Creativity in a new curriculum

As the Government desperately tries to find the right balance for a new curriculum in our schools, the call has gone out for space to be reserved for creativity.  Few things are certain, the English Baccalaurette will require the teaching of core subjects such as English and Maths and room has been found for PE and even History is now deemed to be important in any new thoughts of a new curriculum.  But should such a curriculum lead to examinations as the measure of success.  Voices are being heard asking for a more creative approach.  At St Chad's we are happy that we have found a balance which allows creativity to blossom.

Revolution in Singapore

Singapore's schools have become global role models, with consistently high results in international tests. But now they want to move beyond this - towards something that cultivates creativity and what they term as ''holistic education''.

This strategy aims to prepare today's students for the demands of the next 20 years. It means that schools are under more pressure - and will be given more leeway - to come up with creative ways to teach the syllabus.

The government in Singapore believe that "Education shapes the future of the nation... It is critical to survival and success”.  As a result they have raised the profile of the teaching profession and encouraged schools to become more innovative in their teaching methods.

In a recent call to remove primary school testing, a former member of Parliament said that the removal of tests would "free schools from this obsession of testing, and the teachers and educators can focus on teaching and learning".

Welcome to our website

In September 2011 St Chad's is introducing a new exciting curriculum with lessons called Creative Learning.  For two hours each week pupils in Year 7 will be involved in lessons designed to develop their creativity and improve their ability to become independent learners.  To help achieve this the year will be split into four major project areas - Myself and My Local Area, My Country, My World and Future World.

Survey

This week we set up an electronic survey for students in Year 7 to help assess the effectiveness of the Creative Learning programme.  The views expressed in the survey will help to shape the future of the programme at St Chad's.  Remember this is your programme so it is important that you have your say.

Presentation Day

Although we had to postpone the Presentation Day for parents and guardians, we were able to display a large amount of the work that students had completed during the first term - Myself and My Local Area on thursday 8 December.  This display took place in the Assembly Hall and students and staff were invited to visit the display area throughout the day.  It proved to be a great success and many students were proudly able to show off the work that they had completed.  For further details and images of the day go to the 'progress so far' page of this website.

Fantastic start to the programme

As the first half term comes to an end it is clear that the Creative Learning programme has become an important part of the Year 7 curriculum.  In addition to having fun, students have begun to develop the skills they will need to be more independent learners and have been keen to talk about their achievements.  Feedback has been terrific with many students leaving positive messages on the Creative Learning guestbook and facilitators have noticed the high levels of independent learning taking place.  Well done everyone - keep it up.

Key Themes

Raising aspirations

Improving literacy

Parental Involvement

Working with others

Independent learning

Encouraging creativity

Engaging the disaffected

Students work produced during the Creative Learning programme will be stored in an e-portfolio.  The design of this e-portfolio will be an opportunity for students to be creative and express their individuality.

Concept Classroom

To enable students to study in an environment conducive to fostering independent learning we will be using the newly developed Concept Classroom for some of the Creative Learning lessons in September.  The classroom allows students to learn in a space which features a variety of settings, some brimming full of technology such as, visualisers, short throw projectors, idea painted walls, podcast units and green screen technology and other areas designed to provide opportunities for collaborative work.