Congratulations to Jack and Cody who have made the Scotland ice hockey age group squads for another year. They have both been asked to represent Scotland and travel with the team to Bratislava at Easter for warm up games prior to Conference in May in Sheffield, if they make the next cut. Fantastic achievement, boys  

Congratulations to Jack and Cody who have made the Scotland ice hockey age group squads for another year. They have both been asked to represent Scotland and travel with the team to Bratislava at Easter for warm up games prior to Conference in May in Sheffield, if they make the next cut. Fantastic achievement, boys  

After a wonderful Carol Service in Chapel, presided over by the Very Rev Dr Barr, the Autumn Term at Cargilfield has come to a close.  We wish all children, parents and staff a very Happy Christmas holiday and look forward to seeing everyone back at school in January.

After a wonderful Carol Service in Chapel, presided over by the Very Rev Dr Barr, the Autumn Term at Cargilfield has come to a close.  We wish all children, parents and staff a very Happy Christmas holiday and look forward to seeing everyone back at school in January.

Mr Laver was given a traditional Cargilfield goodbye at the end of term prize giving this morning. After 15 years inspiring a love of Outdoor Education amongst so many children here, he is retiring and the rousing reception he recieived from the children was richly deserved. 

He is looking forward to spending more time exploring the great outdoors around his home in Malvern as well as heading out to Japan in October to follow Wales at the Rugby World Cup!

Many thanks for all that you have contributed to make the Cargilfield experience such a special one for so many children. 

Mr Laver was given a traditional Cargilfield goodbye at the end of term prize giving this morning. After 15 years inspiring a love of Outdoor Education amongst so many children here, he is retiring and the rousing reception he recieived from the children was richly deserved. 

He is looking forward to spending more time exploring the great outdoors around his home in Malvern as well as heading out to Japan in October to follow Wales at the Rugby World Cup!

Many thanks for all that you have contributed to make the Cargilfield experience such a special one for so many children. 

Congratulations to James, Matthew (both Form 6) and Catherine (Form 7) who have scored such high results in the Primary Mathematics Challenge that they have been invited to the prestigious Bonus Round in February!  In addition, lots of children received Bronze and Silver awards in addition to these three Gold winners.

Well done, everyone!

Congratulations to James, Matthew (both Form 6) and Catherine (Form 7) who have scored such high results in the Primary Mathematics Challenge that they have been invited to the prestigious Bonus Round in February!  In addition, lots of children received Bronze and Silver awards in addition to these three Gold winners.

Well done, everyone!

Mr Laver's final week at Cargilfield was very much like his first, fifteen years ago! Taking children biking, climbing and nurturing a passion for the great outdoors by planting a willow hedge and laying paths around the new astro turf.

He has inspired so many children over the years to challenge themselves and learn new skills whilst also learning about teamwork and working together. He will be missed!

Click here to see photographs of his final adventures with the children here.

Mr Laver's final week at Cargilfield was very much like his first, fifteen years ago! Taking children biking, climbing and nurturing a passion for the great outdoors by planting a willow hedge and laying paths around the new astro turf.

He has inspired so many children over the years to challenge themselves and learn new skills whilst also learning about teamwork and working together. He will be missed!

Click here to see photographs of his final adventures with the children here.

Letters to Santa - We all took our letters to the Upper School library to send them up the chimney to Santa at the beginning of the week. It was really exciting to see the letters disappear up the chimney and fingers crossed we might get some of things which we asked him for!

Letters to Santa - We all took our letters to the Upper School library to send them up the chimney to Santa at the beginning of the week. It was really exciting to see the letters disappear up the chimney and fingers crossed we might get some of things which we asked him for!

Monkey Drama - The children who go to Monkey Drama on Mondays had a wonderful time this week, pretending to be Santa's elves in the workshop. They made some wonderful creations and have been a huge help to Father Christmas in preparation for Christmas Day.

Monkey Drama - The children who go to Monkey Drama on Mondays had a wonderful time this week, pretending to be Santa's elves in the workshop. They made some wonderful creations and have been a huge help to Father Christmas in preparation for Christmas Day.

