Making a tile using the Castle and Roses design was part of a unit of learning around canals which included aspects of history, geography and art.  The children started off by learning the differences between rivers, ponds and canals; why canals were built and read maps of the UK showing the canal network.  The history of the canal was learnt, and James Brindley’s influence was studied.  A timeline of transport was also used to find out about when other modes of transport were invented.   The children also learnt what it was like to live on a canal during 1760-1960 particularly in regards to the role of women and children.  The unit of work then moved on to learning about Roses and Castles which is the design seen on narrow boats and barges.  They started their learning experimenting with pencil shades and used this skill for observational drawings.  They then continued to practise shading techniques with natural items from the grounds.  The artist, Phil Speight MBE, one of the UK's best respected traditional boat painters, was studied.  The children then practised applying shade and tone to create roses from different perspectives.  Different types of paint were experimented with to create a technique chart, along with different brush strokes.  This culminated in the children producing a tile inspired by both Roses and Castle, and Phil Speight.  The unit of work was brought together at the end with a visit to a narrow boat museum where the children were able to climb aboard and experience life afloat.