Tag: primary schools

TechFest continues its mission of inspiring Primary Schools across Scotland 

TechFest, Scotland’s leading STEM charity, is continuing its Primary Outreach Workshop programme, including the TechFest Dome, one of its most immersive STEM experiences. 

The charity invites primary school pupils across Scotland to join its interactive workshops that aim to make STEM fun and engaging through hands-on activities and demonstrations. 

These initiatives support TechFest’s mission to aim to ignite imaginations and inspire a lifelong passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics among young learners. 

Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager at TechFest, said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to discover just how exciting and full of possibilities STEM can be.

When children get to ask questions, get hands-on experiences and see science and technology come alive around them, it is these moments that inspire the next generation of Scottish scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers, who will tackle the big challenges and shape a better future for us all.” 

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TechFest, the leading Scottish STEM charity, is continuing its Primary Outreach Workshop Programme, alongside The Dome, TechFest’s mobile planetarium, which is one of TechFest’s most immersive and popular STEM experiences. 

Coinciding with the start of the new academic year, TechFest gives the chance for primary school pupils across Scotland to explore a wide range of STEM opportunities, all designed to ignite imaginations and foster a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Through the Primary Outreach programme, TechFest offers a diverse selection of interactive workshops that bring STEM subjects to life in classrooms across the country. Each session is designed to engage pupils via hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges. These activities allow young learners to experience STEM in a fun, accessible and inspiring way. 

The workshops explore a range of topics from how magnets and circuits work, to discovering gravity and forces, solving maths puzzles, exploring renewable energy and understanding how our bodies function. 

Complementing the workshop initiatives is the TechFest Dome, sponsored by the Apache Corporation, an immersive experience delivered inside TechFest’s state-of-the-art inflatable dome, which transforms school halls into a captivating window to the universe.  

Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager at TechFest, said: “We’re delighted to relaunch our Primary Outreach programme and bring back the Dome for another year, as part of our mission to make STEM learning more exciting, engaging and accessible for children across Scotland.  

“We believe every child deserves the chance to discover just how exciting and full of possibilities STEM can be.

“When children get to ask questions, get hands-on experiences and see science and technology come alive around them, it is these moments that inspire the next generation of Scottish scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers, who will tackle the big challenges and shape a better future for us all.” 

Using Digitarium Zeta projection technology, the TechFest Dome brings astronomy and space science to life for pupils of all ages.

Younger pupils can discover where the Sun goes at night and how it moves across the sky through the seasons, while older pupils enjoy a guided tour of the constellations and planets, learning how the night sky changes and uncovering myths like the story of Perseus and Ursa Major. 

These initiatives align with TechFest’s mission to enhance accessibility by developing programmes rooted in STEM, making the subjects fun and engaging while establishing meaningful connections with industry and education, inspiring young people pursue a future in STEM. 

For more information about the Primary Outreach and The TechFest Dome, please visit the links. 

Edinburgh Primary School children take to Usher Hall stage for the Edinburgh 900 Big Sing event

On Friday 20 June, over 1,100 children from 22 City of Edinburgh primary schools joined together for the Edinburgh 900 Big Sing event at the Usher Hall.

Taking to the stage was an orchestra of 70 primary school aged musicians, eight singers from Edinburgh Schools Rock Ensemble and a choir of pupils from Castlebrae Community High School and Tynecastle High Schools.

The event showcased collaborative performances from the City of Edinburgh Instrumental Music Service, Youth Music Initiative Music Instructors, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students and Love Music.

During the event, pupils were invited to join in and sing six songs, taught and led by presenter and choir leader, Stephen Deazley.  The event also featured the world premiere of a song written especially for the event by the award-winning Scottish indie-pop band, Sacred Paws, called ‘Better Side Of Town’.

Musicians Ray Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers worked with pupils from Castlebrae Community High School and Tynecastle High Schools to write lyrics and musical material for the song alongside Love Music’s Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley.

This event formed part of the celebration of Edinburgh 900, marking 900 years of formal ‘local democracy’ when, in 1124 King David I created the royal burgh of Edinburgh, one of the oldest in Scotland.

This year, a series of events, talks, tours and tales will help to tell the fascinating and diverse stories of Edinburgh’s journey and unique story.

