Project Inspiration: celebrating heritage

Beyond the School is a continuation of similar projects that have been running in several European Union countries . The main tasks involved in the project can be carried out by schools, teachers, youth workers and other professionals but most importantly by the students themselves. The active nature of the inquiry methods adopted and the participation of the students in finding out about their heritage is the most important aspect of the project.
Key activities
The key activity of the Beyond the School project is the principle that all the steps will be carried out by young people and this will lead to a successful presentation of the students‘ results for the enjoyment of the general public. An important aim of the project is to influence the development of the students‘ system of values. If the project is planned and completed in the appropriate manner, young people should become better informed and more interested in their local environment and its historical connections and will participate more readily in local activities.
Project aims
The Beyond the School Project aims to involve young people in finding out about, enjoying and celebrating their rich and diverse cultural heritage. It aims to actively encourage educational organisations and youth groups to become involved in partnerships with heritage organisations and organisations representing people from different age groups and cultural backgrounds. The project has several tangible outcomes-digital images, exhibition materials and publications-but it also hopes to emphasise the importance of team working, interpersonal communications and the forging of relationships and partnerships as vital components of the learning process.
Possible areas of interest
Young people could investigate local customs and traditions, particularly those connected with a particular cultural group. They might examine local records, archives and collections of historic photographs. The employment patterns in some areas may have changed dramatically in the last century, moving from heavy industry to modern technologies and these changes will almost certainly be reflected in the local environment. Other groups may want to explore biodiversity, showing how land use in their local area has changed and its effects on the wildlife populations. There are many and varied interpretations of heritage and Beyond the School allows flexibility to explore issues of local interest and importance.