Northumberland’s 'future story' and The Pitmen Painters

I’ve mentioned Barnsley Local Authority a number of times in my blog recently, and how they are seeking to transform education across their borough. I seem to be meeting more and more local authorities who are now starting to address seriously and strategically the need for far more practical and vocational learning opportunities for young people in their patch.

This week was the turn of Northumberland. Improving learning and educational opportunities for all children and young people is the Council’s number one priority. While past efforts have been successful in raising standards, they are questioning the extent to which the improvement can be sustained and how effective it has been in narrowing the gap in achievement. Promoting more practical learning opportunities is seen as a key element philosophically - and thus across all schools- as well as more directly linked to skill needs in some of the most deprived areas. Let me give you a couple of examples of what they are up to…

First, as the biggest employer in the area - and despite the recession - the County Council is taking a lead by doubling the number of apprentices they are employing; offering a further 100 places.

Secondly - and following a very successful boat-building exercise in Blyth with a master craftsman working with 8 Year 10 students - the Council is now seeking to equip a boatyard to construct a full-size replica of a ‘collar brig’, using this as a training facility for apprentices. The twist might be to combine the past with the future by equipping the boat with the latest renewable technology. Sustainability and renewables are integral to the area’s future, because, of course, Northumberland has an excess of water - and wind…and grass…and trees.

During the meeting I happened to notice in the Chief Executive’s office a painting by one of the Pitmen Painters, of a play I was due to see later that evening. It’s a fabulous play, about how a group of miners from Ashington, near Blyth, take up painting through the WEA and achieve quite remarkable results and recognition. Ultimately however support is lost for the dream of a ‘University of Ashington’.

Perhaps there could be a University Technical College and a University Centre (linking say to Sunderland University) set up near Ashington, with sustainability as its theme? What a perfect ending to the play’s story…and the start of Northumberland’s ‘future story’; the move from coal and mining to sustainability and renewable resources, led by the youth of today. How exciting is that?!