A vital message about conservation of Thanet’s miles of golden beaches is being highlighted by creative children at Upton Juniors in Broadstairs.

Ten year 4 pupils have created a large-scale art installation using disused beach huts on Margate main sands.

They transformed the wooden structures into an immersive walk-in diorama, contrasting a clean, well-cared-for beach environment with a polluted and neglected one.

Through visual storytelling and informative displays, the installation encourages visitors to consider the impact of their actions and offers practical advice on how everyone can help keep the area’s beaches clean and beautiful.

 The project is part of the Young Environmental Leaders (YEL) programme, supported by Art Fund, that empowers local primary schoolchildren to become environmental champions through art, creativity and education.

As part of the programme, The Turner Contemporary team in Margate invited the Upton group to a special launch event at the gallery where they met representatives from five local environmental organisations. Following this, they were partnered with Thanet District Council to develop an environmental project of their own.

Working closely with staff from Turner Contemporary and Thanet Council’s coastal education officer Jo Martin, the eco-aware children explored environmental issues affecting their local area and developed a key message focused on the conservation of our beaches.

The Young Environmental Leaders then selected artist Becky Vincer from Animate Arts to help bring their vision to life. She visited the school to meet with the children and develop a clear creative direction for the project.

The YEL team subsequently led workshops for the rest of Year 4, encouraging their peers to contribute artwork and materials for the installation. This collaborative approach ensured that the project reflected the voices and creativity of the wider year group.

Upton’s art lead Sean Mason said: “This project has been a fantastic way for the children to explore the environmental issues that our area faces and use art to spread awareness.

“They have taken ownership of the project and produced a wonderfully creative and inspiring outcome.”

YEL pupils have been inspired by the initiative. Comments included “I have really enjoyed having a leadership role and sharing my knowledge with other children in the school;” and “I loved working with Becky - our artist. This project has opened my eyes to the issues our local beach wildlife faces from pollution and litter;” as well as “I've really enjoyed doing this project as it is a subject I am very passionate about. It has been great fun.”

Head of School Darci Arthur added: “We are very keen on supporting ecological and environmental projects and we focus on the many ways our school community can support sustainability at Upton and in the wider world.”

Turner Contemporary will host a celebration event on June 19 providing an opportunity for the children to showcase their work, share their environmental message with other schools, and view the inspiring projects created by fellow Young Environmental Leaders from across the area.

 

Upton Juniors is part of the Viking Academy Trust with partner schools Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary.

*For more information contact Head of School Darci Arthur on 01843 861393.