Welcome
Take a look aT our Co-Curricular Activites
This is the time in your son’s life for exploring and discovering new talents. He might not be good at everything, but he won’t know until he tries.
When he first joins, we will encourage him to explore as many co-curricular options as possible and gain as much from the experiences as he can. The lessons and skills learned outside the classroom are just as valuable, and highly transferable. When he finds the activities that he really enjoys, we will help him become excellent at them. After all, this could be the start of a lifetime passion or career path. If your son is someone who finds it hard to narrow it down, we will keep a watchful eye to make sure he is managing to balance everything.
He might be a rising sports star, an actor, an accomplished canoeist or a concert pianist. We will help him find out. Our most popular activity is sport related. Rugby is the sport which has the greatest number of pupils involved, but music comes a close second with roughly 80 boys in our Chapel Choir.
Co-curricular News
![Sport & Activities]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710513445/merchistoncouk/bnv7bh5ufc4fsoodyrle/SportActivities.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710513445/merchistoncouk/bnv7bh5ufc4fsoodyrle/SportActivities.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710513445/merchistoncouk/bnv7bh5ufc4fsoodyrle/SportActivities.png","width":800}])
There were so many achievements happening this week in sports and activities, that we had to summarise them here. A big congratulations to all the boys below who were celebrated at our recent whole school assembly.
![Rights Respecting Conference]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710163234/merchistoncouk/z0l9tiyya2fwkzab85lg/RightsRespectingConference.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710163234/merchistoncouk/z0l9tiyya2fwkzab85lg/RightsRespectingConference.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710163234/merchistoncouk/z0l9tiyya2fwkzab85lg/RightsRespectingConference.png","width":800}])
At the end of last month Merchiston was proud to host our first Rights Respecting Conference for fellow Rights Respecting Schools across Edinburgh. We welcomed 14 Schools from across the independent and state sector to share stories and ideas on Rights Respecting issues.
![Pipe Band Winners]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709545611/merchistoncouk/zjg7edzzqajvlhdnymdq/PipeBandWinners.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709545611/merchistoncouk/zjg7edzzqajvlhdnymdq/PipeBandWinners.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709545611/merchistoncouk/zjg7edzzqajvlhdnymdq/PipeBandWinners.png","width":800}])
The Merchiston Pipe Band took first prize in the Junior B Grade at the recent Glasgow Highland Club competition, held at Hutchison Grammar School.
![Merchiston students present sustainable building plans at the Houses of Parliament]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700844025/merchistoncouk/gwbxncknck1dlep7al67/MerchiSTEMgroupwithaward.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700844025/merchistoncouk/gwbxncknck1dlep7al67/MerchiSTEMgroupwithaward.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700844025/merchistoncouk/gwbxncknck1dlep7al67/MerchiSTEMgroupwithaward.jpg","width":741}])
Merchiston students present at the Houses of Parliament
![variety of different flags from around the world]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1699624299/merchistoncouk/cvot3ec8jogpxc9x7fjd/InternationalWeek2023_800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1699624299/merchistoncouk/cvot3ec8jogpxc9x7fjd/InternationalWeek2023_800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1699624299/merchistoncouk/cvot3ec8jogpxc9x7fjd/InternationalWeek2023_800x800.jpg","width":800}])
It is a wrap on this year's International Week! Find out more about what the boys got to experience.
![Image of Sixth Form students at Merchiston Castle School setting up outdoor lunch during an expedition to Costa Rica]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1698941070/merchistoncouk/okckkdenfmejaw3frg4e/CostaRica_October2023-800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1698941070/merchistoncouk/okckkdenfmejaw3frg4e/CostaRica_October2023-800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1698941070/merchistoncouk/okckkdenfmejaw3frg4e/CostaRica_October2023-800X800.jpg","width":800}])
An incredible account of the Half Term multi-disciplinary expedition to Costa Rica!
![Group of Merchiston Castle School Students enjoy traditional Chinese dinner at local restaurant]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1698059338/merchistoncouk/orujqdlfpq61engmc8wu/ChineseMovieandDinnerOct2023.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1698059338/merchistoncouk/orujqdlfpq61engmc8wu/ChineseMovieandDinnerOct2023.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1698059338/merchistoncouk/orujqdlfpq61engmc8wu/ChineseMovieandDinnerOct2023.jpg","width":800}])
A trip to the cinema to watch 'Creation of the Gods' - completed by a delicious dumpling dinner!
