mybluesky launches phase 2

First piloted in Bristol, mybluesky uses a specialist combination of 1:1 support and small, friendly workshops to help teachers rediscover their creativity and boost their confidence.

The course works on the belief that everyone is creative and that teachers who understand and are comfortable with creativity have the confidence to freely support children’s ideas and allow space for their experimentation and creative growth.

'I'm having so much more fun teaching - applying creative ideas to the curriculum - and the children are enjoying what they do much more too.' Sue Pennell - Primary teacher

mybluesky participants receive an individually tailored development programme that explodes the myths surrounding creativity and offers practical tools to support creative thinking. This is a uniquely personal journey, building confidence and self-esteem along the way. Teachers are asked to reflect on their learning and give each other peer support. They are encouraged to experiment, transfer their learning into the school setting and explore the impact that a creative approach has on the children they teach.

The objectives of mybluesky are to champion self-advocacy, to ask 'what if?' and encourage playfulness whilst stretching people’s comfort zones in a safe environment. We want everyone to enjoy the journey and meet new friends along the way.

'The mybluesky creative journey has been so enjoyable and I have learned more each session. It has made me think far more openly - the knowledge that I can do things - try it and see. It has given me the confidence to have a go.' Karen Fry - Early Years teacher

The feedback from the initial pilot was extremely positive. At the end of the course everyone felt able to continue his or her creative confidence journey and 9 out of 10 people said they will continue to share what they have learnt from mybluesky.

Emotional benefits for individual participants include:
more confident teachers; increased enjoyment and enthusiasm; improved work/life balance; less frustration with curriculum restraints; less negativity and reduced stress.

'I am a more relaxed and confident teacher.' Lisa Milner - Secondary teacher

The benefits for participating schools are equally significant, and include:
more proactive teachers; creativity tools; improved contribution to staff team; more creative lesson plans; teachers who are open to change; more engaged pupils and staff who can run creativity workshops.

Rio and Creative Partnerships Bristol are leading the next phase of mybluesky in the South West and are researching the potential for accreditation.

Expressions of interest are being sought for courses beginning in January in Bristol, Plymouth and the Forest of Dean. More courses are planned for later in 2008 so we would also like to hear from those interested in taking part in the mybluesky programme elsewhere in the country.

If you are interested in finding out more, or would like to express your interest, please contact Jemma Stapleton on 0117 989 7742 or email jemma.stapleton@creative-partnerships.com