CBeebies’ Colourblocks: Brought to preschoolers with the help of the SDC!
If you have young children – and perhaps especially if you also work in or study colour science – you may have noticed a popular show on CBeebies called Colourblocks.
All 30 five-minute episodes are available to UK viewers free of charge on the BBC iPlayer.
The show is designed to help young children develop their understanding of colour and spark their creativity through fun games and activities.
But do you know who played a crucial role in bringing this innovative show to life?
Prof Stephen Westland, an associate member of the SDC and a Professor of Colour Science and Technology at the University of Leeds, was a key consultant in its development.
It was his expertise in colour science that helped to create such a beautiful introduction to this fascinating topic for preschool children.
Commissioned by Alphablocks and animated by Blue Zoo, Colourblocks benefited from the expertise of Prof Westland during its inception, planning and production.
Andrew Filarowski, technical director of the SDC, explains: “Back in May 2021, Blue Zoo contacted the SDC, to ask if we could help with this new exciting show. We put the team in touch with Prof Westland.
“They worked together and we were sworn to secrecy until the release of the first 15 episodes last year. Now there are 30 shows to enjoy.
“This body of work is absolutely fantastic – particularly episode 15 about the intricacies of the rainbow!”
Stephen is well versed in educating students about colour science but the topic must be approached very differently for young children.
He explained: “For preschoolers, the show has to work as a form of entertainment first and foremost. It has to be fun and engaging and be something they can look forward to watching.”
Steve continued: “I met with the creative team weekly as a technical consultant. I was impressed by how much colour science they wanted to learn. It was important that they understood all of the issues. Only then could they decide what was necessary and or appropriate at a preschool level.
“In the end what they have produced is, in my opinion, hugely significant in moving preschool colour education forward, beyond the traditional concepts of red, yellow and blue and the rainbow.
“Colourblocks is going to provide a fantastic grounding for preschoolers, and will help them as they continue their personal educational journeys in school.”
Stephen is also working with the Colour Literacy Project, which is focusing on the 7-11 age group and working closely with schools on their curricula.
Watch Colourblocks on the BBC iPlayer.
