Grand Opening - Blackawton's Dough and Grow Garden - 25th June from 3.20pm onwards 

Local Ceramicist Inspires Next Generation at Blackawton Primary School

Children at Blackawton Primary School recently took part in a hands-on clay workshop led by local ceramicist Alison Hannah, founder of The Clay Yard in Totnes. She teaches and pots from the river-side studio making thrown stoneware collections.

The creative session formed part of the school’s 11 by 11 enrichment programme, which gives pupils the opportunity to experience 11 cultural, character-building, and creative activities by the age of 11.

During the full-day workshop, Alison guided pupils through a range of clay techniques,  from shaping and sculpting to adding intricate detail. Pupils made everything from functional whistles and expressive animal figures to imaginative ornaments and abstract works. For many, it was their first experience working with a spinning clay wheel, an experience that sparked real excitement.

“It was amazing to learn something new, I’ve never used a clay wheel!” said one Year 5 pupil.

The finished creations are now off to be kiln-fired, and anticipation is building as pupils wait to see their final, glazed pieces.

At Education South West, they believe that every child’s character matters just as much as their academic success. That’s why they’ve introduced the 11 by 11 programme, a commitment to ensuring every student has access to 11 enriching experiences by age 11 in primary, and again by the end of Year 11 in secondary. 

These experiences, from trips and performances to leadership roles and work experience, are designed to build key character strengths like confidence, resilience, compassion and critical thinking. Through classroom learning, extracurricular activities and real-world opportunities, they help students grow not only in knowledge, but also in the values and virtues they need to thrive in life.

Liam Fielding, headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:

“These kinds of experiences are so important, they build confidence, creativity, and skills that stay with children for life. We’re really grateful to Alison for inspiring our pupils and helping bring the 11 by 11 vision to life.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“Opportunities like this are what the 11 by 11 programme is all about,  giving children real, memorable experiences that help shape who they are and who they can become. It’s wonderful to see local talent like Alison Hannah sharing her passion and skills with our young people. These moments spark creativity, build confidence, and leave a lasting impression far beyond the classroom.”

Tiny Activists, Mighty Message: MP Responds to Pupils’ Climate Campaign

After attending the premiere of Sir David Attenborough’s powerful new film ‘Ocean’, Year 3 pupils from  Blackawton Primary School were so inspired they picked up their pens to take action.

The children wrote heartfelt letters to local MP Caroline Voaden, sharing their thoughts on the importance of protecting oceans and fish stocks. Their passion and persuasive writing clearly made an impact, prompting a personal response and a specially recorded video message from the MP, who praised their "genuine commitment to calling for change" and called them "a brilliant bunch".

The experience has not only deepened the children’s understanding of climate and conservation issues, but also introduced them to democratic engagement and the power of their own voices.

The MP’s video response has now been shared with the class and the children were thrilled to know that their voices were heard at Westminster. With such committed young activists leading the way, the future of our oceans is in good hands.

Liam Fielding, Headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:

“Our Year 3s have shown maturity and passion beyond their years. Watching them connect what they learned in the film to real-world action, then hearing back from an MP, has been nothing short of inspiring. This is what meaningful learning looks like.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“This is a shining example of the kind of education we champion at Education South West, learning that is relevant, empowering and rooted in real-world issues. We are incredibly proud of the pupils and staff at Blackawton for creating such a thoughtful and inspiring project and grateful to Caroline Voaden for taking the time to record them a special video.”

Blackawton School Blooms with RHS Awards and ‘Dough and Grow Garden’ Launch

Pupils at Blackawton Primary School  are celebrating a green-fingered triumph after being awarded Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) School Gardening Awards.

This national recognition celebrates the children’s dedication to cultivating their school garden, learning horticultural skills, and using gardening to benefit both their education and the wider community. To mark this achievement, the school is gearing up to officially relaunch its new garden space, proudly named the ‘Dough and Grow Garden.’

The garden has become a vibrant hub for outdoor learning and sustainable living, thanks to the hard work of pupils, staff, and an enthusiastic network of community volunteers. Crops grown in the ‘Dough and Grow Garden’, including seasonal vegetables, herbs and worm tea, are sold after school or taken to the village shop, where they are sold to the public. This not only promotes sustainability but gives children firsthand experience of enterprise and community contribution.

The initiative has received generous support from local residents and businesses. With the support from teacher Vicky Harris, Blackawton’s pupils earned their RHS badges by learning how to sow, grow, compost, and care for their produce responsibly. With each level, they demonstrated increasing independence and ambition. The school now has its sights set on Level 4 and beyond, with big plans to expand the garden, enhance biodiversity, and involve even more members of the community.

Blackawton School would like to thank everyone who has helped make the ‘Dough and Grow Garden’ a success and invite the local community to visit, support, and enjoy the fruits of their labour and maybe taste one of their delicious pizzas from their garden clay oven at a community event being held later this term.

Liam Fielding, headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:

“We’re so proud of the children’s commitment, curiosity, and care for the environment. The Dough and Grow Garden is more than just a space to grow food, it’s a space to grow confidence, cooperation, and connection with the community.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

“Education South West is focused on creating a culture which supports and challenges all whilst also working with those in and outside their community of schools to improve all. It’s brilliant to hear that Blackawton pupils have received these prestigious awards from the RHS and amazing that they are able to share their produce with the local community.”