Raising the profile of creativity through CPD

Susanne Batchelor

sbatchelor@scotborders.gov.uk

The Scottish Borders 2013/14 CLN focused on three key elements; strategic development, communication and a programme of CPD. The programme included a series of six ‘Creative Meets’, held in each of the learning communities and aimed at Cultural Ambassadors (nominated representatives for creativity in their school).

October 2013-March 2014

To raise the profile of our CLN and of creativity in the context of Curriculum for Excellence. The sessions were an opportunity for Cultural Ambassadors to meet and discuss creativity in their practice. We shared key documentation around creativity, such as Scotland’s Creative Learning Plan and the HMIE Aspect Review. Participants took part in creative workshops and discussions with creative partners.

45 Class Teachers

The Scottish Borders Council Creative Learning Team in partnership with Borders College Creative Catalyst. Workshop sessions were also delivered
by Archaeology Scotland Simone Russell – Createaspace Mat Clements –
Where’s the One Caroline Adam – The Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre

It was an opportunity for class teachers to explore creativity in their practice and meet with creative partners. This is the only opportunity for class
teachers to meet for a whole day with teachers from other schools in their
learning community. It was also the first opportunity for most to hear about

the Aspect Review and Scotland’s Creative Learning Plan.

Participants were given the task of animating the creativity skills using ipads and a range of materials. They used their imagination to come up with
interesting ways to use the materials to express the creativity skills. They
had to be inquisitve and open-minded to the process and had to solve

problems along the way.

As a result of today’s event I will be more aware when planning of how I  ensure I build in regular opportunities to be creative look at how/where we
use creativity and how best to record creativity skills and include in current
evaluations

We already do a lot of creative things in different areas of the curriculum – be more confident

45 teachers are more aware of the role of creativity in learning and teaching and are keen to encourage creativity in their schools. The staff are aware of the findings of the Aspect Review and Scotland’s Creative Learning Plan and know where to find resources and contacts. They are also aware of how to work with creative partners. This will be evidenced through a report as all discussions were captured and documented at the events. All participants completed evaluation forms and the comments have been summarised and added to the report. The report, along with a 3 year development plan will be put forward for approval from Education Management Team in the near future.

Animations on Vimeo

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