Winning Olympic Save our School contest 'would be amazing'

7:00am Thursday 15th July 2010

By Fran Bardsley

PARENTS, children and governors are joining the campaign for a village primary school to win £7,500 of Olympic-themed imp- rovements.

Launton Primary School is one of five schools shortlisted in the Olympic Save Our School competition.

The Oxford Mail has joined forces with Abingdon construction company Leadbitter to offer one school up to £7,500 for a revamp or refurbishment with a sporting theme.

Launton Primary School is currently undergoing some major work, with a new school hall being built on its former playground.

Staff and pupils are hoping to win the money for equipment to kit out the new hall, and for outdoor apparatus and climbing equipment to fill their empty field – which is now the school’s only play area.

Teacher Mandy Terry said: “If there is just a plain field, the children will sometimes run or walk, but if there are things they can climb on or explore, it triggers their imaginations.

“It would make them want to be outside and make them want to be active – and that is the start of training Olympians. You need to have that want to be physical and active.”

She said in the past the school had to pass up taking part in activities like badminton competitions because they didn’t have the equipment.

The school’s application was supported by letters from parents, pupils and governors.

Pupil Melissa Fowler said: “It would be the most amazing thing to hit this school.”

Each proposal has been detailed in the Oxford Mail over the last three weeks, with vouchers printed below.

Schools have to collect as many vouchers as possible, and they will then be weighted according to the size of the school to ensure a fair result.

THE FINAL FIVE HERE are the finalists and the addresses where you can send vouchers: Kingfisher School, Abingdon – garden makeover.

Kingfisher School, Radley Road, Abingdon, OX14 3RR New Marston Primary School, Oxford – sports equipment and a sports hall revamp.

New Marston Primary School, Copse Lane, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0AY Launton Primary School – indoor and outdoor apparatus and climbing equipment.

Launton Primary School, Bicester Road, Launton, OX26 5DP Wheatley Primary School – new changing rooms and sports equipment.

Wheatley Primary School, Littleworth Road, Wheatley, OX33 1NN Edith Moorhouse School, Carterton – upgrade activity centre and adventure playground.