Reflecting on young people's views of their hometown

19 Jul 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

From sand sculptures to coastal management and bus shelter art… An ambitious project aimed at opening the eyes of young people to the world around them has taken place at Seaton Sluice. 

The project, involving Year 8 pupils from Seaton Sluice Middle School, explored the environment and heritage of the seaside town through a range of activities. 

And, by working with Northumberland Archives, Newcastle University and Historic England, the aim was to raise aspirations and spotlight some of the career opportunities the young people may not have considered. 

The ‘Reflections on Seaton Sluice’ project activities saw the young people – buckets and spades at the ready – creating sand art with Soul2Sand on the beach as well as watercolour paintings for a mini ‘gallery’ in the bus shelter outside of their school! 

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It is so important that our young people have access to opportunities like this.  

“What a great way to learn about and appreciate your local area, whilst also finding out more about career paths they too could choose to follow. A huge thank you to the teams involved in supporting this." 

Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Libraries, added: “This project encouraged pupils to take note of their immediate surroundings, and to discover the unique characteristics of their hometown - and to appreciate the beauty and importance of their environment. 

“Visits to Newcastle University’s Special Collections and Northumberland Archives have allowed them to explore the town’s historical treasures to find artefacts that connect to the past and bring it to life. 

“Students learned from experts in heritage, history, science, climate change and coastal management helping them to foster a lifelong appreciation for their hometown and its heritage.” 

*The project culminates in an event for family and friends and a summer long public exhibition at the Community Centre to allow residents to see the young people’s work.”