Updates from QUAD’s Schools in Residence programme

We began May with an amazing screening of Pear Tree Community Junior School Year 4’s silent film adaptation of the book ‘Hugo’ at QUAD’s cinema. The morning was filled with joy, excitement, and popcorn as we welcomed all 90 Year 4 students, their families, and teachers to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Last month, 15 students undertook a 5-week project with filmmaker Chris Bevan. The children took charge, starring, directing, and designing the entire movie whilst learning about the history of film at school. You will be able to watch the full movie online soon! This is the introductory trailer for the movie, designed in the style of silent movie title cards by the children.

Here’s what some of the cast said about their experience taking part and watching their film in the cinema:

“I really enjoyed recording and being there and making stuff even though I was shy at first I enjoyed deep in self.”

“So I loved being apart of this good thing because I had a chance to be a actor and being on a cinema screen.”

“I loved when it was funny and it was the best day ever I didn’t like it I love it.”

Meanwhile, students from Horizons 6th Form have been collaborating with photographer Sofia Yala for the past 6 weeks while working towards their Bronze Arts Awards, a national qualification that introduces young people to various art forms and arts leadership. They have experimented with and learned many new and exciting creative skills with Sofia, such as working with industry-standard DSLR cameras, portraiture, making zines, collaging, image transfer techniques and gelli printing.

They recently visited the current exhibitions FORMAT24 and Jubilee City: Derby Punk in the 1970s at QUAD and participated in interactive workshops. Exploring the galleries, students taped their path to their favourite artworks and noted down why they chose that piece. We journeyed along each other’s paths, unsure where we’d end up in the gallery, and discovered interesting thoughts and ideas about other’s favourite artworks on display.

Here are the student’s favourite photographs they captured on a photo walk around the city centre:

QUAD’s Schools in Residence Programme enables pupils in formal education settings, particularly those experiencing systemic inequality or disadvantage, to thrive through engagement with high quality, arts-based learning.

Funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation.