Clydebank re-built

Schools/Education

The schools programme is a major element of the consultative approach being adopted by Clydebank re-built.

Its overall aims are to:

• Introduce pupils and teachers to Clydebank re-built and to encourage long-term involvement in the future regeneration of the town
• Encourage schools to study the architectural, cultural and social heritage of their area, and to consider how they would like to see Clydebank develop in the future
• Provide an opportunity to involve local children and young people which will have a direct impact on their lives and the lives of their families.

Listed below are examples of the projects we have undertaken:

Regeneration Workshops & Presentations: We continue to work with local schools in our regeneration programme. If your school would be interested in receiving a presentation from us, please do not hesitate to contact Claire McGinley on 0141 951 3420.

Solar Tiles: As part of the upgrade of the North Canal Bank pupils from local primary schools have taken part in workshops to design solar tiles which have been placed in the towpath along the Canal Bank. The designs on the Solar Tiles include images of the Titan Crane and the Singer Clock.

Bridge Lighting Project: As part of the Animating the Canal pupils from Whitecrook Primary are taking part in a special project to design and create a new lighting scheme for the Bridge at Argyll Road. With the help of experts from lighting specialist company Lightfolio, the Whitecrook pupils have taken part already in two workshops in school.  The workshops have highlighted how lighting can enhance an area, make it safer and how different coloured lighting can make a real difference to the appearance of buildings and structures, like bridges. New lighting is being installed in the underpass at Asda. This is part of the overall lighting project and complements the Bridge Lighting Projects that have already taken place at Whitecrook and Kilbowie Road.

Planting Projects: The first planting project has taken place at Clyde Gate with Our Lady of Loretto Primary School and Clydemuir Primary School. Pupils planted vegetables which grew over the summer months. The first crop was taken back to the school for pupils to enjoy.

Animating the Canal: Working with young people: The Project - which involved every primary and secondary school in Clydebank over the past two years ended in May 2008. Everyone taking part rated the project a great success.  Over 900 young people took part in the programme, which focussed on environmental and other activities in and around the Canal, including the first ever Winter Light Festival in Clydebank.

The programme was delivered in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council, the Greenspace Trust and British Waterways.

Other projects included:

Goldfish Lanterns & Paper Boats Workshops: Over 500 young people from several primary schools and secondary schools participated in the creation of lanterns and paper boats. In 2007 and 2008 four Winter Light Festivals were held where the young people came together with their lanterns and boats and took part in a  procession along the canal bank with their family, teachers and friends. The young people enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their work. The lanterns and paper boats were also showcased at the Canal Canopy Exhibition.

Signage/Maps/Drawing Canal Tours:  The purpose of these trips was to research the features along the canal, generating maps and drawings of all the interesting points to look out for from a child's point of view. This included stories that would engage other children. To date 97 young people participated. Some of the work was used as the design for the heated seats on the Canal Bank.

Wild on Water activities: Canoeing, cycling, walking and fishing: This programme, delivered by The Waterways Trust was aimed at giving school classes of children an opportunity to learn canoeing or participate in walking, cycling or angling on the canal. Each group would received a day's activity and include 2-3 of the above activities to try each lasting an hour. 75 young people from Clydebank High School have participated in this project. 

Greenspace Trust Planting tree trails, wildlife attracting shrubs and bulb planting: This project, delivered by the Greenspace Trust involved bulb planting and plating large specimen trees at various locations along the Canal. Young people will also plant wildlife attracting shrubs along the banks of the Canal.

Titan Education Outreach Programme: The Titan is a symbol of a proud industrial heritage that is known worldwide. Awarded with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in February 2009, the Titan appointed a Heritage Officer dedicated to developing a new and interactive outreach programme for schools and community groups of all ages in learning about the industrial heritage of the John Browns site.

Resources: Created with the Curriculum for Excellence in Mind, the free Titan education Resource Pack is relevant to today's educational needs and ideally suited for use in any classroom. The Primary and Secondary packs are both available now. The Secondary pack is aimed at S1-S6 age group, however due to its flexibile design it can be adapted to suit college and university students as well. To order your copy, free of charge, contact Cheryl on 0141 951 3420.

Other school projects include: East End Lighting; Titan Crane Animation; STAND; Christmas Light Motifs; Lighthouse Exhibition