Giants (5x5x5)

Four Acres Primary School participated in 5x5x5, a major research project, inspired by the creative educational approach of early years settings in Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy.

Creative Partnerships Bristol supported Four Acres Primary School to participate in 5x5x5, a major research project, inspired by the creative educational approach of early years settings in Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy.

The school was linked with artist Shirley Pegna and the Cube Cinema in Bristol city centre and together they supported the children in exploring, communicating and expressing creative ideas.

5x5x5 involves two groups of five early years settings, five artists and five cultural centres working in partnership to support young children's creativity. Innovative creative projects emerge from this process, with artists, educators and cultural centres working together to support children (3-5 years) in their exploration, communication and expression of creative ideas. The project has been inspired by the creative educational approach of early years settings in Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy and the experiences of Sightlines Initative's Creative Foundation project (the UK Reggio Children link).

The project is managed by Bath and North East Somerset Arts Development Team and supported by the Early Years Development Childcare Partnership. The project is now in its second year.

To demonstrate ways in which creativity and innovation can be fostered in and with young children.

To influence early years education practice by establishing creativity as an essential foundation of early learning.

To share findings as widely as possible, creating a legacy for the future.

Children participated confidently and showed high levels of involvement which increased when they had ownership of the project.
Teachers learned to work collaboratively with an artist and cultural centre – became co-learners alongside children.
Improved parental involvement: one parent made a film documenting the project and has since developed her interest in film making.