Project description
Archbishop Blanch School offered all year 7 students the opportunity to explore the regeneration of the Kensington district in Liverpool and to develop skills in architectural design, art, drama, dance and poetry.
Students preseting their work to the rest of the class © A&M Photography Ltd
The project had geography at its core but students had the opportunity to work in a variety of disciplines and with a variety of experts. The project therefore made strong links to the new key stage 3 curriculum.
The project took place over two separate days – a fieldwork day and a showcase event. On the first day, in conjunction with Liverpool Vision and trainee teachers, students used photography, video and audio to record and collect data; they also interviewed residents to gain an insight into life in the Kensington area.
During the second day the students had the opportunity to work with outside professionals to creatively interpret the information they had recorded and then showcase their work in a presentation during the afternoon.
Key stage
Key stage 3, included all students in year 7.
Curriculum and whole school areas
- new KS3 curriculum
- geography
- ICT
- history
- citizenship
- Learning Outside the Classroom
Learning objectives
This enquiry aimed to encourage students to:
- question, investigate and think critically about issues affecting the Kensington area in the past, present and future
- develop team work and social interaction
- think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies
- be inspired to become global citizens by exploring Kensington’s place in the world with different experts and through the new curriculum
- explore their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the area within global and local contexts
- interpret their evidence creatively and by the use of cross-curricular activities and themes.
Length of project
Two days – fieldwork in December 2008 and showcase day in January 2009.
Dance session with the class © A&M Photography Ltd
What did the learning involve?
Teaching and learning activities
Activity 1
Students went on a site visit to the Kensington area close to their school – they used cameras and video cameras to explore buildings and places around the area and to develop a sense of the place.
Activity 2
Local residents were interviewed by the students to find out more about the area, such as changes that have taken place and people’s concerns and opinions. The information was recorded so they could refer to it later on.
Activity 3
Back at school, students were split into workshop groups to work with a creative professional and trainee teachers. Each group interpreted the information as creatively as possible through that particular discipline in order to further explore and tell the story of the area.
Activity 4
Students then prepared a presentation to showcase their work to the rest of the year level – this helped the students to share ideas and to develop a deeper understanding of what the others had achieved.
Activity 5
As a continuation of the project an archive of all the data and ideas were gathered together.
Resources used
- audio visual recording equipment
- trainee teachers
- creative professionals including an architect, dancer and poet
- Google SketchUp
- art materials
Funding
£1,500 was received as a (CABE) educational grant.
Local history investigated through photography © A&M Photography Ltd
How well were the aims met?
Outcomes
Students developed new skills in:
- interview techniques and data collection
- problem solving and group work
- in ICT - using Apple Mac computers and SketchUp
- presentation skills
- disciplines such as dance, drama and performance poetry.
What worked well
- the project widened the horizons of many students, some had never been to the surrounding catchment of the school
- as the students were able to explore geography via many different disciplines, they felt that the subject came alive for them
- allowing students to work with experts from different creative streams was invaluable
- the partnerships developed through this project will continue and the school hope to deliver it again over the coming years.
Comments from teachers/students
‘I’d like to promote this project, as the use of cross-curricular themes via geography has been invaluable in the delivery of this successful event. I would do the same again if the project ran next year, but I may offer different cross-curricular areas to work with.’
Anita Carson, Advanced skill teacher
Further information
Read the 2008/09 grant winning projects here on Engaging Places:
A BSF design think tank at Sittingbourne Community College
Constructing a straw bale building at Dr Thomlinson Middle School.
School grounds design at Chesham Bois CE Combined School
Playground canopies at Orleton CE Primary School
Community art at Lower Darwen Primary School
