The demolition of blocks of flats and redevelopment of a site close to Deansfield High School in Wolverhampton gave an opportunity for pupils to focus work on town planning and regeneration.
Working with Wolverhampton City Council and the Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation, pupils created a large-scale model of the site which became the focal point for extensive community consultation with over 300 residents. Designers, architects and planners have also been involved and house-building firm, Persimmon, has enlisted pupils to contribute to the creative development of the show home in this project supported by Creative Partnerships The Black Country. Although work began in geography and design, it quickly inspired other teachers in English, maths, art, music and ICT to explore creative learning. Pupils have produced a report in partnership with graduates from Wolverhampton University?s School of Art and Design. At a Wolverhampton Housing Conference last month, they gave a presentation about the history of the site, the community consultation using Planning for Real, and subsequent work with the regeneration team at the City Council.