Defining The First Creative Term

The past few weeks have been a hive of activity and we have been working with staffs and students to try and define our first piece of creative work in the school.  The research we have conducted has given us an enquiry based question around 'Who am I, Who are We?'.

I think this is an excellent starting point, giving us an opportunity to explore together a creative process and build some strong foundation relationships.  The project proposal forms are the next section of work that needs completing, along with allocating budget.

(12.07.08)

Change School Meeting 1

Meeting with Imogen and discussed looking at lines of enquiry and a working arrangement for consultation.  The framwork documents were highlighted as ways of working to develop the Project Plan documentation.

Did an enquiry based exercise around - Why don't we meet the needs of all our learners?

• Discussed the idea about personal well-being and relationships for success and what relationships need to be present for constructive change?
• How do we build new relationships to support change?

Experiential Learning The Main Findings

The past two days have been powerful and have provoked an emotional response.  I can say it has been profound in shaping my own thoughts and ideas on the way I work as a school leader.

1.  The creative process as a vehicle for school transformation.  I feel that the process of questioning, enquiry, activities, reflection and formulation of new questions gives a deep experiences for all those involved in a community.  It gives rich information from different perspectives and a rounded picture of what everyone is thinking.  The process digs deep into the heart of the issues in subtle ways that give meaning.

2.  Creative Agents and our Imogen Noble.  This relationship has had a beautiful beginning and has had a great impact on me. The challenge and empathy brought to the school, through Imogen, is going to be like an anchor and a liberation.  Contrasts and polarity, held together by a common vision and an understanding of our needs.  A real privilege to have someone like Imogen as part of our journey.

3.  The tools we used and the NO Powerpoint way of delivery has given me ideas about how to lead teams in more creative ways.

4.  I feel like for the first time I have been given the permission to be the creative person I know I am and not feel that this creativity in me is not worthwhile.

Change School Training

May 12th 2008

I am on training for two days with Future Creatives as part of the Creative Partnership Change School Programme.  A very different day of training where I had to work outside of my comfort zone.  Creating a ‘metaphor’ for our vision for our new school out of bits of wool, wire, crepe paper, cardboard. It just felt so difficult to do.  Surprisingly we made something very unique and quite reflective of what we are trying to achieve with our new school.  An odd feeling given that my idea of an ‘installation’ was something quite different to a bunch of artists. 

The work we have done today is really important because it is showing us how the CP programme will make such a difference to our school by providing a different framework of working.