Great Ballard pupils create a hobbit hole

Pupils of all ages interacted together on the project. Picture by Kate Shemilt KS1500033-2 SUS-150428-191236008

Pupils at Great Ballard School have been busy this year designing and building a hobbit hole.

With help from students at the University of Chichester, the creation is the realisation of the description in JRR Tolkien’s best-selling children’s novel The Hobbit.

“It’s been great to watch the older children support the little ones throughout this entire process,” said primary education student Dan Selby.

The hobbit hole is in woodland located just behind the school.

The project was initiated by Olivia Dicker, Emily Gale, Ruth Thomas and Dan who are all on the same university course.

T he project was designed to strengthen relationships between the different year groups.

“It really is inspiring to be able to make such a huge change – one which we hope will be a lasting difference,” said Olivia.

As well as a blog documenting the project’s journey, the students published a book called 59 things to do with a hobbit hole.

The Great Ballard schoolchildren have been involved from the very beginning, including designing, building and painting it.

It is set to be showcased on May 16 at the school’s annual fete.