After two weeks out in the USA it is time to head home. All good things must come to an end....! Goodbye and we are looking forward to welcoming you to Scotland and Edinburgh in the Spring.

Thank you so much to the host families and to St. Paul's School for such a fantastic two weeks on exchange in the USA! Lots of wonderful memories and new friends made!

After two weeks out in the USA it is time to head home. All good things must come to an end....! Goodbye and we are looking forward to welcoming you to Scotland and Edinburgh in the Spring.

Thank you so much to the host families and to St. Paul's School for such a fantastic two weeks on exchange in the USA! Lots of wonderful memories and new friends made!

After two amazing weeks out in exchange in the USA, it was time to say goodbye as Issy, Lulu, Seb and Matthew head home to Scotland. They have had some real life experiences, met new friends and enjoyed some wonderful hospitality from their host families as well as everybody at St Paul’s School. Here are the two boys being given their send off!

We look forward to hearing all about their adventures after half term. 

After two amazing weeks out in exchange in the USA, it was time to say goodbye as Issy, Lulu, Seb and Matthew head home to Scotland. They have had some real life experiences, met new friends and enjoyed some wonderful hospitality from their host families as well as everybody at St Paul’s School. Here are the two boys being given their send off!

We look forward to hearing all about their adventures after half term. 

The first half of term was brought to an end by another highly entertaining Cargilfield’s Got Talent show in Chapel. There were a number of terrific performances all introduced by our very own Ant and Dec and we even had our panel of judges to offer their words of wisdom!


The audience were very vocal in their support of all the acts and a big well done to everybody who was brave enough to stand up and perform. They all did very well indeed but there could only be one winner......we welcomed back last year’s champion, Louis, to announce the result and after much deliberation by the judges, Ollie and Jack were declared this year’s winners!

Read more here. 

The first half of term was brought to an end by another highly entertaining Cargilfield’s Got Talent show in Chapel. There were a number of terrific performances all introduced by our very own Ant and Dec and we even had our panel of judges to offer their words of wisdom!


The audience were very vocal in their support of all the acts and a big well done to everybody who was brave enough to stand up and perform. They all did very well indeed but there could only be one winner......we welcomed back last year’s champion, Louis, to announce the result and after much deliberation by the judges, Ollie and Jack were declared this year’s winners!

Read more here. 

Seb, Issy, Matthew and Lulu enjoyed a break from their studies at St Paul’s School in Baltimore and spent the day in Washington. Although the weather could have been better, they had a great time with Mme Ayer!

Read more here. 

Seb, Issy, Matthew and Lulu enjoyed a break from their studies at St Paul’s School in Baltimore and spent the day in Washington. Although the weather could have been better, they had a great time with Mme Ayer!

Read more here. 

Today we celebrated the 40^th Anniversary of the opening of the Pre-Prep.  We welcomed Mrs Jenny Sale, the first Head of Pre-Prep, along with several members of staff from the early days, some of the first pupils and parents and friends from through the years.  Tours of the new building were given by members of P3, supported by children from Form 8, and memories were shared along with much reminiscing.

The Pre-Prep of 2019 put on a show stopping performance which took us all back down Memory Lane to 1979.  Mrs Sale kindly gifted an oak tree to illustrate how the Pre-Prep is like an acorn which has grown into a large oak tree over the past 40 years.  There then followed a party lunch and the cutting of the cake and the singing of happy birthday.  The day rounded off with a family ceilidh in Chapel after which some tired, but happy children gathered their party bags and headed off for half term.

Read more here. 

Today we celebrated the 40^th Anniversary of the opening of the Pre-Prep.  We welcomed Mrs Jenny Sale, the first Head of Pre-Prep, along with several members of staff from the early days, some of the first pupils and parents and friends from through the years.  Tours of the new building were given by members of P3, supported by children from Form 8, and memories were shared along with much reminiscing.

The Pre-Prep of 2019 put on a show stopping performance which took us all back down Memory Lane to 1979.  Mrs Sale kindly gifted an oak tree to illustrate how the Pre-Prep is like an acorn which has grown into a large oak tree over the past 40 years.  There then followed a party lunch and the cutting of the cake and the singing of happy birthday.  The day rounded off with a family ceilidh in Chapel after which some tired, but happy children gathered their party bags and headed off for half term.

Read more here. 

The Form 4s were very excited because it was Viking Day on Thursday! ‘Cathbad’ (or ‘Simon the Viking’), Ama and Ivor joined us bright and early to start off our Viking adventure for the day. They told an exciting story involving the Viking societal hierarchy, where the children dressed up. The classes split up into two groups to experience handling Viking objects, including jewellery and food. However, the highlight of the morning was exploring a Viking boat: using real oars to ‘steer’ the boat and go on a round the world adventure. It was a real Viking experience! At lunch, the children had to explain to Simon how to use a fork as he had only ever used his fingers before to eat food!

In the afternoon, the Form 4s had to put on some scary faces and fighting talk as they used the shields they created in Design to perform ‘shield wall training’ and pretend they were preparing for battle!

They finished the day with an exciting Trading Game. The children worked in groups and followed a special trading route to ensure their team had enough of each item. There were some great bartering skills and tactics! Much fun was had and the Vikings really did invade Cargilfield for the day.

Read more here.

