Working with schools

We work with schools, groups and individuals in all sorts of creative ways to support learning and educational visits in the North Pennines. 

Here you will find information to support you and your group when you visit the North Pennines AONB and Geopark. There are examples of what similar groups have been up to at different sites within the North Pennines.

Creating films

Recently pupils at Wolsingham school collaborated with the AONB Partnership and film makers to create two films which explore the students' local landscape and geology. They also learnt new skills in technology, science, literacy, art and more.

Half of the class made a film supported by the AONB Partnership and Jack Drum Arts, based in Weardale. 'Rockbound' features the pupils out and about talking about their landscape with geology animations.

The other half of the class turned the AONB Partnership's 'Blanchland Geological Trail' into a downloadable audio visual trail. Visitors and local people can download it on to their smartphone for use in the field, or simply enjoy watching online. The work was supported by the AONB Partnership and SH! TV.

Year 9 teacher and Head of Expressive Arts, Andrew Fowler, who championed the project from the beginning, said: " These children learnt a huge amount, gained in self confidence and had a great time!"

AONB Partnership Director, Chris Woodley-Stewart, said: "I'm really proud of the pupils in 9S. They worked so hard and co-operated with each other brilliantly. They were a credit to the school, their families and the Dale."

At the same time students from Langkawi Geopark school in Malaysia created a short film showing off some of the best features of their Geopark.

At a film premier evening in Wolsingham in June 2011 all three films were shown for students, families and friends.