A SCHOOL in West Kirby is taking part in a national art education project that looks at the impact of the transatlantic slave trade.

From August to October 2022, The World Reimagined will install trails of large globe sculptures in eight cities across the UK that will be themed around the slave trade.

The trails will be created by artists in collaboration with schools across the country.

West Kirby Grammar School has been selected as one of the schools taking part in The World Reimagined project after they were successful in bidding for a bursary.

Wirral Globe:

A spokesperson for West Kirby Grammar School said: “This project represents an exciting opportunity to highlight the diverse social, cultural and economic life of the City Region and at the same time celebrating some of the oldest minority ethnic communities in Europe.

“It will build upon the City Region’s reputation for commitment to social justice, stimulating the economy, bringing additional culture to our region, and enhancing our understanding and knowledge of how an important piece of our history continues to have a lasting impact.”

The school has received a giant 3D fibre glass structure that will form part of a trail across the Wirral and Liverpool City Region this summer. 

Wirral Globe:

A small group of students have been working to design and paint the globe over a two-week period. 

While students in Year 9 competed to come up with a design for the globe that reflects Liverpool’s central role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Another group of student artists were then given the opportunity to work with an artist in residence, Roz, from Complex Simplicity to help with their design. 

Wirral Globe:

The school added: “The successful bid is the result of huge changes the history department has made in relation to its key stage three history provision.

“Following the death of George Floyd teachers took the decision to create a far more global, diverse, and representative range enquiries for students in Years 7 to 9. 

Wirral Globe:

“The history department made a commitment to ensure that students' first encounter with African history did not centre on the transatlantic slave trade.

“Students are now able to explore the richness of Medieval Mali under Mansa Musa and the cultural significance of the Benin Bronzes in Liverpool’s World Museum.

“Pupils also explore in depth Liverpool’s connections and role in the promotion of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans. 

Wirral Globe:

“They do this through the lens of Abell, Liverpool’s first recorded African resident, who is buried in St Nicholas’ Church on the Dock Road.  

“This project provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work done so far at the school and look to the future through weaving in local narratives and giving a voice to those who have been silenced by colonialism.”