ST Mary’s Bentworth Primary School has once again showed its creativity and community spirit with an inspired design, to make the most of a felled tree, by six-year-old pupil Oscar.

Through the inter-generational rural schools project, St Mary’s has been working with the community on a range of school projects involving the outdoors.

Headteacher Jo Ayres said: “The children and visitors enjoyed the activities so much and the main outcome was amazing.”

She explained: “The school ran a sculpture competition as a tree had to be felled, and the school felt it was right that the children had a chance to create something special where it had been. The entries were creative and original, showing fantastic imagination and flair, but Oscar’s design of a traditional cart with the school values in sacks was amazing – so personal, and it suited the school so well.

“Oscar also wanted a little seat on the cart so children of all ages could perch on it and think about how they take our values into their lives into the community.”

Added Mrs Ayres: This was a very special moment and one we will remember always. It is beautiful.”

Commenting on the project, craftsman and artist Jona Cleaver said: “It has been a pleasure to work with such welcoming, friendly and articulate children. They have loved what we have created and I am glad the community has got so involved.”

Other work included an outside table and chairs carved with the school class tree names, two lambs in a stump, and two wonderful benches that will be engraved on the school’s next Generation Day.

Mrs Dumelow, a past teacher at the school, worked with experienced naturists from the villages to build two bug hotels. The children researched what was needed and how they could cater for all their guests. They said of the experience: “We had to think so carefully because all the different creatures need different things. It’s a bit like us really.”

Mrs Ayres has been delighted with the outdoor project. She said: “Our values of love, respect and belong are what guide us here at St Mary’s and it is wonderful that this project has been able to help our children demonstrate this in a different way through outdoor learning and creating meaningful artwork in their everyday environment.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers who come and support our children and a big thank you to Jona who has worked with the children to make this dream a reality. The children really love it!”