Sound garden to enhance pupils' joy and creativity

Mendlesham Primary School has opened a new sound garden for its pupils to enjoy

A primary school has unveiled a new sound garden that will be incorporated into its curriculum to help pupils explore their creativity.

Mendlesham Primary School on old Station Road unveiled the garden to staff and pupils on Thursday.

It features a range of musical instruments and acoustic sculptures to encourage children to experiment with rhythm, melody and movement in a "playful, open-air environment".

Principal Sarah King said the Suffolk school was thrilled the garden was officially opened by Matthew Applegate, a local Ipswich musician and BAFTA winner.

The sound garden will be open to all pupils and integrated into the school curriculum

"This is a truly special moment for our school community and we can't wait to see the joy and creativity that this amazing resource will bring to our children," she added.

Mr Applegate won his BAFTA for his work with the Creative Computing Club which he founded in 2012, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The club works with young people in Suffolk to help them engaged in technology-based sessions.

Matthew Applegate attended the school to officially unveil the garden

Andrew Stringer, Green county councillor for the area, praised the school for the project.

"The work that the staff and pupils and parents do at this rural primary school is an inspiration - the sound garden is another project that will promote inclusivity as well as creativity," he said.

"Having Matthew Applegate officially open this sound garden is a treat, he has shown by example there are no barriers to musical creativity."

The sound garden will be open to all pupils and integrated into the school's curriculum, supporting lessons in music, science, and wellbeing.

The school revealed plans were under way to use it in an upcoming music workshop, led by Mr Applegate.