Our Medway (formerly HELM - Medway Children Programme)

(Managed by Medway Council)

Every Child Matters outcomes met:

• enjoying and achieving

• making a positive contribution

• economic wellbeing

From April to October 2006 during term-time, local children aged 5-11 from 13 Medway Primary schools took part in the Our Medway project. This innovative and exciting local studies and ICT project, driven by the National Curriculum, increases awareness and appreciation of Medway, the local environment, our rich history and ICT through creative learning encounters. As part of the experience, classes explored the River Medway aboard an ex-pilot vessel, but more recently have savoured the delights aboard the majestic paddle-steamer Kingswear Castle. In addition, Medway's rich cultural heritage is brought to life when classes engage with local heritage attractions.

The Our Medway project encourages children to take pride in their local community by reflecting on its unique cultural heritage. Through the project, the children are able to reflect on the role they play in the community and their exciting future in Medway, whilst discovering the diverse geographical landscape and the importance of positive action. The children really enjoy learning from first-hand experience in the area where they live. Heritage attractions include: Rochester Cathedral, Rochester Castle, the Guildhall Museum, Cooling Church and Chatham Historic Dockyard. The schools taking part from April are All Hallows Primary, All Saints CE Primary, Featherby Junior School, Hempstead Junior, Parkwood Junior, St Benedict’s RC Primary, St Margaret’s CE Junior, Saxon Way Primary, Lordswood Infant, Lordswood Junior, St James' CE Primary, Byron Primary and Wayfield Primary.

Phase 1 of the Our Medway project was previously undertaken by 8 other schools during October and November 2005 (Danecourt Community School, Hilltop Primary, Maundene Primary, Mierscourt Primary, Oaklands Junior, St Augustine’s RC Primary, St Helen’s CE Primary and Walderslade Primary). These schools were the last to explore the river onboard the historic vessel “Havengore” before she stopped this service.

Such has been the success of the Our Medway project since 2005, further excursions are currently being planned to give a new group of children and teachers in Medway Primary schools the opportunity to experience the excitement of Medway's heritage during 2007-8.

Impact Evaluation Report(75KB)

Independent Evaluation - Full Report(95KB)  Independent Evaluation - Summary(95KB)