the school’s junior captains and members of the astronomy masterclass attended the ground breaking ceremony, on Friday 27^th January, for the new Dark Skies observatory at Craigengillan Estate.

The event was also attended by council dignitaries and MSP Fergus Ewing, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Energy. Despite heavy snow falls the first spade was struck and now the building work may begin.