Axe Valley School, Chard Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5EA

• Tel: 01297 32146
• Fax: 01297 - 35851

Objectives:

• To research contemporary visual arts in SA
• To link with a SA school to create an exchange between pupuils of TAVS and those in SA
• To collect material for the development of an art project for GCSE art students

Interests:

• The Visual Arts, Horticulture, The Environment.

Aspirations:

• To have an enriching cultural and social experience.
• To have the chance to soak up the botany of SA..

School:

The Axe Valley School is a small but growing comprehensive school in rural Devon. There are about 500 children from 11 to 16 years old. We pride ourselves on the friendly atmosphere at the school and the ease with which newcomers are accepted. We have a new Headteacher who is helping the school forward. The catchment area includes a section of coastline on Lyme Bay in the English Channel. It also contains one of the few remaining grammar schools in the country, so we lose most of the brightest students to them. Pupils here particuarly enjoy sport and the arts. We are awaiting the government's decision on whether we will have a sixth form in the future.

Impressions of Cape Town

It's difficult to recall all my pre conceptions about South Africa because they were so speedily shattered. Many of the artists were well educated, there was an international art market established (through touching only a small handful of people), and buying a gold and diamond ring for my wife seemed like a good idea but you still need loads of money.

We visited six artists, usually in their studio. Each artists was asked to speak about their education and background. It struck home that where a sophisticated and mature artistic style had been achieved education had been the common factor allowing this to happen. Education armed the artists with the skills to succeed within their society.

Many artists also used teaching as a form of income. it was therefore significant that the other purpose of the trip was to examine the education system and form links with a school in Cape Town. Westerford High School is to link with The Axe Valley School where I teach.

Westerford is well off by South African standards, being supported by large fees charged to parents to supplement the small state allocation. This will mean they are able to sustain links abroad. I look forward to getting started on our first joint project.

Visiting less advantaged schools was well over the other side of the scale. Often recently established by volunteers within the townships these schools have been badly let down by the financial crisis in the country. Teachers aren't paid or trained, even pencils are in short supply. We saw five classes taught in one room the size of many of our classrooms. Such cramped conditions make education very difficult. I hope our contribution to the schools will help.

On a more tourist tack many events will leave life time memories. The scenery, the botanical gardens, the choirs, the food and the warmth of the people were all outstanding.

I view this only as a beginning and hope that many more opportunities are generated to benefit cultural links between Devon and Cape Town.