Hartington Pupils are Countryside Champions

Children  and staff at Hartington Church of England Primary School are celebrating after achieving their final Peak District Award.

Members of the Peak District National Park Authority enjoyed a presentation by pupils on Friday 22nd April, where they showcased all that they had learnt and enjoyed throughout the project.

Year 6 pupil, Maddie Wager explained: “We have undertaken three field trips to Beresford Dale, Wolfscote Dale and the Manifold Valley while considering the geology, animal life, vegetation and recreation within each.”

Fellow Year 6 youngster, George Wigham added: “We’ve river dipped, studied animal tracks, identified fossils and spotted plants in our beautiful limestone valleys. We had a brilliant time and we all understand how important it is to take care of our local environment.”

Deputy Director of the Peak Park National Authority, David Chapman; Learning and Development Officer, Sarah Wilkes and Peak Park Ranger, Rose Clarke enjoyed the assembly before presenting children with their certificates.

Head Teacher, Tracy Blackwell said: “We are one of the luckiest schools in Derbyshire being surrounded by beautiful, unique countryside which we love getting out into to help our learning extend beyond the classroom.

“We had a super turn-out of wonderfully supportive residents, parents and governors who came to enjoy the PowerPoint presentation that the children had prepared themselves. The children chose their favourite hymns and wrote their own prayers about the countryside, and demonstrated how much they have learnt and how deeply they value their local area.”

One local parent said: “It was truly inspirational to see the children working collaboratively alongside the Peak Park Ranger Service. Their knowledge of the local area was astounding and has given them a firm foundation for their future learning and how to care for their environment and reduce their carbon footprint.”

A member of the community added: “What a fantastic presentation the children gave about the wildlife and fauna found in the local limestone river valleys which surround the village of Hartington. I was particularly impressed with all the hard work that must have taken place and how confident and keen all the pupils were to tell everyone what they had learnt. It was obvious to all that the staff are committed to the children’s learning in a practical and hands-on way, which will teach them how to care for and appreciate their local countryside.”

To find out more about the Peak District Award click here