Shrimp-ly amazing: Art brings history to life for South Shields pupils
From learning how lives are saved at sea to connecting with their local heritage, South Shields primary school pupils had a whale of a time taking part in a special collaborative project – and there’s much to shell-ebrate!
Year 5 children from SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School (part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust) worked on this unique art and history project alongside charity ‘Hand Of’.
A fantastic exploration of history, art, politics and the environment
Titled ‘The Tyne and the Tide’, the project culminated in a performance for their families at the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House Museum (SSVLB). Oh, and there was even a special guest! Deputy Lieutenant Col Ann Clouston was in attendance.
The wonderful performance followed a week of hands-on activities at the SSVLB museum, including working with a professional theatre practitioner, musician and artist, as well as members of the SSVLB.
An archivist from the Houses of Parliament also travelled all the way from London to work with the pupils, who each had the opportunity to view copies of original plans for the South/North Shields piers as well as an Act of Parliament.
The project, which received support from Historic England, enabled the children to truly delve into the topics of history and art, in addition to political and environmental issues. No strangers to the project, this is the second year SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School have taken part in the valuable assignment. Lucky them!
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “We really enjoyed learning about the pupils’ experiences and successes on this project. Art and history aren’t always simple topics to grasp, and they do often require physical engagement to really embed the knowledge.
“The fact that SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School were able to collaborate with a local charity to ensure a hands-on learning experience is brilliant, and we hope more pupils across the North East get similar opportunities.”
A memorable experience with amazing feedback all round
Alice Nee, 10, said: “My favourite thing was when Mr Fennelly took my group out and
showed us all of the life-saving equipment the SSVLB use. We had a go at throwing the ropes and life bags and learning how you rescue someone at sea.”
Fellow Year 5 pupil Emily Martin, also 10, said: “I am really proud of our performance, it was fun and creative. I really enjoyed learning a new skill of how to programme a drama performance too!”
Rachael Purvis, Year 5 class teacher, said: “The Tyne and the Tide project was an amazing opportunity for our children to connect to their local heritage and create a performance based on our learning of maritime history, local geography and folk music tradition. Each child was able to bring their ideas to life in a creative space surrounded by our rich history.
“Hand Of and SSVLB created an invaluable and memorable experience for our children which I am sure they will remember for years to come.”
SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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