Inventions
by Primary 6 Forehill School 1
Foreword In Primary 6 at Forehill Primary our project this term has been The Magic Castle. We spent a lot of time turning our classroom into Forehillian Castle. After the author Allan Burnett came to talk to us about inventions, we decided to make an invention to stop enemies attacking our castle with a trebuchet. We knew that the enemy would only be able to hit the castle if they got close enough. We wanted to stop the enemy from getting too close. We looked at things the castle already had and tried to think of different ways to use or adapt them. We drew our designs and then voted for the ones we liked best. We took the top 3 designs. We wrote a diary entry for the day our invention was used for the first time. Our Inventions 1!
A ditch, like a moat, dug around the castle far enough away that a trebuchet would not be able to hit the castle. The ditch would be camouflaged with grass, twigs, leaves etc.
2!
 Instead of filling the ditch with water, wooden spikes would be placed at the bottom. The spikes would have 2 compartments filled with chemicals.
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The wooden spikes would destroy the wheels of the trebuchet. When the spikes broke the chemicals inside would mix and explode, destroying the trebuchet completely.
3!
Just in case the ditch failed, we would have a secret tunnel from the castle under the ditch. Our soldiers would we able to get from the castle to the enemy quickly. Knights would guard the entrance so that the enemy could not use it to get into the castle.
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Dear Diary, Yesterday we heard the enemy were going to attack with a trebuchet. I was nervous and scared but everyone was saying, “Hope the invention works.” Just then the King summoned me. He said, “You’re an extraordinary inventor. The camouflaged grass over the trench and the spikes stuck into the trench with mixed chemicals inside the spikes. Well done.”
Today I opened my
shutters and saw the trebuchet. It was like a wooden structure with wires ropes and everything. The bollard was like a huge wrecking ball. I hoped it didn’t make it over the trench. It didn’t. It fell into the trench. Boom! The trebuchet exploded into tiny, little bits. They couldn’t get it out of the trench. They attacked but we had more men. Our men saw the enemy were attacking the castle with their bare hands. Our men then attacked. We won the fight. The King summoned me and asked me to come for dinner. There was roasted chicken and duck. The food was delicious, scrumptious and lovely. After the beautiful dinner with the King and Queen I was stuffed. Good night diary, tomorrow will be a new day that’s all for today. Aiden
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Dear Diary, This morning we were told there was a gigantic trebuchet coming with a massive army. But we had a plan. We had made a hole with wooden spikes at the bottom. We also put gunpowder inside the spikes. I was starting to get really nervous. I just hoped that it worked. They were here. They didn’t see the trap. They were falling for it. The trebuchet fell straight into the hole. The wheels got broken and it was starting to go up in flames because the gunpowder had exploded. The soldiers tried to climb out but it was too steep. Our archers came and captured them. The rest of the enemy started to retreat back to their castle. The King came to ask me if I wanted to go to the feast because I had saved the castle. I said that I would love to. There was lots of different kinds of brilliant food. I got to sit next to the King. It was the best night of my life. The band were playing cool music on their drums and lutes. Dylan Aitkin Dear Diary Today was my best day ever. I heard the sound that was the trebuchet. I was nervous because I was thinking my plan was not going to work. The trebuchet came to Forehillian Castle. It was going to be trapped in our ditch full of spikes. It came closer then fell into the ditch. The spikes broke and there was a big bang, the trebuchet jumped a bit and was on fire. I said hurray!!!The enemy ran away. Everyone called me a HERO. I was very happy. Everyone made me a cake. The King was so kind he said we would have a party in the Great Hall. I had never been in the Great Hall before. The food was very good. There was roast chicken, beef, fish and lots of other food. There were many drinks. It was the best day. Vadim Kirievskiy 4
Dear Diary Yesterday was the best day of my life. I caught a trebuchet to stop it attacking the castle but it was even better because everyone called me a hero. Luckily my invention worked. It was to put a ditch around the castle with spikes at the bottom with camouflaged grass across the top to stop them getting too close. The enemy was coming closer and closer to the castle. I was getting more nervous because I was scared my invention was not going to work. Suddenly it just fell into my trap. Some of the enemy soldiers were dragged in with it. Other soldiers came with ropes to help pull them out. The trebuchet wheels were stuck on the spikes and the trebuchet was too heavy to pull out. I saw purple smoke coming out of the ditch. The smoke told me that the potions had mixed together. I was so excited that my invention had worked. Slowly I say fire rising from the ditch – the trebuchet was on fire because it was made of wood! The enemy ran away because they had nothing to fight with and they were very scared. The castle had a big party and everyone was saying well done. I was proud. The Great Hall smelled of dead animals. It was gross. I was sitting beside the Lady and Lord. He was patting me on the back. After the party I went to bed and when I woke up this morning everyone was still proud of me. Goodnight, diary. Harry Bond
