The Windmill Project
Why The Windmill Project?
The windmill project is unique. It offers tailor-made, fully-delivered package of engaging activities, helping to raise children’s awareness of issues around climate change and sustainable development issues at the same time as providing teachers with the opportunity to use the project’s targeted lesson plans to improve writing skills.
The children work in-role as Energy Super Heroes, guided by a ‘special agent’ to explore issues around climate change – its causes and effects, renewable energy and the arguments for and against, and the inequality of global energy use.
The global dimension is highlighted by the use of the story of William Kamkwamba, who as a boy outside of education in Malawi built his own wind turbine out of recycled materials in order to provide light for his home.
Children will be made aware of the possible effects of climate change locally by exploring the results of rising sea levels. A trip to the unique and highly endangered eco-system of the Norfolk Broads will help ‘bring the message home’.
Most importantly, children are offered information about some of the solutions to problems related to climate change. This will give children the power to make informed decisions and allow them to move towards behavioural and attitudinal change. We are committed to providing children with the information and skills they need to grow into engaged citizens, and to help them to shape a future fit for their dreams.
The first trial took place at Greenacre school in Great Yarmouth, with two classes of year 5 pupils over six weeks in Spring term of 2010. It was a resounding success.
“I thought it was fun, fascinating and extraordinary because I’ve learnt so much and it’s juts helped everyone.”
Super lightening, year 5 pupil/ trainee
“The focus the children had over the project was excellent. They wanted to know more after the sessions and they were asking us if they could do things after the sessions and during the week. They always looked forward to the afternoons when your guys were coming in.”
Agent A, year 5 teacher
What’s going to happen next?
· A second trial with years 3 and 4 of Peterhouse Primary School, Gorlseton took place in June/July 2010. This school has continued to work on the themes raised and NEAD arranged for past pupil and renouned singer songwriter David McAlmont to participate in workshops on sustainability issues this winter! LISTEN TO THE TRACK THAT THEY PRODUCED ( The Norfolk Flood Blues), HERE:
· The Windmill project has been used as a transition activity during the summer holidays of 2010, involving 60 east Norfolk pupils making the transition from year 6 to year 7. This received enthusiastic feedback from the children as well as positive media coverage.
· Fleggburgh Primary School is the third school to welcome The Windmill project, during this autumn term, with Caister Junior to follow in November.
· The autumn term also sees the expansion of The Windmill project into the western area of Norfolk children’s services with Sedgeford Primary visiting Bircham Windmill.
Where does The Windmill Project fit in schools?
The Windmill Project has many links with, and much relevance to life in schools today.
· The New Primary Curriculum 2011
· The Creative Learning Journey
· Cross-curricular activities
· Transition activities (from primary secondary and from infant to junior)
· Gifted and talented provision (The Windmill Project provides an excellent opportunity for challenging, in-depth work with more able pupils)
· A project with proven appeal to children who are less engaged
“I don’t like being in a classroom doing work, I like to be outside learning about it so it was really fun and exciting, especially the trip to Horsey Mill. It’s really interesting when you go in a windmill because you can see how it works, and what it affects, because I didn’t know how many windmills are in our area.”
Climate Change Courtney, Year 5 pupil / trainee
· Extended Schools offer. (The project works well as a holiday or activity, and within the remit of the parenting support agenda)
· Teacher assessment
What’s the windmill trip?
· The trip is an integral part of the project. It offers participants the opportunity to explore, first hand, a threatened eco-system of international significance.
· The day is planned as a carousel of activities:
A) Exploration of the history, present and future of The Broads. Looking at flora, fauna, and the effect climate change may have in the future.
B) Exploration of a windmill or wind pump. A climb to the top to enjoy the view, and enjoy the view, and expert input to improve understanding of how windmills work, and their effect on the environment.
C) Stories from The Broads. How the unique landscape has led to the creation of myths and legends specific to this region. An opportunity to rest and enjoy some spooky stories
· Children engage with aspects from The Broads Authority and The National Trust.
· The trip helps children to feel proud of the landscape on their doorstep, and to understand the reality of climate change in relation to their own lives.
How much would this cost my school?
Providing your school is a NEAD member, and within the eastern or western areas of Norfolk Children’s Services, you can have the project for FREE! (subject to capacity).
How can we run The Windmill Project in our school?
