Blogs
In This Section
Headmaster
Mr Anderson summarises the goings-on in the school every week at the whole school assembly which he then turns into his weekly blog found here.
![HM distinction]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1582129312/merchistoncouk/zixvbou2xatriaz7gbgo/HMdistinction800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1582129312/merchistoncouk/zixvbou2xatriaz7gbgo/HMdistinction800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1582129312/merchistoncouk/zixvbou2xatriaz7gbgo/HMdistinction800x800.jpg","width":800}])
This week we recognise excellence and consider those in difficulty.
![Headmaster's Headlines 04-02-2020]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1581005221/merchistoncouk/eryawrvzl5xp958fdk1q/Boytielamp.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1581005221/merchistoncouk/eryawrvzl5xp958fdk1q/Boytielamp.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1581005221/merchistoncouk/eryawrvzl5xp958fdk1q/Boytielamp.jpg","width":800}])
This week the Chaplain and Headmaster talk about ties and lifelong learning.
![Headmaster's Headlines 28-01-2020]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1580312541/merchistoncouk/o6h0tzaq3gkfyvdy6esv/holocaust-memorial-day-logo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1580312541/merchistoncouk/o6h0tzaq3gkfyvdy6esv/holocaust-memorial-day-logo.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1580312541/merchistoncouk/o6h0tzaq3gkfyvdy6esv/holocaust-memorial-day-logo.jpg","width":800}]){kind=logo}
This week we hear about Holocaust Memorial Day and the story of Johann Trollman
![Headmaster's Headlines 21-01-2020]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1579882497/merchistoncouk/stm5bdhckhkv3c7bsf6j/FrenchflaginEdinburgh.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1579882497/merchistoncouk/stm5bdhckhkv3c7bsf6j/FrenchflaginEdinburgh.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1579882497/merchistoncouk/stm5bdhckhkv3c7bsf6j/FrenchflaginEdinburgh.jpg","width":800}])
This week we hear from a pupil who spent a week at the Consulate General of France in Scotland
![Headmaster's Headlines 14-01-2020]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1579883624/merchistoncouk/rycgr06aa4hgoyk0wbma/RobandJames1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1579883624/merchistoncouk/rycgr06aa4hgoyk0wbma/RobandJames1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1579883624/merchistoncouk/rycgr06aa4hgoyk0wbma/RobandJames1.jpg","width":598}])
This week the Headmaster talks about the inspirational story of Rob and James
![Headmaster's Headlines 08-01-2020]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1578581323/merchistoncouk/ufxs3ecu4dmuarlyjfjy/Handshakingpupils.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1578581323/merchistoncouk/ufxs3ecu4dmuarlyjfjy/Handshakingpupils.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1578581323/merchistoncouk/ufxs3ecu4dmuarlyjfjy/Handshakingpupils.jpg","width":800}])
The start of the Lent Term and the traditional handshaking.
Housemother
Working alongside each Housemaster is a Housemother who has a key focus on our pupils our boys' wellbeing. They take it in turns to write about the comings and goings of their individual Houses.
![party]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1582282030/merchistoncouk/zvgqrgv1452a2d28unfz/party800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1582282030/merchistoncouk/zvgqrgv1452a2d28unfz/party800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1582282030/merchistoncouk/zvgqrgv1452a2d28unfz/party800X800.jpg","width":800}])
Mrs Darling shares recent social highlights in the House.
![CHALMERS WEST HOUSEMOTHER BLOG 07-02-20]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1581092616/merchistoncouk/jx37pjbhz2z2bim85a47/harryandbrucesquare.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1581092616/merchistoncouk/jx37pjbhz2z2bim85a47/harryandbrucesquare.jpg","width":446}])
Today's blog has been taken over by Harry and Bruce who give a glimpse into 24 hours in Chalmers West.
![Pringle Housemother blog 24-01-20]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1579860333/merchistoncouk/tde3d56na4krdea7shof/kilgraston1800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1579860333/merchistoncouk/tde3d56na4krdea7shof/kilgraston1800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1579860333/merchistoncouk/tde3d56na4krdea7shof/kilgraston1800x800.jpg","width":800}])
Mrs Haston embraces her new life at Merchiston with much socialising.
![cooking]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1579190987/merchistoncouk/tre4lfayrvep3jywavra/hmblogpost.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1579190987/merchistoncouk/tre4lfayrvep3jywavra/hmblogpost.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1579190987/merchistoncouk/tre4lfayrvep3jywavra/hmblogpost.jpg","width":800}])
Mrs Coyne welcomes a new year and new pupils.
![ROGERSON]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1575472536/merchistoncouk/piepgkqllfnlltvhgwpe/ROGERSON800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1575472536/merchistoncouk/piepgkqllfnlltvhgwpe/ROGERSON800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1575472536/merchistoncouk/piepgkqllfnlltvhgwpe/ROGERSON800X800.jpg","width":800}])
Mrs Blair discusses Christmas, fund raising and life beyond the Castle Walls.
