CREATIVE
PERSPECTIVES
PERSPECTIVES
Pupils here are encouraged to embrace challenge and assert the power of their mind, voice and talent to make a positive difference in the rapidly changing world of tomorrow. Sustainability and the impact of climate change could not be a more critical concern in this world.
CREATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Built upon this fundamental belief, we launched the first of our Perspective projects, Creative Perspectives on Climate Change, in September 2024, in collaboration with Cape Farewell; an artist led organisation that works to create an urgent cultural response to climate change.
Since 2001, Cape Farewell has worked in the powerful space at the intersection of art and climate science, inspiring an urgent dialogue between leading artists, writers, scientists and informers. From these conversations, compelling artworks grow, stories are created, films are crafted and books written, each conveying the urgency of the climate crises with simplicity and directness.
Over 400 creatives have joined climate scientists in Cape Farewell expeditions to the Arctic, Scottish island communities, urban regeneration projects, stressed freshwater habitats and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific. Education is key to this narrative, working with young people who will live with the consequences of our evolved culture dependent on burning fossil fuels for energy.
ART EXHIBITION AND WORKSHOPS
During the course of the academic year 2024-25, FHS hosted an exhibition of this work throughout the school; going up the stairs, outside in the playground, in our beautiful Sixth Form Centre, the Old School House, and more. Pieces by renowned contributors including the sculptor Antony Gormley, the choreographer Dame Siobhan Davies, the artist Dame Rachel Whiteread, the writer Ian McEwan and many more, inspired our students and staff, every day.
The climate challenge cuts across all curriculum subjects – science, economics, mathematics, literature and the arts – and this project was truly interdisciplinary. Over the course of the year, alongside an exhibition of Cape Farewell artworks and poetry throughout the school, pupils and staff enjoyed a rich and diverse series of talks, workshops and events. Pupils from FHS and other schools locally engaged with the artworks, workshops and talks and produced their own unique work in response.
“There have been over 25 events and over 600 young people involved as part of this Creative Perspectives project and the pupils inspired by what they have heard and seen have created their own beautiful work in response.”
– Alexandra Haydon
“This focus on sustainability has been both uplifting and inspiring and I look forward to seeing what the school does next.”
Current Pupil (Year 8)
ART TRAIL AND FINAL EXHIBITION
The Art Trail wove through Francis Holland featuring 23 different artworks and The Mini Trail highlighted 10 pieces for a younger audience, with the overall messaging permeating powerfully through school life.
The project culminated in a final joint exhibition of professional and pupil work in summer 2025, comprised of reflective, intricate and imaginative artworks by our pupils, Francis Holland Prep pupils, partner primary school pupils and world-renowned artists affiliated with Cape Farewell. It was wonderful to see so many parents, pupils and staff there to marvel at the girls’ extraordinary interdisciplinary work cutting across drama, art, dance, geography, music, poetry and photography.
Creative Perspectives on Climate Change was about thinking across disciplines, critical thinking, creative thinking and social influence. It was about storytelling and producing beautiful work that communicates to others the importance and scale of the challenge we face. The blueprint we created with Cape Farewell is now being used at other leading UK schools and Berkely University in the US.
We look forward to launching our next Creative Perspectives project in the 2026-27 academic year.
"This workshop definitely left a lasting impression on me...I came away feeling more confident and inspired"
Current Pupil (Year 8)
