The Arts Council of Wales has published the 2019-20 annual report for its ground-breaking Creative learning through the arts programme. The report outlines the programme’s achievements, gives a voice to pupils, teachers, and artists, and explores the very real differences that this programme continues to make across Wales' education and arts landscape.
Some key figures from the first five years of the programme include:
1240 state-maintained schools have engaged with the programme (83% of schools in Wales);
Over 134,000 opportunities for learners to participate the in the programme;
Over 4,600 opportunities for teachers to engage with professional learning through the Lead Creative Schools Scheme and Regional Arts and Education Networks activity.
As well as documenting the successes of the main strands of the programme during the 2019/20 academic year through case studies, quotes and media, the report also highlights how the programme was adapted during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic to continue to nurture the creativity of learners, teachers and creative professionals alike.
Welsh Government Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams:
The successes of the original five-year programme are considerable. Founded on a close working partnership between the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government, Creative learning through the arts has transformed learning and teaching in Wales by placing the arts and creativity at the heart of education, supported teachers in exploring innovative approaches to teaching and enabled learners to grow as independent, creative learners who are more engaged, more confident and higher achievers.
Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Wales:
The Creative learning programme continues to be internationally recognised not only for its success in supporting schools as they prepare for Curriculum for Wales 2022 but also the strong partnership between the Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales. Despite the challenges presented coronavirus, the programme has continued to reflect and respond to the needs of schools across Wales ensuring that creativity and arts-rich experiences are embedded into learning opportunities in Wales.
The achievements of the programme in the first five years have been extraordinary and evidence continues to show that the impact has been transformational for learners, teachers and schools, and indeed for artists involved in the projects.
ENDS 11 May 2021
Notes to editors:
More information on the Creative learning through the arts programme can be accessed via the Arts Council of Wales website - https://creativelearning.arts.wales/