Memorandum submitted by Kate Davies, teacher and Creative Partnerships co-ordinator, Yeoman Park School, Nottinghamshire

 

I. Please find enclosed a 5 minute DVD supporting the work of Creative Partnerships in our School. There is written information contained within this DVD with record to recommendations for action by the Government and the impact of creative teaching and Creative Partnerships.

 

2. The submitter is Kate Davies, teacher and Creative Partnerships co-ordinator for the School. She is Teacher with 10 year's experience in Special Schools. She is also the learning co-ordinator for all Core Subjects for the Secondary age students in the School.

 

The written details in the DVD are as follows.

 

3. Yeoman Park is a School for students age 3-19 with Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties. Many of our students also have Autism, very challenging behaviour and complex medical conditions.

 

4. There is no 'off the peg' curriculum for these students provided by the government, as in mainstream Schools. Yet, we are still challenged to work within the confines of National Curriculum. Our students needs and learning requires all teaching staff to be creative to make the curriculum meaningful and engaging.

 

5. "Creative thinking is key to excellent practise in Special Schools. Working with Creative Partnerships strengthens and enhances our creative thought processes." Kate, Teacher, Yeoman Park School

 

6. Enjoyment, engagement and achievement is what we strive for at Yeoman Park School. Not forgetting to have fun along the way!

 

7. Special Education is only 35 years old. It is a challenging and exciting field to work in. To move forwards, we need to work with partners, especially creative thinkers. Our status as a Creative Partnerships 'Hub' School enables this.

 

8. Our 'Vision' for our work with Creative Partnerships states that...

 

". .we wish to see our school recognised regionally and beyond, as an educational and cultural venue and resource. This would provide an important commodity for a community currently bereft of creative opportunities and cultural experiences.

 

We hope to - a vibrant exciting and engaging curriculum for persons with PMLD. What we know we can achieve would be an example for me future."

 

9.Help us achieve this by continuing to support Creative Partnerships.

 

 

July 2007