Key findings from Creative Partnerships Nottingham programme 2004-06

Hester Cockcroft, an independent researcher, was commissioned by Creative Partnerships Nottingham to produce a summary of the evaluative data and other documentation produced by participants over the two year period. The report summarises the key findings from each of the five 'theme groups' drawing on creative programmes in thirty schools, to identify what school staff, creative practitioners and pupils had learnt and discovered.

Participants found that:

• There was a positive impact on young people’s engagement with learning and achievement. Pupils’ expanded their ability to imagine and think creatively. They had greater ownership of their learning and their motivation to learn increased. Their cognitive skills and the ability to grasp abstract concepts improved, they could solve problems more effectively and work together more productively. Positive changes in patterns of behaviour and improved relationships with teachers were observed.
• Teachers and school staff rediscovered the excitement of learning again, and were re-energised by their involvement in creative activities. They had renewed confidence, enthusiasm and sense of purpose. They acquired new creative teaching techniques, and were more willing to take risks and try out new ideas.
• Creative practitioners gained a deeper understanding of the needs and interests of children and young people, the school community, the curriculum and the education system. They brought a new perspective to the school community, for example by contributing ideas, different ways of thinking, and acting as positive role models for pupils.
• Young people, teachers and creative practitioners learning together and trusting each other are at the centre of all creative learning practice.

These findings are particularly relevant for school staff and creative practitioners participating in or planning creative learning projects. Please download a copy of Hester's report.

Hester's report includes references to resource information which relates to each theme group. These resources are downloadable from this news page by following the links below. To obtain a copy of the DVDs, please email the CP Nottingham office at nottingham@creative-partnerships.com

Creative Curriculum Theme Group A: Key Findings
What is a creative curriculum? (written report by Lizzie Haines)
How to sustain a creative curriculum (written report by Lizzie Haines)
How can contemporary art help to develop creative thinking? (written report by Rebecca Beinart)
Bring it on: Nurturing and sustaining creativity in the school curriculum (DVD)

Creative Curriculum Theme Group B: Key Findings
Creativity and the School Curriculum (DVD)

Creative Spaces Theme Group: Key Findings
Creative Spaces (DVD Rom)

Personalised Learning Theme Group: Key Findings
Personalised Learning: Two Different Approaches (written report by Lizzie Haines)
Personalised Learning Shared (DVD)

Speaking, Listening and Writing Theme Group: Key Findings
Speaking, Listening and Writing (DVD)