Touring Aberdeen City Centre as part of their ‘Our Community’ project, Primary 5 pupils were saddened to see so many empty retail units. 

Keen to make a change in the local community, but unsure of how to do so, the pupils reached out to businessman and leader of ‘Our Union Street’ Bob Keiller to invite him to the College.  Speaking with the children, he shared the plans to revive the city centre and listened to the fantastic ideas from our pupils. 

After this visit, they were inspired to help make a change and work together across the year group as part of their transition event into Primary 6. During their research into the project, the pupils visited different sites which included Pittodrie Stadium, the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Duthie Park and Aberdeen Art Gallery. 

They crafted a creative display consisting of famous Aberdonians and historic sites within the city centre which is set to be featured in Union Terrace Gardens in the near future. Each point of interest includes a QR code which links to an information video produced by the pupils.

Mrs Milne, Teacher of Primary 5, shared: “It was a fantastic transition activity for the pupils to work across the year group. They have thoroughly enjoyed the project, sharing their work and newfound knowledge with their peers. They have developed their IT and presentation skills and it’s been amazing to see them learn more about the city that they live in and the history behind it.”

Mrs Geddes, Teacher of Primary 5, said: “Becoming involved in the project was an ideal way for pupils to contribute to their community, and the response from the local ‘faces and places’ they contacted was overwhelming. The Gordon Highlanders Museum, Maritime Museum, St Machar’s Cathedral and local artist, Rebecca Patterson, were extremely helpful. Aberdeen Football Club made Archie’s day with a personal guided tour, and Aberdeen Art Gallery staff, in addition to responding to the Primary 5 enquiries, put pupils in touch with other individuals able to help. 

“The College archivist also spent an afternoon with pupils, enabling them to discover historic links between the school and its local community. It was great for pupils to feel the support of so many people keen to assist them in their efforts to make positive change.”