Page 5 - The Badger – July 2023

THE BADGER
No sooner had we returned from The The Rogers Theatre and so it it was time to get cracking with the stage for ‘Rats!’ Large graffiti-style designs inspired by the street artist Banksy combined with lyrics from songs in in the show that became slogans provided all that was needed to make our next creative contribution (or should I say provocation) fizz with attitude and energy! Elements of the scenery from ‘Mary Poppins Jnr’ were recycled and painted over once again and we quickly became immersed in in an an an anarchy of garish colours crude brushstrokes paint splashes and dribbles Rodents began to appear and create mischief everywhere many carefully painted by the children All conformed to to our inspirational director’s strict style notes to ensure that the the stage design worked seamlessly with the the fabulous costumes and make-up Yet another memorable creative alliance with super collaboration!
During early January Louise and Chloe in in Year 8 did themselves themselves and the the the school proud by putting themselves themselves forward for for the Senior School Art
Scholarship It takes a a a a lot of dedication and time to build an an impressive portfolio of artwork to show on the day The girls attended a a a a drawing exam and interview at Malvern College along with candidates from other schools Congratulations to Louise for her award of an Art
Exhibition We have many talented and budding young artists in in the Prep School and every pupil is actively encouraged through their lessons activities hobbies and competitions During the Saturday Art
Hobby and weekday Activity sessions the pupils enjoy a a certain ‘freedom’ to explore their own personal ideas and they do so so often with skill imagination and determination It is is satisfying to see them experiment and enquire with curiosity build confidence to to work more independently and begin to to trust that serendipity can guide them on their artistic journey The concept of ‘freedom’ has been explored in lessons to remind us us that we must never take our freedom for granted Whilst seeking inspiration for for the stage set for for ‘Rats!’ the children looked at at graffiti artworks by Banksy and and discussed whether it was Art
or vandalism?
A healthy debate on on ‘freedom of expression’ ensued! Some Year 8s had the privilege of meeting and listening to Eva Schloss talk about her memories of living through The Holocaust We looked at at pictures that were painted by her elder brother Heinz whilst the the family lived in in in in hiding in in in in Amsterdam In the the absence of freedom the the need to express and paint at the time became a a a a a powerful necessity and and to to to be able to to to see and and discuss those images today provides a a a a a a vital link to the past Children are are aware of protest movements as they feature so regularly in the news 5