Topsham school has successful month

STAFF and children from Topsham School will no doubt remember this month with fond affection after being successful in two national award schemes.

The school, on Orchard Way, was awarded �3000 for taking part in a competition organised by broadcaster BSKYB as well as commended by the Arts Council for its performance in art-related subjects.

Headteacher Claire Browne, speaking about the Arts Council Artsmark award they received last week, said: "We are obviously very pleased.

"This is the second time we have received the award and it shows that everyone involved here, from children, staff to parents, works well together."

Artsmark is the Arts Council's national award scheme which recognises schools with a high level of provision in subjects which include dance, drama and music.

By winning an award, Topsham School had to demonstrate it dedicated between ten and 15 per cent of its curricular teaching time to the subjects.

And, news of this achievement was shortly followed by more success.

Mr Vernon, a year two teacher, said he was pleased they had been successful in the BSKYB Appetite for Action competition, an initiative designed to help pupils reduce food waste with an environmentally-friendly theme.

Schools could choose to take part in either a challenge based around food, waste or growing things.

Pupils then were given the opportunity to create an online team profile where they could measure their activities and develop a blog on the actions taken.

Topsham School, with the help of parents, planted an array of vegetables and prepared garden beds in their nature area.

Mr Vernon explained: "We built the initiative into our curriculum. It proved to be really useful because we could link it into science lessons.

"It has made us aware of how important the climate is and of eco issues.