Green Fingertips

Photo: Jo Whitham, Creative Junction

How can we develop and sustain the use of the outdoor environment to promote ownership and enjoyment of the teaching and learning of a creative integrated curriculum?

Summary of Activity

• Increase access to and extending wildlife areas to be used for teaching and learning
• Establishing an “Eco Club” to maintain/manage the environmental programme at the school in the long-term. The committee will involve pupils and dedicated staff members. Regular after-school sessions starting with textiles.
• To work towards a European exhibition in 2009 that will build links with other schools, artists and organisations internationally (see Futures project)
• Work with radio and film professionals on curriculum-based projects and to document work throughout the school.
• Work with a sports professional to devise physical/educational activities for the outdoor areas
• Delivering an integrated creative curriculum “The Creative Learning Journey” with topics that tie into the outdoor environment.
• Teachers are committed to finding ways of working alongside artists in lesson time.
• The school provides regular opportunities for planning, evaluation and CPD with artists.
• Staff ensure that the projects are documented using digital cameras, journals etc.

Aims

• To put the outdoor environment and creativity at the centre of integrated teaching and learning at the school.
• To empower pupils as having ownership over their education
• To ensure all work happens as a true partnership between artists, staff and pupils
• To ensure sustainability of the Creative Partnerships programme
• To encourage links with parents, other schools, the local community and organisations

CPMD ID - 6589