Looking to Learn

Project Name: Looking to Learn

School/ Organisation: Kirkbride Primary School

Year group: Year 5 and 6

Date: June 07- July 07

Name of Artist(s) involved: Janni Howker

What were the aims of your project?
To develop a resource pack based upon the Freshwater Life Gallery in Tullie House but which could be adapted for any Gallery visits. To use the Gallery as a stimulus for Art and Design, Creative Writing and Music.

What did you do?
The group of children visited the Gallery in June 2007.We explored the Gallery, made sketches and notes, which we worked on back at school to produce artwork reflecting the exhibits in the gallery. The art lessons for the rest of the term were used to respond to the stimuli. Janni Howker worked with the group both at the Gallery and in school to produce various pieces of Creative Writing. The children also used the images in the gallery to compose a musical arrangement working with a member of the Music service.

What were the successes of the project?
The children responded well to the Gallery visit, they were enthusiastic and keen. The images and artefacts were an excellent starting point for multi media Art and Design work. We were thrilled to have the opportunities to work with a professional author.

What were the challenges? What do you know now that you wish you knew at the start of the project?
The experience of working with Museum staff and other participants was seen as good professional development but has taken up a lot more time than I originally thought it would.