At Sciennes, we recognise that we are incredibly fortunate to enjoy such strong partnerships with families and to have such ongoing marvellous parental support.
Saturday 6th June, saw the culmination of tireless efforts to create the most remarkable
parent led Science Fair : organised and led by parents - supported by staff and pupils - with many workshops and presentations
delivered by parents and also supported by the multitude of parents who attended.
Aileen Nimmo, as Convener of the Fundraising and Events subgroup of the Parent Council (assisted by parent Stuart Robertson) and Claire Wheeler, as Chair of the Parent Council, have worked innovatively with teams of parents, staff and pupils to achieve a most magnificent day of learning about Science,
as well as providing all the fun of the summer fair. Meticulous planning ensured the entire event ran extremely smoothly on the day. Thanks also to
Science Specialists Mr Mark McKenna and Ms Wendy French for their support.
We are indebted to all our contributors for providing FREE Science Activities for the children, as a thank you for all the incredible fundraising this year for playground inprovements. Special thanks to the huge and invaluable contribution made by the University of Edinburgh
Scientists led by parents Dr Geoff Bromiley, Dr Pau Navarro and Dr Alison Hulme
and their wonderful colleagues and PhD students.
These photographs are an attempt to capture just a glimpse of an extraordinary day:
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| Aileen Nimmo, Convener Fundraising and Events |
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| Claire Wheeler, Chair of the Parent Council, with some of our P7 'Fair Makers' Leah and Ruyuan |
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Glossy leaflets designed by parent Jimmy Chow were issued by our P7 Fair Makers
Science Fair leaflet
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Maps (produced by parents Stuart Robertson and Lee Healy) helped everyone find
their way round the many attractions - all free!
KEYNOTE INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER
Dr Andrew Murray
Dr Andrew Murray is a highly accomplished athlete
and sports/ expedition doctor. He has smashed records and won races in
some of the most incredible places imaginable, whilst working with some
of the world's leading athletes in a range of sports.
BIOGRAPHY
In 2011 Dr Andrew Murray ran from John O’Groats to the Sahara
Desert in 77 days and 8 hours, covering a staggering distance of 2659
miles. This epic run was filmed by BBC Scotland for 1hr documentary
‘the Ultimate Marathon Man'.
In November 2012, Andrew was the first to run 7 ultra-marathons on 7
continents in just over 5 days. Travelling to Antarctica, Patagonia,
Atlanta, London, Egypt, Dubai and Australia, he completed the challenge
in a bid to promote exercise as part of his role as the Scottish
Government’s Physical Activity Champion.
In 2014 Andrew broke new ground by running the 10 highest mountains in
the UK in a day, while he has placed first overall in races in some of
the world’s most extreme environments including the North Pole marathon,
the Sahara Race, the Gobi Challenge, the 6633 Arctic Ultra, and the
Indo Jungle Ultra. He has climbed the highest peaks in Europe,
Australia, South America, and Africa.
His work as an expedition doctor has taken him from the Himalaya to the
North Pole, working on 6 continents while in sport he has worked at the
Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Ryder Cup, Commonwealth games, as well
as an advisor for the Scottish Government.
His running has raised over £150k for charities he is passionate about,
whilst his first book is called "
Running Beyond Limits".
Inspirational Dr Andrew Murray encourages Luca and Jessica to try to walk in his shoes.
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| Keep on running, even in the North Pole! |
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| Special desert running shoes. |
Dr Andrew Murray very kindly delivered his fully booked presentation twice
and has generously accepted Ms Anstruther's invitation to address our
Assemblies next year. Thank you to parent Bruce Crawford, former Chair
of the Parent Council, for introducing and hosting Dr Murray's
presentations.
Victoria Telford from Mercy Corps delivered a presentation on how
Science can be used to help deal with natural disasters. We are grateful
to parent Jacqui Wright for re-establishing our link with Mercy Corps,
City of Edinburgh's Partner Charity, and very grateful to Victoria for her time and ongoing support.
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| Aileen Nimmo and the Parent Council welcomed all our visiting guests and workshop providers. |
Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions in the Sensory Room
Thank you to parent Andrew Johnson and his team from Camera Obscura for providing a hugely popular station in the Sensory Room.
Thank you to Andrew Johnson, Manager at
Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions.
The Living World Zone featuring the Scottish Wildlife
Trust, Scottish Badgers; Forrestry Commission, John Muir Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds.
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| Thank you to parent Jo Pike (Deputy Chief Executive of SWT) and son Ben for manning the Scottish Wildlife Trust stall. |
The Neuroscience Zone
Led by Dr Pau Navarro, Dr Matthew Broadhead and their teams from
Edinburgh University
Build your own cells. Learn about your Brain with
Team Synapse from Edinburgh University.
Thank you to parent Stuart Robertson for assisting Aileen Nimmo with ideas for the Science Fair.
