The Isle of Wight has witnessed remarkable changes in three local schools this year through the innovative ‘Our School Creates’ project.
Arts Council England funded the Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership to examine how creativity can enhance school curriculums and support broader educational goals.
Artists bring fresh perspectives to Island classrooms
The project placed one artist in residence at each participating school, using the Artsmark framework to guide best practice.
Three experienced theatre practitioners—independent maker Rob Thompson, Franko Figueiredo from StoneCrabs Theatre, and Vicky Wells from Wonderfell Theatre—tailored their approaches to meet each school’s specific needs.
The artists brought additional resources and collaborators to expand their core offerings across all subject areas.
Three schools, multiple outcomes
Ryde Academy, Dover Park Primary, and Brading Primary each participated in the year-long initiative.
The programme delivered diverse results including staff development workshops, revised curriculum plans, and a permanent mural legacy.
Schools also introduced new approaches for students with special educational needs and disabilities, created school magazines and podcasts, and organised visits to local arts centres.
Drama transforms traditional teaching methods
Teachers now integrate drama throughout their lessons, creating more engaging learning experiences.
Jon Kirby from Dover Park Primary, explains,
“Drama has been used across the curriculum, from re-enacting historical events to exploring themes in religious education, allowing pupils to connect more deeply with their studies.
“This immersive approach has made lessons more enjoyable and has helped pupils retain information more effectively and every day, teachers are creating rich and varied learning experiences for our children.”
Measurable impact on student performance
The programme has produced tangible improvements in student achievement and engagement.
Charlotte Bennett from Ryde Academy reports significant progress with one previously struggling pupil,
“Through Drama intervention one particular, previously underperforming student has started scoring well in Science assessments and her attendance and attitude have improved, when she saw her results, she was amazed and so pleased to have succeeded.”
Arts Centre partnership enhances learning
An eight-week programme at the Quay Arts Centre provided students with diverse artistic experiences.
Bev Gilbert from Brading Primary describes the transformation,
“An 8 week programme at the Quay Arts Centre included a vast range of experiences and artists with linked themes that the children encountered, developing the WOW factor.”
“The children are really enjoying the practical lessons. We have seen a vast improvement in their behaviour and attitude to learning.”
Sharing success across the Island
The Cultural Education Partnership plans to extend this creative approach to other Island schools.
Artists and teachers from the project will lead a professional development event during the spring term.
This initiative aims to share successful methods and encourage wider adoption of creative teaching approaches across Isle of Wight schools.
