South Baddesley Primary School’s entry to National Gamekeepers’ Organisation competition

The theme of the competition is ‘The Countryside at Work’
especially when linked with conservation. Primary schools were
invited to submit entries in three categories: art, verse and
photography. We are delighted to reproduce the village primary
school’s entries here and wish them the very best of luck. Oscar
Chard wrote the poem, Greg Westall produced the drawing and
Kalle Evans took the photograph that is on the Schools page of
the website.

The Outdoor Classroom, by Oscar Chard.

The tree is chosen with ultimate care
The chainsaw grinds its way through the trunk.
Chips of wood like snow from a cloud,
The shout of “timber” as it falls.

The tractor pulls the heavy tree,
To South Baddesley Primary School.
They lay the foundations for the octagonal shape.
The children have gone, so they can begin.

Eight chunky pillars to hold up the roof.
Split wood fence made with an axe.
Kalle’s old bricks to make the fl oor
A big thatched roof like a spiky hat.

Bursting with people on the opening day,
Waving arms in the air for photos to be taken.
The maker beaming at it with pride.
Vicar gives blessing, the class room is open!