Thank you to parent Dr Pau Navarro,
Dr Matthew Broadhead
and the team from Edinburgh University's Neuroscience Department.
Thank you to University of Edinburgh
Neuroscience Department
and to former parent, Professor Catherina Becker for her support.
Thank you to the
Institute of Genetics and Molecular Science, Edinburgh University and to parent Dr Pau Navarro.
The Geology and Geoscience Zone
Led by Dr Geoffrey Bromiley, Dr Kate Saunders and their teams from
Edinburgh University.
The incredible edible earth: make your own models of
the earth and different types of volcanos and eat them. Learn about volcanic
eruptions with jelly and custard, plunge your hands into a box of sticky molten
lava and learn about the different types of rocks lava can form. The Beauty of
Rocks under the microscope.
Thank you to Dr Geoffrey Bromiley, Lecturer in Experimental
Geoscience and Earth Materials Science at Edinburgh University.
Computing and Technology Zone:
Led by Dr Eilidh Troup of Edinburgh University
Sort balls like a computer and race your
own dinosaur.
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| Dr Eilidh Troup from Edinburgh University races dinosaurs! |
Fan Duel online software designed by parent and CEO Nigel Eccles. Children loved shooting hoops for free mini sports balls and sweets! Thank you to the Eccles family for their very generous donation of an iPad Air as First Prize in the Grand Raffle.
The Physics Zone:
Led by Dr Jayanthi Santhanam, Edinburgh University and Pauline Ritchie
Have fun trying to make bubbles of all shapes; make your own sundials;see
the p1A and 1B children show how capillary action works in carnations and
play with ooze and see why breaking “Newtonian “rules can be fun.
Learn about the exciting world of Geophysics with Sean Walker and find
buried treasure with a magnetometer.
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| Wonderful examples of science experiment recording by P1 pupils on display, with Ms Carolyn Anstruther looking on ... and bubbles! |
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| Sophia kept a careful score sheet for the magnetometer challenge. |
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Talented family! Thank you to Tanya Boughtflower for all her
fundraising efforts and for superb promotion of the Fair and to her
husband and daughter for providing a geophysics stall.
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CHEMISTRY ZONE -
Led by Dr Alison Hulme and her team from Edinburgh University
Make a
rainbow in a box, write secret messages, spin Newton’s wheel of fortune and
discover the magic of colour!
If you look closely you can see the rainbow Isla is holding
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| Ellie's very own rainbow |
Welcome back, Rachel Fisher, former pupil and now PhD student at Edinburgh University.
Thank you to parent Dr Alison Hulme, Senior Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at Edinburgh University, and her team.
Thank you to Edinburgh University's
School of Chemistry.
The Maths
Zone:
Led by Dr Kristel Torokoff, Dr Ivan Cheltsov of Edinburgh University,
Vanya Cheltsov
Magical maths and chess.
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| Welcome back to former pupil Vanya Chelttsov with his friend Charlie, mum and P6 brother Fedya. Thank you to Dr Ivan Chelstov from Edinburgh University |
Thank you to former pupil Robert for assisting in the Chess Room
Thank you to parent Kristel Torokoff for setting up and supervising the Chess room
The 'Break Out' Zone: bodies and bones
Thank you to Amanda Hogg and
Carlton Clinic and Fitness Studio - based in the Grange and providing Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Massage, Pilates, Yoga, Fitness for Seniors and Personal Training.
CHARLIE AND THE SOUND FACTORY
Thank you to parent Charlie Silverton for his workshop on making and explaining noise.
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| Esther hands out tuning forks to help her Dad with his workshop |
Inventor Donald Naylor brought his bike-powered kettle and invited people to boil their
own water for tea before their burger was cooked!
And all of these wonderful science activities were free, as a thank you to all our amazing fundraisers.
As well as the magnificent Science Fair, there was also all the fun of the Summer Fair!
LUNCH : BBQ,
Papa Johns Pizza, Asian Snacks, Noodles, Ice Cream, Teas, Coffees and Soft Drinks
Thank you to
Papa John's Pizza for generous donations to Friends of Sciennes School Trust
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| Cooking up a storm - parents Alison Aitken, Jack Cadell and Stuart Sheehan. Grateful thanks to Sainsbury's Marchmont Road Local for heavily discounting BBQ foods. |
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| Thank you to supercooks Linda Bjork and her husband. |
Many thanks to the Ice cream Ladies in the 'Stanley Denvir Campervan.'
MAKEOVER STALL Face and nail painting
Thank you so much to former pupils Lorna, Abi and Sophie
HOMEBAKING STALL
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| Thank you to parent Sarah McGregor-Norrie, for running the Bake Stall, to her friend Suzy Thomson (pictured above) for assisting and to everyone who donated such delicious, beautifully presented, sweets and treats. |
TOMBOLA STALL
Thank you to Bethan McEwan, Claire Marshall and P6C Class Teacher Ms Wendy French
PLANTS AND FLOWERS STALL
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| Thank you to parents Laura Bird and Nikki Crawford for organising and running the Plant Stall |
Thank you to
Homebase in St Leonard's Street for their generous donations of plants.
