School officially opens its new reflection garden

Thurston Primary School has officially opened its new reflection garden outdoor space.

The school has been developing its outside areas since it opened at the new site in Pond Field Road in 2021 and it features a metal tree created by Designs on Metal, in Stowlangtoft, and planting in the shape of a cross.

The metal tree sculpture features the 12 Christian values on the leaves; for example, compassion, generosity and perseverance.

Amanda Wigzell, the deputy headteacher, said that the area of reflection helps to make sure pupils have the opportunity to reflect in silence at play-times and lunch-times.

During the grand opening ceremony, the leaves featuring the Christian values were brought up by individual pupils from each class who then said a quote from the Bible related to that value, and the leaves were then placed on the tree.

In his opening speech, the school’s headteacher, John Bayes, said the area had been a long time in the making.

The Friends of Thurston School (FOTS) has fundraised for the area, and the ongoing project to develop the playground.

Teaching assistants Sarah Hutchens and Jane Topikha and their gardening club have planted up the reflection garden, with parent volunteers helping as part of a working party at the beginning of September.

There are flamingo and robin trees and a selection of grasses, as well as three planters, each featuring a word from the school vision: trust, perseverance and aspiration.

The wider playground project has included the introduction of a LEGO pit area, a drawing area and table football.

The grand opening ceremony of the reflection garden was led by Mr Bayes and Mrs Wigzell, as well as Year 6 collective worship leaders, and Rev Ben Edwards from St Peter’s Church, in Thurston, did a blessing at the end.