Jane Cooper was our artist in residence for the Summer Term is 2012. She was commissioned to work with our pupils and create a mural in one of our courtyards. Pencalenick is a school for pupils of secondary age with complex learning disabilities and difficulties. Jane ran workshops with the pupils to explore the grounds and the buildings. She encouraged the pupils to make rough drawings and plan with her where they would be incorporated into the finished mural. Jane worked diligently to ensure that every child and member of the staff featured in the completed work and it is phenomenal. Her manner with our pupils was warm and encouraging and she was not fazed by the challenges of working with our complex pupils. She showed great sensitivity towards their needs and abilities. Through careful questioning she enabled the children to achieve beautiful pieces of art which blended in with the completed piece. She was able to work with our complete range of children. Those who had a natural talent for art she pushed to create some complex larger images independently, whilst the least able completed parts of the mural with support and careful guidance. Some of our pupils had extreme and challenging behavior and Jane was able to work through this with them so that they focused on the project and completed their contribution. Everyone felt valued. Everyone experienced success. She enabled our pupils to create a lasting legacy for the school. [Jane]...…. is a very peaceful person to have on the team whilst she is also very focused and tenacious.

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