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Dear Diary, This morning I was full of nerves because today was the day that my invention was getting used for the first time and not just that the whole castle was depending on me. First things first. I woke up and got dressed but then I was summoned to go down stairs. The Lord and Lady said it was time to test the invention. I was surprised that my invention was picked out of 12 people. I was stunned. The invention was big. It was a hole with spikes that when they broke they made an explosion. The enemy were 5 minutes away so I went to help the people set it up. Finally the enemy arrived and they had a brand new trebuchet. The trebuchet looked like a big wooden catapult. The next thing I knew they were in the ditch on fire. The way we got it on fire was we put in chemicals to make an explosion and set the trebuchet on fire. There was a lot of flames because of the fire. When the fire was put out the trebuchet was broken so the enemies attacked. Luckily we had more men so we had a better chance of winning. After the enemy left I was a hero and everyone was cheering. I felt relieved because my invention worked. Well that’s all for now because I am away to get my reward. I am hoping it is money. Katie Stewart
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Dear Jim, WOW this is the best day of my life because the invention I told you about last week is going to be used. It is the one with the spikes under the grass in a ditch, but the grass is fake. In the ditch there are spikes with chemicals inside. When they break the chemicals mix and explode. This morning I heard a bang and a bird came flying into my room. It had writing on a bit of paper tied to its leg saying, “The trebuchet is coming. Get ready to fight or use your great invention.” So they came with a big trebuchet with black wheels and lots of men. I was so nervous my hand was shaking. They were so close but when they were there did it work? The trebuchet fell down. My invention worked! There was a big bang and the trebuchet was on fire. All of their men ran away. It was so funny. Some of their men were on fire that was not funny. A lot of people were patting my back saying I was a hero. I felt so good. It was the best day of my life. We had a party. It was so fun. The feast had pork with fish. The Great Hall had a big table and big seats that the King sat on. I took his seat. It was so funny but not for him. The party was in the Great Hall. I could hear laughter and music. I could see food flying about. There were portraits of the King and Queen around the walls. Jesters were making us laugh. I have a bad back because the King kept patting me on my back telling me that I had done a good job. That’s all for today talk to you tomorrow night. Bradley McAllister
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Dear Diary, Yesterday was the BEST DAY EVER!!! I’m so chuffed with myself. I should probably tell you why. We were in the castle when we heard the enemies were coming. I wanted to save the villagers so I had a plan. I had an invention - not good, not great but the best invention EVER!!! It was a ditch camouflaged with the grass so the enemy will fall in the hole. The hole had spikes filled with gunpowder. When the trebuchet fell on the spikes there would be an explosion and the trebuchet would be destroyed. It was the day my invention was getting tested. I was so excited. I could see the enemy coming and suddenly they were gone. They fell down my trap and exploded from the gun powder. I was getting patted on the back and everyone was saying well done. Then all the villagers came over and did the same. I sat beside the King at the table. He kept patting me on the back and saying well done. The party was in the Great Hall. There were paintings and portraits on the walls. They had lovely torches lighting the room. It had a big long table that we sat at. The servants brought through chicken, pork, duck and turkey. It was truly the best day ever. That’s all I have to say diary I wonder what I will get up to tomorrow. Katy Stewart
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Dear Diary Last month a messenger said to me that the enemy was coming. I was so scared I did not know what to do. First I had to gather all the knights. One of the knights thought of this great idea. He said, “How about we make a massive ditch, at the bottom of the ditch we put spikes, inside the spikes we put chemicals and when the trebuchet goes in the ditch the gunpowder will explode and the trebuchet will go on fire .We spent weeks making the invention, My heart was in my throat at this point as they were about to step on the ditch but they stopped and started shooting. Oh no! I thought. “Sir,” someone said to me, “we could always try plan B .You know the one with the secret tunnel”. So I sent half my men down to the tunnel. All I could see was smoke and hear the sound of screaming. I was not sure if it had worked. Was that the sound of my knights screaming or was it the enemy? It had worked the enemy died, the trebuchet rolled into the ditch and blew up. Everyone called me a hero. After that I got to go to a great feast because the King and Queen were so proud of me for saving the castle and all of the villagers. First we had chicken and potatoes and then we had wine and cake. There were 2 knights standing at the door of the Great Hall. I had never been to the Great Hall before. I was surprised how big it was. There was a big long table covered in food. There were big curtains on the walls. Minstrels played music on their lutes. A jester went round doing funny things. It was definitely the best day of my life. So that’s it for tonight diary speak to you tomorrow. Kirsten Pratt
