Angus Primary Pupils are 'Hungry for Arts Success'

In November 2005, the Angus Council Arts Education Team and Hungry for Success Coordinator launched the ‘Hungry for Arts Success’ programme. All Angus Primary Schools were sent a pack containing teachers’ support notes and a colourful menu of arts activities - from ‘starters’ (half day workshops) to main courses (medium to large scale projects) and desserts (follow on activities) - all geared towards promoting healthy eating and lifestyles through creative activity.

Since December the Arts Team has been overwhelmed by requests. So far there have been 15 projects of varying sizes, with several more due to come on stream next session.

'With every project we have delivered a wide variety of artistic skills in the classroom, working with various age groups and entire schools.  By working closely with the artists we are pushing the boundaries of their skills to develop original small and large scale art works which are individual to the schools.

Our aim to introduce new and innovative art and craft skills into the classroom has given expressive ownership and design development understanding to the pupils which has proven to be very rewarding and successful.  The theme has encouraged the students to look at fruit and vegetables in great detail and use all their senses to inspire their beautifully imaginative art works.'  - Judith Tait, Cultural Co-ordinator

The menu provides schools with a wide range of choices from workshops in printing, jewellery making, collage and painting to projects engaging artists in creating banners, murals and dining room screens aimed at enhancing their dining areas. The pupils are encouraged to be inspired both by healthy living themes and new arts techniques.

Each pack provides teachers with helpful information about planning and supporting arts activities in schools. All projects are 85% funded through the Hungry for Success programme with schools contributing the remainder.

'The children benefit from the expertise of someone who can bring specialist artistic skills to the classroom.  It was stimulating to have an enthusiastic skilled artist to work with the children. The artist’s confidence with the children encouraged them to try new activities and develop them at home.'  - Jane Nimmo, Head Teacher, Arbirlot Primary School

'One particular example of good practice was getting the pupils to work out a plan: firstly to design and then to encourage the transfer of ideas into various textile techniques.  The pupils also used personal sketchbooks to record ideas, notes and examples of all artistic techniques learnt.  By doing this it improved their drawing, writing and communication skills.' - Sarah Jacobs, Artist

The Angus 'Hungry for Arts Success' project will continue at least until April 2007 with the aim of all children at Primary Level having the opportunity to work with a professional artist on a creative project to explore themes around healthy eating.