“It’s important we have skills to adapt and be accessible for everyone”: Free creative resource programmes for Salford educators

A free resource programme encouraging creative methods of teaching is being offered to educators in the area.

Delivered by Salford Local Cultural Education Partnerships (LCEP), the in-person Creative Directions workshop aims to provide teachers with fun, creative methods of learning, as well as create a more accessible environment for students.

In collaboration with Salford-based organisations such as The Lowry and Walk the Plank, Creative Directions have two upcoming workshops on drama and history into the classroom, respectively.

The two previous Creative Directions workshops have seen teachers explore LGBT inclusion through dance, and cheap resources to include in the classroom.

Ash Cox, Salford LCEP Supporter said: “We wanted to give the teachers creative skills to embed in the classroom and so creativity is long-lasting, not just a one-off. Hopefully it can be built in the curriculum.

“We want to reach as many teachers and educators as possible because not only are the sessions useful, but it’s fun.”

The project is a legacy from their previous Stage Directions workshop, which worked with children from 11 Salford schools to provide career events and creative outlets.

LCEPs are network of place-based organisations nationally who come together to support young people and build skills.

Ash continued: “The curriculum can be quite strict, with set things to be taught, set exams, and coursework, it can feel rigid.

“Everybody works in different ways and people learn in different ways. It’s important we have skills to adapt and be accessible for everyone.

“The addition of these creative tools really help people develop. Whether or not people go into the creative world, they have these skills.

“The skills that you learn through creativity are important to life, like communication, conflict resolution, and self-expression.

“The work we do celebrates the amazing organisations we have in Salford. The cultural offer in the city is amazing.”

Next week will see the Creative Directions workshop visit Pendleton College, to deliver a session on drama in the classroom with Burnley Youth Theatre.

In July, Historic England will deliver a session on including local heritage in the classroom at Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

For more information on the Creative Directions workshops, or to get involved, visit the Salford LCEP website.