TALENTED pupils at a Knightswood primary school are set to travel to London after being picked as winners of a UK-wide competition.
Youngsters at Corpus Christi Primary School were delighted after they were told they had been selected as one of 15 winners of the Tower of London Schools Coronation Competition.
Pupils were tasked with designing a bench to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Around 1,500 entries were received and Corpus Christi is the only Scottish school to have won.
Class teacher Mrs Waugh told the Post that she is incredibly proud of her students.
She said: “I do have a very artistic class. There are a lot of children who are very, very good at art and really enjoy it so I thought it would be a nice thing to get involved in.
“We had a bit of a discussion in class about the Coronation and what it involves as well as the Royal Family and things King Charles would perhaps be interested in and then I left them to it.
“I think it is important that they feel that these are their own ideas. I knew they’d have produced a good entry but you never quite know what the judges are looking for or what the standard of the other entries might be.
“We heard very quickly, maybe about a week later, and the children were over the moon – of course, I was too.
“I am so proud of them, they did all of the work by themselves.”
Prior to the Easter break an artist – who will paint the final version of the bench - visited the school to bring the children’s creation to life.
The winning design features a cherry blossom tree on the front which pupils say symbolises “growth and new beginnings” as well as King Charles’ love of nature. Each of the sides show paths that represent “his journey as King and leader”. Finally, the back is emblazoned with King Charles’ official monogram design.
The bench will be displayed at the Tower of London from May to September before being transported to the school where it will be kept.
As part of the youngster’s prize, they will travel to London to see their design in person.
Mrs Waugh added: “The children are so excited. It’s so nice to know that we’ve played a small part in what is a huge historic event.”
Gayle MacDonald, headteacher at Corpus Christi, said: “I’m extremely proud of the children, for them to play a part in history is just so amazing.
“Years to come down the line these children as adults will be able to know they were a part of this.
“For some of our pupils, Glasgow is a big place for them, so to get the opportunity to travel to London is a huge thing for them.”
Paul Sweeney, Scottish Labour MSP for Glasgow, put a motion forward at the Scottish Parliament congratulating the youngsters on their achievement.
Councillor Christina Cannon, City Convener for Education and Early Years added: “This is lovely news for the school and the bench will be a lasting reminder of the celebrations for future school generations.
“Congratulations to all involved and I can’t wait to see the bench on display and what a wonderful accomplishment to be the only Scottish school.”
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