Last Autumn in Volcano Theatre, something extraordinary erupted. Pupils from Ysgol Crug Glas and Penyrheol Comprehensive School shared a journey — not just through the world of energy, but through their senses, their creativity and their connection to the planet.
The Sensory Story of Energy wasn’t your typical school project. It was a celebration — of curiosity, of inclusion, and of the power of art to spark change. From the rumble of coal mines to the whisper of the wind, from the shimmer of tides to the warmth of the sun, pupils explored energy in all its forms. And they did it their way.
“Pupils had so many ways to explore and begin to understand and deepen their knowledge on humans’ impact on our planet. They began to actively want to talk to others about the problems and tried to come up with solutions for our class to be more eco-friendly.” Mrs Ceri Metcalf, STF Manager, Penyrheol Comprehensive School.
The project was led by Jen James, Awel Aman Tawe’s education outreach programme lead, working with artists deeply connected to the climate movement. These artists didn’t just teach — they listened. They followed the pupils’ lead, creating workshops that were immersive, expressive, and entirely inclusive.
At Penyrheol, pupils visited Big Pit to explore the legacy of coal. They flew handmade kites at Awel Wind Farm, sculpted with beach waste at Overton and built kinetic wind and tide sculptures with Ami Marsden. With Aim they performed shadow puppet shows, wrote raps with Mr Phormula, and designed a mural with Sion Tomos Owen.
Meanwhile, at Ysgol Crug Glas, the beach came to the classroom. Pupils danced like waves, made music from sand and shells, and followed the trail of Olwen the Sun Goddess. They wore Olwen’s cape, built dens, created tidal sculptures, and composed songs that echoed with joy and pride.
“It wasn’t about facts and figures,” Mrs Emily Lewis, Expressive Arts Lead from Ysgol Calon Lan. “It was about feeling the wind on their faces, touching leaves, exploring textures of natural and recycled materials, dancing like the waves, feeling the heat of the sun or listening to the sounds of the Earth. We gave them choices. They decided what to create, how to share it, and how to show others what matters to them. They became the leaders. Their joy and confidence grew as they realised their actions – like turning off lights or reusing bottles – do help protect the planet.”
Parents noticed the change too. One parent shared, “I have to turn off the lights now.”
The final exhibition at Volcano Theatre was a sensory feast. Visitors stepped into lantern-lit dens, touched living walls, and heard the voices of young people calling for a greener future. The coalmine was recreated in soft textures and glowing light. The tide sculptures shimmered. The energy was palpable.
Dr Jennifer Rudd, climate specialist from Swansea University said, “I have never enjoyed an art exhibition more, inspirational, thought provoking, sensory haven.”
Nia Lewis, textile artist said, “Well done to all involved. Inclusive art and education in practice. The children will remember this and have a deeper understanding of the issues as a result.
Teachers saw lasting impact. Pupils began switching off lights, questioning heating use, and talking about sustainability in everyday conversations.
“They were very proud of the work they did and keen to show off to their parents and staff their incredible exhibition. Pupils who are normally paralyzed by anxiety were able to take part and feel they made ‘good choices’ to help our planet. They were able to engage with peers because the workshops were so interactive and calm. Pupils could explore and engage at the level right for them with staff there supporting their small steps into action.” Mrs Ceri Metcalf, Penyrheol.
And perhaps that’s the real story. Not just wind, sun, tides, repeat — but action, creativity, inclusion, repeat. A sensory story of energy, yes. But also, a story of hope.
