Schools hoping to design world-famous Jingle Truck for the Commonwealth Games

Six schools in southwest Birmingham are joining forces to get their pupils involved in the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Taking inspiration from the world-famous Jingle Trucks of Pakistan and South Asia, the schools are planning to work together to transform either a truck or a van into their very own Jingle Truck which could be used as part of the Games this summer.

As part of the Birmingham Education Partnership, pupils from King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls, Colmers School and Sixth Form College in Rednal, Lordswood Boys School in Harborne, Bellfield Junior School in Northfield, Woodcock Hill Primary in Northfield and Turves Green Primary are all woring together on the project.

The schools are hoping their pupils will be able to work with a local artist once they have a van or truck to use so they can decorate the vehicle together.

How will it be used alongside the Commonwealth Games?

Nicki Allen, an art teacher at King Edwards VI Northfield School for Girls, said one idea the schools have had is that once decorated, the truck could be used to take in the baton relay.

Nicki said: “It’s quite a multi-layered project because there’s a sports element and there’s an arts element to it and we’re running the arts element of the project within our cluster of schools and we’re partnering with schools in Pakistan.

“We thought we’d try to create something which obviously could help children help learn about the culture in Pakistan and one of the things which we thought would help in that respect was the Jingle Tracks, which they have in Pakistan and are used for transporting things around, but they are just incredibly ornately decorated with colourful patterns and symbols.

“It’s an important part of Pakistan’s culture, and so we thought it would be amazing to try and create an equivalent Jingle Truck for Birmingham and it would be an amazing opportunity for the children to be involved in, and form some sort of celebration for the the Games, and also celebrate the automobile motor heritage we have in southwest Birmingham with the Longbridge car factory, for example.

Can you help?

The schools would like to borrow or acquire a van or small truck, of any age, with tax and MOT until at least August 2022.

Nicki said they would also love a vehicle with links to MG, Rover, or Austin, but any and all offers would be gratefully received.

If you can help, contact Nicki on [email protected].

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