Pupils from Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, Amlwch, have been exploring the history of their local area and the War at Sea.
The year 7 pupils have been working with three creative practitioners to interpret these important stories, as part of an all-Wales exhibition on the Stories of the War at Sea held in Oriel Môn.
Their work has been made possible thanks to a grant from Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.
With the work of commemorating the First World War coming to an end, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales worked with Museums, Archives and Communities in Wales to discover the hidden stories of the war at sea, which was a key part of British tactics in the campaign. Exhibitions of these hidden stories have been held throughout Wales and the final exhibition is being held in Oriel Môn until December 2019. The exhibition relates important stories of the war at sea during this period and the impact it had on Wales, its people and its seascape.
There are over 150 shipwrecks in Welsh waters dating back to the First World War. A number of these ships were carrying goods including food, coal and fuel. Over 1,000 ‘ordinary’ people lost their lives in shipwrecks in Welsh waters during this period.
As part of this project, Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones researched some of the stories regarding the local area and ships which were part of the campaign. Working with the Anglesey Archives and Oriel Môn, they learnt more about some of the important campaigns of the period and events which had a direct impact on Amlwch.
They interpreted these stories with the help of creative practitioners Gill Brownson, Siwan Llynor and Owain Llyr and learnt more about the creative skills of storytelling, drama and film creation.
A special launch of the pupil’s own film was held in Oriel Môn last week. The exhibition ‘U-Boat Project Commemorating the War at Sea’ can be viewed there until January 5th 2020.
Ceri Williams, Learning and Engagement Manager, Oriel Môn, explained, “It’s very important that we remember the stories of those people who made the ultimate sacrifice for us during this period. Through working with the pupils of Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, we have learnt about some of the people from this area and the war at sea. Through the hard and creative work of the young people, we are ensuring that these people and what they did will never be forgotten”.
Wendy Griffiths, a teacher at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones said, “We are very grateful to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and Oriel Môn for the opportunity to be part of this project. It has been an excellent opportunity for the young people to research their local history. It has also been an opportunity for us as teachers to work across departments on a creative project. A special thank you too to Gill, Siwan and Owain for their work.”
Ends 10.10.19