'Our Space’ aims to build a complete picture of the school community: from past pupils, to delivery drivers, from governors to belly dancers! Images and measurements will be collected using a specially constructed photo booth, the ‘Our Space’ card or this website.

Sculptor Will Nash and photographer Anthony Carr, will then turn this information into new artworks, one of which will be installed in the school grounds in March.

Progress will be regularly updated here, and at Will's online sketchbook

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

Response to Pavillion proposals

During the October exhibition visitors were invited to share their responses to the proposed plans for the pavilion in the courtyard via a consultation sheet.

The questions asked were

1. What was your first reaction to the Our Space Pavilion?
2. Would you like to spend time in the Our Space Pavilion? Can you explain why or why not?
3. What different situations can you imagine happening in and around the Our Space Pavilion?
4. What do you consider the most positive and or negative aspects of the proposal?
5. Is there anything else you would like to comment on?

The response has been wonderfully positive, with comments calling the project a “fabulous community venture” and a “very nice combination of community participation, professional finish and visual quality”

The exhibition included a scale model, a computer simulation and usedhelium balloons to demonstarte the size of the pavillion in the courtyard, giving visitors the opportunity to imagine how the space could be used. Suggestions ranged from environmental projects, a place for discussions, making music and parties - others thought it would be an ideal relaxing chill-out area where you could eat your lunch during a hectic day.

We also recieved thoughtful and useful comments about how they felt the sculpture may affect the surrounding environment and raised some interesting points about the colour and shape and how to use the space around the sculpture with several suggestions for plants.



Please click here to see all the comments and suggestions

Thursday, 8 November 2007

October Exhibiton Round Up


Follow the links below to find out more about the October Exhibition

Will's Account
Sussex Express Article
Press Release
Further Images

Thursday, 4 October 2007

Our Space Exhibiton Workshops


Please click on the image for a larger version of flyer, or contact Khall@willingdon.e-sussex.sch.uk for more details.

Tuesday, 2 October 2007

Our Space exhibition 18th October 2007



Preparations are underway for the Our Space exhibition 18-20th October, to be held at the school. We are delighted to welcome Hilary Lane, East Sussex County Arts Officer, to say a few words during the preview on the 18th from 6-8pm. Hilary, one of our project partners, has provided invaluable support throughout all stages of the project, including its inception. The exhibition includes designs for the proposed sculpture by Will Nash, as well as an animation of the photo booth images by Anthony Carr and photographs by both Anthony and Rob Walker. There will also be the last chance to have your image taken in the photo booth and become part of the visual library!

Animation workshops are being run on the 20th for young people aged 7-12 years in response to the exhibition.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Monday, 17 September 2007

Post Box Stories

Here are a few of the Stories that have been collected in the post box over the summer.

"An interesting time spent as governor, during the early years of independent management. I was involved with personnel, premises as well as taking a special interest in geography teaching. At the age of 50 years, I tried to make a come back as a basketball player, whilst playing for staff versus pupils. Lacking fitness, I struggled, and now content myself with refereeing."
Former Governor and Parent

"Damage to school in 1987 hurricane. Students who did make it to school that morning helping to catch the rabbits that had escaped that night. Willingdon really did become “Willingdon Community School” that day. We learnt about many feelings that day concern for other people, shock, community spirit, destruction, rebuilding to name but a few all at the tender age of 13."
Former Student

"I remember our epic journey to North Wales for our geology/geography field trip 1987. We were all crammed into an ancient yellow minibus with our luggage piled high around our ears (no seat belts in those days!) With a top speed of around 49 miles per hour (downhill), it took a tortuous 9 hours! At one point we had to pull over on the motorway to mend a puncture. The week in Wales turned out to be a fantastic experience!"
Former Student

"In recent times I’ve been lucky enough to be amongst the first to see and hear about exciting and innovative arts projects at the school in my capacity as a journalist - but my alternative memory is of playing Stoolball in the playing field two years ago. I dropped a catch, batted really badly and my sister was hit in the face fielding a ball….but I think we won – so in one way at least it is a warm memory."
Wider Community

"I am a passionate arsenal fan! In 2006 arsenal were in the Champion’s League final in Paris. Our head is a Spurs supporter and he agreed to authorise leave for me to go to the final if I could get tickets ( not allowed in term time usually)…….generously?.......sorry no! He wanted me to be there when Arsenal lost their dream!! And he was right!......we lost! I write this so students can read about the ‘human’ side to teachers!! x"
Teacher

"Have been here for over 20 years now I have many stories to tell but the one that stands out is the great storm of ‘87. Oct 16th 1987. Arriving at the school I saw damage everywhere smashed windows parts of roof in the playground etc. So for the next few days myself and the other caretakers (J Stanley) were clearing up the rubbish, removing debris from the school building and as there were holes in the Gym roof moping up the gym of water by sending the water down the stairs to save the gym floor and the rooms below from being flooded. I have a certificate of recognition for my efforts hanging in my office, which was presented to me in front of the whole school."
Support Staff

"In my first term at the school as Headteacher I was invited to go in the lead group on the sponsored walk. It was a foggy morning on the downs and on our was to butts brow my group were so lost that we never made the first checkpoint and in the end walked 12 miles rather than the planned 10. An inauspicious start as a Headteacher!!"
Staff

"One evening on a hot and--------night we were industriously involved in upholstering techniques. Unexpectedly the coffee-break bell started ringing, again and again. So absorbed were we in our activities that no one wanted a break. We carried on. Later we saw groups of people outside and realised that it was the fire bell…
….but we are all still here unsinged!!"
Adult Education Student

Do you have a story or memory of the school that you would like to share? It is not too late to add your own. Just post it in the comments section bleow. You can do this anonymously or add your name and your connection to the school!