York High School on Art

This past June, Art of Protest teamed up with York High School to deliver an immersive art experience that transformed the way students engage with learning. In a hands-on stencil and spray paint workshop, 15 students explored the world of street art, many for the first time. Though some were initially hesitant, they quickly embraced mistakes as part of the process, gaining confidence not only in their artistic skills but also in problem-solving and creative thinking.

Art of Protest's creative 5 C's approach was implemented and students responded wonderfully within the framework. Curiosity, Confidence, Collaboration, Capability, and Creativity – all designed to empower young people through creative learning. Each C plays a key role in unlocking potential and nurturing essential skills.

Curiosity is the spark that drives students to explore new ideas. As Gemma Waygood, AOP’s Senior Project Manager, notes, “A curious mind is more engaged and less likely to get distracted.” In this workshop, curiosity led students to break free from self-doubt, transforming uncertainty into a willingness to experiment. As Jeff Clark, AOP’s creative director, put it, “There’s no such thing as a mistake here. As long as you enjoy the process and are happy with the result, that’s all that matters.”

Confidence was built as students created their own A4 canvas art pieces. The quick and visible progress fostered pride, empowering them to express their ideas without fear. Vicky Turner, Head of Art at York High School, noted, “These workshops give students so much more freedom than the classroom. Spray painting—amazing!” This sense of ownership reinforced their belief in their own abilities, crucial for self-expression and growth.

Collaboration was key in the design and painting of three vibrant murals for the school. Students worked together, blending their unique styles into a collective achievement. This teamwork nurtured their ability to communicate and build upon each other's ideas. Headteacher Rob Simms remarked, “It’s essential to provide students with different ways to express themselves. The creative skills they’ve learned here are invaluable.”

Capability emerged as students built technical skills and saw their ideas take form. AOP’s model integrates theories like **David Kolb's experiential learning**, allowing each stage to scaffold off the previous one. The hands-on nature of the workshop helped students develop a strong foundation, feeling more in control of their creative process.

Finally, Creativity enters the scene. Creativity is the culmination of the other four C’s. It’s where curiosity, confidence, collaboration, and capability intersect, allowing students to think outside the usual boundaries and solve problems in innovative ways. As one student noted, "These workshops push us to think out of the box—it's a completely new experience."