From Cold Corridor to Creative Tunnel: Oswestry School Prep Unveils New Space-Themed Mural
Oswestry School Prep pupils are set to return to a very different school this September, with a once cold and uninspiring corridor transformed into an immersive creative tunnel featuring a spectacular space-themed mural by artist Rory McCann.
Created over the summer, the striking mural forms part of a series of exciting developments at Oswestry School Prep, including a new STEAM Lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), a Reflective Learning Zone, and a brand new refectory and Food Technology area.
The newly transformed corridor has been painted entirely black, creating a dramatic backdrop for the huge space mural on one side and a gallery wall showcasing pupils’ artwork on the other. Featuring a giant astronaut, a space station, planets and stars, the mural creates an immersive journey through art and science as pupils move between lessons.
The mural was created by artist Rory McCann, who specialises in large-scale wall murals for education and community spaces. Taking three days to complete, the artwork has also been designed with a little secret for pupils to discover when they return to school. We won’t be revealing the mystery just yet!
Rory said, “I’m really pleased with the outcome and I hope it creates a buzz within the school at the start of term. I’d like the children to be inspired by the great wonders of our universe and also to appreciate the impact that art on a big scale can have in transforming a space.”
Head of Oswestry School Prep, Mrs Claire Lyons, said: “We wanted to transform what was previously a cold and rather uninspiring corridor into a space that pupils would genuinely enjoy moving through. The creative tunnel gives them a chance to pause, look, wonder and reset as they move between lessons. For some children, having that opportunity for movement and a visual change of environment can be really valuable, helping them to refocus and re-engage before their next lesson. It also gives our pupils the opportunity to see their own artwork displayed alongside a large-scale professional mural, showing them just how powerful creativity can be in transforming a space.”
The creative tunnel is just one part of a significant programme of development at Oswestry School Prep this summer. Alongside the new STEAM Lab, pupils will discover new spaces designed to support creativity, wellbeing, practical learning and collaboration when they return next week.
Mr Peter Middleton, Head of Oswestry School, said: “As an independent school, being strong, stable and secure means we can continue to invest in the facilities and opportunities that make a real difference to our pupils. These new spaces are about much more than buildings; they are about creating an environment that inspires curiosity, encourages creativity and supports every pupil to thrive. We are delighted that our pupils will return next week to a Prep School that has been transformed in so many exciting ways.”
