All included at Thornhill

Jun 12 2007 By The Journal

The Arts Included programme at Thornhill School (TAIT) uses an intensive art-based approach to work with some of the most socially-excluded young people in central and east Sunderland.

A graffiti artist, a DJ and a group of African artists are among many experts who have worked with the teenagers on the TAIT programme.

Its aim is to use the visual and expressive arts as the vehicle to deliver a strong citizenship programme, re-engage young people with education and help them gain valuable qualifications.

This ground-breaking programme was set up to support a group of pupils aged 13-17 who had become, or were at risk of becoming, disengaged from mainstream school activity.

The programme is the brainchild of two Thornhill teachers, Judy Elphinstone and Chris Farmer, who identified a need for this intervention and developed their skills to tackle the problem of youth disaffection in an innovative way.

Each new challenge turns up its own new experts among the pupils - including actors, dancers, photographers, film-makers, even didgeridoo players.

TAIT exists within the school, but operates independently.

The Connexions service works closely with pupils to ensure that, on their leaving, all Year 11s have a job or training placement awaiting them. TAIT has been part-funded with a £150,273 grant from ESF. It is now searching for alternative funding to secure its future.

After being disruptive in Year 7, Thornhill student Craig Ryan, aged 16, found his behaviour improved after joining TAIT in Year 8. Some of the highlights for Craig include dancing with African group Black Umfolosi, writing a rap, appearing in a film and learning to play the djembe, or African drums.

He said: "I like the way TAIT is flexible about how we do things and I don't need to misbehave so now I try to share this in other lessons."

Recently Craig has worked alongside TAIT staff to help other young people and act as a positive role model. He now hopes to become a youth worker.

PICTURE CAPTION: A dance session at the Arts Included projectOrPICTURE CAPTION: A music session at The Arts Included project