Drapers Mills students have been building their own seating in the school playgrounds. Thanet builders Dave and Brian from Sturge Carpentry teamed up with 100 students across two days to produce four new picnic benches for the children to use.
With wood donated by the team at Travis Perkins the children engaged in 10 practical workshops learning real world carpentry skills, including measuring, sawing, sanding and drilling.
“I was really good at measuring. I learnt that if you put a screw in diagonally it might not connect to the wood underneath, you have to put it in straight,” said Amelia from Year 5.
“The best part was sanding the wood with the electric sander. Mr David asked us if the machine or sandpaper was easier- the machine was definitely easiest,” added Isabella from Year 3/4.
Mr Guichard, who organised the event, said: “It’s important to give children a wide range of life skills, as well as the academic subjects they learn in school. It’s even better when these skills cross over and children can see the practical use of the maths they have learnt in class.”
After the initial build was complete, painting began. Small teams have been helping Mrs Thomas to paint the benches a variety of colours to protect them from the elements for years to come.
“My best part was the painting. I painted the yellow,” said Levi in Year 3/4.
The project has been a massive success from start to finish and the staff at Drapers couldn’t be prouder of the children’s teamwork and focus.
Headteacher Hannah Taylor said: “Our students behaved impeccably whilst attending the workshops and learnt to use hand tools in a safe and responsible manner.
“We are so very proud of them and so happy we are able to give the children these life experiences.
“Thank you once again to Travis Perkins and the team from Sturge Carpentry for volunteering their time.”
i wish they had done this type of thing when i was at school , no one has ever asked me the date of the battle of hastings since i left school , or any of the other rubbish they taught in those days ?
Excellent opportunity for learning. Well done.
Nice to see that Drapers remained open this week, as did my school in 1976! Well done teachers, parents and children.
Teach the parents not to drop litter all along the footpaths when dropping off or picking up the kids
It would not surprise me if at least one of the children does not become a carpenter after this experience. Well done Drapers. This what children need.