BALKSBURY Junior School science teacher Rebecca Bone has been awarded a special prize for advancing the teaching of science at primary school level.

The national 'Top Teacher' awards are part of an education programme for nine to 11-year-olds, sponsored by Ariel. The scheme is designed to make science more enjoyable and help pupils discover how science affects everyday lives through something as simple as washing clothes.

Pupils carry out practical experiments, classroom activity and homework assignments. They were also asked to design the perfect washing tablet, to remove tough stains and make doing the laundry easier.

Headteacher Rosemary Clarke, who nominated Ms Bone, said: "Rebecca is a positive , enthusiastic person who passes on her expertise and enthusiasm to staff and pupils alike. With her class she is enthusiastic, teaching at a very high level and encouraging full participation by all pupils.

"The children are really motivated and her classroom displays are attractive and inviting. Rebecca leads by example and has encouraged Year 6 to participate in a more practical approach to science. The school is very proud of her win."

Ms Bone said: "I am thrilled to accept this honour on behalf of the school. We are always looking for new ways to enrich the teaching of science in the classroom. Science is exciting and we always have a lot of fun doing experiments and gathering data."