Lead Creative Schools

Creative learning through the arts – an action plan for Wales.

The Lead Creative Schools Scheme provides the opportunity to explore creative approaches to teaching and learning with the support of creative agents and practitioners.

Each project is unique and is designed to help address specific challenges identified in the school’s development plan. In addition, it aims to nurture the creativity of learners, raise attainment and support whole school change to prepare for Curriculum for Wales 2022.

Schools who have engaged with the scheme receive a grant to develop creative learning and professional development within the school. They work closely with a Creative Agent and select creative practitioners to work alongside classroom teachers to co-design and co-construct the learning for and with the pupils. Projects are exploratory by their nature and often situated not only in the classroom but also in other areas of the school, the school grounds and the locality – for example the beach, the woods, a local park. It is a highly reflective programme and the process is designed to encourage teachers to explore their teaching and learning approaches, to be willing to try different ways of engaging and to gauge the impact on their pupils. Examples of how schools have used the grant to develop learning experiences outdoors are shown below.