STUDENTS from the support unit at Broken Hill High School have been learning to paint through excursions to local gallery The Shed this week.
The workshops are taking place in the gallery each Wednesday over three weeks, with this week’s being the second class.
Teacher Claudia Rawat came up with the idea to bring students out of the classroom and into the gallery space.
Dirk Romeyn, a co-owner of the gallery who is facilitating the classes, said the students spent time examining trees to paint during the first week.
“We went across to Sturt Park, I did a little demonstration and we had a look at a few tree trunks,” he said.
“Then they came back and had hot chocolates and we did more demonstrations.”
Mr Romeyn said though teaching art is new to him, teacher Claudia Rawat was able to guide students through her approach.
“What we were amazed with is that everything she was teaching, she was asking questions, and she was actually teaching about geography and continents and lots of different things through art.”
Ms Rawat said she’s passionate about promoting social inclusion and giving her students real-world experiences.
“My aim is to enable students to become their best, most independent selves while developing strong interpersonal skills, friendships and a deep understanding of their own worth,” she said.
“I believe in providing rich and meaningful experiences that connect my students to the community and the world around them.”
Mr Romeyn said he’d heard that students were so thrilled with the classes they’d been sharing their experience back at the school.
“We heard that the students were so excited that they were telling everyone who would listen about it,” he said.
“It’s a new environment and new experience for them.”
Students spent this week painting either realistic or abstract works depicting what they’d seen when examining the tree trunks.
Mr Romeyn said their next lesson would be adding layers to the paintings.
He said he was impressed by how inspiring a teacher Ms Rawat was and how lucky her students are to have her.
“Her dedication and creativity are inspiring,” he said. “It’s clear how much she brings to her students learning journey.”
