Client: 'We want to give our staff the opportunity to celebrate their creativity and renew their enthusiasm for the new curriculum initiative. Could you run an INSET with our whole staff that does that?'
darts: 'We certainly can and it sounds like something we would love to work with you on...'
And so the story of The Creative Side project goes...
Two months later 24 teachers walked into The Point, home of darts, for tea and cakes before starting their creative journeys.
When they got out of bed that morning little did they know that they would... "laugh and smile so much my face hurts", that they would be making animals out of fruit and vegetables and letting their imaginations run wild.
With expert artists and a school that is open-minded and willing to be unconventional the results were really positive:-
"A day of fun, laughter and imagination expanding."
"A great day for bonding - really enjoyed it."
"The day went really fast, I felt exhilarated. Great opportunity to spend time with colleagues in a more 'human' way. Made me think about how much fun life can be!"
Everywhere we look in society there is lots of evidence and initiatives about making our lives better, such as eating more fruit and veg, exercising more and watching less television. Whilst this is important, what is equally important is that we are happy and enjoy our lives.
Barton School took the risk of investing in a day to encourage their staff to have fun, play through the arts and truly show how much they value the role of enjoyment and happiness in the lives of their staff. Well done Barton School!