Arts in schools

The crucial role of creativity and personal development is evidenced in many recent reports, including Young People’s Cultural Journeys, Arts Connect (June 2018). This emphasises the role that the creative arts play in the emotional, aspirational, economic and educational development of children.

We witness the transformative nature of creativity; it has tremendous power and impact on learning, well-being, attainment and sense of self within young people. We see this in the leadership programmes that we deliver in schools across the region. Performance, spoken word, textile and digital arts are vehicles for young people to express themselves, harness their aspirations and present themselves to the world. Read about how arts were used at Westminster School’s leadership programme here.

How we can work with you

We offer uniquely designed leadership training courses for young people. These are matched to the values and PHSE priorities of the school, and reflect the individual interests, skills and needs of each participant. Courses include: communication and presentation skills, creativity, problem-solving, and an appreciation of different perspectives.
We identify potential young leaders and mentors from within the school community who may coproduce the leadership programme. This may form part of a Duke of Edinburgh or Arts Award submission.
We use community connecting to actively link young people to their wider community.
We run bespoke poetry slams in schools, which raise awareness of topics such as mental health and provide a fresh approach to skills such as creative writing.

Other things you may be interested in

Leadership development in schools

Community Connecting

Poetry books from our work in schools

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Quality of Life approach
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Changing Our Lives is a rights-based organisation. We work alongside disabled people and people experiencing mental health difficulties, of all ages, as equal partners to find solutions to social injustice and health inequalities.
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