The Form 4s were very excited because it was Viking Day on Thursday! ‘Cathbad’ (or ‘Simon the Viking’), Ama and Ivor joined us bright and early to start off our Viking adventure for the day. They told an exciting story involving the Viking societal hierarchy, where the children dressed up. The classes split up into two groups to experience handling Viking objects, including jewellery and food. However, the highlight of the morning was exploring a Viking boat: using real oars to ‘steer’ the boat and go on a round the world adventure. It was a real Viking experience! At lunch, the children had to explain to Simon how to use a fork as he had only ever used his fingers before to eat food!

In the afternoon, the Form 4s had to put on some scary faces and fighting talk as they used the shields they created in Design to perform ‘shield wall training’ and pretend they were preparing for battle!

They finished the day with an exciting Trading Game. The children worked in groups and followed a special trading route to ensure their team had enough of each item. There were some great bartering skills and tactics! Much fun was had and the Vikings really did invade Cargilfield for the day.

Read more here.

A group of singers from the Chapel Choir and F6 Training Choir joined with choirs from Belhaven, Ardreck and Mowden Hall and, of course, our hosts the Chapel Choir at Glenalmond College on Sunday 13^th October for the annual Glenalmond Choral Day. This year we were treated to two very contrasting pieces by Bob Chillcott: ‘Every Time I Feel the Spirit’ and ‘Be Thou my Vision’ as well as John Ireland’s inspiring ‘Jubilate’ which really made the most of the acoustics of the chapel at Glenalmond. In addition, we gave the first ever performance of a hymn written by Glenalmond’s founder, W.E. Gladstone, ‘Lead Thou my blindness by the hand’. As always, the service was preceded by a performance by the Glenalmond Pipes and Drums, including a great display of countermarching.  It was lovely to see old Cargundians Emma, Sandy and Scarlett singing in the choir, and Scarlett and Charlie piping in the band. Thank you to our hosts for a lovely day and well done to the choir for getting the music to such an enjoyable standard in a short space of time.

A group of singers from the Chapel Choir and F6 Training Choir joined with choirs from Belhaven, Ardreck and Mowden Hall and, of course, our hosts the Chapel Choir at Glenalmond College on Sunday 13^th October for the annual Glenalmond Choral Day. This year we were treated to two very contrasting pieces by Bob Chillcott: ‘Every Time I Feel the Spirit’ and ‘Be Thou my Vision’ as well as John Ireland’s inspiring ‘Jubilate’ which really made the most of the acoustics of the chapel at Glenalmond. In addition, we gave the first ever performance of a hymn written by Glenalmond’s founder, W.E. Gladstone, ‘Lead Thou my blindness by the hand’. As always, the service was preceded by a performance by the Glenalmond Pipes and Drums, including a great display of countermarching.  It was lovely to see old Cargundians Emma, Sandy and Scarlett singing in the choir, and Scarlett and Charlie piping in the band. Thank you to our hosts for a lovely day and well done to the choir for getting the music to such an enjoyable standard in a short space of time.

1stXV  63       Ardvreck  7

The final game of what has been a very successful first half of term saw the 1stXV take on our old friends and rivals in green from Crieff.  It was a glorious autumnal afternoon with bright sunshine albeit a little soft underfoot, and after another excellent week’s training, the boys were very keen to put in a performance to finish the first half of the season in style.  However, it must be said that our first half display was rather disappointing: too many balls were dropped and we rather snatched at things, displaying a little frustration that things would not quite go our way.  We scored three trees, conceding one right on the whistle, but we spoke frankly and honestly at half time about what was expected, how we wanted to play and the marker we wanted to lay down before the considerable challenges that we will face after half term.

We ran in 8 unanswered tries after the break as we cut loose, were far more clinical and played with real intensity.  It was good to watch and a real statement of intent, certainly! I said to them afterwards that when things do not quite go our way, at this age, it is really hard to break free of that and turn things around.  We might easily have scored three or four tries in the 2^nd half and been happy with that; however, this group of boys have other ideas and I was hugely impressed with how they reacted, worked harder and put Ardvreck under pressure all the time.

No Seb today, but this allowed others to step up.  We made three changes at half time too, to shake things up a bit and it worked wonders! That is what is so impressive about this group of boys: competition for places is fierce, yet everyone understands that you are only as good as your last performance and this is what drives us on.  We have yet to put in the complete performance this term, but hopefully against the top opposition, we shall front up, stand tall and fight tooth and nail.  We have a team of real warriors, with an unbending competitive spirit and a strong beating heart; it is this which we shall need to call on when we return after half term when we face fixtures which will be true test of where we are as a team and how we shall be judged. 

Craigclowan

Giggleswick

Aysgarth

Sedbergh

Sedbergh

Aysgarth

Dollar

Merchiston

Mouth watering. I cannot wait.

Well done, boys.  Unbeaten and playing well and developing some really good rugby habits as a team.  After half term, the real business end of the season begins, so rest up, and return excited for the challenge!

Good luck to those playing in the Ardvreck 7s on the final weekend of half term. It is the top 7s tournament at our age group, and I have high hopes that we can do the sevens double…..can we really?

1stXV  63       Ardvreck  7

The final game of what has been a very successful first half of term saw the 1stXV take on our old friends and rivals in green from Crieff.  It was a glorious autumnal afternoon with bright sunshine albeit a little soft underfoot, and after another excellent week’s training, the boys were very keen to put in a performance to finish the first half of the season in style.  However, it must be said that our first half display was rather disappointing: too many balls were dropped and we rather snatched at things, displaying a little frustration that things would not quite go our way.  We scored three trees, conceding one right on the whistle, but we spoke frankly and honestly at half time about what was expected, how we wanted to play and the marker we wanted to lay down before the considerable challenges that we will face after half term.

