Inspiring children

Pupils from All Saints Roman Catholic School in Bootle were treated to a full day of activities in the ‘Sea to Store Challenge’, run by trainee teachers from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

The Daniel Adamson Trust approached LJMU’s Maritime SuperSkills Project back in 2018 wanting to offer a combined nautical adventure for primary school children; a trip on the ‘The Danny’ (the Daniel Adamson steam tugboat) followed by a visit to the maritime simulators at the University.

A new relationship was born, and the involvement of the LJMU primary education team resulted in opportunities for trainee teachers to put their theory into practice.

The children in each class made working models to represent the journey taken by cargo from sea to store; floating, loading, driving and hoisting. Developing practical skills whilst understanding the logistics involved in these global journeys made for a fun-packed day!

Building on the success of the venture, LJMU student interns from the Primary Education Department extended the event to year five pupils, guiding the children through various simulator activities and producing resources for the day, which will be a legacy of the project.

Vicky Carlin, deputy head at All Saints, Bootle, said: “We have been studying trade as a geography theme, looking particularly at the Liverpool Docks and the part they have played in worldwide trade. Students from LJMU visited school and the children were supported to design and make structures to load and unload container ships and transport the goods to the shops.

“Visiting the ship simulators at the university gave the children an insight into driving a ship. They also learned how drones are being used in the maritime industry and what opportunities there are for studying this technology.

“It has certainly planted seeds in their minds for future careers”.