Railway Celebrations

CHILDREN at Teesside school marked the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway with a week of activities – culminating in a public exhibition praised by their local MP.

Pupils at Kader Academy, in Stockton, spent a week learning about their town’s contribution to the story of steam power by making models, visiting nearby Hopetown museum and attending a performance of The Railway Children at the Hullabaloo theatre in Darlington, creating informative displays to share their discoveries, and more.

Parents, families, and local residents were then invited to the school for a special exhibition showcasing the children’s work, alongside train-themed performances by the school choirs, who sang hits including ‘The Loco-Motion’ and ‘Love Train’.

Andy McDonald, member of Parliament for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, was among those who visited the school’s exhibition. He said: “This is absolutely wonderful – well done to Kader for grabbing this opportunity to celebrate our town.

“It’s a joy to see our young children connecting with their own history, because our region gave birth to the railways, and they know it.

“They know it, they’re celebrating it, and they’re learning more about it. It’s a wonderful display, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our region and our heritage.”

The pupils were even inspired by a piece of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway track, loaned to the Prince Regent Street Trust school from the museum collection at Hopetown.

The activities also sparked new interests among the pupils.

Marissa Watson, a pupil at the school, said: “I wasn’t really interested in the railways, but when we started learning about the history of it, I realised I really liked it!

“I found out my uncle actually really likes trains, and makes YouTube videos about the railways, so I’ve started helping him with those.”

Assistant headteacher Victoria Emms said: “I think it’s really important for us as a community to know where we came from – we certainly know where we’re going as a school!

“The turnout to this event shows the amazing support we have from our local community, and it’s just fabulous that we can all come together and look back at our heritage with such pride.”

Sam Lee, the school’s history lead, added: “It really has been heartwarming to see how proud the children have become as they’ve learned about their town’s past and unique role in world history.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Hopetown and the Tees Valley Museums for supporting us, to all the families who have got involved, and to the children for approaching this project with such passion and fascination.”