Project Taunton’s Links with Local Schools Wins Award

Project Taunton, the regeneration of Taunton's town centre, has been recognised by the Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP) for its work with two Taunton schools. Pupils from The Castle School and Bishop Fox's Community School joined members of the Project Taunton team to collect the award at the recent presentation ceremony held at Western Provident Association, Taunton.

Year 9 and 10 geography and science students from the schools have been actively involved with Project Taunton since early last year, undertaking site visits, attending presentations and meeting members of the team. The work brings to life the regeneration and urban renewal elements of Key Stage 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum.

The regeneration of Taunton will create major changes across the town centre, including a new commercial area with a mix of office and residential developments at Firepool, the area near the train station. Expansion of the ground and stands at Somerset County Cricket Club as well as improved cultural facilities including developments at the Museum of Somerset and the Brewhouse Theatre. Better shops, improved public transport and extensive improvements to the riverside areas of town including new housing, landscaped green areas and safe walkways.

Somerset EBP works with business and education to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will help them become the successful workforce of the future.

Talking about the award Robbie Lowes, Project Manager of Project Taunton, said: "Sharing this award with Bishop Fox's Community School and The Castle School is an unexpected pat on the back for the Project Taunton. The town's regeneration has really captured the imagination of the students; it's current, pertinent and I'm hugely impressed by the teachers' and students' enthusiasm and creativity. From a personal point of view I don't think I've ever enjoyed a collaborative project more and I'm now looking forward to developing similar projects with other age groups."

Talking about the value of the partnership with Project Taunton, Chris Howe, Head of Science at The Castle School, added: "This has been a fantastic project to be involved with. Young people need to have a say in the development of Taunton and it is very encouraging to see students in the school showing such an interest in their town. This partnership has proved to be particularly motivating and has encouraged students to think about planning, transport and sustainable development issues. It is one that we would like to see continue and flourish in the future."

Speaking about the day, Bishop Fox's geography teacher Clive Miller said: "We have looked in depth at the proposals for Taunton and this has brought to life classroom-based lessons on regeneration and related issues such as land use, transport and sustainability. To speak to the team at Project Taunton and be taken to the actual sites in the town has been a tremendously powerful learning experience which the students will share with their peers when they return to school."

To find out more about Project Taunton visit www.projecttaunton.co.uk or call 01823 250809.

ENDS