Book of 'living history' is lockdown legacy of students, staff and parents at Padiham high school

A unique collection of poetry, prose and artwork by students, staff and parents at a Padiham high school will be a permanent record of one of the strangest times in modern day.
By Susan Plunkett
Published 7th Jul 2020, 07:00 BST
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Cleverly titled, Shuttleworth Coronacles, the book is a collection of work about the pandemic and how it has affected indivduals. Straight from the heart, the book is moving, funny, touching and enlightening.

A school book had been on the cards for some time at Shuttleworth Community College and the onset of lockdown seemed the perfect opportunity for it to be launched.

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English teacher Mrs Vikki Hudson said: "Community is one of our school values and it is really important to us at Shuttleworth.

Pictured with the book, which featues their work, are (left to right) Mr Swindells Literacy and library coordinator, Bella Neal (year seven), Katie Miller (year 11) and Neve Walsh (year eight)Pictured with the book, which featues their work, are (left to right) Mr Swindells Literacy and library coordinator, Bella Neal (year seven), Katie Miller (year 11) and Neve Walsh (year eight)
Pictured with the book, which featues their work, are (left to right) Mr Swindells Literacy and library coordinator, Bella Neal (year seven), Katie Miller (year 11) and Neve Walsh (year eight)

"That is why we were keen to include all staff and parents as well as our students and create a project that we had worked together to build. We hope that this made people feel more connected again despite being physically distant. "

Staff, students and parents were challenged to write creatively or create artwork that somehow represented their time in lockdown.

Although it was kept open, to allow people creative freedom, students were given guidance with a few suggestions.

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Mrs Hudson added: "The quality of the artwork and creative writing we received completely blew us away and we were over the moon that everybody got so involved.

Shuttlleworth Coronacles is a book of living historyShuttlleworth Coronacles is a book of living history
Shuttlleworth Coronacles is a book of living history

"As staff, we relished the opportunity to be a part of it and creative in a way that we normally reserve for our students. A lot of people surprised us with their creativity and a few pieces of writing resulted in a couple of tears!

"We couldn’t be more proud of everyone who took part.

"Lockdown has been difficult for everyone in all sorts of different ways and we hope that people can find some peace in our written living history. "

The book has also been used to create opportunities for students to be read to. A series of short stories have been read and shared on You Tube and staff are currently reading poetry and sharing it.

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For new year sevens key chapters of 'Wonder' by R.J Palacio have sent home for them to read over the summer through social media including Instagram.

If you would liked to read Shuttleworth Coronacles please click HERE.

Related topics:PadihamCommunity

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