Children at one of the smallest primary schools in North Yorkshire are aiming high in a national competition - and they’re appealing for support to help them win.
Their success is all thanks to the sycamore tree at the heart of the village, which is used constantly as a play area.
Pupils at Kirkby Fleetham CE Primary, between Northallerton and Bedale, recorded a song written by their deputy head teacher, and after making a film, have won through to the finals of the Smiley Charity Film Awards.
To win they need as many votes as possible and they are asking for help, securing the support of Prime Minister and Richmond MP Rishi Sunak along the way.
The children’s song Watch Us Grow was written by Kirsti-Anna Hume. She said with less than 20 pupils the school is one of the smallest in North Yorkshire. She added: "But they only went and made the final and now we're hoping to help them dream even bigger."
The children performed and had the original song written professionally recorded with the help of drummer Rob Yeadon, formerly of the band James.
Fran Hilyer, chair of governors at the school, said: “We have big dreams for our little school and believe our school song ‘Watch Us Grow’ tells our story and what we stand for beautifully.
“Through this platform we hope to increase visibility, grow pupil numbers and raise additional funding. The fabulous play tree which inspired our song is at the heart of the rural community. To us, it is a symbol of the life, love, laughter and learning at our wonderful little school.”
There are two rounds of judging in the final, the Judges awards, judged by members of the British Film Institute, broadcasters and Meta/Facebook amongst others, and the People’s Choice award.
The school says it has been blown away by the support so far and now needs support even more, as the voting in the final round begins.
Year five pupil Rollo Sinclair said: “People have just loved the song, it always makes school visitors cry. We believe in ourselves, and we love that people we haven’t even met before are supporting us too. Let’s try and win that People’s Choice award.”
To view the video and vote online, search for Friends of Kirkby Fleetham Primary School on the Smiley Charity Film Awards website. Voting is open until March 10, or contact the school https://www.eckf.dalesmat.org/our-school/kirkby-fleetham-school/
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