Environmental project by UK and other young global artists

Year 3 pupils from seven primary schools participated in ‘The River of Hope’ initiative, an assembly of artistic contributions that underline the importance of ecology and conservation.

In a collaborative effort organised by Norfolk and Norwich Festival and Thames Festival Trust, pupils from the United Kingdom, France and Ethiopia were all involved.

Artist Alison Atkins spearheaded the initiative, working with Year 3 teachers and pupils across the Trust primaries (Image: Ian Burt)

Rebecca Lopez, Year 3 teacher and art lead at West Lynn Primary School, said: “The focus of the project was encouraging pupils to connect with their local environment, and develop pupil understanding of environmental issues and how we can positively promote protection of our rivers.”

The scheme was led by artist Alison Atkins, an integral leader who offered her expertise through practical demonstrations in classrooms and Zoom meetings.

Mrs Lopez said: “In the initial training session, Ali introduced us to a variety of multi-media techniques we could use to help pupils explore the theme, and encouraged us to follow the pupils’ ideas.”

Year 3 classes from all seven primary schools within the West Norfolk Academies Trust contributed to The River of Hope art project (Image: Ian Burt)

A field trip to the River Nar, organised by Tim Fisher of the Norfolk Rivers Trust, gave children in-person inspiration.

Mrs Lopez continued: “We learnt about the River Nar, habitat and species it supports, pollution affecting the river, and examined and classified river invertebrates.

“The children found this fascinating, and this inspired the direction of our project at West Lynn Primary School.”

Designs from all seven WNAT primaries were displayed together in a River of Hope Showcase at West Lynn (Image: Ian Burt)

The completed circle designs from each school were displayed at West Lynn Primary, attracting an audience of other classes, parents and carers.

Mrs Lopez said: “Once we compiled into the final circle design, pupils were so excited to see the final product, and shared that they felt very proud.”