Shining a light on our Schools

It has been a busy term for our schools, staff and pupils. We’re proud of how they have shone by taking part in national campaigns and holding incredible fundraisers. It’s testament to the hard work of everyone who contributes to the day-to-day life of our schools.

Primary receives exciting donation from mysterious artist

Children and teachers at St Christopher’s Church of England Primary School, near Red Lodge in Bury St Edmunds, were excited to receive a very special gift when an artist created a bespoke piece of work for them.

The artwork was crafted by someone mysteriously known as the Anonymous Artist, who contacted the school to say they loved books and the way they open a whole new world to children, but statistics showed only one in five personally own a book at home.

The artwork has been made to look like a bookshelf crammed with nearly 100 children’s stories, including The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Paddington Bear - as well as one with its own special title of ‘Painted with Love for St Christopher’s C of E Primary School’.

It has been hung in the school’s foyer for the whole school community to enjoy and was unveiled at a special celebration assembly.

Hundreds raised for East Anglian Air Ambulance

Staff and pupils at Babraham Church of England Primary School in Cambridge raised more than £300 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance charity.

Students held a non-uniform day and used collection buckets in the playground to help raise the money following a medical emergency at the school earlier this year.

Headteacher Victoria Penty said: “It’s important for our pupils to see how members of the community can work together and help each other.”

Pupils encouraged to eat the vegetable rainbow

Schoolchildren at Guyhirn Church of England Primary School in Wisbech were inspired to eat more vegetables as part of a nationwide healthy eating campaign.

They took part in a Veg Power Eat Them To Defeat Them day with a cookery demonstration and lesson on how to safely prepare carrots.

The day was run in partnership with Veg Power, PECT, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Healthy Schools, Cambridgeshire County Council and Tilda.

Headteacher Karen Milnthorpe said: “The whole school really enjoyed taking part in the Eat Them To Defeat Them day and tasting new vegetables.”

Epic 333-mile run around school grounds

Staff, pupils and parents at Swaffham Prior Church of England Primary School took part in an epic six-and-ahalf hour sponsored run around the school grounds. The run was led by local Ultra Marathon runner Simon Burnett, who ran laps around Swaffham Prior, with all children joining him for at least two laps - clocking up an impressive 333 miles of running.

The aim of the mammoth event was to raise money for the school to buy a set of Chromebooks for pupils to use in lessons. The total amount collected was nearly £3,500

Headteacher Helen Bartley said: “What a fantastic day. All our children, staff and parents showed enthusiasm, grit and determination and had such a great time.”

St Luke’s pupils celebrate British Science Week

A host of activities dedicated to exploring the theme of connections took place at St Luke’s Church of England Primary School in Cambridge.

To mark British Science Week, children enjoyed workshops with Marshals Engineering, The British Antarctic Survey and construction company Atkins learning about STEM subjects They learned how to take and examine fingerprints, design and make aeroplanes, as well as how to construct bridges and what it’s like being part of a research team in Antarctica Headteacher Beccy Ireland-Curtis said: “We are passionate about introducing every child to the possibilities within this field of study and the impact of this day will be far-reaching.”