The Ursuline Academy Ilford is a 4-form entry Catholic comprehensive school for girls aged 11-19. Students who go there join a community that is committed to success. The school was founded by the Ursuline Order in 1903 and has been providing high quality education and pastoral care ever since. The school has a strong sense of community underpinned by Gospel values. they have an inclusive and community-focused ethos of which they are very proud. Their pupils are welcoming, engaging and articulate. They are ambitious for the school and for their own life beyond it.
They are a Catholic community of faith, love and service rooted in the spirit of St Angela. Through Christ and the Gospel and in their diverse community they strive to provide an environment for young women to flourish, spiritually, academically and socially. The Ursuline Academy Ilford provides a learning environment that is challenging and supportive. The curriculum is designed to offer both breadth and depth. It enables the girls to leave the academy fully equipped for further study, work or a combination of both.
The Challenge
The curved balcony directly above the students entrance was an ideal position to propose a sign announcing the name, logo and relevant information of The Ursuline Academy Ilford. The existing school logo no longer existed and Pylon were commissioned to recreate it in a number of formats for future use. The biggest issue to overcome was the curvature of the balcony and subsequent fixing to it. The material had to be strong enough to withstand the elements but also be flexible enough to curve around the balcony. Pylon Design were asked to propose a solution that answered their brief while creating impact and covered all aspects of Health & Safety criteria.
The Solution
Pylon Design, recreated the Academy logo having researched typefaces, colours and the style of the star graphics. The new logo was supplied in various formats for use in print and on digital devices. Once created, Pylon Design incorporated elements of the logo to a variety of concepts and presented to the client. On approval of the chosen route, Pylon Design addressed the most appropriate material to apply full colour vinyls to the front and rear faces. A 3mm composite material was used which gave both strength and flexibility with no seams. Metal fixings were applied to the rear of the sign and fixed to the balcony allowing for the front face to be completely clear and flat.
The impact of the sign was endorsed by the strong use of the corporate colours and bold elegant typography, the use of the stylised stars added further to the schools branding. The position of the sign proved to be an ideal location that gave the entrance a real presence for the students, staff and public.
