Out and About in Sheffield - High Storrs School

Out and About in Sheffield is the first Beyond the School project to take place in Sheffield. The project is based at High Storrs School on the west side of the City. It was launched before the summer holidays and is now in full swing. I recently asked the project leader, Charlotte Ferrier, a few questions about the project...

Please can you describe your project in a paragraph?

The project is a study of Sheffield’s local history examining life and landscape changing over time. The heritage the project will focus on is the change from a heavily industrial Sheffield to a more commercial city. The period of history covers approximately the years 1850-2011. The main focus of the project is to aim to help young pupils learn more about where they come from and how much that area has developed and changed over this period of time. It is about inspiring young people to take an interest in their local heritage by having them take an active part in the project in order to enthuse and teach others in the wider community about Sheffield’s past.

What are the main aims of your project?

• To give young people the chance to take a crucial role in a heritage project.
• Encouraging young people to take an active role in preserving their local heritage.
• To preserve the memories and opinions of older members of community together with the images of the past.
• To allow young people to develop history skills by identifying, recording, interpreting the heritage of their locality.
• To achieve community involvement in a heritage project and to encourage a wider appreciation of the local area.

What made you decide to start your project in the first place?

I have always been a keen historian and am enthusiastic about research. Pupils at High Storrs School enjoy history and are dedicated to the subject. Pupils were also keen to be involved in extra-curricular activities, therefore when this opportunity came I thought it was a very good idea to get pupils enthusiastic about their locality.

What have you done so far?

• Research has been undertaken by staff.
• There have been weekly meetings with pupils, teaching them about the aims of the project and the history of Sheffield.
• Pupils have been compiling questionnaires for the High Storrs Centralians (former High Storrs students).
• Photographs have been taken of different areas of Sheffield.
• Links have been made with community members.
• Links have been made with Sheffield University

Why is the heritage that your project focuses on important?

It is important that pupils become actively involved in their locality, interacting with older members of the community, as I believe it will be hugely beneficial in encouraging community spirit and pride within Sheffield. Pupils working on the project have gained confidence in their communication skills and are developing other skills also (ICT, analysis etc...).

How will the project benefit local heritage in the future?

• Memories of older members of the community will be preserved.
• Learning resources will be produced and preserved.
• Younger children will be informed of their local history.

Who is participating in the project?

• Pupils
• Elderly locals
• High Storrs School

The Out and About in Sheffield project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

If your school/organisation would be interested in developing a local heritage project based on the Beyond the School model, please contact James King by email (jking@cfme.net).