Showcase

Chipping Norton School, Oxfordshire
Comprehensive school, ages 11-18; 1000 pupils 2005

The School

A week long arts event was planned to launch the "Performing Arts Status" at the school. An artist in residence was sought to create an interactive performance space in the school hall.

The brief

Providing drawing skills for all abilities
Creating drawing through music
Communal project allowing students to work together and for each other

The work

Miranda Cresswell worked with Years 7-9 (450 pupils in total) using music as a vehicle in large scale, communal drawings. The pupils learnt to be freer in their way of drawing, to listen to music and respond to it by line drawings. "Really wicked/ lush/ cool!" were some of the responses. The teacher in charge of the project commented: "I think the kids worked very well together and benefited from the team spirit. The final outcome was very impressive".

The outcome

"A permanent display. The pupils liked the opportunity to work on something colourful and vibrant, which had a real purpose in the context of our arts week."
Headteacher