An ISCA education extends well beyond the classroom into the wider community. We are proud of our collaborations with local people and organisations, and over the years students have enjoyed and indeed benefitted hugely from these rewarding endeavours. We truly believe that these initiatives greatly enrich the experience of being in the UK from both a cultural and social perspective.
Students were invited to take part in a community project by the Vicar of St Andrews Church by helping maintain and develop a quiet and contemplative outdoor space for the enjoyment of the local community.
This has been an exciting opportunity for our students at many levels.
It has helped them collaborate with the local community, creating a bond between different generations, of whom frequent the garden and the adjacent church hall. For example, in addition to working in the garden, students spent time learning knitting and crochet skills with the “Knit and Natter Group” as well as taking part in a creative workshop aimed at bringing together different parts of the community.
It has allowed our students to work to a real brief, given by the local community, not just to maintain and beautify the garden, but also to develop it around the theme of the 7 days of creation. Students have created mood boards, which they have presented to the community and are in the process of developing a series of mosaics and woven sculptures to be displayed in the garden.
Students have learnt the value of working in the outdoors and its benefits to their mental health, allowing them to switch off from social media, even if just for a short time, and experience a direct connection with nature.
In addition, they have developed greater social awareness, discovering more about the non-material aspects of life and the value of working to contribute positively to the lives of others.
Reflections on the Art Students’ Involvement in Our Eco-Garden and Parish Community
South Buckinghamshire Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is a UK charity promoting the aims of the Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving, by providing people with the opportunity to ride and have equine interaction to benefit their health and well-being.
ISCA students raised money for the RDA by baking and selling cakes. The money raised went towards food, bedding and shoes for the horses housed within the stables.
ISCA students work alongside elderly residents in creative workshops, including mind, body and performance. The visitors are also treated to an art and design exhibition curated by staff and students. At the end of the day, all those involved share stories and experiences over afternoon tea. The event is a hugely enjoyable and mutually beneficial learning experience for both students and special guests.
This is a Community Project which has been running for almost four years. Slough Outreach are driven by a deep commitment to creating positive change in the lives of individuals facing homelessness. ISCA made and sold cakes to raise money and which went to purchasing toiletries, food items and sleeping bags for donation. ISCA students also donated clothes and in addition, conducted a craft session where they made and sold Christmas wreaths to raise additional funds.
