Nature Art - Inspired by Andy Goldsworthy

We were inspired by a British artist - Andy Goldsworthy We are thinking about the Character Strength of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence. 

Our criteria was to be creative, take a good photo and give our piece a good name. What do you think? 

By Soma, Chloe, Marigold, Zoe and Charlotte

The Beauty of Nature by Lucca, Leo K and Ethan B

Nature's Circle by Otto B, Tommy, Marlon, Haru and Shuyang

The Campfire of Gratitude by Willa and Esmé-Rose

By Cam, Jasper and Sammy

The Campfire of the Village by Hannah and Ethan Q

Heart of Nature by Finn and Archie

By Amelia W and Marcia

Best Friends Fur-ever by Scarlett and Rézi 

The Flower of Fire by Willow, Nikita, Cara and Violet

Nature's Cold Sun by Greer, Amber and Bella

The kai of Whetukairangi by Samuel and Tui

Firefly's Holiday Home by Monty, Lakham and Jack

By Henry and Liora

Natural Circle by Oscar

The Ant Kingdom by Rowan and Teddy

The Four Leaf Clover of Creativity by Locky, Leo M and Zen

The Mona LEAFa by Nicolas, Luca and Oli

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence - Nature Art Inspired by Andy Goldsworthy

We have been spending time looking closely at precious things in nature. We have looked at the shape, colour, texture, markings etc. Here we are with our precious items. 

We were inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy and created our own environmental art. 

By Dante, Sam, Alfred, Leo M and Zen

"Nature Rules" by Nina and Anneke

By Archie, Darragh and Finn

By Arthur and Hannah

"Rainbow of Nature" by Cara, Nikita and Violet

"Mataora - The Bird of Destiny" by Lisa, Olive, Ella and Isabella

"The Flower of Gold" by Ethan and Bella

By Fabian, Leo, Shuyang and Haru

By Otto, Tommy and Marlon

"The Mushroom Shrine" by Nicolas

Outdoor Classroom Day

Thursday was "Outdoor Classroom Day." 

Some ākonga started the day with a Character Strength hunt around the school. They worked with younger students to find posters placed around the school. It was wonderful to see the Curiosity, Leadership and Zest. 

Students have been using their creativity and imagination, channelling Andy Goldsworthy by creating environmental artwork. Students have been interacting meaningfully with their surroundings. They are developing the strength of Appreciating Beauty and Excellence.

Some students worked on their mapping skills and made treasure maps around the school.

Some students used the Te Reo for the gardening which we have been learning.

Students made fitness circuits for younger students with a goal to improve their Positive Health. 

There are so many benefits for children to play and learn outside. Research shows that it improves children's mental and physical health. Find out more: https://outdoorclassroomday.com/about/

The Arts Celebration- The Inspiration Book!

We have been busy exploring and creating in our Inquiry, "The Inspiration Book" 

We asked: 

How do artists use Art to share ideas and influence change?

We are looking at the purpose of Art and why we do Art. We are thinking about how we can portray a message and influence change through Art.

Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate: Celebrate The Arts!
Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 September, 6pm to 7.30pm

It’s time for our Arts Celebration, a highlight in our calendar.
It’s a chance to recognise, validate and... celebrate other ways of learning and expressing ourselves.

Tuesday Autahi and Tautoru families
Please arrive at any time from 6pm – 7pm

Wednesday Matariki and Māhutonga families
Please arrive at any time from 6pm – 7pm

Level 2 Protocols:

One way circuit through the school – entry via Seatoun Heights driveway and exit through Awa Road – see map below.

We will keep to a maximum of 100 people indoors.

Face coverings are to be worn.

Please arrive at any time from 6pm – 7pm.

Families with children in both junior and senior are welcome to come on either night but only once please.

The whole school will be open on both nights.

We look forward to celebrating with you !

Inspiration Book: Inspired by Matisse

Our Inquiry is called, "The Inspiration Book." We asked: How do artists use Art to share ideas and influence change? We are looking at the purpose of Art and why we do Art.

On Friday, we were inspired by the work of Henri Matisse. We are dialling up our strength of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence! We are getting ready for our Arts Celebration. Watch this space...

Please have a look at our Matisse inspired Art:

Art and Maths

'Many mathematicians draw upon Art and many artists draw upon Mathematics'.  says Jo Boaler (Maths Professor at Stanford University). We know that there is lots of beauty in Maths. 

We have been dialling up the Character Strength of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence. 

VIA, Institute of Character: "Those who express an appreciation of beauty & excellence notice and appreciate beauty, excellence and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience".

Here are some examples of what we have been doing: 

The Numbers Give The Design

We wrote down a group numbers. Using squared paper, we started somewhere in the middle. We took each of the numbers in turn to tell us how long to draw the line and turn a right angle to the left after we drew each line.

Rotational Symmetry Art

The students created a simple drawing on 1/8 of their circle, then they transferred their drawing into all 8 parts of their circle. What a great way to learn about rotational symmetry, fractions and angles.