Well done to Lulu who has been offered a place on Violin in the Under 11 National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain for 2019. Many congratulations on this wonderful achievement!

Well done to Lulu who has been offered a place on Violin in the Under 11 National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain for 2019. Many congratulations on this wonderful achievement!

In P1P we have been writing letters to Father Christmas.  We had to explain why we thought we deserved some presents this year and then take great care with our writing so that Father Christmas would be able to read it easily. It was great fun trying to throw them into the fire and watching them burst into flames.

In P1P we have been writing letters to Father Christmas.  We had to explain why we thought we deserved some presents this year and then take great care with our writing so that Father Christmas would be able to read it easily. It was great fun trying to throw them into the fire and watching them burst into flames.

Form 7M set up a mock Tudor courtroom in their History lesson today. Some very severe punishments were handed out by our extremely tough judge and jury.

Form 7M set up a mock Tudor courtroom in their History lesson today. Some very severe punishments were handed out by our extremely tough judge and jury.

This morning the Nursery have been listening to the story of the Three Bears. The children really enjoyed helping tell the story of how the bears took a walk in the wild woods and helped to make porridge.

This morning the Nursery have been listening to the story of the Three Bears. The children really enjoyed helping tell the story of how the bears took a walk in the wild woods and helped to make porridge.

P1P have been getting ready for Christmas by practising their present wrapping skills. We have chosen presents for each of our friends and tried to wrap them as carefully as possible.

We thought about the whole process of wrapping a present and decided on some rules:

1) The present has to be chosen carefully so the person will like it.

2) It will look better if the paper is folded carefully so the present looks neat.

3) You need to use either sellotape or string so the present doesn't fall out.

4) You should check there is actually a present inside or the person will be very disappointed when they unwrap it and find nothing!

P1P have been getting ready for Christmas by practising their present wrapping skills. We have chosen presents for each of our friends and tried to wrap them as carefully as possible.

We thought about the whole process of wrapping a present and decided on some rules:

1) The present has to be chosen carefully so the person will like it.

2) It will look better if the paper is folded carefully so the present looks neat.

3) You need to use either sellotape or string so the present doesn't fall out.

4) You should check there is actually a present inside or the person will be very disappointed when they unwrap it and find nothing!

Many congratulations to Ellie on being awarded a sports scholarship to Rugby School!  She has worked tirelessly for four years and is an outstanding role model to all aspiring athletes in the school.  She heads down to Rugby in September and will join a number of former Cargilfield pupils who are currently down there.

Many congratulations to Ellie on being awarded a sports scholarship to Rugby School!  She has worked tirelessly for four years and is an outstanding role model to all aspiring athletes in the school.  She heads down to Rugby in September and will join a number of former Cargilfield pupils who are currently down there.

It was a pleasure to head down to Cramond Kirk for our annual junior carol service on Monday for all children in P2 to Form 5.  The large congregation enjoyed some lovely singing and musical numbers as well as joining in heartily with some well known carols to put everyone in the Christmas spirit!

On Friday, we look forward to our end of term Carol Service in Chapel.  It starts at 4pm and all are welcome!

It was a pleasure to head down to Cramond Kirk for our annual junior carol service on Monday for all children in P2 to Form 5.  The large congregation enjoyed some lovely singing and musical numbers as well as joining in heartily with some well known carols to put everyone in the Christmas spirit!

On Friday, we look forward to our end of term Carol Service in Chapel.  It starts at 4pm and all are welcome!

We are very sad to report the untimely death of Dr James Wilson, formerly Deputy Head at Cargilfield. Married to Angela, formerly Head of Classics, James worked here for many years and is fondly remembered by former pupils and many members of staff past and present. Our thoughts and prayers are with Angela and James' families at this sad time.

We are very sad to report the untimely death of Dr James Wilson, formerly Deputy Head at Cargilfield. Married to Angela, formerly Head of Classics, James worked here for many years and is fondly remembered by former pupils and many members of staff past and present. Our thoughts and prayers are with Angela and James' families at this sad time.

Another term of fly tying comes to an end! Under the expert eye of Bruce Walker, children at Cargilfield have been learning to tie flies for over 10 years, and to see so many enthusiastic children head off to see him on Thursday evenings shows that this old pastime remains very popular here.

