AN empty bottle, old wellies and a garden fork have never been so desirable for creative youngsters who have taken to eBay as part of a persuasive writing challenge.
Students at Staindrop CofE Primary School, in Staindrop, Teesdale, are taking part in The Great eBay Sell Off – a project designed by their imaginative teachers.
The “worthless” items, which also include a bangle, crayons, bucket and pet leads, are at the centre of the challenge with each class being given one to sell.
All 190 pupils, aged three to 11 are taking part in the competition.
Year 2 teacher Caroline Harland said: “It was really just trying to think of some creative ways to get the children excited about doing some persuasive writing so we decided some really real life and purposeful.
“We decided that if we gave them so worthless items that it would be more of a challenge to try to sell them.”
The children made their own leaflets to advertise the objects while some even made QVC-style videos using green screen technology.
The pupils also photographed the items and analysed good and bad existing adverts on the selling site.
The class who gets the highest bid will receive a prize but each year will spend the funds raised from their sale on classroom resources such as new books and games.
The whole school will watch the final results when bidding ends on Monday.
And their adverts are already gaining momentum among parents as some items such as “Staindrop’s versatile, multi-functional, used plastic bottle” and the “Staindrop Gorgeous Golden Bangle” already having bids of more than £30.
Mrs Harland said both staff and pupils were really excited about the competition.
She said: “It’s really nice and the kids are so excited about it and the response from parents is also exceptional – they are being very generous with their bids.”
The school has been named a finalist in the Times’ Education Supplement for Creative School of the Year.
Headteacher, Steve Whelerton, said: “It has certainly taken off and the children are really excited.
“I think because it’s real and purposeful there’s an increased engagement and excitement which makes the quality of their writing improve as well.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here