From the Deputy Principal

Creativity and confidence

I am so fortunate to have had leave to visit some of my family, who live in Ireland.  I haven't seen some of them in many years and it was a joy to reconnect with my brothers and my Dad.  It was also very special to spend time enjoying the rich culture of Dublin.  I went to see an exhibition of the work of Seamus Heaney, an Irish poet; I went to the Museum of Literature, to Trinity College and to the National Gallery.  I was only minutes into my journey through the gallery when I came across this...

...an engrossed group of eight-year-olds discussing the work of Picasso, under the guidance of an art historian.  I was interested in what the art historian had to say but fascinated to hear the ideas, excitement, creativity and confidence of these young people sharing their ideas about what Picasso was trying to convey.  They noticed tiny details, theorised about elements of the painting, talked about Picasso's inspirations and were thoroughly engrossed in conversation.  Along with admiring the creativity of Vermeer, Renoir, Cezanne and Gray, I so admired the creativity and excitement of these children in a space like a national gallery which has so often been relegated to the ranks of 'high culture' and, sadly, may seem inaccessible or 'beyond' our young people.  I am looking forward to sharing some of what I learnt on my trip with my students in coming weeks.   

Mrs Emma Franklin | Deputy Principal