Second Year Cross-curricular Field Day sees students exploring mindfulness, physical theatre and Rangoli Sand Art

On a recent Field Day, Second Year students took part in three activities. They worked in a carousel in Religious Studies, Drama and Art, explains Mrs Fulker, Teacher of Art and Head of Personal Development:

“In Religious Studies, they had the opportunity to take part in a mindfulness exercise that is called ‘The Body Scan’. This is a time to try and focus without worrying about the future or the past and is done by careful concentration and awareness of your body. Some students found it wonderfully relaxing while a few said they found it difficult to be still for that length of time. They also did some work on the Three Marks of Existence in Buddhism and this will feed into our next section of the RS syllabus; the Noble Four Truths.

“In Drama, students brought to life famous stories about Buddhism using a combination of soundscapes and physical theatre to recreate the gardens, rivers and animals which formed the backdrop of their scenes. The most sophisticated pieces incorporated tableaux, monologues and narration, while the teachers were really impressed with how students worked together in a short space of time to create sensitive and creative performances.

“Meanwhile, in Art, students took part in a Rangoli Sand Art or Rangoli painting workshop producing beautiful, intricate and exquisite images made from brightly coloured sands. The Rangoli paintings were transferred onto material using a heat press.”

Rangoli is an art form originating in the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are created on the floor or a tabletop using a variety of materials. It is thought to bring good luck, prosperity on the house and in the family, and to welcome guests.