Learning

An Example of how we want to work

We are working with Classics for All and The City of London Open Spaces Department to create a variety of of cross-curricular learning resources for different key stages, with a number of new curriculum materials covering history, visual arts, language and science.

Classics for All recently completed a ten-week collaboration with the Friends of Highgate Roman Kiln, Greig City Academy and the Clayground Collective to trial a cross-curricular project combining elements of Roman archaeology and art with modern design and pottery.

Dan Chorley, art teacher and Head of Cross-Curricular Learning at the school kindly loaned both his Year 8 class and copious enthusiasm to bring the project to life. Students began with a session from FoHRK’s Nick Peacey on the Roman kilns and pottery excavated in Highgate Wood, just a mile from the school. This was followed up by a visit to Bruce Castle Museum in Tottenham to view the remains of one of the kilns, as well as a lesson in sherd handling and pot sketching.

The pupils’ learning about form, pattern and finish were then put to practical use as Duncan Hooson from the Clayground Collective taught the class diverse pottery techniques. Over several weeks, students created a range of pottery, drawing inspiration from the original 1st Century AD Highgate Ware. This was presented to the school and wider community (and the local MP) in an exhibition demonstrating the pupils’ newly-acquired knowledge of archaeology, local history, pattern and pottery.

We hope to develop this work further as part of this project, so watch this space!

Photo of student making a clay pot — Pupils at the Clay Club, at Greig City Academy having a go at hands on learning. The coiling technique. Image: Dan Chorley

Photo of students making clay pots — Pupils from Greig City Academy made model reconstructions of the Roman kiln found at Highgate Wood. Image: Dan Chorley

Photo of students working with clay — Greig City Academy pupils handle Roman pottery sherds from the site. Image: Dan Chorley

Photo of clay pots made by students — Greig City Academy pupils made amazing pinch pots, inspired by the shapes from Roman pottery. Image: Dan Chorley