About
Creativity In The Classroom
We are an arts-based project, working across 6 schools in Dublin 8 and 12 established in 1997.
We provide high quality arts experiences within classroom environment. We recognise the value of professional artists and teachers working together to support children’s wellbeing
Our schools value arts education and recognise the impact arts can make to the holistic development of the child.
Who We Are
Creativity in the Classroom grew out of the Canal Communities Partnership’s efforts to address social and educational inequality in an innovative way. The aims of the project are to support the development of the whole child.
Our vision is to make a positive impact on children’s sense of wellbeing and esteem while optimising their capacity to access and complete their education.
Background
In 1997, in an attempt by the Canal Communities Partnership to address social and educational inequality, local schools were invited to identify interventions that would serve to support them and the children in their care, many of whom were seen at risk of early school leaving. Teachers were particularly concerned about children’s emotional development. They were very aware that many children had little access to supportive services that would offer them an opportunity to express or navigate the many big emotions they were experiencing. Children needed a way of expressing their energy within a restorative and nurturing environment. Equally they needed a space to play, grow and discover new talents.
As a result of this consultation, it was agreed that through the medium of art that the children could be offered an opportunity to engage with their internal worlds in a creative and safe manner. This opportunity would also offer capacity for them to participate in many positive social interactions with their peers while supporting their own individual creative development
From the outset a whole class approach, rather than one of withdrawal was agreed upon. To remove children from their class grouping and work with them in isolation would be counterproductive. It would only serve to further exclude them from their peers and add to their already entrenched sense of marginalisation. The intention for this project was one of inclusion and possibility, a holistic approach to social inequality in line with the philosophy of the revised curriculum.
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Our Mission
We believe that every child attending our schools has the right to a rich education that values and nurtures their creative expression and emotional well-being, placing it at the centre of the school experience.
Our mission is to ensure that children have the opportunity to explore and believe in themselves as creative human beings through child-centered, high quality and meaningful arts experiences. By working with committed teachers and talented professional artists children co-create an environment of beauty and fun-filled possibility.