Gillingstool Allotment
In October 2003 the Thornbury Town trust gave Gillingstool Primary School the use of one of its allotment plots. A number of the existing allotmenteers agreed to dig, weed and water the plot so that the children on their visits could concentrate on sowing, planting and harvesting.
The allotment has proved to be a great educational experience for the pupils. Besides things like soil study, plant physiology and healthy eating, other areas of the curriculum to benefit have been maths, English, history and art.
The children's first task was to measure the plot and sub-divide it for a planting scheme. Allotment visits are "written up" in English lessons. Because the ground has been used for centuries it is rich in historical remains- pottery shards, pieces of clay pipe, hand forged nails and similar items. A scarecrow made as an art project was very popular with the children.
Everyone visits the allotment during the school year and each child plants and harvests something and as far as possible the class plants a particular crop will be the one to harvest it.
Some of the produce is taken back to the school for the school cook to prepare as part of the lunch menu. Any surplus is sold to parents to raise money for the school funds. Every one at the school was delighted when the Gillingstool Allotment won the West Country TV. Cup for an outstanding specific project in 2005. We wish them more success and pleasure in the future.