On Friday, James was given a tour of Ashwicken CofE Primary School by two year 6 pupils along with Headteacher Mrs Dickson, with attendance of Paul Dunning, Director of Education for the Diocese of Norwich.
He was impressed by the school's dedication to make the pupils aware of the environment through the Eco-Committee and by the interesting outdoor Forest School lessons.
The school aims to provide high quality of education and care for all children that helps them begin to reach their potential and prepares them for the next stages in their education and for their future lives. It aims to develop an enthusiasm for learning through fun and engaging experiences.
James enjoyed meeting the school's Eco Committee, hearing about the measures they're putting in place to make their school more environmentally friendly including, electricity free afternoons. James was also impressed by the pupils informed questions to him about what action the government is taking to help the environment.
The school aims to teach pupils valuable life skills such as team work and communication through it's Forest School's programme. James joined a year 6 class who were making dens whilst practicing their communication skills and learning the importance of team work.
James also discussed with Headteacher Mrs. Dickson the importance of SEND funding per pupil and plans for more places at special education schools and inclusion units across Norfolk as well as respite care for pupils with additional needs who choose to attend mainstream school.
Speaking after the visit, James said: " “It was a pleasure to be given a tour of Ashwicken school by two year 6 pupils and the enthusiasm for learning was apparent in the lessons I joined. I was particularly struck by the eco committee’s passion and ideas to tackle litter, cut plastic pollution, reduce energy use, and to improve the environment. As it was a wet afternoon, I was impressed by the quality of the dens that were built in the Forest School.
However, Covid has had a major impact on young people’s education and I talked to the headteacher about how they are supporting pupils and challenges involved in catching up time lost in the classroom.”
Mrs. Dickson, Headteacher Said: "It was great to have the opportunity to meet Mr. Wild and to showcase our school and all of the fantastic learning that goes on here. The children of the Eco committee were very excited to share their ideas about how to improve their environment and what we can do to make sure that we look after our planet. We wanted him to understand and identify our Christian Vision about 'Caring for Each other and Caring for the World' . The pupils were very interested in the ideas Mr Wild suggested to try and encourage people to recycle their plastic. In addition to the excitement of having a visitor in to school for the first time in over a year, it was also an opportunity for us to raise the issue of funding for SEND and the need to ensure that all schools are fairly and appropriately funded to ensure that a child's needs can be accommodated within the school they choose to attend."
Paul Dunning, Director of Education for Diocese of Norwich said: "It was a pleasure to visit Ashwicken primary school with James and see his interest in how schools have dealt with the pandemic. It was impressive to see how the staff have continued to provide a wonderful education for their children. We both enjoyed joining Year 6 as they built dens as part of their Forest Schools activity!’"
