Pupils dig in to brighten up their school
Infant pupils at Stanah Primary in Lambs Road, Thornton have enjoyed three days in the spring sunshine, painting, planting and building to beautify their school.As well as brightening up dozens of plant pots with their paintbrushes, youngsters have been getting their hands dirty planting dozens of flowers.They also designed and painted wooden plaques which will be placed around the schoo.It’s all part of an ambitious bid to achieve green flag status, as eco-schools co-ordinator Jenny Thompson explained.She said: “It has been great weather to have the children outside and enjoying the great outdoors.“It’s all about getting them out of the classroom. They have spent three afternoons this week hard at work and have really enjoyed doing something different.”Older pupils also got the chance to play their part, joining in for the final session yesterday.Jenny said: “We’ve been painting, planting, making wooden plaques.“The key stage two pupils have also been able to join in, it’s been a whole school effort.“What’s lovely is that it’s a break from the classroom.“I’m trying to make the school an attractive place for outdoor learning and work what we are doing into the curriculum.”Classes were given a budget to spend on their improvements and have been thinking up ways to make their playgrounds shine.Jenny said: “Each class had a budget of £50 to start with. It’s been brilliant to see what they have done. They have worked really hard, such a lot of effort has gone in.“It’s not just the playgrounds, it’s the spaces where parents wait at the beginning and the end of the day.“It wasn’t bad to start with but with a little effort it can be lovely.”Jenny’s eventual ambition for Stanah is to achieve Green Flag status but she knows it’s tough.She said: “There are very few schools who have it, it would be a real accolade. We’re hoping to reach bronze level by next year, that’s the first step but it will be a lot of work.”And with a gardening club starting next half term, Jenny is still on the lookout for donations.She said: “We need pots, planters, compost, bedding plants. Every little thing can make a difference so if anybody can spare them, let us know.”