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| Working with Charlie When Charlie Allen came to school to talk about the wall one or two pupils remembered his earlier work on the original yard mural, seven years previously. He was immediately wel- comed as Charlie, a friend. Although staff had talked about Charlie's job with the boys and girls, they had little idea of the nature of his work. Charlie made his first work shop visit on September 13th. Charlie's first half day with the pupils involved a lot of communication. Listening to other peoples ideas was as important for our pupils as expressing their own views. This two way communication process between Charlie and pupils was a continual feature of the residency. One pupil, in particular, who can be reticent and uncommuni- cative was soon motivated to rash out to paint and chat. She later drew pictures of her experiences. Charlie's activities stimulated a lot of enthusiastic application to tasks. There was much scope for drawn and written observations by pupils. When the mural was completed pupils were thrilled to see their designs on the wall. They could pick out their own pictures. For pupils with limited concentration and expressive skills the wall provides a focus. In retrospect, it is an aid to stimulating recall of the stages of the mural's creation. Charlie's relationship with the pupils was cemented and extended when he talked of his earlier school mural and other work enterprises. Pupils may be able to visit the Newcastle Arts Centre where Charlie works. We now have an exciting, eyecatching mural for the pleasure of all at Bleach Green School. Pupils can relate to many aspects of the development and content. We feel very privileged to have had this involvement in creative art work with Charlie, facilitated by the T.V.E.I. Department. Barbara Howarth October 1990 |
| We are very grateful to the following suppliers: Blue Circle, Marlene Avenue, Newcastle. Abcon North East Ltd., Blaydon. J & H Harrison Ltd., Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead. Manders Paint, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead. We also wish to thank Harry Ridley for the very practical help of suggested contacts and the collection all the materials. |
