Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales draws upon the power of creative learning approaches and pedagogical principles used within the Lead Creative Schools scheme. It offers schools the opportunity to work with diverse Creative Professionals to explore the ethnic diversity in Wales, past and present and the contributions this makes to society and culture.
Schools taking part work alongside their creative professionals to explore the ethnic diversity in Wales, past and present and the contributions this makes to society and culture. Teachers and pupils from a single class work collaboratively with their creative professionals to devise and co-construct a rich topic-based project which allows for new learning to thrive through creative sessions. The creative professionals often draw upon their lived experience to ensure activities are authentic learning opportunities which connect the curriculum to the real world of the learners and their communities.
The broad aims of the programme have created the opportunity for schools in Wales to:
- explore identity in relation to growing up in contemporary Wales
- understand the history and development of Wales as a culturally diverse society
- gain awareness of the people, cultures and communities that make up contemporary Wales
- explore the experiences and contributions of culturally and ethnic diverse people in Wales, past and present
- work alongside Creative Professionals in a learning environment to enhance the quality of teaching and learning
- complement existing anti-racist approaches and practices
Why should I do it?
Here are some of the comments from those who’ve previously took part in Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales.
This project has made me think hard about helping others and caring more about other people’s lives
We have seen how powerful it is to utilise the arts to encourage learners to consider what is the most effective way to 'tell a story', or to represent, document, share and celebrate the personal, social and cultural identities found in our community, in Wales and in the wider world
On the first day of the project, the building was bouncing with baselines. The diverse conversations about culture and the origins of hip hop have had a huge legacy, exposing our learners to a raft of fantastic creative elements
Working with the dynamic of including the children's voices at every stage and trusting in the process has been personally and professionally very fulfilling. We began by establishing a safe space for frank discussion, in which class members could talk honestly and openly, whilst not feeling judged or disrespected
As the class teacher I think this project really helped to embed the children's empathy and respect. We are such a caring school due to our church values anyway, but this project really brought our differences to the surfaces
Whilst it isn’t always possible to bring in the creative expertise of creative professionals, there are some actions that teachers can take to explore creative learning approaches. The teacher’s hub will give you some guidance on how to take the initial steps to develop creative learning activity in the classroom.
Applications for Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales will be open in Autumn 2023. Click here to sign up to the Creative learning bulletin.