PICTURE: Adam Cooke

Councillor James Dalgleish, Convener Education, Children and Families Committee commented: “It was a real pleasure to hear the musical talents of Edinburgh primary school children on display in the setting of the Usher Hall.

“Music has a unique ability to unite and inspire, and it was fantastic to see the way that pupils from across our schools joined together to in a fun and inclusive way.

“I want to thank our Instrumental Music Service teachers and school staff who made this event possible, and congratulate our young musicians on a brilliantperformance.

Stephen Deazley, Love Music Artistic Director said: “Creating space and opportunity for joyful communal singing is so important for our young people and school communities.

“Nothing lifts your spirit like it, which is why we were delighted to be invited to work alongside amazing musicians from Edinburgh’s instrumental Music Service to bring this ambitious project to the Usher Hall.”

Enterprise Mobility and National Literacy Trust donate over 800 books to children across Edinburgh as book ownership falls to five-year low

  • Children at ten Edinburgh schools will receive copies of Onkyeka and the Academy of the Sun
  • Young people from less advantaged backgrounds twice as likely to not have any books at home
  • Part of larger initiative distributing 25,000 books across the UK

Enterprise Mobility and the National Literacy Trust launch their third year of partnership by donating 820 books to children at 10 schools in Edinburgh. This donation is part of a larger initiative distributing 25,000 books across the UK.

This comes amid findings from the National Literacy Trust that book ownership is at a five-year low among children and young people, with those from less advantaged backgrounds twice as likely to not have any books at home.

Tolá Okogwu’s Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun was chosen for this book drive. This captivating tale featuring a Black protagonist aims to promote diverse representation in children’s literature, allowing young readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and providing a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who may be from different backgrounds.

Accompanying the book donations are free classroom resources and videos hosted by Cbeebies presenter Gyasi Sheppy and actress Sarah Lewis Obuba.

Recipient primary schools in Edinburgh include: Balgreen, Canal View, Clovenstone, Niddrie Mill, Pirniehall, Castleview, Windygoul, Gracemount, Craigour Park and Gilmerton.

Jason Vit, Head of Local Areas at the National Literacy Trust, emphasised the importance of fostering a love for reading among children: “Engaging children in the joy and fun of reading is an essential part of building those key literacy skills that will help them thrive at school, and for the rest of their lives.

“At the National Literacy Trust, we work across the UK in places facing the biggest challenges, including literacy levels. Through our partnership with Enterprise Mobility, we can reach more children who need the most support and fire their imaginations and love of reading with thrilling books like Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun.”

Ryan Johnson, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at Enterprise Mobility, said: “At Enterprise Mobility, we’re committed to supporting the communities where we operate, and we recognise the profound impact that access to books can have on a child’s development and future opportunities.

“Through our partnership with the National Literacy Trust, we are addressing the concerning decline in book ownership among children across the UK. Together, we are working to inspire young minds, promote diversity in literature, and empower children to unlock their full potential through reading.”

Through their partnership, Enterprise Mobility and the National Literacy Trust have now donated approximately 75,000 books to children across the UK, fostering a brighter future through the power of literature.

This project is made possible by Enterprise Mobility’s global ROAD Forward initiative, a £43 million commitment over five years aimed at advancing social and racial equity in communities worldwide, launched in 2020.

Primary Schools: Attainment at a record high, says Curriculum for Excellence report

Latest statistics show widespread improvement

The proportions of pupils in primary achieving expected levels of literacy and numeracy have reached record highs for children from both the most and least deprived areas, according to official statistics.

Overall, the Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) 2022/23 show:

  • for numeracy, a total of 79.6% of pupils reached the levels expected in 2022/23, a rise of 0.5 percentage points compared to the previous high (79.1% in 2018/19).
  • for literacy a rise to 72.7%, up on the previous high of 72.3% in 2018/19

The gap between the proportion of primary pupils from the most and least deprived areas achieving expected levels in literacy has also decreased to the lowest on record in 2022/23.

The figures also show improvements at secondary level compared to 2021/22, with increases in attainment across the board and the gap between those from most and least deprived areas has reduced.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “These figures show record levels of attainment across primary school level and significant improvements in secondary. I congratulate our pupils and teachers for their hard work over the last year.

