THE British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) put on a workshop on shooting sports at the Ardstraw PS.

Earlier this year, Headmaster David Stinson asked the Primary 7 pupils in the rural primary school to submit ideas for an additional experience beyond their normal curriculum. The overwhelming response was to have a special workshop on shooting. Accordingly, Mr Stinson made contact with BASC which responded by devising a two-and-a-half hour workshop which was held last month.

Th workshop included an illustrated talk on gamekeeping by BASC council member Robert Crofts (who grew up on the Duke of Abercorn's nearby Baronscourt Estate and is now head keeper and estate manager on a Co. Down estate). Mr Croft brought a live pheasant for the children to examine.

This was followed by a game tasting opportunity where the pupils were able to sample pheasant sausages and burgers. This helped to make the direct link between the rearing of game, shooting and game as food.

After this, country sportsman Andy Clapperton gave a demonstration of working gundogs, before the children went back into the classroom for a gun safety briefing followed by an exciting session of lazer clay shooting, sponsored by lazershootingni.com

BASC director for Northern Ireland Roger Pollen said, "We were delighted to be able to respond to the request for a workshop on shooting sports for this primary school. The demand was clear, and the level of interest amongst the pupils was remarkable. There is clearly interest amongst today's responsible youngsters to learn more about shooting and we look forward to working with other schools to take this initiative further."