Students at a Chorley school celebrated a big competition win with a surprise visit from Blackburn Rovers’ mascot, Rover the Dog, on Friday, 31 March.
In partnership with the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, Blackburn-based Promethean launched ‘Classroom Goals’, a UK-wide competition asking schools across the country to share examples of how collaboration and teamwork can achieve a goal. Mayfield School, an institution for children with additional learning and physical needs, took first place for fundraising efforts on behalf of Chorley Hedgehog Rescue Centre.
Working alongside their parents and teachers, students organised a range of activities including a disco, tombola, cake stall, and biscuit decorating. 10-year-old Eli Crook even held a sponsored run and completed five laps of the school field, cheered on by his peers.
“When I found out we were going to support the hedgehogs, I knew I wanted to do a sponsored run,” Crook said. “Five laps might not sound like much to some people, but it is huge for me. I’m a big football fan, so I’m excited to go to the game. I think in the future, I’d be able to do 20 laps of the field if I set my mind to it!”
In total, the school raised £357 and gathered an additional six bags of supplies for the rescue.
Headteacher Ian Dickson announced the big win at a cake and coffee morning, surprising students and their parents with a visit from Rover the Dog. A group of students and their carers won free tickets to a live football game at Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park. As a reward, they will be welcomed onto the pitch for the guard of honour.
Leanne Dickson, a Mayfield teacher, helped oversee the fundraising activities. “This is a massive achievement for our pupils, she said. “Due to the nature of our school, it’s not often we’re about to put ourselves forward for competitions, but this gave us the opportunity to give a perfect example of how we work together every single day.”
Dickson says the children deserve something wonderful in return for their hard work. “Having Rover come to visit us today is going to provide a lasting memory.”
80 percent of Mayfield students arrive with the support of specialist transport, minimizing the opportunity for parents to meet their children at the school gates.
“Today feels like a breath of fresh air,” Graham Robinson, Mayfield Chair of Governors, said. “It allows interaction between parents and we can see just how proud the pupils are of their achievement.”
Robinson says the school is currently in a fantastic position. “The students are thriving with support from the teaching staff, and days like today show that we’re now a truly recognised part of the local community,” he said.
Simon Port, Head of UKI and ANZ Markets at Promethean, says collaboration and working together is key to everything Promethean stands for.
“Mayfield School demonstrated that value runs through every part of their organisation,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure to learn about the pupils and everything they’ve done for the rescue centre, and we can’t wait to celebrate together with them on matchday.”
Martin Winters, Head of Operations at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, said joining forces with Promethean gave them the chance to read some inspiring stories from students who’ve collaborated to make a difference in their community.
“But the entry from Mayfield School truly stood out to us, she said. “What these pupils and their parents, carers and teachers have been able to achieve is brilliant, and everyone should be very proud of themselves.”