A group of trainees from Rolls-Royce have used their technical skills to help an historic Derby school preserve its rich heritage so it can be shared with future generations.
Eight graduates and three apprentices worked alongside Royal School for the Deaf Derby, in Ashbourne Road, to celebrate the school’s history by producing 500 informative and interactive booklets to be shared with future generations.
The child-friendly booklet includes information about the school’s history, milestones and the journey of how deaf people have gradually been accepted into society.
And it includes a chance to see digitalised documents, newspaper clippings and photos, which have not been shared before.
The ‘mini book’ is narrated by inter-galactic superhero fablers and includes question and answer activities, a word search and drawing page – encouraging pupils to imagine what they think the school will look like in 2040.
The project follows on from the school’s 125th birthday celebrations, which prompted staff to find ways to share the material collected over the years with the deaf community in the city.
Rolls-Royce has developed a strong relationship with the school, which started in 2014 when a different team of trainees began delivering science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities for the students.
Project member Vincent Hughes, speaking on behalf of the group, said: “We wanted to create a colourful and dynamic booklet to encourage children and adults to learn about the school’s rich history and celebrate its growth.
“It was really important to us to allow the children to contribute, so we included various fun-filled activities, such as the drawing page. We’re excited to see how they imagine the school to look like in 20 years’ time.
“Overall, the project was a great learning experience. We enjoyed learning about the work of Doctor Roe and how he came to set up the school and fundraise for it. It is also really amazing to see how society’s perception of deaf people has changed over the years.
“It was a pleasure working with Royal School for the Deaf Derby and we wish them the best of luck in the future. We hope the pupils enjoy using the book and learn as much as we did.”
Read more: Royal School for the Deaf choir perform at University of Derby to launch Disability Month
Head teacher Helen Shepherd said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our new booklets which help deaf children understand how far education has come and how progressive the school has always been – right from its inception in 1893.
“By highlighting deaf role models, such as Beethoven and Thomas Edison, our students will begin to understand that being deaf is not a barrier to achieving and by highlighting the changes the school has undergone in the last four decades we hope pupils understand what wonderful opportunities they now have.
“We’d like to thank Rolls-Royce for all its support and in particular the trainees who dedicated many hours to produce this valuable resource.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Sarah Newton at Penguin PR on 01332 416228 or email sarah@penguinpr.co.uk