A loyal band of avid followers enjoy listening to Bruce’s musings on everything and anything, a true polymath, and the delicate dexterity on display, selecting feathers and threads to create a nymph, then a mayfly, or a “monkey” tube fly is wonderful to see.

Just one of over 40 activities on after supper throughout the week here at Cargilfield. 

Another term of fly tying comes to an end! Under the expert eye of Bruce Walker, children at Cargilfield have been learning to tie flies for over 10 years, and to see so many enthusiastic children head off to see him on Thursday evenings shows that this old pastime remains very popular here.

A loyal band of avid followers enjoy listening to Bruce’s musings on everything and anything, a true polymath, and the delicate dexterity on display, selecting feathers and threads to create a nymph, then a mayfly, or a “monkey” tube fly is wonderful to see.

Just one of over 40 activities on after supper throughout the week here at Cargilfield. 

P1 have been busy preparing the props and set for their Nativity this afternoon. We were so excited to have some Form 8 boys come down and help us make and paint houses for our set. It was lovely to see the younger and older children interacting and helping each other.

P1 have been busy preparing the props and set for their Nativity this afternoon. We were so excited to have some Form 8 boys come down and help us make and paint houses for our set. It was lovely to see the younger and older children interacting and helping each other.

What makes sound? What is sound? How does sound travel? How does sound change?

What is the meaning of amplitude, hertz, pitch and frequency?

Forms 6,7 and 8 have all enjoyed the practical experience of producing sound, changing sounds, being discordant and harmonic, and attempted to answer some of the questions above.

The children have tried different musical instruments; recorders, whistles, guitars, pipes, jaws harp, trumpets, cornets, French horn, accordion, banjo, mandola, fipple flute, clarinet, oboe, accordions, mouth organs, harmonicas and they’ve even played a ruler.

A cacophony of an experience enjoyed by all!

Click here for more photographs. 

What makes sound? What is sound? How does sound travel? How does sound change?

What is the meaning of amplitude, hertz, pitch and frequency?

Forms 6,7 and 8 have all enjoyed the practical experience of producing sound, changing sounds, being discordant and harmonic, and attempted to answer some of the questions above.

The children have tried different musical instruments; recorders, whistles, guitars, pipes, jaws harp, trumpets, cornets, French horn, accordion, banjo, mandola, fipple flute, clarinet, oboe, accordions, mouth organs, harmonicas and they’ve even played a ruler.

A cacophony of an experience enjoyed by all!

Click here for more photographs. 

After winning away in Musselburgh two weeks earlier, the Under 10A rugby team hosted Loretto in a return fixture on Wednesday.

Both sets of players got stuck in right from the start making strong attacks with effective offloads in the tackles. Loretto scored first but the Cargilfield boys soon evened it up. Tackling was good on both sides, but even so the tries continued to come and at half time, the score was even at 4 tries apiece. In the second half, with the cold and wet playing a part, fumbles resulted in more frequent change of possession but the boys continued to battle it out. Alexander, who was man-of-the-match made tackle after tackle, which contributed hugely to a narrow 7-6 victory by the Cargilfield team.

Well done to all the boys for ending the season with such a committed performance.

After winning away in Musselburgh two weeks earlier, the Under 10A rugby team hosted Loretto in a return fixture on Wednesday.

Both sets of players got stuck in right from the start making strong attacks with effective offloads in the tackles. Loretto scored first but the Cargilfield boys soon evened it up. Tackling was good on both sides, but even so the tries continued to come and at half time, the score was even at 4 tries apiece. In the second half, with the cold and wet playing a part, fumbles resulted in more frequent change of possession but the boys continued to battle it out. Alexander, who was man-of-the-match made tackle after tackle, which contributed hugely to a narrow 7-6 victory by the Cargilfield team.

Well done to all the boys for ending the season with such a committed performance.

Mr Laver's final week at Cargilfield before retirement after 15 years running Outdoor Education here, has begun and he continues to provide children with opportunities to explore the great outdoors and learn new skills.

He is also pretty handy with his camera, and here are some shots from yesterday's adventures!

