Pupils’ explosive lesson on baking potatoes

Children had a choice of boiled or baked, with about half going for each option. Once peeled and put in the pot for boiling, it was the turn of the microwave for the baked potatoes. 

“The microwave was brought into the classroom and we were ready to go,” said head teacher Catriona Brown.

“Children stabbed their potatoes with a fork and, individually, they were put on a plate and the microwave set.

“All was going well until Juliette shouted, ‘Fire, Fire, it’s on FIRE!’ Sure enough, her potato had burst into flames.”

Mrs Brown immediately opened the microwave and blew out the flame and, fortunately, the fire alarm did not go off. 

On recalling the event, Juliette Loganbill said: “The potato went on fire and I freaked out; the potato went to ashes and it looked like a meteor.” 

Mrs Brown reflected that perhaps four minutes was too long for a smallish potato and, after that, they were put in for two minutes at a time. 

After all the excitement died down, everyone enjoyed their baked and boiled potatoes, complete with a bit of butter and salt. 

The leftover potatoes were taken home, where the children used them in a number of different ways. 

Eilidh Parkhouse revealed: “I made chips with the potato at home and I loved the chips,” while Camille Loganbill carried out an electrical experiment with her potato!

As it was the last day prior to the October holiday, toasting marshmallows over ‘fairy fires’ was also on the timetable. 

“A fairy fire is a small fire lit in a scallop shell,” explained Mrs Brown. “This was done in our playground and, again, didn’t quite go to plan as it was such a wet and windy day. 

“Resilience and determination meant we did not give up easily, though. Small fires were lit but didn’t last long. Most children managed a bit of toasting but the second mallows were all just eaten from pack!”

All the children enjoyed the afternoon, with Edel Parkhouse saying: “I loved baking potatoes and after that we got marshmallows.” 

Chelsey Hurd added: “I liked the marshmallows because we got two,” and Ellen Currie thought the potatoes were “tasty” and she liked when Juliette’s potato went on fire.

It was certainly a memorable afternoon for all!