P6 Virtual Art Trip

Inspired by the works of Joan Eardley and their class topic, Victorians, Primary 6 pupils joined a UK wide virtual school trip to develop their visual literacy skills.

Taking part in The Superpower of Looking’s Art Adventure, hosted by renowned artist Sarah Graham, pupils joined more than 600 primary schools across the country on the Art UK’s first-ever virtual school trip. Along with their teachers, Mrs Gaillie, Art & Design, and Miss Wilson, Outdoor Learning, pupils journeyed to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, before moving on to The New Art Gallery in Walsall, England.

During the virtual gallery visits, Sarah Graham invited pupils to build their essential visual literacy skills by interpreting, negotiating, and establishing meaning from the images presented to them.

This immersive learning experience proved to be thoroughly engaging for our pupils. By exploring artwork in both galleries, they learned to analyse and interpret images.

Taking inspiration from their gallery visits, surroundings, and classroom discussions, pupils then created their own artwork, with an array of collages celebrating the work of Joan Eardley and the local tenements.

The virtual school trip formed part of a weeklong celebration of Visual Literacy Week, and Miss Wilson said:

“Pupils were fully engaged as they explored famous artworks virtually, sharing their observations and insights. Taking their learning outdoors, they created collages inspired by the surrounding tenement buildings, deepening their connection to the rich history and culture of Glasgow’s Southside. This immersive experience highlighted the importance of their local heritage in the wider context of the art world, showing how their community’s unique story contributes to a broader cultural narrative.”

If you have been inspired by the artwork created by our pupils and their inspiration of Joan Eardley, there is currently an exhibition on at the Glasgow Women’s Library, Kate Downie: Conversations with Joan, which is running until January, 25th 2025. For more information, visit Glasgow Women’s Library.