Harlaw Academy take over AVC in Duthie Park Project
The Reading Bus, which promotes reading as a source of life-long pleasure in order to raise attainment and achievement, whilst engaging young people in high quality learning experiences with tangible outcomes, released its fifth published book late last year - Apardion, A Leopard’s Quest.
This fun and educational story tells the tale of a spirit from the Northern Lights who visits Aberdeen to discover if this might be his birth place. On his travels he visits 14 heritage landmarks and discovers secrets from the past.
Young people from schools across Aberdeen have been tasked with researching the sites and putting together film animations, pod casts and e-publications to build on the information in the books and communicate the history of the city. All of which will be promoted on www.apardion.com and the Apardion iPhone app developed by media partner, AVC Media Enterprises and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Twenty first year pupils from Harlaw Academy are the latest school to take part in the initiative thanks to their sponsor Talisman Energy and -working in conjunction with The Reading Bus team - the pupils have had responsibility for the scripting, production and direction of a short film which communicates the history behind the site.
David Howard, Eile McLeoad, Abigail Lyon, Matthew Reid, Leya McKay and Morgan Begg, attended AVC to record their dialogue for the film and to gain firsthand experience as to what working within a media department is like.
Jenny Watson, The Reading Bus, commented: “The pupils are doing a fantastic job! The Harlaw Academy team have been so proactive and have demonstrated a strong team ethic in the development of the film. The kids are so excited to have the opportunity to record their voice over’s in a professional sound booth and to meet with the AVC team. It will give them such a fantastic insight into the career prospects available on their doorstep.”
Spencer Buchan, Director at AVC Media Enterprises, initiated the partnership with The Reading Bus and says, “I can safely speak on behalf of the team when I say that we have been continually impressed by the skills and maturity demonstrated by the pupils who have taken part in The Reading Bus project. The confidence of the children when working with technology is outstanding . It’s fantastic to see local schools taking active steps to prepare their students for the challenges which arise when working within a technologically lead environment.”
Visit the website at www.apardion.com and download the iPhone application from iTunes free of charge now. The book Apardion, A Leopard’s Quest is written by Sheena Blackhall with illustrations from Julie Lacome, and retails at £5.99. It can be purchased online at www.readingbus.co.uk
