Students have a brush with art.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Our Own English High School Sharjah, Girls, hosted the Our Own Education Summit on August 29. Titled “Owsum” and designed for students, the one-day event embraced the world of learning, sharing, coalition and partnerships. It aimed at empowering students with future skills, providing an opportunity to engage with leading educators and thought leaders. The summit brought together guides and mentors from across the country, including local teacher leaders and recent graduates, to share their experiences and inspirations. At Owsum 2024, art and culture were not only celebrated, but also deeply explored through a series of immersive workshops. The sessions provided students the connections to share in various forms of artistic expression, foster creativity, self-discovery, and develop a deeper involvement with their cultural roots.

“In a world increasingly driven by technology and rapid change,” noted the event, “the importance of art and culture as cornerstones of personal and collective identity cannot be overstated.” The Poetry Writing Workshop for upper middle school students was a sanctuary for young minds to explore the beauty of language. Here, students were encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through verse, discovering the power of words to heal, inspire, and connect. In a world where communication is often reduced to emojis and sound bites, the workshop reminded everyone of the profound impact that well-crafted poetry can have on both the writer and reader.

The Creative Writing Workshop for middle school students extended this exploration, allowing participants to craft narratives that not only entertained, but also provoked thought and reflection. Both workshops were a testament to the enduring relevance of storytelling in shaping culture and community. Art transcended the canvas at Owsum, and nowhere was this more evident than in Recycle Runwaay Season 8. With the motto of “Sustainable Glamour Re-imagined”, it was a fusion of art, fashion, upcycling and sustainability. The theme of Bridal Couture brought a unique twist, blending elegance and environmental consciousness.

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Students, teachers and parents who participated, transformed discarded materials into stunning bridal outfits - each piece was a testament to creativity and sustainable fashion. In a showcase of cultural collaboration, students from Al Saleh School, Our Own English High School Sharjah, Girls, twinning partner, conducted a series of workshops that allowed younger students to deep dive into traditional arts and crafts, while celebrating the intersection of art, technology, and tradition. Besides commemorating cultural heritage, it was a lesson in inter-school cultural exchange.

 Students at a panel discussion with Afshan Khan’s (third from right) paintings on display.

The Al Saleh Weaving Workshop for Grade 5 students joined them to the rich textile heritage of the region, teaching intricate patterns and techniques passed down through generations. For Grades 8 and 9, the Al Saleh Photography and Cartoon Making workshops offered students the opportunity to explore visual storytelling; it captured their surroundings and created narratives through images and illustrations. The cartoon-making workshop, which innovatively integrated coding, demonstrated how technology can be harnessed to produce modern-day art forms. Additionally, Al Saleh School led a Professional Development (PD) session titled ‘AI in Arabic Class’, where educators explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in enhancing language learning.

The Upcycling and Clothing Reconstruction Workshop for senior school students brought to fore the intersection of fashion and sustainability. Students were guided into transforming discarded garments into stylish, wearable art. Thus they learnt not only technical skills of clothing design, but also the significance of sustainable fashion. The workshop underscored the importance of creativity in addressing global environmental challenges, inspiring students to think beyond the conventional and to see potential in what others might discard. Visual arts found a prominent place in the summit with workshops such as Graphic Designing, Pottery Making, and Photography. The Graphic Designing Workshop allowed senior school students to investigate the world of digital art, where creativity meets technology.

Students learned how to use design software to produce visually striking posters and graphics - skills which are increasingly relevant in today’s digital world. The Pottery Making Workshop offered a tactile counterpoint, where students shaped clay into aesthetic and functional pieces of art. The Photography Workshop for upper middle school students finessed participants on the art of capturing moments, encouraging them to see the world through an alluring lens. The Improvised Theater Workshop for senior school students and the Drama and Acting/Public Speaking Workshop for upper middle school students, highlighted the importance of performance arts in cultural expression. Dramatic talents and public speaking skills were presented here.

The summit also featured student-led workshops such as Clay Modelling, Art, Needle Work, and Crochet. The sessions, designed for younger students, emphasised the nobility of creating something with one’s own hands. Whether molding clay into whimsical figures, painting vibrant scenes, or weaving intricate patterns with yarn, students experienced the satisfaction of bringing their ideas to life. “Such activities,” noted Owsum, “are crucial in fostering patience, attention to detail, culminating in a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, all of which contribute to a well-rounded cultural education.”

In conclusion, Owsum was not just an educational summit: it was a cultural mosaic, a celebration of diverse forms of artistic expression that goes into the making of the fabric of society. Through the workshops, particularly, students were given the tools to express themselves in ways that went beyond the traditional classroom setting. In an increasingly complex world, such occasions are vital in helping students develop into well-rounded individuals who appreciate the beauty of art and culture, and understand their importance in shaping our collective future.