St Andrew's Day Classroom Pack — 30 November

Scottish symbols — what they mean

1. 1 St Andrew (died c.60 CE) The patron saint of Scotland. One of Christ's apostles. Tradition holds that his relics were brought to Scotland in the 4th century, to what is now St Andrews, Fife. He is also patron saint of Russia, Romania, and Greece.
2. 2 The Saltire (St Andrew's Cross) Scotland's national flag — a white diagonal cross (X) on a blue background. One of the oldest national flags in the world, with origins in the 9th century. The form represents the cross on which St Andrew was crucified.
3. 3 The thistle Scotland's national plant. Associated with Scotland since at least the 13th century — legend says a sleeping Scottish army was saved when a Norse invader stepped on a thistle and cried out.
4. 4 Tartan The distinctive checked textile pattern associated with Scottish clans. Modern tartan patterns largely date from the 19th century romantic revival.
5. 5 The Lion Rampant A red lion on a gold background — the royal standard of Scotland. Different from the saltire. Used by Scottish monarchs.

• ▶ EXPRESSIVE ARTS: design a new tartan for your class — choose colours and a pattern that means something to your group
• ▶ LANGUAGES: learn a few Scottish Gaelic phrases. 'Madainn mhath' (good morning), 'Tapadh leat' (thank you), 'Slàinte mhath' (good health)
• ▶ SOCIAL STUDIES: map Scotland's diaspora — where in the world do people of Scottish ancestry live? Why did they leave?
• ▶ SCIENCES: the thistle as a plant — its structure, its adaptations, why it can be so difficult to remove
• ▶ HEALTH & WELLBEING: Scottish country dancing — even 20 minutes of Strip the Willow is memorable and gives everyone a great workout
• ▶ MUSIC: learn a Scottish song — Wild Mountain Thyme, Loch Lomond, or a simple ceili tune