Championing the Power of the Comic:

On Friday, the 27th of June 2005 it was indeed an honour to be invited to the teacher training day for the Athelstan Trust who have for 6 secondary and 4 primary schools for a talk. Validating the work the 451 project has been doing and is a Great opportunity for the next phase of the project, to have the support of the schools to this degree was amazing. When I arrived on a glorious sunny day the enthusiasm and support of the educators was staggering. Then I was presented with the program including the description of my talk which was entitled 
'Championing the Power of the Comic: Join Kevin Painter from ‘The 451 Comic Book Initiative’ to explore the benefits of using comic books / graphic novels and sequential storytelling to support reluctant and / or neurodiverse readers. This session is suitable for colleagues, linked to primary or secondary phase, who want to find ways to diversify the texts used, introduced and recommended in schools and support a fully inclusive reading culture.’ I thought wow how far we have come from the days when Comic’s were frowned upon by many , I was then told that there were three extra schools in attendance.
After introducing myself and giving them a free comics donated by the Beano and Dekko (which they all took them home afterwards, always a good sign!) We watched a short video from the founder of Dekko educational comics, Rossie Stone who’s story was similar to mine and so many others of having dyslexia and how comics helped him.

The next part of the talk was more participation as we discussed this amazing genre some thingI said really resonated with them and opened up the discussion.'Comic books and graphic novels are really a gateway into just the habit of reading, In comics, the images are static, so you can in a comic book, experience past, present and future as they all sit side-by-side on a single page, and because of that, you can dwell on a moment as long as you want. Or even return to a point to reassure And you can do that as a class, or you can do that as an individual reader. As Teacher and award-winning author Gene Luen Yang said
'Comics in education bridge visual culture and learning, granting students control over information pace and comprehension.Giving them a remote control to pause or even rewind.’


'Granting students control over information pace and comprehension.’

A genuine concern is that reading is declining, however comic book engagement is increasing, according to research by Professor Andrew Miles at the University of Manchester, 40.3% of young people read comics at least once a month with 27% of adults reading graphic novels or comics once a month or more and 31% of adults engage with comics.

Time within a comic book progresses only as quickly as the reader moves their eyes across the page. The pace at which information is transmitted is completely determined by the reader. In educational settings, this "visual permanence" firmly places control over the pace of education in the hands (and the eyes) of the student. This is referred to as permanent as the past present and future or sit side by side. And it moves as quickly or slowly as they want it. So visualisation and permanence makes it a amazing educational tool. And obviously good levelling the playing field giving the reader control. Ideal for any one condition or even a reluctant reader. In fact... Dr Neil Cohn suggests that over 90% of children with autism spectrum disorder and language disorders enjoy comics, compared with about 60% of neurotypical children. And we are looking forward to the paper being produced by Academics headed by Prof J Gibson from the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education are exploring the intersection between comics and autism. 

“If we want children to see reading as something that enrichens their lives beyond the confinement of school, then we must accept where they are in their reading journey and then help them develop and nurture that identity. That starts with honoring their choices because these choices are an extension of who they are.”
Pernille Ripp, December 15, 2021

Comic books and graphic novels have also become an essential part of library collections in schools and Bookshops . With diverse themes and topics, they cater to a wide range of interests, making reading more accessible and enjoyable. graphic novels have elevated the medium to new heights of artistic expression and storytelling. With diverse themes, genres, and compelling narratives, graphic novels have captured the hearts of readers, inspiring global audience and contributing to a broader acceptance of comics as a respected and influential form of literature and art. The continuous growth and impact of graphic novels ensure that they will remain a powerful medium, resonating with readers and creators for generations to come.
Educators agreed that this is a fantastic addition to the educators toolbox and can be used in other subjects, however the main challenge now is now time, as some educators felt they have Lack of time to introduce, Unfamiliar with the genre, Lack of awareness of the availability of these novels in the market, Lack of training in using graphic novels in the classrooms. This is where we can help and indeed came in, as the 451 role is an ambassadorial and educational role for the comic genre. Aims of the initiative is to teach and raise awareness of the Comic book Art form as a contemporary Art. To champion comic book art form, highlighting its value to culture and society. Whilst preserving its heritage. To raise awareness of the impact comics have and can have on literacy and creativity, and celebrate it and we will be launching the initiative after the summer holidays that will help and assist schools and libraries with our knowledge and enthusiasm.

