The final outcome of the project was to provide a model of a local building of historical interest (Clonbrock House). The model is now on display in the school and is an excellent resource for further learning. On the way the pupils investigated Classical architecture, drew objects from life and experimented with ratio and colour mixing.
Key areas of the Primary Art Curriculum that were explored:
· Developing an awareness of line, shape, colour, form, texture, space, pattern and rhythm
· experiment with the marks, lines, shapes, textures, patterns and tones that can be made with different drawing instruments on a range of surfaces
· Discuss own work and that of peers
· Draw and paint from observation
Paint and colour and construction
The project took place over three days working with Killasolan National School in County Galway, a single teacher school with a junior and senior class. All classes collaborated irrespective of their age. As the teacher/principal, Gabrielle is adept at getting the whole school to work together as a team, promoting growth for all. Every pupil worked together to complete the art and heritage activities.
Alison discusses how the project came about: The idea began when I was contacted by school principal Gabrielle Boner through the Heritage Council’s ‘Heritage in Schools’ programme. The scheme provides a panel of specialists who visit schools to encourage appreciation of a range of heritage topics. Together with schools I study the built heritage in the local area. Gabrielle was interested in completing a project about the now derelict and ivy covered Clonbrock House, built in 1780 and situated close to the school. As well as introducing various cultural and historical aspects, including Classical architecture and local heritage, Gabrielle was keen for the children to design and build a cardboard copy of their own ‘big house’.
Gabrielle explains: Knowledge of local history and culture is a key concept in the Primary SESE Curriculum and this project provided excellent learning opportunity for the children to study Clonbrock House. Thematic learning through art and construction projects such as this offer opportunity for active learning that links and integrates many subject areas in the Primary Curriculum.