By PETER DOUGLAS
UPPER Ferntree Gully Primary School is taking a unique approach to teaching visual arts, with some remarkable results.
In place of traditional craft-based arts projects, children are being taught an adapted version of the secondary curriculum, thanks to their dedicated art teacher, Nikki Ashman.
“When I joined the team at Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School five years ago, I had spent 10 years teaching secondary kids,” Ms Ashman said.
“I saw no reason why I couldn’t teach the same sort of curriculum to primary school students and just adapt it to suit their learning needs.
“I have taught the same sorts of techniques to my Grade 5/6 students as I would teach to Year 10 students and the results have been fantastic.
“The students are challenged and they are doing fantastic groundwork for secondary school art if they choose to follow that path.”
In addition to the technical elements of line, tone, shape and colour, Ms Ashman teaches the students about famous artists in history and their unique style, then gives the students the opportunity to honour those artists by creating their own piece of work in that style.
Over the past few years, the school has regularly been recognised in local art competitions.
This year alone, three children won highly commended awards at the Upwey Arts Festival and the school won the Knox Festival Bunting Arts Prize.
Ms Ashman said she also ran two exhibitions of the children’s work each year.
In addition to an exhibition at the Upwey Arts Festival earlier this year, Nikki is planning an exhibition at the school’s fete in November.
Examples of the children’s artwork are displayed proudly throughout the foyer and corridors of the school.
Local families are invited to come along and view the work at any time.