School News, School Fun

To illustrate literally! How Comic book format is are being used by educators I was recently asked to talk to some year nine students nine at my former School of Sir William Romney’s being a journalist and having dyslexia for the SWR future days event Mrs Eveleigh and Mr Cridge then set them a task of writing a story on a set theme. We were so impressed with diverse range and sheer talent of stories from the pupils, we decided to print it accredited by line in my weekly News Page,

 A truly wonderful moment was when some of the pupils asked if they could do the story in a graphic illustrated format, which would be more suitable for anyone that had a neuro diverse condition or a reluctant readers. Humbling as this was the basis of one of my previous talks/workshops ! Even more positive was the teachers welcomed this as part of the modern educators tool kit. Here is the article they wrote and some of the graphic illustrated version

in fact some of them even did it in a graphic format for neuro diverse readers. 

SWR IS ON THE BALL WITH A NEW 3G PITCH!

Sir William Romney’s shocks Tetbury with the creation of a new, incredible Astro pitch in the town of King Charles III and Queen Camilla!
Our school is currently under construction for a brand-new Astro Pitch. The up-and-coming 3G 11v11 artificial grass pitch is the new feature after the elected school council raised the issue that SWR didn’t have a proper, stable pitch to play on for physical education and club home matches.
Mr Richard Blacker, Chief Operating Officer of the Athelstan Trust, clarified that it will the open to the public on the 7th of November of this year. Our students have said “I’m excited to play on it” and “It’s a great way of bringing the community together and get people to acknowledge our school”. Although the astro pitch is a huge upgrade for the school’s physical education classes and sports club,
Tegan Hill, year 8 expressed her worries of the new pitch in the statement, “It’s okay… but they’re taking up wildlife areas and I don’t think the pitch needs that much space.”
Mr Blacker addressed the question of the environment. He stated that they are planning to plant trees at the back of the school to give back what they owe to nature. In an interview with us, he stated, “we assessed the field before the pitch was set up for bats, newts, birds, and other wildlife species to minimise any impact on them. However, we know that by building this 3G pitch we’ll be killing the grass’s biodiversity ecosystem, so after we’ve finished the pitch, we’re going to plant loads of trees across the border at the back of the field.” The new pitch is located on the large field between SWR’s DT Food Block and Sports Hall where it’s currently being built. This is a convenient place for the new 3G pitch as it’s very close to the female and male changing rooms, which means it’s the perfect place for PE lessons and extra – curricular sports clubs. Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Lynham said that will be a great addition for our school community. “It will help to continue promoting health and wellbeing, allowing students to access exercise in all conditions”. The pitch will also benefit the wider community in Tetbury and beyond, who we're looking forward to welcoming when the pitch is finished. 

Article by Vanessa Marshall, Elsie Everett, Tilly Hamesse, Melissa Kelland, Will Herbert, Jemima Clark, Megan Harrigan

Photo by pupil

Art work by pupil

 World book day graphic novels

Thursday 6th March was of course World Book day and to celebrate it Gloucestershire libraries teamed up with the 451 initiative working together to start a project called Graphic Novels are Books as well! Lydney Library was chosen to be the first graphic novel workshop. So a Year 4 group of 30 children came down to the library at 2pm Kevin the Artist, facilitator welcomed group and gave them some free copies of the Phoenix to introduce them to the wonderful world of Comics. The children produced their own comic book page telling their own imaginative story, the teachers were amazed by the standard of storytelling and work the children produced. Kevin took the opportunity to also donate some graphic novels to the library service for their stock 

The Fantastic Liz, Libarian, Children & Young People said ''Thank you so much again for the workshop the children (and staff!) all had such a wonderful time, and the school were so grateful for the event it was was a great success!'' 

Back to school, Drawing success!

At Sir William Romney’s School they are continually striving for excellence in every aspect of school life 

they have introduced a new careers programme called  ‘Futures Days’ complementing the classroom work making links between subject curriculums and the world of work. engaging with local businesses, holding workshops, and inviting local business guests.

Kevin Painter said ''it was such an honour to asked back to my former school along with a few other SWR alumni I had a thoroughly enjoyable visit and it was fascinating and educational working the students who Shared their aspirations. Giving a workshop on graphic novel design and talking about the 451 initiative

The 451 role is an ambassadorial and educational role for the comic genre, intended to raise awareness of the impact comics have and can have on literacy and creativity, and celebrate it and we will be opening the 451 gallery in its new location exhibiting original first edition comic books and original art and of course our next Comic Con fast approaching in July.

 It was indeed appropriate to use this medium as Educators and parents alike are now recognising the educational value of comics and graphic novels. And gave us the chance to donate some graphic novels for school use.''

Mr Colin Davies Head of Art SWR said 'It was fantastic to see a task given to the students which allowed them the freedom to choose something which links to their interests. I was amazed by the range of artistic responses that the students created. It was obvious from looking at the pieces that each student has a unique visual style and way of working. This is something that should be celebrated.’