We ran in 8 unanswered tries after the break as we cut loose, were far more clinical and played with real intensity.  It was good to watch and a real statement of intent, certainly! I said to them afterwards that when things do not quite go our way, at this age, it is really hard to break free of that and turn things around.  We might easily have scored three or four tries in the 2^nd half and been happy with that; however, this group of boys have other ideas and I was hugely impressed with how they reacted, worked harder and put Ardvreck under pressure all the time.

No Seb today, but this allowed others to step up.  We made three changes at half time too, to shake things up a bit and it worked wonders! That is what is so impressive about this group of boys: competition for places is fierce, yet everyone understands that you are only as good as your last performance and this is what drives us on.  We have yet to put in the complete performance this term, but hopefully against the top opposition, we shall front up, stand tall and fight tooth and nail.  We have a team of real warriors, with an unbending competitive spirit and a strong beating heart; it is this which we shall need to call on when we return after half term when we face fixtures which will be true test of where we are as a team and how we shall be judged. 

Craigclowan

Giggleswick

Aysgarth

Sedbergh

Sedbergh

Aysgarth

Dollar

Merchiston

Mouth watering. I cannot wait.

Well done, boys.  Unbeaten and playing well and developing some really good rugby habits as a team.  After half term, the real business end of the season begins, so rest up, and return excited for the challenge!

Good luck to those playing in the Ardvreck 7s on the final weekend of half term. It is the top 7s tournament at our age group, and I have high hopes that we can do the sevens double…..can we really?

Many congratulations to the U13 girls who won the IAPS Hockey qualifiers down at St Bede’s School In Sussex this afternoon. A fantastic achievement and we look forward to playing in the national finals down at Repton School n November.

Read more here.

Many congratulations to the U13 girls who won the IAPS Hockey qualifiers down at St Bede’s School In Sussex this afternoon. A fantastic achievement and we look forward to playing in the national finals down at Repton School n November.

Read more here.

The U13 girls travelled south to Sussex for the Qualifiers this week. After a flight to Gatwick, we picked up our bus and headed off to the hotel for a quick rest before heading out for supper in Eastbourne. The chocolate fountain was definitely a highlight of the evening, and we returned to the hotel for an early night ready for the big day.

The day of the qualifiers started off with a constant drizzle and when we arrived at Bede’s, the rain became a little heavier. As the skies cleared, the tournament started, and the girls began a long day of hockey.

The matches were 8 minutes one way, so not a lot of time to score. Our first match was against Kings Royal. We had a good warm up in preparation and were raring to go. We started well and soon found ourselves 1-0 after a lovely ball through from Sophie which found Saphira who nimbly swept the ball in to the goal. Soon after, Izzy scored with a reverse strike. We relied on Flora in this match for her steady head and calm play, and the opposition struggled to get past her. A flurry of short corners followed with Saphira hitting the post, but time ran out and we finished 2-0 up.

Cargilfield 2 Kings Royal 0

We played Westhill Park next and this was a match, looking back, that we should have won. We started with the centre pass and drove the ball up high. We had a lot of pressure but were consistently penalised by some interesting umpiring. Izzy won a short corner but we were denied a goal. Saphira pressed the goal keeper hard in the dying seconds but she made a good save.

Cargilfield 0 Westhill Park 0

St Andrews Prep School were our next opponents and despite a couple of good games under our belts, we were caught on the back foot and conceded an early goal. The girls saw red and we pushed up with Saphira scoring the equaliser. We continued to press and Laura was unlucky not to score as they ball skimmed past her post. We continued to press hard however just couldn’t manage to get the important winning goal.

Cargilfield 1 St Andrews Prep 1

Our match v Feltonfleet was always going to be an important one and we needed a much deserved win. Caitlin was the hero and saved a good shot at goal, seconds in to the match. The play swung back to our attackers and Izzy won a short corner. An illegal saveon the line saw us awarded a penalty stroke and Sophie cooly slotted it away past the keeper. We showed better urgency in this game. Clemmie was really finding her confidence in this game and stepped up her game, working well with Emma.

Cargilfield 1 Feltonfleet 0

We had a bit of a wait until our next match so the girls had a good warm up to re focus. Whatever we did clearly worked as the girls played well. We won a short corner after 20 seconds and Sophie scored from a straight strike. Another goal quickly followed from Saphira who was fed a lovely hard ball through by Sophie. Izzy won another short corner and Sophie scored again. The play swung back to our defence but Izzy sprinted back and somehow got the ball away. Another goal from Sophie followed and after a bit of a chaotic few minutes we finished the match as winners.

Cargilfield 4 Kings Rochester 1

Our final group match was against Cumnor House and it was an extremely close and entertaining match. We piled on the pressure and won a short corner. Switching the ball to the other side, Izzy injected to Sophie and she scored with a hard straight strike. The play quickly swung back and we lost a short corner .Izzy ran well however the ball got past and hit off Emma’s stick in to our goal. We lost another short corner fairly quickly but thanks to some great saves from Caitlin, we kept the ball out.

Cargilfield 1 Cumnor House 1

Our results were enough for us to finish top of the group before the knockout matches started in the afternoon session.

The quarter final match was against HolmewoodHouse. The rain was battering down again at this point and the girls did well to battle on. Saphira started the scoring off and things were going to plan until the opposition’s pressure paid off and they slotted a goal in to the back of the net. They won A quick short corner and sadly scored again, just before half time.

