HeronBridge Grade 8s express themselves through art

Grade 8 learners at HeronBridge College embraced dance, drama and poetry through an Arts Celebration Day at the school on 17 September.

Deputy head of the college and Grade 8 art teacher Helen Braithwaite described the day as an extravaganza of all forms of art.

“Painting and drawing are only one quarter of art. Today is about exposing children to different forms of art and making children aware of socially acceptable ways of protest through art.”

Learners took part in three workshops with specialists in the fields of songwriting, dance and physical theatre before putting on a performance at the close of the day.
“Today is about creating a revelation of children’s talents and encouraging children in all forms of art,” explained Braithwaite.

“This is chance to break away from the curriculum through incidental learning, where we take children out of class to create memories. We hope that learners will leave with new confidence and a renewed respect for one another.”

Winner of the first series of South African Idols Heinz Winckler was flown to the school to lead the songwriting workshop.

Speaking to the Review, Winckler said this was his first event since the start of lockdown. “I hope that today’s workshop will help boost the children’s confidence. The reaction from learners has been varied with some excited and hungry to learn and others less engaged and more shy,” said Winckler.

Steve Hicks, who usually teaches drama at the prep school and has performed on the West End, led the physical theatre workshop where he taught learners a routine using a chair in order to express their emotions.

“Today we looked at communicating a phrase in different ways and interpreting it into the body. My hope is that they had fun. It’s been tough being at home and feeling isolated and detached during this time. This is an opportunity for the Grade 8s to jell as a group for the first time,” he added.

Grade 8 learner Daniella Santana said she enjoyed the dancing and drama workshops. “We felt included in the routines and were able to choose our own dance moves.”

Another learner, Rungano Jack, said, “The morning was really fun and educational. It was great to see a different side of the arts. I enjoyed all the activities, which were very expressive and made me feel at peace. I really enjoyed the songwriting workshop where I learned to write a song with my friends that had deeper lyrics.”