When the builders arrived at Mortimer Community College in South Shields, Tyne and Wear in April 2008, to start its Building Schools for the Future-funded transformation, little did they know that the building site would prove to be a source of inspiration and pride, transforming students’ learning experiences.
Mortimer Community College students with their BSF-inspired graffiti © Mortimer Community College
Art curriculum leader, Lucy Rule, looked at the sheeting that covered the building works but didn’t see an ugly blot on the school environment – instead, she saw a blank canvas. What followed was a truly unique project that has engaged students across the whole school and has had an enormous impact on life at Mortimer Community College.
A bit of spray-paint can go a long way
GCSE art students were given a coursework brief to design and spray-paint a mural to brighten up the boards around the building area. Working with graffiti artist Rob Hutchinson of New Line Graffiti, and with the support of building contractors Carillon, the students created an eye-catching piece of graffiti art.
But the project didn’t end there. Inspired by the transformation, from drab building site to colourful art that enhanced the school grounds, Lucy Rule’s students were soon being asked to turn their skills to other areas of the school. She says:
‘When we first told people that the coursework was going to focus on graffiti, lots of people imagined the “tags” that we see around the local community. In fact, the art the students managed to create was stunning, and brought life and colour back into the school.’
‘The impact was instantaneous. Instead of feeling depressed about the ugly areas of the building works, everyone was cheered by the graffiti – and excited about the transformation happening to our school.’
Using graffiti throughout the school
Since the initial project, Lucy’s students have created graffiti artworks in the sports hall and reception area, and given new life to the temporary building that houses the RE department – with a stunning mural incorporating religious symbols from Ganesh to the Star of David.
The project has proved so popular with students that Lucy started an after-school club, which students can attend on the condition that behaviour in class is at a high standard. The school has seen student behaviour improve as a result.
Mortimer Community College students with their BSF-inspired graffiti © Mortimer Community College
Developing a sense of pride of place
Students have also benefitted from their involvement with the art initiative in other ways. Being involved in graffiti that adorns the walls of the school gives a sense of pride, and gains the respect of their peers. Lucy reports that none of the artworks have been “tagged” or vandalised, as students respect the effort and skill that has gone into them.
Male students respond particularly well to the initiative, with one student being commissioned to produce a piece of graffiti art for the local Metro station. Before the project, the 15-year-old student was frequently in trouble for “tagging” and other behavioural issues.
Realising his artistic talent has opened his eyes to career possibilities, and he now wants to be a professional graffiti artist and lead workshops for young people like himself.
Lucy Rule added, ‘This initiative has really shown how using educational tools that young people can relate to can engage them in ways we never thought possible. Now, our students respect each others’ talents, and have new pride in their school.’
‘Our students have also inspired me, my colleagues, and the builders and designers working on our school to look at things with a fresh perspective. It’s amazing what a spray can and a bit of imagination can do!’
Further art projects and resources
Art and design related resources
