Learning through buildings and places was celebrated by teachers, students, industry professionals, educational leaders, and culture institutes at the Time to Engage event yesterday (Tuesday 24 March).
Held at the V&A’s Sackler Centre, the afternoon showcased the projects of 15 schools from year 4 through to upper sixth. Each school worked with a partner organisation to create a compelling learning experience that had the learner at the heart.
One of the elements that made the day a great success was the emphasis placed on student involvement. Year 9 students from Graveney School and year 4 students from Barmby-on-the-Marsh interviewed the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Andy Burnham, who presented the day’s keynote address.
Graveney School students interviewing Secretary of State, Andy Burnham, at the Time to Engage event, 25 March 2009 © Alys Tomlinson
The students quizzed him on the subject of learning about buildings and places and asked him what his favourite buildings were. St Martin’s in the Field’s in London’s Trafalgar Square and the Liver Building in Liverpool were among the Secretary of State’s favourites – but top of the list was Goodison Park – home of Everton Football Ground which was opened in 1892.
Barmby-on-the-Marsh Primary School student, Callan Gendall (aged 9), asked about his most memorable moment at school, where he was given an opportunity to make an impact in his school or local community. One of his highlights was advocating that there should be a cricket pitch on the school grounds, which is still in existence and use at his school to this day.
The Secretary of State’s response to schools using outside professionals was extremely positive – he is keen to see the growth and involvement of professionals within student’s everyday learning. He saw integrating classroom learning with local experts as an important part for every learner.
The key messages were clear throughout the day – buildings and places can provide engaging learning opportunities for all learners, AND this can be low-cost, just by using your local high street. Some of the school projects on show had simply used their school grounds or their local street.
As David Gardner of the QCA highlighted, we have the challenge of making learning irresistible, and learning through buildings and places could just be the key.