“These findings are the most up to date statistics on attainment and are comprehensive across all publicly funded schools in Scotland, demonstrating a clear rise in standards above pre-pandemic levels among primary school pupils. Along with this year’s SQA results, they point to widespread rises in attainment.

“I recognise that there is no room for complacency and our programme of reform across the education and skills system will help identify where further improvements can be made and will look to drive enhanced attainment to ensure all young people meet their full potential.”

COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson Cllr Tony Buchanan said: “Today’s Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels publication shows increasing attainment and the attainment gap narrowing reflecting the work and dedication of schools, councils, and partners to improving children’s outcomes. Mainly, it demonstrates the efforts of children and young people themselves and this should be celebrated.

“The improvements are made despite the backdrop of severe and increasing pressure on local budgets and recruitment challenges in specific subjects and areas of the country. Earlier this year we set out clearly to the Scottish Government that additional core funding is crucial to enabling further improvement in the attainment, health and wellbeing of children and young people, as opposed to financial penalties relating to school staffing numbers.

This was particularly important in the context of falling school rolls, changes to Scottish Attainment Challenge funding and the ending of additional resource for councils to support Ukrainian refugees. We are clear that Local Government needs flexibility to provide the right support within and outwith schools, drawing on the expertise of a range of professionals.

“Councils have continued to demonstrate their ambition to further improve outcomes for children and young people across Scotland. In line with the Verity House Agreement, we will seek to engage constructively with the Scottish Government to work collectively towards this shared aim, including on further education reform in line with recent reports on the curriculum, qualifications and new national education bodies.”

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Letters: Volunteers needed in Edinburgh for NSPCC school service

Dear Editor,

Did you know that in the average primary school class, at least two children will have suffered abuse or neglect? At children’s charity the NSPCC, we are doing all that we can to change this, but we need the help of people in Scotland.

Child abuse is preventable – not inevitable. That is why we have been delivering our Speak Out Stay Safe service across the country. Through a virtual assembly and in-person workshop and with the help of our mascot Buddy, our Speak Out Stay Safe programme covers topics like bullying and abuse – without using any scary words or adult language.

Children learn about the different types of abuse in a child-friendly and age-appropriate way, so they can get help if or when they need it. We help them identify a trusted adult they can talk to if they are ever worried about themselves or a friend. And they learn about Childline and how it can support them.

But to reach all primary school children in Scotland, we need people from the community to volunteer to go into schools and deliver this ground-breaking programme.

We are recruiting volunteers in the following areas – EDINBURGH, Glasgow, Clackmannanshire, Stirling, Perth & Kinross, Inverness, Angus, Aberdeen City, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire.

If you can spare the time to visit two schools a month, we will give you all the training and support you need to help empower a whole generation with the understanding and confidence they need to speak out.

The deadline for applications is June 23. To find out more and to apply, please visit NSPCC Volunteering | Volunteer to keep school children safe, or email volunteerrecruitment@nspcc.org.uk with any questions.

ours sincerely,

Sally McFawn

NSPCC Schools Service Manager

BGT Star launches new, free Virtual Learning Resource for all Schools

  • Using cutting edge ‘choose your own adventure’ technology
  • BGT star Kevin Quantum builds on success of in person workshops to reach thousands of children

Edinburgh International Magic Festival is proud to announce the launch of Virtual Magic School [VMS] a cutting-edge and free-to-use, digital learning resource for primary school children in Scotland and the UK.

MagicFest’s original in-person workshops have been a hugely successful part of The International Magic Festival for 13 years, teaching over 2000 children magic tricks. The workshop format has now been upgraded using technology currently only seen in high budget productions by companies such as Netflix etc. 

The course consists of 8 curricula-linked lessons and is packed full of illusions and tricks. Children get to make choices through the lesson selecting buttons on the screen and can unearth hidden secrets and magic tricks by correctly completing each lesson! 

Key advantages include:

  • The course is tied up to the curricula North and south of the border thanks to the collaboration with primary school teachers in Scotland and England
  • The course focuses on numeracy, literacy and science as well as presentation skills, confidence and resilience.
  • The use of cutting edge ‘choose your own adventure’ technology hugely increases engagement and learning.
  • The resource has been funded by Scottish and UK funding bodies as well as Trusts and Private companies so that It could be free to use for all schools.

