PUPILS from Sir John Barrow School took to the stage in front of a full house at the Coronation Hall on Saturday 13th July to deliver traditional stories as part of the Furness Tradition Festival storytelling programme.

The aims of the project was to introduce a different way of teaching and promote creative learning and build their confidence with speaking.

This includes building on the skills the pupils had developed with the storyteller from the previous year, before preforming on stage, which included shows to small groups of children and adults.

Artspace project manager, John Hall said: “This was a marvellous morning, the children have come a long way with their storytelling skills in a very short time.

“Some great performers have emerged, and we hope to continue with this project next year, adding other groups and venues into the mix.”

Working over several weeks with internationally-renowned storyteller, Dominic Kelly, the children have learned a number of traditional tales along with a range of the oral tradition performance skills that Mr Kelly brings to his own work.

Organised by Artspace, this was the second Storyfair project, and involved a new group of Year 3 children while following up on last year’s performances by the current Year 4.

Mr Hall said: “Mr Kelly, the children and their year teachers have done wonderful work.

“Our thanks to Furness Tradition and our supporters, the Sir John Fisher Foundation, Townlands, SLDC, Ulverston Town Council the Frieda Scott Charitable Trust, and our host at the Coro and Furness Traditions Festival”.

Year 3 teacher, Nancy Fletcher, said: “As a teacher, I have had the opportunity to observe Dominic as he tells stories.

“I have built a tool kit of ‘tricks’ for engaging children more fully as I am teaching.

“The Year 4 teacher and I have been able to adapt elements of the storytelling project for our English lessons.

“In conclusion, the project has had enormous benefits for our school.”

Rehearsals took place at the Sir John Barrow Cottage.

Furness Tradition is supported by the Sir John Fisher Foundation, Townlands Trust, Ulverston Town Council, and the Frieda Scott Charitable Trust.