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A project has been launched to inspire schoolchildren to explore climate change, biodiversity, and personal development through the lens of art and design.
The ‘Gem of the Sea’ initiative, organised by ArtHouse Jersey, also aims to give young people the tools to express their ideas creatively and the opportunity to respond to global challenges through the medium of art.
The programme, funded by the Co-op Community Fund and the Government of Jersey, takes its title from Jersey’s patriotic song ‘Beautiful Jersey'.
It will deliver six "episodes" throughout the next academic year to provide teachers with educational resources aimed at schoolchildren aged eight to 14.
Each episode will tackle themes such as Jersey’s coastline, fishing and farming, emotional well-being, liberty and freedom, and safety at sea.
The ‘Gem of the Sea’ project was inspired by the voices of young islanders who sought to better understand their local environment and global climate issues –following commitments made during the COP26 Education Pledge that encouraged climate change education as part of the curriculum.
Curriculum Adviser to ArtHouse Jersey, Kate Sugden said: “Gem of the Sea empowers children and young people to explore climate change through the lens of art and design, giving them the tools to express their ideas, connect with others, and creatively respond to the potential challenges of our modern and future world.
"Driven by the voices of our children and young people across the education sector, this initiative enriches and modernises the art and design curriculum to reflect the local and global context, fostering a generation that is prepared to lead with imagination, resilience, and a deep sense of community."
Artist and educator Jacque Rutter, who contributed to the project, described it as "an educational resource which will help pupils explore important issues affecting Jersey such as climate change and personal freedom through creativity".
She continued: "This series of short films, with teacher resources, focuses on the development of skills and knowledge links to on-island agencies and cross-curriculum links."
She added that the series showcases a diverse range of artists and aims to inspire students to become future "guardians" of Jersey’s environment.
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