Britain’s Got Talent star and Festival organiser Kevin Quantum said: “I’m so excited to become the Magic Teacher for 1000s of children up and down the country teaching them not only tricks, but the real secrets behind the tricks, often found in science and maths, as well as the confidence and presentational skills needed to go and perform them to friends and family.

“Dumbledore eat your heart out! I think even he, with his powers, would have struggled to teach so many children simultaneously.”

Although VMS has just launched, the idea for the project was developed two years ago. During lockdown Kevin and his daughter Olivia started a YouTube channel teaching magic and science. The channel was so popular that it was commissioned by the BBC and has now evolved again to become an interactive digital learning adventure.

Svetlana McMahon MagicFest director said “We’re delighted to be fusing cutting edge technology, only seen so far on Netflix productions, like Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror, with our experience delivering magic workshops to children around the country.

“This is a huge step towards our goal of promoting magic as an artform and helps many thousands of children get a grasp on numeracy and literacy using the inbuilt curiosity and excitement of a magic lesson!”

In person Magic School has seen lessons here in Edinburgh during the festival, at schools in areas of deprivation around Scotland and as far afield as the Globe Theatre in London. This digital incarnation could now reach children all over the world.

The project has been supported by The Space, Baillie Gifford and Kiran’s Trust. 

Fiona Morris Creative Director and Chief Executive of The Space said: “Virtual Magic School is a fantastic project that combines magic and tricks with branching narrative technology to create a really engaging teaching resource.

“We are sure that it will be an invaluable tool both inside and outside of the classroom where children learn through a medium that are increasingly accustomed to”.

Johnny Martin, Director of Kiran’s Trust said: “We have been pleased to have supported MagicFest’s Magic Schools, Workshops and Magic School on the Road.  We are delighted to be part of that next generation of Magic education. 

“We believe the VMS environment allows innovative ideas to flourish and helps in conceiving and executing various problem-solving approaches. It creates a room for creativity, perspectives, opportunities and ideas!”

Education: Record narrowing of the attainment gap

Primary school literacy and numeracy improvement reaches new high

The poverty-related attainment gaps in literacy and numeracy levels across primary schools have seen the biggest decreases since records began, official statistics show.

The gap between the proportion of primary pupils from the most and least-deprived areas achieving expected levels has narrowed by 3.4 percentage points in literacy and 3.7 percentage points in numeracy, according to the Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) 2021/22. This marks the largest narrowing of the gap in a year since consistent records began in 2016/17.

There has also been a record increase in the proportion of primary school pupils achieving the expected levels of literacy (up 3.7 percentage points to 70.5%) and numeracy (up 3.3 percentage points to 77.9%).

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “These figures demonstrate a real recovery from the pandemic and underline our progress towards tackling the poverty-related attainment gap, and achieving excellence for all of Scotland’s children and young people.

“This record improvement over one year for primary pupils achieving the expected levels in numeracy and literacy also shows more young people are getting the support they need to reach their full potential.

“However, there is no room for complacency. I recognise that attainment levels are still largely below pre-pandemic levels and the publication of local stretch aims by local councils last week sets out clear plans to significantly narrow the poverty-related attainment gap in the years ahead.

“We know that the impact of the pandemic – compounded by the current cost of living crisis – means children and young people need our support now more than ever. We are determined to do all we can to ensure they can reach their full potential, including a record investment of £1billion over this parliamentary term in the Scottish Attainment Challenge.”

The Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) 2021/22 statistics  include data at Scotland level and for each local authority.

Penguin and Twinkl to donate over 55,000 books by authors of colour to UK primary schools

  • Penguin Books UK and Twinkl are coming together to increase primary school pupils’ access to books by writers of colour, by giving away books including by Sharna Jackson and Malala Yousafzai to 500 schools across the UK.
  • Twinkl are producing a range of learning resources to accompany titles in the donation, to support teachers to integrate the new texts into their teaching. 
  • Schools can apply to receive the books at https://www.penguin.co.uk/lit-in-colour/twinkl-partnership 

Penguin Books have joined forces with Twinkl Educational Publishing to donate books by authors of colour to 500 UK primary schools.

