SEEN Close Up

SEEN activity is delivered through a rolling programme of high-quality education projects, co-ordinated in partnership with schools across Chester District. Working closely with teachers, we design curriculum-linked projects that introduce pupils to some of the challenging regeneration issues being addressed in Chester today.

These include open space, waterways, the built environment, interpretation and access.

SEEN projects are designed to enhance pupils learning by providing teachers with a wealth of opportunities to stimulate their children’s natural curiosity, enthusiasm and imagination. Focusing on the development of knowledge, skills and understanding, projects enable teachers to show pupils what it really means to be active citizens.

SEEN offers teachers opportunities to teach the curriculum in innovative ways. SEEN projects are easily approached through foundation subjects such as Geography, History and Art and Design. Many teachers also choose to customise the curriculum by adapting a scheme of work, combining units and embedding subjects such as English and Maths to create projects which suit pupils and their own individual circumstances.

SEEN activity can also help schools address important curriculum priorities such as ICT, Citizenship, Literacy and Numeracy as well as government agendas including Every Child Matters and Sustainable Schools.

SEEN in Action

Artwork created during Newton Hollows project

Artwork inspired by Grosvenor Park

SEEN the Benefits

For teachers

"Working with SEEN gave us the opportunity to engage the children's interest through active learning. This approach had the benefit of making the learning experience more effective and memorable".
Lesley Wraige, Geography & History Co-ordinator at Overleigh St Mary’s CofE Primary School

Carrying out research with historic maps

For educationalists

“As well as hitting Curriculum/QCA requirements in several subject areas, participation in a SEEN project provides an opportunity for pupils to directly contribute to the development of their local area. It also contributes to overarching Government agendas such as Every Child Matters. By engaging pupils in active citizenship, schools can provide pupils with a range of learning opportunities rooted in the real world, with all its opportunities and challenges. It provides a chance to work with a range of professionals, de-mystifying their roles to some extent and paving the way for future involvement in the development of their local community”.
Mike Hardman, Education Officer at Grosvenor Museum, Chester

For councillors

“Meeting with the children provided me with an opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of their priorities, hopes and aspirations. I never fail to be impressed by the quality of their ideas and their enthusiasm for engaging with the issues. The SEEN projects provide the Council with an invaluable input to the planning and development of these environmental community projects”.
Councillor Rob Jordan, Environment Portfolio Holder, Chester City Council.

For regeneration professionals

“The future of the environment lies in all our actions today. Children need to be encouraged not only to appreciate the complex nature of mankind’s impact on the environment, but also to feel confidence that they can directly influence impacts on the world around them. Engaged at least once in childhood, this knowledge will empower them in the future”.
John Tweed, SEEN Chairman, Tweed, Nuttall, Warburton Architects.