First, we explored self-portraits, learning about perspective and angles to help us understand how to draw faces accurately. We studied where features like eyes, noses and mouths are positioned, using the “halving, halving, and halving again” rule to guide us. Then, we moved on to the twelve beasts of Hercules, thinking about what made each creature human or animal. We experimented with combining features and asked ourselves whether the same facial proportions we used for humans could also work for these imaginative beast forms.

Next, we brought our 2D beast designs to life by transferring them onto corrugated card with a sturdy base. We began to build up the facial features in relief, carefully layering pieces of card and using masking tape to hold everything in place. This stage was all about experimenting with size, shape, and position, as we explored how to make the creatures’ faces look more three-dimensional and expressive.

After constructing the relief forms, we applied Modroc to cover and strengthen our sculptures, learning how to layer it smoothly and evenly over the card. This was quite challenging, especially when working over areas where the relief was more pronounced. Once dry, we mixed acrylic paints to create a gradient of tones – a base shade, a lighter tone for highlights, and a darker one for shadows – to bring out the light and shade on our beast masks, giving them depth and character.

Finally, we created plasticine pots to experiment with making coiled cylindrical vessels. These were prototypes, allowing us to reflect on our techniques before working with real clay. Once we were confident, we scaled up our designs using air-dried clay, applying cross-hatching and slip to join pieces securely and reduce breakage. After the pots had dried, we painted them gold to represent King Midas and his golden touch, linking our work back to the mythical themes we explored throughout the project.

Well done 5A! You overcame many challenges, worked collaboratively and flourished in your Arts Fortnight.

Beginning in the amphitheatre, 5S explored the story of the tributes who were selected to enter King Minos’s impenetrable labyrinth. Moving into the classroom, we then started to learn our model text, closely linked to this Greek Myth. Imaginations were captured and this was a springboard into our fortnight.

Exploring our second myth, Hades and Persephone, we began to consider the symbolism of trees through this classic tale. Why did Ancient Greeks believe we have seasons? What trees are symbolic of the Underworld? Heading outside, we began to study textures of different bark and leaves through tree rubbings; we finished the day by creating an inspiration collage of colour, texture and shape.

Moving on, it was time to bring the trees to life. After deciding on a tree – perhaps a Willow or a Spruce.. or maybe a Birch – we started to build our 3D trees up, using pool noodles, cardboard bases and chicken wire to create malleable branches. Then it was time to mod-roc the entire terrain to create a textured landscape and tree, reminiscent of the tree studies from earlier on in the week. Gradient, acrylic painting was explored and practised alongside using sponges to blot and cover the terrain so there was no white patches left over. The final cherry on top was to consider the type of leaf that may adorn the tree.

Pomegranates are a symbolic fruit to many cultures and societies. For the Ancient Greeks, they represented temptation – a moment when Persephone had accidentally bound herself to the Underworld upon eating six seeds. For this, she had to spend six months in the Underworld where the world withered away; the remaining six she would return to her mother and life would begin to bloom again. This is what Ancient Greeks believed created the Seasons of Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. Through still-life sketching, we studied real pomegranates: some whole, some halved. We then moved onto creating these out of plasticine and using different tools to help gouge out sections and cross-hatch the crown on top. Finally, we committed to clay and created full and halved ‘poms’, eventually painting and glazing them. The final task was to create a dinner table, fit for the King of the Underworld, where the pomegranates would lavishly lay. Well done, 5S!