Memorandum submitted by Judith Williams, Headteacher, Peel Park Primary School, Accrington

 

I wish to offer the following comments and evaluation on the work and impact of Creative Partnerships in my school and why I believe that it should be promoted and extended.

 

Summary

1:1 Working more innovatively with Creative Partnerships and putting pupils centre stage by embedding personalised learning and the principles of every child matters ensures that we have the capacity to not only maintain but vastly improve standards. Creative Partnerships brings a dimension and resources that most schools cannot possibly access or develop on their own. An important aspect of this work is that the Producer, who has become the "Champion" for creativity facilitates the school's vision through external contacts and sourcing relevant experts. The increase in professional development opportunities and the impact on improved and creative practice is far reaching. Styles of learning and teaching have changed. Teacher's skills have improved and the sharing of ideas and approaches is permeating not only this but other school involved in the project in order to make a real difference to children's lives. A coaching model of practioners working alongside teachers in developing curriculum links is leading to deep learning and practice that is embedded rather than seen as a "bolt on" or a "treat". Links between the High Schools have improved and expertise is being freely shared as joint projects are developing and transition is improved. The school not only looks but feels different and importantly standards are improving. Enterprise and economic well being is being promoted through the projects e.g the children have developed the skills to run and manage a radio station. Pupils are having a greater say in how the school looks and is run. A Creative School Council has developed much greater opportunities for children to have a say in evaluating the running of the school. Pupil voice is at the heart of the activities and curriculum that we are developing. Creative Partnerships have become the catalyst that is enabling us to develop a more relevant, skills led and child centred curriculum.

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

2:1 My school is keen to develop more innovative ways of learning and we have worked with the school community to share our definition of creativity. We have at the heart of our Mission statement the following principles. We want our children to:

· develop imagination and creativity

· acquire skills and abilities

· have a love of learning

The core of our aspirations is to raise the achievements of our children and equip them with skills for life. As a result of developing a more creative curriculum we have developed a learning profile of a successful Y6 pupil and now work to achieve and provide a curriculum and experiences that enable our children to truly reach their potential in the broadest terms. Already we are seeing the impact this way of working is having in our school;-

· Pupils speak with enthusiasm and enjoyment of the new learning experiences (Greater emphasis on active learning, extended learning experiences, more visual literacy etc). This has created improved attitudes to learning.

· Pupils smile more and there is more laughter and evidence of enjoyment in school

· Pupils are more fully involved in determining content and in leading learning through the roles and opportunities they have been provided with e.g. "Turning the tables" - a project that allowed children to assess and evaluate learning in their own and other schools and then to present their finding to the full staff and Governors, with recommendations for change.

· Pupils are excited about the opportunities they have to influence the learning, and the way we do things

· The curriculum has changed as staff recognise what children have to say and how they learn best

· Pupils are developing skills in speaking and listening and are more able to debate, discuss, share and refine ideas. There are noisier, more active classrooms with more purposeful and relevant talk.

· Pupils have far more opportunities to perform and present to wider audiences than just their peers. This is developing their self confidence.

· Pupils are eager to share with visitors to their classrooms what they are learning or have found out for themselves.

· Pupils are beginning to develop imagination and creative responses to questions and problems that are posed to them

· Pupils are taking a much bigger lead in developing "enterprises" around school and therefore develop greater economic awarenesse.g School Newspaper, running a radio Station, developing a shop, vending machine

· Their technological skills are improving vastly as they learn to operate a radio station, manipulate sound and images

· Pupils are taking much more responsibility around school

· Behaviour is improving amongst more "challenging" boys.

· Many children have developed much greater self esteem

· End of KS2 SATS are significantly improved

· Parents comment frequently on the richness, variety and memorable learning experiences that their children have the opportunity to take part in

· The school has received a learning excellence award from the LA for developing innovative and creative ways to deliver the curriculum.

 

2:2 Longer term we expect to see more confident, independent learners, developed from day 1 in school. We also expect children to demonstrate a much greater degree of understanding and thinking skills as they have more opportunities to develop and apply skills in different contexts to embed deeper learning.

 

2:3 Already we feel that we are on the pathway to realising our vision for the school. Staff are feeling more energised and excited about unlocking the potential for creativity to flourish in our school. Standards are significantly higher.

 

2:4Working with experts on a sustained basis has enabled staff to develop their own skills, take risks and unlock their own potential in trying new ways of working. Staff and children are learning together.

 

2:5 Staff are more appreciative and value greatly the input of the pupils and the fantastic ideas they have. They are also being encouraged to take risks alongside pupils in exploring more creative ways of learning that can become embedded in the curriculum and the way we approach it.

 

Recommendations

3:1 To ensure that schools have the opportunity to develop and sustain creativity in schools, the Government should continue to fund Creative Partnerships. This champion of creativity has begun a work that all schools should have the opportunity to be touched by. The jobs that most of our 5 year olds will be employed in haven't even been invented yet. Skills in problem solving, team working and communication need to be developed early so that our young people are fit to take their place in a society in which the only constant is change.

 

July 2007