By placing the arts and creativity at the heart of education, this ground-breaking scheme has supported schools in developing new approaches to curriculum design, supported teachers in exploring innovative approaches and supported learners to realise their full potential.

Since its launch in 2015, 1,238 schools in Wales (84%) have engaged with the programme, creating 238,000 opportunities for learners to participate in creative learning activities, ranging from visits to arts and cultural venues through to collaborating with creative practitioners on bespoke projects in the classroom.

This new phase will continue to build on the successes of the programme and will include working with new schools, as well as supporting schools who have already explored creative learning approaches on their journey towards the implementation of Curriculum for Wales.

Diane Hebb, Director (Arts Engagement) Arts Council of Wales said:

“We are thrilled to hear the news of this extension, strengthening the already well established and successful partnership between the Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government.”

“The achievements of the programme to date have been extraordinary and evidence continues to show that the impact has been transformational for learners, teachers and schools, and indeed for artists alike. We look forward to continuing to respond to the needs of schools ensuring that creativity and arts-rich experiences are embedded into learning opportunities in Wales.”

 

Phil George, Chair, Arts Council of Wales said:

“Extending the Creative learning through the arts programme is a testament to its success since 2015. Partnering extraordinary teachers with professional creative practitioners has allowed learners to experience a new kind of classroom environment, one that uses creativity to open pathways in all school subjects, and one that taps into a young learner’s natural inquisitiveness and imagination to solve problems and release their own potential.”

‘’This third phase of the programme will further embed creative approaches in the practice of more and more schools as they respond to the exciting opportunities in the new curriculum. This partnership with Welsh Government puts the arts where they belong, at the heart of society and for the benefit of all’’.

KEY FACTS AND FIGURES

  • 1,238 schools have engaged with the programme since it launched in 2015. This is 84% of schools in Wales.
  • 678 Schools have engaged with the Lead Creative Schools Scheme
  • Over 238,000 learner engagements with the programme
  • Over 7,000 Professional learning engagements for teachers.