A GROUP of senior pupils from Garnock Academy have taken a step back in time to study how the island of Arran was formed millions of years ago.

The 31 pupils aged 16 and 17, are studying Higher Geography with their teacher Lynn Davidson.

Their external SQA examinations were just around the corner and the class and their teacher were determined to take their studies out of the classroom and into the field.

With the enthusiastic support of head teacher Alan Dick – and financial help from the geography charity, The Frederick Soddy Trust – the group were off to Arran.

Mrs Davidson said: “These pupils had never been out of the classroom to see geography in the field which made me as their teacher very frustrated.

“My catchphrase as the pupils will tell you is ‘it’s not what you look at it’s what you see’.

“It is true to say that the island of Arran is ‘Scotland in miniature’ and we were able to get up close to examples of corries, U-shaped valleys, hanging valleys and misfits streams – all in the magnificent setting of Glen Rosa. These were all formed millions of years ago during periods of glaciation when Scotland was covered in ice, and seeing them brought to life what the pupils had learned in the classroom.” Over the course of a packed day, two tutors from North Ayrshire’s Outdoor Education Centre in Lamlash told the group all about Glen Rosa’s glaciated landforms, helped them do some field sketching, and discussed the economic and social impacts of the tourist industry on Arran.

Mrs Davidson added: “It was a great day out and one which I believe increased their knowledge and will help them in their studies and SQA exams next month.

“Field trips are an excellent addition to the geography curriculum and I will be doing everything I can to make them happen again.”