Wisbech pupils earn Art Award with special project linked to the Royal Opera House

Children at a Fenland school have been learning to dream big as part of a special arts project.

Last year’s Year 3 pupils at the Nene and Ramnoth School in Wisbech, took part in an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ project with the Royal Opera House, which celebrated a range of art skills.

This week the children, who are now in Year 4, received their ARt Award certificates from Trinity College in London, which has been working with the Wisbech school for a number of years.

Year 6 teacher and the school’s art leader Louise Nederpel said the children had loved being involved and had among other activities, enjoyed a trip to the London Opera House.

She said: “The aim of the project is to encourage children to widen their horizons and to consider jobs in the arts, whether that is in acting or behind the scenes as a lighting technician or the costume department.

“We have done three cycles of this project now, and every time the children get so much out of it. Each time a different year group gets to take part, and each time it is a different aspect of the arts.

“The year before we had children perform on a mobile stage in the playground and that was equally brilliant.”

Louise said the school is currently working towards earning its Art Mark Award and said the children benefit so much from being involved in the art project, not just because it helps with their art curriculum but also with other aspects such as their personal development.”

Part of this year’s work saw the pupils look at all aspects of opera including having the chance to sing on stage during their visit to London.

Louise added: “For some pupils, it was not only the first time they were learning about opera, but it was also the first time they had been to London. That trip was particularly special and the children took so much from it.”