Last week, I had the honour and privilege to visit two Primary Schools and talk to students about the beautiful work they are crafting to make a positive difference to our local communities. At Green Top Primary in Thorne, Year 6 students Amelia and Myles talked eloquently about the work they are completing as part of their latest Learning Exploration. They told me their Guiding Question was, ‘Do you understand the magic of motion?’ and that they had studied the science of motion, read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as an anchor text and considered the concept of continuity and change through researching the proud and developing history of the railways in Doncaster. I was amazed to hear the final product for the Exploration will be some stunning education signage boards (including high quality artwork) which will take pride of place at Thorne North and South Station so that everyone who passes through can read about the important heritage of the railways in Doncaster.
At Plover, Year 5 and 6 students have been considering the effect we have on our environment. They have been addressing the highly topical and urgent question, “It’s our world, what are you going to do about it?’ Joseph, Maisie, Ruby, Maddison and Lucas told me about the important work they have done through researching the negative impact single use plastics have on our oceans. They talked about fieldwork they had been on where they swam in a swimming pool filled with plastic so they could imagine what it must be like for sea life who are increasingly affected by this man-made and deadly pollution. The students also showed me the incredible artwork they had produced about endangered species that they are going to use as part of a calendar that will be on sale to the public! It was breath-taking work.
I was so impressed by the work in both schools that I shared it with XP students as part of our Whole School Community Meeting on Friday. I asked our students who they thought had produced such fantastic work and they said that they thought it was Year 11 students! High praise, indeed and well deserved. This is stunning work that is making a real difference.
Well done to all! Can’t wait to visit again!
Andy Sprakes