See our Facebook page for more. 

Mr Laver's final week at Cargilfield before retirement after 15 years running Outdoor Education here, has begun and he continues to provide children with opportunities to explore the great outdoors and learn new skills.

He is also pretty handy with his camera, and here are some shots from yesterday's adventures!

See our Facebook page for more. 

On a rather Arctic afternoon in Edinburgh, the boys were excited to play their last rugby match of the season. The boys were generally good in attack and supported each other well but in defence they needed to work more as a group to tackle the opposition and keep their shape to stop Loretto running through the gaps. The weather really had an effect on the match and I was pleased that the boys, despite the cold, played on and gave it a real go. Winter has truly come!

Good effort, boys!

On a rather Arctic afternoon in Edinburgh, the boys were excited to play their last rugby match of the season. The boys were generally good in attack and supported each other well but in defence they needed to work more as a group to tackle the opposition and keep their shape to stop Loretto running through the gaps. The weather really had an effect on the match and I was pleased that the boys, despite the cold, played on and gave it a real go. Winter has truly come!

Good effort, boys!

How do you judge the success of a season? In wins?  Well, this group of boys have scored double figures in this respect......or is it on performances? Well, this group of boys have performed outstandingly well, week in and week out, and in some horrible conditions after half term.  Or is it something that is indefinable and more intangible?  That sense of togetherness, that spirit that binds a group of boys together and is so tight and strong and no one wants to let each other down and individuals work incredibly hard for the betterment of the team.  Yes....that is more of the definition of a successful season for me.

Once again, these boys drank deeply at the well this afternoon and really took the game to Merchiston.  We played with real ferocity, dominating the breakdown once again, relentless in our recycling, and with Harry slotting in for Max at fly half who was carrying a niggle, he managed to link well with the backs who proved a real handful with their incisive running and skilful off loading.  Despite the atrocious conditions, the skills on show from both sides was superb, and showed the new SRU laws at this level at their best with the ball in play and alive for longer periods and the continuity was excellent.

We scored four tries, all converted, and on another day would have scored another four but some excellent Merchiston last ditch tackling saved the day for them; we never looked in trouble really, and I was able to stand and witness just how hard these boys work for each other.  There is no star individual, no giant who the others can gather round, no superstar speedster who will get them out of trouble if someone misses a tackle.  No.  What we have had this season are 13 (although 17 boys have played for the 1stXV over the course of the term) incredibly committed boys who have given their all every single week, and they have played some scintillating rugby at times.  To score 50 points against a previously unbeaten Belhaven side (they had not tasted defeat for 5 years!), to score 60 up at Ardvreck and down at St Mary's, to draw with Aysgarth in our return game a couple of weeks ago......all these stand out and show the exciting brand of rugby we have tried to play this year.

But for me, the highlight came in defeat, away on tour at Aysgarth. On the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, and with Harry and Todd having got up at 530am to play the pipes in Skipton, both teams stood respectfully in silence before the game, with parents lining the touchline, heads bowed, and as the skirl of Harry's bagpipes echoed around the misty Yorkshire Dales, the scene was set for a different kind of battle. We lost, narrowly, in one of the very best games of prep school rugby I have been involved in (and I have seen a few!) but the sense of teamship, that sense of togetherness from this group of boys was there in bucketfuls that Sunday morning in November. They gave their all in a hugely physical encounter and just came up short. It did not matter. Defeated narrowly in a titanic encounter, yes, but unbowed......and we came back stronger.

Thank you to the boys for making this 1stXV season one of the very best in my 15 years running the rugby at Cargilfield. They have been outstandingly well led by Todd, but every single one of them has stood up and played their part in what has been a memorable few months.

How do you judge the success of a season? In wins?  Well, this group of boys have scored double figures in this respect......or is it on performances? Well, this group of boys have performed outstandingly well, week in and week out, and in some horrible conditions after half term.  Or is it something that is indefinable and more intangible?  That sense of togetherness, that spirit that binds a group of boys together and is so tight and strong and no one wants to let each other down and individuals work incredibly hard for the betterment of the team.  Yes....that is more of the definition of a successful season for me.

