Pupils investigated a prominent feature of their local community – the Northfield Tower. They did this by carrying out research in Business Studies, alongside using their creativity to design artwork of the tower in Art & Design. The project was completed during Lockdown.
Detective
160
12- 14
April - May 2020
How the project achieved the sections of the award
Plan
Pupils decided how they were going to gather and share their research on the Northfield Tower. They considered various methods they could use in order to inspire others to learn about their heritage. Pupils were asked to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of 4 different methods (poster, video, presentation & fact sheet), and to choose one which they would like to use in order to share their research.
Investigate
Pupils were asked to research the Northfield Tower in Business Studies, considering the following questions:
1. What is its proper name?
2. How long has it been there for?
3. Was it the first tower in the area?
4. What type of tower is it?
5. What was it built for?
6. Who uses it?
A website on the Northfield Tower was created for pupils, to help them to gather their research.
Link to the website – https://sites.google.com/ab-ed.org/the-northfield-tower/home
Engage
In Art and Design pupils were then asked to create a piece of artwork which has been inspired by the tower. Pupils tried to create a realistic drawing of the tower and used their imagination to make an exciting background to capture the viewer’s attention. They had the option to hand draw, collage or use digital art techniques. Visits weren’t possible because of the Lockdown.
Inspire
Pupils were then asked to think back to the planning stage – How they wanted to share their research and inspire others to take an interest in their community and heritage.
Pupils were then asked to decide on one of the methods which they researched in the planning stage and describe why they have chosen to use this method to inspire others. They then had to create their poster/video/fact sheet/presentation to go alongside their artwork.
Reflect
Pupils were given the following reflection sheet in order to reflect on their Heritage Hero project:
Reflect on your work and progress during this project by answering the following questions. Use numbers 1-5 (using the following scale) to mark your answer to each question.
1 = strongly agree and 5 = strongly disagree
Do you believe that you have demonstrated any of these skills?
● Planning and organising?
● Communicating with people?
● Working as part of a team?
● Taking the lead?
● Finding solutions to problems?
Do you believe that you have aspired to be outstanding and demonstrated any of these qualities?
● Determined?
● Creative?
● Encouraging?
● Responsible?
● Successful?
Do you think you worked hard and put sufficient effort into this project?
● Effort?
Did you learn anything new by completing this project?
● Learning?
Would you like to learn more about the history of your community?
● Future learning?
Lessons Learned
This was the first time undertaking the award virtually, we received a lot of artwork completed using computer software which we will incorporate in the future.
Highlight(s)
The artwork was spectacular this year and pupils really took ownership of their artwork using the arts and craft materials they had at home or using software such as paint and pixel art to complete their artwork.
The benefit of using the Heritage Hero Awards
It allows interdisciplinary working between two departments which may not normally do this, it also ties into our community theme within school, we want our pupils to learn about the community they come from and focusing on the Northfield Tower helps us do this.
Quotes
The standard of work this year has been amazing and during lock down too. This really showcases the talent and resilience of our pupils, that they can be in lock down and achieve this award.
Case study compiled by
Callum Kerry – Northfield Academy
More information on this project can be found at:
@PTAchievement on Twitter