Stimulating Creativity

Cardinal Wiseman School & Language College: ‘Creative Confidence’

  • Date:
    2009 - 2010
  • Introduction:
  • Article:

    Our Achievement

    • Every member of staff now has a teacher portfolio in which to record and evidence creative practice.  30% of staff came to the creativity conference and every member of staff is part of a learning trio.
    • Every Wednesday, from 2.35pm, the timetable has been adjusted to allow a rolling programme of sessions to take place, including workshops at least once a half term to facilitate the exploration of creative teaching and learning.
    • A major focus for the school has been to improve the quality of teaching and learning and, therefore, for more lessons to be judged good or outstanding.  The last full Ofsted said this was being acheived in 39% of lessons.  The health check in 2009 reported 55%.  Interim Ofsted monitoring reported 61% and the 2010 health check indicating 68%.
    • The proportion of children achieving 5 A to C grades has increased from 45% in 2008 and 79% in 2009 to 91.1% in 2010.  The proportion achieving 5 A to C grades in English and Maths has increased from 34.9% in 2008 and 41% in 2009 to 50.2% in 2010.
    • 'Creative Confidence' is a contributing factor in the ongoing improvements in pupil engagement and attainment.

    The Feedback

    "Our teachers are trying new things to make their lessons more interesting and creative."

    "We all need to be thinking and teaching more creatively in order to allow students to develop their own creativity and thus increase their learning and enjoyment."

    "Hearing what other teachers are brave enough to try is really inspiring."

    "It has had an impact on my planning; I try and involve more of the student voice."

    "Links have been made between departments, for example, art doing mug shots for history and there have been links between year groups.  Sixth formers came in to talk about their Auschwitz visit."

    "Students have had the opportunity to reflect on previous work...to think about their own learning, and how they prefer to learn."

    "I used to think of students almost as 'clients'.  I have changed my thinking and see them more as partners."

    The Cre8us effect...at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School and Language College: 'Creative Confidence'

    To broaden the impact of the work and develop a school-wide understanding of creative processes, a working group, comprising those in key positions around the school, was formed.  It gathered and disseminated information to a wide range of teachers.

    A series of continuous professional development activities were put in place at the start of the academic year, the purpose of which was to enhance the teachers' understanding of the creative process and help them develop the skills required to support the planned programme.

    The school introduced flexible learning days and structured them to help embed creativity, supporting the teachers as they took risks and developed their own confidence.  Each flexible learning day incorporated some form of celebration and parents were invited to attend.

    Creative Agent: Nicola Richardson

    Creative Practitioners: Barbara Jones, Debra Cleeland, Stewart Derry, Jacqui Rodger, Dom Breadmore, Philippa Cross, Nikki Pugh, Suzanne Winfield

    School: Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School and Language College, Coventry

    If you are interested in this project and would like to find out more, please visit the Creative Partnerships' Project Database where you will be able to view Cardinal Wiseman's Project Planning Form and Project End Form for their 2009-10 programme.