Concerts, drama productions and parties – these are just some of the usual ways schools celebrate major anniversaries. But Bradford Grammar School decided to mark its 350th anniversary in ground-breaking style.
The school is thought to be the first in the country to launch its own interactive app, complete with films of some of its most famous former pupils. They include artist David Hockney, who attended Bradford Grammar from 1948, champion swimmer Adrian Moorhouse, and Olympic medallist triathletes Alistair Brownlee and his brother Jonny.
Three art students got the chance to visit artist David Hockney’s studio in Bridlington, east Yorkshire, and talk about his work over a lunch of fish and chips.
Accompanied by head Kevin Riley and head of art Josie Riley, year 11 pupil Nicholas Winn and 6th-formers Sarah McWhinney and James Sugden chatted about the artist’s paintings, his schooldays, his membership of the art society, and the posters he created for the debating society.
“For the students it was an experience they will never forget – an opportunity to ask one of the most significant artists of the 20th century about his work and understand something of his motivation and the creative process behind his work,” said Mr Riley.
The BGS Showcase app, which can be downloaded from Apple for free, was developed by another former pupil, Adam Roney. As well as an exclusive video of David Hockney talking to the students, it features music, photographs and slides of the school.
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