Published: Friday, 12th June, 2009 3:29pm

I-SEA THE GREAT WORK OF IRVINE'S KIDS

WORK created through a pioneering initiative linking education and regeneration goes on show in Irvine next week.

An exhibition of creative work developed by local school pupils and including print and design, creative writing and art will go on show at the Scottish Maritime Museum from June 16th and will run throughout the summer.

Irvine Bay Regeneration Company has worked with Irvine Royal Academy on the i-sea project; bringing regeneration to life and helping pupils gain skills for life and work by involving them in projects where they work in partnership with local businesses and the community. Pupils at Irvine Royal Academy have been inspired by the i-sea theme, part of Irvine Bay"s vision for regeneration. The theme is all about reconnecting with the sea and pupils have used this in a variety of subject areas.

The theme was used in language and ICT classes to develop pupils" creative writing techniques and produce magazines; this work was transferred into practical arts work where they produced collage cushions in Home Economics, maritime paintings and pottery and exhibition stands in Technical and Art; and the production of a DVD about their learning experience.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: 'There"s no doubt that the impact of our work at Irvine Bay Regeneration Company will be long term, so it makes sense to work with young people in schools to help them contribute to regeneration and benefit from it.

'Regeneration is not only about improving the buildings in the area, it"s about creating jobs and improving people"s lives.

'Our education programme, led by experts in enterprise in education, is a way of involving young people directly in the regeneration of their area. Young people can see how their school work relates to the world around them and learning becomes relevant and purposeful and as a result they engage with the regeneration of their area.'

Mr Wiggins added: 'It"s all about adding value to education and Irvine Bay Regeneration Company is supporting the education sector in doing this.'

Stirling Mackie, Head teacher at Irvine Royal Academy, said: "We appreciate the input and support from Irvine Bay Regeneration Company because without it we could not have carried out this project to such a high standard and our teachers and pupils would not have benefited in the way that they have.'

Anne Marie McGowan who leads the project said: 'As a result of this interaction, the pupils" are more engaged and their learning is more effective, enabling them to produce superior results - many S2 pupils have produce work that meets SQA Higher standards. Our visiting education experts have viewed this project highly as it raises achievement and attainment. This is indeed a high accolade for the work being supported by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company.'

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