About
Inspired by the idea from writer and poet Derek Walcott “the only nation I have now is my imagination”, schools worked with puppetry, film and digital technology to imagine the future for themselves, their community and make connections to other communities. ‘How can we better understand ourselves and create an inspirational vision for our nation?’
The project tied into Kinetika’s national project, ‘Imagination Our Nation’, where 17 champions, in the form of small 5ft high metallic rod puppets discover the stories and aspirations of different communities across the UK.
The champion for ‘diversity’ is Chaz, she lives in Hackney and attends Sebright Primary School. Her role was to meet the ‘whole world’ in London, and invite each school she visited to welcome her and teach them about their world. Schools created a story that followed Chaz on her journey, which culminated in an event in the surroundings of the Olympic Park as part of A New Direction’s BigLopFest.
The schools:
Barking & Dagenham
Dagenham Park Church of England Primary School – Year 7 shared their experience of their new school being built, and the opportunities for pupils to take part in vocational activities, such as animal care, health and beauty and rock climbing.
Barnet
All Saints Church of England Primary School – A cross-class group devised a whole school day to welcome Chaz, ending in a carnival procession to celebrate the releasing of imagination.
Barnet
Underhill Junior School – Year 4 took Chaz to visit 3 of their houses and prepared an international feast for her. Pupils from many countries welcomed her into school, and she was taught games from around the world, and given her own surprise party.
Enfield
De Bohun Primary School – Chaz was welcomed by The School Council in different languages, a mural of her was painted at the School entrance, and a world picnic with parents was organised in her honour.
Hackney
Gayhurst Primary – Year 3 took Chaz swimming in the London Fields Lido, where the Olympic swimming team will train next year.
Hackney
Sebright Primary School – reception and Year 1 pupils welcomed Chaz, showing her around their local community, and visiting the Laburnam Boat Club and Hackney City Farm.
Havering
Benhurst Primary School – Year 3 and 4 organized a whole school ‘world football’ match, each class represented a different nation and shared their new found knowledge with Chaz, who played in goal for England!
Havering
The Albany Business and Enterprise College – Chaz attended art and textiles classes.
Newham
The Lister Community School – Year 7 researched the Olympic Values and created work to share with Chaz about the Olympics coming to East London next year. They took Chaz to 7 places in Newham, including West Ham Stadium, and awarded each one a medal for excelling in one of the values.
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Download the poster here...
Lead organisation:
Kinetika designs and produces extraordinary outdoor shows retaining the essence of carnival whilst telling a story.
www.kinetikaonline.co.uk
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