Herefordshire schools given opportunity to focus on creativity

Selected schools in Herefordshire are due to start on a journey of creativity this autumn. Eighteen schools will take part in the national Creative Partnerships Enquiry Schools programme, which is delivered by Bright Space. The Enquiry Schools programme enables schools to run a single, short term project involving creative professionals.

Selection to the programme was based on schools in Herefordshire applying with their own 'enquiry' questions. They include:
• What are the conditions for developing and embedding creativity?
• How can creative planning and teaching raise standards of attainment and achievement in writing?

Schools then have the opportunity to investigate their 'enquiry' further with the help of their own creative agent. Newly appointed creative agents will work in partnership with their schools to plan the project. They will also assist them in securing a creative professional who will help deliver the project. Creative professionals can include an artist, dancer, graphic designer or even an architect or film maker and may work across the whole curriculum, including subjects traditionally seen as less creative, such as maths and science.

Sarah Laws, Arts Learning Officer at Herefordshire Council said: 'This is great news for our schools. Many of the county's children have already reaped the benefits from enjoying a range of creative projects, from film making to junk modelling and creative gardening. Participating in this new initiative means even more children will be able to learn in an exciting innovative way and enjoy meeting professional artists."
Becoming an Enquiry school enables pupils and teachers to unlock their own creativity, improving the learning of pupils and the skills of teachers involved. Schools that have previously taken part have reported improvements in pupil behaviour and school performance. Most schools continue to use the experience to influence whole- school change.

Teachers involved with the Enquiry Schools programme will receive additional training and support, starting with a two day project which will take them into the heart of the county to tackle challenges and solve problems. This exercise will then tie into the remainder of the training, which explores the creative process and learning.

Lesley Green, Director at Bright Space said: 'We are really looking forward to working in Herefordshire. The Enquiry Schools programme can enhance the learning of all children and the development of teachers. It also has a unique ripple effect, ensuring parents engage in their children's learning, and wider school community activities.'