James Watt College
Excellent practice in embedding sustainability through the Rainbow Man
project
Rainbow Man sculpture is the result of a cross-curricular project completed by
Building Futures learners undertaking a one year full-time programme for learners
with additional support needs. The Rainbow Man sculpture project helps Building
Futures learners to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding across a
range of subject areas. It supports effectively the development of learners’
employability skills and their understanding of citizenship-related themes.
To support the theme of sustainability, Building Futures learners decided to construct
a life-size sculpture from discarded plastic toys. Learners were enthused by the
prospect of constructing a model from waste material. This approach encouraged
and supported effectively responsible citizenship as an underpinning theme within
Curriculum for Excellence. Learners contacted local charity shops who donated
surplus damaged plastic toys which would have been destined for landfill.
Discussions held with staff based at retail outlets supported effectively the
development of Building Futures learners’ independent living and communication
skills. They visited art galleries and viewed a number of sculptures which helped
inform potential options for the finished project. Building Futures learners received
helpful advice from college art and design staff about the construction process as the
finished sculpture had to withstand the rigours of the Scottish climate on an exposed
site. Over a period of several weeks, the sculpture was constructed using recycled
chicken wire as a frame and cable ties were deployed to good effect to secure
hundreds of plastic toys. The completed Rainbow Man’s feet were placed in a
recycled bucket and concrete was poured in to make it stable. The sculpture was
named Rainbow Man as it is very colourful and it reflects the use made of many
coloured toys during its construction.
Building Futures learners are proud of their Rainbow Man sculpture and their
collective achievement. During the planning and construction phase of the project
learners supported each other well and developed and enhanced their team working
skills. The project encouraged learners to think independently and creatively and
through this approach they became more confident and improved their
communication skills. The Rainbow Man project developed effectively learners’
understanding of recycling issues and construction-related techniques. The colourful
Rainbow Man sculpture is a proud testament to the collective achievements of
Building Futures learners. The college has advanced plans for the next intake of
Building Futures learners to create environmental sculptures in local park woodland
as part of a sculpture trail.
(picture attached below)
Education Scotland
Foghlam Alba
James Watt College
Education Scotland
Foghlam Alba