Children at Peafield Lane Academy, Mansfield Woodhouse, are taking their learning to another level with the introduction of new learning spaces throughout school.

One such space is the school library, where a specially-chosen team of pupils, called the Library and Learning Space Team, help others to use the library and also look after an interesting array of artefacts on the bookshelves — all of which have been chosen to prompt further reading or research by pupils.

Head teacher Gary Walker said the objects aimed to encourage independent learning by pupils.

“We have a range of objects that can help pupils to start a conversation, or pursue further research,” he said. “There are a lot to choose from, like objects relating to Eygypt, or space or history, for example.

“But there is one particular object that has been catching the attention of parents who have been touring the school looking to place their child in nursery or foundation. Almost without fail when we show them the area they spot the wooden rattle, like the ones so often used at football matches years ago.

“Almost everyone has a memory of owning one or seeing one as a child. Immediately it prompts memories and stories of their own experiences using them. It’s the prompting of conversations we were looking for; we just didn’t realise it would work for adults too!”

Teacher Deborah Hunton said the innovative project has increased friendships between year groups as well as leading to an increase in the use of the learning spaces.

Nine-year-old Esme Stevens, who is on the library and learning space team, said: “I think I have been chosen to be on the team because I am responsible enough, I think, and I like books too.”
Layla Kells, 9, added: “I am looking forward to working with younger children, helping them to read and understand the books and objects.”

Elizabeth Osite, 9, said: “I want to help others to read more, to understand what they are reading, so they learn more. It is a nice peaceful area too.”

Pictured are older children, from left, Layla Kells, Jasmine Reast, Esme Stephens, Elizabeth Ositea and Lucy Wakelin. Younger children, from left, Leni Callaghan, Edward Baines and Leo Hossack.