Beckfoot Upper Heaton School in Bradford worked with Northern Print in 2021 as part of or Reimagining Digital Learning project, which explored new ways of delivering hands-on experiences of printmaking to schools via online learning and digital events. Artist Printmaker Cath Hodson worked with GCSE students to develop their sketchbook and portfolio work on the theme of ‘Global Cultures’. The school was provided with access to a series of film clips introducing a range of topics, including developing sketchbook ideas, mixing and rolling ink, and how to make a collagraph plate using textured materials (follow the links to view the film clips). A follow-up workshop was delivered by Cath live to the classroom, when students learned how to print their collagraph plates using the school’s own printing press.

Student comments:
“Really excited to be working with the press because I haven’t worked with it before.”

“Absolutely loved working with an artist.”

“Really enjoying what’s going on. I think I know what I’m doing now.”

Teacher comments

“The prints have been really successful! We are currently developing them into repeat patterns, printing onto the sublimation printer and stitching back into them.”

“I just wanted to follow up and thank you for today. I absolutely loved it and looking at the post it notes so did the kids. And well done to the media guru for making it happen. I really liked how we had the close-up of the practical work but could watch Cath talking to us from a different perspective. Snazzy!”

“Having professional quality inks and papers has been amazing… it’s made a massive difference to the quality of the work produced.”