A number of schools across Caerphilly county borough have been designing their very own Snoopy Sculptures as part of ‘A Dog’s Trail’ in aid of Dogs Trust.
A Dog’s Trail is a special event that will promote health and wellbeing, bring businesses and communities together and help boost the regional economy. The trail’s aim is to raise significant funding for Dogs Trust so that they can continue to provide their services for those who need them the most. The event is presented by Dogs Trust in partnership with Wild in Art.
Dogs Trust offered a learning programme to schools and youth organisations in Cardiff, Caerphilly and Bridgend areas; encouraging pupils to get involved by adopting and designing their very own Snoopy sculptures. The ‘pawsome’ sculptures will be displayed inside venues across the localities, to be enjoyed by both their creators and the wider public.
Driven by a love of animals, especially dogs, Bryn Awel and Fochriw Primary School were thrilled to take part in the project. At each school the project is led by the enterprising creative pupils; the school council at Bryn Awel Primary and the Eco Committee at Fochriw Primary School.
Taking responsibility by rising to the ‘Snoopy challenge’, the pupils shared information launching a whole school competition to design Snoopy. The pupil voice groups received many ‘snooptastic’ entries across the school which was a great opportunity for pupils to work with their families and promote the project. The school council and Eco Committee respectively judged the designs and set to work on their masterpieces with a member of staff guiding the process.
Whilst working on the designs, the pupils grew fond of ‘their Snoopy’ and wanted to mark the sculpture’s uniqueness by naming him. At Bryn Awel Primary School the school council chose ‘Dewi the Diversity Dog,’ to celebrate the sculpture’s story of equality, diversity and acceptance.
“During the pandemic we feel it is important to bring joy and happiness to everyone through colour and positivity and celebrate diversity.” – Bryn Awel School Council 2022.
At Fochriw Primary School the Eco Committee based their design upon many entries showing pride in the local area. They pursued this theme further after being inspired through tree planting in the autumn term at Parc Cwm Darran. Being Caerphilly’s only rural school, the sculpture encompasses the beauty of the Darran Valley, the school’s location.
“Be respectful and responsible and enjoy the area you live in so it is beautiful for humans and animals now and in the future.” – Fochriw Eco Committee 2022
Sharon Pascoe, Head Teacher of Bryn Awel and Fochriw Primary School said, “The project is a magical opportunity to celebrate each school’s ingenuity driven by our enterprising creative pupils whilst supporting a good cause. It is an honour to have our Snoopy sculptures, ‘Dewi the Diversity Dog,’ and ‘Darran the Darran Valley Dog,’ displayed in ‘A Dogs Trail’ for a wider audience to enjoy as we have!”
Cllr Ross Whiting, Cabinet Member for Learning commented, “I am delighted that the pupils are having so much fun designing their Snoopy Sculptures. Their contributions are helping a great cause and I cannot wait to see the sculptures displayed in ‘A Dogs Trail’.
