CHILDREN are belting out ballads and throwing some serious shapes thanks to a pupil’s novel approach to improving mental health.
Barnard Castle Preparatory School pupil Jessie Burgess came up with the idea of a Barney Boombox as part of a Moneywise challenge, an annual competition where children have to pitch their ideas Dragon’s Den-style to improve school life.
Jessie, 11, of Newsham, near Richmond, came up with the idea of having a sing and a dance to the Barney Boombox, in the middle of the playground, every Monday and Friday break-times, to lift spirits.
“I was listening to the radio on the way home when I had the idea,” she said. “I realised that singing and dancing makes you feel better. It helps your wellbeing and makes you feel happy and welcome. I did feel a bit nervous doing my pitch but so rewarded after. I was surprised to win as there were so many good ideas.”
Year 6 children came up with a variety of innovative ideas which they presented to headmistress Laura Turner and the bursar Suzanne Metcalf.
The boys’ competition was won by Acer Tarn, 11, of Melsonby, near Richmond, who came up with a seasonal breaktime charity pop-up stall.
“Every term we choose a different charity to support,” he said. “One day we were driving home and it was really cold. My mother asked me if I’d like a hot chocolate and that gave me the idea for a pop-up stall every Friday. In the cold weather we can serve hot drinks and in the warm we can offer lemonade with the money going to charity.”
Teacher Katie Shearn said: “All the children were just brilliant. They had to cost the initiatives, source the materials and being able to pitch them is a great learning tool. They really pushed themselves by pitching in front of their peers, the headmistress and the bursar.
“Many chose issues that are personal to them and their ideas are put into practice to make the school a better place.”
