Schools Work Together to Make Memories

Monday, 23 August 2021 15:00

Local schools team up to provide year 6 children with a memorable send off from Primary school.

Great Ballard School in Eartham came to the rescue of Sidlesham Primary School and their Year 6’s, to give them a memorable send off.

Leaving Primary School is a rite of passage that we all go through at some point in our lives. It’s usually filled with special performances, trips, discos, assemblies and proms. This year has been a little different though. Many of the usual festivities have had to be cancelled or reduced because of the pandemic, but Sidlesham Primary School found a way to make the end of term very special for their Year 6s - thanks to their friends at Great Ballard.

They were unable to go on their usual residential trip this year, so the school organised a number of exciting activities to fill a week of adventure, excitement and fun. The only problem was the cost of transport. Step forward Great Ballard. As they have already broken up for the summer holidays, they were able to lend Sidlesham their two minibuses for the week. In addition, they also hosted the children on two of the days with swimming, tennis and Forest School sessions in their fantastic facilities.

Teacher James Blake-Lobb said "without the support of Great Ballard, this week simply wouldn’t have been possible. They have been so generous with their help and it has meant we have some extremely happy (if tired) children. Our children have been able to develop new skills and have some wonderful adventures from paddle-boarding to circus skills to trampoline fun and all ending with a silent disco.”

According to class teacher, Rebecca Connor "The children have had an amazing time utilising stunning grounds at Great Ballard. We enjoyed a morning in their forest, den building and whittling butter knives. On Thursday we had a fantastic time on their tennis courts and in their swimming pool. It’s been lovely to see the children with enormous smiles on their faces, all thanks to the generosity of Great Ballard. They have made memories that will last a lifetime.”

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