Eastfield Primary Project

A few months ago Eastfield Primary School contacted Education at 20-21 to request a bespoke project that would up skill teaching staff and inspire them to confidently embed arts throughout the curriculum. In the past Eastfield have worked with local artist Wendy Chan, who was brought in to help develop and deliver the project. 

The whole school are studying Tomb Raiders, looking at Egyptians, ancient artifacts and the histories uncovered by great explorers. An engaging topic to incorporate the arts!

15 members of staff came along to a teacher training day that spilled out into the cafe area, and saw the teacher's make books, print illustrations and take part in shadow puppetry demonstrations.

In the morning the group split into two and were taught different book binds and print techniques and how they could be used in the Tomb Raider topic as well as throughout the curriculum. Once binds and techniques were mastered, the teachers halved once more and taught the other group their book binding technique. This meant that teachers had the chance to remind themselves how the book structures worked, as well as realise how it could be taught to others in the classroom.

Egyptian imagery adorns a flag bound book cover

Flag binds with monoprinted images

Recognising the varying levels of success in mono printing and realising what issues may have occurred.

Lots of cutting, sticking and chatting about how it can be adapted to suit different year groups.

Working with artist, Wendy Chan to create screen printed tote bags to carry their creations home.

Using a basic stencil technique, the screen prints came out really crisp and sharp.

The day was one of inspiration, realisation and creativity; giving teachers a chance to explore their topic through the arts. It was important for teachers to have a thinking space and see how these workshops can be carried on into the classroom. Below are some quotes directly from the teachers about the day's activities:

"I'm looking forward to working with the artists in school."
"I thoroughly enjoyed the day, would like to have more of them!"
"The delivery was very good, very informative and gave lots of inspiration and ideas"
"Fantastic and enthusiastic leaders running the workshops."
"Delivery was fun, entertaining and light hearted. The leaders instilled confidence!"

The Eastfield project is the first time 20-21 have run a school-wide project that up skills teachers to deliver arts confidently in the classroom. Later in the year, Wendy and Hayley will be delivering workshops in the school, to ensure further embedding of arts throughout the curriculum. Follow the project on this blog or for more information on how 20-21 can deliver a similar project in your school/college, please get in touch with our Education Officer, Hayley McPhun, on 01724 297074 or hayley.mcphun@northlincs.gov.uk