Ellacombe Academy has unveiled three new mosaics on its external walls celebrating the history of the area.
The primary school recently received a £10,000 grant from Historic England, awarded as part of a heritage initiative that celebrates the histories of working-class coastal communities.
Pupils have worked alongside Devon artist Monica Shanta to design artworks that reflect Ellacombe’s rich past, as well as the school’s core values: love, hope, trust, perseverance and stewardship.
During the project, children discovered many new facts about their local area — including that the school once had a bomb shelter used during the Second World War.
Families, some of whom attended the school in previous generations, were also involved by sharing stories and bringing in old school photographs.
Alison Helm, the school’s headteacher, said: “As a school, we applied for this Historic England grant to provide an opportunity for the children of Ellacombe and the local community to celebrate the shared history of the area.
“This project will enable us all to have a sense of pride in our history and create a lasting artistic legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
A celebration event was held at the school to mark the official unveiling, attended by current and former pupils, teachers, governors, and a representative from Historic England.
Above: Children singing during the assembly
The assembly began with a student performance of This Is Me from The Greatest Showman, followed by a presentation of the work completed over recent months.
Ms Helm, who first had the idea while at home during the summer holidays, told the children: “Today is about celebrating our shared history. It’s about being really, really proud of where you come from.”
Former pupil and teacher John Pering added: “My uncle came to this school 100 years ago. My dad came to this school, and then myself and my three brothers. I’m a very proud Ellacombe pupil.”
Michael Gorley from Historic England gave a talk during the assembly, explaining the meaning behind the colours in the organisation’s logo: green for the historic landscape, red for buildings, and blue for shipwrecks.
He said: “We thought it was such a lovely idea to involve the community and the children of the school to discover the story of Ellacombe.
“The word ‘pride’ is what Historic England especially liked about the application. We’re really keen that people have real pride in where they live and where they come from — to understand why Ellacombe is special.”
Above: Mr Gorley from Historic England had the honour of unveiling the second mosaic
Speaking to pupils, Monica Shanta said: “Earlier this morning, I heard the phrase: ‘From little things, big things grow.’ Miss Helm was talking about her seed of an idea that has grown into something involving hundreds of people.
“I do this kind of work to help people see that their creativity and ideas can help shape the world we all live in. Everyone who contributed has helped make something in Ellacombe better — and you can be proud of your part in that.”
The mosaics are now displayed on three different sides of the school. One reads “Welcome to Ellacombe”, another says “Together we take footsteps towards a brighter future”, and the third showcases the school’s five values.
Former headteacher and Trust Lead for the Learning Academy Partnership, Tracey Cleverly, had the honour of unveiling the first mosaic. Mr Gorley, and then the children, unveiled the remaining two.
Above: Former headteacher Tracey Cleverly unveiling first mosaic
Reflecting on the project, one student said: “Ellacombe is my family. Everyone helps me through tough times — my friends and teachers. Ellacombe is a safe place.”
Another added: “Leaving a legacy is really important so that the next Year 6s can come and take on different roles.”
A third said: “I learned that there are no mistakes in art.”
