East Ham school creates its own Olympic legacy through art

Students at a primary school in East Ham created their own Olympic legacy in the form of a giant art display.

Writing for the Recorder, the student council of St Stephen’s Primary School, Whitfield Road – a collection of pupils who represent the pupils. They write about imagination behind their legacy art project:

“As a representation of the importance of the Olympics in our borough of Newham, St Stephen’s School wanted to mark this historic occasion with an enduring art display.

“The theme of the Olympians naturally led us to the sports men and women who take part in the Games. Each year group or individual class chose a style of painting in which to portray the athletes in action.

“Amongst the styles here, you will find art works influenced by famous cultures from around the world, from Roman mosaics to Aboriginal art, from Georges Seurat’s pointillism to Bridget Riley’s op art.

“Children across the school practised sketching many different figures in action, before selecting a final image to commit to canvas. Each child had their own canvas to create an individual interpretation from their own preferred sketch.

“The high impact display in the school hall is the result of all the children’s hard work from Reception to Year 6.

“We believe it captures the essence of the Olympics and the seven values: courage, excellence, friendship, respect, equality, determination and inspiration.”