FLOCK Clay Workshop with P5–7 🐦🎨
Today our Primary 5–7 pupils took part in a fantastic clay workshop as part of the Dumfries and Galloway wide FLOCK project, led by visiting artist Frances Ross.
The session began with pupils being given time to explore and play with the clay, learning how it feels, how it moves, and how to shape it. Everyone created a small practice piece first, with many choosing to turn their clay into little pots, creatures or “monster” style characters. These practice pieces were unfired, meaning they will slowly return to the earth over time – a lovely way to link art to nature and remind us where our materials come from 🌍
After warming up, pupils moved on to the main project – designing and creating their own individual clay bird. Frances talked them through how to build the bird shape, add wings, tails, beaks and texture, and think carefully about form and detail. Pupils were encouraged to make each bird unique, and the results were amazing – no two were the same!
Once completed, the birds will be taken away to be fired and glazed by professional ceramicists and will become part of a huge regional exhibition opening in May 2026, alongside birds created by pupils from over 50 schools across Dumfries and Galloway. What a brilliant thing to be part of!
Throughout the session, pupils were focused, creative and incredibly enthusiastic. They listened carefully to instructions, supported one another and took real pride in their work. It was lovely to see so much confidence, creativity and perseverance on display.
A huge thank you to Frances Ross and the Upland FLOCK Project for such an inspiring and memorable experience – we cannot wait to see the full exhibition later in the year!
📌 UNCRC Links
- Article 12 – Right to express views and have them taken seriously (pupils made creative choices and shared ideas)
- Article 13 – Freedom of expression (art used as a way to communicate ideas and creativity)
- Article 29 – Education should develop talents and abilities
- Article 31 – Right to take part in cultural and creative activities
————————
🌍 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Developing creativity, skills and confidence through high-quality arts experiences
- SDG 11: Sustainable Communities – Regional community art project bringing schools together
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Links to environmental awareness through themes of biodiversity and materials from the earth
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Focus on birds, habitats and nature
————————
💚 SHANARRI Indicators
- Safe – Clear routines and guidance when using materials
- Healthy – Positive wellbeing through creative expression
- Achieving – Pupils successfully completed complex creative tasks
- Nurtured – Support from artist and staff encouraged confidence
- Active – Hands-on, practical learning
- Respected – Individual ideas valued and celebrated
- Responsible – Caring for resources and shared workspace
- Included – All pupils fully involved and supported
————————
🧠 Meta-skills (SDS)
- Creativity – Designing and shaping original clay birds
- Communication – Listening to instructions and sharing ideas
- Focusing – Sustaining attention during a long creative task
- Collaborating – Supporting peers and working in a shared space
- Adapting – Improving and refining designs
- Feeling – Expressing emotions and ideas through art
————————
✝️ Strands of Faith
- In the Image of God – Celebrating individual creativity and uniqueness
- Signs of God – Appreciating Creation and the natural world through birds and materials from the earth
- Reign of God – Working together respectfully as a community
————————
🌟 Four Capacities
- Successful Learners
- Developing new practical skills
- Applying guidance to improve outcomes
- Confident Individuals
- Taking pride in personal creations
- Expressing individuality through art
- Responsible Citizens
- Learning about biodiversity and sustainability
- Understanding environmental impact and materials
- Effective Contributors
- Working cooperatively
- Contributing to a shared regional project
