Creative Careers and Change
Introduction
The main focus of the project was promoting creative careers awareness through interaction with a range of professionals.
The theme for the project was linked to our transition from First to Primary School, and took place in the final term in the old building (from April to June 2009).
Photographs, illustrations, interviews with parents/teachers/children, music and creative writing came together resulting in a website which became part of our old school memorabilia and our promotion of the new school plus a story book.
Outcomes
Part of our aim was to develop creative thinkers who have the skills to think about and communicate their aspirations for the future. The children were encouraged to interact with the new school build using a variety of media.
The children developed a range of skills linked to multi-media ICT, drawing, photography plus Speaking & Listening and Creative Writing (dependent upon the practitioner they were working with).
Together we explored and creatively ‘represented’ what the new school means, giving children first hand access to people involved in creative industries.
Creative Agent: Karen Rann
web designer: John Picton from Elmnet.co.uk
photographer: Shirley Anne Wood
writer: Helen Limon
audio specialist: Nicola Lumley
illustrator: Bethan Lavers
Sessions
The practitioners used the first session to promote awareness and excite interest in the skills/interests needed to pursue their chosen career. Subsequent sessions revolved around group activities aimed at promoting skills practically, encapsulating memories of the school and aims for the future in school and beyond.
Story Book
The project resulted in a story book illustrated by the children and told in their words, and included a trip to Potts publishers to see how the book would be printed. Each child received a copy – further copies are in the school library.
Quotes
From Children:
“I’ve got imagination coming out of the top of my brain”
“She lets you risk things” “she makes really hard things simpler to do”
From a practitioner:
“Children taking ideas home and coming up with lyrical ideas… has influenced other children to do the same.”
From a teacher:
“Opportunities for development after this project are vast; children are able to apply skills e.g communication, working in teams, sharing ideas /thoughts through audio medium”
