Less intensive commitments and partnerships
Our current on-going community links include the following projects and partnerships that require commitment and work. Some are shorter-term, or intermittent, or less demanding. Their value, however, is not less - they all fit into the larger purpose:

• A disabled person from Red Cross House comes to school as a valued volunteer to work alongside our pupils in art, craft and music. Our pupils have learned through interacting with her about the abilities of people with disabilities and also about the skill it takes to be a modern wheelchair user!
• We undertake visits and fieldwork at nearby Balloan Farm where our pupils gain insights into farming and can access 'real', up to date information and advice, especially in relation to the P4 projects (Picture A).

I phoned to see if they were being affected by the Foot and Mouth. Mr MacQueen was busy with the lambing but we got a big surprise when Mrs MacQueen came in to visit the class and keep us up to date with the news.
P4 Pupil

• We develop frequent environmental projects with Highland Environmental Network and Scottish Natural Heritage, providing displays and presentations on environmental issues, including to the Scottish Education Minister at the recent Education Business Partnership international conference in Edinburgh (Picture B).

• Our nursery pupils' Environmental Number project resulted from their involvement with the World Wildlife Fund (Scotland) and Hydro Electric. The idea is to link, through working and playing in the countryside, pre-number concepts such as shape and patterns and the beginning of counting with nature, its regularity and beauty. (Picture C and children's drawings on previous page) The staff ensured that the emphasis throughout was on pupils developing informed attitudes about their environment, life outside school and home. Feedback from parents noted real development in knowledge and in confidence.
• The school's nursery pupils, staff and some parents are working with the Highland Health Promotions and Dental Care Departments to produce a pack of materials for Highland nursery classes, promoting dental care through good nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
• We provide seasonal entertainment at the Mackenzie centre for elderly people, and our pupils feel useful and valued there. Our children also participate in local charitable fund-raising by, for example, carol-singing at Christmas (Picture D).
• Currently we are planning the development of an 'outdoor classroom' in a corner of our playground which is being restructured. Pupils have had considerable involvement with the Highland Council Ranger and will very shortly be working with the Construction Company which will undertake the heavy work. Phase 2, a road safety training area, will require even wider community involvement.

• The Primary 7 pupils operate a company 'Raigmore Healthwise' that was originally set up to encourage healthy lifestyles for all our pupils. It involved working with the local Bank Manager and food suppliers. The pupils are currently working with the Highland Wholefoods company, providing healthy snacks for their fellow pupils at break-times.

Signing cheques makes you feel important ­ it's something we're going to have to do when we grow up and we know how to do it already.
Pupil treasurer of Raigmore Healthwise (Picture E)

Their company also markets our Music CD which was produced by the school to celebrate the Millennium. This has involved them in radio interviews, press releases and negotiations with local businesses about possible outlets.

Everyone got to take part ­ it was a lot of work but a lot of fun.
P7 pupil, about making the CD

• We have an on-going commitment for the stewardship of our local woods. Several years ago our Primary 6 class took part in a survey of the health of the trees in the woods around the school. They were appalled by the litter which they saw and decided to take action because they feared that our pupils might be unfairly blamed for the mess. They wrote to the Council and asked for their assistance. The Council were delighted to provide gloves, protective tabards and rubbish bags - although there are still no litter bins! (Picture F) The pupils decided that the school should be responsible for monitoring and 'care-taking' the woods. We try to check before and after each holiday period. The council has awarded the school certificates for its efforts and, significantly, local people have also been spontaneously appreciative.

When we clean up our woods we're helping the environment but we're also showing other people that the school cares.
P7 pupil

In an attempt to enlist the support of all who use the woods the pupils produced a simple leaflet - a 'Guide to Raigmore Woods'. Our involvement extends well beyond our local community to other areas around Inverness and we are currently considering adopting a local beach.