Back in September 2010, I spent a day working with all the children and staff at Kingsland Primary School in Herefordshire. They created a fabulous ‘values’ tile panel to be installed in the school reception.
A few days ago the head sent me some photos from the grand unveiling of the works before the school broke up for the summer hols. The staff, children, parents and governors are extremely pleased with the outcome and I’m sure you’ll agree the piece looks stunning.
The headteacher has prepared a press release describing some of the elements of the project:
Putting on clothes that will never be out of fashion at Kingsland CE Primary School
Visitors to this popular Voluntary Aided Church School will be welcomed by a new Christian values pottery that adorns the entrance porch. It was inspired by verses from Colossians Chapter 3 in the Bible, ‘Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, patience ….’ Each child created a tile when Jon, the ‘Flying Potter’ from Eastnor spent a day in the school, Every image or word depicts a personal understanding of the values found in these wonderful verses. Ned, Year 3, explained that his tile has juggling balls on it because that is when he feels really joyful. ‘Together the tiles symbolise the great beauty and meaning in life as we bring our talents and ideas together. It is a representation of the Christian values that we hope are the hallmark of life shared together in Kingsland Church of England School, ‘said the school’s headteacher, Angela Daniel. The school takes a particular value each month and time is given to unpacking and exploring in the meaning of that value in daily Worship Times and in the classrooms. These values are the basis of the school’s policy and are the reference for conduct and behaviour.
The pottery which is full of symbolism shows the values pouring from a jug with the verses as the source. The values clothe the world pulling together people as in a jigsaw puzzle and go splashing on forever. The rainbow is a reminder that our Christian values help us in the sunshine and storms of life.
The pottery was blessed in a special service at the end of term lead by the present Rector of Kingsland, Rob Taylor and the previous Rector, Nigella Tyson. Every member of the school community was given a bookmark with the verses from Colossians written on as well as a small photograph of the pottery to treasure.
Lovely group at the weekend with a real mix of potter’s wheel experience. We’ve put a small selection of photos together on our Facebook page so please take a look.
