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Creative Curriculum Overview

Intent

At Kennall Vale, our intent is to create a truly collaborative learning environment where students, staff, and parents work together to unlock the full potential of every child. Through our Collaborative Curriculum, we aim to equip students with the skills and values they need for success beyond school - focusing on creativity, critical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability.  We have been working with the Arts Council, Exeter University, and Penryn College to engage in this exciting 'Creativity Collaboratives' programme - enhancing our students' educational journey, fostering a sense of curiosity and community.

We believe in nurturing creativity as a vital skill, not only in the arts but across all disciplines. Our curriculum is designed to encourage students to think outside the box, solve problems, and embrace new ideas with resilience and confidence.

Implementation

Our Creative Curriculum is brought to life through engaging, hands-on activities and a range of collaborative projects. Our partnership with the Arts Council, Exeter University, and Penryn College provides unique opportunities for students to learn from industry experts, engage in real-world problem-solving, and develop workplace-ready skills. In projects like "Preparing for a Creative Future," students work together to explore creative thinking, collaboration, and dialogue—key skills for further education and the workforce.

Through cross-curricular learning, students develop the ability to connect ideas, adapt to challenges, and contribute meaningfully to group efforts. We encourage active dialogue, listening, and idea-sharing, allowing students to gain empathy and mutual respect while honing their communication skills. Additionally, our curriculum fosters critical thinking and problem-solving by allowing students to take risks, explore new solutions, and learn from both successes and setbacks.

Impact

The impact of our Creative Curriculum is visible in the well-rounded, resilient, and resourceful learners who leave Kennall Vale ready to face future challenges. Students acquire vital life skills, including problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork, making them workplace ready and prepared for an evolving world. With a strong foundation in creativity and collaboration, they are equipped to excel in any path they choose, whether in further education, a professional career, or community endeavours.

Our commitment to creativity shapes students who are curious, confident, and willing to take intellectual risks. They learn to connect ideas and recognise the value in different perspectives, gaining the tools they need for both personal and academic growth. By embedding creativity, empathy, and resilience into our curriculum, we ensure that each student develops a lifelong love for learning and the ability to thrive in any environment.


Why Creativity Matters

At Kennall Vale, we believe that creativity is more than just an artistic skill; it’s an essential life skill that empowers students across all areas of learning and life. Nurturing creativity equips students to tackle challenges, innovate, and adapt to new situations with confidence. Here’s why creativity is at the heart of our curriculum:

Problem-Solving: Creative thinkers approach challenges with flexibility and can envision multiple solutions.
Adaptability: Encouraging creativity fosters resilience, making it easier for students to embrace change and persevere through obstacles.
Curiosity: A creative mindset promotes curiosity and a love for learning, motivating students to explore, ask questions, and seek deeper understanding.
Learning from Failure: Creativity teaches students that setbacks are valuable learning opportunities, encouraging them to view failures as steps toward success.
Connecting Ideas: Creative minds can link seemingly unrelated ideas, sparking innovation and enhancing critical thinking.
Risk-Taking: Creativity gives students the courage to take risks, experiment, and think beyond conventions, an invaluable asset in a dynamic world.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

We invite students, parents, and the community to be a part of our Creative Curriculum at Kennall Vale School. Through this collaborative approach, we nurture a supportive environment where everyone can contribute, grow, and succeed. By developing critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity, our students become not only academically prepared but also workplace ready.

Our curriculum is designed to equip students with essential skills that future employers seek: effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and the confidence to take initiative. These attributes ensure our students are well-prepared to enter an evolving workforce with the knowledge, resilience, and collaborative spirit needed to excel in any career they choose.

Together, we achieve more—building a foundation for lifelong learning, career readiness, and a love for creativity.

In October 2023, Jess Fenton  was invited to speak alongside Professor Bill Lucas - this was to celebrate the work of the Creativity Collaboratives Programme - Creative Leadership to develop creativity and creative thinking in English schools Bill Lucas is part of the team working with ACE on the Creativity Collaborative programme. He is a researcher, writer and educational thought-leader. He is Professor of Learning and Director of the Centre for Real-World. His model of creativity is now in use in more than 30 countries across the world. Bill is co-chair of the new PISA 2022 Test of Creative Thinking, a co-author of the recent Durham Commission Report on Creativity and Education, and chair of the Global Institute of Creative Thinking advisory board.