Class Act: Pupils get learning down to a fine art

YOUNG culture vultures want to create a library and art gallery at their school so they can browse through books at break-times and showcase the work of talented artists.

The new cultural area at Wistaston Church Lane Primary School, near Crewe, would be decorated with beanbags, pillows, and other comfy furnishings.

Pupils could go there to curl up with a good book, research their lesson topics, or run story-time sessions for younger children. They could also wander round and admire the artwork on the walls. Every year-group would be given space in the art gallery and their pieces could range from paintings and collages to sculptures.

Wistaston Church Lane has now entered The Sentinel's and Barclays' Class Act competition for help in funding its plans. If the school wins a £5,000 prize, it will pay for a room to be transformed into the library and gallery area and will also go towards new books.

Pupils came up with the ideas because they have nowhere to go if they want to sit down and have a quiet read.

Until recently, the school was actually separate infant and junior schools. Since amalgamating, it has kept its infant and junior blocks, although they are connected via a walkway.

Deputy head James Bancroft said: "A lot of the money was spent on the infant site, which has got a library for the younger pupils.

"But there isn't a proper library on the junior site. The pupils want somewhere comfortable and cosy where they can read. The gallery would also make it a bit different."

Natalie Russett, aged 11, said the decorations in the new cultural area could have an artistic theme too. One suggestion is to use William Morris prints or fabric patterns to give it a sumptuous feel.

"We could have the artwork from each year group and there is also an art club at school. Some of their work could be put up as well," said Natalie.

"I've been to an art gallery in the high school and it's got some fantastic art."

On the library shelves, she would like to see a wide range of books, including science fiction and factual books.

There could also be some books written by pupils themselves. For a recent class project, they made books for younger pupils to enjoy. Natalie said: "My book was based on the Great Fire of London."