SCHOOLS WORKSHOPS

As promised, we are delighted to say that we can now bring you reports and photos from three excellent THF-funded workshops that took place in the first half of the spring term. 

---

ILSINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Artist Claire Harmer led a workshop called “Imagine a World through Paint.” Youngsters were given access to range of water-colour paints and different types of paintbrushes, and enjoyed experimenting with the shapes and colours that are possible using these materials. They then created their own work, giving free rein to their imaginations. The class was fully absorbed in this activity while THF trustees enjoyed walking around the classroom with the class teacher, a classroom assistant and Claire herself, all of us helping the children to get the most out of their experience. 

What was surprising to trustees was that when we asked the children how many had a paint box at home, only two of them put their hand up out of a group of more than 20. We suggested that perhaps if they had a birthday coming up sometime soon, and they really enjoyed their painting experience, they might ask at home if they could have their own painting materials to use and enjoy, perhaps for a birthday or Christmas.

CHILDREN'S FEEDBACK

“Thank you so much for the opportunity of using the quality paints and brushes in watercolour. I really enjoyed the use of different brushes especially the fan brush. I liked using the wax in new techniques. I’d love to do it again. I loved every bit of it.”

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to do lots of art and you have inspired me to always use my imagination. One of my favourite things we did was making up a short story to the amazing pictures.”

“I love Art so much. We got to paint a painting. Mine was a Safari with running wildebeest. It was the best painting I ever did especially because of the equipment I got to use.”

---

STARCROSS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Creative practitioner Alastair Lambert worked with 60 children in groups throughout the day to create the school logo using reclaimed materials. Alastair himself brought a mass of materials, and the school had also collected a wide range of items. The result at the end of the day was remarkable: a large replica of the school’s logo to be mounted in the school’s new entrance lobby. This was devised using an exciting assortment of materials - all recycled - that the children had to pick through and find effective ways to utilise. There was such a range of hands-on skills needed to make this happen!

CHILDREN'S FEEDBACK

“I found it hard when I tried to push down on the stapler but got used to it. I was in the group doing the sea and I thank you for helping me with the stapler. I loved cutting out the fabric.” 

“It was an enjoyable experience because the artist was really kind and the work we had to do was fun. I also loved it because it was all made from recycled materials. It was nice when our class all worked together.” 

"I really enjoyed it because it really tested my skills. Me and my friend built the sail of the boat. I like that it was using recycled materials."

“I really enjoyed the experience because drawing the star was really fun but also really hard. When I went wrong, I fixed it by becoming a real artist by drawing extra lines. We had all of the right equipment and we all got to work as a team.”

“I found tying the bottles on was very difficult because they would unravel but I did it. When I went wrong with a bubble wrap, I didn’t give up and I fixed it.” 

Headteacher Tara Trail commented: 

“The incredible recreation of our school logo, created from recycled materials by Year 5 & 6, alongside excellent visiting artist Alistair Lambert, has now taken pride of place in the main entrance to our school. Our huge thanks are due to such an inspiring creative & sculptor as Alastair.”

---

SHALDON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Trustee Annie Kirk writes: “Roger and I visited Shaldon Primary School - always a special pleasure to us as it was the “alma mater” to our own three children. We visited the professional artist workshop run by Lou Chapman and funded by The Helen Foundation.”

Lou worked with Years 4, 5 & 6 to create a fantastic extra-large collage sea scene, complete with lots of sea-creatures and plant forms. In addition to their own recycled materials, the three classes used stunning recycled materials (luscious fabrics, ribbon, buttons & beads galore) from the wonderful Plymouth Play Scrapstore, sourced by Lou. 

Mentored by Lou and encouraged by Shaldon’s classroom assistants and teachers, each class worked in groups to create the sea-environment and many different creatures including fish, jellyfish, starfish, crabs and a fabulous and jolly octopus. There was a really busy buzz in the room as the children worked individually and together to create four very vibrant boards

Hugely well done to everyone involved.  You all did an amazing job! 

This was a Helen Foundation-funded workshop arranged by Daisi, as usually has been the case, the Devon-based arts charity whose work over 30 years has fostered a whole number of ways to develop tremendous arts experiences for young people.  

FEEDBACK FROM SHALDON SCHOOL INCLUDING CHILDREN'S VIEWS

“The workshop was received with great enthusiasm across all year groups. Children spoke positively about the opportunity to work with a real artist and to try new techniques. Engagement levels were high throughout the sessions, and pupils showed pride in their work and excitement when sharing their creations with others.

What children said they enjoyed most:

• “Using different materials and learning new ways to create art.”

• “Being shown how to do things step by step by a real artist.”

• “Having the freedom to be creative and make our own choices.”

• “Working together and seeing everyone’s ideas.”

• “Feeling proud of what we made.”

• Pupils who can sometimes be less confident in class were keen to take part and share their work.

• There was a strong sense of pride and achievement when pieces were completed.

• The workshop encouraged creativity, perseverance and collaboration.

Staff reflections

Staff noted how inclusive the session felt, with all children able to access and enjoy the experience. The artist created a supportive environment that allowed pupils to experiment, take risks and express themselves creatively.

Summary

Feedback gathered through pupil voice conversations shows that the workshop was thoroughly enjoyed by the children and had a positive impact on engagement, confidence and creativity across the school. It was a memorable experience that the children are still talking about and one that enriched our wider curriculum. We are very grateful for the opportunity this provided for our pupils.