Creative Learning and Cultural Exchange at HMYOI Wetherby

Novus learners at HMYOI Wetherby explored creativity, culture and future aspirations through a day of arts-based learning, including the international We Youth project and a music workshop with award-winning rap and grime artist Nick Shahlavi. 

The activities gave learners the opportunity to develop creative skills, explore different cultures and consider their own experiences, interests and future opportunities. 

Exploring culture through the We Youth project 

The day included a showcase of work created through We Youth, an international creative project involving young people in custody in the UK and Brazil. 

As part of the project, learners at HMYOI Wetherby and young people at Fundação CASA in São Paulo took part in creative activities exploring themes including their experiences, identities and aspirations. 

The groups took part separately, with no direct contact between the young people and no personal information shared. Instead, the project provided an opportunity for participants in two different countries to explore similar themes through visual art and learn about life in another culture. 

For Novus learners, the project provided an opportunity to develop artistic and technical skills while reflecting on their own experiences and ambitions. Seeing the work created by young people in Brazil also encouraged learners to consider similarities and differences between their own lives and those of others living thousands of miles away. 

The artwork produced as part of the project was displayed during the showcase at HMYOI Wetherby, giving learners the opportunity to see how their ideas and creative work had developed. 

Exploring shared experiences through art 

Although the young people involved in We Youth did not communicate directly, the project created a shared creative theme across two very different settings. 

By exploring subjects such as identity, experiences and aspirations through art, learners at HMYOI Wetherby could consider their own lives alongside the work produced by young people in Brazil. 

This provided an opportunity to learn about another culture while recognising that people living in very different circumstances can still explore similar hopes, interests and ambitions. 

For young people in custody, opportunities to take part in international projects can broaden their experience of learning and introduce perspectives they may not otherwise encounter. 

The project also demonstrated how creative education can provide a starting point for reflection, discussion and self-expression. 

Music, literacy and self-expression with Nick Shahlavi 

The creative learning continued with a music workshop led by Nick Shahlavi, an award-winning rap and grime artist and creative practitioner who works with young people across Greater Manchester. 

Nick spoke to learners about his own journey into music and his experiences as an artist, songwriter and creative practitioner. He also explored the different roles and career opportunities available within the creative industries. 

Having previously worked with Novus learners at other establishments, Nick uses music as a way to engage learners and develop skills including literacy, communication and self-expression. 

During the session, learners took part in discussions and practical creative activities, exploring how music can be used to communicate ideas and experiences. 

Nick also introduced literacy terms and concepts through the workshop, giving learners the opportunity to apply English skills in a different context.

Developing skills through creative education 

The activities at HMYOI Wetherby demonstrate how creative learning can complement classroom-based education. 

Not every learner engages with education in the same way. Providing different opportunities to learn can help learners discover interests, develop existing skills and build confidence in their ability to contribute. 

Projects such as We Youth and creative workshops with practising artists provide opportunities to develop wider skills, including: 

• communication and teamwork 

• creative and critical thinking 

• self-expression 

• literacy skills 

• cultural awareness 

• confidence and participation 

These skills can support learners both during their time in custody and as they prepare for their next steps.

Raising aspirations through prison education 

At Novus, education in custody is about more than gaining qualifications. Learning can give people the opportunity to develop new skills, explore interests and consider different possibilities for their future. 

Creative education and enrichment activities can play an important role in this, particularly when they connect learning with real experiences, professional opportunities and different perspectives. 

The We Youth project gave learners at HMYOI Wetherby the opportunity to explore art and culture alongside a similar creative project taking place in Brazil, while Nick Shahlavi's music workshop introduced learners to new ways of developing literacy, communication and creative skills. 

By creating opportunities for learners to try something different, explore their talents and see where their skills could take them, prison education can help learners build the knowledge, confidence and experience they need for life beyond custody.