Press Release

Lakers students explore innovative approach to learning with local radio programme

Students from Lakers School in Coleford, Gloucestershire have produced the fourth radio programme in a series about young people, learning and creativity in the Forest Of Dean, which will be broadcast on Forest of Dean Radio (1521 & 1503 mw/am) on Wednesday 9 May at 1pm and on Sunday 27 May at 5pm.

The programme, part of a broader initiative which started in July 2006 with the aim of making teaching in school more engaging, involves 180 students aged 13 - 14 who were tasked with investigating what they would like to change about their school.

Working alongside the Gloucestershire based School of Emotional Literacy and following consultation with fellow students, parents and teachers, a student research group has implemented a new approach to learning called '7 up', a bi-weekly half-day session where students can explore their own ideas and identity. The radio broadcast next week features two students discussing their experiences of '7 up' and includes the thoughts of Ian Harman, a science teacher at Lakers.

This adventurous learning initiative is being supported by Creative Partnerships, a government-funded programme in operation across the Forest and in 35 other areas throughout the UK. The local Creative Partnerships team are working with young people in 26 primary and secondary schools across the Forest, encouraging teachers, creative organisations and individuals to work together in order to develop creative approaches to learning across all subject areas.

Commenting on this latest broadcast by the students, Rebekah Hooper, a teacher at Lakers school, said 'It’s been a really exciting project that has visibly improved the motivation, confidence and aspirations of our students. They have been actively leading this fresh approach to learning and have enjoyed being in control, negotiating their own objectives, selecting the messages and editing the programme material. It’s all about shaping the future of our communities, empowering young people and giving them a real voice.'

Notes for editors

NOTES TO EDITORS: Please also see: http://www.creative-partnerships.com/aboutcp/faqs/

1. Creative Partnerships is the Government’s flagship creativity programme for schools and young people, funded until 2008 by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Education and Skills and managed by Arts Council England. It works with schools, teachers, pupils, creative organisations/individuals and businesses. Its aim is to put creativity (see point 5) at the heart of schools, across all areas of the curriculum, so that young people are better prepared for work and life. The Forest is one of 36 areas in England to be involved in the programme.

2. In the Forest of Dean, Creative Partnerships is working with young people as equal partners, helping explore different ways of thinking and learning in order to:
· Build confidence linked to a sense of identity and values
· Raise aspirations for the area, within and beyond its borders
· Increase young people’s achievements
· Build the capacity of local organisations, individuals and networks

3. The work that Creative Partnerships has helped to develop in Forest schools ranges from a programme of research and evaluation of the school environment which is now integrated into the curriculum (Berry Hill Primary), to employing breakdancing, VJing, and the management techniques of leading sports psychologists and football managers to bring out the leadership skills in a group of teenagers labelled as ‘disruptive’ (Newent Secondary). For more information visit: www.creative-partnerships.com and the ‘Forest of Dean’ section.

4. Along with local schools, Creative Partnerships, Forest of Dean works closely with local creative organisations and individuals, including: Cinderford Artspace, Dean Heritage Museum, Air in G, Forestry Commission, Forest Community Media, Forest Education Business Partnership, Forest of Dean Music Makers, Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust and the Wilderness Centre.

5. Creativity means different things to different people. We believe that it is about being able to have original ideas and to apply them. This in turn requires lateral and imaginative thinking, reflecting on experiences, taking risks and challenging conventional wisdom. In today’s knowledge society, this range of transferable skills are sought after by employers and needed by communities. We believe young people with these skills will create a healthier, happier and more democratic society.

Contact details

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicky Sadler, 01594 837526 nicky@nnmarketing.co.uk
Creative Partnerships, Forest of Dean, Units 3-4, Brewery Business Centre,
Spout Lane, Bank Street, Coleford, Glos, GL16 8BA Tel: 01594 837526
Email: ForestofDean@creative-partnerships.com