We’re in the Bolton News!

St.James Primary School and their involvment in our WW1 project, fantastic school with fantastic children! We look forward to working with them again in the future.

Below is the article written by ‘Saiqa Chaudhari’ about the event and the impact it had on the children:

Schoolchildren create a poignant tribute to the fallen to commemorate 100 years since the end of the Great War.

By Saiqa Chaudhari – education reporter

A SCHOOL garden has been transformed in to a waterfall of red poppies in a poignant memorial to the fallen to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One. More than 400 poppies have been placed in the grounds of St James’ CE Primary School, Daisy Hill in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the Great War.

Every single child ­— from nursery to Year Six ­­— made their own red poppy for the striking tribute with all members of staff and people from the wider community also contributing to the installation which can be seen from Hindley Road.

The idea for the beautiful memorial was borne out a project Year Six children were taking part in with Harmony Youth Project to learn about the conflict.

Headteacher Catherine Watkin said: “This a whole school project, with all children having made a poppy in this very important centenary year. Every member of staff and governors has also taken part.

“The wider community has also got involved. Past parents have got in touch asking if they can place a poppy because members of their family fought in the war.

“It is a very moving installation. It is something quite unique and people have stopped to take photographs and it is still growing with members of the public placing poppies.”

As part of children’s learning of the Great War, they have produced other art works, created short dance and drama performances as well as doing their research to deepen their understanding of the conflict.

Mrs Watkin said: “The children have been quite touched by taking part in this and have shown empathy for those who fought for us in battles and conflict.

“They will remember this throughout their lives.”

The tribute is made even more poignant said Mrs Watkin because some pupils at the school have family members who are serving in the armed forces and have fought in conflicts.

The installation will remain in place throughout the year and members of the public can place their own poppies after half-term during set times.

Children will perform their dance and drama productions in front of parents in the run up to Remembrance Day.

link: Bolton News Article