Tom Jarrett
Head of Performing Arts
The project has been successful with many positive outcomes for CCW (The Community College Whitstable). These have been for the college as a whole, and for
individual students and teachers. The main outcome has been the way that the group developed into a working ensemble. In the first session they found
Robert's approach difficult as they were not used to spending such long periods on one topic. However, once they began to realise how important each
person was to the overall composition they became very engaged and enthusiastic. The 6th form members were less reliable and less willing to
participate. I think they had preconceptions about how composition should be done and asked, "Can't we write a song or a real piece?"
The year 10s were more open to exploring sounds and finding ways to compose in the less conventional way that Robert was advocating.
Individual members had significant experiences through the project. Two students were very taken with Robert and became very involved
with the project, wanting to come back during breaks to continue their work. The boys concerned can both struggle with the regular curriculum and one of them
had been quite disaffected in some classes. The project gave them renewed focus and direction and we would want to continue this after Europhonix has
finished. The whole group grew to become a composing unit that shared ideas freely and encouraged the members within it. These included two Afghan boys who
had limited English but gained self-worth and a feeling of acceptance through the group.
On the negative side there were some problems associated with the project. These mostly concerned time and space. As predicted, some staff were
very concerned about students missing every Friday for a whole day.
It was fortunate that the project had the full support of the head teacher as we would have found it difficult to keep the group together for every
week. The issue of space arose when mock exams took over the main hall and Europhonix had to move. This entailed considerable time on
my part in checking venues and organising staff. We attempted to have a different member of the Arts department with Robert each week as
staff found this very helpful. It was difficult to maintain this arrangement every week due to staff sickness across the school, the
shortage of supply staff and the need for staff to be used to cover exams, etc. The lesson that can be drawn from this is that even if money is
provided to pay for cover, there are many circumstances and pressures that mitigate doing things outside the curriculum that take teachers out of
classes. I had to be quite bullish at times to ensure that staff were covered, even if this put additional strain on the college.
Sonja Connell
Head of Visual Arts (present for session three)
The students brainstormed initial thoughts under the theme of 'journeys'. They were reluctant to join in at first but became better once they had heard some
music inspired by the same theme. Excellent development from quite a rocky start - their confidence really grew in the space of a day.
There was a poor response from a couple of students who did not return for the afternoon. (Issue dealt with later.)
I was particularly impressed with the way Drew Pierce approached the day. I feel he really benefited from the experience. He presented no behavioural
problems throughout the day, he was totally absorbed in the activity.
The students managed to produce two fairly polished pieces. All felt that they had contributed to the work to a greater or lesser degree - they were proud of the
work when they listened back to it.
It was a very interesting experience for me as a teacher of visual arts to experience other ‘arts’ areas and to see a different approach.
I really feel students benefit from working in these small groups and working with practising artists.
A very rewarding experience all round.
Pam Taylor
Head of Drama
(present for session seven)
Robert was excellent with our students, both patient and fun. He is a 'no-nonsense' sort of man and believes in working until results are achieved. One student, in
particular, obviously gained so much from working with such a professional and was keen to give up his breaktimes to continue with his composition.
It was a long day for the students but the end result was quite stunning in creative terms.