Students explore Torch Relay themes through creative arts including dance, printmaking and the exploration and development of designs inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Torch.
1. A dance in three parts
Ask the students to work in groups of three dancers. You may want musicians to also work in groups of three and to provide percussive accompaniment throughout the dance.
Part one: The ritualistic lighting of the Flame at Olympia near the Temple of Hera. The chief priestess lights the torch with the use of a parabolic mirror that concentrates the light of the sun.
Part two: The Torch Relay on its journey around Britain. The Flame is passed from one Torchbearer to the next.
Part three: The last Torchbearer transfers the Flame to the Cauldron during the Opening Ceremony.
Students may enjoy watching the video of the Torch Relay song: Spinnin’ for 2012. Talk about how the dance moves add to the overall impact of the song.
2. Printmaking: the Flame
Begin by looking at past designs of the Olympic Torch and ask the students to say which designs they like, and why. Also ask them to research a range of graphic representations of the Torch and Flame.
They can now draft designs which will be developed through printmaking. This could be a classic lino cut or screen print, or use a software package.
Choose an appropriate outcome, for example, use the repeated image to design a sheet of bespoke wrapping paper or wallpaper for a computer screen.
3. The ‘power of three’ expressed through the design of the Torch
Edward Barber, one of the Olympic Torch designers, explained why the triangular shape was integral to the design:
‘There are several things that influenced our decision to have a triangular shape to the Torch. The first thing is the Olympic Motto which is ‘faster, higher, stronger’. It’s the third time the Games have been in London: 1908, 1948 and 2012. And also, from a practical perspective, it’s actually much easier to hold a triangular form and it gives a much better grip.”
Try these activities which also explore the potential of features used in the design of the Olympic Torch:
- Make a scale drawing of a design for an Olympic Torch which includes the design feature of an equilateral triangle. The triangle can be used as a structural or decorative feature. Extend this by challenging students to make a further scale drawing which includes isosceles triangles.
- The Olympic Torch is made from a special aluminium alloy developed for the aerospace and automotive industry. The alloy is lightweight but strong, with excellent heat resistance. Ask the students to list objects used in the home which have heat resistant qualities, for example saucepan handles, coasters, glass door of oven etc. Challenge them to design a 21st century candle-holder which would be heat resistant and stable. What materials would they use, and why?
- Challenge the students to test the hypothesis that a model bridge truss with the most triangles in the structure will support the heaviest weight. Extend by devising a fair test which investigates the strength of three different materials.
