ARTS WORKSHOPS IN SCHOOLS

TEIGNMOUTH COMMUNITY SCHOOL

EPF - SUPPORTED  BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

This was a triumph!  Supported by a £500 grant from the Ella Philp Fund (EPF) administered by THF, students from Teignmouth Community School performed Beauty and the Beast to packed audiences in February. Darren and Kate Philp (Ella’s parents) watched the show and wrote to the director Eleanor Waldron afterwards:

“What an amazing show the children put on last night - thank you so much for including us. The costumes, depth of talent and enthusiasm were spectacular! We were going to catch up with you, Eleanor, at the end, but when we witnessed the lovely 'last night' euphoria that enveloped the cast after the show, it was apparent that you were going to be in demand! Thanks again, we had a wonderful evening and it was truly heart-warming to see the enjoyment that the children got from the performance.”

Drama teacher Eleanor Waldock wrote:

"It has been an absolute privilege to produce this year’s musical show. Working with such a talented and enthusiastic group of students has been incredibly rewarding, and watching them grow both individually and as a cast has been inspiring. The dedication and creativity that each student brought to the rehearsals and performances was remarkable, and it was a joy to see their new confidence shine through on stage.”

The students said:

"I have grown so much in confidence and learnt so many performing skills from being in the show." Eric

" I have made so many friends from all year-groups across the school. I never would have even met them if it wasn't for the school production." Rachel

"I feel like now I've done the show I can do anything. I don't need to be afraid of new challenges or trying something different." Tamsin

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CHRISTOW PRIMARY SCHOOL – MOSAIC WORKSHOP

We welcomed Monica Shanta Brown to Christow for this year’s Art Week, with the theme of 'Mosaic'.The children enjoyed creating their own designs for the mosaic which were based on a Dartmoor landscape. Monica transferred these to the final design, which the children were very excited to see. The children were involved in each stage of the make, from breaking up tiles, to attaching them to the board. We are all eagerly awaiting the big reveal of the final mosaic, which will be displayed at the front of the school.

After the workshop, the children said:

“This workshop was a brilliant opportunity to make something that will stay in school for many years or decades and possibly even centuries!”  Harry

“The hardest parts for me were making sure that curves in the line were perfect and to make sure the cement was still damp.” Ayla

“I liked making the bird because it was challenging and fun and I know that it will be on the wall looking really good.” Rio

“I loved the workshop. I enjoyed it so much. I liked touching and looking at all the tiles and feel really excited to see what it looks like on the wall. Thank you for organising this.” Penny

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COCKWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL - CLAY WORKSHOP

Headteacher Alison Roper wrote afterwards:

“We were thrilled to welcome talented ceramicist Anna Boland to Cockwood School recently, treating our Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils to an extraordinary day of artistic exploration. The experience began with our young artists learning three distinct techniques for crafting Greek-inspired pots, setting the stage for a day of creative immersion.

Our pupils' imaginations took flight as they were encouraged to bring Greek mythological beasts to life through their clay creations. It was truly remarkable to witness the children's unwavering focus throughout the day, completely absorbed in their pottery. This sustained engagement allowed them to witness their own progress in real-time, from their initial attempts to their final masterpieces.

Such enriching activities are made possible through the generous support of the Helen Foundation, to whom we are immensely grateful. Their backing enables us to offer these invaluable experiences that broaden our pupils' horizons and nurture their artistic talents..

The day spent with Anna Boland enhanced our pupils' artistic skills and deepened their connection to the ancient Greek culture they've been studying. It's moments like these that truly bring learning to life, creating memories and skills that will last far beyond the classroom walls."

The children said afterwards:

“We had free will to create whatever we liked and however we wanted it to look.” Zac

 “We had a brilliant time with Anna. We had lots of time to make our sculpture so it wasn't rushed and everyone had at least one thing done to take home.” Phoebe

“I got to make a Minotaur with my friend and we were really proud of our creation.”   Mohammed

“I love the techniques Anna showed us, like the thumb and finger pinch, which helped me when I was making the Greek pottery and vases.” Tillie

“My favorite part was learning the coiling technique and creating a Hydra. I made a really cool statue of the Greek creature Medusa.”  Stanley