Collaborative Away Afternoon – Arts-Based Learning
Last week (June 2023) a vibrant, 25-strong group of primary school teachers, professional artists, and local arts organisations from two Paul Hamlyn Foundation funded projects in Torbay and Devon met at On The Hill to share learning and build on their confidence to use arts-based approaches across the curriculum. We could not have asked for more perfect weather, allowing most of the activity to take place outdoors, inspired by nature, and creating a most memorable event. The unique setting created a much-needed opportunity to break away from the day to day and experience first-hand how a bit of creative space and time in the outdoors with others can unlock new ideas and refresh and enliven practice.
Both projects are primarily working in drama, with related art forms (sound, radio, filmmaking). Talking Turns in Torbay and South Devon (lead organisation Daisi with project partners Doorstep Arts, Sound Communities, and Riviera Education Trust) and MED Theatre’s project in rural Devon schools including Dartmoor are creating longer-term arts-based partnerships with over 20 schools between them. This adds up to a very special opportunity for teachers and artists to collaborate in looking closely at how our children and young people can benefit from arts-based teaching and learning.
“Watching a primary school teacher lead a group of peers and professional artists in a drama activity with confident expertise and clear enjoyment. Joining a procession of teachers and artists climbing the hill whilst singing a just-learned song in 4 rounds and gathering items from the land to create a shared score for percussion. Being in the midst of a melee of enthusiasm and networking over scones at an open barn’s huge trestle table. Listening to mixed groups of teachers and artists passionately discussing how best to support progression for their most vulnerable young people. Hearing the children’s own creative work fill the airwaves through their radio plays. This was a special day – of new skills, new relationships, and a lot of fun!”
“It was a lovely afternoon – so many inspiring people in one space.”
“Can I just take this opportunity to say thank you. This has been such a great development opportunity for myself and is really evolving my practice. I am excited to see how my new class engage next September.”
The event provided lots of opportunity for everyone to participate in drama, music, writing and film activities together, to share and explore approaches and ideas that have worked well in schools so far, and equally importantly to network and make new, supportive local contacts over refreshments in the idyllic refectory barn.
Both projects continue through to July 2024. For further information please get in touch with us at Daisi – kate@daisi.org.uk
All images are courtesy of Doorstep Arts.
