Year 4 students from the school have been working on the ‘Misty Mountain Sierra’ project producing artworks as part of a wider study of mountains that has seen them consider humanity’s effect on the environment.

They have been able to speak to artist Michelle Rumney in an online Q&A session set up by Lighthouse, Poole.

Jemima Fricker, art co-ordinator at Oakdale Junior, said: “The children have absolutely loved it.

“When I said we were going to do an Arts Award they were so excited and they’ve really tried their hardest – the certificate gives them a real sense of achievement.

“They were particularly excited at being able to talk to Michelle in the Q&A because they loved seeing how she uses mixed media in her online videos and the way she speaks about using repetitive actions.”

The artworks were made using a range of skills including printmaking, mark making, using crayons and rollers, charcoal and painting, as well as using ripped up paper, foil and sweet wrappers.

“We also had some old maps that were no longer needed and we’ve been ripping those up to use in the artworks,” said Jemima.

“It is quite a controlled activity, as with Covid we have to be very careful about collaborative working and sharing resources, but we have an exhibition in school next week and plan to share the works in our newsletter that goes home to parents as well as through the Coastal Learning Partnership of local schools.”

Arts Award Discover is an introductory award aimed at children aged 5-9.