School News

Pupils at Morrison’s Academy have taken part in a vibrant programme of Burns celebrations over the last few weeks that honoured the life, work and legacy of Robert Burns.

The leading independent day school in Crieff launched its annual celebrations with a Primary Scots Recitation competition, where pupils performed a selection of traditional and contemporary Scots poetry. Judged by Lara Haggerty, Library Manager and Keeper of Books at Innerpeffray Library, the event provided a fantastic platform for pupils to showcase confidence, expressive language skills and an appreciation of Scotland’s literary heritage.

Music continued to play a central role in this year’s Burns programme with pupils taking part in a Scots Singing Competition. Finalists from across the Primary School performed solo Scots songs for an audience of peers, demonstrating excellent characterisation and stage presence. The standard of performances reflected the pupils’ hard work and commitment and made judging the competition a challenge. 

The celebrations concluded with the much-anticipated Burns Breakfast, hosted by Transitional pupils in Academy Hall. Parents and members of the school community were piped into breakfast which featured a rich programme of Scots poetry, traditional Scottish dancing, music performances, the iconic Address to the Haggis and toasts to the lads and lassies, 

Morven Bulloch, Head of Primary School at Morrison’s Academy, said, “Our Primary School was a hive of activity throughout the month of January, with pupils and staff dedicating significant time in the classroom to learning poetry, music and performance skills. Pupils worked hard in the lead-up to the Burns Breakfast and the event was a wonderful culmination of this effort. It is always a pleasure to welcome our community to share in the celebration and gain an insight into the rich learning experiences that Burns provides.”

Phil Kennedy, Director of Music, added, “The Burns celebrations offer pupils a meaningful performance experience, allowing them to apply their musical learning while engaging with Scottish musical traditions. Stepping onto the stage calls for confidence and preparation and pupils rose to the challenge with real enthusiasm. The consistently high standard and variety of performances were a credit to their hard work and made this year’s celebrations particularly memorable.”

Pupils from the Secondary School joined in, bringing music to the wider community by piping for residents at a Crieff Care Homes. They also enjoyed Burns themed treats alongside staff at the onsite ‘The Coffee Lab’ and school Refectory, rounding off a truly memorable programme of events across the school.