Enterprising pupils create their own special calendar

A group of pupils from the Anderson High School’s additional support needs (ASN) department have created a calendar as part of an enterprise project.

The six pupils, Karen Leask, Aiden Ward, Natasha Hunter, Aaron Smith, Sean Robertson and Hannah Hunter created the calendar during their information and computer technology (ICT) classes with photos they had taken when out and about around Lerwick.

With the help of teacher Thelma Robertson, the enterprise group, named Kanash after the first initial of each member, were active in every part of creating the final product from taking the photos to designing the calendar and appealing for funds to help make it.

The pupils raised £300 towards the project by writing to companies they had been involved with during their work experience placements to appeal for funds. Malakoff, Neil Risk & Co., Hunter and Morrisons, The Anderson High School and the Anderson High School Fund all generously donated.

As well this, the group received an education enterprise grant from the SIC through the Determined to Succeed strategy, which develops enterprise and employability skills in young people.

The process took around nine months, and began with the pupils going out with ASN auxiliary Nat Hall to take photos of the town.

Kanash member Sean Robertson, who has a keen interest in photographing boats, said he was really excited to see the calendar as a finished product.

The project was designed to develop a range of multi-disciplinary skills including expressive arts, language, numeracy and ICT skills. However while learning, the puils also really enjoyed working on the project. Aiden Ward said it had been “really cool”.

As part of the process, the pupils got the chance to visit the printing presses at Shetland Litho to watch their hard work come together. Natasha Hunter said: “It was really fast, you couldn’t see the paper going through.”

The calendar, named “Lerwick Shoormal” by the group, is on sale at the moment costing £5 from local shops across Shetland. Mrs Robertson said they are also hoping to stock it at a stall in the Walls show and that anyone interested should be quick as over 150 have already been pre-ordered.

All proceeds from the sales of the calendar will go to the Anderson High school’s Special Department Fund.

Speaking of the pupils, teacher Mrs Robertson said: “They’re a lovely bunch to work with and they did everything to the best of their ability. I’m really proud of their work.”