Once again, these boys drank deeply at the well this afternoon and really took the game to Merchiston.  We played with real ferocity, dominating the breakdown once again, relentless in our recycling, and with Harry slotting in for Max at fly half who was carrying a niggle, he managed to link well with the backs who proved a real handful with their incisive running and skilful off loading.  Despite the atrocious conditions, the skills on show from both sides was superb, and showed the new SRU laws at this level at their best with the ball in play and alive for longer periods and the continuity was excellent.

We scored four tries, all converted, and on another day would have scored another four but some excellent Merchiston last ditch tackling saved the day for them; we never looked in trouble really, and I was able to stand and witness just how hard these boys work for each other.  There is no star individual, no giant who the others can gather round, no superstar speedster who will get them out of trouble if someone misses a tackle.  No.  What we have had this season are 13 (although 17 boys have played for the 1stXV over the course of the term) incredibly committed boys who have given their all every single week, and they have played some scintillating rugby at times.  To score 50 points against a previously unbeaten Belhaven side (they had not tasted defeat for 5 years!), to score 60 up at Ardvreck and down at St Mary's, to draw with Aysgarth in our return game a couple of weeks ago......all these stand out and show the exciting brand of rugby we have tried to play this year.

But for me, the highlight came in defeat, away on tour at Aysgarth. On the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, and with Harry and Todd having got up at 530am to play the pipes in Skipton, both teams stood respectfully in silence before the game, with parents lining the touchline, heads bowed, and as the skirl of Harry's bagpipes echoed around the misty Yorkshire Dales, the scene was set for a different kind of battle. We lost, narrowly, in one of the very best games of prep school rugby I have been involved in (and I have seen a few!) but the sense of teamship, that sense of togetherness from this group of boys was there in bucketfuls that Sunday morning in November. They gave their all in a hugely physical encounter and just came up short. It did not matter. Defeated narrowly in a titanic encounter, yes, but unbowed......and we came back stronger.

Thank you to the boys for making this 1stXV season one of the very best in my 15 years running the rugby at Cargilfield. They have been outstandingly well led by Todd, but every single one of them has stood up and played their part in what has been a memorable few months.

Won 3-0

The 1^st girls played their last game of the season today against Dollar. The match was a great way to end the season with both teams showing great skill and determination and the play flying from end to end. We passed the ball around well in the first half and Sophie and Izzy broke through on numerous occasions however the Dollar defence held strong. Izzy played particularly well today, demonstrating a sound level of individual skill and running through numerous players. Our defence worked particularly well today too, with Ellie, Emma and Amelia all reading each other’s play and supporting each other. Ellie had some fantastic hard hits through, all the up the pitch which the Dollar girls simply could not react to. Just before half time Izzy got on to the end of a pass from Sophie and neatly slotted one in to sneak ahead 1-0 at the half time break.

The game continued pretty much in the same fashion in the second half with both teams playing physical but fair hockey. We did have the upper hand in midfield and it was only going to be a matter of time before we scored. Saphira popped one away in the first 10 minutes and Sophie followed not long after with a particularly amazing goal, hit on her reverse and ending up high in the net. Amy was not troubled too much today but kept her cool when needed and she recorded another clean sheet. Katie and Flora kept the width on the right and Flora made some strong drives in to the circle. A final run up front nearly gave Katie a goal but it was not to be.

Well done to all the girls; it’s been a fantastic season lead well by Ellie both on and off the pitch.

Won 3-0

The 1^st girls played their last game of the season today against Dollar. The match was a great way to end the season with both teams showing great skill and determination and the play flying from end to end. We passed the ball around well in the first half and Sophie and Izzy broke through on numerous occasions however the Dollar defence held strong. Izzy played particularly well today, demonstrating a sound level of individual skill and running through numerous players. Our defence worked particularly well today too, with Ellie, Emma and Amelia all reading each other’s play and supporting each other. Ellie had some fantastic hard hits through, all the up the pitch which the Dollar girls simply could not react to. Just before half time Izzy got on to the end of a pass from Sophie and neatly slotted one in to sneak ahead 1-0 at the half time break.

