BBC School News Day Thursday 15th March 2012
Celebrating our local hero, Robert Burns
Burns Museum Visit
The S1/2 Burns Recitation prize winners had a wonderful visit to the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. They were met by Education Learning Officers Esther and Hannah and then had a tour of the Burns cottage and a workshop on Tam O’Shanter.
Esther then accompanied the pupils on a guided walk, taking in the Auld Alloway Kirk and the Brig O’Doon. At the museum Rebecca, the museum guide, led a further workshop on the life and works of Burns and a tour of the interactive museum.
Pupils dressing up at Burns Museum
Dressing up as Tam O'Shanter's witches
We really enjoyed the visit and as BBC School News Reporter Alana said’ It was great. I really liked the hands on things at the museum’.
Thank you to all the staff at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum for making the day one to remember.
School Burns Supper
Doon Academy’s annual Burns Supper was a great success and everyone really enjoyed a really splendid evening.
The haggis was piped in by our own school piper S4 pupil Frazer and ably addressed by President of our Burns Club S4 pupil Robbie.
Addressing the haggis.
Head Teacher John MacKenzie said the Selkirk Grace before junior pupils superbly served the delicious meal excellently prepared by Rena Riggans and her team.
School captain Ritchie gave an interesting and informative Immortal Memory of the Bard. Chloe, our Burns finalist gave an excellent recitation of an extract from Tam O’Shanter. Our Ayrshire Association of Schools Instrumental winner Kirsty livened up the proceedings with a melody of Scottish tunes.
Robbie followed with a witty Toast to the Lasses with a humorous reply by Hazel. School Captain Lauren presented a moving and heartfelt Toast to the School.
The entertainment was outstanding with some stirring Scottish tunes from Fiona on her cornet and Frazer on the bagpipes. Lauren gave a haunting rendition of Ye Banks and Braes.
Doon dancers performing
The Doon Dancers, choreographed by Mrs Ferrie, looked beautiful and gave a superb display of Scottish Traditional Dancing. The evening would not be complete without a recitation from teacher Bryce Wilson who mesmerised the company with his rendition of Tam O’Shanter.
Guest speaker Mr Bill Duncan, President of Alloway Burns Club, gave the toast on behalf of the guests and spoke about the continuing role of the school and our Burns Club on promoting the work of Burns. Chairperson for the evening was S6 pupil Ryan who did a terrific job in keeping everyone in order and making the evening run smoothly.
Burns Memorial Wreath Laying
On Wednesday 25th January Robert Burns had his 253rd birthday. At Burns Statue Square in Ayr, there was a memorial ceremony for Robert Burns. There were two pupils from schools in Ayrshire which have a Burns club. Sarah and Carla attended from Doon Academy. Other schools which sent pupils were Belmont Academy, Carrick Academy, Alloway Primary and Wellington School.
Pupils with Doon Academy's wreath.
First of all everyone collected their wreaths and laid them one at a time along the monument to a sweet tune of bagpipes, played by Michael an S3 pupil from Carrick Academy, his sister also sang . Winifred D. Sloan the Provost of South Ayrshire laid a wreath on the memorial statue followed by a Robert Burns look-a-like. After everyone had laid their wreaths we sang Happy Birthday to Robert Burns. A boy from Alloway primary school recited one of Burn’s poems and a pupil from Belmont Academy recited A Man's A Man For A' That.
A representative from the National Trust for Scotland gave a speech at the end of the ceremony and Mrs Morrall from Ayr Burns Club organised the whole day especially the lunchtime Burns supper.
Everyone in front of Burns Statue
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