Riverside Routes - Kangaroo Study Hop
Gibside School is a community special school catering to pupils with an autism spectrum disorder and pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The school has an impressive and well-sequenced arts curriculum. Arts and behaviour lead Kathryn Beat identified digital arts as an area where staff would like to develop new skills, enhancing the school's outstanding provision. Gateshead Arts Development Team believe projects contribute to professional development by allowing school staff to observe how artists approach sharing new skills and ideas.
We worked with Kathryn's Kangaroo class, which comprised seven year 5/6 boys. This meant she could cascade new skills throughout the school. In September 2024, several learners in the group will move on to secondary settings. Meeting new people and learning outside the classroom would help them continue to prepare for their transition.
The project
Animator Robin Webb delivered an inspiring sculpture walk and three in-school sessions supported by Kathryn and dedicated support staff. Sessions involved drawing, writing, animating using 'Stop Motion Pro' (an affordable programme which the school purchased), and recording sound.
Arts and Behaviour lead Kathryn Bell said: "Robin has been brilliant with the children. The children were excited and anticipated visits from Robin, they talked in class lots about the process."
Impact
The project resulted in a frenetic animation punctuated with moments of calm. When watching animation learners' excitement and sense of achievement was palpable.
After viewing their artwork the children expressed the desire to return to the riverside. Whilst these young people will be unlikely to be able to visit without a parent or carer the project developed awareness of an outdoor space to relax and unwind. Learners face multiple health and economic barriers to visiting cultural sites like the Riverside Park without the support of the school.
Kangaroo Sculpture Hop helped enrich Gibside School's art and design curriculum and positively impacted pupils' health and well-being.
We observed:
- A sense of pride and accomplishment resulting in improved confidence. To try new things, meet new people, explore local spaces and express themselves.
- New knowledge and understanding about the cultural heritage of the Riverside Sculpture Park increasing their cultural capital. Several Riverside Park sculptures link back to Gateshead's proud industrial past for example Lulu Quinn's 'Rise and Fall' and Andy McKeown's 'Riverside Rivets'.
Creative Producer Elizabeth shared: "Robin saw that empowering them to make decisions was pivotal. He supported the learners and staff to get as much out of the incredible spaces along the riverside by nurturing their creativity and curiosity."
Robin Webb said: "We've helped the children and staff team see something in a new light and sparked them to enjoy their personal creative journey."
In terms of wider impact, the project helped challenge limiting beliefs some may hold about what young people with SEND can achieve. The film was proudly showcased at The Chris Drinkwater Primary Arts and Health Awards in Summer 2024 after being put forward by creative producer Elizabeth Kane. This event was attended by learning, creative and health professionals across the North East and Cumbria and was the only SEND school to enter work.
It is incredibly important that children and young people's work, particularly those who face multiple barriers to taking part, receive this public recognition focusing on what they can achieve. This recognition boosts their self-esteem and confidence and as a powerful motivator for them to continue striving for success. Moreover, public recognition helps to break down the barriers and stereotypes challenging societal expectations and promoting inclusivity.
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