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| Hotspur HEART |
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(Health, Environment, Art, Recreation, Transformation)
What are we trying to do?
To transform the outside area surrounding the school into a beautiful learning environment that will enhance the physical, intellectual, social and emotional well-being of all children, staff and parents. We want to create an exciting outside learning environment which encourages children’s physical activity, constructive play and friendship, so that the outside time is a positive experience for all children in all weathers.
Who is involved?
Naturally, all the children, staff and parents of Hotspur are active and keen participants in the Hotspur Heart project. In addition, we are working closely with a number of other organisations including Treehouse (Hotspur out of school care club), Enviro Schools and Ouseburn Community Centre.
What have we done so far?
A large and impressive allotment has been created on the school field – fresh manure was supplied by the Stepney Bank Stables nearby! All the children are involved in digging and growing, and many parents and staff have been working hard at all stages of the project’s development. Right next to the allotment we have built a large compost bin, made of recycled pallets where KS1 children enthusiastically recycle their break time fruit and vegetable peelings.
Our Hotspur HEART campaign was boosted when £10,000 was awarded from the Big Lottery Breathing Places grants programme in June 2007 to develop a wildlife garden and pond area within the school grounds. Class 6 have been ‘growing tadpoles’ who will hopefully take up residence in the pond during the summer! Work is well underway to complete this project, which will transform the field into a stimulating learning envionment as well as a place to enjoy peace and quiet for the school community.
A tyre park was created to make a previously neglected part of the field area more interesting and has proved a HUGE success with children from Nursery to Year 6, as well as Treehouse club members!
What are we planning to do?
The children are currently working hard to raise £10,000 from Playground Partnerships to pay for a really interesting piece of playground equipment that they have been involved in researching, discussing and designing. BUT THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. We also want to raise money for more outside play equipment, an outside classroom, a quiet seating area, a chalking area, a recycling centre, bicycle shed and playground markings – so watch this space to see how Hotspur’s enthusiastic and unwavering teams of supporters from across the community progress towards their ambitious plans!
Why do we want to do this?
Our children – in common with most other primary schools across Britain -spend approximately one quarter of their school day in the playground, and what happens there can significantly influence their experience of school as well as their learning and their social, emotional and physical development. The children, staff and parents of Hotspur want to work together to make being outdoors a really positive experience for all pupils. As well as enriching children’s experiences, these transformations will help fulfil the vision of Every Child Matters, Extended Schools, Environmental Schools and Healthy Schools, all policies designed to enhance children’s school experience.
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