By Isle of Wight Observer
Binstead Primary School welcomed a former pupil back through its doors when the chairman of the IW Council, Cllr Ian Dore, returned to speak with Year 4 pupils about climate change.
Cllr Dore was invited to listen to children read their work on environmental issues, following classroom discussions based on the book ‘The Biggest Footprint’. Pupils then put a series of questions to him on climate change and its effects.
“In short, I was grilled hard on this topic,” he said. “Their teacher, Mr Woodhouse, warned me they’d used some emotive phrases, and he wasn’t wrong. It was a robust engagement from the youngsters and I enjoyed it immensely.”
Questions ranged from global environmental concerns to flooding seen locally.
“You only have to look at our fair village – the effects of climate change are literally on our doorstep,” he said. “The flooding on February 2 is testament to that. The pupils spoke with such passion and understanding. It’s incredibly encouraging to see this level of climate education happening at primary level.”
Before leaving, Cllr Dore was handed 29 letters written by pupils, which he has promised to read and respond to.
The visit also brought back memories, as it was the first time he had stepped inside the school since leaving in the 1970s.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion,” he said. “I have incredibly fond memories of my time there. Walking into the hall and seeing the original ropes and climbing ladder still hanging from the ceiling – so many great times came flooding back.”
He also paid tribute to a former headmaster. “Ask anyone from my time about the late, great Mr Ball, and you’ll get one word: legend.”
Cllr Dore also praised current staff for the atmosphere at the school, adding that it was clear happy memories were still being made every day.
