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Memorandum submitted by High Storrs School, Sheffield
We are pleased to write a letter in support of Creative Partnerships with whom we have a good and growing bond.
High Storrs School has always valued imagination, creativity and innovation within teaching and learning. As examples, we have offered whole school INSET on creativity, all colleagues have set Performance Management targets relating to creativity in the classroom and many colleagues have attended external training on the development of creativity as it relates to the 'All Our Futures' document. Consequently, when we decided to apply for specialist school status, we examined our curriculum and saw that this was a superb opportunity to showcase our expertise and excellence in the Performing Arts which have always been strong subjects in school.
We were successful in this and became a specialist school in the Performing Arts in 2002; our bid centred on the primacy of creativity across the curriculum. Shortly after this a member of staff was instrumental in the appointment of staff to Creative Partnerships and the relationship began to grow from this point.
In 2004 we were successful in our application for a CARA research project which resulted in an outstanding display of large photographic installations documenting creativity around the school. Many visitors comment most favourably on the aesthetics of this project. This was an interactive project which examined the impact of creativity whilst also developing valuable media skills. Working with an external practitioner funded by Creative Partnerships raised the skill levels of our pupils and staff and enhanced their awareness of creative learning.
Currently we are in the first stages of planning for our next CARA project which involve Dance and Digital Media. We are also applying for a mini grant from Creative Partnerships to fund an installation to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our school on its current site.
In summary, we have developed an excellent relationship with Creative Partnerships which works to mutual benefit and we hope that funding will continue in an area which merges the arts and education, both of crucial importance in the holistic development of our students.
We attach some photographs from the initial CARA project[1]; a copy of the specialist school bid is available should it be required.
June 2007
[1] Not published |