Full first year cohort from Castlehead High School come to the GSA for programme of creative learning
Images: first year pupils from Castlehead High School work in teams to build bridges
during their visit to The Glasgow School of Art
Today, Wednesday 23 May 2018, saw the first milestone in a unique creative partnership between the acclaimed Glasgow School of Art and Castlehead High School in Paisley as all first year pupils came to Glasgow to experience at first hand the GSA’s studio-based approach to education.
130 young people and 10 members of staff have had the opportunity to experience creative learning activities through a programme of architecture, design and fine art workshops. The workshops, which include cyanotype making, printmaking and bridge building, are being led by specialist staff from the GSA’s Open Studio team.
The two institutions set out on a journey last year that will culminate in Castlehead High School becoming the first school of creative education in the UK. The partnership will ultimately see the GSA’s approach to teaching and learning applied across all subjects to help raise attainment and improve pupil prospects.
As the development work for this takes shape, it has provided an opportunity for all first year pupils to experience the GSA at first hand. In addition, staff have been able to share experiences and tour the workshops which are supporting the next stage in the development.
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| A bridge made in one the collaborative workshops |
“This is an exciting partnership that is putting Scotland in the vanguard of education,” says Professor Tom Inns, Director of The Glasgow School of Art. “Through creative learning our students are able to develop confidence, critical thinking and innovation skills which are all invaluable in the changing world of work. Our partnership with Castlehead School will now see young people enjoying the benefits of studio-based teaching and learning much earlier in their academic careers.”
“We are delighted to welcome the whole first year cohort and ten members of staff to The Glasgow School of Art to get a taster of creative learning through a varied programme of workshops led by our Open Studio team.”
Castlehead High Head Teacher, Martin MacDonald said: "We are delighted to be working with The Glasgow School of Art and this event is only the first of many collaborations."
"Our first year pupils are all very excited at the prospect of working and learning in the world famous GSA. The visit is about our pupils experiencing learning in a creative environment and developing the skills that they will need to thrive in school and beyond."
"The project is also a great demonstration of how the legacy of Paisley's bid for UK City of Culture 2021 continues and aims to put culture at the heart of everything."
"Our first year pupils are all very excited at the prospect of working and learning in the world famous GSA. The visit is about our pupils experiencing learning in a creative environment and developing the skills that they will need to thrive in school and beyond."
"The project is also a great demonstration of how the legacy of Paisley's bid for UK City of Culture 2021 continues and aims to put culture at the heart of everything."
For full details of the workshops which the young people experienced at the GSA see Notes for Editors
Ends
For further information contact:
Lesley Booth,
0779941 4474
press@gsa.ac.uk
@GSofAMedia
Notes for Editors
Castlehead High School creative workshops 22 and 23 May 2018
Workshop One– Communication Design
Using collage and Letraset etc. pupils worked on A3 worksheet and select parts of those worksheets to turn into badges.
Workshop Two– Cyanotypes
Using a variety of natural and man-made objects pupils produced a range of photographs without the need for a camera, darkroom or printer.
Workshop Three– Printing.
Using examples of printed textiles as inspiration pupils created and printed their own designs for a tote bag, using pre-printed GSA logo outlines.
Workshop Four– Jewellery
Using simple jewellery techniques pupils explored colour, texture, scale and wear-ability from materials such as copper, wire, plastic, beads, paper and other recycled materials.
Workshop Five - Building Bridges:
Using art straws and other materials pupils built a bridge that a ball/object can run along, testing the stability and suitability of their designs.
Workshop Six– Mono and lino printing
Using acrylics, gouache and inks, and working to a theme, pupils created a range of unique, quick-drying prints.
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) was founded in 1845 as one of the first Government Schools of Design, as a centre of creativity promoting good design for the manufacturing industries of Glasgow. However, the School’s lineage can be traced to 1753 when Robert Foulis established a school of art and design in Glasgow, which was described as the single most influential factor in the development of eighteenth-century Scottish Art. Today, The GSA is internationally recognised as one of Europe's leading university-level institutions for the visual creative disciplines. Our studio-based approach to research and teaching brings disciplines together to explore problems in new ways to find innovative solutions. The studio creates the environment for inter-disciplinary working, peer learning, critical inquiry, experimentation and prototyping, helping to addressing many of the great challenges confronting society and contemporary business.
About Renfrewshire and education
Renfrewshire is home to 176,000 people, with a rich history, strong resilient communities and great economic potential. The Council has just set out a five-year plan to transform the area’s future, focused on making Renfrewshire an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest in. More than 27,000 children are educated across 11 secondary and 49 primary schools. Renfrewshire is ambitious for our pupils and want all young people to reach their full potential regardless of their background. Renfrewshire is one of nine local authorities in the Attainment Challenge and through the Pupil Equity Fund are addressing the poverty-related impacts on attainment. Successful initiatives include the Renfrewshire Literacy Approach, supporting the professional development of teachers to develop a love of reading in all pupils. www.renfrewshire.gov.uk