Picnic with a difference

Reporter: Catherine Smyth
Date online: 12 July 2010

PUPILS from seven primary schools enjoyed a literacy picnic at Fearns Community Sports College. 

Traditional picnic fare of sandwiches and drinks combined with sports, arts and literacy activities all around the school grounds at Fearns Moss, Stacksteads.
English teacher Rebecca Roach said: “We invited Year 5 pupils from feeder primary schools into school to work with around 70 of our Year 9 and 10 leaders in sports, literacy and arts. 

“We had art teacher Sarah Albon creating willow sculptures with pupils, sports leaders holding rounders games and all around the field were clues to solve a criminal investigation with teams being led by the literacy leaders.
“Events like this work well to break down the barriers for pupils who will soon be making choices about which high school they want to go to. It is also very useful for the leaders to be working with the younger pupils.” 

Head of English Sam Stevenson said: “We are really grateful to the teachers who attended on the day to help out.” The event concluded with a presentation of certificates and badges for the 125 primary school pupils who took part.
Miss Roach added: “It was a fantastic success and everyone, teachers, leaders and pupils had a brilliant time.”