Memorandum submitted by Michelle Garvey, Alsop High School

Role: AST Creative Learning and Teaching

Specialism: Science Biology Teacher

Teaching for 10 years 4 of that as AST worked in many different schools through Liverpool. Develop creative learning and teaching within Alsop High School (staff training) and manage Creative learning projects. Also deliver training and workshops for LEA.. ¹

Pupils Achievement

Over the many projects undertaken at Alsop High School all students involved have had a very positive learning experience which they would not have done so without the influence and support of Creative Partnerships. ²

The students involved in projects are able to learn in a more open ended way that links their activity to a much broader context. This allows them to make connections with other influences in their life. ³

The invaluable experiences that students obtain from involvement with Creative Partnerships has lead to greater pupil motivation within the project that they then have taken with then to the rest of their studies. ⁴

Last year a project linking science to art was incalculable experience for them. The students studied Pressure and Moments by producing paintings and an animation. This was a very low ability group and not only did the students gain a better understanding of pressure and moments but also learnt new skills, how to work as a group and produced work that they could take pride in and that no one else had done. I also relished the opportunities to develop a creative scheme of work and the chance to work with artists that provided a wealth of stimulating ideas and a different outlook. (Copies of scheme, pupils animations and evaluations are available upon request.) ⁵

Many similar projects have been developed and engaged our students such as using digital video, Clapperboard project, textile students working with Nook and Willow, Maths at the Tate gallery are just a few projects that have engaged our students this year. None of which would have been possible without the support of Creative Partnerships . ⁶

All these projects raise student achievements, attainment and motivation often harnessing the most difficult and low ability students. The wider view is also impressive as students can meet professionals form different areas, learn how to socialise with others, work as a team and most importantly enjoy their learning. ⁷

Impact on Teachers

Creative Partnerships are not only beneficial to the learning of students but also has allowed colleagues to promote their professional development and to enhance and gain skills. Creative Partnerships has helped me to plan and provide professionals to deliver two insets (one twilight and one whole day). Both having a positive impact on the professional development of the staff at Alsop . ⁸

Having creative professionals working in the school, also has a positive impact on staff motivation when they can see their influence upon the students. Many staff at our school have worked on a one to one basis with the creative professionals and this has led to growth of both parties. Many staff are now willing to set challenging and creative activities for their students which are providing a more enlightened way for our students to move through their education. ⁹

Student skills and benefits

§ Creates independent learners

§ Provides co operation and socially integrated teaching

§ Avoids fractured knowledge

§ Shows students how to be tolerant of errors

§ Allows self evaluation

§ Learns how to cope with failure and frustrations

§ Provides meaningful enrichment

§ Promotes self challenge and stimulation

§ Promotes group interactions

§ Reduces stress

§ Encourages social interactions ¹⁰

Conclusion and recommendations

Creativity in learning is vitally important to the continual improvement and learning experiences in our schools for example;

• Many new course (BTEC) that need a new approach to teaching

• Many organisations now have to train staff in creativity as it is not addressed as a whole in schools

• Allows students to learn in an different way

• Exploits all learning styles

• Creates fun and interest in their work

• Motivates low ability classes and allows them to achieve successes. ¹¹

The overall experience of having been a Creative Partnerships School is priceless, many students having gained experiences that they would not have otherwise done. The new approaches to learning and teaching have been essential in raising standards of our pupils but also has led to a wider social and personal development amongst others. For most students it is a more engaging way to learn and promotes their own skills and as such increased confidence. This has been much the same experience for staff who have been given the confidence to try new and challenging ways to educate their students. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Creative Partnerships and have now used the skills that I have developed with them over the past few years to deliver a Session on Creativity in Science teaching at the Merseyside Science conference so the good practice can be promoted and shared. ¹²

^{July 2007}