A large proportion of Head4Arts’ work in schools involves devising and delivering bespoke arts projects to provide creative solutions to specific challenges.
We also have a collection of tried and tested schools’ projects that are “ready to go” and can be brought in at any time.
All of the activities listed below can be delivered in English, Welsh or Bilingually.
Please get in touch if you would like to book any of these activities for your school or if you require further information.
Shipshape
An interactive experience to raise awareness of the environmental impact of transporting goods around the world by sea, both in the past and present day. The workshop is based around a “game” where two teams embark on different voyages involving a combination of physical activities, experiments and augmented reality. Along the way they encounter a mixture of challenges, each which requires a different response, such as navigational skills, role playing, problem solving, team-work and decision making. Finally, they compare journeys and consider what a “future ship” might look like.
Cost £300 for a full-day (running the activity twice with different classes). Includes education pack with follow up ideas.
Suitable for KS 2/3
Twletteratura
TwLetteratura is a reading method that encourages young people to deeply engage with books. It combines traditional reading skills with games, creative writing and social networking through a specially-designed free app (Betwyll) that creates a safe space for young participants.
The project is available bilingually and is focused on reading Dan Anthony’s book “Rugby Zombies” / “Sombis Rygbi”.
A teacher from Ysgol Cwm Gwyddon said :
“The children loved it. Modern and effective. By the end they were so used to Betwyll that they could produce poetry or raps without a second thought”
(Pupils, Ysgol Penallta): “It’s like having a story with you” “I never thought I would be a confident reader”
The project can also be used to support Welsh language learning
The package includes a training session for teachers, access to the text through the Betwyll app, a suggested reading schedule and a visit from the author.
Cost: £300
Suitable for KS 2/3 (Years 5 – 8)
Industrial Gamelan
A “heavy metal” orchestra of percussion instruments made from recycled items reflecting our industrial past such as spanners, railway tracks, gas cylinders and shoe lasts. Based on a traditional Javanese Gamelan, this resource celebrates local heritage and has featured in a number of prestigious events including Cultural Olympiad celebrations and the Man Engine Cymru Tour. The Industrial gamelan can be used in schools in a number of different ways; an alternative approach to exploring heritage, a starting point to discovering world music, as a composition tool and in exploring musical rhythms.
The Industrial Gamelan encourages teamwork and collaboration, making this resource particularly suitable for transition projects.
The instruments are available for residencies of 3 days or more, led by a music facilitator and can include training for teaching staff to deliver the sessions themselves.
Cost: from £500
Suitable for all age groups
Exhibition in a Box
Exhibition in a Box connects people with an authentic experience of World War One through the lens of ‘silence.’ Inspire your learners through the excitement of receiving a special box, of opening it up to reveal authentic artefacts, some of which are over 100 years old. Handling those objects helps us to understand lives lived by a previous generation – and how their experiences are relevant today. There are 18 boxes available, each with an individual theme and a bespoke education pack. Choose to borrow all 18 boxes or a smaller selection – loan of the boxes is free (delivery charges may apply)
Alternatively, we can provide an artist to help pupils interpret the history they encounter through the expressive arts
Cost: £300 for a full day (can be more than one class)
Suitable for KS2 and above
To view the exhibition and educational resource visit www.inspiredbyhistory.cymru
“We absolutely love the exhibition in a box!! it is the best resource we have ever had and so inspirational”
Bringing Books to Life
Half-day literature-based workshops that use augmented reality to bring popular children’s literature to life. Each workshop includes creative writing and visual arts activities along with a digital element.
Workshops currently available:
- Harry Potter – Create revealing spells to awaken the Hogwarts Gallery
- His Dark Materials – Reveal your Daemon
- The Lonely Bwbach – Create your own Bwbach cottage picture and then see what’s inside!
Cost: £300 for a full day (can be more than one class)
Suitable for KS2
Teacher training sessions in the use of augmented reality also available – get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Arty Parky
Get your whole school involved in creating a giant land drawing in your school grounds using natural materials such as leaves, flowers, twigs and seed cases foraged locally. The final artwork will be photographed to create a lovely image for your school to keep. This activity which has recently been featured on BBC Wales’ Off the Beaten Track with Kate Humble encourages team-work and promotes well-being.
Cost; £500 for a full day
Contact Us
If you are keen to engage a cultural organisation / introduce professional artists into your school but are not sure how – please get in touch!
We are always open to adapting our projects or developing a bespoke programme that fits the needs of your school. We are also able to deliver extended programmes of work and can include Arts Award qualifications at all levels by arrangement.
