School needs votes for science funding

A small village school is in the running for a cash windfall to shape the future of science and engineering.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Nov 2016, 09:26 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 16:50 BST
Science is set to get a whole lot more interesting at Higher Walton Primary school if a bid by the PTFA for a grant is successfulScience is set to get a whole lot more interesting at Higher Walton Primary school if a bid by the PTFA for a grant is successful
Science is set to get a whole lot more interesting at Higher Walton Primary school if a bid by the PTFA for a grant is successful

On the way, Higher Walton Primary wants to “upskill” the local community.

A project which started with the PTFA trying to raise funds to equip the 110 pupils with up-to-date computer tablets has escalated into a major commuinity scheme which will see pupils learning a variety of science, engineering, technology and maths ( STEM) subjects in a special club from an early age, while workshops and specialist programmes are provided for the general public to improve their own skills and employability.

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Secretary of the PTFA Liza Lewis-Heron said: “It all started with us wanting to buy new Ipads for the children. We are only a small school and have limited funds so we realised it would take about three years to get the pads they want.

Watching chicken eggs hatch is all part of the science curriculum - set to get a boost if a bid by the PTFA at Higher Walton Primary school is successfulWatching chicken eggs hatch is all part of the science curriculum - set to get a boost if a bid by the PTFA at Higher Walton Primary school is successful
Watching chicken eggs hatch is all part of the science curriculum - set to get a boost if a bid by the PTFA at Higher Walton Primary school is successful

“We started looking into get funding from elsewhere for our STEM project idea which will benefit everyone from the children in the school club to parents, the elderly who may want help with things from internet banking to those wanting to improve their skills.”

They put in a bid to the Aviva Community Fund and are now in the running for a grant of between £10,000 and 25,000 to set up the club and buy equipment.

Higher Walton has already jumped through the first stage and is now calling on public votes to help further.

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Liza added: “We want to offer the children a chance to do things they have not done before, and at the same time benefit people in our community.

Watching chicken eggs hatch is all part of the science curriculum - set to get a boost if a bid by the PTFA at Higher Walton Primary school is successfulWatching chicken eggs hatch is all part of the science curriculum - set to get a boost if a bid by the PTFA at Higher Walton Primary school is successful
Watching chicken eggs hatch is all part of the science curriculum - set to get a boost if a bid by the PTFA at Higher Walton Primary school is successful

“We put in a very strong application but need votes online to get to the judging stage.

“This inter-generational learning will bring new opportunities to members of the community.

“It will enable members to meet new people, learn skills, gain confidence and become aware of STEM and how vital it is to the future of our economy and children’s success.”

Voting runs until November 18 at https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/16-1781.