Environment week at Sidley School

For five days the pupils worked on a range of different projects, enhancing the school with work linked to the theme.

Nursury children emptied the school pond and re-homed the newts, while reception improved their outside area by painting the fence, and making inserts to tie on the fence.

Hall pillars were re-decorated, based on characters from the children's favourite stories.

Years one and two decided they would enhance the library by updating labels and creating an alphabet display. They also designed butterflies to decorate a playground wall.

Several of the activities tie in with educational concepts, such as mathematical symmetry in the case of the butterflies, or biology for years three and four, who worked on the school's flower beds.

They cleared weeds and planted new flowers, including a cartwheel made from Box Hedging to represent an emblem of Sidley.

Year five improved the recessed window frames along a school corridor. With the help of years three and four they made story settings such as a haunted house or jungle.

Perhaps the largest piece was by year six, who created a mural for the car park wall as part of their work on symbolism in art. Children designed the piece, then layed it out on the floor of the school hall before painting it.

James Freeston, deputy head teacher of the school, said: "This is part of a number of weeks we have had which are aimed at enthusing the children about their learning.

"Environment week is based around the idea of kids being part of their environment and being proud of it and respecting it.

"The other key thing was to understand that the environment has an impact on our lives."

Juli Freeman, mother of Erin, 11, said: "I think the school has done a fantastic job and they all seem to have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's an excellent idea. We've heard all about it all week."

Peter Jones, a representative of Trade Paints, who supplied the paint for the mural, said: "It's good that everyone gets involved, that's the way it should be. I have to say the children have been great. Everybody here has been helpful."

Thanks are due to Wyevale Garden Centre, Wickes, B&Q, Brewers and Trade Paints, all of whom donated materials for the event.