The Fibonacci Awards took place at Shrewsbury Colleges Group last week, and yet again it showcased the inventive work that can be created when you combine Art and Maths.
For the past two years the vocational Art & Design department have put on a competition with a difference. Students from all subjects and all campuses are encouraged to take part in the Fibonacci Awards, which recognise the importance of Maths in creative subjects. The College hopes to raise learner confidence in addressing numeracy through a ‘Maths in Art’ project and competition.
Students are asked to look at three aspects when creating their pieces: recognise where maths naturally occurs, highlight that maths is vital in creative subjects and celebrate the successful use of ‘Maths in Art’.
Zoe Roberts, 17, from Shrewsbury, was awarded first place for her black and red jacket with 3D silver concertina sleeves. She said: “This was a fun challenge to take part in. My jacket was inspired by architecture after a trip we took to Birmingham. I embroidered my own photos onto the jacket and used a 3D print on the back.
“Studying Fashion and Textiles at Shrewsbury Colleges Group has taught me technical pattern cutting skills that really helped with the Maths element of this jacket and will continue to play a big part when I go to University to study Fashion Design.”
Margaret Jones came second with her photograph that used geometric shape and pattern and Georgia Hudson gained third place with drawing of a shell, where she was inspired by the golden spiral and used pointillism to add architecture. Seven other students were highly commended for the great work and effort that they put in for this competition: Amy Taylor, Kieran Fielding Jacobs, Niamh Hope, Fay Stamou, Destiny Steele, Abigail Warham and Madeline Turner.
John O’Connell, Art & Design Course Leader, said: “I'd like to congratulate not only the winners and the highly commended students but everyone who took part in our Fibonacci Award competition. It's imperative that all of our students understand the importance of mathematics and how it relates to Art & Design. This not only increases their subject understanding but improves their employability.”
For more information on A Levels, visit www.ssfc.ac.uk or call 01743 235491. For more information about vocational courses and Apprenticeships, visit www.shrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 342342.