Variety is the spice of life!

A recent visit to Littledean C of E Primary School (64 on roll), on the southern fringes of the Forest of Dean, revealed that in spite of the restrictions of the National Curriculum etc. children in our small schools are being offered a wide variety of experiences.

As I drove through the school gates Year 5 & 6 children were practising rugby skills in the playground. The session was being led by a coach from Gloucester Rugby Club’s Academy based at Hartpury College.

On the grassed area next to the playground the Key Stage I children, with the help of Helen, a dedicated parent, had developed a remarkably extensive vegetable garden complete with scarecrow. This had been made possible with funding from Kraft’s Health for Schools initiative. The list of produce was impressive :-

Potatoes (9kg), leeks, Runner Beans, Carrots, Pumpkins and Squash, Beetroot,

Cabbages, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Strawberries and Sunflowers

There are plans to plant old Gloucestershire varieties of apple trees.

The garden is guarded at night by five gnomes who live under a tree and a dragon which sleeps in the flower bed planted by the nursery school children. There are plans to plant old Gloucestershire varieties of apple trees in the future.

During British Food Fortnight, the produce was used for cookery sessions in  school. Vegetable soups, such as leek and potato, were made. Potatoes were mashed or baked in their jackets and tomato sauces were made for pasta. The carrots and salad became healthy morning snacks.

In the school hall, Year 8 pupils from Heywood Community School were preparing their ‘Road Show’. This is part of the transition process. Y5 and Y6 were treated to demonstrations of science, drama, modern languages and visual displays; all planned and performed by the Heywood pupils.

For more information contact Valerie Huggett head@littledeangloucs.sch.uk