WW100 – A journey of remembrance

In April and May 1917 more than 18,000 Scottish soldiers died at the Battle of Arras in Northern France. 100 years on, 72 students from across Scotland came together to remember.

Working alongside SMARTS communicate we travelled with students (15-17 year olds) and teachers to Belgium and France to visit the battlefields of WW1. The aim of the trip was to commemorate the fallen and capture the students’ experience.

WW100 Scotland aims to inform people about Scotland’s unique contribution to World War One and help them discover the effects of the war on their local communities and its lasting impact on life in Scotland today. The commemorations, which mark the 100th anniversary of the war, are a chance to remember the sacrifices made and reflect on what we can, and should, learn from the war which was meant to end all wars.

I love science because…

We developed a social media campaign with Irvine Bay Regeneration company and The Royal Society of Edinburgh to inspire the next generation of scientists in Scotland. Short films featured Scotland’s leading scientists, innovators and creatives, including Minecraft developer Chris Van Der Kuyl, astronomer Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, forensic anthropologist Professor Sue Black, writer Ian Rankin and television presenter and geologist Professor Iain Stewart. These short videos were designed to be shared across Twitter, Facebook and YouTube and were built around the question: Why do you love science?

 

Inspiring Enterprise Challenge 2016

Enterprise Challenge Enterprise Challenge

I had a fun couple of weeks working with young people from South Lanarkshire and mentoring future media star Rebecca as she filmed and edited a movie about their enterprise challenge. Sixteen students took part in the ‘Young Apprentice’ style challenge working at businesses including Border Biscuits, Coca Cola and Scottish Power.  Yes, we actually watched the Dark Chocolate Gingers bake in front of our eyes.

It was great to see a link between business and school as they applied their knowledge and skills to a real-life context. Beginning the fortnight as a bunch of shy teenagers and ending it as confident, inspired young adults was brilliant to see. Thanks to Helen Salt (Bright Yellow Thinking), Michael Kearns (UXL) and Eliot Jordan (South Lanarkshire Council).

Watch Rebecca’s documentary below – shot and edited on an iPad!