![ce lounge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1575379268/merchistoncouk/murljxegizomoyb4wxns/celounge.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1575379268/merchistoncouk/murljxegizomoyb4wxns/celounge.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1575379268/merchistoncouk/murljxegizomoyb4wxns/celounge.jpg","width":800}])
Mrs Darling ponders the goings-on in and out of the House this term.
Pupils
Some of our pupils are lucky enough to represent the School at competitions and conferences, and blog about their experiences. We also include news articles written by pupils here.
Today's blog has been taken over by Harry and Bruce who give a glimpse into 24 hours in Chalmers West.
![maths]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1581004354/merchistoncouk/srt5wtywxevhtdo29mdn/maths800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1581004354/merchistoncouk/srt5wtywxevhtdo29mdn/maths800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1581004354/merchistoncouk/srt5wtywxevhtdo29mdn/maths800x800.jpg","width":800}])
Three VI form boys have participated in the 2019/20 Senior Team Maths Challenge.
![duke of edinburgh snow climbers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1580997469/merchistoncouk/muqsdf92eui3py0cob6s/doesnowclimbers800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1580997469/merchistoncouk/muqsdf92eui3py0cob6s/doesnowclimbers800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1580997469/merchistoncouk/muqsdf92eui3py0cob6s/doesnowclimbers800x800.jpg","width":800}])
Robin reports on mountaineering in the snow.
![UVI PHYSICS PUPILS VISIT CERN]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1578496563/merchistoncouk/magcmy1i2tsywnjw3by1/cern210920square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1578496563/merchistoncouk/magcmy1i2tsywnjw3by1/cern210920square.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1578496563/merchistoncouk/magcmy1i2tsywnjw3by1/cern210920square.jpg","width":532}])
UVI pupils have visited the world’s largest and most complex Physics experiment at CERN.
![Marine Scotland]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565393658/merchistoncouk/p1vrf8o91zhycmy2shvj/marine-scotland.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565393658/merchistoncouk/p1vrf8o91zhycmy2shvj/marine-scotland.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565393658/merchistoncouk/p1vrf8o91zhycmy2shvj/marine-scotland.jpg","width":800}])
Magnus continues the report from Scotland’s International Marine Conference in Glasgow.
![Biology trip]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1566463595/merchistoncouk/xcfrasnyd1mfopeknjxe/merchiston-Castle-School-Biology-Trip-604x270.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1566463595/merchistoncouk/xcfrasnyd1mfopeknjxe/merchiston-Castle-School-Biology-Trip-604x270.jpg","width":500}])
Four biology students have attended Scotland’s International Marine Conference in Glasgow.
Groundsman
Our grounds staff work very hard to keep our 100 acres of grounds in the best condition. Our Head Groundsman gives an insight into just what it takes to maintain our lovely grounds for all to enjoy.
![groundsman blog]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1581089395/merchistoncouk/hdivo9ppbfw4ltswrxmp/groundsmanblog070220.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1581089395/merchistoncouk/hdivo9ppbfw4ltswrxmp/groundsmanblog070220.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1581089395/merchistoncouk/hdivo9ppbfw4ltswrxmp/groundsmanblog070220.jpg","width":800}])
Mr Yan Hip ponders the approach of spring.
![Cutting Edge: Fables from the Stables 24-01-20]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1579873833/merchistoncouk/zxgr3ixx3clyuz5ssl5p/sunset800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1579873833/merchistoncouk/zxgr3ixx3clyuz5ssl5p/sunset800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1579873833/merchistoncouk/zxgr3ixx3clyuz5ssl5p/sunset800x800.jpg","width":800}])
Our Head Groundsman looks forward to more rugby matches on the pitches he and his team have been working hard to maintain over the Winter.
![sunset]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576064435/merchistoncouk/rekrb9xcq45yee3lzpbs/sunsetsquare.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576064435/merchistoncouk/rekrb9xcq45yee3lzpbs/sunsetsquare.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576064435/merchistoncouk/rekrb9xcq45yee3lzpbs/sunsetsquare.jpg","width":785}])
Our Head Groundsman ponders the weather and its many changing moods.
![grounds winners plaque]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1574156850/merchistoncouk/j9r5uzcumn4d841r3hte/groundswinnersplaque.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1574156850/merchistoncouk/j9r5uzcumn4d841r3hte/groundswinnersplaque.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1574156850/merchistoncouk/j9r5uzcumn4d841r3hte/groundswinnersplaque.jpg","width":800}])
Our Head Groundmsan muses staff changes, rugby, remembrance and awards.
![CUTTING EDGE: FABLES FROM THE STABLES 19-07-19]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1567586816/merchistoncouk/jmymm56kcmdybgkqiuon/rugbyposts800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1567586816/merchistoncouk/jmymm56kcmdybgkqiuon/rugbyposts800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1567586816/merchistoncouk/jmymm56kcmdybgkqiuon/rugbyposts800x800.jpg","width":800}])
Our Head Groundsman gets the pitch ready for the Rugby season.
![juniorsportsday]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1567586837/merchistoncouk/m5r5mmubmpxvwyl7jneg/juniorsportsday.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1567586837/merchistoncouk/m5r5mmubmpxvwyl7jneg/juniorsportsday.jpg","width":500}])
Our Head Groundsman muses about the British Summer
