The Progression Project has been a resounding success, offering students the opportunity to explore creativity, build confidence and develop meaningful connections. Through a series of workshops, participants not only gained new skills but also laid the foundation for a group exhibition at New Adelphi.
The workshops were designed to achieve three core goals:
Build confidence – Encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, engage with peers and experiment with new techniques.
Build a community – Create a welcoming environment where students could form friendships and connect across levels of study.
Introduce workshop spaces – Familiarise students with studio and print room environments, enabling them to navigate these resources independently.
The workshops were particularly well-attended by Level 4 Fine Art students and participants fully embraced the creative process. Working within both their own studios and New Adelphi’s print room, students explored diverse techniques such as:
- Collage
- Monoprint
- Cyanotypes
- Dry-point prints
- A collaborative cross-level final piece
Some students produced as many as three prints during the brief sessions, a remarkable achievement showcasing their enthusiasm and talent.
The project also offered leadership opportunities to Level 6 Fine Art students, with two employed as Workshop Assistants and a third hired to support exhibition setup. These roles provided invaluable experience and enhanced cross-level collaboration, as Foundation Year and Level 4 students benefitted from the guidance of their senior peers.
The highlight of this initiative was witnessing the transformation of students who built connections, who initially struggled with confidence, health or mental health challenges. A Student Progression Adviser (SPA), said, ‘I had the privilege of building stronger relationships with the students. Many opened about challenges they were facing, and we were able to connect them with the university’s Disability and Wellbeing Teams for further assistance.’ For many, these workshops became a turning point, enabling them to submit work for their Trimester 1 modules and take pride in their accomplishments.
The upcoming exhibition in January 2025 will be another milestone for these students. The opening event will invite external guests, further boosting their confidence and visibility as emerging artists.
The Progression Project’s success highlights opportunities for refinement and expansion:
- Increased focus on engaging Foundation Year students in future iterations
- Exploration of how small, informal groups support student learning and retention
- Ongoing monitoring to evaluate long-term impacts on student success
The findings will be shared at Congress within the school, sparking conversations about how similar initiatives could benefit other programmes.
This project would not have been possible without the funding and support provided by our generous supporters. It has been an incredible journey to see students create meaningful work, forge connections and gain confidence. As the January 2025 exhibition approaches, we look forward to celebrating their achievements and the community we’ve built together.