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Dear Diary Yesterday afternoon was a really good day because our invention actually worked. A messenger said that the enemy were coming so we spent a whole day sorting out what to do. Then we got it and then we dug a big ditch and we put lots of chemicals in spikes that when they broke mixed together and set fire to the trebuchet. We put the spikes in to mess up the wheels and we covered the ditch in sticks and leaves and then the ground around to make it look normal. As the trebuchet was coming closer to the castle it ran over the ditch and fell through and got set on fire. The flames were massive and after a while black smoke was coming out of the ditch and all everyone could hear was the sound of burning wood. It worked. I was a bit nervous but I was really happy that the invention worked and the enemy were so angry their faces were red. I was a hero. After that the Lord was so happy that his castle was still standing that he had a celebration party with jesters and musicians playing music and there was lots of food and wine. It was amazing. The food that was brought was fantastic. The best meal I have ever had. In the Great Hall there were musicians playing the nicest music while we were eating. .The Lord was patting me on the back saying, “Well done”, “Good job” , and it was a fantastic day for me. And that’s all I did today Lauren Blackadder
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Dear Diary Today was the day to try out the new invention. We dug a ditch far enough away from the castle that the trebuchet couldn’t reach us. We put spikes with potions in the ditch. When the trebuchet landed on the spikes the potions would mix and then go on fire. Then the enemy was 10 minutes away with a brand new trebuchet. The trebuchet fell into the hole. I felt happy because the invention had worked. Slowly I saw smoke. The potions we had hidden in the hole had mixed together and set the trebuchet on fire! The enemy ran away because their trebuchet was on fire. I was surprised because we had won. I was proud because my invention had worked. We had a big meal to celebrate and it was the first time I had been in the Great Hall. I heard a drum, flute and a lute and I saw a dancing bear with a chain in its mouth. I had chicken and pork chops and for pudding I had cake! Then the King and Queen gave a toast to me and my invention. I’m going to have a big day tomorrow… Scott Beaton
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Dear Lexi Yesterday was the most nerve-racking day ever because the Lady Kacey found out we were about to be attacked by Lord Phil who ruled Aberdeenshire land. Luckily I was there because I have invented a trench with spikes filled with chemicals and gunpowder that mix together and explode. The trench was camouflaged with grass. I was so nervous and excited because it had never been used before…3 hours later I had to go and put my armour on. My servant was late. I was so scared. My servant arrived. I was now all ready to use my invention. Here I was standing right in front of Aberdeenshire’s knights. They had a trebuchet. Luckily I of course had my invention. Their trebuchet was light brown wood with spikes coming out the stone. They thought their trebuchet was going to bring me to the GROUND. I was still quite nervous about using the invention. We started off with swords but then one of their knights pulled their trebuchet and tried to launch it but it was at the wrong angle. They pushed it closer and it fell into our ditch. There was a massive explosion and the trebuchet was gone. The enemy ran to the woods. We had a party even the guards were dancing. I was delighted. We had roast chicken with potatoes and wine to drink and after we had strawberry cake yum-yum!! The Great Hall was amazing I had never been in the Great Hall. There were wooden panels on the wall wonderful candles on the wall and a great long table. After that I went to my bed to write this diary and that’s all for tonight. Lucy McQueen
