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Cove School has been marking Remembrance with a striking installation of over 650 individually handcrafted ceramic poppies, created by students across Years 7, 8 and 9. Inspired by the iconic Tower of London poppy installation, this ambitious project has brought together creativity, remembrance and community, with each poppy representing an individual contribution to a powerful collective display. Funding for the project was provided by the Wellington College Arts Fund, which supports and promotes arts initiatives in local schools. Students from Cove School came together in their annual remembrance service which is a part of their historic and treasured tradition. Led by the Deputy Head, she leads all children in an assembly and minute silence. The school also have a roll of honour where they honour the war dead and those local community members who served. Every year students tie red ribbons onto the school gate with messages of respect and gratitude. This is always accompanied by Gordon’s school pipes and drums; a partnership which has been longstanding.
At Cove School, the Arts are highly valued as an essential part of a broad and balanced education, alongside academic subjects. The school is passionate about ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to meaningful creative experiences, providing opportunities to develop artistic skills, express themselves and build confidence. This installation is a wonderful example of how the Arts can bring students together, encourage collaboration and provide opportunities to engage with important historical events in a creative and memorable way.
Throughout the summer term, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 handcrafted their individual ceramic poppies during Art lessons, before returning to glaze them in September. The project has enabled hundreds of students to contribute to a large-scale public artwork, creating a sense of pride, achievement and belonging within the school community. The installation has been displayed on the school grounds, allowing students, families and members of the wider local community to appreciate the artwork and take a moment to reflect.
Students and staff from Cove School and Wellington College came together at a Remembrance Service on 10 November, where the installation was completed with the symbolic placement of the final ceramic poppies.
Niamh Phillips, Curriculum Lead of Art at Cove School, said: “Inspired by the iconic Tower of London poppy installation, I wanted to create something meaningful that would bring our students together through art, whilst honouring those who have served and sacrificed their lives.It has been incredibly special to see an idea grow into such a powerful installation, with every student in Years 7, 8 and 9 creating their own unique ceramic poppy during their Art lessons. Each poppy represents not only remembrance and reflection, but also the creativity and sense of community we are so proud of at Cove School. I am particularly grateful to our Senior Art Technician, Mrs Buck, who has been instrumental in bringing my vision to life. Her dedication and hard work have been invaluable throughout the project.
We are extremely thankful to the Wellington College Arts Fund for their generous support, which has allowed us to create something meaningful for both Cove School and our wider local community. I hope this installation encourages everyone who sees it to take a moment to reflect, remember and appreciate the sacrifices made for us.”
Carly Bidwell, Deputy Head, said: ‘Having been delivering Remembrance Day at Cove for the last 9 years, this installation has allowed us to put on a spectacular event and really given our service men and women the recognition they deserve. It has been outstanding. Thank you to Wellington College.’
Beth, a pupil at Cove School who created one of the ceramic poppies, said: ‘I really enjoyed styling the shape of the poppy petals. It’s important that we show our respects to the fallen soldiers, for the freedom they have given us. I feel proud that my artwork is part of a bigger project in the school and community.’
Theo, another pupil at Cove School added: ‘My favourite part of creating the poppies was painting them. It is important that we pay our respects because these soldiers have improved the world for us today. It feels special to have contributed to the installation in the school and community.’
Simon Williamson, Director of Arts and Music at Wellington College, said: “The Wellington College Arts Fund was delighted to support the creation of this stunning art installation at Cove. The arts are a vital part of every child’s education, and we are thrilled that so many students at Cove have been able to take part in this project.”
The Wellington College Arts Fund offers grants to local schools for arts projects and initiatives. Since 2020, the Arts Fund has awarded over £200,000 in grants to more than 70 local schools.
Anyone interested in applying for a grant should email thearts@wellingtoncollege.org.uk.
