News Summary
Students at Cheney School have repurposed old lockers into imaginative ‘story lockers’ for the 100 Years of Toys & Games exhibition at the Rumble Museum. This initiative fosters creativity and connects students with local history through nostalgic toys. The exhibition showcases vintage toys, including a marble run and Polly Pocket, allowing students and community members to engage with cherished childhood experiences. The project reflects the collaborative spirit between current students and alumni, highlighting the importance of preserving local heritage.
Oxford, Oxfordshire – Students at Cheney School have transformed old school lockers into “story lockers” as part of the 100 Years of Toys & Games exhibition hosted by the school’s Rumble Museum. This initiative not only encourages creativity among students but also allows them to connect with local history through nostalgic toys.
The exhibition features a collection of vintage toys, including a marble run and Polly Pocket, showcasing objects that represent childhood experiences from the past century. The Rumble Museum, recognized as the only UK-accredited museum located within a school, invites visitors to book appointments to view the display.
Director Lorna Robinson emphasized the significance of this project, highlighting the students’ ability to create entire worlds within their lockers. The idea originated from a community event held in December, where toys were collected along with stories from local residents, enriching the overall exhibition experience.
During the recent Easter holidays, two units consisting of 24 unused or broken lockers were transformed with creative displays of memorabilia. Lu Rahman, a Cheney School alumnus, contributed by installing lighting and designing whimsical, lockable inner doors for each locker, enhancing the visual appeal of the exhibition.
Robinson noted that the lockers are of historical importance, having been in use for 50 to 60 years. The toy collection prominently features items from the 1980s and 1990s, aligning with the childhood memories harbored by many parents of the current students.
Year 11 student Rachel highlighted her group’s choice of a Fisher Price record player toy, reflecting their shared love for music and record playing. Their locker was designed to resemble a bedroom, decorated with posters of their favorite bands, making the creative process enjoyable and immersive.
Plans are in place to further enhance the school’s long corridor by showcasing additional related projects that aim to recreate facets of childhood nostalgia. The Rumble Museum continues to gather stories and items for a future exhibition titled History of Childhood, inviting community involvement in preserving local heritage.
The 100 Years of Toys & Games exhibition is part of ongoing efforts by the Cheney School to engage students and the local community in meaningful projects that celebrate their cultural and historical roots. The involvement of both current students and alumni has fingerspanned a collaborative spirit that enriches the school environment while fostering engagement with the past.
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Additional Resources
- BBC News: Story Lockers at Cheney School
- Wikipedia: Toy
- Press Herald: Viking Vibe Transforms Students
- Google Search: Cheney School 100 Years of Toys & Games
- BBC News: Educational Projects in Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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