Accolade for pupils who take pride in their history

A SCHOOL’s creative approach to teaching local history has earned it an award from Historic England.

Belvoirdale Primary School, Colaville, has received the Heritage Schools Award.

Supported by the Department for Education, the award recognises those schools which promote local history in the curriculum.

Most recently, the school has been supporting North West Leicestershire District Council’s Coalville Clock Tower Project, which is working with heritage groups to restore the landmark and bring its story of to life for residents.

Using software, pupils drew up designs for the town’s Memorial Square featuring peace gardens and sculptures, together with swimming pools and, of course, better wi-fi links.

The school’s award reflects the influence of head teacher Richard Dax who, since taking up the post in 2016, has celebrated the rich history of Coalville by designing a curriculum that links local history with wider historic events.

He said: “It is vital that children understand the role local history plays in their development.

Ismail Dale, from English Heritage, said: “This award from Historic England is to congratulate Belvoirdale Primary School on their comprehensive engagement with local history and heritage groups, and with special recognition of the work undertaken with Coalville Heritage Society.”

Steve Duckworth, chairman of the Coalville Heritage Society, said: “It was a privilege for the Coalville Heritage Society to work with the children at Belvoirdale and Historic England.

“It was wonderful that the children had such a good understanding of their heritage and environment which is encouraging for the future of the local heritage.”

Mr Duckworth and fellow heritage society member Stuart Warburton are currently working with pupils from years five and six at Belvoirdale to discover the remarkable journey of the Palitoy factory, in Coalville, and its connection to the Star Wars toys of the 1970s and 1980s. PROUD DAY: Belvoirdale Primary School head teacher Richard Dax, right, Stuart Warburton, from Coalville Heritage Society, centre, and Ismail Dale, from Historic England, with pupils Lilly Beadman, Harvey Taylor-Beck, Ellie-Mae Vann, Cole Keen, Layla Preston, Jacob Bonser, Jagoda Drozdz, Alba Rowbottom, Chloe Upton, Ruby Taylor and Carter McTurk