A new and evolving programme of tailor-made, bespoke workshops held within the outstanding and unique 'Museum of Classic Sci-Fi' alongside 'Debbi's Doodles' in 'The Allendale Forge Studios & Visitor Centre'; situated within the beautiful scenery of the North Pennines, just a short drive from Hexham. Children will experience an eclectic range of original, screen used movie and television costumes, props, masks and models which will act as a one-of-a-kind stimulus for the day's artmaking.
Following their visit to the museum, working in the specialist art facilities of The Forge Studios, they will engage in multimedia projects. For 2021 there will be three workshops to choose from. These will include creating a 3-D, force-perspective otherworldly landscape, a detailed sculpted creature mask or mastering drawing from the museum creator & professional illustrator Neil Cole. Neil in collaboration with his long-time art & design teaching colleague - Debbi Doodle, will guide and support children through a variety of art techniques and practice. These will develop into a detailed artwork over the course of the day. For examples of what the children will be making please click here on our Workshop Gallery page.
The museum workshops are intended for Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils as well as alternatively educated children, for example, children who struggle to access education, children with additional needs and children who are homeschooled. The intention of the workshops is for children to access unique experiences and techniques beyond what is offered in school and to give them a truly special day.
With decades of practical Art and Design teaching experience between them, Neil and Debbi deliver their workshops with a deep understanding of the pressures placed upon schools to deliver the National Curriculum. To this end, each workshop is tailored to help pupils not only learn exciting new ideas and techniques, but whilst doing so identify and cover key areas of the Art and Design curriculum. To see how each workshop addresses and complements the National Curriculum click here to go to our Workshops & Curriculum page.
The museum workshops are delivered by two dedicated arts education specialists with many decades experience delivering a broad range of arts practise in the classroom. Neil Cole has been a practising multi-media artist throughout his life whilst coordinating and delivering the Art and Design curriculum in schools for over two decades. Neil's classroom became the public image of the national 'Artsmark Award' for several years, appearing in all its publicity materials. For the last six years, Neil constructed his unique museum dedicated to to telling a chronological history of science-fiction and 'Doctor Who' with the focus upon the incredible variety of art making involved in creating film and television productions. Appearing on NETFLIX, and garnering multiple press appearances in print, radio and television (including a recent independent documentary from Reeltime Pictures featuring 'Doctor Who' actress Sophie Aldred), the museum is an inspirational resource bringing pupils first-hand access to artefacts designed and built by top movie artisans. Most recently in addition to curating the museum, Neil has begun illustrating a series of new 'Doctor Who' books for Candy Jar Publishing.
Debbi Doodle has delivered the Design & Technology curriculum for six years working closely alongside Neil. Debbi is adept in multiple disciplines having initially specialised in textiles but subsequently developing her skills in a variety of materials, making her the perfect partner to deliver exciting multi-media workshops. Debbi's breadth of creative education work has included puppetry, as a visiting artist at a special school and providing art experiences for charities involving SEN. Debbi has particular strengths and insight working with children with additional needs and has begun her business Debbi's Doodles providing art and sensory experiences to children of all abilities working at The Forge Studios in Allendale. Debbi is currently studying her MA in Education practise specialising in inclusion. The ethos of the museum education programme has always been to be inclusive and Debbi's specialism and experience in this area greatly strengthens the range of activities and our ability to tailor workshops to the needs of the individual.
For more details about Neil and Debbi click here to go to the About Neil & Debbi page.