Please accept my frustrated and disappointed apologies that I was unable to be with you all at the launch event today and many sincere thanks to Susanne for reading this on my behalf. In the summer of 2013, when Newlands was first approached by Sound Architect regarding this Heritage Lottery funded project, we had no inclination of the circumstances that the school and its pupils, parents and staff would find themselves in throughout the coming academic year. The school had always faithfully remembered the 48 former Newlands pupils and teachers who were killed as a result of conflict between 1914 and 2007 and, in what is the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, it seemed a fitting project for our Year 9 pupils to contribute towards. As a school that embraced a creative curriculum and ethos which encouraged lateral thinking, extended communication skills, and sought to find solutions to conflicts via dialogue and compassionate understanding of others situations, it felt natural for our pupils to extend their learning cross-curriculum in this way. We recognised that the pupils were going to experience research skills, the multi-media analysis and recording of data, and challenge previously held opinions on warfare as a result of the real-life histories that they would uncover. It would not be easy! Working mainly with Mrs Peachy and Mr Robertson, with support from Mr Sillery, Miss Shearer and Mr Cooper, Susanne Crosby encouraged the, at first reluctant, pupils to share their own opinions, ask challenging questions, be bold enough to take risks with what they felt emotionally, and attempt to convey all of that in the essence of the project. There were many logistical obstacles to overcome in the beginning and even some moral dilemmas by the end, but without doubt the pupils learned as much about themselves and how to study as they did about the conchies. Thank you and well done for the efforts of all involved in the project and may this, in Newlands bicentennial year, also be a part of the legacy of what an amazing school it was and will continue to be in our hearts. We were extremely grateful and honoured to have been allowed to work with Sound Architect on this important project. This project is in respect and memory of those who stood up for their beliefs, who questioned the actions of others, and paid the painful price. Tula Dyer Former Headteacher, Newlands School
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 07:39:11 +0000
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