Having a Hoot in Art and English

Our lucky Year 7 pupils had a memorable experience as they were joined by a parliament of owls in our school chapel. The session was organised as a joint venture between art and English to inspire our pupils to create illustrated poems about owls.

We were delighted to welcome Kay from the Screech Owl Sanctuary, who brought three owls with him: an Indian Scops Owl, a Barn Owl and a Tawny Owl. Holding each owl in turn, Kay provided our pupils with a fascinating insight into each of the different species and what makes them so incredible. From the shorter wing span of the tawny owl to allow them to fly through dense native woodland, to the silent flight of the barn owl, which minimises air turbulence and dampens sound, allowing them to hunt stealthily, the morning was packed full of interesting facts.

Education is at the core of the Screech Owl Sanctuary’s work. By sharing their knowledge of the owls and other animals, their characteristics, habitats and conservation, they help to raise money for their work, while encouraging active care of these beautiful creatures in the wild.

During the talk, acclaimed poet and illustrator of  “Darkling, The Owl’s Song”, Catherine Hyde, was sketching the birds live on the stage, with a camera trained on her work for the pupils to watch. She also spoke to the pupils about her work as an artist who specialises in wildlife, the creative process, and how she combines text with visuals.

Pupils were given sheets to allow them to compare and draw inspiration from the birds and experts, helping them to consider shape, form, colour and texture, as well as recording facts about each one. There was time for questions too, and for them to create their own sketches of the owls to be used in their final illustrations.

Inspired by this experience, each pupil will write a poem about an owl, which they will plan, draft and edit in their English lessons; they will create accompanying illustrations for their poem in their Art lessons.

We would like to thank the art and English departments for making this incredible collaboration possible, and give special thanks to Kay and his amazing owls, and to Catherine for their time and incredible expertise. Head of English, Mrs Selvey, remarked that this was likely “the highlight of [her] career”, and we are certain that this will be a memory our lucky pupils will treasure for a long time to come.