Exploring New Pathways: Collaborating with QEST to Enrich Learner Opportunities

We have recently partnered with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) to expand employment opportunities and enrich the learning experience of learners. This collaboration focuses on creating flexible, tailored opportunities that align with the needs of each educational setting. 

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, the initiative supports a variety of approaches, from enhancing existing curriculum areas, developing specialised training schemes, hosting masterclasses, and introducing mentorship programmes. 

A recent example of this partnership in action took place at HMP Holme House, where learners on the Enterprise programme participated in a QEST Masterclass. Led by skilled artist Fiona Arnold, the session provided hands-on experience, helping learners refine their craft while exploring potential commercial routes for their work.

Weaving new skills into the Scheme of Learning

As part of our current scheme of learning, we introduced weaving as a new skill area, an idea brought in to encourage creativity, hands-on making, and cultural exploration. Learners began by experimenting with simple paper weaving, which helped them build confidence with the basic technique. This developed into a collaborative wall piece that remains ongoing and has encouraged teamwork and shared creativity.

Building on this, learners moved into fabric weaving, using materials such as yarn and cord to create scenic wall displays. The practical work was enriched by exploring the cultural history of weaving across the world, including Kente cloth from West Africa and various East Asian techniques. These sessions sparked meaningful conversations, with some learners sharing personal experiences of weaving with family members in childhood adding a deeper, more personal connection to the project.

To expand and deepen the learning, we invited Fiona, a specialist weaver, to deliver a two-day workshop. She introduced learners to weaving with natural materials like willow and cane, offering a fresh perspective on the craft. On the first day, Fiona guided the creation of a willow trivet and a piece of random weave. With another group, she led the making of cane willow hearts, which learners decorated creatively using cord and other materials.

On the second day, Fiona taught learners how to create a basket from scratch, which was a turning point for many, showing them, how simple materials could be transformed into something functional, beautiful, and even commercially viable. Several learners expressed interest in continuing with weaving as a hobby or potential side venture. Fiona also spoke about how she grows her own willow on her farm, introducing ideas around sustainability and sourcing materials that further inspired the group. 

Fiona’s visit had a significant impact on the group. Her expertise, enthusiasm, and hands-on approach not only deepened the learners’ understanding of weaving but also helped them see its practical value and creative potential. She brought the craft to life in a way that was accessible, inspiring, and full of possibility leaving a lasting impression on both learners and staff.

Our partnership with QEST continues to open doors for learners by introducing them to new skills, crafts, and career possibilities. Through meaningful, hands-on experiences like Fiona Arnold’s weaving workshops, learners are not only developing practical abilities but also discovering personal expression, cultural connections, and potential pathways for future employment. These tailored, immersive sessions are proving to be more than just educational, they are transformational. 

To learn more about how we use creative enrichment to provide more opportunities to learners, take a look at our 2024/25 creative enrichment strategy.