One Square Mile
Colchester school receives £62k National Lottery grant.
EDUCATION bosses have been left feeling “delighted” after a school was awarded tens of thousands of pounds to fund an ambitious history project.
St John’s Green Primary School, which has two sites in the heart of Colchester, has received a grant worth £62,500 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The huge financial boost will be used to support the institution’s two year long One Square Mile scheme, which will research the rich heritage on the school’s doorstep.
The school will be aided throughout by Colchester Garrison, Colchester Civic Society and the Colchester Recalled Oral History Society.
Experts from the Colchester Archaeological Trust, Colchester Museums Services and Essex Record Office will also be supporting the research.
Once the study is completed, it will include sources, trails, images, and information, which will be made available to the teachers, peers and the wider public.
The project will fittingly wrap-up just in time for the school’s 125th anniversary in 2024, celebrating the milestone by making its vast history available to all those interested.
Tina Bourne, deputy headteacher said: “Our school is at the heart of the community.
“I am delighted St John's Green School has been awarded funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore heritage on our doorstep for the next two years.
“We know that our children and staff are ready to get started on creating new experiences with a fantastic selection of local partners.”
Throughout the initiative, teachers will embark on informative trips to historical sites, research the people who lived in the community, and meet with experts.
Alongside project manager, Laura Davison, they will also collate educational materials and each year-group will take a deep-dive into a dedicated time period.
Staffed and pupils will also observe local heritage through drawing and sketching, culminating in the creation of three-dimensional cardboard sculptures.
Designer John Wallet will even produce a dedicated interactive history map using a unique digital platform, illustrated by interpretation and drawings.
Laura said: “I look forward to developing and delivering this incredibly rich project with St John’s Green Primary School.
“Within walking distance of more than 50 monuments, heritage sites and listed buildings, this project will be extremely rich.
“It will involve a wide range of people from Colchester’s community and beyond.”
To volunteer to be involved in the project email lauradavison68@hotmail.com.