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CROSS CURRICULAR LINKS
The mere fact that Herman himself was a refugee, allows this project to naturally overlap into many other areas of the primary curriculum.
Instances involving historical and geographical reference could be included into planning by examining :
Herman's journey from Warsaw around Europe leading eventually to Britain;
or
The ways in which Herman documented and depicted employment and social conditions of the time in his work.
The constant descriptions of Wales and links to its 'Welshness' clearly cannot be overlooked when studying Herman's work, again leading into another area of importance in the primary curriculum in Wales -
Y Cwricwlwm Cymreig
[
Cymreig - a Welsh adjective which means ' concerned with Wales'.
]
This is an integrative element which aims to encourage an appreciation of national identity by embracing the distinctive culture of Wales. It is hoped that pupils will develop a sense of belonging, just as Herman did when he came to live in Ystradgynlais in the 1940's
' I stayed on because here I found all I required. I arrived a stranger for a fortnight. The fortnight became eleven years.'
Perhaps the most obvious curriculum link which ran continuously alongside the work of this project was that of Language and Literacy.
Planning for all elements, such as oral, aural and written work can be built in to activities of this nature very easily.
Many different types of writing may be considered: report writing; recount; instructional; explanation and even poetry, sit well, and link with ease to many art based tasks.
As aforementioned, the use of appraisal was an important process throughout, this too can be further developed by teachers to extend skills in auracy and oracy e.g. circle time/ discussions about Herman's and the pupils' work.
It is hoped that when reading through this work, that this project may be seen as an opportunity to cover a number of curriculum areas over a period of time; or simply, as a' stand alone' art activity to be completed during art sessions.
Photo: Bernard Mitchell
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