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'Let’s Celebrate' – a Redbridge and Newham cross-borough art project

This project involved the Traveller education services (TES) of two local authorities Redbridge and Newham. It was led by Sue Mutter (Redbridge) and Anthea Wormington (Newham). Together, they developed an inclusive approach to the Key Stage 3 secondary art curriculum. The aim was to engage young people with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) culture to access learning in both authorities.

Setting up the project

Sue and Anthea began planning an art project with the arts adviser for Newham. The children targeted for intervention were:

• in Year 9, aged 13 to 14
• from two schools, one in each LA
• mixed in terms of gender, ability and cultural heritage. 

They networked through the London Coordinators TES group, and the project also involved inter-agency partnership working with:

• school art departments
• professional artists
• ethnic minority achievement teams
• art advisors, and
• professional development centres.

Professional artist Agnes Mitchell provided the artistic content for the project and Aila Floyd, a flamenco dancer, inspired the life drawing session.

Project activities

Photography

The students began by recording what was important or personal to them with disposable cameras.

Using maps

Map work and mark making skills were developed as part of a project called ‘Journeys’. This project included studying a map of Ireland and a map of the World, and charting students’ journeys from home to school. The students’ patterns of mobility were then translated into large scale visual art works.

‘Life Events’

This QCA project included opportunities to share oral histories, which developed children’s speaking and listening skills and promoted positive self-esteem.

Smashing plates!

Students from the two schools shared food and ate together off decorative plates which were then smashed and turned into mosaics. This activity mirrored the tradition of pot smashing during a Roma wedding celebration.

Life drawing

• Students watched flamenco dancing and recorded the exciting dance movements in their life drawings.
• They drew GRT personal artefacts including necklaces, bracelets and horse shoes; these drawings were then blown up to form part of a powerful art display.
• Lithographic prints were made from drawings. This involved students learning new techniques such as keeping the press clean.

Music

Music specialist Jane Miller, working with Caterham High School music department, taught students to play traditional Gypsy music.

Events

• Exhibitions of the students’ art work were held at the Redbridge and Newham professional development centres. Senior school staff, mainstream teachers, other secondary art staff and parents joined the students to celebrate the project’s achievements.
• Students performed Gypsy music at the Redbridge exhibition, and a group led by a Roma boy involved played at the Newham opening event.
  

Outcomes

The project has supported the professional development of teachers across two authorities in meeting the educational and social needs of children of GRT heritage. The project team also produced a resource pack for teachers and children.

If you would like further information please contact Sue or Anthea:

• sue.mutter@redbridge.gov.uk
• anthea.wormington@newham.gov.uk