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Dear Diary I had the craziest day ever - let me explain. I was in the work shop when a crazy bird shot through my open window .When it emerged it had a note wrapped round its skinny leg. I couldn`t believe what I read. The enemy had made a menacing weapon called a trebuchet. I had to test my latest invention. It was a cleverly camouflaged pit with spikes and bottles full of chemicals. When the trebuchet landed on the bottles they would explode spreading fire everywhere. Then the enemy came with its trebuchet and all of their archers - the whole caboodle. I was so nervous I did not think it would work. It was so intense. It was coming closer…Boom! The trebuchet fell into the pit and the trebuchet caught on fire. All of the soldiers ran away. Then there was a big party for ME! I am so happy. Everybody called me a hero. The party was in the Great Hall. I’ve never been in there before. It was very warm and loud. There was a big fire and torches all around the room. The walls were made of wooden panels and there were swords and the King and Queen’s Coat of Arms. The knights guarding the door were in their full chain mail armour. Even the King and Queen were there. There were people singing and dancing. The food was delicious.I’m very tired now but glad that I had an invention on hand to defeat the enemy and save Forehillian Castle. That’s all for tonight diary. Tomorrow won’t be as intense as today. I promise. Bye! Matthew Alexander
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Dear Diary Yesterday when I woke up I heard a sound like tic tic tonk tic tic tonk beside the shutter. I didn’t know what it was so I opened the shutter and there was nothing. I shut the shutter and carried on getting dressed but then the loudest bang I have ever heard came from the window. I charged over to the shutter and ripped it off of the railing with my bare hands. I smashed my fist through the shutter and peered my head through. I saw a pigeon. I said, “Oh it’s just a pigeon” but then I saw a scroll on its tightly clutched talons. I grabbed the scroll. I was very nervous. I opened the scroll and I read it. It said, “Beware. Attackers are coming with huge trebuchets. They will invade your castle and vi…” I said, “Oh no,” so I thought about what would I do! Think, John, Think. So I thought and this is what I came up with. A huge ditch with spikes in it but in the point of them are two chemicals so when it mixes it makes fire also the ditch is camouflaged with fake grass on top. One other thing was we had lots of crossbow soldiers. The time had come for our battle. The enemies were coming with their trebuchets. They fired but they weren't close enough so they came closer and the trebuchets fell into the ditch. Its wooden wheels got spiked and it went on fire so they couldn't pull it out. Sparks were everywhere. Our bow men came out and killed them all. The villagers were cheering like mad. I felt proud of myself. After that we had the biggest feast too. That is my diary finished today but tomorrow will be better. John Gray
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Dear Diary YESTERDAY WAS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!! I woke up and heard that our enemies were approaching towards our castle with their gigantic trebuchet. I was full of suspense because today was the day that my invention was going to be tested. The invention was a big ditch with spikes full of chemicals inside and it was camouflaged with heaps of leaves. The enemies approached and the trap worked. I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES .The trebuchet fell into the trap and it made a HUGE! explosion. Flames and black smoke came from the ditch. The enemy soldiers that had fallen in the ditch were scrambling their way out. Their friends were running away because they were scared and did not know what to do. I was so overwhelmed because everyone in the castle was calling me a hero. They were patting me on the back and saying, “Well done, Tyler.� That night we had a huge feast in the Great Hall and there were torches all around the walls and cobwebs up in the corner of the wall. Knights were guarding the door and there was a buffet full of chicken and fish. It was the best dinner I have ever had. So that is it for tonight diary. Speak to you tomorrow. Tyler Duncan
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Dear Diary, Yesterday was the best day ever! When I heard the enemies approaching the tension was growing on me. I hoped and I prayed that my trap would work. The trap was a big hole with spikes at the bottom and when the wooden trebuchet fell onto the spikes they would blow up because of the gunpowder inside the spikes .The trap was covered in grass and twigs. The suspense grew… then I saw the trebuchet had fallen into the grass trap and I cheered hooray! The wheels of the trebuchet had caught alight and had spikes had penetrated right into them. I heard a crash and a bang when the wooden structure fell into the hole. I was excited because the trebuchet had fallen into the trap and very relived because they wouldn’t be able to attack the castle now. I ran outside shouting “Yippee!!!” I walked over into the trap where the enemies lay… Then I saw the trebuchet had fallen in the trap and was burned to a flaky charcoal! “Hooray!” every one shouted as I was lifted into the air. By that time the enemies had fled back to their castle to prepare another plan. I hoped that they wouldn't notice the trap the next time they attacked but because the whole ground is covered in the same materials they won’t notice! After the enemies had fled away we arranged a party to celebrate the defeat. I sat beside the Lord and the Lady of the castle and we had the most amazing banquet in the whole world. It was the best meal I have had in the whole of my life. There were people singing and entertaining whilst we were eating. The Lord told me that I would get a reward of £50 as a gift for saving the people in the village and in the castle. I felt absolutely amazing! When the king told me my reward was £ 50! It was great. That’s all for today diary I’ll be back with more exciting news tomorrow. Ruby Anderson
