Year 6 Pumas visit the Henry Moore Foundation - Art topic launch

To kick off their autumn art topic, the Year 6 Pumas embarked on a creative journey to the Henry Moore Foundation in Perry Green. Surrounded by sweeping fields and monumental sculptures, the pupils immersed themselves in the world of one of Britain’s most celebrated artists.

The visit offered a hands-on introduction to Moore’s techniques and themes. Pupils explored the concept of negative space—the empty areas around and within sculptures that Moore used to evoke emotion and movement. They examined maquettes, the small-scale models Moore crafted to test ideas before creating his larger works. These miniature sculptures sparked lively discussions about form, texture, and the artist’s process.

Inside the studios and galleries, the children discovered Moore’s role as a war artist, documenting the resilience of Londoners sheltering during the Blitz. His haunting drawings of sleeping figures in underground stations prompted thoughtful reflections on how art can capture human experience and history.

Inspired by Moore’s legacy, the Pumas took notes, sketched ideas, and asked insightful questions to fuel their own creative plans. Back in the classroom, they’ll use their research to design and build sculptures that reflect Moore’s influence—experimenting with abstract forms, exploring scale, and incorporating negative space into their designs.

The visit not only launched their topic with excitement but also deepened their understanding of how art can be both personal and powerful.