Rhino spotted at Exeter School

Exeter School is delighted to receive a life-size juvenile rhino to decorate as part of 'The Great Big Rhino Project', a mass public art event which aims to raise awareness about conservation.

The Art and Biology Departments joined forces to apply for one of the juvenile rhino sculptures and is one of just 30 schools or community groups to be involved.

For 10 weeks in the summer of 2016, life-size rhino sculptures will inhabit the streets, parks and open spaces of the English Riviera and Exeter, not only showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in the area but highlighting the significant conservation threat facing wild rhinos and how the local business community can make a difference.

Alongside these magnificent pieces of art, life-size juvenile rhino sculptures will occupy indoor public venues, including Exeter School, forming a number of smaller trails across the county.

Pupils in both the Junior and Senior School will be invited to submit designs for the sculpture this half term, before work will begin on the decoration. Pupils are being encouraged to consider how their design can be eye-catching as well as conveying an important conservation message.
Head of Art, Alison Dyer, said: "We are really excited about the project. It is a great opportunity for collaboration between Junior and Senior School pupils and I look forward to seeing the sculpture evolve over the coming months."

Head of Biology, Julia Metcalf, said: "I am delighted that Exeter School is able to be involved in this project. The Biology staff are really looking forward to seeing the variety of messages and ideas that our pupils from across the school have to share on these important subjects of conservation and the changing environment."

Junior School Head of Art Claire Handley said they were equally excited about the project; both in terms of the design and conservation elements, and as a collective project across both the Junior and Senior School.

Junior School Head of Science Richard Pidwell said: "Anything that raises the awareness of the plight of the world's rhinos can be nothing but good."

"I know it will appeal to our Junior pupils and I am very much looking forward to receiving the children's designs and watching our rhino develop!"

Similar 'Wild in Art 'events have run throughout the country, including The Great Gorillas Project in 2013.