Sheffield schoolchildren went on a bear hunt around their community

Pupils at Windmill Hill Primary School in Chapeltown conjured up an idea that could involve everyone in the community, not just their school, to join in with.

They decided it was time for everyone to go on a bear hunt.

Teacher Ali Pape explained: “Nationally there is a Great Big Art exhibition taking place at the moment.

"The idea is that everyone’s home’s windows become art galleries where they display creations for people to spot.

"The first theme, chosen by the artist Antony Gormley, is ‘animals’, which fits right in with bears.”

She continued: “Windmill Hill is also a Bears of Sheffield school and are raising money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity through a series of bear-themed events.”

Throughout this week the school invited everyone in S35 to take part in a Windmill Hill Bear Hunt.

Ali added: “We asked families to display a bear in their window over half term.

"This could be a bear they had made, a teddy bear, or one of our bear templates that people could colour in or decorate.

“The idea was to have the bears in place by the first Monday of half term so

that we can all then go on a bear hunt around our local area and see how many

bears we can spot.”

The Bears of Sheffield is a public arts exhibition aimed at uniting the city whilst celebrating everything that is wonderful about Sheffield and its surrounding areas. Coordinated by The Children's Hospital Charity, the trail will bring together businesses, communities, artists and schools whilst supporting Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The Bears are currently being brought to life by artists of all ages, both professional and amateur, and they are set to make a dramatic entrance in July 2021.

The Bears of Sheffield will showcase 60 big and 100 little bear sculptures in both indoor and outdoor locations.

A spokesman said: “The enjoyment and health and safety of everyone taking part has always been our top priority.

"Lots of work has already gone into preparing for the trail so it can be enjoyed by everyone safely.”

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