Hearts on Fire

A programme of exploratory/diagnostic work, including professional development for teachers; taster workshops; research into schools' needs; and consultation with them about their aspirations.

Using the theme of Hearts on Fire as a starting point (what are your burning questions? what sets your heart on fire?), a variety of creative partners (including Walk the Plank, Planet Sound, Spearfish, and Letting in the Light) working in a wide range of media and art forms (including fire drawing, site specific dance, urban music and interactive media hub design) will be in schools for three days in November.

For some schools working with creative partners was a new experience altogether, for others, it provided a chance to expand their horizons. For all schools, artists, children, staff and sometimes parents joined together to think about the theme as a starting point for their Creative Journey.

As well as thinking, planning and working together, the partnerships produced at least three new school songs, some dance in toilets, 12 fire drawings, soundtracks made from sounds sampled from around the school, wax resist panels, powerpoint presentations, raps, love letters written from students to their school, drama work, installations of artwork, but mostly enthusiasm, positive ideas, good communication and a sense of excitement.

The DVD which was produced was shown at a showcase in January.

To complement this work, each school will carry out an exploratory pilot project with a creative practitioner or organisation. The projects will differ widely, but their overarching aim is to encourage schools to think creatively about what issues they want their involvement with Creative Partnerships to focus on over the next few years.