Bantani Cymru led a partnership of schools, IICED, UWTSD and volunteers across Swansea, and launched an ambitious, creative, shared learning project focusing on local community heritage and culture.
At Oystermouth Castle, students are exploring the theme of “Cynefin,” which represents our shared sense of people, place, heritage, and belonging. This creative project, part of the new “Successful Futures” curriculum, encourages pupils to research 12th-century local life by studying the Battle of Gower, a key moment in Welsh history that took place on New Year’s Day in 1136. Students are sharing what they’ve learned with each other and their communities.
Key aims
“It takes a village to raise a child. In partnership with the Education Department in the Council, the University is mobilising a Team Swansea, Team Wales approach to bringing the new curriculum and four purposes to life,” said Hazel Israel IICED, UWTSD co-ordinator of the initiative and Director of Bantani Cymru. “Our pupils are taking the role of community historians, using their learning to create social and cultural value for themselves, in, with and for their communities. This not only enriches our shared understanding of local heritage but also cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility for our shared cultural resources and enables learning to use local people and places as resources to make sure our new curriculum in Wales can be the best in the world.”
- Empowerment through Learning We aim to harness the innate curiosity of primary learners, guiding them to discover and appreciate the natural beauty around their neighbourhoods.
- Community Collaboration Our goal is to strengthen ties among local schools, learners, community groups, and dignitaries, fostering a shared appreciation for local nature spots.
- Digital Promotion of Community Natural Assets We enable students to design and curate digital visitor guides, promoting nature trails and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Partners/collaborators
With thank to The Gower Society, Mumbles Community Council, Swansea Council, Friends of Oystermouth Castle, Gwerin y Gwyr, Morgan of Mercia, Gower Unearthed and EPM Creative
