i sea project wins teaching prize

A project run at Irvine Royal Academy in partnership with Irvine Bay Regeneration Company and the Scottish Maritime Museum has won a top award.

The i sea initiative has walked off with top prize in the Technology Teachers Association Award for Best Cross-Curricular Project.

The project saw second-year pupils in English, Technical, Art and Home Economics classes create work based around the theme of the sea – in keeping with the regeneration company’s aim of promoting and revitalising the stunning stretch of North Ayrshire coastline that encompasses the towns of Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, Saltcoats, and Stevenston.

The youngsters took photographs of exhibits at the museum, and used these to create artworks, craftworks, poems, stories and the creation of exhibit stands from driftwood and timber.

The work of the pupils was put on show at the museum throughout the summer.

Patrick Wiggins of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, who supported and sponsored the project, said: “The creativity of the young people taking part is fantastic, and showcases the talent that exists in Irvine Bay. It also helps us engender a real sense of pride in the area and in the community, and to create that vital sense of place. We are now working on new projects with the school, as well as other schools in the area.”

Stirling Mackie, Head Teacher of Irvine Royal Academy said: “The project has now run successfully for two years. The second-year pupils have been fully engaged with this work at a time of year when interest might otherwise wane, and through the project we have established great links with the Museum and with the regeneration company.”