ART and the environment were combined to create an exciting day of activities for pupils from four schools.Youngsters from the Small Schools' Federation of Bucklesham, Bealings, Waldringfield and Nacton primary schools worked with professional artists and wildlife experts, who opened their eyes to the environment around them.

ART and the environment were combined to create an exciting day of activities for pupils from four schools.

Youngsters from the Small Schools' Federation of Bucklesham, Bealings, Waldringfield and Nacton primary schools worked with professional artists and wildlife experts, who opened their eyes to the environment around them.

The theme of the day was "Inside, Outside" to see environmental science coming alive.

Not only did pupils have the opportunity to work with experts, but also had the excitement of moving school for the day to make new friends of the same age.

At Nacton six and seven year olds were pond-dipping, playing a variety of games with Judy Powell of Suffolk Wildife Trust.

They also interpreted the theme with local artist Rosie Dix, decorating giant reversible boxes with patterns and textures collected from outside and pictures of the children themselves.

At Waldringfield artists worked with eight and nine year olds using recycled materials, and at Bucklesham the youngest pupils were interpreting a story in music, movement and art.

Meanwhile, at Bealings the oldest pupils were considering planet earth with a storyteller and sculptors.

Headteacher of Nacton, Elizabeth Ditton, said: "This is a very exciting day for all our pupils.

"Not only do they have the opportunity to work with a variety of professional artists and environmental enthusiasts but to make new friends from other schools, with some friendships continuing into high school.

"Inside, Outside is about encouraging children to be more aware of their environment in a fun way."

The Federation of Small Schools was established in 1989 when the four schools were threatened with closure because they only had 30 to 40 pupils.

Since recognition with a Schools Curriculum Award in 1990, the four have grown successfully and now number between 90 to 100 on roll.

They have maintained their links for themed federation events, sport fixtures, sharing professional development for staff, a curriculum programme through the year for Year 6 pupils, and recently a residential visit to Derbyshire with 54 pupils from three of the four schools.