VIEW FROM THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
View from the virtual classroom A
s restrictions are eased in England and some schools and classes reopen, we
look back to last month, when the lockdown was still fully in operation and schools were closed to everyone except children of key workers, necessitating virtual teaching for most pupils. In our ever-popular View from the classroom series this month, we hear about virtual art lessons at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls in Elstree.
Tell us about your school Founded in 1875, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls is a leading independent school for students aged 4 to 18 years. Based in Elstree, Hertfordshire, its current and historic academic results place it amongst the highest ranked independent schools operating in the UK today. Set over 40 acres of stunning countryside and within easy reach of London, the school is committed to the development of each individual child, providing a challenging, friendly learning environment and a positive, stimulating and secure community that welcomes students from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. Based on the same campus as Habs Boys, Habs Girls’ School is able to provide single-sex education, in a co-educational environment, nurturing happy, hardworking pupils and preparing them to become citizens of a global 21st Century.
How have remote Art lessons helped to boost creativity and positivity? Over the last fortnight, Megan Hall, Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) at Habs Girls’ School in Hertfordshire, has had the pleasure of experiencing a ‘virtual view’ of the school’s phenomenal remote lessons. In particular, the live
lessons in Art have really stood out as giving students the opportunity to combine creativity with positivity during a time when they’re unable to leave their homes. Here she shares an insight into how the students have developed their artistic skills from a distance… Art in schools has always been instrumental in
helping young people to express themselves and to make sense of the world around them. From the early development of fine motor, language and social skills to supporting children with decision-making, risk-taking, invention and creativity, art brings curiosity, balance and perspective to every day life. As we find ourselves in a new, sometimes daunting world of remote learning, art has perhaps become even more important in helping young people to express their feelings and individuality as well-rounded learners. Art has the power to enhance mood, boost wellbeing and critical thinking and it also teaches children to be more diligent and thorough in terms of how they observe the world. Of course, remote learning is not without its challenges and being prepared and focused as a school is important if you are to get the most out of the opportunity. Art is no exception; in fact remote learning has encouraged the Art Department at Habs Girls’ School to think way outside of the box and to explore new ways of doing things. Recently, students have experimented with a combination of techniques to boost their creative thinking and expression.
How have the students explored personal identity through newspaper fashion? The school’s Year 9 students have celebrated some great artistic success via their remote lessons recently, as part of a textile project focused around creating garments from
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www.education-today.co.uk June 2020
newspapers. Earlier this year prior to school closures, they had been looking at personal identity and had painted Frida Kahlo style paintings of themselves and made Grayson Perry style pieces based on their own identity. The next project in school would have been a textiles element to support the year group, as they were due to begin their Bronze Arts Award. One criteria of this award involves pupils joining in collectively with an art activity. Being conscious of what materials students would have access to at home, the intention was to provide them with the experience of creating a garment using newspaper, magazines or scrap paper, while also covering the Arts Award element by creating an online fashion show of the results. Having watched a presentation with ideas and
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