Pupils at a Hartlepool primary school have been praised for their “exceptional” standard of work in a school exhibition.

Art club members at West Park Primary School spent 20 weeks under the supervision of West Park Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Hayley Tootill before unveiling their work in the exhibition called ‘Unique Together’.

The exhibition showcased the children’s take on what diversity and inclusivity means to them. Some of them chose to explore photography, diversity through music and history and even slugs!

Hayley Tootill said: “I am so incredibly proud of the children in art club. They have worked so hard and produced a level of work that impressed everyone who attended.

“The exhibition was a massive success and turned out even better than I expected!  I really wanted it to be spectacular as there has never been anything like this in the school before that celebrates art and self-expression.

“The exhibition will hopefully help to get the message across that everyone is unique, and people can aspire to whatever they want to be.

“The theme of diversity is so important and relevant to today’s generation. The artwork has created attention and conversation which is what diversity is all about.”

Amanda Robinson, Assistant Headteacher at West Park, added: “This was a fantastic demonstration of creativity in young people. Pupils and Miss Tootill, you have done us proud.

“There was an amazing turn-out for the exhibition and the children enjoyed getting the recognition they deserved for how hard they have worked.”

West Park pupil Sophie Pischos, who featured in the exhibition, commented: “At our exhibition everyone was commenting on how positive it all was. I liked how a lot of people came to see our artwork; it made me feel proud and that I made a difference and got the message across that diversity should be taught and more talked about around schools.”

West Park is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “Across all of our schools we promote inclusivity and fair and equal opportunities for all.

“The exhibition provided an opportunity for pupils to express their thoughts through art and creative subjects and the standard of work was exceptional.”

The other primary schools within Ad Astra are Barnard Grove, Brougham and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in Durham.

The following are some of the children who participated in the exhibition.

Jasmine Marley: Nature at War (beauty through LGBTQIA+ and the struggles of coming out).

Tom Norris: Urban Genius (diversity through society and street art).

James Filby: Looking through the lens (diversity through modern and historical architecture).

Harry Featherstone: Chicken Tornado (diversity through learning needs and superpowers in his own graphic novel).

Sophie Pischos: Unique Figures (diversity through important and inspiring people in society).

William McKelvie: SWUGS (diversity through unpopular creatures, slugs and the metaphor behind them).

Violet McKelvie: Strawberry Shortcake (diversity though creating characters with unique personalities and characteristics, symbolising to be anyone you want to be and not conforming to one “box” or personality).

Oliver Howe: Intertwining lines (diversity through exploring our fingerprints and the own identity they give us).

10 July 2024.