The school’s teaching of local history has seen it achieve a prestigious award

A school is celebrating the news that it has achieve a ‘Heritage Schools Award’ for its teachings on local history.

Bridgemary Secondary School has achieved the award which acknowledges its rich curriculum, which actively links to the local history of Gosport. Led by associate senior Leader Emma Cairns, the school has pioneered an innovative STEAM Maritime curriculum centered on the Solent's rich seafaring history.

Bridgemary School gets Heritage Schools award Pictured: Children from the Bridgemary School
Picture:Marcin Jedrysiak — Bridgemary School gets Heritage Schools award Pictured: Children from the Bridgemary School Picture:Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak

placeholder image — Bridgemary School gets Heritage Schools award Pictured: Children from the Bridgemary School Picture:Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak

Students engage in hands-on learning by collaborating with local artists and heritage sites, including the new-look Diving Museum, with the school's STEAM initiatives also recently 'Highly Commended' by the National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD) Awards.

Feedback from the assessor noted: “This work demonstrates a strong and sustained STEAM model that meaningfully integrates the arts within STEM, offering an imaginative and energising approach in an area that is often underdeveloped within the UK curriculum.

“The project has had a clear positive impact on pupils’ engagement, enjoyment, and outcomes.

Bridgemary School gets heritage schools award Pictured: Gosport Mayor Kirsten Bradley with headteacher Tom Garfield and children from the Bridgemary School
Picture:Marcin Jedrysiak — Bridgemary School gets heritage schools award Pictured: Gosport Mayor Kirsten Bradley with headteacher Tom Garfield and children from the Bridgemary School Picture:Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak

“The evidence you have provided clearly demonstrates that local history and heritage are securely and meaningfully embedded throughout your curriculum. Your approach, which is firmly grounded in history, culture, identity, and community pride, is highly commendable.

“It is evident that significant effort has been made to position the school as an integral part of the local community.

Bridgemary School gets heritage schools award
Pictured: Gosport Mayor Cllr Kirsten Bradley unveiling new heritage award.
Picture:Marcin Jedrysiak — Bridgemary School gets heritage schools award Pictured: Gosport Mayor Cllr Kirsten Bradley unveiling new heritage award. Picture:Marcin Jedrysiak | Marcin Jedrysiak

“Particularly impressive is the development of initiatives such as the Gosport Ambassadors, which have ensured that student voice plays a valued role within the local community.”

The school welcomed Gosport Mayor Kirsten Bradley to unveil the award and celebrate the school’s the achievement, meeting staff and Gosport Student Ambassadors.

A school spokesperson said: “It’s was a fantastic opportunity for our community to celebrate together—and for our pupils to see the historic chain of office up close to learn about its local significance.”