Year One pupils from Redstart Primary School enjoyed a fantastic morning at Chard Cricket Club, where they took part in an exciting introduction to cricket.
The children showed great enthusiasm as experienced coaches guided them through a range of fundamental cricket skills, including batting, bowling, catching and fielding. The fun-filled session gave pupils the opportunity to build confidence, develop new abilities and discover the enjoyment of the sport in a supportive environment.
Throughout the morning, pupils demonstrated excellent teamwork, determination and sportsmanship, while learning the importance of working together and encouraging one another. The session aimed to inspire young people to become involved in cricket and lead active, healthy lifestyles.
A spokesperson said: “It was wonderful to see our Year One pupils embracing the opportunity with such enthusiasm and smiles.
“The coaches at Chard Cricket Club created a fun, welcoming environment where every child was encouraged to take part, develop new skills and enjoy being active.
“Experiences like this help inspire confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love of sport. We are extremely grateful to Chard Cricket Club for hosting such a memorable morning.”
Year One pupils from Redstart Primary School enjoyed an unforgettable day immersed in nature during a visit to Magdalen Farm.
Magdalen Farm is a 132-acre organic working farm and nature reserve situated on the banks of the River Axe, where Dorset, Somerset and Devon meet.
Run by the Magdalen Environmental Trust, the farm offers hands-on environmental education, bespoke school visits, family stays and disability care farming.
Throughout the day, pupils explored a variety of habitats, searched for butterflies, fed the farm animals, sampled fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the fields, and even made their own delicious pizzas using fresh ingredients.
The visit provided countless opportunities for children to connect with nature, learn about where food comes from and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding countryside, all while enjoying spectacular rural views.
Despite the soaring temperatures, the pupils embraced every activity with enthusiasm, curiosity and smiles throughout the day.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “Our visit to Magdalen Farm was a fantastic experience for our Year One pupils.
“Learning outdoors gives children the opportunity to explore, discover and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world in a way that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom.
“We are incredibly proud of every child for their enthusiasm, resilience and excellent behaviour throughout such a warm day. It was a memorable experience that will stay with them for a long time.”
Redstart Primary School was delighted to welcome Sam Russon from Wessex Water for a series of engaging workshops designed to inspire pupils to learn more about water, the environment and sustainability.
Throughout the day, Sam delivered interactive sessions covering rivers, the water cycle, water filtration and flood defences, giving pupils a fascinating insight into the journey of water and the importance of protecting this vital resource.
In the afternoon, Sam met with the school’s Eco-Rep group to discuss their exciting rainwater project, which will be taking place this summer.
The project forms part of a wider government-funded initiative being delivered by Wessex Water to help reduce surface water runoff. Work at the school will see areas of the grounds transformed with sustainable drainage features that slow the flow of rainwater, helping to reduce the risk of flooding in the local area while creating a greener environment for pupils to enjoy.
Gemma Mallett, Operations Manager at Redstart Primary School, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sam and Wessex Water for sharing their expertise with our pupils and supporting our Eco-Rep group.
“The workshops brought important environmental topics to life in a fun and engaging way, and the rainwater project is a fantastic opportunity for our children to see how sustainability can make a real difference in their own community.
“We are excited to see the project take shape over the summer and the positive impact it will have on both our school and the wider area.”
Pupils from Year One and Year Six at Redstart Primary School enjoyed a wonderful morning of reading and storytelling as part of the school’s Book Buddies initiative.
The special session saw Year One pupils confidently reading aloud from some of their favourite children’s books to their Year Six partners. The activity celebrated the joy of reading while helping younger pupils develop their confidence and literacy skills in a supportive environment.
The Book Buddies programme also provides valuable opportunities for pupils from different year groups to spend time together, building new friendships and strengthening the sense of community across the school.
By sharing stories and encouraging one another, the pupils demonstrated the importance of literacy and a lifelong love of books, while enjoying a fun and engaging learning experience.
A spokesperson said: “It was fantastic to see our Year One and Year Six pupils sharing their love of reading together.
“Activities like Book Buddies help to develop confidence, improve literacy skills and create meaningful friendships between children of different ages. The enthusiasm and encouragement shown by all the pupils made it a truly special morning.”
Lambs brought a classroom in Chard to life during a special school visit. Reception pupils at The Redstart Primary School welcomed the playful visitors thanks to a parent who organised the experience through her own farm.
To read the full story on the Chard & Ilminster News website please click here.
Reception children at Redstart Primary School welcomed some very special visitors when a group of adorable lambs came to spend time with them.
Known for being highly social, curious, and playful, the lambs provided a hands-on and engaging experience that the children thoroughly enjoyed. The visit offered a wonderful opportunity for pupils to connect with nature in a fun and memorable way.
During the session, the children were able to feed and gently pet the lambs, sparking lots of thoughtful and enthusiastic questions about how they live and grow. The visit helped bring learning to life beyond the classroom.
The experience was organised by a parent who runs her own farm, helping to give pupils a unique insight into rural life and animal care.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our youngest pupils to experience animals up close and learn more about the natural world.
“Experiences like this help to spark curiosity and create lasting memories. The children were incredibly engaged and asked some brilliant questions throughout the visit.”
Young pupils in Chard have taken part in a special animal encounter inside their classroom.
Reception children at Red Start Primary School had an exciting and memorable visit from wildlife experts, as animals were brought into the classroom by Fangs ‘N’ Feathers.
Fangs ‘N’ Feathers is a UK-based animal education service that provides reptile encounters, sensory visits, and interactive workshops for schools, with a focus on handling and learning about often misunderstood animals.
During the visit, pupils had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide range of exotic creatures, including several species of snakes and a lizard. The hands-on experience allowed children to explore the animals in a safe and supportive environment.
The children showed impressive confidence throughout the session, remaining calm and brave while handling the animals. They also demonstrated great curiosity, asking thoughtful and engaging questions about the creatures and their habitats.
A spokesperson said: “It was wonderful to see the children approach the experience with such confidence and curiosity.
“Opportunities like this not only spark a love of learning but also help children develop respect and understanding for animals that are often misunderstood.”
Pupils from a Redstart Primary School enjoyed an ‘extraordinary’ educational visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, where they explored the history of naval aviation up close.
To read the full story on the Chard & Ilminster News website please click here.
Year 5 pupils from Redstart Primary School recently enjoyed an extraordinary educational visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, where they explored the rich history of naval aviation and experienced iconic aircraft up close.
The museum, the largest of its kind in Europe, features four expansive exhibition halls charting the evolution of flight, from early aviation pioneers to modern technological advancements.
During the visit, pupils toured an extensive collection that includes over 90 aircraft, two million historical records, and more than 30,000 artefacts.
A standout moment for many was the opportunity to step inside the world-famous Concorde, a remarkable feat of engineering that continues to inspire generations.
The experience was further brought to life as pupils dressed in Fleet Air Arm uniforms, allowing them to imagine themselves in the roles of naval aviators and gain a deeper understanding of life in aviation history.
A school spokesperson said: “It was incredible to see our pupils so engaged and inspired by the exhibits.
The hands-on learning experience really helped bring history to life, and I know this trip will leave a lasting impression on them.”
The visit forms part of the school’s commitment to enriching learning beyond the classroom, providing memorable experiences that spark curiosity and enthusiasm.
