Schools and Clubs

CERAMICS PROJECTS FOR SCHOOLS

I have worked with many schools over the last 12 years on a range of projects that have involved pupils, staff and parents.   Working with clay offers children a fantastic opportunity to extend their learning in an enjoyable way that can greatly enhance their learning experiences.

As a qualified and experienced teacher, I understand how schools operate and how to inspire children and young people.  I have found that the projects I have delivered have suited all ability levels and provided memorable learning experiences - especially for those children who may lack confidence in more ‘academic’ subjects.  The quotes from Year 6 pupils at Mottram Primary School illustrate this:

“I’ve never really liked art but Mr. Holt made this my best art session ever.”

“Mr. Holt was very good as he was patient and the whole day was absolutely fantastic.”

Projects involving working with clay can be planned with you to enhance many aspects of the curriculum and school life. 

Examples of projects include:

Aztecs masks, Greek vases, Egyptian mummies, Tudor jewellery,Ourselves, World War 2, Earth and Space, Weather, Under the Sea, Pop Art, and Mini-Beasts.  I have also been involved in arts weeks and contributed to various themes such as:  India, Africa, our local environment/living world, and carnivals.

Other cross-curricula work has linked ceramics with:
SEAL (self-esteem, anti bullying, positive relationships, working together), PSHE (alcohol education, sport and  health eating), Local Industrial Heritage, The Seasons, Community Cohesion, Cultural/Religious Celebrations.

ALDWYN PRIMARY SCHOOL - YEAR 3/4 PROJECT  View Video
Three classes were involved in the 3 day project in April.  Each class worked in 4 groups to produce large coil pots decorated with the theme of ‘Habitats and Environments’.
The children enjoyed making twelve large coil pots in total that were decorated with various ‘scenes’, such as: in the garden, under the sea and in the forest. The pots will be fired and returned to the school to be glazed. Click on the images below to view the gallery

Many schools have asked me to work with their pupils to produce ceramics to enhance the school environment.  This has led to the production of, for example, various murals on walls such as:  welcome to our school, our school’s community links/environment, eco, centenary anniversary celebrations / commemorations.

“On behalf of the children, staff and parents, I’d like to thank you for making such an excellent contribution to our Health Week.  You demonstrated lots of skill, patience and good humour.  The children absolutely loved the work which you did with them.”

 (Head Teacher, The Grange Primary School, Runcorn)

 The two slide shows below illustrate how projects to enhance the school environment and a cross curricula theme involving a cluster of schools were delivered.

School Welcome Sign Project

Simmondley Primary School in Glossop commissioned Adrian Holt to work with all of its pupils to produce a new sign to welcome visitors to the school.  The design comprised two semi-circular murals of tiles erected onto a purpose built semi-circular shaped wall measuring 2m across and 1m high.

Glossop Industrial Heritage Project

In September 2005 the Glossopdale School Improvement Cluster bid for and successfully secured a grant from Derbyshire County Council for a design and technology project based on Glossop’s industrial heritage.

Each school chose an aspect of Glossop’s industrial heritage.  Pupils researched them, made visits to sites, and developed cross-curricula links.  Pupils then worked with local ceramics artist Adrian Holt to produce panels of tiles to celebrate their work and depict the many different aspects of Glossop’s past.   Over 450 pupils from 17 schools were involved, each school producing a 60 x 60 cm panel of tiles that are on display at the Glossop Community Education Centre