Heritage Schools update

Earlier this month (October) we launched year 3 of the Heritage Schools programme by delivering a training session for teachers, in partnership with Historic England, and Voices Gloucester.  We'll be working with participants over the coming year to help shape and deliver their project ideas.

Last year's programme resulted in a Childs’ Eye View of Gloucester’ leaflet containing children’s artwork and writing. The art work produced was also used to create an exhibition at The Folk in September. We worked with the Gloucester Civic Trust and artist, Catherine Hawkridge during this project.

In a second Heritage Schools project we worked with Dave Slaughter of St Peter's High School, Voices Gloucester and the University of Gloucestershire to put on a Heritage Conference Day for Year 12 students. Historian and TV presenter, Tracy Borman, headlined the conference, which also featured a number of workshops, talks and stalls. Approximately one hundred students attended from seven schools.  Several schools (including Ribston High School pictured below) have already applied successfully for Heritage School status and we hope more will join their number over the coming academic year. 

Meanwhile, the programme continues with the 'Great Debate', hosted at the Heritage Hub on 13 November.  This is Historic England's public speaking competition open to students from years 10-13.  The question being debated for 2023/4 is 'Which historical place or person from your local area deserves greater recognition'?  No plot spoilers, but we do know that one of the local people being championed is Button Gwinnett.