eco partners at work!
Jane Hughes reports on how a South Wales primary school won accolades for transforming its environment
W
hen the grounds of Fochriw Primary School in rural Caerphilly were vandalised two years
ago, the incident became a catalyst for an eco improvement programme involving community partners. ‘Our aim was to create meaningful learning experiences from what had happened by integrating collaboration, resilience and active citizenship across our curriculum,’ says Sharon Pascoe, headteacher at the 112-pupil village school. The result was ‘From Tragedy to Triumph with Fochriw’s Green
40 AUTUMN 2021 FundEd
Hand Gang’, a project which involved each class taking part in challenges and problem solving by applying their literacy, numeracy and digital skills to bring about positive change in their environment. The project was spearheaded by the school’s eco committee, comprising two representatives from each year group between Reception and Year 6. ‘The pupils were proactive from
the start,’ recalls Sharon. ‘Although upset at the vandalism, they were determined to come back better by
repairing or replacing what had been damaged and transforming the school grounds into a more secure and special place.’ Before Covid struck, the school
had run an annual ‘Litter Less’ community spring clean campaign, in collaboration with Keep Wales Tidy (KWT). So when news of the vandalism reached the school’s KWT coordinator, Andrew King, he immediately offered his help, alerting Sharon to the possibility of grant funding from the Postcode Lottery, as well as arranging to meet the eco committee (at a safe social distance). Working with KWT, the children
developed ideas for the redesign and improvement of their school grounds. Several classes suggested creating a reading area with wooden tepees, whilst others highlighted the importance of secure storage units. The pupils also researched what trees and plants would be suitable for the local conditions, mapping out areas for fruit growing, raised beds and plants to encourage wildlife.
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