Digital footprint inspires artwork

PROJECT: Kayleigh Waller and Herewini Ngatai (both 11) are pleased with the outcome of their class sculpture. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 060614BF15

To commemorate International Environment Day, pupils at Rotorua Intermediate have used their artistic skills to leave a lasting print on the school grounds.

Pupils had since the beginning of Term 2 to develop a concept and create a sculpture made out of reusable materials that would become permanent features in the landscape.

Yesterday, the judging took place and each sculpture was marked out of five for categories such as concept, creativity, durability and use of recyclable materials.

Teacher and organiser Linda Grey said close to 100 pupils participated in the competition.

"All kids are interested in recycling and the environment so this competition incorporates that with their natural creativity."

Ms Grey said the competition gave pupils complete creative control and taught them about being independent.

"There were no guidelines about what the concepts had to be or how the students created their sculptures so it was all up to them to bring it together. They had to provide or find the materials, work together and manage class time."

The Jackson 2 class worked together to create a sculpture made from disassembled digital devices.

Their concept was developed from the idea of society leaving a digital footprint.

Year 7 pupil Herewini Ngatai, 11, said he was proud of what his class had achieved.

"We worked really well as a team and made sure everyone had a job to do."

Herewini said he liked their concept and it was important to be wary of the digital footprint people left.

"It's the idea that if you put something on Facebook you are leaving a digital footprint. If you do something bad on the internet when you are a teenager, when you look for a job, your employer may see it and not want to give you a job."

The winners of the competition will be announced at the Monday morning assembly.