Art Students Transform Hospital Ward Wall

Art Students Transform Scunthorpe Hospital Ward Wall

There are classroom projects, and then there are projects that genuinely make a difference to people's lives. For a group of art students at John Leggott College, a recent collaboration with Scunthorpe General Hospital was exactly that.

Invited onto the Outpatients ward by Diane and the team at Scunthorpe General, the students took on a real-world creative brief with a clear and meaningful purpose: to create a welcoming, uplifting space for patients arriving on the ward.

At JLC, we believe that being part of a community means more than just being located within it. It means showing up, contributing and using the talents of our students to make our local area a better place. This project is a tangible example of that commitment we have seen, and we could not be more proud of everyone involved.

A Community Project with Real Heart

When Diane and the Outpatients team at Scunthorpe General Hospital reached out, the idea was simple but powerful. Could JLC students help transform a ward wall into something that would genuinely welcome patients and reflect the warmth of the staff who care for them?

The answer, as anyone who has now seen the finished result will know, was a resounding yes.

The students designed and painted a mural inspired by the image of a tree, bringing a calm, natural presence to the ward environment. Alongside this, they created a friendly welcome sign and incorporated photographs of the ward staff, giving the finished display a personal quality that immediately makes patients feel seen and cared for.

The result is a bright, colourful wall that now greets every patient who walks through the doors of the Outpatients department. It was created entirely by JLC students, and it is something the whole college community can be proud of.

Giving Something Back

John Leggott College has always believed that sixth form education should extend beyond the classroom. Our students live and grow up in this community. Many of them, or their families, will have walked through those same hospital doors. Creating something that improves that experience, however small, matters.

This is what community partnership looks like in practice. It is not about grand gestures. It is about two local organisations, a college and a hospital, coming together to do something quietly brilliant for the people they both serve.

We are incredibly proud to be part of the Scunthorpe community and to have students who are willing to give their time, skills and creativity to projects like this. If this is what the next generation of artists and designers looks like, the future is in very good hands.

What the Students Gained

Beyond the community impact, this project gave our art students an experience that no classroom exercise could replicate. They worked to a real brief, in a real environment, for a real audience, and they delivered something genuinely outstanding.

The skills developed throughout this project will stay with them long after they leave sixth form:

• Interpreting and responding to a client brief

• Working collaboratively as part of a team

• Managing their time and meeting a real deadline

• Developing their practical art and design skills in a professional setting

• Building confidence in presenting creative work to an outside audience

For students studying art at sixth form, this kind of experience is exactly what strengthens a university application, brings a personal statement to life and demonstrates the initiative that both higher education and employers genuinely value.

Thank You to Scunthorpe General Hospital

A huge and heartfelt thank you goes to Diane and the entire Outpatients team at Scunthorpe General Hospital. Welcoming students into a working ward takes generosity, trust and a genuine belief in the value of community collaboration. The team's warmth and support throughout made this project the success it was.

We hope that everyone who passes through those doors and sees that wall feels, even for a moment, a little more welcome.

Explore Art at John Leggott College

If this project has sparked an interest in studying art or design at sixth form, we would love to hear from you. At John Leggott College, we offer a range of creative courses designed to develop talented students and prepare them for the next stage of their journey.

You can find out more about our available art and creative courses here: johnleggott.ac.uk/courses

Whether you are interested in Fine Art, Photography, Textiles or another creative discipline, our experienced teachers will support you to grow your skills, build your portfolio and progress with confidence.

To find out more about life at JLC and everything the college has to offer, visit our main website: johnleggott.ac.uk

FAQ Section

How does John Leggott College support its local community?

JLC actively seeks out partnerships with local organisations, giving students the chance to use their skills for meaningful community projects. The Scunthorpe General Hospital mural is one recent example of that commitment in action.

What art and creative courses does John Leggott College offer?

JLC offers a range of creative subjects at sixth form level. You can explore all available art and design courses at johnleggott.ac.uk/courses

How do real-world projects support A Level art students?

Working on a live community project gives students direct experience of responding to a brief, meeting deadlines and producing work for a real audience, all of which strengthens their portfolio and university application.

Can I find out more about studying at John Leggott College?

Yes. Visit johnleggott.ac.uk to explore courses, find out about student support and discover what life at JLC looks like.