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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Rich textiles (and shakespeare) at Highcrest

I have known Highcrest School for 15 years and have 'Ofsteded' it twice. However, I have not visited for a couple of years now - not since the current teachers took up post. It was a real joy to see the transformation in the work. There was an almost 50% improvement in A*-C grades last year and this show was remarkable for the confident, accomplished and fully commited work by students. The quality of the craftsmanship (womanship) and attention to detail is excellent as you can see from the images here. All students presented work which was very carefully finished supported by well researched and intelligent investigation. Some of the textiles based work was a delight and some of this showed a richness and depth which was a million miles away from the work I recall seeing there years ago. A huge improvement. 
I know that the school has received excellent support from an AST from Sir William Ramsay school. Staff generously acknowledge this influence and well done to Annie.
II


I suspect her influence will be felt here and in other schools she has worked in for some time to come. Annie is now working in Hertfordshire so lucky Hertfordshire. But was intriguing to see the cultural references with rich textiles used purposefully to make an intellectual point and the video shows an illuminated book of poems, including Shakespeare ... season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.


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