Helping hands painting embodies school ethos of inclusivity

A colourful mural has been unveiled at Trinity Primary School that was designed by one of its pupils.

Teddy Wallace, 11 won a competition to create a design to cover a blank wall on a staircase in the main building of the school in Vicarage Road.

Her design came top in a vote out of about 100 entries after pupils were tasked with creating a mural that would encompass the school’s vision.

They were asked to create an image to “encourage diversity and a love of learning that nurtures well-rounded individuals, with curious minds, who shine in service to our community”.

The children are encouraged to fulfil the school ethos by asking “Who is my neighbour?” Teddy’s winning design celebrates diversity and features hands in different skin tones, a colourful wheelchair, a rainbow and symbols that rep- resent different aspects of school life.

It took her between half an hour and an hour to sketch out her winning design and drew inspiration from pictures she found on the internet.

The mural was painted over the course of the February half-term by artist Gemma Henderson and her father Paul and was funded by the Friends of Trinity, the parent teacher association. It took 11 hours to complete. Teddy, who worked with Gemma to help apply the finishing details to the wall, said she was very pleased with how the wall had turned out. She is a third-generation Trinity primary school student after her mum Emma and grandmother Terry.

She said: “I feel very happy about it and everyone else who entered did a really good job. It’s really nice to see my picture on the wall.”

The idea for the mural competition was proposed by head students Alice Tatman and Anya McGinn, both 11.

Anya said: “Even the Year 1s joined in, which was really nice. I feel very proud for the younger year groups as they grow up in the school.

“It’s nice that they will see it and we were the ones to do it. It was a small idea and I didn’t think it would end up being done but it did.” Alice said: “I think that people that walk up the stairs every day will really enjoy it. It catches your eye when you walk past it. It was amazing to come back and see it after the half-term break.”

Ms Henderson said: “My father and I were honoured to be part of this project. Teddy did an incredible job creating a vibrant and colourful piece of art that beautifully represents culture, friendship, diversity and inclusivity within the school.

“It truly encapsulates the spirit of our community and reflects our school’s vision. It’s wonderful that the children get to see this artwork every day, reminding them to always ask, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ and inspiring them to flourish.”