The second half was riddled with injuries; Emma had a nasty blow to the chest but Izzy won the prize for the most fabulous egg on the head. Izzy tackled hard and the ball shot up and hit her with force on the forehead. In true Izzy style, she battled on and ironically played one of the best halves of the day. Perhaps the rage had set in!!?? Sophie equalised the match and it was looking like we were heading for a draw when in the last phase of play, Sophie scored from a short corner. As always, we found strength and width from Flora and she moved the ball well to our forwards. This was a particularly frustrating game with the umpiring decisions not going our way and a few questionable decisions being given to the opposition. Cuan and I both aged 10 years in this match and this was a very sweet win, considering how hard the girls had played after a very tricky game.

Cargilfield 3 Holmewood House 0

We were drawn against St Andrew’s in the semi’s, and knew we had to win the match to qualify. We started well and pressured their defence from early on. Clemmie played a lovely hard ball through to Flora who yet again, found great width and pushed the ball up high. We had 3 or 4 good shots at goal and It was great to see Flora in particular have the confidence to shoot hard. Despite Izzy winning a short corner in the dying seconds, we didn’t manage to score and we entered half time at 0-0, having been unlucky not to score.

St Andrew’s started the second half strongly and Caitlin made a great save, keeping us very much in the match. Izzy, with her egg growing by the minute, played well and a reverse strike from Sophie saw us edge ahead. Their goal keeper was particularly good, and she certainly made us work hard. The opposition were very complimentary of our play, and is was lovely to play against such a fair and humble team.

Cargilfield 1 St Andrew’s 0

With our place in the National Finals secured, we started the final against Cumnor with a few more relaxed faces. That said, we were keen to finish the job properly. We started on the attack and within less than a minute, we had won a short corner and a goal from Sophie soon followed. We lost possession briefly but the play swung back to our attackers, and it was great to see Laura, Izzy and Sophie link so well. Laura was a strong member of the team in this match and she really troubled the Cumnor girls - I wonder if her Dad had told her to play particularly well against this team, as an old rival school of his!? A last minute strike from Izzy narrowly missed and we entered half time 1-0 up.

The legs were looking understandably a little tired by this point and we lost a short corner early on. Strong defending from Emma and Clemmie saw off the opposition and yet again , the girls found Saphira who troubled their goal keeper. The play swung back to our defence in the last few minutes, and we all drew our breaths as they broke through however as always, Emma had her cool head on and swiftly cleared the ball away safely. The match finished 1-0 to us, and the dream team had a well deserved win, topping the tournament and claiming their gold medals.

Cargilfield 1 Cumnor 0

A massive well done to all the girls; they displayed such a strong work ethic throughout the day and worked hard for each other. Despite the wet and soggy conditions, they stayed focused and I really admired their grit and determination to get the job done.

We couldn’t have got through the day without all the help and support from the parents, and a massive thank you for such a brilliant turn out. Your constant offers of dry clothes, food and general help really made a difference.

It was lovely to hear that back at Cargilfield, our progress was being updated game by game and we came back to a lovely whiteboard outside the Office of all our results!

The U13 girls travelled south to Sussex for the Qualifiers this week. After a flight to Gatwick, we picked up our bus and headed off to the hotel for a quick rest before heading out for supper in Eastbourne. The chocolate fountain was definitely a highlight of the evening, and we returned to the hotel for an early night ready for the big day.

The day of the qualifiers started off with a constant drizzle and when we arrived at Bede’s, the rain became a little heavier. As the skies cleared, the tournament started, and the girls began a long day of hockey.

The matches were 8 minutes one way, so not a lot of time to score. Our first match was against Kings Royal. We had a good warm up in preparation and were raring to go. We started well and soon found ourselves 1-0 after a lovely ball through from Sophie which found Saphira who nimbly swept the ball in to the goal. Soon after, Izzy scored with a reverse strike. We relied on Flora in this match for her steady head and calm play, and the opposition struggled to get past her. A flurry of short corners followed with Saphira hitting the post, but time ran out and we finished 2-0 up.

Cargilfield 2 Kings Royal 0

We played Westhill Park next and this was a match, looking back, that we should have won. We started with the centre pass and drove the ball up high. We had a lot of pressure but were consistently penalised by some interesting umpiring. Izzy won a short corner but we were denied a goal. Saphira pressed the goal keeper hard in the dying seconds but she made a good save.

Cargilfield 0 Westhill Park 0

St Andrews Prep School were our next opponents and despite a couple of good games under our belts, we were caught on the back foot and conceded an early goal. The girls saw red and we pushed up with Saphira scoring the equaliser. We continued to press and Laura was unlucky not to score as they ball skimmed past her post. We continued to press hard however just couldn’t manage to get the important winning goal.

Cargilfield 1 St Andrews Prep 1

Our match v Feltonfleet was always going to be an important one and we needed a much deserved win. Caitlin was the hero and saved a good shot at goal, seconds in to the match. The play swung back to our attackers and Izzy won a short corner. An illegal saveon the line saw us awarded a penalty stroke and Sophie cooly slotted it away past the keeper. We showed better urgency in this game. Clemmie was really finding her confidence in this game and stepped up her game, working well with Emma.

Cargilfield 1 Feltonfleet 0

We had a bit of a wait until our next match so the girls had a good warm up to re focus. Whatever we did clearly worked as the girls played well. We won a short corner after 20 seconds and Sophie scored from a straight strike. Another goal quickly followed from Saphira who was fed a lovely hard ball through by Sophie. Izzy won another short corner and Sophie scored again. The play swung back to our defence but Izzy sprinted back and somehow got the ball away. Another goal from Sophie followed and after a bit of a chaotic few minutes we finished the match as winners.

