++PICS: Sandbank PS++
SANDBANK Primary School pupils were given a fascinating insight into life aboard a research ship to mark World Maritime Day.
Last Thursday, September 24, captain James Gwinnell of the RRS James Cook invited pupils aboard the vessel virtually for a special online visit.
The research and survey ship is currently working in the North Sea, and captain Gwinnell gave the class a tour of its decks, science laboratories and bridge.
He also answered the pupils’ many questions about life at sea, sharing facts and stories about the research and discoveries carried out aboard the ship, where it sails and the wide range of people who work on board.
Captain Gwinnell, who is a frequent visitor to Cowal to see family, proved a big hit with the pupils.
P7 pupil Rory said: “The captain was great, he answered all my questions and was super interesting.
“I’m going to try my best in maths as I’d really, really like to work as a scientist on the ship.”
Oliver, in P6, said: “It was amazing how many countries that the Captain had sailed to.”
The pupils also discovered what it is like to work aboard the ship during bad weather, with one pupil asking what Captain Gwinnell did during storms.
His response of ‘hold on really tight’ prompted plenty of laughter in the classroom.
There was one moment of disappointment, however, when the pupils discovered that Captain Gwinnell had never travelled far enough north to see Santa.
P7 pupil Ella-Mae explained how the captain said he’d been to the Arctic and Antarctica and had seen whales, penguins, and dolphins. But he’d never been far north enough to see Santa.
The class also got an idea of the enormous scale of the RRS James Cook by measuring out the ship’s dimensions.
At 90 metres long and 18 metres wide, the pupils had to head to the High Road to find enough space to mark out its outline.
P7 pupil Maddison said: “I couldn’t believe it, it is huge. It wouldn’t even fit in the playground.”
Later, the pupils tracked the ship online and studied maritime charts, putting their learning about the vessel and its voyages into practice.
The virtual visit ended on a particularly cheerful note, with the class singing happy birthday to captain Gwinnell.
After the event, Sandbank head teacher Mr MacDonald said: “We are always extremely grateful to those who donate their time to our pupils.
“Captain Gwinnell’s talk was truly inspiring. We are especially grateful that on World Maritime Day he took the time to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with Sandbank pupils.”
