Animals strike poses at Laing

Snakes, lions, peacocks and a hummingbird all put in an appearance when children from a Newcastle school visited Laing Art Gallery.

As part of their art studies into three-dimensional forms, the Year 3 pupils from Our Lady and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School formed themselves into the shapes of different creatures during their visit to the gallery.

“The art curriculum says that children should be taught to use and develop a range of materials to craft and design their art in both two- and three-dimensional forms,” said Class Teacher Sue Hodgson, who accompanied the group on the trip, along with Teaching Assistant Nessa Khanom.

“The session started with the children thinking about 3D forms, and then, working as a team of three or four, they had to make themselves into a given animal and hold their form. We tried to be snakes, lions, peacocks and a hummingbird.”

The 30 children also had the opportunity to explore their surroundings, finding inspiration for other artistic projects.

“Following our human statues, we went around the gallery and discussed the decorations on the different artefacts,” continued Mrs Hodgson. “We then tried to sketch some of them to give us ideas for later.

“Our final activity was held upstairs, and this was when Year 3 had the chance to develop their own three-dimensional art skills using clay. This was definitely the highlight of the trip, and the children were amazing in their designs. 

“They decorated their pots using ideas that they had sketched whilst going around the gallery. Once the clay was dry, the children were able to paint their work. They were justifiably proud of their work."

The school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, regularly takes classes to visit Laing.

“Trips like these are of great value, as the children are given opportunities to visit museums and galleries that they may not normally visit with their own families,” added Mrs Hodgson. “In addition, they are able to listen to experts in the field and are given the chance to try out new skills.”