THERE is a saying there is a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow.

And at Highburton CE First School, which has a rainbow as its emblem, every child has the chance to shine and thrive.

Learning through hands-on practical experience is the key, according to headteacher Lynne Rutter.

“We firmly believe in learning through hands-on experiences,’’ she said. “We want the children to understand the world is not all white, flat and A4 sized.’’

To that end year one children have been bringing their history lessons to life through a visit to the Colne Valley Museum at Golcar where they learned the realities of washday without automatic washing machines.

Year five children have gained positive self-esteem and self-confidence by a visit to Dobroyd Castle at Robin Wood, Todmorden.

Returning to the cleaning theme, children have also taken part in the national Big Tidy Up organised by Keep Britain Tidy.

The pupils helped with litter picking as part of their work to achieve Eco School status and they have also campaigned in the village against dog fouling, creating and sighting posters urging residents to pick up their dog dirt. This has earned a letter of thanks from the parish council.

Enjoying and achieving in the great outdoors is positively endorsed.

Raised beds have been created by Shelley College and Highburton pupils are now busily tending and growing a wide range of vegetables including beetroot, potatoes, lettuce, broccoli, salad onions and cabbage.

A family of rabbits have been spotted visiting the school this spring, although they have not been welcomed in the vegetable plot.

The school’s wildlife area creates a habitat for learning about bugs and creepy crawlies, and a recent grant from Yorkshire Water will also ensure even the youngest children can learn about growing food.

Children are also taking part in a wealth of musical opportunities.

Last year children were among 6,000 taking part in the national Sing Up event at Sheffield Arena. Year four children are learning brass instruments as part of the former Labour government’s wider opportunities scheme and a showcase of children’s musical talents is held each summer.

The school is also taking part in the Shelley pyramid Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Project, with children using the outdoor habitats to create videos and classrooms for video conferencing with partnership schools.

The school’s PTA has a pivotal role in fund-raising, and a Hint of Pink Ball at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park raised money which will be spent on children’s learning tools.

Lynne Rutter, who has been head of the 178-strong school since September, 2008, and was previously head at Cumberworth First School, added: “Our children are very special, extremely vocal and confident. They are enthusiastic and committed and keen to learn.

“I am lucky to work with an enthusiastic and dedicated staff, supportive parents and a governing body who get extremely involved.”