Nepalese Arts Week at Churcher's College Junior School and Nursery

At Churcher’s College Junior School and Nursery the last week before half term was Arts Week. This year the children decided they wanted to support their partner school in Nepal – UWS Mude and they were keen to learn all about the culture of Nepal and what daily life is like for the children there. The children spent the week immersed in all things Nepalese. The week started with an assembly by a visiting music workshop and culminated in a fantastic art exhibition of children’s work, raising over £400 for our partner school in Nepal. We have received pen pal letters from Nepal and they warmed all of our hearts as the Nepalese children shared information about themselves.

Earthsong Workshop introduced Arts Week with music and artefacts from Nepal. There were musical instruments and scarves, as well as arm dancing/movements and plenty of fun in our assembly and the children learnt a song that our friends in UWS Mude would sing. The children then all had music workshops and the opportunity to handle Nepalese instruments. We were all fascinated to see and hear the giant brass instruments and several children had a go creating an astounding sound from them.

Lessons in class saw children learning about the culture of Nepal, both in terms of art and religion. The children have thought about the geography of the country and considered differences in our lives to theirs. The children shared their thought on celebrations with their Nepalese friends as each child in the school wrote a letter to a Nepalese child and we will wait to hear back from them in about 6 weeks to find out how their celebrations differ to our own.

The standard of artwork created by all years has been impressive; from pasta mandalas in Nursery, Himalayan landscapes in Year 4 to Madhubani painting in Year 5 and silk suncatchers in Year 6. Prayer flags have been created and fluttered in the wind and welcomed our visitors into school. On the final day of Arts Week we opened an Art Gallery featuring many of the projects that we have been working on this half term. Parents were given the opportunity to purchase a special piece of art work with all profits going to UWS Mude, Nepal and we were delighted to raise over £400.

Many parent helpers have supported the children in the classroom and it was lovely to share this week with them. Mrs Yugin-Power (Head of Art) said “The atmosphere in the school during this week was very special and the children have learnt so much about life in Nepal. Many thanks should go to all the staff who helped create such am immerse learning environment and supported the children through their Nepalese journey.”