Children’s immersive storytelling ‘sparks’ the return of Science Summer School
Monday 10 July 2023
Science Summer School, co-founded by Professor Brian Cox CBE, is to make its return to Northern Ireland, ‘sparking’ the imaginations of pupils across the Borough.
Hosted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, one of the first events in this year’s initiative took place at the end of June with pupils from Whitehead Primary School, who participated in an immersive story telling experience by local story teller Vicky McFarland from Tale Time.
The students - from the school’s nursery unit and Key Stage 1 classes - undertook a mesmerising storytelling experience within a ‘story dome’, a portable, blow-up 360o projection dome.
Combining live performance, with projected immersive environments of local beauty spots, animation and sensory experiences, the show aims to engage and delight the young students.
Local Storyteller, Vicky McFarland, developed the enchanting experience with a team from Ulster University’s animation and gaming departments and backed by ACNI and Future Screens. This innovative new story dome mixes all the ‘wow’ of immersive technology with all the connection and authenticity of traditional storytelling to create something completely new.
Vicky McFarland, founder of Tale Time, took part in Council’s ‘SPARK’ programme earlier in the year to help develop her business idea and reach new markets. She accessed tailored advice and mentoring - specialising in general start & grow support.
Vicky said: “I was matched with a mentor who supported me with general start & grow support. I knew what I wanted to do and what I wanted to achieve but struggled to identify my priorities to achieve my goals. My mentor helped me to navigate the business world and break each step down to a manageable level.”
“The programme was flexible and I was able to complete the mentoring around my other commitments, allowing me to learn at my own pace.”
‘SPARK’ provides free specialist mentoring support to businesses across the Borough who are in their early stages of development. Tailored to people’s own individual needs - the programme provides support and assistance to new businesses and social enterprises as they navigate the business environment.
To find out more about SPARK and the Science Summer School initiative please visit our Business section where you can register your interest and a member of the team will be on touch to discuss.
You can also email: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or phone 028 2563 3363.