SCIENNES FOOTBALL STALL
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| Thank you to the Sciennes Football Club team for their ongoing efforts and commitment to working with more than a third of the school population! |
CIRCUS SKILLS
Thank you, Susie!
BOOKS AND DVDs STALL
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| Lauren Peden mans the Book Stall |
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| P4C Class Teacher Miss Gladstone lends a hand at the Book Stall |
SECOND HAND UNIFORM
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| Thank you to parents Ms Phoebe Cochrane and Mrs Mary Ross |
SECOND HAND BIKES
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| Thank you to parents Gillian Clarkson and Mr Andreas Grothey for manning the secondhand bikes stall |
TOYS
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| Parent Lorraine Gormley and daughter Isla |
Lucy Casot with Jessica and Luca
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| Rhona McMurdo and Jessica |
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| Class Teachers Mrs Fiona Barker 7C, Ms Bethan Owen P5A and Mrs Jane Maguire P5B (PTA Staff Rep) |
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Thank
you to all staff who supported in preparing for the Fair and on
the day itself, including Mrs Ford, Ms Dodds, Mrs Maguire, Mrs Barker, Ms Owen, Miss Gladstone, Mrs Helen Robertson, Ms Jenny Gaffney and Mrs
Helen Anderson. Thanks to Mr Mark McKenna and Ms Wendy French for
Science support and to Mr Forrest Howie for organising the P7 Fair
Makers.
Mr Mark McKenna (Science Specialist) and Aileen Nimmo
RAFFLE TICKETS
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| Thank you to Lesley J Stewart, Fiona Anthony and Leanne Boyle. |
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| Toby is hopeful! |
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| Gathering for the Grand Raffle. Who will win the iPad Air? Grateful thanks to parent Emma Melvin for overseeing the Raffle and to all the families and companies who so generously donated prizes, including parent Mr Macsween for the haggis hamper and the Eccles family for the iPad Air. |
HIGH FLIER PAPER AIRPLANE CHALLENGE: P1 Winner
Presented by Headteacher Mrs Alison Noble. Thank you to Business Manager Ms Angela Christie for all her support with the Fair.
WIN FAIR BEAR: Congratulations Rebecca! (We know Ian Murray MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, was also keen to win Fair Bear!) A winning week for Lauder!
And the total sum raised...? Will be announced soon, but yet again set to break all records!
Thank you, Sciennes Family, for a fantastic day!
A special thank you to Mr John Reid, Service Support Officer and we are all sending our love and best wishes to Mr Neil Scott, hoping his recuperation goes well.
Inspirational Dr Andrew Murray encourages Luca and Jessica to try to walk in his shoes.
Dr Andrew Murray very kindly delivered his fully booked presentation twice
and has generously accepted Ms Anstruther's invitation to address our
Assemblies next year. Thank you to parent Bruce Crawford, former Chair
of the Parent Council, for introducing and hosting Dr Murray's
presentations.
Victoria Telford from Mercy Corps delivered a presentation on how
Science can be used to help deal with natural disasters. We are grateful
to parent Jacqui Wright for re-establishing our link with Mercy Corps,
City of Edinburgh's Partner Charity, and very grateful to Victoria for her time and ongoing support.
Thank you to Andrew Johnson, Manager at Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions.
Fan Duel online software designed by parent and CEO Nigel Eccles. Children loved shooting hoops for free mini sports balls and sweets! Thank you to the Eccles family for their very generous donation of an iPad Air as First Prize in the Grand Raffle.
Welcome back, Rachel Fisher, former pupil and now PhD student at Edinburgh University.
Thank you to parent Dr Alison Hulme, Senior Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at Edinburgh University, and her team.
Thank you to Edinburgh University's School of Chemistry.
Thank you to former pupil Robert for assisting in the Chess Room
Thank you to parent Kristel Torokoff for setting up and supervising the Chess room
Thank you to Amanda Hogg and Carlton Clinic and Fitness Studio - based in the Grange and providing Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Massage, Pilates, Yoga, Fitness for Seniors and Personal Training.
Thank you to parent Charlie Silverton for his workshop on making and explaining noise.
Many thanks to the Ice cream Ladies in the 'Stanley Denvir Campervan.' 
Thank you to Bethan McEwan, Claire Marshall and P6C Class Teacher Ms Wendy French
Thank you to Homebase in St Leonard's Street for their generous donations of plants.
Thank you to parent Stuart Robertson for assisting Aileen Nimmo with ideas for the Science Fair.
Thank you to parent Dr Pau Navarro, Dr Matthew Broadhead
and the team from Edinburgh University's Neuroscience Department.
Thank you to the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Science, Edinburgh University and to parent Dr Pau Navarro. 
