This is an excellent example of of Simon Tipping of Route Canal Arts producing a whole school carnival from start to finish, a process that involves talking to the school to find out what they want, working with teachers to design costumes to be made in the classroom without the artist and large processional structures made with artist and young people. All the hard work is then shown off in a school event and parade for all the community to see.
Northampton school turns 90-years-old, gets letter from the Queen, and throws a carnival
Rio Olympics Carnival 2016 a whole school project
A rich & vibrant artform, carnival encompasses costume, music & movement. A fantastic way to engage a large group of learners in a positive participatory experience, Carnival has a rich history, encompassing different cultures & stories; it is all about celebration, creativity & community. Our Rio experience will also encapsulate the official Olympic values; EXCELLENCE, RESPECT & FRIENDSHIP
Simon Tipping on project managed and acted as lead artist to work with all classes at Cedar Road primary School to provide music, dance and making workshops which celebrate the activity and energy of the young people of the school through the theme of ‘Brazil, Rio Olympics and Brazilian Carnival’.
- To provide Brizilian style taster in music and dance
- To help make and design 7 sets of costumes based on the theme of ‘Brazilian Carnival’. Working with Reception class to Year 6.
- To make large processional puppets/figures/sculpture which will become the focus of a celebration parade.
Primary School celebrates turning 90 years old
Northampton Herald & Post By NickBieberHP | Posted: May 27, 2016
Hundreds of children at a Northampton primary school brought the sights and sounds of Rio De Janeiro to the town in a spectacular carnival today – to mark their school’s 90th birthday.
Over 400 pupils at Cedar Road Academy, watched by their proud families, took to the streets surrounding the school in Abington in the warm sunshine to celebrate the milestone – in Brazilian style.
outgoing headteacher Mrs Kay Gerrett, who retired in 2016, the kids paraded the streets to the sound of drums in hand-made animal costumes and headdresses.
Residents stood outside their homes to watch the parade pass, before the children – aged between four and 11 – brought the atmosphere back to the school playground where the celebrations continued.
A series of dance performances, a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday to you’ and a conga then brought the fun and excitement to a close – as the kids looked forward to starting their week-long half term holiday.
Mrs Gerrett, who will retire before the end of the year, said of the carnival: “It just blew me away, to see the parents get involved and be part of the school family, that’s what life is about – having fun.
“I am just so proud of all the children, they have all been well behaved, all loved it, all had a wonderful time, been safe and made sure everyone else has had a nice time, it is feel-good really.”
The 90th birthday celebrations come a month after Her Majesty the Queen – who also turned 90 this year – sent the school her ‘good wishes’ in a letter, while also wishing the headteacher a happy retirement.
The letter – from Her Majesty’s Lady-in-Waiting – was in reply to one which was sent to the Queen by the school’s parent and teacher association – wishing her a happy birthday and informing her that the school is of the same age.
“It was quite a moment (when I saw the letter on my desk),” she said. “To actually get a letter from a Lady in Waiting to wish us happy birthday when it is the Queen’s birthday too, it’s unbelievable.
“To actually see the Buckingham Palace stamp, it makes you go emotional really – your heart starts racing and you think ‘what’s this?! I just couldn’t bellieve it. I took a copy home, of course!”
Asked why she will be leaving the school – which is part of the David Ross Education Trust – before Christmas this year, after 11 years in the position, Mrs Gerrett said: “It’s time for a new challenge, a new section of my life really.
“Headship takes up your life 24/7 – it’s always on your mind, it is always there, you could always be doing something else. I’m so passionate about it really – so I need a rest.”
The carnival was set up thanks to money raised by the school’s parent and teacher association – £8,000 in total – and helped them to enlist a outdoor arts company to help put the carnival together.
The Milton Keynes-based artist Simon Tipping, also helps to organise the annual Diwali festival in Northampton, as well as the upcoming Northampton Carnival – which Cedar Road Academy will also be participating in.
Asked for her final message to pupils as they break up for the half term holiday, Mrs Gerrett – who has been teaching for 38 years – said: “I am very proud of them – thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm and commitment – they are a demonstration of our core values in the school.
The headteacher, a former Vernon Terrace, Westone Primary and Northampton School for girls pupil, added: “I am extremely happy and I think it’s safe to say that this has been the perfect end to a term.”