Dear Members, I wanted to tell you that I delivered this 8,000 word report to
the University of Surrey Roehampton and I am ultimately pleased with the
document and findings. Thank you to those of you who fed back on my request for
some help.
My findings on drawing in the Sketch books and Mural that each of the 240
Junior School children took part in (in addition to Dance, Sci Fi Drawing,
Portrait, Drama, Music Mixing, Junk Modelling, Photo Stories, Freaky Photos, Op Art)
were that the school community was strengthened by involvement in setting up
an Art Experience Week. In addition the Physical, Intellectual, Language,
Emotional and Social skills of the children were developed in an environment
that was free and inspiring and creative - a long way away from the usual daily
routine with the emphasis on the core subjects of Maths, English and Science.
Unexpected findings were firstly the autonomy which art activities gave the
children - the freedom to choose the activities they wanted, to draw what they w
anted in their sketch books. This freedom was very refreshing and mentioned
by many of the 196 pupil respondents to my questionnaires and several of the
teachers.
Secondly the stamping of their identity in the sketch books which they passed
round - a bit like autograph books - and many comments from the children
about how they could take a bit of their friends with them to secondary school
now they had their drawing in their sketch book was fascinating. Self identity
and a feeling of self worth were developed.
These are just notes...but I am quite inspired.
Best wishes and thanks again from the support.
Belinda Drake
Student of Education/Childhood & Society
Governor at 2 Primary schools in North West London
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