By Delinda Lombardo on
On July 16, some clever students from Maple Court Primary School (UK) are going to stage an amazing charity auction for the school’s latest efforts to expand its creative curriculum.
Nathan Hulme, aged 11, said: “We’ve written to places like Waterworld to ask if they can help us. The most interesting bit has been getting the replies.”
After firing off 60 letters to companies and asking for donations, they have gathered a list of auction items that would put ‘big auction houses’ to shame – notably Formula One sensation Lewis Hamilton's sleeping bag.
“We got it from Mercedes Benz,” 11-year-old Jordan Fisher said.
Other auction items include Waterworld and Stoke City match tickets, Alton Towers discounts, a Mercedes Formula One jacket, football boots, a meal for two, and Next vouchers.
Assistant Head Rachelle Chamberlain said: “It’s amazing how much the boys’ writing, in particular, has improved through this project. They have been enjoying writing to football clubs.”
The school decided to get students involved in planning the auction to show them how their literacy, numeric and IT skills could be put to use in real life. In addition to writing the letters, students have been designing the auction program, making tickets, and creating advertising posters and slogans.
School staff members believe this approach is already having a positive impact on children’s motivation and achievements, and the students are also creating their own version of TV series Top Gear – a show on which Lewis has made guest appearances.
“We try to give them experiences they are interested in,” said Head teacher Gail Beech “The best writing we have had has either been as a result of welcoming visitors or from children going on trips.”
Profits from the auction will be split between charitable causes and buying new school playground equipment.
Copyright © 2008 Look to the Stars
