Following Welsh Government's recent announcement about their decision regarding Curriculum for Wales support grants, Arts Council of Wales is pleased to share the new content of the Creative Learning Cymru programme for the next three years.
By placing the arts and creativity at the heart of education, this ambitious programme will continue to support schools to develop new methods of curriculum design, support teachers to explore innovative teaching and learning methods, and support learners to fulfil their potential.
We are looking to build on the successes of the last decade where we successfully worked directly with 1,397 schools across Wales, enabling over 370,000 learner participations. In addition to this, training opportunities were provided to over 7,500 teachers and work was created for 700 creative professionals.
There will be three main elements related to the new Creative Learning Cymru programme: Explore; Experiment; Extend. See below for more information.
Explore
Explore will offer professional development opportunities for schools to foster and build creative learning methods, specifically across key areas such as curriculum design, literacy and health and wellbeing. Led by an experienced team at Creative Learning Cymru with in-depth knowledge of innovative teaching strategies, together with a select group of Creative Learning Facilitators, this initiative will be a firm introduction to Creative Learning pedagogy. The sessions will be designed for motivating teachers to consider teaching methods that respond to the diverse needs of learners, encouraging creativity, engagement and an inclusive learning experience. Participants will have the opportunity to examine best practices, analyse case studies, and undertake practical exercises that can have a positive impact on learners’ learning experience.
Experiment
Experiment will offer an active platform for teachers to collaborate closely through an enquiry-led approach, with the support of Creative Learning Partners, to strategically and practically incorporate creative learning methods within the classroom. As with Explore, the enquiries will focus on literacy development, health and wellbeing and curriculum design. The enquiry topic will respond to the school’s development plan, and the Creative Learning Partner will champion creative learning principles. This will enrich the curriculum and allow for authentic learning experiences that engage learners and inspire teachers. By operating through an enquiry-led approach, the creative team – teachers, learners and the Creative Partners – will build stronger collaborative relationships and foster effective communication, supporting creative and innovative growth at all levels of the school.
Extend
Extend is aimed at schools that have already developed significant knowledge of creative learning and hope to expand and integrate these methods at departmental level or across the whole school. We will call on the experience and expertise of schools that have been part of the Lead Creative Schools Scheme to share good practice with other schools, as well as further challenge their own understanding of creative learning. We will encourage communication between schools at local authority level, strengthening the ability to collaborate creatively, developing internal leadership, and ensuring creative methods are nurtured in a stable and sustainable manner. Our current Creative Leadership Programme will continue to support schools as they refine their curriculum and pedagogy, ensuring that all learners have an equal opportunity to experience the four purposes.
Experiencing the Arts
In addition to the three new elements, schools will continue to benefit from the Creative Learning Cymru ‘Go and See’ and ‘Have a Go’ grant funds. These funds bring the Expressive Arts to life by offering visits to quality arts venues across Wales, focusing specifically on developing literacy, language, and communication through the five disciplines of the Expressive Arts Area of Learning and Experience: art, dance, drama, film and digital media and music.
Opportunities to Join
We will advertise opportunities for the role of Creative Learning Partners and Creative Learning Facilitators jointly in due course, giving schools and creative professionals the opportunity to influence the development of this work and participate in the programmes throughout the new academic year. An open application process will ensure that the work is provided by creative professionals who have the passion, skills and vision to shape a positive and sustainable change to creative learning in Wales.