This morning we had our annual Arts Exhibition and it was a huge success, with many parents, families and friends of school attending to view the incredible art work and projects that children have been working on this year.
The exhibits were varied and staggering in showcasing the creativity and talents of our children and staff, and lots of the work goes towards child’s accreditation for the nationally recognised Art Award, which all children at Newfield achieved during their time with us, at different levels.
This was also the first event we have held since our 4D immersive environment equipment in the hall has been refreshed, so the lights and sound created a fantastic backdrop, making the exhibition feel even more special.
Parents were able to buy canvases of their children’s work, there were refreshments for visitors, and there were even some prizes from the day’s art competition, with the winners chosen by headteacher Rachel.
As part of the exhibition, there was an opportunity to take place in a live art installation, led by Jen Topping, who runs our Art club, which is one of our daily lunchtime social clubs, open to pupils throughout the school.
We use a wide variety of art materials and pupils can choose what they want to do in the sessions. We try not to restrict the pupils’ creativity by having a fixed idea of what we want them to make. We believe that…
If adults have already decided the outcome, then the creativity in the artwork no longer belongs to the child.
Our focus is on enjoying the process of making art rather than the end product- although lots of our end products do become exciting pieces of art!
Art club provides an opportunity for pupils to:
- Work collaboratively with other students.
- Contribute to large art projects displayed round the school.
- Make independent decisions and choices.
- Explore different ways of expressing themselves and find their voice through creativity.
- Develop friendships and have fun!
Teachers Tracy and Gemma, our Art and Music leads are already planning for a bigger exhibition next year, with aspiration for a whole week of art themed activities running up the exhibition, with suggestions including a fashion show, live artists in school, a sculpture trail, a musical arts event and immersive art - we can’t wait - watch this space!
Expressive Arts is an important area of our curriculum, and the hard work and passion for the subject really shone through today - thanks to everyone who contributed and attended!
I loved how many parents & visitors actually got involved with the artwork today, with such enthusiasm!
