The idea
Over 12 weeks between April and July 19 we will bring together a group of 15 pupils from Swiss Gardens Primary School (year 5) and Age UK members from The Shoreham Centre.
The children will put together magazines about identity and interview the older ladies and gents. We will deliver 6 creative workshops, a skill swap event, a 'meet an older person' event, a tea and talk event, an enrichment trip and an end of project event launch.
Underpinning the programme are harder issues: (a) Best start in life, (b) Independence for later life and (c) Loneliness. Intergenerational work has huge benefits to wellbeing. Stories are told, jokes are made, memories are recalled, wisdom is passed on: children learn about a different way of life, seniors get an insight into how children are living today. Most of the participants ages 9 - 10 are on the Pupil Premium Register (children experiencing disadvantage) and may have talent in art & design but have never attended a creative club outside school.
What we'll deliver
- Provide specialists, materials and activities to a school. Four workshops on identity to a group of 15 schoolchildren
- Four Intergenerational workshop sessions at Age UK. Providing materials and specialist tutors.
- One guest visit to the school by members of Age UK. Question and Answers session challenging stereotypes.
- Enrichment day. Brighton Trip for the schoolchildren to meet a hat maker and see a performance.
- Magazine launch and community celebration with parents, children, school, Age UK, staff, volunteers
- Delivering and embedding transferable skills for the future workplace : interview techniques and listening skills.
- Memory recall and reminiscence work with the Age UK group through hands on activities and photography.
- Creative Industry skillsets passed on: zine making, graphic design, layout, type and form.
- Building confidence, encouraging debate and raising attainment for a group of schoolchildren experiencing disadvantage .
- Provide volunteering opportunities for people to use on their CV
Why it's a great idea
Creativity can decrease depression and ease financial burdens on the NHS. Creativity can raise attainment and inspire children to improve attendance at school. The Creative industries generate £92Bn a year to the economy and GCSE reforms mean fewer children are taking arts subjects. It's never too early to encourage conversation and understanding between different generations. According to Age UK, more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.
2,052,709 children in the UK are currently on the pupil premium register (a grant which aims to help disadvantaged kids fulfil their potential). These children are highlighted as vulnerable, likely to achieve lower grades, and at risk of exclusion and disengagement. Many of these children do not have older role models and some children have never spoken to an adult older than their parents generation. This project gives both generations a chance to communicate and learn.
Steps to get it done
- Consultations with Swiss gardens Primary School and the pupil Premium Team
- Consultations and conversation with the Age UK group so they have ownership of this project.
- Organise schedules with Age UK and plan any specialist equipment needed.
- Check volunteer DBS checks are in place.
- Organise dates and schedules with Swiss gardens school and plan around staff commitments.
- Speak to class teachers about the project and plan accordingly
- Establish if there are any safeguarding issues or additional needs that need to be met when delivering these sessions
- Order materials and organise into specific workshops.
- Gather volunteers and have a briefing/training meeting.
- Brief freelancers and contractors on their roles.
- Organise venue and date for celebration party and organise a guest list.
- Look for sponsorship for refreshments for the community party and celebration.
- Gather feedback at the beginning and end of the project from the participants.
- Get marketing and promo materials designed and circulated
- Establish which staff/teaching assistants/Age UK professionals are going to be involved on which days.
- Ensure Age UK members have transport to get to the school to visit the children
- Ensure Age UK members and school children have enough tea, coffee, refreshments within the sessions
- Make sure risk assessments have been completed.
- Write an evaluation, Summer 2019
- Compile timetable of events for school children, teachers, Age UK staff, volunteers, freelancers and contractors
- Call for a PGCE student teacher to come and observe/take part/contribute to the process of this project
This project has potential to improve quality of life in our community. Headteacher Lawrence Caughlin says "I fully support this project as it would have enormous benefits to the pupils at Swiss Gardens, particularly our disadvantaged pupils." Meetings have already happened with Age UK who said, "How lovely it would be to have the children visit us." So far we have met two acrobats, a doctor, a champion ice skater, a dress maker, a teacher, an engineer, an artist, and a nurse. These are interesting individuals with stories that deserve to be heard. "I am 79 but feel 18 inside" said another lady. When people openly share their stories, identities, and their life experiences, they build trust and resilience.
* We have links with the Co-operative Community Space in Shoreham and are sharing resources. Great 2 Create runs bi-weekly sessions at the co-op space currently
* We also have parent volunteers working with us whose children are on pupil premium advising and helping.
