Pupils at two primary schools in Wishaw have turned into special agents in a bid to save the planet.
The primary 5 pupils from St Aidan’s PS and Berryhill PS, took part in an eight-week international programme called The School of the (im)possible.
Each special agent was named after an animal and each created, and will continue to write, a book about an environmental issue close to their heart. For example, plastic, food waste, climate change, animal habitats and the pressing need for change.
The special agents were able to open time portal which enabled them to see into the future and share information to help save the planet.
In addition, both schools developed a partnership with a school in Brazil also taking part in the programme.
Sandra McLean, Head Teacher of St Aidan’s Primary School, explains: “It was a fun and interactive programme, which the pupils, sorry special agents, seemed to love being part of.
“A time travelling bookshelf appeared in our school and set us all on an adventure led by a mysterious scientist who could communicate from the year 2072.
“Our agents then began a serious of missions exploring their local and global environments. They learned about endangered species, carbon emissions and event how to speak whale language!
“It culminated with a presentation to parents and carers where they asked them what they will do to help with their missions.”
Joshua McCourt, P5 pupil at St Aidan’s PS, said: “Being part of this programme has shown me that nothing is impossible and that we have the power to change the future.”
Carrie Nicol Head Teacher at Berryhill Primary School said: “We were extremely excited to be involved in this innovative and inspiring project.
“As part of our Rights Respecting Schools journey we are looking closely at our global environment and this project provided a vehicle for our learners to explore this in a creative and engaging way.
“We enjoyed working in partnership with the artists and observing our children developing skills and attributes across the curriculum in a way which captured not only their curiosity but their imagination too.”
Robert Lawal P5 pupil at Berryhill added: “I loved the ImPossible School because we met new people from Brazil and the artists Hazel and Sally too. I loved it because we worked as a team on exciting missions to help the planet and it has changed my life.”
Tyler Richardson P5 pupil at Berryhill, said: “I really enjoyed working on the ImPossible School because it was so much fun, and it changed the way I thought about helping our environment and I will miss the new people we met like Hazel and Sally. Over and out!”
The School of the Impossible is the brainchild of Francine Kliemann, Director and CEO of Plato Cultural.
It was delivered by The Necessary Space (TNS) with backing from the British Council’s International Collaboration Fund.
Leading Scottish Education Consultant Barbara Grey Atherton, development officer for creativity for Education Scotland said: “This innovative project which places creativity at the heart of a young person’s development.
"The subject of climate change provides a very relevant and motivating interdisciplinary context in which learners can develop knowledge and apply their skills across the curriculum."