Project Tommy – a collaborative project to commemorate World War 1

Project Tommy - Falinge Park School - boy soldier drummers

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A number of schools from across Rochdale have recently taken part in Project Tommy – a collaborative commemoration project to commemorate the anniversary of the First World War.

The Imperial War Museum North in Salford Quays was the venue for the culmination of almost a year’s collaboration between Falinge Park High School, All Saints Community Primary School, Healey Primary School, Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Newhey Community Primary School, Shawclough Primary School and St Michael's CE Primary School.

An exhibition of work produced by the children took place both inside and outside of the museum and included dance, drama, design technology, poetry, 2D and 3D artwork, creative writing, animation, choral speaking, musical and choir pieces.

The event was supported by The Royal British Legion.

A Spokesperson for Falinge Park High School said: “Many thanks to all of the families, friends, pupils, staff and supporters of ‘Project Tommy.’ We were delighted that the event was supported by The British Legion and over 700 people were in attendance on the night.”

St Michael's CE Primary School in Bamford opened the event with a dance performance and also closed the event with their performance.

Deputy Headteacher Aidan Gumbley said: “We think the event went really well. We were lucky enough to open the show and then close the show also. We wanted to take part because we thought it would be a good way to teach the children about WW1 as well as it fitting in with some of the things they are currently learning.”

Holy Trinity Primary School in Littleborough took part in the event with staff member Jenna Bradford saying: “It was absolutely fantastic.”

Around 15 pupils between the ages of eight and eleven took part in the event which saw them combine musical performances and artwork surrounding the novel War Horse.

Jenna added: “The children really enjoyed the performance. I think it made them want to learn more about the war and because it is in line with the centenary of WW1, they were really interested in many of the aspects.”

Year 6 pupils from All Saints Community Primary School did a number of activities for the event including a visit to the Imperial War Museum, poppy art, poems and letter writing as if they were in the First World War. The pupils then performed a dance as part of the event.

Sharon Hardy from All Saints Community Primary school said: “It has been really good for the children. I think with it being the centenary, it has really engaged the children with learning about the war.”

Healey Primary School took part in choral speaking and a dance activity. Around 50 pupils between the ages of nine and eleven took part in the event.

Helen Johnson from Healey Primary School said: “It was a really good event. We have done similar things before and found them really good things for the children to get involved in.”

Shawclough Primary School incorporated their work for the event with year 5 literacy work and did diary writing and research into World War 1.

A spokesperson for the school said: “It was a fabulous event and it was a huge success. There was a lot of amazing work undertaken and some really good things were done. The children loved it.”

Newhey Primary School did a number of pieces for the event including mixed media collages, literacy pieces and homework pieces. As well as physical work, the school performed two drama pieces and a dance piece.

Michelle Gardener from Newhey Primary School said: “It was brilliant. It was absolutely fantastic and was a great experience for all of the children. The children loved every minute of it.”

Falinge Park High School also commissioned a dance piece by the graduate company 12 Degrees North. The piece, entitled ‘Battlefield Boy’, received fabulous acclaim as it was performed in the shadows on the Quayside.