The donation of books from Penguin, Puffin, Ladybird, and Vintage and Andersen Press forms part of Penguin’s Lit in Colour campaign, and aims to give pupils access to a wider range of authors, characters and books to tackle their stark underrepresentation in UK schools. 

Each participating school will receive 100 books, covering a range of titles across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and mythology; from much-loved classics to new voices. Authors included in the selection are Matthew A. Cherry, Malala Yousafzai, Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali and more. Each school will also receive a class set of The Good Turn by Sharna Jackson. 

Research by Lit in Colour, carried out by Penguin Books and the Runnymede Trust in 2021, revealed a stark picture of under-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic authors in the teaching of English Literature in this country.

This is relative both to these authors’ place in contemporary British literary excellence and school population demographics. According to the research, 82% of young people do not ever recall studying a book by a Black, Asian or minority ethnic author, while 70% agree that diversity is part of British society and should be represented in the school curriculum. 

The research also found that a key barrier for primary school teachers was a lack of ready-made resources available from teaching sites that are focused on diverse texts. This is a significant challenge for educators who rely on these for the basis of their planning.

In response to this, Twinkl are producing a comprehensive set of learning resources that aim to make it as easy as possible for educators to create a full lesson around these titles and immerse learners through a selection of activity sheets to be used alongside the books and as follow-on activities. 

Twinkl’s comprehensive series of educational resources will cover 20 titles that will support bringing new literature to classrooms. The learning materials will consist of various worksheets and activity packs. These include 60-second reading activities, to biography fact files and writing packs. These resources will be available to freely access online and can be used in connection with Penguin’s Lit in Colour book list.

Zaahida Nabagereka, Penguin Random House’s Head of Social Impact, said: “Partnering with Twinkl on this first ever UK wide Lit in Colour Primary School donation is a really significant step in addressing the barriers the Lit in Colour report identified in 2021.

“We are committed to supporting teachers to take diverse books into their classrooms with confidence, and key to that is resources. This collaboration strengthens the argument that we can achieve more when we tackle systemic issues together.”

David Angrave, Twinkl’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “As a global education publisher, we are delighted to work with Penguin on such a meaningful campaign. Our Lit in Colour resources aim to engage learners in a wide variety of diverse titles in the classroom. Through a range of voices in books, children can discover different cultures and identifiable characters. 

“We are looking forward to continuing to collaborate with Penguin with this campaign and help build an inclusive outlook which celebrates differences and what brings us together.”

Sharna Jackson, author of The Good Turn, “When I was younger, there was a pronounced lack of access to many books that reflected my experience – as part of the curriculum, or in my school library.

“It’s why I wholeheartedly support the transformative work that Lit in Colour does to expand and enrich the curriculum. I am so incredibly proud that The Good Turn can be a small part of this change, as this donation from Lit in Colour and Twinkl will make an enormous difference to thousands of young readers who deserve to see themselves and their experience reflected in the books stocked on their school library shelves.”

To find out more about how your school can get involved with the Lit in Colour book giveaway, please visit our website.

Primary teachers can apply by completing this short form by Friday 30th September.

UK Space Agency launches satellite logo design competition

Children across the UK have the chance to make history by designing a logo that will be displayed on the first small satellite launches from the UK next year

The competition, run by the UK Space Agency, is open to primary school children aged between 4 and 11 years old, and will help inspire the next generation to consider a career in space.

Next year, the UK is set to become the first country in Europe to host small satellite launches, as set out in the National Space Strategy. Satellites help us monitor climate change and improve connectivity, so having the capability to launch them from the UK will benefit people and businesses across the country.

This new competition will draw on the creativity and enthusiasm of children from across the UK to design a logo to commemorate the first launches.

Logo designs should reflect how data from small satellites can help inform solutions to climate change as well as generate a source of pride in the UK’s space ambitions. Around half of the different types of data needed to accurately monitor the Earth’s climate are currently collected from space.  

To enter, go to logoliftoff.org.uk.

Science Minister George Freeman said: “2022 will be a historic year for the UK space and satellite industry, with the exciting prospect of the first small satellites launching from British soil.

“The continued strength of our growing space industry depends on finding and attracting future talent, and this competition is a great way for children to learn about the importance of satellites and to showcase their creativity.”

The UK Space Agency competition will run until March 2022 to ensure teachers, parents and children have sufficient time to get involved.

