New friendships forged as pupils enjoy outdoor adventure at Buckden House (From Craven Herald)

New friendships forged as pupils enjoy outdoor adventure at Buckden House

9:00am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News

Children from very different cultural backgrounds packed their bags for a short holiday together and they have recorded their experiences on film.

Pupils from Threshfield Primary School in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales joined forces with children from Eastwood Primary School, 20 miles away in Keighley, for a residential trip to an outdoor pursuits centre at Buckden House in Upper Wharfedale.

The two schools are very different in many ways.

Originating in 1674 and being the second oldest school in North Yorkshire, Threshfield Primary is a relatively large rural school with 74 pupils. Eastwood, however, is a more modern purpose-built school situated on the outskirts of Keighley. Boasting 472 pupils it has a vast multicultural mix of children, the majority of whom are Muslim, with only 10 of those speaking English as a first language.

Relationships between the two schools were nurtured during 2012 with two exchange days.

Sue Weightman, headteacher at Threshfield, said: “It’s such an unique opportunity for children living in both rural and urban area to forge new friendships and learn a great deal about new cultures in a very hands-on way. When the children met up last year, the differences between the two schools were fascinating. In particular, our children were interested to hear that Eastwood had a prayer room in school and, similarly, children from Eastwood fed and held some of our chickens, an experience many had never had before.”

Pupils from Threshfield were particularly impressed with the film studio that is an integral part of Eastwood School.

There children got the opportunity to film, produce and edit their own short films about projects and trips. So, Eastwood pupils suggested that they combine forces and make a film about their time together at Buckden House.

Mrs Weightman added: “We just don’t have those kind of facilities in such a small school so our year five children who went on the trip are very excited about the film. It will be great to have a reminder of their experience at Buckden House.”

The residential trip included caving in Langstroth Cave, orienteering, taking to the treetops in a high rope course, problem solving, a night walk, a visit to a farm, low ropes and a whole host of evening fun, board games and bedtime stories.

“I hope both schools continue this relationship for a great many years to come,” said Mrs Weightman.