Learners show talents during fun Arts Week

Learners were given the opportunity to get involved in all sorts of artistic activities to express their natural talents in a range of fun and imaginative ways.

A full programme of exciting events and projects throughout the week provided inspiration for learners. Workshops included animation, dancing, drumming, and an amazing arts carousel, a revolving series of workshops for learners to take part and apply their creativity to projects such as decorating a ‘book bench’, creating a six-foot-high textile daisy, or an animal-themed mural, and sculpting pottery insects that will eventually become part of an installation.

Bishop Richard Moth, newly appointed Bishop of Brighton and Arundel, was thrilled to be invited to see the innovative artwork on offer. It was Bishop Richard’s first visit to St Joseph’s Specialist School & College. As he left he told Mary Fawcett, Principal, he had greatly enjoyed the tour of the school and meeting the learners and staff.

The week was rounded off in style with the glitz and glamour of the fabulous St Joseph’s Oscars award ceremony. Each class had created their own film, from concept to completion, including the scripting, storyboarding, directing, filming and editing, leaving the judges with some very difficult decisions to make!

Elizabeth Lickess, teacher and Arts Week coordinator, said: “We have been delighted to be able to offer such a variety of activities throughout the week, fuelling learners’ imaginations, St Joseph’s colourful celebration of creativity was a massive success, and hopefully it will be even bigger, bolder and brighter next year!”

St Joseph’s Specialist School & College is an Independent Non-Maintained co-educational residential and day school catering for children aged 5 – 19 with moderate, complex and severe learning difficulties.

Our provision was awarded specialist status in the SEN area of Communication and Interaction in 2009, offering excellent provision for learners, within the above categories, who are on the Autistic Spectrum. St Joseph’s has full DCSF approval, with placements from over 16 different local authorities.

Report and pictures contributed by St Joseph’s Specialist School & College.