Woodwork Curriculum - Class VIII

During Class VIII pupils begin to work with simple carpentry projects such as basic furniture, storage boxes, shelving and racks. The coat rack project enabled pupils to learn to work as a team and, as the racks are for the school, there was the added bonus that they will be used for many years to come!

Craft Camp - Class IV

I was lucky to be leading at a Craft Camp for Class IV pupils (aged 9 and 10) at my school. The theme was Vikings from the Norths Myths so we made Swords and Shields using iron, copper, wood, leather and paint. The children took part in blacksmithing a sword, woodworking the shields, copper beating the domes for our shields and designing and decorating them in art sessions. All of this took place in the glorious outdoor landscape of Gloucestershire. The pictures below are taken back at the workshop.

Carved Signs

During these last couple of years I have been renovating and carving new signs for work. I love bringing new life to old signs by cleaning them up, doing some repairs and giving them a lick of paint and/or a stain to prolong their life. Equally, selecting timber, designing and crafting new signs are just as satisfying. Using other materials, such as copper in this instance, adds a different dimension and, with oxidation, will evolve the signs over time. Note that I didn't make the main school site sign - it's there for reference for branding and style of design.