Heather
It was a complete surprise to myself, you and Bev, when Quest 1 group (in the main, not all) showed reluctance to take up an exciting opportunity to visit Create Studios in Swindon, to document audio, create ipods and capture performance, because the timing clashed with when the school was closed. So far, everyone has shown commitment, enthusiasm and focus, but simply, they preferred a day off school. Apparently this was their dream day.
As we agreed, yourself, Bev and I, without total commitment we felt that the trip be cancelled for the Quest 1 trip to Create Studios. I will need to ring and cancel this morning, but it is within 24 hours, so not sure if there will be a charge. Will confirm. Can you email or text me so that I can let Barry & the studios know that work is cancelled and, because he is freelance, he won't get paid. Bev was kindly going to bring the lads up to Swindon on the train, so there are the train tickets also to consider, can we get a refund? Barry was committed to the project as it is his toys, his heritage from his Auntie Rene who dreamed of being on the stage, but never made it, other than the theatre box offices. He said that this project celebrates her dream, a homage. But more importantly, what is their goal?
I realise that some students definitely wanted to go to Create, and this is because they have already started a response to the project - which others haven't yet, beyond the collective creative input. So, my feeling is perhaps the timing wasn't right in terms of the individual students being behind the idea, it needs to be led by their own work/ideas/input.
Group 2 have made their decision to go to London to the BBC and will need to be at school on Thursday at 6.00 am, it will be a long day, but exciting and shows enthusiastic commitment. However, different groups work in different ways. The discussions with Quest 1 revealed core issues, when one of the students clearly brought up the question of who would respond to the project, yet we have discovered how it engages, delights and informs people. But the main thing it is for each student. Why have this group of lads been selected. Where are the girls? Do the parents know what is going on... So this project, is about identity. And those who showed reluctance to think outside the box, are revealing their character. Those who have consistently put in, have revealed and shared their creative spirit. Brilliant stuff.
You only get one chance, he said! The man in Peugot garage was really keen on education, and enthusiastically took part in the project, trustingly handing Rabbit & Clown the keys to a £25,000 new car. So, do we only get one chance, is this true? Maybe I have too high expectations, or failed to direct this point in the creative process, some of lads are under utilised in the project, and I am think timing is all in positive goal setting, creative change and response, some of us in life prefer to lead, others to follow direction. What has been revealed is that for some there may be lack of confidence, self-esteem and reaching for goals. What my goal is about being enthusiastic, having fun, living a creative life, being positive, seeing the bigger picture - enjoying mad storytelling. It is all about the journey!
I feel excited that it has revealed the nature of what Quest is all about exploring and adventure, unearthing each of our dreams and aspirations, using in this instance icon objects (toys). But first and foremost what is each of the students goal in this project? I think we hadn't got to capturing that point, and there needs to be more input from others, whether parents, sixth formers or younger children. We need voice, about what is the dream. To get more followers of the Blog, I think we need to go viral, how do we do that???? Can we get the press involved? If so, when?
I don't know about you, but I have really enjoyed working together, want to harness that and all I ask is to gauge commitment. So, to sum up, fine art is all about problem solving. I need all Questarians 1, who haven't done so already, to spend some of their day off...reading the Blog, post a note about their ideas for getting the blog, comments out and in...can we use mobile phones and the facebook to ask the question: what is your dream? Can each Questarian get their parents to comment on the Blog and suggest where we could send the link? Perhaps all the people we visited in town could be sent the link to the blog, the butcher, vet, estate agent, car dealer, etc. Who else in the school can post a note or a comment? Perhaps you and Bev could start?
I am in next Thursday morning for Quest 1. Let's make no other decisions till then for visits outside of school, instead we will need to get cracking on making some creative change happen! Meanwhile, I was thinking my dream I have decided is to read out the Westbury Blog on BBC Radio!!!
Many thanks.
Jill
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