This week-long project, entitled New Beginnings, was to make a large wooden sculpture for the school grounds in collaboration with wood carver, Ben Platts-Mills.
The artist worked with pupils on the design; elements of their design were incorporated into the finished piece – the children are thrilled to see their drawings incorporated into such a lasting form, and on display at the front of the school.
During the week, pupils were also able to learn carving techniques, and each child took a turn in adding their own ‘picture’ to a large chunk of wood; safety implications were carefully considered, and safe use of the tools – for children and adults – was of primary concern.
When I visited, the whole school was in the midst of arts week, with feverish activity taking place right through the school. The school grounds already show evidence of a real commitment to environmental awareness, and the new sculpture sits well amongst the other additions to the landscape.