Cargilfield 4 Kings Rochester 1

Our final group match was against Cumnor House and it was an extremely close and entertaining match. We piled on the pressure and won a short corner. Switching the ball to the other side, Izzy injected to Sophie and she scored with a hard straight strike. The play quickly swung back and we lost a short corner .Izzy ran well however the ball got past and hit off Emma’s stick in to our goal. We lost another short corner fairly quickly but thanks to some great saves from Caitlin, we kept the ball out.

Cargilfield 1 Cumnor House 1

Our results were enough for us to finish top of the group before the knockout matches started in the afternoon session.

The quarter final match was against HolmewoodHouse. The rain was battering down again at this point and the girls did well to battle on. Saphira started the scoring off and things were going to plan until the opposition’s pressure paid off and they slotted a goal in to the back of the net. They won A quick short corner and sadly scored again, just before half time.

The second half was riddled with injuries; Emma had a nasty blow to the chest but Izzy won the prize for the most fabulous egg on the head. Izzy tackled hard and the ball shot up and hit her with force on the forehead. In true Izzy style, she battled on and ironically played one of the best halves of the day. Perhaps the rage had set in!!?? Sophie equalised the match and it was looking like we were heading for a draw when in the last phase of play, Sophie scored from a short corner. As always, we found strength and width from Flora and she moved the ball well to our forwards. This was a particularly frustrating game with the umpiring decisions not going our way and a few questionable decisions being given to the opposition. Cuan and I both aged 10 years in this match and this was a very sweet win, considering how hard the girls had played after a very tricky game.

Cargilfield 3 Holmewood House 0

We were drawn against St Andrew’s in the semi’s, and knew we had to win the match to qualify. We started well and pressured their defence from early on. Clemmie played a lovely hard ball through to Flora who yet again, found great width and pushed the ball up high. We had 3 or 4 good shots at goal and It was great to see Flora in particular have the confidence to shoot hard. Despite Izzy winning a short corner in the dying seconds, we didn’t manage to score and we entered half time at 0-0, having been unlucky not to score.

St Andrew’s started the second half strongly and Caitlin made a great save, keeping us very much in the match. Izzy, with her egg growing by the minute, played well and a reverse strike from Sophie saw us edge ahead. Their goal keeper was particularly good, and she certainly made us work hard. The opposition were very complimentary of our play, and is was lovely to play against such a fair and humble team.

Cargilfield 1 St Andrew’s 0

With our place in the National Finals secured, we started the final against Cumnor with a few more relaxed faces. That said, we were keen to finish the job properly. We started on the attack and within less than a minute, we had won a short corner and a goal from Sophie soon followed. We lost possession briefly but the play swung back to our attackers, and it was great to see Laura, Izzy and Sophie link so well. Laura was a strong member of the team in this match and she really troubled the Cumnor girls - I wonder if her Dad had told her to play particularly well against this team, as an old rival school of his!? A last minute strike from Izzy narrowly missed and we entered half time 1-0 up.

The legs were looking understandably a little tired by this point and we lost a short corner early on. Strong defending from Emma and Clemmie saw off the opposition and yet again , the girls found Saphira who troubled their goal keeper. The play swung back to our defence in the last few minutes, and we all drew our breaths as they broke through however as always, Emma had her cool head on and swiftly cleared the ball away safely. The match finished 1-0 to us, and the dream team had a well deserved win, topping the tournament and claiming their gold medals.

Cargilfield 1 Cumnor 0

A massive well done to all the girls; they displayed such a strong work ethic throughout the day and worked hard for each other. Despite the wet and soggy conditions, they stayed focused and I really admired their grit and determination to get the job done.

We couldn’t have got through the day without all the help and support from the parents, and a massive thank you for such a brilliant turn out. Your constant offers of dry clothes, food and general help really made a difference.

It was lovely to hear that back at Cargilfield, our progress was being updated game by game and we came back to a lovely whiteboard outside the Office of all our results!

Our U9 squad made the long journey up to Ardvreck for the final game before a well deserved October break. The boys who were playing in two mixed sides, warmed up well given the greasy conditions and our “Blues” made their way onto the field. This team played with good continuity and were keen to move the ball around, sharing the workload and were deserving winners in a tight game 7 tries to 6.

Our “Stripes” team perhaps with the advantage of the “Blues” wearing Ardvreck down in the first game played some scintillating rugby, moving the ball from width to width and showing good footwork to take command of the game. Two quick tries from Ardvreck were to be quickly countered with more good rugby, eventually scoring 9 tries to 2.

A brilliant first half of term from all the U9’s, we look forward to two tournaments in the second half of term and more improvement as the term goes on!

Our U9 squad made the long journey up to Ardvreck for the final game before a well deserved October break. The boys who were playing in two mixed sides, warmed up well given the greasy conditions and our “Blues” made their way onto the field. This team played with good continuity and were keen to move the ball around, sharing the workload and were deserving winners in a tight game 7 tries to 6.

Our “Stripes” team perhaps with the advantage of the “Blues” wearing Ardvreck down in the first game played some scintillating rugby, moving the ball from width to width and showing good footwork to take command of the game. Two quick tries from Ardvreck were to be quickly countered with more good rugby, eventually scoring 9 tries to 2.

A brilliant first half of term from all the U9’s, we look forward to two tournaments in the second half of term and more improvement as the term goes on!

