St Luke's Project

What has happened so far.

A team of pupils from years 8 and 9 got together for ten weeks (May to June 2008) to learn about the skills involved in creating a new school for St Luke's and to help younger pupils improve their school environment. They met after school for two hours.

Students learnt new skills, and ideas which were used to inform how the new school would look for the pupils of the future. Students involved in this project worked on many of their curriculum subjects e.g. Art, ICT and D & T.

Students met architects, planners, designers, developers, and many more creative people involved in making decisions about the new school. They had a say in how parts of the budget, of £7 million, would be spent. There were trips out to galleries and shops like IKEA.

Students were awarded with certificates at a special event at the end of term where they shared their work with families, friends and a specially-invited audience.

This was an extremely rewarding experience for both students and staff as this project was the perfect opportunity to start making the links within the community to develop creative ways of Teaching and Learning.

New developments

The new school will open in May 2009. A group of students from year 8, 10 and 12 have formed a steering group with staff and meet once a week, after school. They are working on four exciting themes, as follows;

Interior design and furniture

Students will be given responsibility to help decide what to put in the space, choose furniture for the library and entrance to the school.  This will involve working with the interior designer and finding suppliers. 

Landscaping

Students will be given responsibility to plan and choose plants for the play ground for the new school.  This will involve working with the landscape architect. 

Tour Guides

Students will be given responsibility to act as tour-guides / hosts / visit organisors working alongside the architect.  This will involve giving tours of the school.  Students will tell visitors about the art work, materials used for the school and how they are environmentally friendly e.g. the sustainable timber used.  Students will design their own smart outfit for this role. 

Opening Party with Live Entertainment

Students will be given responsibility to plan an opening party to celebrate the opening of the new school.  Students will look at how to celebrate a new school in Blakenhall.