High flyers at Barrow Hills School

Children at Barrow Hills School learned the art of creating and flying kites at a unique interactive workshop held at the school on 22nd June 2018.

Under the expert guidance of Malcolm Goodman, a.k.a. ‘The Kiteman’, children from Years 5 & 6 (Middle Prep) were helped to hone their kite flying technique, which involves developing hand-eye coordination, kinaesthetic awareness and gross motor skills. They built and decorated the kites before taking them outside for the maiden voyage, holding on tight to the string as they watched their creations take flight and soar across the sky.

Malcolm Goodman is responsible for introducing thousands of people, both adults and children, to the joy of kite flying through his dramatic kite displays, workshops, festivals and kite clubs. Driven by his passion, which started thirty years ago when he visited a kite festival in San Francisco, his mission is to share his joy of kite flying with as many people as possible. Participating at festivals all over the world, he has also been involved in radio and TV programmes on the subject.

Mr Goodman says, ‘Kite making is a cross-curricular activity and an enjoyable way of learning about science, art, maths, history, geography and also different cultures. Kite flying is now one of the fastest growing pastimes/sports in the world. By following a few simple rules of dynamics anyone can make and fly a kite.’

The children watched Mr Goodman assemble a display of his own kites from around the world, including Chinese, Japanese, octopus, dragon, birds and multi-cell kites, as well as a 5-metre high friendship kite. In addition to the demonstrations, Mr Goodman presented a film about kite festivals, including a brief history as well as instructions on the safety requirements associated with kite flying.

Mr Goodman added ‘Most still regard a kite as a children’s toy and know very little about its origins and fascinating history.’

The children learned how kites have been in existence for nearly 3000 years and have given pleasure to millions of people over the centuries. They have also been used for religious and ceremonial occasions, fishing, man-lifting, life-saving, signalling, pulling vehicles and experiments of all kinds. The children were amazed to hear how, from its humble beginnings, it was the kite which led to the development of one of mankind’s greatest inventions: the aeroplane.

Josh Andrade, Head of Middle Prep at Barrow Hills School and who organised the event, said, ‘The children thoroughly enjoyed the day. We had perfect weather conditions for kite flying and every kite flew successfully. The children loved the challenge and thrill of getting the kite up into the air and the task of keeping it up in the sky. It was good to see their pride and amazement as they mastered a new skill.’