How do you target boys without isolating them from the environment in which they need to thrive in? Making it Happen is a project that aims to enthuse boys to want to learn. The focus for the work is on the writing strand in the renewed Literacy Framework. However rather than stigmatise boys and exclude girls this project worked with the whole class and aimed to give everyone an experience that would increase their enjoyment and enthusiasm for writing.
The three schools involved in the project each worked with an artist over a half term. A Year 4 class developed their composition skills through lyric writing, a Year 3 class used recycled materials to make creative links to language and a Year 1 class used movement play to develop speaking and listening skills.
The impact of this work depended on the experience that the artists provided but also on the commitment of the school and the teachers to developing the work beyond the life of the project. Therefore a strong element of the project focused on developing the confidence of the teaching staff to enable them to develop and expand the artists' work. It is through their trust, willingness to take risks and adaptability that the teacher were be able to extend the creative experience of their children and young people.
Dawn Barker, primary consultant for teaching and learning and the broader curriculum, has recently worked closely with darts to design projects that are about delivering educational priorities. The partnership between darts and the School Improvement Service is based on trust and respect.