28-01-2025
Students explore Whitehaven's history through 'Street Life' project
Mayfield School students have been delving into Whitehaven's history as part of the 'Street Life' project.
The initiative, in collaboration with the Beacon Museum, allowed the KS4 students to explore the historical influences behind the town's street names.
Under the guidance of Alan Gillon, the Beacon's learning and exhibition engagement manager, the students researched how historical events, industrial growth, and cultural shifts shaped the names of Whitehaven's streets.
The project offered a practical, visual approach to learning about the town's past.
By examining artefacts, historical sites, and industrial landmarks, the students gained a deeper understanding of Whitehaven's evolution.
This hands-on experience sparked discussions and a 'greater appreciation' for the town's history, while also providing the students with work experience as they took on the role of tour guides.
Through research and public speaking, they presented their findings, with the goal of building confidence and improving their social interaction skills.
The project also included a creative element, where the students produced pop art representations of images from Whitehaven's past using felt tips and newspapers.
The students also collaborated on constructing a 3D model of Whitehaven Harbour, recreating artefacts from the town's industrial history.
These artefacts were arranged within a timeline, highlighting the harbour's role in the region's economy through its import and export activities.
The project finished with an exhibition at the Beacon, where the community had the opportunity to view the students' work.
In addition to exploring local history, students developed work experience by taking on the role of tour guides (Image: Supplied)
Mr Gillon said: "The Street Life project has been invaluable for the KS4 pupils' development.
"I am so proud of what they have all achieved over the past three months.
"Working in partnership with Mayfield School and Lynn Kelly has demonstrated the strengths of community engagement.
"The exhibition which the pupils have created is fantastic and their individual development as tour guides has been overwhelming.
"This has been a brilliant and rewarding journey for everyone involved."
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "It's wonderful to see the students of Mayfield School working alongside the Beacon Museum to explore Whitehaven's rich heritage in such a creative and hands-on way.
"The students have not only deepened their understanding of Whitehaven's rich history but also gained practical skills that will serve them well in the future.
"I commend everyone involved in making the Street Life project such a success."
