Fridays | £72 per block

3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st Oct, 7th Nov (6 week block) - BLOCK 1

14th, 21st Nov, 28th Nov, 5th, 12th, 19th Dec (6 week block) - BLOCK 2

11 aM - 12.15 PM

Age 8-16 yrs  

These six week blocks will run year round exploring what is going on in nature, drawing from history, geography, science and art history. These sessions are an amazingly child-led, hands on way to learn in a way that works for your child. Sessions are low pressure with the option to get involved as much or as little as your child wants. There will also be lots of other creative resources for your child to use.

Sessions are run by Heather Cassidy, experienced Parents Learning Adviser, Art Facilitator and Tutor. Each young person will be given a sketch book to record their findings, learnings and creative work. This will serve as a resource that they can refer to in the future. Parents are welcome to stay with their child, use the nearby sitting room or go and have a well deserved cuppa!

Block 1: Change & Transformation

Session 1 – Autumn Leaves

Collect and classify leaves by shape, texture, and colour & Create your own leaf identification book. Why do leaves change colour? Make a beautiful wall hanging of Autumn finds

Session 2 – Trees as Habitats

The science of galls & how wildlife plants trees for us Create collage of leaf & bark rubbings and insect stamps. Autumn themed light up jars for cosy evenings. Observe/record mini-beasts under magnifying glass

Session 3 – Migration Journeys

Research migratory birds leaving the UK (swallows, geese). Map their routes on a world map. Create flying geese. Make a colourful Autumnal coloured swallow garland

Session 4 – Fungi & Decomposition

Fungi identification . Study Beatrix Potter’s fungi illustrations and recreate in sketchbooks. Create air dry clay fungi. Wild and wonderful imaginary mushroom paintings

Session 5 – Autumn Festivals

Explore Celtic Samhain traditions .Create masks inspired by historical customs. What are spiders actually up to in Autumn? Spider's web embroidery project

Session 6 – Seasonal Finale!

Leaf imprinting into air dry clay to make Autumn decorations . Creating an Autumn wreath Presentation of Learning Certificate & take home sketch book

BLOCK 2 Early Winter - Darkness & Storytelling

Session 1 – Light & Dark

Learn the astronomy around light & dark, Winter & Summer. Study stained glass windows; make tissue-paper “stained glass.” Brightly coloured watercolour landscapes with black tree silhouettes. Northern Lights pastel art

Session 2 – Winter Wildlife

Build a bird feeder and create visitor log . Research UK animals that hibernate vs migrate. Create a comic strips of a hedgehog/bat preparing for hibernation. Make a clay hedgehog

Session 3 – Constellations & Stars

Talk about star gazing and the stars we can see at the moment. Sketch constellations; link to Greek/Norse myths. Illustrate a character from a Greek Myth or make up your own! Create glow-in-the-dark constellation art. "Galaxy style hoop art using fabric paints and embroidery (if desired)

Session 4 – Norse & Viking Myths

Read/retell Norse winter myths (Odin, Yule). Explore Viking runes and write names/messages. Carve or model simple rune stones from clay. Create a mini Viking shield using traditional pattern

Session 5 – Winters Past

Explore Bruegel and Pissaro's winter paintings. Research how medieval communities prepared for winter. Create an object that you would try to sell at a Medieval market

Draw Winter science white on black & black on white using charcoal & chalk.

Session 6 – Winter Storytelling

Create an illustrated folktale linked to winter survival. Draw holly, ivy and other evergreens using mixed media .Christmas card making. Shadow theatre creations

Presentation of Learning Certificate & Sketch Book