November 2018 - February 2019
Noah's Ark is the hospital school based within the paediatric department at Barnet Hospital. I was commissioned to work with the teaching team over a 12-week period, delivering weekly creative workshops while sharing practical techniques and adaptable activities that staff could continue to use with their pupils after the project had ended.
When planning the sessions, I focused on projects that encouraged personal expression and a sense of ownership. I have found that young people often enjoy customising objects and incorporating their own identity into what they make. Creating something that is both personal and functional—an object they can use, keep or give as a gift—can be highly motivating and encourages pride in their work.
The workshops also needed to be accessible to a broad age range, as pupils between the ages of 5 and 17 frequently worked alongside one another. Activities were therefore designed to be flexible, allowing individuals to adapt projects according to their age, interests and abilities while ensuring everyone could participate successfully.
Projects included textile wall hangings, illustrated ceramic mugs, printed notebook covers and hand-stitched felt phone cases, introducing participants to a variety of creative processes and materials. By the end of the programme, the teaching staff felt confident delivering the workshops independently, enabling the activities to continue as part of the school's creative offer after my involvement had concluded.
Feedback:
Well done Rhian- this is such a high standard of delivery! I can definitely see why they have asked for another project. - Alev Yilmaz (Project Manager at CF)
