Reviewing the art curriculum at Moor End Technology College Huddersfield
Young people from Moor End Technology College, Huddersfield recently unveiled their amazing sculpture to celebrate the 150th birthday of local engineering company - David Brown Gear Systems Limited.
After recently reviewing their art curriculum Moor End Technology College decided to incorporate a new curricular dimension, which involves opportunities for work related learning - enabling students to develop, recognise and apply their art skills beyond the classroom, for enterprise and employability. So with the help of CapeUK and artist Lisa Roberts, the school gave the students the opportunity to be practicing artists - working to a commission, targets, deadlines, writing a CV and pitching ideas.
The school worked in partnership with local company David Brown Gear Systems Limited, who were happy to be the clients for this creative project. This year David Brown Gear Systems Limited celebrate 150 years of business and they wanted to reflect this in a piece of art to display in their Huddersfield office.
In September 2009 a small group of Year 10 OCR National Art and Design students began working on this project in their art lessons, looking at 'Gears, Wheels and Mechanisms'. They produced a series of primary observations and studied a number of artists, craftspeople and designers who use this theme in their own work.
Miss S Powdrill of Moor End Technology College said: "Taking part in this scheme has been a fantastic opportunity for students to understand how their Art and Design work can impact in the real world. They should be extremely proud of their achievements and the way in which their confidence has soared throughout this project.
"This project has made the learning in the classroom relevant and meaningful, therefore the students are more willing to work hard and achieve. The project has brought the group together as a team, with teachers, students, creative practitioner and representatives from David Brown able to work side by side as co-constructors of learning."
A pupil from Moor End Technology College said: "We have to work to deadlines but it’s good, it's like real work. You can't have all the time you want. We stay behind after school because we want to. It gives us a good idea of the bigger picture working with lots of different people."
Students have had opportunities to voice opinions, discuss and lead the design and planning of this project at every stage, both in the classroom and in the boardroom at David Browns.
There will be a gathering of students and teachers from the Moor End Technology College and David Brown members of staff, some of whom have been working for the company for over 40 years, to see this project unveiled to the public.
The David Brown Scultpture at Moor End Tech College
