It is like the story of David and Goliath or the FA Cup third round upset. In times of uncertainty in education proof that, offered the opportunities, the children of our country can produce the goods in any circumstances.
Nocton Community Primary School in Lincolnshire has the look of the quintessential village school. Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott (he of the St Pancras Hotel and Albert Memorial) and built in 1864, it stands in a quiet cul-de-sac opposite the church in a rural village. With 40 pupils it is a small, happy place with dedicated staff and supportive parents. Rural schools, like their inner city counterparts, have tight budgets and social issues. Nocton is no exception. Hidden away south of Lincoln this idyllic setting has just upset the odds.
'Take One Picture' is the National Gallery's countrywide scheme for primary schools. Each year the Gallery focuses on one painting from the collection to inspire cross-curricular work in primary classrooms. The challenge is then for schools to use the image imaginatively in the classroom, both as a stimulus for artwork, and for work in more unexpected curriculum areas. National Gallery Education then displays a selection of the work in the annual 'Take One Picture' exhibition at the National Gallery, and on their website. Of the hundreds of schools who took part, the work from just 17 will be exhibited in the iconic building with Nocton’s contribution being from the smallest school.
‘Work with Fire and Steel’ was the idea of the year 5 pupils at Nocton. Along with the Deputy Headteacher, Andy Canadine, and classroom Teaching Assistant, Pat Penistan, the five pupils created sword handles at a local blacksmiths forge. From raw materials and under the guidance of blacksmith Tim Mackereth and his wife Fran the pupils made a lasting and unique piece of work that captured the essence of the project.
The work so impressed the staff at the National Gallery that it has been selected to be displayed in the Trafalgar Square Gallery between Wednesday 9th May and Sunday 16th September. “Our pupils took the concept on board and ran with the idea” said Mr Canadine “We always encourage pupils to reach for the heights and push their boundaries of learning. This was a fantastic opportunity to show what a small school can do and demonstrate just how vital these hubs are to local people and the children”
As large academies blossom it is comforting and important to remember that small schools like Nocton bear good fruit too.
[Article released for publication by Nocton Community School]
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