A new project is aiming to educate primary school children about the heritage of Lowestoft as part of the national curriculum.

The initiative, adopted by pupils in years five and six at Woods Loke Primary School on Butley Drive, is encouraging the children to learn about the past, present and future of our town – linked in with a number of key subjects.

Since last month the children have been applying their scientific skills to make lighthouse models with glowing bulbs at the summit.

They have also written poems about the sea, learnt about coastal erosion and the importance of wind turbines, and have been on a trip to the beach to get a real-life view of our coast while also chatting to the town's lifeguards about their jobs.

As part of the ongoing project the mayor of Lowestoft, Stephen Ardley, visited the school on Monday to take a guided tour, and to talk about his role within the community.

Along with viewing some of the work that had been created, Mr Ardley also took part in a question and answer session with the children where he was put on the spot and asked to respond to a number of questions including how he became mayor, how committed he was to the role and whether he was a millionaire!

Assistant headteacher Anna Taylor said the children and staff had enjoyed the project and emphasised the importance of learning about the heritage of the town.

She said: 'The children have been able to talk to their parents and grandparents about Lowestoft because it is an important area for them to understand.

'A lot of the young children were not necessarily aware of the fishing industry, for example, but they have now done some research on the history of the town and the geography of the area.

'The children and staff have all really enjoyed it.'

Year six pupil Rhys Jeeves, 10, showed Mr Ardley around the school along with his friend Katie Hitter, 10.

Rhys said: 'I have loved the project, particularly the trip. We actually saw some parts that we wouldn't usually see in Lowestoft and found out lots of new things. At least we now know what has happened in the past.'

Katie added: 'We have been doing some artwork about the sea and we have been really creative.

'I found out that there used to be a lot more fishermen in the town than nowadays and when we grow up we can pass this knowledge onto our children.'

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