As part of Oxford University’s outreach activity in 2013 the Widening Participation team completed 42 workshops in local primary schools. 8 schools took up the opportunity to follow up this workshop with a visit to an Oxford College in May or June. The visits aimed to introduce children to a new type of learning through exploring historic sites in a new way, using new creative media and trying new subjects. The visits were hosted by St Catherine’s College, St Edmund Hall and Regents Park College, who kindly let us use their facilities.
As part of schools visits each child took part in a two hour session designed in partnership with Modus Operandi. The workshops were inspired by Simon Peritons work in the University’s newest development the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. Working with local artist Vicky Vergou, workshops were designed around the themes of Simons’ work. Duality, natural world, alchemy and the relationship between the natural and scientific were themes that were woven into the children’s work.
James Slaterry: project coordinator
Vicky Vergou: artist workshop leader
Many thanks to the team of volunteers including the artists Pollyanna Morgan and Lizy Norris.