“What does it mean to be human?”
Year 8 students at XP tackled this profound guiding question during their recent expedition, “Being Human”. This interdisciplinary project bridged the gap between Science, Art, and Humanities to explore our biological makeup, our history, and our capacity for compassion.
The result is a powerful final product: a series of intricate portraits honoring our community’s NHS staff, designed to raise vital awareness for blood donation.
The Science of Life and Giving
To understand humanity, students first had to understand what keeps us alive. In Science, the cohort explored the complex organisation of the human body, specifically dissecting the functions of the circulatory and gas exchange systems. Through practical experiences, such as dissecting a pig heart, students learned how oxygen-rich blood is transported through the body—a process essential for life.
This learning extended into genetics and variation, where students studied how blood types are inherited and acquired. This scientific inquiry served a critical community purpose: understanding the biological necessity of blood donation. Students learned that while we share 99.9% of our genetic material, the variations between us—like blood types—are what make donation systems so critical for saving lives.
Art as a Vehicle for Gratitude
To translate this scientific knowledge into a message of humanity, students worked with expert artist Michelle Clarke Stables (MC Stables). Michelle shared her perspective that art is “not just about making something beautiful—it’s about expressing the human experience”.
Under her mentorship, students mastered the technique of micrography—creating images using words and text. Building on drawing skills such as facial proportions and pencil tone, they created realistic portraits of NHS workers.
However, these were not ordinary sketches. The contours of the faces were formed using words that answered the guiding question, “What does it mean to be human?”.
- One portrait of an NHS worker features words like “Compassion,” “Knowledge,” “Quality,” and “Ability to Feel” woven into the subject’s hair and clothing.
- Another piece uses the words “Hope,” “Nature,” and “Morality” to build the image, highlighting the ethical depth involved in healthcare.
These portraits celebrate the resilience and compassion of the people who care for us, turning abstract emotions into visible tributes.
A Legacy of Compassion
The expedition also challenged students to look at the “Human” element through the lens of ethics and history. They explored the sanctity of life and the Humanist “Golden Rule”—treating others as we wish to be treated. This ethical framework perfectly mirrors the compassion required for blood donation and the dedication of NHS staff.
The final portraits are now being curated for display in various healthcare settings across Doncaster. These installations serve a dual purpose:
- A Tribute: They act as a permanent “XP Legacy,” celebrating the historical and current figures who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to humanity.
- A Call to Action: The artwork supports blood donation initiatives within the community, using the emotive power of art to encourage the public to give the gift of life.
By merging the biological facts of the circulatory system with the expressive power of portraiture, Year 8 has shown that “Being Human” is ultimately about connection, empathy, and what we are willing to give to help one another.
