An Apple Cleft in Two
In the autumn of my career as teaching head my Year 4 class won an ‘organic’ apple-themed poetry competition. Unsurprisingly, the first prize was a pair of sapling apple trees named ‘Ellison Orange’ and ‘Discovery’ of Worcester Pearmain and Cox’s Orange Pippin parentage. With expert guidance and a great deal of pride, the children planted their prizes in a carefully selected plot of the recently redesigned school garden. Although we were advised that the trees were of a sturdy variety, we made sure that the saplings were properly supported and carefully nurtured them through each season. No one could contend that they didn’t flourish and thrive in our relatively small arboretum. The results were there for all to see. The children liked to talk to the trees at break times, and we all liked to think that the trees listened. We made a promise to Mr & Mrs Worcester Pearmain, Mr & Mrs Cox that the fruit of their loins would be suitably stimulated and encouraged to mature in ou...