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Three classes from Year 7 are collaborating with The South London Gallery and artist Sophie Mallett to challenge what we mean and understand by Britishness and nationality. It's part of gallery's Start Programme, working with six local schools.

The gallery is looking to make a work alongside the students to create a true collaborative artwork. This will be displayed in an exhibition at The South London Gallery in the summer.

New national anthem

The project started with a trip to the South London Gallery where the students were able to see an exhibition by artist Michael Armitage. He was born in Kenya but grew up in London so his art explores the boundaries between religion, folklore and social consensus that he has experienced through both cultures.

Our Year 7s were asked to explore the artwork and understand what identity means to them. They then used this to discuss their own nationality which accumulated in the girls writing their own national anthem.

Designing a flag

For the second part of the project Sophie visited the students in the academy to do some further workshops where the Year 7 students continued to write and perform a new national anthem embracing diverse values with equality, liberty and peace.

Pairs designed flags in red, green and white to symbolise values embedded in the new anthem. Students voted for the best three flags to be made in groups which will be displayed as part of the exhibition.

Students demonstrated impeccable Harris manners, enthusiasm and creativity. The flag designs will be printed with a risograph printer and displayed in the exhibition.