Shades of magic for BBCET pupils

Magical storytelling and shadow puppetry were just two of the attractions on offer when children from a BBCET school enjoyed a special interactive event at the Lighthouse Project.

The pupils from St Lawrence’s Catholic Primary were put through their creative paces by artist Kate Eccles at the workshop, which focused on exploring ‘space, light, and shadow’, as part of a community engagement programme taking place across Newcastle ahead of the Enchanted City Winter Festival.

Inspired by themes of space exploration, star constellations, and night ecology, activities included drawing and storytelling through shadow puppetry, as well as playing with light and shadow. There was also the opportunity for the youngsters to build their own orrery – a moving model of the planets within the solar system.

Fifteen Year 6 children took part from the school, which is based in Byker.

“The session lasted 90 minutes and was designed to be hands-on, imaginative, and accessible, with participants’ ideas feeding into the larger, creative winter event,” said Headteacher Charlotte Robson, who accompanied the group with Year 6 Teacher Peter Jeffrey.

“We are passionate about giving pupils aspirations of attending university,” she added.

“We also think it is important for our pupils to be able to share their talents and ideas with the wider community.”

Images from the children’s artwork will be used to influence a new commissioned piece of art by Bethan Maddocks for Enchanted City.