Students Restore Vintage Tractor at Selkirk High School
Pupils at a Borders secondary school have been actively involved in reviving a vintage tractor. Horticulture students at Selkirk High School have completely rebuilt a 1960s Massey Ferguson 35 as part of an initiative to promote more practical, hands-on learning experiences.
The project is designed to move away from traditional classroom instruction, providing students with skills that are more engaging and applicable to future careers. In addition to the restoration work, students have earned qualifications in land-based engineering, with two recent school-leavers advancing into further education in this field.
The fully restored tractor was transported to Edinburgh for display at the Classic Trucks and Tractor Show held at the Royal Highland Education Centre over the weekend.
Outdoor Learning and Engagement
Anna Johnson, an outdoor learning youth worker who collaborates with the students weekly, believes the project is instrumental in increasing student involvement by offering learning tailored to their interests.
"We have 100% attendance for this course and a lot of that is because it's practical and hands-on,"
Anna emphasizes the importance of such courses in preserving traditional skills for future generations.
"At the moment, we are at risk of losing all of these trades,"
"You have college courses that are closing and you have pathways for these guys that are closing.
So if we don't introduce courses like these in our schools we are not going to have a workforce."
Origin of the Project and Future Prospects
The initiative began when Selkirk High School head teacher Jamie Bryson had a deteriorating tractor on his farm. Students were invited to take on the restoration as part of an agricultural engineering course.
After 18 months, the restoration was completed successfully, and the school has since received offers to undertake additional refurbishment projects involving vintage tractors.
With strong student interest, the school is optimistic that the course will continue for many years.
"Groups have been in contact and we have a number of S2 pupils signing up.
So we hope this is something we can carry on in the future."
Student Experience and Impact
Neil MacLennan is among the students who have greatly benefited from the project. Coming from a family with a background in agricultural machinery and tractors, Neil shared how the course has expanded his knowledge and helped him prepare for a career in engineering after leaving school this year.
"I had got into to it because of my papa, so we have a couple good ones at home as well,"
"This has really expanded my knowledge and I am going to be doing engineering at the college."
Neil also expressed that the practical nature of the class suits him better than traditional academic subjects.
"It's a lot better than sitting in a classroom I just get bored, you know, better doing something practical,"
The course welcomes a wide range of skills and knowledge, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to participate and learn.
