picture of the month

A 3rd year class of art & design pupils have recently created a new website based on Robert Burns. Each pupil was responsible for their own section of the website, which when completed formed a website housing a vast amount of information on the Scottish poet. The project was also part of their official SQA Standard Grade Design Unit, which encompassed traditional design research drawings and information gathering combined with computer technology. The pupils definitely have gained a considerable amount of new skills in creative computer technology.

The idea of a Robert Burns website came about after I was inspired by a concert I attended in Glasgow by Eddi Reader. She sang Robert Burns songs and talked with passion about the Scottish Baird and about Mauchline to her being 'Gracelands' where Robert Burns used to hang out etc. I simply wanted the kids at Auchinleck Academy to feel that enthusiasm. Often when things are on your doorstep they get ignored!

I managed to contact Eddi Reader asking if she would come to the school and sing (which she carefully considered) but was a bit unsure, however, she did kindly agree to an on-line interview, which made it even more special for the kids. They thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. She has previewed the website and is extremely impressed and has advertised it on her guestbook at her own website and the comments are already flooding in.

It was a new and ambitious project using complicated professional computer software. The pupils took to the software well and some have even gone further and created animated sections. A rewarding and worthwhile experience for all.

P. A. Baxter