Pupils from Hartington C of E Primary School have been honoured with the Peak District Award for their countryside research, at a special presentation at the school.
Members of the Peak District National Park Authority were on hand on Friday 12th of December, to present youngsters with certificates and coloured ribbons to wear on their school jumpers, to reward them for work exploring the history and ecosystem of Beresford Dale.
As part of a year-long project with the Peak District National Park Ranger Service, youngsters spent time investigating different aspects of Beresford Dale, including plants, animal habitats, geology, history and the future.
During the presentation, students read out their research and findings in pairs to the audience, before certificates and ribbons were presented. Some students then read out their own special prayers written about Beresford Dale and the local countryside.
Learning and Discovery Team Leader at the Peak District National Park Authority, Sarah Wilks said: “The children spent 20 hours working on the Award; some of that time was spent with our Rangers where they visited Beresford Dale to have the hands-on experience and get a sense of what it’s really like. That time was also spent in School doing work on a 3D model, information pamphlets and PowerPoint presentations. It’s all about connecting them with the special place, finding out all about it and taking responsibility for it too.”
The Peak District Award is designed to celebrate the special qualities of the National Park and recognise the involvement of visitors and residents in the Peak District National Park. The award aims to encourage participants to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the features that make it such a special, valued and characteristic place.
Pupils, Thomas Wager, Amy Freeman and George Wigham, who are all 10 years old, and Maddie Wager, aged 9, enjoyed taking part.
Thomas said: “I enjoyed creating a PowerPoint presentation about my findings during the Beresford Dale project.”
Amy said: “I loved making the PowerPoint presentation and using the animation. I also enjoyed being at Beresford Dale, especially watching the Infants doing river dipping as some of the water leaked over into their wellies and wet their feet!”
George added: “I really liked walking through Beresford Dale and looking at all the plants.”
Maddie said: “I enjoyed compiling my knowledge about Beresford Dale into the PowerPoint Presentations. I really liked finding out about Charles Cotton and Izzak Walton because of the links to the village.”
Head Teacher, Tracy Blackwell, said: “The children have worked so hard on this project and it was great to see all their efforts come together to showcase to staff and local residents.”
The Beresford Dale Presentation coincided with the School’s hugely-popular Community Lunch, which sees local, elderly residents visit the School to enjoy a home cooked meal and entertainment.
ENDS