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Dear Diary, Today my invention was tried out. My invention was to dig a ditch around the castle like a moat and fill it with pointy spikes that have gunpowder in the top of them and the ditch was covered with grass so that the attacking army couldn’t see the ditch. I was nervous. I was hoping that it would be successful. It was still early in the morning. The suspense was building. I looked out my bedroom window to see how things were coming along and I was lucky enough to catch the enemy’s brand new trebuchet falling into the ditch and half the army falling in as well. When the trebuchet fell in the ditch I heard a thump and I heard screams of pain as the men fell in as well. Suddenly everyone started shouting, “Victory, Well done, Relief”. I screamed in joy. That afternoon the King summoned me. “Great work. I love your idea. It was fantastic. My favourite part was the idea of having grass covering the entire ditch,” he said. At about 9 O’clock we all had a feast in the Great Hall to celebrate. The Great Hall had lots of candles that lit up the room and there was a huge table that sat right in the middle. I had an amazing time. It was my first ever feast and it got even better when the king said that I would now get to attend every single feast and would be sitting next to him all night. Well that is all for tonight Diary goodnight. By Katie Smith
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Dear Diary, This morning I woke up and got ready. I waited for my amazing new invention to be tried out. The invention would stop our enemy from destroying and taking over our castle. I am sure a ditch covered with fake grass and spikes inside with gunpowder in them would blow up their big strong, powerful and expensive trebuchet. Then suddenly one of the knights said, “King Rufus is coming with his powerful knights to try to take over the village and the castle”. I got really worried but excited at the same time because it was the time to use my new invention. I ran outside and helped the knights to warn the villagers about the enemy. The villagers put their belongings in their houses and ran into the castle taking the children into the safest rooms. The horses were tacked up and the weapons were sharpened in case my invention didn’t work. I hoped it would work. The enemy were only 10 minutes away. I went to check my invention to make sure it could not be seen. I felt really excited to see my invention in action. Suddenly I saw the enemy just metres away. I then saw the enemy running up the hill pushing and pulling the trebuchet. I was then becoming nervous. The trebuchet fell into the ditch and set fire and burnt into thousands of tiny little pieces. I felt happy because my invention worked. Suddenly I saw the enemy climbing out of the ditch coughing because of the thick black smoke. Their partners were trying to pull them out. The black smoke made everything really difficult to see so it took five minutes until we could see anything. The Forehillian knights then came to get them back for trying to take over the castle. I felt relieved because the enemy were gone. Everyone called me a hero apart from the ones that were jealous. I got sent to the Lord and the Lady and they gave me £100 and we had a fancy dinner in the big, wooden, magnificent Great Hall. It was the best dinner I have ever had. It was really fun. There was chicken, fish, beef and lots of vegetables. We had a lovely pudding too. Anyway that’s it for tonight. I need to go to say thank you to the Lord and the Lady for the lovely dinner. I also need to say thanks to the kitchen staff for cooking the lovely dinner. Good night. Jessica Barron 18
Dear Phoebe, Yesterday I was so excited because I found out that my new invention to stop our enemy from attacking Forehillian Castle with their trebuchet would be tried out for the first time. I gathered all my friends that worked in the castle and I told them that we should go and check that my invention was ready. When we finished we laughed because our enemy did not know what they were in for…. I’ll tell you what they were in for. We dug 8 holes – 2 at each side of the castle. The holes were hidden because they were covered in twigs and leaves. Inside the holes were wooden spikes with 2 potions. When the trebuchet fell on them they would explode and the wooden trebuchet would burn. We had soldiers at the windows ready to shoot arrows. At half past 2 the enemy came to the castle. The trebuchet got closer to the hole. I was worried. It might not work. Suddenly the trebuchet fell into the hole along with some of the enemy soldiers. We saw some of the soldiers climb back out of the hole and then we saw smoke coming out of the hole. The smoke was really black. It was starting to work. Next there was an explosion. WE HAD DONE IT !!!! The rest of the enemy ran away because they knew we had another plan. We had a party because it worked and Forehillian was safe. They told me to sit down so I did and then they sang a song and it went like this “Congratulations you saved us” and it went on 4 times. They took through a big cake and they threw a party for me. Mya Gallagher
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