GRANDPARENTS made a return to the classroom at Prior Park Prep School as part of a special day organised to allow them to experience modern learning in a traditional school.

Pupils at Acorns Nursery and Pre-Prep in Cricklade invited their grandparents into their classroom on June 11 to see them hard at work and play and get involved with an afternoon of lessons.

As part of the day, the school unveiled its new glass art murals, which were created by pupils with help and guidance from artists Ann Jelley and Helene Lake, alongside Head of Art Nicky Brookes.

George Streatfeild, grandfather to five-year-old Hugo Fallon, who took part in the day said: “It is very nice for the children to understand about other generations and it allows them to know about co-operation.

“It is so much more relaxed and friendly in the education system these days.

“I think it is a fantastic initiative to allow parents and grandparents into the classroom to see what goes on behind the doors, I have had such a wonderful afternoon.”

Headteacher Mark Pearce said the afternoon was a huge success with all grandparents keen to take part and get stuck in with the art activities.

Mr Pearce said: “It is a chance for them to experience a day in school, see what school is like now and how learning has changed. The grandparents find it absolutely fascinating and it really is a delight to watch.

“The children were so excited that their grandparents had come along for the day. It was a wonderful opportunity for the grandparents to see the work the children had been doing and to take an active part in the curriculum.”

Mr Pearce also said that he was pleased that children of a younger age at the school were able to be creative to help make the glass decorations.

He said “It is nice at a lower level of the school the children can be part if something which is so creative.”

Year One pupil, Maddy Hinder-Smith, thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the day.

“It was so much fun, I wish this could happen every day,” she said.