PUPILS at Bassingbourn Primary School have compiled a portfolio of ideas in the hope of winning a new playground. The portfolio will be sent to the Primary School Playground Partnerships Project, where a team of judges will decide which school will recei

PUPILS at Bassingbourn Primary School have compiled a portfolio of ideas in the hope of winning a new playground.

The portfolio will be sent to the Primary School Playground Partnerships Project, where a team of judges will decide which school will receive about £500,000 worth of playground improvements.

The scheme, which is working in conjunction with Woolworth's, encourages primary school pupils across the country to develop creative proposals on how they would like to improve their current playgrounds.

Deputy head teacher Rachel Schofield said: "It has been so exciting and the children have made the project their own.

"They have measured the playground, pooled their ideas, created questionnaires, and have spent ages drawing out designs.

"They have even searched the internet for prices."

Pupils identified a wildlife area, a fruit and vegetable garden for healthy and organic food, and planting trees for shade as their top priorities.

They also said they wanted a more colourful playground, and a castle-shaped climbing frame.

All ideas and proposals were developed by pupils who worked in teams under the supervision of their teachers.

Ms Schofield said: "The project has helped us to become more aware of what the children want and need outside the classroom.

"If we do not win, then we will endeavour to raise money from other sources to ensure that this happens."

The participating schools' submissions will be reviewed by an independent judging panel of educationalists, teachers, and architects.