This article first appeared in the Norwich Evening News ‘School Focus’ by Penny Cottee on Saturday 12 February 2022.
A group of students from Norwich High School for Girls has helped pupils from nearby Parkside School to create artwork which was put on display as part of the high school’s public exhibition at the Forum in Norwich. The independent day school’s annual Winter Arts Festival exhibition, including work from the Parkside School, ran from February 7 to 9. Norwich High School for Girls has been working with The Parkside School, which is a specialist communication and interaction school, for the past five years. A group attends once a week as part of the Lower Six community-based enrichment programme, and works with children with complex needs to express themselves through art. For the girls, meeting the Parkside school children provides them with a rewarding learning experience. “It has been a genuine pleasure to see the artwork that the children have managed to accomplish and to have helped them along the way,” said student Shadan Damnesh. “Having particularly enjoyed talking with the children, I now feel significantly more confident in my communication skills to different audiences, and as a prospective medical student, this experience has motivated me to help out further in any ways that I can.” Fellow pupil Abi Smith added: “I thoroughly enjoyed helping with this project, it has been very inspiring for me to see how creative the group is and how interested in the project they are. I loved seeing how proud they were of the finished outcome, and I think it turned out amazingly.” For this year’s annual Winter Arts Festival exhibition, students have been producing artwork based on the artist and designer, Christopher Marley, who uses natural artefacts as his medium of expression, to enjoy mark making techniques using a variety of materials. Prior to the project with The Parkside School, Norwich High School for Girls also worked with Harford Manor and The Clare School, which are also schools for pupils with complex needs. The value of collaboration Sarah Taylor, Head of Art at Norwich High School for Girls, said, “We really value the ongoing relationship we have with The Parkside School and the opportunity it gives us to help the children produce final pieces they can see in a public place. The children we are working with at Parkside are 12 years of age and it gives them a real sense of pride to see their work on display. The quality of the pieces is fantastic, and we were really impressed with the exhibition.” Jenny Ross-Nevin, from The Parkside School, said, “Norwich High School for Girls students shared their art skills generously with Shark Class at The Parkside School over a period of several Monday afternoon sessions. Sharks really looked forward to working with the girls, chatting with them and learning some exciting mark making techniques. This collaborative effort, which involved a lot of preparation on the part of the High School girls and some very expressive mark making from the Sharks, really enriched the Parkside children’s experience of art in action.” Assistant Head – Enrichment at Norwich High School for Girls, Owain Hall added: “Enrichment encompasses so much of what we do at Norwich High School for Girls, and we certainly offer stretch, challenge and fun beyond the classroom. Our enrichment programme helps enable students to unlock their potential and develop in confident and resilience, equipping them with the skills and values required in our changing society.” The Norwich High School for Girls Winter Arts Festival 2022 encompassed various events between 4 to 11 February which were open to the public, including two concerts and “The Great Outdoors” art exhibition at the Forum. There was a finale celebration at the Norwich Playhouse. the full write up from the festival can be seen here.