![Close up image of a Merchiston Castle School Piper depicting his hands on the chanter]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1677236007/merchistoncouk/vcimjkcsgpiujk0cz17a/MerchistonPiperCloseUp_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1677236007/merchistoncouk/vcimjkcsgpiujk0cz17a/MerchistonPiperCloseUp_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1677236007/merchistoncouk/vcimjkcsgpiujk0cz17a/MerchistonPiperCloseUp_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
After a rigorous selection process, Josh G has been selected to play with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.
![Group of students at Merchiston Castle School posing in uniform after winning a STEM competition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693840820/merchistoncouk/l0g9dbjby9kpxlmbq5ud/MerchiSTEMTeam_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693840820/merchistoncouk/l0g9dbjby9kpxlmbq5ud/MerchiSTEMTeam_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693840820/merchistoncouk/l0g9dbjby9kpxlmbq5ud/MerchiSTEMTeam_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
Another success for our one of our MerchiSTEM teams - and now an exciting opportunity to present their proposal in London!
![Tennis player at the Merchiston Tennis Academy on court.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693565535/merchistoncouk/hasjj2dlmcmyicxq3scu/DavidD_TA_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693565535/merchistoncouk/hasjj2dlmcmyicxq3scu/DavidD_TA_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693565535/merchistoncouk/hasjj2dlmcmyicxq3scu/DavidD_TA_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
Sport journalist Gary Heatly caught up with our Tennis Academy team, after a great Summer of success on court.
![Merchiston Castle School student shooting at Bisley shooting competition in 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1691075447/merchistoncouk/zfb62aluiuudq17yt22i/RichardTBisley2023_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1691075447/merchistoncouk/zfb62aluiuudq17yt22i/RichardTBisley2023_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1691075447/merchistoncouk/zfb62aluiuudq17yt22i/RichardTBisley2023_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
The Bisley Imperial Meeting took place in Surrey last month. Find out more about the event from current pupil, Richard T.
![pupil at Merchiston Castle School receives prize on stage, awarded by the guest speaker]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1688484822/merchistoncouk/tn3opjhqpdagumw5cxaa/PrizeGiving2023_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1688484822/merchistoncouk/tn3opjhqpdagumw5cxaa/PrizeGiving2023_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1688484822/merchistoncouk/tn3opjhqpdagumw5cxaa/PrizeGiving2023_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
On Saturday 24 June we welcomed our Senior pupils and their families to Memorial Hall for a service of Prize Giving.
![Students of Mandarin enjoying a traditional hotpot at Merchiston Castle School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1687186421/merchistoncouk/nhsjkl8z6trrffdgyhsz/IVFormMandarinstudentsenjoyingahotpot_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1687186421/merchistoncouk/nhsjkl8z6trrffdgyhsz/IVFormMandarinstudentsenjoyingahotpot_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1687186421/merchistoncouk/nhsjkl8z6trrffdgyhsz/IVFormMandarinstudentsenjoyingahotpot_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
Our IV Form Mandarin students enjoyed making and tasting a traditional hotpot dish!
![Group of junior pupils at Merchiston Castle School immersed in nature as part of a Wild Outdoors Camp]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1687184700/merchistoncouk/wfxqgvb7slmqofdm6vta/JuniorWildOutdoorsCamp2023_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1687184700/merchistoncouk/wfxqgvb7slmqofdm6vta/JuniorWildOutdoorsCamp2023_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1687184700/merchistoncouk/wfxqgvb7slmqofdm6vta/JuniorWildOutdoorsCamp2023_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
Our J4, J5 and I Form students had a great time at their Wild Outdoors Camp in the Scottish Borders, last week.
![Merchiston Castle School Pipe Band perform at the GWC Schottish School Championship]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1686235690/merchistoncouk/hoipblknycywvbbip1ay/PipeBandattheGWCChampionship_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1686235690/merchistoncouk/hoipblknycywvbbip1ay/PipeBandattheGWCChampionship_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1686235690/merchistoncouk/hoipblknycywvbbip1ay/PipeBandattheGWCChampionship_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
Last weekend our Pipe Band travelled to George Waston's for the 2023 CCF Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships. Find out how it went.
