Holmleigh Progression Video
Before & After
Inspiring Young Minds Through Interactive Art: The Holmleigh Primary School Mural
Partners: Co-Creative Connection (CCC), Holmleigh Primary School, funded by Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund
Location: Holmleigh Primary School, Dunsmure Rd, London N16 5PU - Hackney
Date: 2024
The Vision
Holmleigh Primary School sought a mural that would reflect the school’s identity, foster creativity among its students, and leave a lasting legacy. They wanted to engage students directly in the design and creation process, ensuring the final piece would represent their voices and values while inspiring pride and collaboration within the school community.
The Journey
Creative Workshops with Students: Led by CCC's founder, Rose Hill, 145 students from Years 2 to 6 explored shapes, patterns, and colours during engaging workshops, transforming their ideas into designs that became central to the mural.
Bringing the Mural to Life: Students joined in painting the vibrant artwork, which features the Holmleigh Tree logo and an interactive coded message spelling out the school’s values, fostering pride and collaboration. Holmleigh Primary School Staff, as well as pupils parents, carers and siblings, joined in to help paint the mural over the Summer 2024.
"Rose has transformed the slopes at the main entrance of our school into a stunning masterpiece that beautifully reflects our vibrant and diverse community. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed her sessions, where she skillfully engaged and inspired them to think outside the box. Even our parents and carers got involved! Rose is incredibly hardworking and a true perfectionist. Thank you Rose for your incredible contribution to our school community" Margaret Boateng Headteacher
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"The school mural looks stunning—vibrant, engaging, and fun to decipher, especially with our school values cleverly integrated into the design. It was a joy to witness both children and parents actively participating in the painting process, creating a real sense of community. As a school member, I particularly love how she beautifully refreshed our school logo while maintaining its essence. Overall, it was an amazing project with an even more amazing result. I highly recommend Rose’s exceptional talent!" - Elena Lorenzo, Holmleigh Staff Member
The Impact
The interactive mural has become a daily source of pride and excitement for Holmleigh’s students, families and staff. It fosters engagement, sparks conversations, and serves as a playful and educational feature within the school. For the students, it reinforced a sense of ownership and agency, showing them that their contributions matter and can create something extraordinary.
For the broader community, the mural is a reflection of the school’s identity, a symbol of collaboration, and a testament to the power of working together.
A Lasting Legacy
The Holmleigh Primary School mural celebrates the school’s values, creativity, and community spirit. It serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and the potential for art to inspire and connect. The interactive elements ensure the mural continues to engage and educate, offering joy and discovery for years to come!
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Can you work out the secret code?
The mural showcases designs selected by the pupils, incorporating a vibrant mix of cultural prints, shapes, and colours. Hidden within the intricate patterns is a secret code. Can you decipher its message?
Using the key, write your answers below:
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This section of the mural showcases Holmleigh School's logo.
"With its bold and brilliant colours and playful hidden message, CCC new mural has totally transformed the entrance to Holmleigh Primary school. It was a delight hearing the children’s reactions at the start of term (quote: “It’s *so* cool!"). But perhaps my favourite thing about the mural is that some of the kids (and staff!) helped to paint it. For me, it’s this collaborative approach that really sets Co Creative Connection apart. Big thanks to Rose and her team." Neon Kelly, Parent
About The Design
These designs spell out the school values, creating a meaningful talking point for the pupils and the wider school community.
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The code for the word 'Integrity' includes:
The moon shape incorporates a Muslim-inspired design, a depiction of the world, a cat featuring African patterns, a version of the Holmleigh tree logo, a dove adorned with chevrons, a heart with a Ghanaian pattern, and a flower inspired by Indian floral designs.
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The code for the word 'Trust' includes:
A cat adorned with African patterns, a heart featuring a Ghanaian design, a football, and a star arranged in a packed repeating style.
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The code for the word 'Respect' includes:
A heart featuring a Ghanaian design, a version of the Holmleigh tree logo, a star arranged in a packed repeating style, a hand shape with yellow gingham, a sun adorned with African packed pattern, and a cat featuring African motifs.
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The code for the word 'Kindness' includes:
A flower with a polka dot repeat pattern, a moon shape incorporating a Muslim-inspired design, a depiction of the world, and a cat featuring a Solmei pattern and a star arranged in a packed repeating style.
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The code for the word 'Honesty’ includes:
A butterfly featuring Arabic art, a shooting star, a depiction of the world, a version of the Holmleigh tree logo, a star arranged in a packed, repeating style, a cat adorned with African patterns, and a flower inspired by Indian floral designs.
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The code for the word 'Resilience’ includes:
A heart with a Ghanaian pattern, a version of the Holmleigh tree logo, a star arranged in a packed repeating style, the moon shape incorporates a Muslim-inspired design, An Ndebele art design, a depiction of the world, and a sun adorned with African packed pattern.
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