Creatively celebrating 40 years of growing roots & beating wings!

ASHMEAD School near Thame, is celebrating its 40th year and to mark the occasion the school invited local artist, James Ort, to work with the children to produce a piece of art for all to enjoy.

“Being one of the county’s largest primary schools this means that hundreds of children have been taught and passed through its doors over this period,” said Marcus Pickering, Joint Headmaster of Ashmead. “It felt right to celebrate that, not only for those currently at the school but the community around it.”

The school’s motto is: ‘Ashmead School gives its children two everlasting things; one is roots, the other wings’. This inspired the idea of making a giant tree with roots, leaves, and a flock of birds flying off it. The tree has been displayed outside the school’s main entrance for all to see and enjoy for years to come.

James Ort, who runs the Phoenix Studio in Towersey, said: “It was important for every child to be involved in the project, and the teachers as well. This was no mean feat with over 700 pupils currently at the school. We decided that each participant would create or decorate a clay tile and together these would make up a bigger picture.”

James spent six enjoyable days in the classroom working with the pupils, and by the end of the week had stacks of hand decorated clay tiles ready for firing in the kiln. “It was hard work but so rewarding,” said James. “Ashmead has been one of the best schools I’ve worked with. The children really engaged with the project and expressed themselves through their unique designs, ranging from stamps and patterns to tiny model faces and drawings of school life. Seeing all the pieces come together and being displayed on the wall is thrilling!”

Blanchford Building Supplies in Princes Risborough kindly donated all the materials needed to mount the pieces on the wall. “We were delighted to be able to help support such a worthwhile project and good cause. To see our materials be used for a more creative arty purpose is really exciting,” said Ruth Fenton at Blanchford.