![Careers Café farming]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709724754/merchistoncouk/yoqz5z9j7nduwnaiuvr4/CareersCafebackground.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709724754/merchistoncouk/yoqz5z9j7nduwnaiuvr4/CareersCafebackground.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709724754/merchistoncouk/yoqz5z9j7nduwnaiuvr4/CareersCafebackground.png","width":800}])
We were lucky enough to host 3 Merchistonians, who all attended the school in different decades (70s, 80s and 90s!), for our Agriculture careers talk this week
Lecture Series
The School is lucky to have many Speakers visit to share their knowledge and experience with our pupils. Explore the news items below to get a taste of who we have hosted.
Lecture Series News
![Careers Café renewables]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709722640/merchistoncouk/am7hgsvutxccsbbqllsr/CareersCafeRenewables.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709722640/merchistoncouk/am7hgsvutxccsbbqllsr/CareersCafeRenewables.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709722640/merchistoncouk/am7hgsvutxccsbbqllsr/CareersCafeRenewables.png","width":800}])
We welcomed Mairi Dorward from renewables consultancy Xodus on Zoom for her careers talk on renewable energy.
![Careers Cafe Engineering]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706890223/merchistoncouk/eigsgbiwonlavhb86edj/CareersCafe.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706890223/merchistoncouk/eigsgbiwonlavhb86edj/CareersCafe.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706890223/merchistoncouk/eigsgbiwonlavhb86edj/CareersCafe.png","width":800}])
On Tuesday 30th January we welcomed Taciana Jackson, a chartered civil engineer from BAM Nuttall, to give a talk at the Merchiston Careers Café about 'Routes to Engineering'.
![Pupils at Merchiston Castle School standing for a minute of silence by the Garden of Remembrance in November 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700064237/merchistoncouk/uiixqok4txbys12p0giq/Remembrance2023_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700064237/merchistoncouk/uiixqok4txbys12p0giq/Remembrance2023_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700064237/merchistoncouk/uiixqok4txbys12p0giq/Remembrance2023_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Sunday for our annual Service of Remembrance.
![Group of boys at Merchiston attending a careers cafe talk in the old library]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1679416255/merchistoncouk/gs9hcxjnnq1dfhh9gnvd/CareersCafe-ProfHutchison-March2023_800X800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1679416255/merchistoncouk/gs9hcxjnnq1dfhh9gnvd/CareersCafe-ProfHutchison-March2023_800X800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1679416255/merchistoncouk/gs9hcxjnnq1dfhh9gnvd/CareersCafe-ProfHutchison-March2023_800X800.jpg","width":800}])
For our latest appointment of the Careers Café, we were joined by Merchistonian Prof. Hutchison who talked to the boys about a career in property valuation.
This afternoon our Fourth Form took part in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative showcase, with seven teams advocating powerfully for their chosen charity in a bid to win them £3000 in funding.
Today we were lucky enough to welcome A.F. Steadman, the author of 'Skandar and the Unicorn Thief', to Merchiston for a magical Monday morning.
This morning we were delighted to welcome best-selling author Vivian French to Merchiston, to speak to our J4 and J5s and special guests from Colinton Primary School and St Mark's RC Primary School.
![geography pupils]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1589357438/merchistoncouk/f7kct5zti9oi2ukpmahn/geographypupils800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1589357438/merchistoncouk/f7kct5zti9oi2ukpmahn/geographypupils800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1589357438/merchistoncouk/f7kct5zti9oi2ukpmahn/geographypupils800x800.jpg","width":800}])
A representative from Baker Hughes gave A Level Geography pupils a valuable insight into the oil and gas industry.
![scholars dinner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1580402202/merchistoncouk/pciuwogsbajprnwxl3mw/scholarsdinner800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1580402202/merchistoncouk/pciuwogsbajprnwxl3mw/scholarsdinner800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1580402202/merchistoncouk/pciuwogsbajprnwxl3mw/scholarsdinner800x800.jpg","width":800}])
Our annual Scholars' dinner welcomed Professor Giles Hammond of Glasgow University as guest speaker.