The Under 9s were happy to play Ardvreck having just taken part in a mixed-up game previously. As Ardvreck were unable to bring two teams, our As and Bs combined to form a team of nine with rolling subs. Ardvreck brought 9 only. Whilst we lost the toss, we were still very quick to get the ball and Savannah was quite dominant, tackling Ardvreck girls and trying to pass the ball to her team mates. She passed to Bella who passed to Bonnie in midfield. Bonnie went forward strongly and scored a lovely goal.  We have been working hard on passing and then getting into a good space. This worked well in the first half with some nice passing play. Savannah went on to score two goals of her own.  Ardvreck answered with a goal when Agalya unfortunately fell over. They were able to play round and score. Bonnie ended the first half with another fine goal. Bella and Valentina worked very well in midfield, supplying balls up the field. Our defenders worked hard to clear the balls wide. At half time we swopped in the subs. We did not manage to keep our shape quite as well and seemed to be following the ball. It always works much better when we are spread out and avoiding ping pong hockey. However, we had several nice pieces of play and Ardvreck were unable to score again. Final score Cargilfield 4 Ardvreck 1

The Under 9s were happy to play Ardvreck having just taken part in a mixed-up game previously. As Ardvreck were unable to bring two teams, our As and Bs combined to form a team of nine with rolling subs. Ardvreck brought 9 only. Whilst we lost the toss, we were still very quick to get the ball and Savannah was quite dominant, tackling Ardvreck girls and trying to pass the ball to her team mates. She passed to Bella who passed to Bonnie in midfield. Bonnie went forward strongly and scored a lovely goal.  We have been working hard on passing and then getting into a good space. This worked well in the first half with some nice passing play. Savannah went on to score two goals of her own.  Ardvreck answered with a goal when Agalya unfortunately fell over. They were able to play round and score. Bonnie ended the first half with another fine goal. Bella and Valentina worked very well in midfield, supplying balls up the field. Our defenders worked hard to clear the balls wide. At half time we swopped in the subs. We did not manage to keep our shape quite as well and seemed to be following the ball. It always works much better when we are spread out and avoiding ping pong hockey. However, we had several nice pieces of play and Ardvreck were unable to score again. Final score Cargilfield 4 Ardvreck 1

Today was a challenge. Two of our team were unable to play so we were grateful for Arya and Amenah as last minute substitutes. 

We had not played on a surface like the one at Clifton Hall before and it took us a long time to get to grips with the fact that the ball needed to be hit. It would not just glide along like it does on our astro at home. Clifton Hall capitalised on this and quickly the moved up to our goal end. There was a lot of action around the goal and I think perhaps we were all crowding around the ball rather than giving the defence room to move. We also didn’t make a very good job of using the wings. At the end of the first half, after quite a long struggle at our D and some great work from Iona in goal, Clifton Hall went one up.

We were quite tired after the first half which had been a struggle but we kept battling and things improved with Poppy making some massive hits forward and getting the ball up to Cara and Matilida at the front. Clifton Hall were excellent in goal and despite some really good work from our girls including a very narrow miss from Poppy, we failed to score. Iona came under huge pressure in the last 5 minutes and again battled on. However, the result was a well-deserved victory to Clifton Hall.

Cargilfield 0, Clifton Hall 3

Today was a challenge. Two of our team were unable to play so we were grateful for Arya and Amenah as last minute substitutes. 

We had not played on a surface like the one at Clifton Hall before and it took us a long time to get to grips with the fact that the ball needed to be hit. It would not just glide along like it does on our astro at home. Clifton Hall capitalised on this and quickly the moved up to our goal end. There was a lot of action around the goal and I think perhaps we were all crowding around the ball rather than giving the defence room to move. We also didn’t make a very good job of using the wings. At the end of the first half, after quite a long struggle at our D and some great work from Iona in goal, Clifton Hall went one up.

We were quite tired after the first half which had been a struggle but we kept battling and things improved with Poppy making some massive hits forward and getting the ball up to Cara and Matilida at the front. Clifton Hall were excellent in goal and despite some really good work from our girls including a very narrow miss from Poppy, we failed to score. Iona came under huge pressure in the last 5 minutes and again battled on. However, the result was a well-deserved victory to Clifton Hall.

Cargilfield 0, Clifton Hall 3

Won 17-3

Having played in a magnificent match, which drew 12-12, last week against the same opposition, Cargilfield returned to the field of battle with reinforcements and threw down the gauntlet once more.

The contest started as an even fight but we found ourselves a player down quite quickly and had to soldier on with a numerical disadvantage. We scouted the opposition’s strengths and weakness within the first five minutes and then went for the jugular. It became apparent quite quickly that we were the stronger side, which allowed us to play our natural game. I was really pleased with how Cargilfield played as a unit and supported each other; each player that made a break had comrades supporting them on each side. In defence, we dug into our trenches and for the most part did not allow the opposition much room to manoeuvre in. Our tackling got better and better as the contest progressed.

Really well done, boys!

Won 17-3

Having played in a magnificent match, which drew 12-12, last week against the same opposition, Cargilfield returned to the field of battle with reinforcements and threw down the gauntlet once more.

The contest started as an even fight but we found ourselves a player down quite quickly and had to soldier on with a numerical disadvantage. We scouted the opposition’s strengths and weakness within the first five minutes and then went for the jugular. It became apparent quite quickly that we were the stronger side, which allowed us to play our natural game. I was really pleased with how Cargilfield played as a unit and supported each other; each player that made a break had comrades supporting them on each side. In defence, we dug into our trenches and for the most part did not allow the opposition much room to manoeuvre in. Our tackling got better and better as the contest progressed.

