Enquiry Schools

In the Enquiry Schools programme, schools work with Creative Partnerships for a year to explore how creative teaching and learning can enhance their practice.

Enquiry schools decide on a specific focus for their programme in relation to the broader needs of the school.

The key characteristic of Enquiry Schools is collaboration between the school, creative professionals and young people, helping to bring the curriculum to life, providing new ways for learners to engage with subjects and develop increased motivation for learning. All Creative Partnerships programmes allow time for in-depth planning, co-delivery and reflection.

Enquiry Schools are given a grant of £3000 and contribute £1000 themselves and schools can apply to the Enquiry School programme through their local Creative Partnership delivery organisation.

The role of creative professionals

A distinctive feature of the Creative Partnerships programme is the creative agent: an experienced creative professional who is highly skilled in working in educational settings. Enquiry schools are entitled to six days of Creative Agent time.

Successful projects involve a broad range of creative professionals from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines including: artists, musicians, dancers, scientists, architects, cooks and gardeners. This mix of professionals means that projects can be designed to appeal to a broad range of interests and learning styles.

Creative Agents draw on their practical experience of creativity and act as a catalyst and help schools identify creative practitioners, advise on programme development and project management