The children in all the classes have been very busy this half term taking part in the National Gallery’s ‘Take One Picture’ project. This year the picture is Henri Rousseau’s ‘Surprised’. The painting shows a tiger in a jungle storm, crouching low in long grass as rain lashes the foliage and lightning flashes overhead – but who or what is surprised? Come along to our School Exhibition on Tuesday 9th July, between 9am and 10am, for a guided tour, and find out!

The children have made a wide range of works in response to the painting. Some were fascinated by the tiger, leading to projects about camouflage and animal eyes. Others focused on the plants, inspiring them to research and recreate rainforest foliage. Many children were concerned about habitat loss affecting tigers, which inspired them to focus on how other habitats are being damaged by human actions, and to use recycled materials.

In the afternoon, at 2pm, there will be a performance of the children’s broader ‘arts’ responses to the painting, including, dance, performance poetry, sharing poems that the children have written, design technology and musical composition. Please join us if you are able.

All donations on the day will be sent to conservation charities as part of the children’s commitment to Catholic Social Teaching aspects of ‘stewardship’, ‘rights and responsibilities’ and ‘solidarity and the common good’.