As an appendix to other posts about World Book day, I wanted to share these tremendous pictures with you. These were snapped at a school this week, which was full full of inspiration and creativity. Codicote Primary in Hertfordshire is one of those joyous schools that has art tumbling off the walls, into every available space, dangling from classroom washing lines and even creeping into the dining hall. I was touched that so much of the art had been inspired by Katie’s adventures, but really the credit goes to the staff for embracing the natural artistic curiosity of children and having the imagination to find different ways to engage them.
As the head teacher said to me, adults often assume children, because they are little and limited in experience, think in small and limited ways. Yet it is adults who limit themselves; children have a natural curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that puts us grown ups to shame.
The children did some wonderful work during the day, but these are pictures of their earlier projects on display, based on Rousseau and van Gogh, with 3D scenes jostling for attention with paintings, drawings and collage work. It is wonderful to visit schools like this that show, despite all the negative stories about education in the press, that there are so many superb teachers out there finding ways to engage and motivate their children to achieve excellence in ways that go far beyond tests and ticks in boxes. Children are brilliant sparks of energy and vision, and this school was one of many I have visited recently that filled me with real hope for the next generation.
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