![jamie gillan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1579695544/merchistoncouk/kfcxt2golqkid7hjpelh/jamiegillan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1579695544/merchistoncouk/kfcxt2golqkid7hjpelh/jamiegillan.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1579695544/merchistoncouk/kfcxt2golqkid7hjpelh/jamiegillan.jpg","width":800}])
Merchistonian and NFL Star Jamie Gillan has returned to School to share his inspiring journey.
![Headmaster's Headlines 10-12-19]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1575989849/merchistoncouk/yfpjslfugr9qnsu0pukq/SavetheChildrensquare.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1575989849/merchistoncouk/yfpjslfugr9qnsu0pukq/SavetheChildrensquare.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1575989849/merchistoncouk/yfpjslfugr9qnsu0pukq/SavetheChildrensquare.jpg","width":800}])
A speaker from Save the Children helps us celebrate Christmas Jumper Day and we award Colours and Half Colours for contribution to Sport.
![Wellbeing Conference]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1574673571/merchistoncouk/qcxsfgyl0s2rzednxakr/Wellbeingconf2019-11-250916321.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1574673571/merchistoncouk/qcxsfgyl0s2rzednxakr/Wellbeingconf2019-11-250916321.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1574673571/merchistoncouk/qcxsfgyl0s2rzednxakr/Wellbeingconf2019-11-250916321.png","width":577}])
Dr Aric Sigman and two Merchistonians presented at our wellbeing conference, covering many important topics on mental health and confidence.
![odd balls]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1574676203/merchistoncouk/yxifacticgyzi8ly0zbb/oddballssquare.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1574676203/merchistoncouk/yxifacticgyzi8ly0zbb/oddballssquare.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1574676203/merchistoncouk/yxifacticgyzi8ly0zbb/oddballssquare.png","width":719}])
The Sixth Form have welcomed a guest speaker to discuss testicular cancer.
![Enchanting Norse Delights]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1574261800/merchistoncouk/ulaecqqjmuo3uzepaauf/norse3cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1574261800/merchistoncouk/ulaecqqjmuo3uzepaauf/norse3cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1574261800/merchistoncouk/ulaecqqjmuo3uzepaauf/norse3cropped.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1574261800/merchistoncouk/ulaecqqjmuo3uzepaauf/norse3cropped.jpg","width":1080}])
This week we were treated to a special selection of delicious food inspired by the flavours of Norway.
![FINDING GOBI]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1573850123/merchistoncouk/xwacnfyimxbwmdg3z7qd/FINDINGGOBI800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1573850123/merchistoncouk/xwacnfyimxbwmdg3z7qd/FINDINGGOBI800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1573850123/merchistoncouk/xwacnfyimxbwmdg3z7qd/FINDINGGOBI800x800.jpg","width":800}])
This week we were delighted to welcome the ultra-marathon runner Dion Leonard and his dog Gobi to the school.
![gibsonscholars]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1569494996/merchistoncouk/p47maii7n6qzo4tsnkiv/gibsonscholars800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1569494996/merchistoncouk/p47maii7n6qzo4tsnkiv/gibsonscholars800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1569494996/merchistoncouk/p47maii7n6qzo4tsnkiv/gibsonscholars800x800.jpg","width":800}])
This week, the Headmaster congratulates our new Gibson Scholars and Arkwright Scholars.
![spinalresearchcharitycyclingmerchistonian8]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1568217331/merchistoncouk/qwcotxuj6ubr8sa088ra/spinalresearchcharitycyclingmerchistonian800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1568217331/merchistoncouk/qwcotxuj6ubr8sa088ra/spinalresearchcharitycyclingmerchistonian800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1568217331/merchistoncouk/qwcotxuj6ubr8sa088ra/spinalresearchcharitycyclingmerchistonian800x800.jpg","width":800}])
Merchiston is pleased to be supporting an amazing challenge being undertaken by a former pupil.
![Top Class Cricket Comes to Merchiston]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565392681/merchistoncouk/ilrkjpyptgzoxisgrmhk/topclasscricketcomestomerchiston800x800.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565392681/merchistoncouk/ilrkjpyptgzoxisgrmhk/topclasscricketcomestomerchiston800x800.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565392681/merchistoncouk/ilrkjpyptgzoxisgrmhk/topclasscricketcomestomerchiston800x800.jpg","width":800}])
The best cricketers in Scotland will be gracing our grounds to play in a 50-overs-a-side match.
