Computer Modelling Workshop and Competition

Following on from a webinar led by professional computer modellers, Mrs Doran has been running a series of drop in workshops for pupils interested in computer modelling. Using the software packages, ZBrushCore Mini, Mrs Doran has been able to teach students how to manipulate virtual clay with 3D modelling tools within the package to digitally sculpt, stretch, skew, polish, stretch and manipulate virtual polygons.

Pupils from KS2 and KS3 were invited to enter a computer modelling national competition, judged by Oscar winner Andrew Whitehurst – a VFX supervisor for Industrial Light and Magic. Using the skills taught in the workshop, or learnt by exploring the craft independently, pupils were invited to create their own 3D designs and enter their favourite designs into the competition. Andrew Whitehurst is incredibly impressed by the standard of designs (which had to be a predatory water alien) already entered by Liverpool College. Winners will be announced after half term. Mrs Doran will also be awarding prizes to Liverpool College pupils for their superb Computer Modelled designs.

Mrs Doran

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Oxbridge Workshop

Y12 students contemplating an application to Oxford or Cambridge University next year had the opportunity to take part in a superb talk on Tuesday where future, current and former Oxbridge students were on hand to talk about their experiences - to give potential applicants the benefit of their experiences. 

Mr Hammersley talked about Cambridge University, the importance of visiting the location, the superb social opportunities and the academic benefits. A Liverpool College Y13 student (and Wilton Scholar) Yasmin H, spoke about the importance of researching the courses to make sure you find one that is right one for you. Her advice - 'If you have the grades and the passion, you have every right to apply' really resonated with many of the students. Yasmin received an offer this year for Oxford University to study Geography. Nathaniel D, a Y12 student from Hope Academy, has also been offered a place at Oxford University next year. He spoke about the application process, his personal statement and his interview. Finally, Rhianna W, a second year student at Oxford University, spoke about what life is really like, both as a residential student living at St John College and also as a virtual student as Oxford moved online throughout 2020-2021. She spoke with great passion and enthusiasm for her course, the level of academic challenge, the social life and what it feels like to be taught by world-renowned experts in their academic feild. All students who attended the talk found the talk extremely informative and beneficial. 

Mrs Doran

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Literacy through History Videography Days

Every pupil in the Prep School was given the opportunity to participate in a Literacy through History workshop. Led by professional videographer Adam Pepper, pupils were shown clips depicting significant historical events. Mr Pepper than created bespoke literacy activities, based on the topics they are studying in English this half term. 

The workshop for Year 3 focused on Roman Gladiators. They explored the life of famous gladiator Virus, they learnt about gladiator training techniques and explored the history of the Colosseum – including a tour of what it is like today.  The session concluded with a letter writing task with pupils assuming the character of Virus and writing home to his family.  

Year 6 learnt about Mayan history, writing a travel blog about Chichen Itza in Mexico and an adventure story about king Ballam and his life in a Mayan fishing village. 

Year 5 are studying Ancient Greece so after taking a tour of Crete, they wrote a postcode explaining the history of several key historical buildings.  They then watched film clips about Theseus and wrote a non-chronological report about his life. Finally, they wrote a newspaper report explaining what happened in the labyrinth, a link into the journalism English topic in the Y5 English curriculum.  

Finally, Year 4 spent a day watching clips to enhance their understanding of Myths. They used the day to explore what is meant by myths and were inspired by the story of gladiator Virus to write their own myths, portraying their gladiators as mythical superheroes.  

All the pupils found the event extremely engaging, challenging and inspiring. Our thanks the Wilton Trust for their financial help that made the event possible.   

Mrs Doran

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Zoom Call with Spain

Well done to Year 5 who had a zoom call with our partner school in Spain this week. The pupils enjoyed meeting some Spanish children online and talking about their current topic, Hobbies. We also found out how things are going in Spain at the moment. Schools are open but pupils and staff have to wear masks in school. We hope to talk again soon.

Mrs Pease

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Creating Jurassic Park Dinosaurs and other Creative Creatures

Prep pupils were given a superb opportunity on Thursday to participate in an exclusive talk led by Industrial Light and Magic -the visual effects company set up by George Lucas. Liverpool College was only one of 4 schools invited to this exclusive webinar - so this really was an exceptional opportunity for our pupils to be able to have their questions answered by world experts in art, animatronics, modelling and CGI. Two ILM experts showcased their superb skills -Sian Warren and Andrea Chiampo. Sian is a Creature Modeler and joined Industrial Light and Magic through the Jedi Academy Graduate Scheme in 2019, after graduating in Computer Animation. She gave a demonstration of how she uses the software ZBrush to create computer models. Pupils watched live as Sian turned a basic outline shape of a dinosaur into something that could have been used in Jurassic Park – how to model, adjust, reform and digitally paint the computerised animals in extraordinary detail.

Andrea Chiampo also showcased his work as a concept artist for ILM. Andrea gave the students a rare glimpse of the concept boards, the sketches, the warm up doodles and the final creative designs of a professional concept artist. Specialising in creature design for movies, Andrea demonstrated how he uses real creatures from the environment as his inspiration. For the next generation of concepts artists and designers, he suggested using the free software Pixologic Sculptris.

Congratulations to Jason S, Anya A, Michael R and Leilani B who were all able to ask questions during the talk. ILM have now launched a superb competition where pupils are encouraged to design their own creative predatory creatures that could live in an underwater world. The designs will be judged by artists, designers and modelling experts at Industrial Light and Magic. Specific details of this competition will be shared as soon as digital copies are received by the school.

Mrs Doran

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Happy Christmas from the Prep School!

It’s only been a short week but what a week in the Prep School!

We have had Christingle, a reindeer run, visits to Santa in the grotto, Christmas lunch, and a party to finish! You can see some more photos from the events here and read more about our Forest School Grotto below.

Mrs Pease (Head of Prep)

Forest School Grotto

I cannot tell you how much fun we have had this week. Father Christmas (as we know) is a legend! His elves are phenomenal and FC says that the teachers in Liverpool College are superb!! See for yourself!!

The delivery of our Grotto needs a special thank you; to Mrs Young for her vehement support, not just financially from the PTA, but in her presence....even though her feet were freezing!! And a special thank you to Mr "elf" Harvey, photographer extraordinaire!!

And of course, the one and only, Father Christmas who has chatted to, listened to and encouraged ALL of our Pre Prep and Prep children.

In a year of pressing, trying and difficult circumstances, it has been my pleasure to see wonder, excitement and fun on the faces of all of our children, from Reception to Y6. 

I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New year. I anticipate MUCH mud in January...and beyond!!!!

Mrs Shackell (Forest School Lead)

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