Video and pictures: Why Newport school is going bonkers for conkers
[gallery] It's a classic playground game that has entertained generations of children. But conkers had fallen off the radar amid safety fears – until now.
There won't be any protective armour, hard hats or safety goggles at Moorfield Primary in Newport, where teachers see it as a chance for the pupils to learn something about responsibility.
Staff decided to bring the classic game back to their school yard after a song in assembly revealed none of the children knew anything about it.
'A round of Conkers!', a staple song of harvest ceremonies across the country, proved none of the singers knew the game, which dates back as far as the 1840s.
Children will be able to play at break time and lunch time.
In a letter sent out to parents last week, teachers said they hoped parents would support the sometimes controversial game.
The letter said: "We will be expecting them to be sensible and anyone who isn't won't be able to continue playing.
"We think this helps teach children to be responsible and I'm sure you will support us in introducing this traditional game that many of us enjoyed playing as children ourselves."
Headteacher Ian Bussey said: "Contrary to popular belief, the game has never been banned and schools have more freedom than some might realise.
"The children haven't had to wear hard hats or special goggles but they are expected to behave appropriately and unsurprisingly they have met our expectations."
