Children love it, teaching staff are delighted, and parents see their children are so enthusiastic – here are a few testimonial stories from teachers and children we’ve worked with.
Malia
Malia took part in creating a sculpture exhibited at one of CATS’ partner the Sculpture at Kingham Lodge (SAKL) show in 2023. She came with the school before the show and then brought her parents to see her work. Greeted at the door she was asked if she had helped make a sculpture – a timid nod. Which school? – Kingham. What had she made? – a bee. She was then greeted as an artist, hand shaken, told what an honour it was to meet an exhibiting artist.
Malia grew inches and beamed. For the next two weeks she was telling her parents daily she was an artist!
In all the exhibiting schools, teachers are reporting the enthusiasm and excitement art now generates having seen their work at a professional show.
Young Teacher
A young teacher said she could not cope with the new intake of 4/5 year old children post-pandemic. An experienced teacher was assigned. She said the children were feral – they bit, kicked, jumped on desks, could not verbalise and were anti-social. This was the result of lockdowns and no nursery schools. For the first few weeks she used the materials in the art cupboard filled by CATS’ partner the Sculpture at Kingham Lodge (SAKL) to do art. The children could express their feelings on paper, started to chat, could sit, and work together.
She said it was art that made everything possible.
Harry
Harry had not wanted to go to school post-pandemic. He was nervous and anxious. The one day of the week he has started to come, is the day that starts with drama, which he loves.
He then stays for the whole day’s lessons.
Gallery of work by school children we are supporting
Click the images to view the full-size version, or click the “View Article” button to view a short story behind the work:
Multi-media work
'Underwater' acrylic ink sessions at Cold Aston Primary and St David’s Primary, Moreton-in-Marsh
St Mary’s School Pop Art Portraits on display at Longborough Church
Fox & Peacock Sculpture
Fox sculpture made from recycled plastic and carrier bags by St Mary’s Primary School and a peacock sculpture made from CD’s and plastic waste.
Watercolour work with Stow-on-the-Wold Primary School pupils
Year 6 at St John's, Banbury
Middle Barton Primary School
Mono-colour printing with recycled materials
Sibford Gower teacher CPD (continued professional development)
Charlbury primary school
Charlbury Reception class create imaginative environments for bumble bees and year 6 pupils get hands-on learning about the work and style of Van Gogh, both through tile painting
Help us deliver joy & discovery!
Tightening school budgets are squeezing art and creativity out of the curriculum. If we want our young people to flourish, to be creative and solve the challenges of the future we must invest in their creativity.
Thank you for your support!
Together, we can make a huge difference!