Pupils at a Northumberland primary school have been able to build for the future - thanks to a special 'invention shed'.
Pupils at Belsay First School can now tinker, build and invent whatever their imaginations can think of, whilst learning practical skills that they will use in the future.
Giving children the freedom to be creative, to get out of the classroom and try something new, this school hopes to show their pupils different opportunities for their future careers.
Excited Sam Wood, nine, loves making things and is hoping to progress into a career as a builder.
He said: "I can't wait to go inside and start making things. It will extend our learning and help improve our skills, I am hoping to be a builder when I'm older so i will really enjoy the invention shed."
Ava Wood, 10, is looking forward to getting out the classroom to the secret hideaway in the school yard.
She said: "It's really fun and it is a good way to get out of your own head and escape your worries by trying something new."
The shed is a workshop space and a unique classroom experience for the children equipped with real tools, a workbench and vices.
Powered by solar panels and stocked with recycled materials, the children and staff in the school are currently working with an artist also known as the “Sheducator”, Jyl Friggins, who is facilitating the learning, ethos and set-up of the shed.
The aim is to provide the children with a unique learning environment that will support and extend their STEM skills and create an early interest and passion in these areas that may inspire future career choices.
The idea came from PTA committee, Amy Llewellyn, and PTA chairwoman, Sue Etherington, who both experienced House of Objects work with their own children.
House of Objects provides practical solutions to make creative learning tangible, and have a centre in North Tyneside has a large workshop space and recycled materials resource, while also running school workshops, teacher CPD, outreach projects and more.
While raising money to funds for the Invention Shed the PTA wrote to over 200 local business who would support their initiate.
The school received donations from local businesses including the Ray Wind Farm Trust, Belsay Estate, Stephen Middleton Charity Trust, Bellway Homes, Thompson of Prudoe, Entek and Northumberland roads,.
Sue Etherington said: "The shed will bring hands on happiness that is slightly lost in this generation.
"I like to see children hands on with a saw! We will always need plumbers and roofers and electricians. I would love it if one of our children in future had their own business as a result of being inspired through our Invention Shed."
Now with 30 invention sheds across schools in the UK, the scheme has been proven a hit with all children enjoying learning new practical skills.
Emma Pace, director, House of Objects said: "The idea came from waiting to get kids into hands on learning. There is a lack of practical skills in this day in age where a lot of us would grow up learning skills in our granddad's sheds.
"We help to teach practical life skills, to encourage recycling and to let children use their imaginations - who knows the invention shed may inspire inventors of the future.
For more information on the Invention Shed project please visit their website.
