20 March 2012 Erpingham Primary Schools impressive eco-friendly ethos scoops award Erpingham Primary School was handed a cheque for 100 today after being named the winners of the Aylsham and District Wildlife Societys first ever gold award, for its pioneering work with the forest schools scheme. The project aims to give youngsters hands on learning experiences in a woodland environment and is so well established at Erpingham that children and staff are now extending their scheme.
Neighbouring pupils are invited to use their outdoor area, staff have helped other schools develop forest programmes and a Forest Friends group for pre-school children is also run during the week.
Tony Escritt, from the society, said members had been impressed by Erpinghams ethos.
He added: They get the children outside and enable them to make decisions themselves about what is safe and what isnt and how they should conduct themselves.
And we particularly liked their sharing with other schools and the way they help them to become forest schools.
The 100 prize money will be used to install a webcam in the schools kestrel nesting box, which has been difficult to observe.
Pictures from the camera will now allow children, parents and visitors to see what is happening within the box, which was presented to Erpingham students by the Hawk and Owl Trust.
The wildlife society also presented silver prizes of 50 each to Buxton Primary School and Worstead Primary School for their work with the forest schools scheme.
Corpusty, Hevingham and Swanton Abbott primary schools came highly commended. For the full news article and to be taken to the website, click here |