Rookwood pupils spent a day photographing and interviewing locals as part of a creative community workshop in Andover town centre.
Earlier this month, a group of students from Rookwood School took part in a special photography and storytelling workshop in Andover town centre, led by professional photographer Simon Peter Green.
The workshop formed part of the school’s annual Activities Week, which offers pupils a chance to explore new experiences and build meaningful connections. With this year’s theme focused on community, the session encouraged students to engage with local residents through both conversation and creative expression.
Working in small supervised groups, the pupils used professional photography equipment to capture portraits of members of the public who agreed to take part. They also conducted short interviews, asking thoughtful questions such as:
- What’s your favourite part of Andover?
- What improvements would you like to see?
- What changes have you seen in the town over the years?
The result was a series of compelling snapshots, both visual and verbal, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and perspectives of local residents. The portraits and recorded conversations are being edited by the students back at school, with plans for a public exhibition later this year.
Mrs Blackmore, Director of Enrichment at Rookwood, said:
“Activities Week is all about giving our pupils experiences that broaden their horizons and strengthen their sense of connection – with each other and with the world around them. This workshop captured that perfectly, blending creativity, confidence-building, and community engagement in one powerful day.”
The project helped students develop technical skills in photography while also exploring ethical practice, active listening, and empathy – showing that a camera lens can be a powerful way to build understanding and human connection.