After a get to know you bingo, and an introduction to the programme, teachers and young people split off into two groups. While teachers had a chance to network, the young people jumped straight into a game of Exquisite Corpse – a surrealist drawing technique where players fold a piece of paper into thirds, draw a section without seeing what came before, and unfold it to reveal a collaborative masterpiece. The results were wonderfully imaginative! The group illustrated the diverse traits of a good leader, capturing qualities like strength, care, and intelligence through quick humorous sketches.
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That celebratory launch set the perfect tone for our very first official session on Saturday 12th September 2026.
We warmed up with fun ice-breakers, including name games and a silent challenge to line up from oldest to youngest. Next, Liz Thorpe, Learning Officer at the People’s History Museum, led us on a guided tour of three iconic historical banners:
1. The Liverpool Tinplate Workers’ Banner (1821)
2. The National Amalgamated Stevedores, Lightermen, Watermen and Dockers Banner (1920s)
3. The Manchester Deaf Triangle Club Banner (c. 1985)
Looking closely at each design, the group reflected on how these historic pieces made them feel. Themes of community, power, equality, and freedom popped up again and again. Liz also helped us decode the hidden language of symbols tucked inside the artwork:
· Anchor: Represents steadfastness
· Scales: Represents justice
· Bundle of sticks: Represents strength in unity
To top off the tour, we got a look at some museum objects (including fastenings used to carry these heavy banners in parades) and archival photographs of the banners in action.
After a quick break, freelance artist Emily took the reins for a hands-on workshop to craft our very own collaborative leadership banner. The group split up to tackle different roles:
· Structure Team: Stitched together the base fabrics, added fringing, and attached hanging tabs, as well as choosing colours for the banner.
· Central Image Team: Designed the focal point of the design.
· Symbols Team: Crafted symbol emblems packed with meaning.
· Lettering Team: Cut and arranged the final written message, as well as deciding on the slogan.
The completed banner was nothing short of stunning. The team chose vibrant yellow and blue to represent optimism and loyalty. At the centre sat a radiant star, symbolising how leaders bring positive energy into every room. Surrounding it were symbols such as hands, the Manchester bee, and a bundle of sticks to honour community strength, all anchored by the young people’s chosen motto: “We lead our future.”
We wrapped up the day with good reflections, high spirits, and plenty of pizza!
It was an incredible start to what promises to be an inspiring year. Huge thanks to the People’s History Museum, the Learning Team (Liz and Lisa), and Emily for facilitating such a fantastic first session. We can't for the rest of the programme!
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