Back in 2014 we worked with Barkisland CE (VA) Primary School to create an engaging and relevant character. The pupils chose an endearing sheep design which acts as a reminder to the children that they are all part of God’s flock.

Recently we returned to Barkisland to help them promote their new school motto; “we believe, we nurture, we succeed”.  The school wanted to incorporate this with their sheep character to develop a recognisable school brand image. They also wanted to amalgamate the sheep character with their existing traditional logos.

The purpose of the work was to proudly convey that Barkisland are a Church of England school and create a consistent and cohesive image throughout the school. This allows the school to communicate their shared values and school motto with pupils, teachers, parents and visitors.

The first stage was to illustrate the letterhead, and other school documents, with a new graphic. We decided to depict the sheep characters holding the old school logos, against a countryside backdrop, next to the new school motto. Adapted versions of this were then used on the two main school signs and a large wall graphic installed in the playground. This striking playground visual is in the area where parents wait for their children and draws attention to the new school motto and school values.

Within the reception area we created a big, colourful display. The design consists of a countryside landscape painted on the wall and overlaid with vinyl graphics. The graphics include Jesus, the sheep characters and the new motto displayed alongside the text, “where we all belong to God’s flock”. This bright and prominent display captures the school spirit and clearly highlights their ethos. Pupils and teachers are reminded of the school values every day in a fun, eye-catching way.

Our sheep characters make several other appearances around the school on signage, wall graphics and fun height charts for pupils.

Using a consistent theme has allowed the school to create a recognisable school brand. Having a recognisable brand promotes unity. Pupils take pride in their school image and the values become part of their everyday school life. Fun graphics and vibrant displays brighten up the school and make it a pleasant place to be.

The eye-catching reception design was praised in the school’s recent SIAMS inspection – “this sets the tone which prevails in the physical environment and in all areas of school life”.

The pupils feel more invested in the school values because they are presented in a way they can relate to and engage with. Using the graphics across external communications reminds parents of the core values and helps them incorporate it into the home environment too.

By creating beautiful imagery and graphics for the school we have succeeded in helping them build a brand that is recognisable, engaging and fun. Best of all, the school values and motto are proudly displayed so that the pupils are reminded daily of what they should aspire to achieve.