!['Bag-A-Book' In The Spawforth Library]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565392902/merchistoncouk/z1ab3wavkzkryml10t6c/Merchiston-Castle-School-Bag-A-Book-2-400x250.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565392902/merchistoncouk/z1ab3wavkzkryml10t6c/Merchiston-Castle-School-Bag-A-Book-2-400x250.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565392902/merchistoncouk/z1ab3wavkzkryml10t6c/Merchiston-Castle-School-Bag-A-Book-2-400x250.jpg","width":800}])
The Spawforth Library is currently hosting a pop-up book fair.
![Know Your Enemy: Biology Talk]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565392971/merchistoncouk/mdjodi5hshflqeumgrh1/Metastatic-Melanoma-Cells_Credit_NIH-400x250.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565392971/merchistoncouk/mdjodi5hshflqeumgrh1/Metastatic-Melanoma-Cells_Credit_NIH-400x250.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565392971/merchistoncouk/mdjodi5hshflqeumgrh1/Metastatic-Melanoma-Cells_Credit_NIH-400x250.jpg","width":800}])
V Form Biology students have attended a lecutre in the University of Edinburgh’s BioQuarter.
![Young Farmers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1555512481/merchistoncouk/gevvyauiago0pchfjpm0/youngfarmers.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1555512481/merchistoncouk/gevvyauiago0pchfjpm0/youngfarmers.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1555512481/merchistoncouk/gevvyauiago0pchfjpm0/youngfarmers.jpg","width":590}])
IV Form pupil Gordie talks about the Young Farmers' Club
![Headmaster’s Headlines 19-03-19]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1567419178/merchistoncouk/nr4plso8a4sinpwzazbs/Sarah-Pope-from-Save-the-Children_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1567419178/merchistoncouk/nr4plso8a4sinpwzazbs/Sarah-Pope-from-Save-the-Children_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1567419178/merchistoncouk/nr4plso8a4sinpwzazbs/Sarah-Pope-from-Save-the-Children_1.jpg","width":800}])
The Headmaster summarises the weekly goings-on in the School.
![Merchiston crest]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565393880/merchistoncouk/guz9kppu2r63gnciwmmt/merchiston-crest.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565393880/merchistoncouk/guz9kppu2r63gnciwmmt/merchiston-crest.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565393880/merchistoncouk/guz9kppu2r63gnciwmmt/merchiston-crest.jpg","width":800}])
The History and Politics Department was pleased to host an afternoon seminar with Dr Malcolm Craig of Liverpool John Moores University.
![Careers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565393911/merchistoncouk/jd2htzfueeddvfgvovdj/bigstock_Careers_-_Word_Surrounded_By_D_7437679-604x270.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565393911/merchistoncouk/jd2htzfueeddvfgvovdj/bigstock_Careers_-_Word_Surrounded_By_D_7437679-604x270.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565393911/merchistoncouk/jd2htzfueeddvfgvovdj/bigstock_Careers_-_Word_Surrounded_By_D_7437679-604x270.jpg","width":800}])
The most recent Careers Cafe saw Lawrence Brown visit to talk to the pupils about Veterinary Medicine.
![Scholars Dinner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565393931/merchistoncouk/ee6rnsilgatumao2g4xi/Merchiston-Castle-School-Scholars-Dinner-604x270.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565393931/merchistoncouk/ee6rnsilgatumao2g4xi/Merchiston-Castle-School-Scholars-Dinner-604x270.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565393931/merchistoncouk/ee6rnsilgatumao2g4xi/Merchiston-Castle-School-Scholars-Dinner-604x270.jpg","width":800}])
Merchiston Scholars from IV upwards join staff and invited guests for another enjoyable evening.
![Charity dinner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1565394043/merchistoncouk/qpnrrvyh51ypamletp0l/Merchiston-Castle-School-Charity-dinner.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1565394043/merchistoncouk/qpnrrvyh51ypamletp0l/Merchiston-Castle-School-Charity-dinner.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1565394043/merchistoncouk/qpnrrvyh51ypamletp0l/Merchiston-Castle-School-Charity-dinner.jpg","width":800}])
The Headmaster welcomes Doddie Weir to the school.
