Transform Trust children showcase citizenship-inspired artwork at the University of Derby
Children aged between 4 years and 11 years old from four Transform Trust primary schools based in Derby are celebrating after their artwork was selected for public display at the University of Derby last week, showcasing creative responses to themes of citizenship, diversity and sustainability.
The exhibition featured work by children from Lawn Primary School, Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School, Allenton Primary School and Ashbrook Infant School. The artwork was on display throughout the week at the University of Derby, following an invitation from the university to host the exhibition ahead of Christmas.
Headteacher Karen Hambleton, and lead on the project, said “The Transform Trust schools have joined together in this Citizenship Art Project, and it has been a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of developing pupils' character, enabling them to become positive citizens of the future. Also, it has been great to see the many creative and imaginative ways the schools and their pupils have approached the project. We are very grateful to Derby University for allowing us to showcase some examples of their work at their setting, and we have been informed that many people within that community were stopping to take a look, which is really lovely to hear. We are looking forward to developing this relationship with the university as we know collaborations such as this benefits our pupils and their students significantly.”
The pieces form part of a wider Transform Trust curriculum focus on citizenship, encouraging pupils to explore their role in society and engage with issues such as diversity, faith, sustainability, enrichment and environmental responsibility. The exhibition highlights the breadth of creativity across the schools, with each approaching the shared theme in a unique and thoughtful way.
Rebecca Meredith, CEO of Transform Trust, said: “This is wonderful to see. A huge thank you to Derby University for giving our children a sense of achievement and a great opportunity to feel proud of their work.. Art is such a powerful and important form of expression. As you can see from the images, the standard of their artwork is fantastic and we are incredibly proud of every child involved. I am also incredibly grateful to all our staff who go over and above every day to ensure our children have these amazing experiences.”
The work also reflects Transform Trust’s wider vision to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and personal qualities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world, underpinned by the Trust’s core values of Respect, Kindness, Equity and Creativity.
Luke Gordon-Calvert - Senior Widening Participation Officer at Derby University said: “I am delighted to support Transform Trust by exhibiting artwork created by pupils from their Derby primary schools. Situated in the Atrium at our busy Kedleston Road site, the children's artwork was on display for University of Derby staff and students to appreciate. It is fantastic to see how the pupils have creatively engaged with complex ideas like empathy, sustainability and diversity. I hope that by showcasing their work, we can foster pride, confidence, and belonging in the children, while inspiring our University community to reflect on issues of global citizenship.”
Following the Derby exhibition, plans are already underway for artwork from Transform Trust’s Nottingham schools to be showcased at the University in the spring, extending the partnership and offering more pupils the opportunity to see their work celebrated in a higher education setting.