Karslake Centre Opening
As part of the school's Arts College status, our new Arts Block was officially opened on 15 September 2005. The block will be known as the 'Karslake Centre', named after Paul Karslake, a local artist.
Paul Karslake - a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts since 1990 - has attracted a following from the likes of Kate Moss, Gordon Ramsay, Keith Richards and Johnny Depp in his career.
Situated behind the school overlooking the fields beyond, the Karslake Centre houses two key rooms. A large, light and airy classroom - enough space for two classes at a time and the second is a gallery space in the entrance which will house exhibitions of both pupils work and the work of local artists.
The space will also be used for out-of-hours projects and classes for nearby schools, community groups and artists.
Order of Events for the Evening
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Karslake Centre gallery was opened for guests to view an exhibition of pupils work between 5.45 - 6.15PM;
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6.15PM - guests welcomed to the official opening ceremony by Headteacher, Mrs C Skewes;
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Poetry reading by Tim Cunningham;
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Music performances introduced by Mr A Barry - Director of Arts:
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Drumming - 'Kasa' (Sengalese) traditional African rhythm. Performed by Lee Brampton, Tiffany Rose, Christina Palin and Mr G Wilson (Head of Performing Arts) on the Djembe and Doun Doun;
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Keyboard solo - 'Milkshake'. Performed by Christina Palin;
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Dance performance introduced by Mr A Barry. 'My Immortal' by Evanescence, performed by Lauren McCarthy;
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Introduction to the guest speaker, Paul Karslake, by Mr A Barry;
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7PM - official opening of the Karslake Centre and the gallery space. Opportunity for guests to look around at art work.
Official Welcoming Speech by Mrs C Skewes
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, friends and students of the school. Welcome to our official opening of the Karslake Centre. The centre was built from our funding as a Specialist Art College. As an Art College we seek to be a focus for Art in our community. We are therefore delighted and honoured that such a renowned local artist as Paul Karslake agreed to have his name associated with our Arts Centre.
We hope that this will be the start of a long and productive partnership.
At this school, we believe in raising achievement through creativity. We do this via our strong and vibrant culture generated within the arts.
We believe that creativity, imagination and innovative thinking should be at the heart of children's experience at school. Creativity isn’t an add on: it forms a vital and integral part of every child's experience at school. We encourage our pupils to use their imaginations, and try to stimulate their interests in order to make them more critically aware and inventive.
This exciting Arts Centre has provided more opportunities for children to express themselves and will be available for use by our local community.
We have strengthened our links with our community by providing our primary schools with expert tuition in art, photography, design and other areas of art.
This evening is a celebration of bringing this vision to reality, we will see short performances of poetry, music and dance as well as an exhibition of art from Canvey Island.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have made an important contribution to the Centre. Art department staff Andy Barry - Director of the Art College, John and Katy Hibben, Chantal Bellew and Barbara Norman. Architects Nick and Liz Carter, who designed the building and interiors and have lived with the project from its inception to completion. Our builders - Sewards and Business Managers, Marianne Morgan and Hilary Brown.
Creativity is at the heart of this schools current and future success and we are determined to ensure that our pupils get the best possible preparation for this bright future."
Karslake Centre Opening Photos
