25 July 2024

Primary School Multimedia Exhibition Celebrating Ten Years of The Kelpies

A P7 transition to High School project encouraging locals and tourists to visit The Kelpies at The Helix and find out more about Falkirk’s cultural heritage will be on display at the visitor centre at the five -star visitor attraction until mid-August. 

The new multi-media exhibition at the home of the world-renowned equine structures displays work produced by P7 pupils from six primary schools in Falkirk, all transitioning to Falkirk High School this year. 

The P7 pupils from Bantaskin Primary School, Comely Park, Carmuirs Primary, Slamannan Primary, Langlees Primary and Bainsford Primary worked in small groups with Falkirk High School transition teachers as aspiring journalists to explore the Kelpies at ten years old and what they mean to Falkirk. They were also tasked with answering the following question: “How can we, as journalists, celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Kelpies as public art, encouraging locals and tourists to visit them and find out more about Falkirk’s cultural heritage?” 

The project was developed after Falkirk High School Transition Teachers Emma McQueen and Rachel Thom attended a two-day project-based learning course in February, which encouraged the creation of interdisciplinary learning projects that are meaningful, purposeful and pupil led. The project, focusing on the well known and loved visitor attraction, was set to prepare the P7 pupils for their transition from primary into secondary by improving their literacy, team working and communication skills.

The work produced by the pupils over a two-month period, includes digital posters, powerpoint presentations, news reports and hand drawn posters. The exhibition explores some of the themes around the incredible structures to attract visitors and locals, such as the fact that the Kelpies are mythical creatures, the history of Falkirk, the Clydesdale horses and their role at the canals, creator and sculptor Andy Scott and the fact that the Kelpies are one of the most iconic symbols of Scotland and a top visitor attraction. 

Emma McQueen, Transition Teacher, Falkirk High School, said: “Our P7 learners selected which area to research, study and how the final publication would be presented. We were so impressed with the completed projects. The pupils’ dedication, attention to detail and hard work is evident and we are so proud of their achievements.

Seeing the smiles and look of pride on their faces when they heard that their work was actually displayed at the Visitor Centre at The Helix was so heartwarming. Well done to all the P7s who took part in this project, you are all superstars, and we wish you all the best for your first year in Falkirk High School!”

One of the learners from Slamannan Primary School said: “l was running around screaming with excitement when Miss Thom and Mrs McQueen told me that my presentation was actually at The Kelpies!” Another said: “It feels amazing that we get a chance to display our work for everyone to see. It was really fun doing all the research and putting it together into our final piece.”

Lesley O’Hare, Culture and Greenspace Manager at Falkirk Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to exhibit this incredible work from these P7 pupils. It is evident that so much thought and hard work has gone into producing their projects and we are confident that the many visitors from all over the world that we welcome to the Kelpies on a daily basis will thoroughly enjoy this unique exhibition. I wish all the pupils involved all the best as they transition up to High School in August.” 

The Helix, originally created as a space for the communities in the Falkirk area to come together, was awarded five-star visitor attraction status by Visit Scotland and won the ‘Best Visitor Attraction Experience’ at the 2023 Visit Scotland National Thistle Awards. It is estimated that The Kelpies at The Helix have welcomed over seven million visitors since 2014, helping to generate an additional £67 million in ‘visitor spend’ in the area.

Helix Park, which has a Green Tourism Gold award, is free for visitors, and offers significant amounts of green space and a wealth of things to do, including 27km of traffic free, wheelchair friendly, paths for walking, running, or cycling, an adventure zone playpark, splash play area and sensory play area. After exploring the Park, visitors can warm up in the Visitor Centre and take time to explore the gift shop.