Before the Events: Choosing Our Path
As part of the Cultivate programme, Personal Development Week gave us the opportunity to choose an organisation to work with, one that would allow us to positively contribute to the community. For me, Art for Rare immediately felt like the perfect fit. Its vision resonated deeply with my own values, and, remarkably, it mirrored something I had been part of the year before.
Everything came full circle when I realised the person leading Art for Rare was the same individual I had previously collaborated with during Project Arts 360. Back then, we had partnered with Frienden Arts, running art jamming sessions with youth with disabilities. Now, here we were again, building upon that meaningful experience.
Together with my teammates, Mia, Saranya, Kyra, and I, we set out with a shared goal: to make a real impact. Mrs. Sook Yee joined our brainstorming sessions, sharing heartfelt stories that moved us deeply and reinforced our commitment to the project.
Our ideas quickly evolved: from running a Garden Party stall selling merchandise to hosting art workshops for students and teachers, all with the aim of raising awareness and funds. Amid ukulele renditions of Riptide and shared snacks during our wellbeing breaks, we stayed laser-focused on bringing our vision to life.
Then Kyra proposed a bold idea, an Auction Night! What started as a joke about wanting to use a gavel quickly turned into the cornerstone of our plan. And just like that, the journey truly began.
The Garden Party
On the day of the Garden Party, we were met with the familiar, unrelenting Malaysian heat – unforgiving, yet completely worth enduring. We were overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who stopped by, whether to learn more about the cause or to purchase the beautiful merchandise on display.
We sold notebooks and tote bags featuring designs created by youth with disabilities, each one telling its own story. Despite the sweat and sunburn, the day was filled with joy, laughter, and most importantly, purpose. It was incredibly rewarding to share why this cause meant so much to us.
The Art Workshop
Next came the art workshop led by the incredibly inspiring Ainaa Farhana, who encouraged us to seek out resilience through nature. GIS students and staff joined forces with artists from Art for Rare to create their own artworks for the upcoming exhibition.
From first-time creators to the talented IGCSE and A-Level art students, everyone participated with passion. Regardless of skill level, each participant found a sense of calm and fulfilment through the act of creating. It was a space where ability didn’t matter, only heart.
The Exhibition
On Friday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day, we began setting up the exhibition, and the love was palpable. Sixth Form students showed up in droves to volunteer, eager to contribute and be part of something bigger than themselves.
Throughout the week, Ms. Trish lovingly monitored the exhibition, often joyfully placing SOLD stickers on purchased artwork. The space was visited and admired by students, teachers, and parents alike. Many commented on how peaceful and beautiful it felt. A particularly heartwarming moment was watching primary students walk through the exhibit, discussing their favourite artworks – Kayleigh’s cats were a clear favourite!
Auctioneer Workshop
As we prepared for Auction Night, Sim Polenn, a director from Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBAA), led a workshop to train our student auctioneers, along with Mr. Derby-Crook himself!
He shared professional tips and tricks to help them build confidence and stage presence. It was a lively session filled with laughter, and yes, everyone got a chance to wield the coveted gavel!
Auction Night
And then, the moment we had all worked toward arrived: Auction Night.
Was all the effort worth it? Absolutely.
Thomas kicked off the night with an energetic speech, beautifully outlining the journey from Project Arts 360 to this milestone evening. We had pre-auction performances, speeches by Dr. Browning and Mr. Edmund, and an electric atmosphere full of pride and joy. Ms Trish and Ms Sook Yee couldn’t be prouder alongside families of the artists, parents and staff.
Our student auctioneers shone on stage, with a special shout-out to the fearless Year 10 students who joined our Sixth Form team. Their charisma, energy, and humour made the bidding exciting and joyful. Even our principal, Mr. Peter Derby-Crook, took a turn as auctioneer, adding charm and flair to the festivities.
The evening was more than a fundraiser – it was a celebration of art, community, and inclusion.
As the night drew to a close, guests shared heartfelt words of appreciation:
“It was such an enjoyable evening! The students were brilliant, and I felt so warmed by their enthusiasm and commitment to their cause. Surely, this is a reflection of their school and teachers!”
“It was a great event, and I hope the school will do more. Great work from the students and their teacher advisors—congratulations!”
Final Results: A Celebration of Impact
As Ms. Sook Yee beautifully summarised in her press release:
“The evening was bursting with energy, passion, and joy as students, teachers, artists, and attendees rallied around a cause that truly makes a difference.”
Here’s what we achieved:
- MYR 43,850 raised in total
- 23 artworks auctioned, raising MYR 24,100
- 7 additional artworks sold during the exhibition, generating MYR 11,750
- MYR 8,000 sponsorship secured to support Frienden Arts’ next cohort of emerging artists with disabilities
- GIS students contributed their own original artworks, embodying the spirit of inclusion and collaboration
A powerful reminder of what just four Year 12 students can achieve when driven by purpose.
Let’s keep being the change. Here’s to next year! 🌟
By Ms. Trish Hendersen, Learning Support Teacher – MEd SEND and Inclusion, and Thomas Lee, GIS Year 12 Student
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