Really well done, boys!

Cargilfield 7 – 0 Fettes

Cargilfield 2– Ardvreck 1

The Cargilfield B team played some good hockey against Fettes and scored some good goals.  There was a lot of strong play from our outfield who made some good passes up to the forwards to score the goals.   In the match against Ardvreck, we found ourselves 1 nil down at half time but we had had plenty of chances in that first match, we just couldn’t quite get the ball over the line.  Credit to the girls in the second half: they looked up and made good passes to one another and moved the ball well.  Lyla, Sophia and Isabella were especially strong at this and Tunrayo was pushed further forward to give us that impetus that we needed in midfield.  Bea scored a goal after a good pass from Isabella and the comeback was complete when Bea returned the favour to Isabella, who slotted home.  It was great to see everyone looking up and passing the ball rather than taking too many touches.  Players of the match were Amalia and Bea but well done to Tunrayo on another strong performance.  A great team effort!  With many of the players in this match still Under 10, the future is bright for the U11 team next year!

Cargilfield 7 – 0 Fettes

Cargilfield 2– Ardvreck 1

The Cargilfield B team played some good hockey against Fettes and scored some good goals.  There was a lot of strong play from our outfield who made some good passes up to the forwards to score the goals.   In the match against Ardvreck, we found ourselves 1 nil down at half time but we had had plenty of chances in that first match, we just couldn’t quite get the ball over the line.  Credit to the girls in the second half: they looked up and made good passes to one another and moved the ball well.  Lyla, Sophia and Isabella were especially strong at this and Tunrayo was pushed further forward to give us that impetus that we needed in midfield.  Bea scored a goal after a good pass from Isabella and the comeback was complete when Bea returned the favour to Isabella, who slotted home.  It was great to see everyone looking up and passing the ball rather than taking too many touches.  Players of the match were Amalia and Bea but well done to Tunrayo on another strong performance.  A great team effort!  With many of the players in this match still Under 10, the future is bright for the U11 team next year!

Cargilfield 4 – 0 Fettes

Cargilfield 1 – Ardvreck 4

We were missing a couple of key players through illness but this was a chance for some others to step up and test themselves against two good teams with some strong players.  First up we played Fettes and some of our players played in positions they weren’t used to but played well. Lucy played on the right and held her position well, finding lots of space.  Venetia linked up well through the middle with Anna who was playing centre forward.  Anna struck a good goal in the opening minutes to get us going.  We played well as a team and looked up when passing.  We scored 3 more good goals including a good rebound from Annika.  However, too often we left our defence exposed and it was up to Judith at the back to clear our lines when Fettes tried to break down the pitch.  Overall, it was great to see the players use the width of the pitch and we looked threatening by using the right side of the pitch more.

In the next match,  the girls played in the positions that they were used to playing in and sadly we lost that width that both Jessica and Lucy had in the first game.  Ardvreck passed the ball hard into space where they found team mates, whilst we were taking too many touches and trying to do things individually and trying to pass when it was too late.  Ardvreck found lots of space in the circle and managed to score quite simple goals with through balls.  After being 3 nil down at half time, we missed a great chance in the opening seconds of the second half to get an early goal and even though we had other chances and played some better hockey after the break, Ardvreck’s defence was solid and their tenacity to clear the ball was terrific.  

Well done to Ardvreck for playing such super passing hockey and moving the ball so well. They thoroughly deserved the win.  Bad luck to Cargilfield but one can learn a great deal from a defeat and the girls know areas that need work.

Cargilfield 4 – 0 Fettes

Cargilfield 1 – Ardvreck 4

We were missing a couple of key players through illness but this was a chance for some others to step up and test themselves against two good teams with some strong players.  First up we played Fettes and some of our players played in positions they weren’t used to but played well. Lucy played on the right and held her position well, finding lots of space.  Venetia linked up well through the middle with Anna who was playing centre forward.  Anna struck a good goal in the opening minutes to get us going.  We played well as a team and looked up when passing.  We scored 3 more good goals including a good rebound from Annika.  However, too often we left our defence exposed and it was up to Judith at the back to clear our lines when Fettes tried to break down the pitch.  Overall, it was great to see the players use the width of the pitch and we looked threatening by using the right side of the pitch more.

In the next match,  the girls played in the positions that they were used to playing in and sadly we lost that width that both Jessica and Lucy had in the first game.  Ardvreck passed the ball hard into space where they found team mates, whilst we were taking too many touches and trying to do things individually and trying to pass when it was too late.  Ardvreck found lots of space in the circle and managed to score quite simple goals with through balls.  After being 3 nil down at half time, we missed a great chance in the opening seconds of the second half to get an early goal and even though we had other chances and played some better hockey after the break, Ardvreck’s defence was solid and their tenacity to clear the ball was terrific.  

Well done to Ardvreck for playing such super passing hockey and moving the ball so well. They thoroughly deserved the win.  Bad luck to Cargilfield but one can learn a great deal from a defeat and the girls know areas that need work.

After a slightly sluggish warm up, the 2s took a little while to get into their game against Strathallan today. However, after some motivational words from captain Alannah, the girls switched on; showing some fantastic passing play and tight defence against an often dangerous-looking Strathallan side. We were 3-0 up going into half time. Hannah and Alannah communicated well from the back and Rosanna, Katinka and Charlotte working tirelessly in midfield. Up front, Emma, Rose and Bethany were constantly hassling the defence and in the second half scored a further two goals. Despite a few fantastic saves from Valentina, Strathallan pulled one back, leaving the final score 5-1. What was most pleasing about this game was not the score, but the way in which the girls responded to constructive criticism from each other, after half time. They are starting to notice where improvements or changes can be made without any prompting from coaches. Good work girls.

