Sarah works with children to create these stunning piece of art for display in the school grounds. The projects are carried out over several days, beginning with a slide show to explore mosaics in more detail and then working on designs with the children.They measure 800mmx1200mm.

The triptych which is illustrated at the bottom is a response to the specific brief set by the school.

Working across the different year groups the design of the panels was to reinforce the schools Christian ethos. At the front of the school, they provide a visual delight to enhance a large empty wall and the subject illustrates exciting biblical stories which the children can relate to: The Creation and Noah’s Ark.

We began by looking at how the subjects had been depicted throughout history in mosaic and other mediums; we also looked at different design ideas which hopefully inspired the children and formed the basis of their design ideas.

A year group of approximately 60 children worked on each of the 3 panels. Each child had two 20 minute sessions working in a small group of 5 children, giving me time to work with and get to know each of them individually. The designs were an amalgamation of the children’s ideas, hopefully capturing the essence of the children’s work. Everyone had the experience of cutting the tiles and working on sticking the tiles in a specific small area. On completion, everyone is able to identify and feel proud about the area which they created.

For children to be involved in such projects, hopefully awakens an interest in the arts and hopefully sets the basis to enriching their lives for the future. The children were also given a presentation on the history of mosaics and its uses as a contemporary art form.

Each child will take something different away with them from this project, some will enjoy learning the new technique, others thrive as working as part of a group and most will feel a proud sense of achievement as they arrive at school on a daily basis and see their work on display.