The overall winning design could be displayed on the rocket that launches into space and finalists may even have the opportunity to attend the first satellite launch from the UK.

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said: “Next year, small satellites will launch from UK spaceports for the very first time, helping to support our world-leading Earth observation capabilities and create high-skilled jobs across the country.

“This competition offers young people the chance to learn more about this exciting activity and hopefully inspire them to be the next generation of space talent and be part of the UK’s thriving space sector.”

Satellites are used routinely to monitor the polar ice caps and changing sea levels, measure the temperature of the oceans and deserts, and even to count endangered animals such as whales and walrus.

The UK is playing an important role in three new missions to measure carbon emissions from space (MicroCarb), improve climate data (TRUTHS) and monitor the health of forests (Biomass).

Older students (16+) and adults can enter a separate competition to design a satellite that could be used to help inform solutions to climate change.

Flora pupils play Climate Savers Top Trumps inspired by COP26

26 children’s designs feature on an exclusive deck of Climate Savers Top Trumps following a UK-wide competition ran by Royal Bank of Scotland.  

  • Over 2,000 pupils and teachers from primary schools across the UK entered the competition through its NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank brands.
  • The Climate Savers Top Trumps were on display to delegates and world leaders throughout COP26 in Glasgow.
  • COP Principal Partner NatWest also awarded nearly £30,000 to three schools to fund new green projects.

Pupils at an Edinburgh primary school got their first glimpse of the COP26-inspired climate savers Top Trumps which they helped design.

The Royal Bank of Scotland tasked Scottish primary school pupils with designing an exclusive set of the iconic playing cards promoting sustainable behaviours.

Across the UK through its NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank brands, the competition received over 2,000 entries. The 26 winning designs, showing the everyday actions young people can take to combat climate change, were featured in an exclusive Top Trumps deck for COP26.

The Climate Savers Top Trumps were on display to delegates and world leaders throughout COP26 in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November, for which the bank was a principal partner.

One of the winners was Flora Stevenson Primary School pupil Honor, age 11, for her card design which suggested recycling old clothes. Honor was joined by the rest of her classmates at the Edinburgh primary school to play the iconic children’s game.

COP26 President Alok Sharma said: “The interest and engagement that NatWest’s climate competition for schools has generated shows how important this issue is to schoolchildren across the country.

“It has been a fun programme which has allowed everyone – pupils and teachers – to get involved and it will be exciting to see them bringing their ideas to life.

“Everyone can play their part by going one step greener and MoneySense Climate Savers Top Trumps is a great way to also make it a fun and creative process.”

Over 2000 entries to the competition were received in less than a month. The bank’s Chief Financial Officer Katie Murray was one of the competition’s judges, alongside TV presenter Ade Adepitan.

NatWest Group Chief Financial Officer Katie Murray, said: “COP26 is a once in a lifetime event and a great opportunity to get children to join the discussion on climate.

“This competition shows just how much young people want to get involved and make a difference – and what innovative ideas they have for doing that.

“We received an overwhelming number of entries and the quality of ideas and solutions impressed all the judges. It was hard to decide who should win. It was also brilliant to see the geographical diversity of the entries. 

“Importantly, the competition has shown that, with the right mindset, the journey to a greener future can be fun and inspiring and I’d like to thank all those who took part.”

The competition also gave teachers the chance to win up to £15,000 to fund new green projects for their school. Bolton’s Thomasson Memorial School saw off competition from over 2,000 entrants to take home the top prize of £15,000 in the teachers’ competition.

Our Lady of the Missions Primary School in Glasgow and Brookfield Primary School in London have also been awarded £7,000 and £4,000 respectively.

Charlotte Siggers, the winning teacher at Thomasson Memorial School – a school for deaf children aged four to 16 – received widespread praise for her project, which will see the creation of an area within the school’s grounds where pupils will be given the opportunity to grow their own produce and be responsible for the upkeep of the land.

The campaign builds on the bank’s MoneySense programme, which, for more than two decades, has been teaching financial skills to young people. It follows the 2020 launch of the bank’s Island Saver game – a video game built for games consoles and mobiles themed around cleaning up a magical island, collecting litter and building money skills. The bank is principal partner of the climate summit.

To see the full list of winners visit www.mymoneysense.com