A group of looked after young people have moved into supported living accommodation in and as they took their first steps towards independence they hoped and expected arts and culture would become a part of their lives.
This short film explores their hope and expectations.
IGNITE was a collaborative project that combined a range of art forms and science, maths, design and technology with truly spectacular results. This short film documents the process and gives us an insight into the learning and teaching styles of Graiseley Primary School in Wolverhampton which has creativity at the centre of their curriculum.
Three schools in the Midlands recently had the opportunity to be the first in the world to experience 360 technology as part of their education. We are committed to developing and innovating 21st century learning using the digital tools of our time. We believe that submersible and immersive learning can be an invaluable construct of children’s education.
The following short film demonstrates the the application of this exciting digital tool and shows the reactions of teachers and pupils involved in the experience.
We have launched a new MEN AT WORK campaign to showcase outstanding male teachers working in primary schools. We are committed to raising awareness of the positive impact male teachers have and try to encourage more people into the profession. There is huge opportunity to improve education by attracting men into teaching assistant and teaching roles and our observational short films will highlight how important it is to get MEN AT WORK in primaries. Our first film ‘Days of the Week’ shows Mr Patel working in Foundation Stage, it’s a lovely short film showing the joy of learning and teaching, we hope you enjoy it and that you will support our campaign to get blokes teaching.
Year 4 learners from Short Wood Primary School immersed themselves in creative literacy workshops designed to ignite their passion for language and enhance their knowledge and understanding of storytelling. Working with a professional writer and illustrator inspired them to create books for younger readers entitled ‘The Gentle Giant’ and ‘The Hungry Friends’. Both books illustrate how we should all embrace and celebrate diversity and reflect the core values of the children and their community.
The project inspired the children to perform their stories at the local Drama Festival as use them as a design narrative for land art in the school grounds.
Working with reception children at Greenacres primary school to transform a concrete quad into a beautiful woodland for Colin the caterpillar!
The children were involved and fully participated in all aspects of the process beginning the project with a set of problems to solve that ignited the early years curriculum. Colin the caterpillar ( a lovely glove puppet!) had nowhere to live and needed a shelter and somewhere he could grow and thrive and fulfill his life cycle. The children were fed up with their outdoor learning environment and also needed somewhere to thrive and grow and participate in inspired learning encounters. The rest is history and the result has been an outstanding success with children, teachers and parents.
An innovative dance project in a primary school to engage boys with dance and film making. Professional male dancers from DanceXchange’s ‘Funny Bones’ show worked with 15 boys from Teagues Bridge Primary School in Telford to create a site specific dance inspired by the boys’ interest in sports.
The boys used flip cameras to document their own creative process and reflected on their experience, sharing their thoughts and ideas. This short film presents the highlights and captures the magic of this innovative project.
A great demonstration of urban arts and technically spectacular performances. Working alongside Telford and Wrekin council, we launched one of the ten national three-year pathfinder programmes entitled Find Your Talent. Project 360 was a spectacular urban arts revolution performed to a live audience of thousands.It was linked to to the work we were developing as part of the cultural olympiad and was a leading catalyst in opening opportunities for young people to access a wider programme of cultural activities. Delivered through Telford Culture Zone,(one of the first casualties of the last election outcome) it symbolised hope, aspiration and the rights of young people ( including those in disadvantaged communities) to participate and enjoy arts & cultural activities.
This event and the pre and post event workshops responded to to the needs of local communities and helped them come together and participate in high quality cultural activities. Its a shame to to be reading that after the build up and fantastic success of many aspects of the cultural olympiad, many local authorities are announcing the brutal cuts enforced upon them that undermine the arts and cultural activities and in some cases doing away with arts & cultural activities altogether. This can only damage communities and in particular the young people are the heart of them. As artists and creatives we have to make sure we don’t internalise or accept the current persuasive negativity and insist upon freedom to create and express creativity. What we do has never been about money and we can always find ways to inspire, raise debate and make sure young people access and exercise their right to arts & culture.
Five students from St Mary’s Short Stay School in Redditch have produced a short, dynamic film aimed at explaining the reality of ‘SSS’ life. The students visited various units around the county interviewing staff and pupils to find out the facts about ‘SSS’s’…
What is a Short Stay School?
Who goes to them?
How do they change people?
What are your thoughts on changing ‘PRU’s’ to ‘Short Stay Schools’?
The challenge was to present the role and the positive impact of Short Stay Schools and create a contemporary, accessible resource for young people, their parents and carers, education professionals and the wider community. It is envisaged that new entrants to the SSS’s will be able to watch the DVD along with their parents/carers and have a positive image of the Short Stay Schools and the opportunities they offer.
During the sessions the young people involved learnt many new skills such as interview techniques, film, photography, marketing and event management. The film was showcased at Palace Theatre, Redditch the event was a huge success and the young people involved being acclaimed for their achievements.
The Oakengates Theatre@The Place played host to two spectacular evenings of drama, showcasing a wonderful collection of short performances performed by local young people, emerging new acting talent and professional drama companies.
The very first Telford Drama festival proved to be an important addition to the cultural calender as well as an excellent opportunity for local young people to develop their drama skills and share their talent with the wider community in a theatre setting. Actor and storyteller Andy Hawkins supported all participating schools in the festival by running drama workshops to aid with performance skills and techniques. The festival culminated in an exciting and energetic evening, showcasing the best of young people from across Telford and Wrekin alongside professional drama companies and practitioners.