Watermead Primary School
I visited Watermead Primary School in March, where I was to run printmaking workshops for two Y6 classes. One in the morning and one in the afternoon.
I was asked to devise a printmaking workshop using my own work as inspiration. I brought in a selection of my prints and other works, inspired by Trees and Flowers and we discussed that my style is bright, bold and colourful, that I am often inspired by nature and that sometimes my trees and flowers are illustrative and sometimes more abstract. The children had images of my work and images of trees and flowers to use as inspiration to produce a series of multi-layered colourful engravings. I encouraged them to think about the composition and to try and produce a variety of lines and shapes into their foam tiles, before they began printing with their chosen colours.
Can you explain your reasons for originally booking me to visit your school?
We wanted to enrich our art curriculum by giving pupils the chance to learn from a practising artist. Your workshop offered an expert experience that went beyond what we can typically provide in the classroom, we felt it would develop their artistic confidence.
Did you have any concerns about the workshop prior to my visits?
Our only initial concerns were around timing and ensuring the activity would be accessible for all learners. We also wondered whether the content would be engaging enough for a full Year 6 class with a wide range of abilities. These concerns quickly disappeared once we saw how well-structured and well-paced the workshop was.
What challenges does your school have when it comes to organising art activities with the children?
Time, resources, and space are our biggest challenges. With a busy curriculum, it can be difficult to give art the dedicated time it deserves. We also don’t always have access to specialised materials or expertise, meaning pupils sometimes miss out on more ambitious creative projects.
Did my workshops help solve some of these challenges? Can you give any specific examples?
Yes, absolutely. You provided some the materials, which made the sessions easy to run. The structured format meant we could deliver a high-quality art experience without needing extra preparation time. Several pupils who normally struggle to stay focused were fully engaged because the tasks were hands-on and clearly guided as well as bringing your own artwork.
Do you think the workshop activity was appropriate for your class?
Yes. The activity was perfectly suited to Year 6—challenging enough to stretch them creatively, yet accessible for pupils who are less confident in art. The project felt purposeful and age-appropriate.
Could you describe any aspects of the visit you thought were particularly successful and why?
Your demonstrations were very clear and helped the children understand each step. The way you circulated during the session and supported individual pupils was especially effective; it kept everyone on track and built their confidence. The final outcomes were impressive, and the pupils were genuinely proud of their work.
Are there any students whom you thought were particularly inspired or responded in unexpected ways?
Yes—several pupils who are usually quiet or hesitant in creative subjects became very engaged. One pupil who often finds it hard to stay focused stayed on task for the entire workshop and shared their work with real pride.
What would you say was the impact of my visit on the students who I worked with?
The workshop boosted their confidence, encouraged creative risk-taking, and gave them a stronger sense of achievement. Many talked about the session afterwards and said they’d like to do more art at home. It also helped them see art as something exciting and accessible—not just another classroom task.
Do you have any other comments?
It was a fantastic experience for both pupils and staff. The workshop was well-organised, inspiring, and extremely valuable and thank you for the hard work and dedication you showed during the sessions.
Alex Knight Y6