The game continued pretty much in the same fashion in the second half with both teams playing physical but fair hockey. We did have the upper hand in midfield and it was only going to be a matter of time before we scored. Saphira popped one away in the first 10 minutes and Sophie followed not long after with a particularly amazing goal, hit on her reverse and ending up high in the net. Amy was not troubled too much today but kept her cool when needed and she recorded another clean sheet. Katie and Flora kept the width on the right and Flora made some strong drives in to the circle. A final run up front nearly gave Katie a goal but it was not to be.

Well done to all the girls; it’s been a fantastic season lead well by Ellie both on and off the pitch.

Having played Loretto a few weeks ago on their patch and won, we had a mixed squad of eleven Under 11 A, B and C boys who were rotated around during the course of the game and sent some of our others off to represent the Under 12 A and B teams. The pitch was muddy and it was freezing cold and raining but we didn’t give up, we kept at it even though Loretto always had the edge. James St C had to do much of the tackling including one piece of play to thwart the visitors scoring a try: he tackled the left winger and as the ball came back to them and was passed out to their right, James appeared again on the other side of the pitch to take down the right winger moments later. Cody had a great game and spent the afternoon clearing up at the break down and making quite a few turnovers. Hugo made some powerful runs through the middle and scored a few tries. We had been working on offloading with two hands and one hand in training and this was paying off as our handling was superb in what were testing conditions today. Harry looked to spread the ball wide and Matthew made some terrific pickups. 

Adam carried the ball with pace and always looked to offload at the right time. I was pleased with how Max and Duncan used some quick feet to straighten their runs and they always looked to take the ball forward. Angus enjoyed coming on with fresh legs and got stuck in at the scrum. Loretto had some quick players and tackled very well indeed. They just came out on top with a 10-8 win but the Cargilfield boys should be proud of how well they stuck at it. Man of the match was definitely James St C for his tackling and strong running, but well played to all the boys and thank you to Loretto for helping to provide an entertaining spectacle. Great to see every Under 12, 11, 10 and 9 boy who wanted to play out playing in our final rugby game of the year. Our thoughts now turn to hockey and the boys are no doubt very excited to play their home matches…at home!

Having played Loretto a few weeks ago on their patch and won, we had a mixed squad of eleven Under 11 A, B and C boys who were rotated around during the course of the game and sent some of our others off to represent the Under 12 A and B teams. The pitch was muddy and it was freezing cold and raining but we didn’t give up, we kept at it even though Loretto always had the edge. James St C had to do much of the tackling including one piece of play to thwart the visitors scoring a try: he tackled the left winger and as the ball came back to them and was passed out to their right, James appeared again on the other side of the pitch to take down the right winger moments later. Cody had a great game and spent the afternoon clearing up at the break down and making quite a few turnovers. Hugo made some powerful runs through the middle and scored a few tries. We had been working on offloading with two hands and one hand in training and this was paying off as our handling was superb in what were testing conditions today. Harry looked to spread the ball wide and Matthew made some terrific pickups. 

Adam carried the ball with pace and always looked to offload at the right time. I was pleased with how Max and Duncan used some quick feet to straighten their runs and they always looked to take the ball forward. Angus enjoyed coming on with fresh legs and got stuck in at the scrum. Loretto had some quick players and tackled very well indeed. They just came out on top with a 10-8 win but the Cargilfield boys should be proud of how well they stuck at it. Man of the match was definitely James St C for his tackling and strong running, but well played to all the boys and thank you to Loretto for helping to provide an entertaining spectacle. Great to see every Under 12, 11, 10 and 9 boy who wanted to play out playing in our final rugby game of the year. Our thoughts now turn to hockey and the boys are no doubt very excited to play their home matches…at home!

Pre Prep Science club used their super scientific skills to create ice cream in record breaking time - It only took 20 minutes from start to finish, including preparing the ingredients!  It was very tasty and they had all sorts of exciting ideas of how they might improve their recipes next time.

Pre Prep Science club used their super scientific skills to create ice cream in record breaking time - It only took 20 minutes from start to finish, including preparing the ingredients!  It was very tasty and they had all sorts of exciting ideas of how they might improve their recipes next time.