From School Refuser to High Achiever
Craig Foord was described as a "school refuser" when he joined Northease Manor in September 1998. However, his attendance improved during his first three years as he was able to make friends with others who shared similar experiences. Although he continued to struggle with literacy and numeracy, the guidance and support of experienced professionals on the staff meant that his self esteem and confidence grew - and his work benefited as a result.
Craig obviously enjoyed practical lessons but never appeared satisfied with his work. On some occasions he would actually tear up his creations and throw them away. Nevertheless it was clear to his art teachers that he had a desire to create, had developed a searching eye and possessed a hunger for developing new skills and techniques. By the end of Year 10 Craig was producing artwork at a ferocious rate. He spent every spare moment in the art room - sometimes to the dismay of his other teachers.
Another crisis loomed just before the final exams when Craig had to undergo surgery and was absent for eight weeks. His art teacher tutored him at home and he continued to work despite obvious discomfort. Craig actually based his final piece around his operation, the exam theme was aptly titled "Inside".
Craig's talent and commitment were rewarded with an A* at GCSE. He actually achieved full marks on every assessment criterion. His final exhibition was outstanding and gave a great deal of pleasure to all those who saw it - especially the moderator!
Craig applied to follow an Advanced Diploma in Art and Design at a Sussex Downs College, a two year course equivalent to three A-levels. However, his other GCSE results meant that he did not meet the entry requirements for the course.
Craig Foord was described as a "school refuser" when he joined Northease Manor in September 1998. However, his attendance improved during his first three years as he was able to make friends with others who shared similar experiences. Although he continued to struggle with literacy and numeracy, the guidance and support of experienced professionals on the staff meant that his self esteem and confidence grew -
Craig obviously enjoyed practical lessons but never appeared satisfied with his work. On some occasions he would actually tear up his creations and throw them away. Nevertheless it was clear to his art teachers that he had a desire to create, had developed a searching eye and possessed a hunger for developing new skills and techniques. By the end of Year 10 Craig was producing artwork at a ferocious rate. He spent every spare moment in the art room -
Another crisis loomed just before the final exams when Craig had to undergo surgery and was absent for eight weeks. His art teacher tutored him at home and he continued to work despite obvious discomfort. Craig actually based his final piece around his operation, the exam theme was aptly titled "Inside".
Craig's talent and commitment were rewarded with an A* at GCSE. He actually achieved full marks on every assessment criterion. His final exhibition was outstanding and gave a great deal of pleasure to all those who saw it -
Craig applied to follow an Advanced Diploma in Art and Design at a Sussex Downs College, a two year course equivalent to three A-
The college advised him to follow the Intermediate course for a year and then apply again. Not a good idea. His art teacher was extremely concerned that Craig needed greater challenges than this course could provide. Surely he could be given a place on the higher level course for a trial period -
Craig has now completed his Advanced Diploma and is heading towards a Distinction. A degree course in Ceramics at Loughborough University is the next step -
Jill Richardson
Head of Art
Northease Manor School
