Greenwich pupils spark national debate about culture in an age of austerity

A new map to encourage young people to visit the Greenwich heritage site is being showcased in a national exhibition of pupils’ work at Discover Greenwich.

The exhibition, called Unforgettable lessons, is being launched with a debate about the role of cultural education in an age of austerity.

Unforgettable lessons showcases the journey of 12 groups of young people from all over England who have been thinking about how people have shaped their local area, and how these places in turn shape their lives. Each project has explored the value of using building and spaces to teach the school curriculum, and helped these young people develop the confidence and skills to get involved in changes to their neighbourhood. 

Pupils from Kidbrooke School, for example, researched the architecture, geography and history of Greenwich to create a map which reflects the things which captured their imagination, from subterranean tunnels to ghost stories.

Pupils from Greenwich’s Wingfield Primary School also created work chosen for display: they observed the way in which the Old Royal Naval College has changed to inspire ideas about how personal spaces can evolve.

The exhibition is mounted by Engaging Places, an education initiative led by CABE and English Heritage, to support teaching and learning through buildings and places.

Matt Bell, director of education at CABE, said: ‘This exhibition is about inspiring young people to think differently about where they live and learn. It’s about discovering how they can shape the look and feel of the buildings and the spaces all around them.’

Duncan Wilson OBE, chief executive at the Greenwich Foundation, said: ‘Using the built environment as a learning resource is the central tenet of the Greenwich Foundation’s learning strategy. The Amethyst Class in Wingfield School was a delightful group of children to work with and the project has engaged them to look again at their school and local environment and the ways in which they can be changed for the better.’

Unforgettable Lessons runs from 12 July to 31 August and is free.

Notes to editors

• To request an interview or images please contact Jane Barraclough 020 7070 6771 or jbarraclough@cabe.org.uk
• Engaging Places is an education programme delivered by CABE in partnership with English Heritage, to encourage the use of buildings and places in teaching and learning. www.engagingplaces.org.uk
• CABE is the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. As a public body, we encourage policymakers to create places that work for people. We help local planners apply national design policy and offer expert advice to developers and architects. We show public sector clients how to commission buildings that meet the needs of their users. And we seek to inspire the public to demand more from their buildings and spaces. Advising, influencing and inspiring, we work to create well-designed, welcoming places. www.cabe.org.uk
• Discover Greenwich at the Old Royal Naval College is a new £6 million contemporary cultural venue in the heart of Maritime Greenwich for over a million visitors a year.