The AoL uses the arts and creative pedagogy to support improvements in creativity skills and executive function of children in primary schools. It is a teacher development programme supporting educators in their classroom to implement creative approaches to teaching and learning across the curriculum.
It has been piloted and developed over the last five years. It is currently being implemented in schools in Norway and Hungary over a two year period with partners Innlandet Municipality and T-Tudok.
The AoL toolkit comprises an extensive programme of thematic lesson plans, input from creative practitioners and a digital executive function assessment tool Yellow/Red developed by the Centre for the Development of Inclusive Technologies in Chile. It is a is set of fun and energising activities that support improvements in cognitive function, working memory and inhibitory control in the young people to benefit achievement, collaboration, confidence and engagement with and enjoyment of learning.
Teachers and facilitators who have completed the Art of Learning report improved enthusiasm and energy from their learners, particularly in those who are more reluctant and quiet in the traditional classroom environment.
A video of Norwegian students learning about shapes in an AoL project.
Art of Learning, a different approach – using AoL in a Scottish school – Holistic Learning Through Creativity.
The Art of Learning is a valuable and imaginative addition to class and school strategies for raising attainment, improving well-being and supporting inclusion.
The programme encourages teachers and learners to try new ideas, build confidence, collaborate, problem-solve and communicate. It places high value on reflective activity, social, emotional and intellectual engagement as well as developing creativity skills.
This programme has delivered positive results through the professional development of teachers’ practice and improved skills, knowledge and motivating strategies for learning.
Teachers who have taken part in the programme have found that it is particularly beneficial for marginalised learners who develop self-direction, self-esteem and self-expression during the lessons … and the bonus is that it is fun!
Young people and their teachers are also enthused by working with creative practitioners in the classroom, inspiring new ideas and approaches to the arts across the curriculum.
Teachers report the Art of Learning benefits young people with low self-esteem and inhibition.
The Art of Learning has found to help with children’s literacy and communication skills; speaking out and expressing themselves with clarity and with confidence.
The programme also encourages risk-taking, exploration and connectivity with the process of learning.
This is a professional development programme designed to support teachers and school leaders who want to use the arts and creativity across the curriculum, to offer freedom and flexibility at the same time as exploring the executive functions of the brain within high-functioning and inspiring learning settings.
The toolkit offers a framework that supports teachers to develop their own creativity and reflective practice, finding new ways of stimulating their learners’ imaginations through session plans that engage and inspire new perspectives on curriculum themes, topics or subjects.
New teachers as well as established practitioners can benefit from taking part, with the aim of the programme being to motivate educators to consider dynamic new practices and approaches to learning and teaching.
“I like it because we’re learning and having fun at the same time.”
Pupil on the Art of Learning“It gave me the confidence to show the children that I can learn with them – seeing me make mistakes showed them it is ok to make mistakes when trying something new.”
Teacher on the Art of Learning“The Art of Learning has given me new ideas for my own practice – it’s made me braver to approach this style of learning and teaching.”
Teacher on the Art of Learning“I’ve become a better practitioner through the Art of Learning and I can see how the children have become a lot more creative.”
Teacher on the Art of Learning“The toolkit allows you to pick up lessons so easily and fits in beautifully with the curriculum.”
Teacher on the Art of Learning“The Art of Learning has shown me how you can bring creative arts into teaching literacy and numeracy and teach in new ways.”
Teacher on the Art of LearningFind out more about the Art of Learning and how you can engage with this specially designed toolkit by contacting enquiries@cceengland.org