Schools urged to enter the contest

21/12/2007

ONE of the winners of last year’s Schools Awards is encouraging more people to enter this year’s competition.

Walbottle Village Primary School in Newcastle won the Environment prize at last year’s awards, which are run by The Journal, our sister paper on Teesside the Evening Gazette and main sponsor Northumbrian Water.

The school won the prize for its science garden, beating challengers Portobello Primary School in Birtley and Belsay First School in Northumberland.

Headteacher Maria Tarn said: “When I first took up as head there was a wonderful piece of land which I thought would be perfect for a science garden. I mentioned this to a few people and the science co-ordinator Caroline Ridley and her husband, who is a farmer, spent the first weekend in July trying to make it happen.

“We had a digger and parents helping dig out a pond and eventually we had a pond. The Environment award came at the same time and the children wanted to develop the garden.

“The children went home and they all came up with designs. One girl made a model with a herb garden and others wanted a bird box with a web cam so they could see hatching chicks in the spring.

“It was brilliant when we won the £1,000 prize and the children were just delighted because we could create their dream science garden. With the money, we now have a ladybird box, a hedgehog box, bird tables, shrubs, mini greenhouse, feeders and low level planters. The children have had a great time growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

“I would certainly encourage other schools to apply for these awards as it gives your school a standing in the community.”

She added: “It was amazing for school morale, the children couldn’t believe we had won and they had done all the work so they felt very pleased with themselves.

“I think if you are doing the work, you might as well get the recognition so it was great to get this award and I wish we could apply again.”

The Environment Award is sponsored by SITA UK.

John Grainger, general manager for SITA UK in the North-East, said: “Whenever we work with schools and children from right around the region, it is obvious how committed they are to caring for the environment around them.

“I think this is a fantastic initiative which will showcase some of the really exciting and innovative environmental projects taking place in schools across the North-East.”

Entry forms are being sent to schools, but parents and other people can find additional forms and full details of how to enter on www.journallive.co.uk/schoolsawards. Forms can also be obtained from Claire Evans on (0191) 201-6089.

This year’s awards feature group prizes in five categories: the Sustainable School Award, Healthy Living Award, School Newspaper Award, Environment Award and the Active Community Award.

Each winner will receive a £1,000 bursary towards the winning project, with two prizes of £250 for runners-up in each section.

There will also be awards for the most inspirational teacher in a primary school, the best teacher in a secondary school, caretaker of the year, school support staff of the year and headteacher of the year.