After a slightly sluggish warm up, the 2s took a little while to get into their game against Strathallan today. However, after some motivational words from captain Alannah, the girls switched on; showing some fantastic passing play and tight defence against an often dangerous-looking Strathallan side. We were 3-0 up going into half time. Hannah and Alannah communicated well from the back and Rosanna, Katinka and Charlotte working tirelessly in midfield. Up front, Emma, Rose and Bethany were constantly hassling the defence and in the second half scored a further two goals. Despite a few fantastic saves from Valentina, Strathallan pulled one back, leaving the final score 5-1. What was most pleasing about this game was not the score, but the way in which the girls responded to constructive criticism from each other, after half time. They are starting to notice where improvements or changes can be made without any prompting from coaches. Good work girls.

Yesterday morning some of the Nursery children created a coffee shop in the garden. They used their mark making skills to take orders and used their own personal experiences to support their role play. To further extend their experience they went to visit a real coffee shop that afternoon and enjoyed their very own babyccino!

Read more here.

Yesterday morning some of the Nursery children created a coffee shop in the garden. They used their mark making skills to take orders and used their own personal experiences to support their role play. To further extend their experience they went to visit a real coffee shop that afternoon and enjoyed their very own babyccino!

Read more here.

Nursery took full advantage of the windy weather last week. While some children were taking part in Beach Kindergarten, the rest of Nursery took a huge sheet to the big field and experimented with the wind. 

Nursery took full advantage of the windy weather last week. While some children were taking part in Beach Kindergarten, the rest of Nursery took a huge sheet to the big field and experimented with the wind. 

It was a pleasure to welcome Mark Shopland, the Director of Hockey at Sedbergh School, to Cargilfield last Monday. He came up to give a workshop to the girls and it was great to learn some new ideas from him. It was good timing, as the girls were heading off down to Bede's School in Susses for their IAPS Qualifying tournament the next day! Many thanks for coming up to see us!

It was a pleasure to welcome Mark Shopland, the Director of Hockey at Sedbergh School, to Cargilfield last Monday. He came up to give a workshop to the girls and it was great to learn some new ideas from him. It was good timing, as the girls were heading off down to Bede's School in Susses for their IAPS Qualifying tournament the next day! Many thanks for coming up to see us!

The Eco Committee met with Mr Taylor to discuss new points on the Cargilfield Eco Action Plan. Mr Collins had already looked at our targets and looked at ways the school could implement them. We discussed using eco friendly food covers in the kitchen, different ways of implementing recycling in classrooms and even the possibility of Cargilfield getting an electric car in the future. Children at Cargilfield feel very strongly about not eating food that contains palm oil so the ice cream that is served on a Friday will be changed soon to a palm oil free product. Compostable cups are being used now and an eco code is in the making too. The Eco Committee will present in Chapel and to Pre Prep soon about the exciting plans that are happening. It takes careful planning to make sure we choose the correct solution! What have you recycled today? 

The Eco Committee met with Mr Taylor to discuss new points on the Cargilfield Eco Action Plan. Mr Collins had already looked at our targets and looked at ways the school could implement them. We discussed using eco friendly food covers in the kitchen, different ways of implementing recycling in classrooms and even the possibility of Cargilfield getting an electric car in the future. Children at Cargilfield feel very strongly about not eating food that contains palm oil so the ice cream that is served on a Friday will be changed soon to a palm oil free product. Compostable cups are being used now and an eco code is in the making too. The Eco Committee will present in Chapel and to Pre Prep soon about the exciting plans that are happening. It takes careful planning to make sure we choose the correct solution! What have you recycled today? 

We had a very busy weekend with over 40 children boarding here at school and so there were a few weary bodies as we started the week with Chapel!

There is lots going on this week with matches on Wednesday, the U13 girls are heading south for their IAPS qualifiers and we finish for half term with the 40th anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Pre Prep and with Cargilfield’s Got Talent on Friday afternoon!

We had a very busy weekend with over 40 children boarding here at school and so there were a few weary bodies as we started the week with Chapel!

There is lots going on this week with matches on Wednesday, the U13 girls are heading south for their IAPS qualifiers and we finish for half term with the 40th anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Pre Prep and with Cargilfield’s Got Talent on Friday afternoon!

P3C made some Egyptian bread last week as part of their studies on Ancient Egypt. They followed their recipes and enjoyed tasting the fruits of their labours!

P3C made some Egyptian bread last week as part of their studies on Ancient Egypt. They followed their recipes and enjoyed tasting the fruits of their labours!

What a fantastic day the boarders enjoyed today with the Great Cargilfield Bake Off!

Having made some wonderful cakes in the morning, the teams then decorated them in the afternoon with some very imaginative designs, before we welcomed Fiona Pratt of Bibi's Bakery and former Cargilfield parent, to do the judging!

It was a very difficult decision, but the deserved winner was the spooky Halloween cake. Well done, boys!

Read more here.

What a fantastic day the boarders enjoyed today with the Great Cargilfield Bake Off!

Having made some wonderful cakes in the morning, the teams then decorated them in the afternoon with some very imaginative designs, before we welcomed Fiona Pratt of Bibi's Bakery and former Cargilfield parent, to do the judging!

It was a very difficult decision, but the deserved winner was the spooky Halloween cake. Well done, boys!

Read more here.