Thanks to Amanda for sending through this news from Brighstone Primary. In her own words. Ed
Last week the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, the Bishop of Portsmouth, visited Brighstone CE Aided Primary School in order to open the brand new indoor and outdoor learning spaces (which include a canopy, playground and lagoon area) that have recently been created.
In the last two years, the school has more than doubled in size, absorbing pupils who had previously attended Chale Primary School and accommodating pupils into Year 5 and from September Year 6, as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s School Reorganisation programme.
‘The Orchard Room’ (named by a Year 3 pupil) and accompanying outdoor learning space, has been specifically designed for Year 1 children and will enable them to continue their learning journey from the Reception Class.
Helped by grant
The new spaces were funded by the Diocese of Portsmouth, a £10,000 ‘Awards for All’ Big Lottery Grant, generous donation from the school PTA (Brighstone School Association) as well as other fundraising events organized by the school.
This included the pupils themselves, who have planned various enterprise events, including Year 1 (who sold coasters of photographs that they had taken of the school environment) during the opening event.
Despite the dreadful weather, the children still managed to put on a good show! Reception staged an ‘Ugly Bug Ball’, there was country dancing from Year 3 and Year 5 proudly demonstrated their carnival dances.
The new Head Boy and Girl cut the ribbon to open the classroom with Bishop Christopher, before parents and the local community had an opportunity to view the space.
Fantastic opportunities
Headteacher Amanda Johnston said, “This was a fantastic event. The children, staff, parents, local community and Diocese of Portsmouth have all worked so hard together, in order to create this amazing space for future generations of children. The state of the art interior, as well as the outdoor canopy, will provide year round, all weather learning opportunities that will enhance the educational provision for our youngest children. We were delighted that Bishop Christopher was able to open this facility for us and look forward to making full use of it in the new academic year.”
