The UCT Irma Stern Museum hosts an exhibition of artworks produced by Learners of the Glenbridge Special School. These artworks are by Glendridge learners aged 8 – 12 and the exhibition will be shown in the ISM Education Room until 9 July 2022.
The UCT Irma Stern Museum has established an ongoing visual art education programme. This programme has two sections to it:
- Open Art House – a programme of outcomes-based workshops where learners from mainstream schools attend visual literacy and practical art lessons that are linked to the school CAPS curriculum. These classes cater mainly for under-resourced schools. The workshops were structured in consultation with schools and the Western Cape Education Department Art Subject Advisors. The Open Art House workshops are presented by the Irma Stern Museum’s full-time Curator and Education Co-Ordinator, Nobukho Nqaba, full-time Museum Assistant Mbulelo Peter, as well as by invited artists.
- Art House for All – a programme of art workshops where learners with barriers to learning attend art and expression classes linked to the LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) school curriculum. The Art House for All programme caters for children with learning impairments and physical impairments.These workshops were structured in consultation with special needs counsellor Rebecca Johns and special needs art teacher Sandi Eastwood, as well as with input from schools and the Western Cape Education Department Art Subject Advisor.
The UCT Irma Stern Museum hosts learners from a number of LSEN schools, but in the period February to May 2022 the learners of Glenbridge Special School were in regular attendance at workshops during which they engaged with the museum, enjoyed picnics in the garden and made inspired drawings and paintings.
UCT Irma Stern Museum’s Education Programme
The UCT Irma Stern Museum’s Education Programme is a response to the urgent need for quality art education in South Africa. The UCT Irma Stern Museum is a highly suitable space in which to present visual art classes to a range of schools as it can draw on the unique heritage of the Irma Stern Collections, which include significant artworks by noted South African artist Irma Stern, as well as a substantial collection of traditional central and Southern African art. Through its Curator and Educator, Nobukho Nqaba, the UCT Irma Stern Museum has many existing links to stakeholders in art education, to artists and art institutions. Through these links, and by using its status as a noted cultural institution, the museum can draw on the advice, skills and support of leaders in the field of visual art and art education. This means that the UCT Irma Stern Museum offers a rigorous, high-quality programme, backed by latest research and supported by industry leaders.
The education programme is structured so that workshops are tailored to schools’ individual needs. This is especially important for the Art House for All special needs learning programme. The Art House for All special needs learning programme is presented on Mondays during school term time from 9.00 – 13.00, when the Museum is closed to any other visitors. This means that the needs of learners can be better accommodated, and there is greater sense of privacy and of a safe space. The workshops include a range of practical tasks, visual literacy tasks and discussions/ chats, all based on the South African and African heritage that is housed in the museum. Learners and teachers receive printed out worksheets to use, and the sessions are presented by Nobukho Nqaba (ISM Curator and Educator) with assistance from Mbulelo Peter (ISM Museum Assistant)
About Glenbridge Special School:
Glendale School was established in 1975 as a facility for severly mentally handicapped children. Privately owned and administered until 1981, when the Cape Education Department then assumed responsibility for the school. It was the first school of its kind to open to all races in July 1991.
The school building was rented from the Glendale Home, situated in Galway Road, Heathfield.
After 33 years the school grew to such an extent that the premises became too small. The Western Cape Education Department decided to move the school to the then Monterey Montessori Pre-school building in Main Road, Diep River.
In early December 2008, the building was handed over to the principal of Glenbridge Special School, Mr Danie Thiart. Extensive work needed to be done to accommodate the new learners and building work continued well into the new year. On 27 January 2009, Glenbridge Special School took ownership of its new premises and the new occupants moved into a building suited to special learners.
Glenbridge vision: To develop and nurture each child to his/her full potential.
Glenbridge Mission statement: Glenbridge Special School is committed to educate and support each child regardless of ability, to be:
• Socially acceptable and integrated
• Self-sufficient and independent
• Emotionally ready to enter a suitable work place
In addition, we aim to provide a support centre for the entire school community as well as those training or studying in our field.
WHAT: Glenbridge Special School Exhibition
WHERE: UCT Irma Stern Museum, 21 Cecil Road, Rosebank, Cape Town 7600
WHEN: Closing date: 9 July 2022
INFO: T 021 650 7240 | E irmastern@uct.ac.za | Visit | Instagram account via @irma_stern_museum
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