From April - June, 2025, something truly special unfolded at St Paul's CofE Primary School in Newcastle. Working with the brilliant Year 4 and 5 pupils, I had the joy of teaching and introducing them to the world of visual storytelling - a simple invitation to see the world through a creative lens. What followed was nothing short of inspiring.
These young minds embraced the challenge with heart and imagination, and six of them eventually captured 10 powerful images during a photo walk we embarked on at the city center and this was converted into a photo exhibition at the School.
What moves me most is how deeply this experience has resonated with them. Each child had a reason for the image they took - something they noticed, felt, or wanted to express. This wasn’t just a creative project; it became a moment of empowerment, a reminder that their view of the world matters.
The excitement reached a new high when the Newcastle City Council decided to display these photographs at the Civic Centre. The children have been absolutely over the moon! Imagine being 8 or 9 years old and seeing your own work hanging in one of the city’s most important public building.-
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A parent with her daughter at the school exhibition
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A parent admiring one of the children's photographs at the school exhibition
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Catherine McEvoy-Carr (Director of Children & Families at Newcastle City Council) visiting the exhibition
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Chi Onwurah (Member of Parliament) also visited the exhibition
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The kids at the Civic Centre to see their photos on display
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Cllr Lesley Storey, Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Newcastle City Council ,
It’s been a privilege to invest in this rising generation, and I’m hopeful that this early spark in visual storytelling might one day lead them to use their voices and creativity to bring about real change. Below are the photographs taken by the kids and put on exhibition at the Civic Centre. 
