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Presentation Primary School Fourth Class students Alizah Shahzad and Clodagh Culloty with the dragon they made during their Artists in Schools project in conjunction with the Arts Council. Photo by Dermot Crean
PRESENTATION Primary School’s Creative Schools initiative is having a hugely positive effect on pupils.
The pupils have engaged in a number of programmes throughout the year which have developed their literacy and creative skills, increased their confidence and allowed them to express themselves.
Creative Schools is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme to enable the creative potential of every child and Presentation Primary was selected to rollout the programme in 2018.
Teacher Helena Hennessy explained some of the programmes they taken on during the this school year and how they benefited the pupils.
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“Through our Creative Schools initiative, we were fortunate to be able to engage the services of local artists, Andrew Scattergood and Sharon Costello of the Innabubble Theatre Company to devise a virtual Creative Wellbeing programme for all our classes from Junior Infants to Second Class,” she said.
Presentation Primary School Third Class students who are participating in a music research pilot programme, “Musical Futures” in conjunction with Mary Immaculate College of Education. Photo by Dermot Crean
“This comprised some simple meditation, dance, music, songs, visual arts, puppetry and clever characterisation. Each session addressed some very important and sensitive issues, such as feelings, emotions, the environment, etc.”
“It integrated very well with the curriculum, linking closely with our SPHE, SESE and Stay Safe programmes. Most importantly, the children really loved their sessions and had great fun taking part in them,” added Helena.
Since the pupils returned after lockdown, the fourth class pupils have been taking part in another creative project through the Artists in Schools Bursary, funded by the Arts Council.
Presentation Primary School Fourth Class students Hala Wael and Ellie O’Brien with the dragon they made during their Artists in Schools project in conjunction with the Arts Council. Photo by Dermot Crean
“Through the theme of “Dragons”, our artist, Andrew, used songwriting, music, drama, puppets, storytelling and visual arts as the creative tools to develop their literacy and creative writing skills,” explained Helena.
“This has been a great success and the children have really grown in confidence, particularly in the area of self-expression.”
The third class students have also been very busy taking part in an initiative entitled, ‘Musical Futures’ in conjunction with Mary Immaculate College of Education.
“‘Musical Futures’ is an international and empowering approach to music education, delivering music education to students. So far, the feedback from the children is very positive. They absolutely love the programme and look forward to every session with great excitement and enthusiasm.
Presentation Primary School students who are learning to play the ukulele through participation in Music Generation Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean
This year we linked with Music Generation to increase access to music and musical instruments for our senior students. In addition to our after-school ukulele and music clubs, we are privileged to now have access to two full sets of ukuleles and to a music tutor once a week during school hours. We are very grateful to Deirdre Johnson and James Moore of Music Generation Kerry for providing us with this tremendous opportunity.”
“I truly believe that creativity is a wonderful way to encourage children to express themselves. Finding their voice can be difficult for many of them, particularly if they are vulnerable. This has very positive outcomes for their wellbeing, which in turn has favourable consequences in other areas of their lives, at home and in the community in which they live,” said Helena.
Presentation Primary School students who are learning to play the ukulele through participation in Music Generation Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean
Presentation Primary School Music Club students who played for the graduation ceremony this week. Photo by Dermot Crean
