Creative arts collaboration

St Helen's has partned with The Iffley Academy on several creative projects, involving students and staff from both schools.

Aims

As part of the Artsmark initiative, which aims to foster school improvement through engagement in the arts, St Helen's and The Iffley Academy have shared workshops and teacher development practices, displaying an exhibition at St Helen's of artwork by students from both schools.

Resources

Part of the project saw a series of workshops delivered by printmaker Janet Lueck. St Helen's ceramics teacher Ben Drew also led a workshop at The Iffley Academy, and St Helen's Creative Arts Partnerships Manager Jane McDonald ran creative workshops for teachers. Staff members from The Iffley Academy also delivered sessions at St Helen's on reflective practice.

Impact

The Head of The Iffley Academy said that many of the benefits of the partnership were about expanding the circle of trusted adults and introducing children with special educational needs and disabilities to wider social scenarios. This further develops expressive and receptive language, confidence and sense of self.