Archaeologist and TV/radio presenter Julian Richards – from TV series ‘Meet The Ancestors’ – unveiled an epic timeline that has been specially produced for St Michael’s Middle School at Colehill.
The timeline consists of 12 panels depicting significant events and people during the 2,000 year period from Christ to the present day. They cover a corridor wall 17 metres long and two metres high.
It was designed and produced by illustrator Amanda Waite, who lives in Colehill, and whose two daughters attend the school.
Head teacher Paul Nation said: “This is a creative and unique project that has enabled children to work together, research and discuss the most important moments of the last 2000 years.
“For everyone to see their ideas and sketches crafted into a superbly creative timeline has been an unforgettable experience.”
The project took Amanda seven months over a two year period to research, obtain copyright permissions and produce as vector images on computer using a stylus pen and tablet. The final panels are printed on vinyl and wrapped on panels fixed to the wall.
She said: “Before I began, we invited school pupils to take part in a competition to come up with concepts and ideas for the panels. Their ideas were amazing and many were incorporated.
“My favourite part is a concept from one of the children’s three top entries – poppies growing out of the gun turret of a World War 1 tank.
“It’s a powerful tool to impact and inspire children for learning. It covers all areas – history, arts, mathematics, inventions, politics, religion and English.
Amanda Waite is a professional illustrator who has produced work for advertising and design agencies. Her current project is her first children’s book.
Julian Richards will return to St Michael’s soon as part of his work with schools, engaging children to help them discover the history and heritage of their land.
And he will be will be back on TV soon with a new series on BBC 4 called Meet the Ancestors – Revisited.
For further details:
• Paul Nation, St Michael's School (01202) 883 433
• Amanda Waite 07538 349 748
www.archaemedia.net (Julian Richards)
