Improving behaviour through the visual arts

Summary

This mixed comprehensive school identified the need to address pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning in its improvement plan. It decided to target a difficult group of year 9 pupils by giving them the opportunity to take part in a visual arts project. Inspired by a demonstration by a graffiti artist, the pupils researched, planned and created spray-painted murals. The input from an expert meant that pupils and teachers were learning together, which improved their relationship. Extended sessions enabled the pupils to develop their work in depth.

There was a high drop-out rate from the project, which actually benefited the pupils who remained, as the group had been very large at the outset. Producing exciting, high-quality work raised the pupils' self-esteem, and their behaviour improved as they watched their ideas develop. Communication improved between pupils and teachers, and by the end of the project a good team spirit had developed. The pupils' concentration improved, as did their ability to work independently and to accept help when necessary. They developed skills in spray painting and learned how it is used and misused in today's urban environment.

The enthusiasm and positive attitudes generated by the project had an impact across the curriculum, with subject teachers noting an improvement in the behaviour and attitude of all the pupils who completed the work.