Pupils at Danesfield School in Williton spent a creative day being architects and designing buildings based on their own experiences of places they have lived in, places they have visited and spaces they can imagine.

The project, made possible by Opportunities Area funding, was co-ordinated by Cat Smith, head of learning from Contains Art and the East Quay Project in Watchet.

Helen King, an architect and environmental psychologist who helped develop the educational space at East Quay, delivered the training to pupils. 

It included a range of creative activities throughout the day.   As well as the design of their building, the children were asked to consider how to make their structures sustainable and how the space would help the occupants’ well-being.  

The project ultimately aims to create a range of creativity and learning boxes which can be loaned to schools in West Somerset and beyond.

The boxes will contain a four-lesson scheme of work with resources that will enable children to experience learning they would not normally access in school. The theme of the project is ’Possibilities for a Positive Future’ and will revolve around themes such as biodiversity and community, as well as well-being and sustainability.

Year 6 teacher Petri Cole said: "The children were engaged and active throughout the day. I could not believe how brilliant and creative their designs were.

"They were able to tell me exactly what they had learnt and how much they had enjoyed the day. The buildings and spaces they created were imaginative but also very practical. I’m sure some of them are already on a path to becoming architects of the future." 

The school is aiming to achieve the Artsmark award. Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings accredited by Arts Council England. The school is aiming for the highest award of platinum.