Experimenting with Art

1. Experimental sensory sessions

Designed to allow space for learners with SEND to explore materials and techniques at their own pace and level.

Our Art Sessions provide many opportunities to fulfil EHCP targets such as…

• Communication and language: interaction with peers and adults. Using language and learning new words
• Physical: encouraging the use of both gross and fine motor skills
• Emotional and Social development: meeting new people, mood regulation
• Concentration: maintaining sustained interest or focus
• Cognitive: learning new skills and language

Session capacity: 1-10 pupils, depending on class requirements.

Session length: up to 30 mins, all timings are flexible depending on pupils’ needs.

• Experiments in ink / watercolours / acrylics

Our workshop leader will be on hand to demonstrate different possibilities, but learners are free to experiment with a wide variety of mark making tools and brushes to create their own abstract artwork. Sessions can incorporate bright vibrant coloured inks, water colours or acrylics.

• Experiments in clay

Learners are encouraged to work with a wide variety of methods and tools to manipulate air dry clay in whichever way they choose.

A large sensory selection of resources will be provided to allow for free choice and interaction, incorporating all of the senses.

Learners will also get the opportunity to interact with tactile sculpture and artworks from our collection if appropriate.

2. Directed sessions

Using artefacts and methods specifically selected for their use with SEND pupils, these sessions involve a more directed approach. Led by an experienced workshop leader these take the format of a short, interactive introduction/demonstration before learners try out their own ideas. All sessions will be tailored to suit the individual needs of your pupils in terms of group size, communication styles, objects used and session length.

Session capacity: maximum 6-8

Session length: 30- 45 mins,  all timings are flexible depending on pupils’ needs.

Choose from:

• Printing

Woodblock printing:  We have a collection of woodblocks that can be used to cover different themes including seasons/ botanical/ insects & wildlife/ Seaside & Sea life / The Farm / Traditional Indian patterns / Diwali  and Christmas. Pupils can create pictures, cards, wrapping paper etc on request.

or

Mono printing on Gelli blocks using seasonal flowers / foliage / leaves / found items.

• Aboriginal art

Activity using original Aboriginal art for inspiration. Pupils are provided with the outlines of different Australian animals including Koala bear, Lizard / Gecko, Kangaroo and Turtle. Brightly coloured posca pens or paints are used to paint them in the style of Aboriginal artists.

• Drawn to Wildlife

Learners will have the opportunity to view real wildlife specimens from our Resource Box collection for inspiration. These could be foxes, rabbits, badgers, moles or any specific animal that fits in with a topic area. They will then use a variety of methods to recreate fur textures and patterns. This session could also be adapted for pupils interested in finding out how to draw animals.

• Take Flight

Learners will have the opportunity to view real bird specimens from our resource box collection for inspiration. They will then use a variety of methods to recreate the feather and colour detail of what they see.  Teachers can choose from birds of prey, garden birds, owls, water birds or anything that fits in with their pupil’s interests or topics studied.

This session could also be adapted for pupils interested in finding out how to draw birds.

• Take One Picture / Sculpture

This session involves a selection of works on a theme using different materials and participants get an opportunity to create an artwork using the same materials.