GWR grant for schools’ project focusing on Reading Station

Look, Draw & Build through Reading Station is a creative learning programme for schools that will use the transport terminal as its stimulus.

The programme is being delivered by ARCHI-adventure, in partnership with the Reading Civic Society. ARCHI-adventure aims to encourage children and their families to connect with architecture and public space.

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

ARCHI-adventure co-founder Gemma Solanellas said:

“The programme will enhance the next generation of young people to value, respect and take ownership of the spaces and places around them and will, specifically, benefit children who are not able to have a railway experience as part of their daily life.

“Research shows that workshops can have a positive impact on children’s learning and behaviour. It can help children with different learning styles, needs and abilities to experience memorable, active, and cross-curricular learning.”

Key Stage Two students will attend a half-day workshop in their classroom, using Reading Station as an inspiration to understand how transport terminal buildings are designed and built and considering the ways in which people use space.

Children will then be asked to design their own railway station in response to a set brief, leading on to creative workshops in the classroom. Up to 10 schools will be invited to take part, with the best entry from each school going on display at Reading Station. 

Reading East MP Matt Rodda said:

“I’d like to thank GWR for funding this valuable project which will make a significant difference to many young people and to our community as a whole.”

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:

“We have a specific pot of money designed to help support schools, colleges and community or other not-for-profit organisations.

“ARCHI-adventure encourages children to explore the spaces around them and this will be a great way for them to learn more about Reading Station and what an important role it plays in the lives of people living in Berkshire.”

Reading Civic Society chair Richard Bennett DL said:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to be a partner to this imaginative project to engage young people in a practical way to gain an appreciation, and understanding, of architecture and public space. 

“Earlier projects in Reading and Barcelona demonstrate how well ARCHI-adventure has engaged the children to work together on projects and it’s clear that they have fun and a sense of achievement at the end.”

To find out more about ARCHI-adventure please visit archi-adventure.com

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year. 
Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us 

Reading Civic Society was established in 1962 and has around 200 members. Role of Reading Civic Society | Reading Civic Society Registered Charity No 263959.  It is a member of Civic Voice, the national charity in England for the Civic Movement.