AN exhibition showcasing photographs and paintings by youngsters who have struggled with mainstream education is ‘something to be proud of’.
The exhibition of work by pupils at the The Kingfisher School was on show in Walford Walk in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre last week (May 15 – 19) and celebrated the final outcome of an art project that began last September.
The project, set up to engage students between the ages of 14-16 who were struggling with mainstream school, gave pupils the chance to appreciate various art and cultured experiences, exhibitions and theatre performances.
Every student who took part in the scheme was involved in the exhibition marking the final stage of the project before the students receive their Arts Award certificate, a qualification that can help them continue on to college or university in the future.
Mick Phelan, teacher at The Kingfisher School, said: “We’re thrilled to be finishing off a fantastic 12 months of learning with a celebratory exhibition at Kingfisher Shopping Centre.
“The students’ involvement and enthusiasm for this project has been outstanding. The scheme has been a massive success and we’re delighted to give them the opportunity to showcase their hard work for everyone to enjoy.
“Experiencing art as not just drawing or painting lifelike forms has really opened their eyes to what is possible. They have the potential to create important and impressive work, in their own way and whether it’s photography, collage or sculpture, the work they have produced is something they should be very proud of.”
The Kingfisher School is a special school catering specifically for children who have found it difficult to access mainstream education. Students are taught in smaller groups and regularly encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities.
