Eco Park Project - Starbank Primary School, Birmingham
Birmingham Eco Park became the backdrop for a play performed by pupils from Starbank School in Birmingham. The pupils performed ‘The Story of Minamata Bay’ in front of family and friends, leading them through the Eco Park as the story developed.
The play is based on facts and tells the story of a fishing village that was polluted following the arrival of a new factory. The children were able to discuss the issues included in the play, such as pollution, poverty versus prosperity, traditional/new skills and how it may impact on the local community.
As well as acting, pupils had the opportunity to produce a show-reel of the play that was shown to the rest of the school. As a result of the project, teachers saw an increase in confidence, teamwork and general literacy among the children.
Pupils Abida and Ikra said: ‘We have enjoyed working with the filmmakers to create different films. It has been great fun and very creative. Everyone liked the green screen because it was like working on TV.’
Sarah Jones, Creative Co-ordinator at Starbank School said: ‘Today has been a wonderful showcase to conclude our first Change School project. It has allowed us to show how the project has influenced everyone involved, and how far the children and adults have developed in numerous skills. It was also about enabling the children to be proud of their achievements, showing their work to the wider community and allowing the children to have a voice.’
For further information on this project, contact Marcia Springer, Communications and Marketing Officer at Bright Space on 0121 772 9454.
