Students Craft Lasting Conversations Around Knife Crime

Following the arrival of the Knife Angel in Newark Town Centre, students from Newark College were working behind the scenes to create a permanent installation for work experience. 

Level 2 Carpentry & Joinery students recently completed a 25ft two-dimensional structure as part of a local anti-knife crime campaign. The installation is now on display at St Mary Magdalene Church in central Newark, where it will continue to encourage reflection, conversation and awareness within the community. 

The group of students unanimously agreed that taking part in the project was a valuable opportunity to develop skills they can showcase to future employers, while also giving something back to the local community. By volunteering their time and skills, students strengthened their teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities while contributing to a campaign with a lasting social impact. 

Paul Bailes, Carpentry & Joinery Lecturer at Newark College, said: “Throughout the project, students have used a variety of skills including teamwork, collaboration, power tools, scale drawing and contextual maths. More importantly, they have contributed to something that carries a meaningful message for the wider community.” 

The project highlights the positive role young people can play in creating lasting change. Through their craftsmanship, the students have helped create a permanent piece that keeps the conversation around knife crime active and visible. The installation encourages ongoing discussions about the pressures young people can face, including peer pressure and the consequences of harmful choices, while promoting education through compassion, awareness and prevention rather than blame. 

Students were proud to contribute to a project designed not only to make an immediate impact, but to leave a lasting legacy for future generations and continue raising awareness across the community. 

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